25/03/2026
Whatever you choose to describe it as, it's evident our environment is changing. The frequency and severity of adverse weather events has been challenging for our communities, especially our most vulnerable.
We need to be adaptable ourselves in this space to ensure we are doing what's best for Te Taitokerau.
Since that first Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee hui back in April 2021, a lot of solid mahi has come out of this rōpū.
This actually started as a shared operational working group across councils. As the work grew, governance quite rightly wanted oversight - and that’s how the joint regional committee was established. Today it sits across all Northland councils - one of a number of shared workstreams where we work together rather than duplicating effort.
What started as bringing councils, iwi and hapū together has led to the Te Tai Tokerau Climate Adaptation Strategy, alongside local adaptation planning and a stronger focus on resilience across our region. You can read it here:https://ttcan.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Te-Tai-Tokerau-Climate-Adaptation-Strategy-Final-Version-05-4-2022.pdf
I’ve been part of this since the beginning - even if it was as an alternate in that first term - so it’s pretty special to now step into the Chair role. I also want to acknowledge those who have served on this committee over that time. This work has been built over years.
And also acknowledge the many vocal and capable advocates across our region - turning up to council hui, making submissions, sending emails and holding us to account to keep this mahi moving.
Really pleased to share Nyze Manuel has been appointed Deputy Chair - strong hapū leadership alongside council, exactly how this mahi should be.
For those who worry about duplication - there are MOUs in place between NRC and the district councils to make sure work is aligned, not repeated. Where technical work is needed, it’s coordinated so we’re not paying twice for the same thing.
The focus here is practical - 46 priority actions focused on resilience, adaptation and future-proofing our communities. That includes things like flood and river management, coastal hazards and erosion, stormwater capacity, drought and water storage, and making sure we’re not building in high-risk areas. Real issues our communities are already dealing with.
Plenty more to do - but the foundations are there. Looking forward to getting on with it.
