Benefits and impacts
The Whakahura programme seeks to improve wellbeing through enhanced decision-making in the face of the fast-changing properties of weather extremes.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, our researchers continued to focus even more on extreme weather, often on top of their usual research commitments.
Following this, our research and insights were shared with the public through over 80 media mentions. Also in 2023, our Gabrielle report was cited in the RBNZ stress-testing and our Treasury Report was mentioned in 27 news outlets, including the Guardian.
Outcomes of our programme
Our Whakahura team has been developing the scientific basis for understanding the human role in observed climate change, including recent extreme weather events and their documented damages.
The whakatauki above provides a framing of extreme weather events from a Te Ao Māori perspective. Indigenous knowledge has a crucial role to play in climate change adaptation. There is a need to focus on restoring balance to relationships between humans and nature in order to ensure long-term resilience.
Socialising the message behind our whakatauki has become part of our mission, as it may lead to increased social connectedness, knowledge, skills, and awareness of natural hazards which can improve risk perception and increase self-protective action based on a forecast or warning.
Informing decision-makers
The recent extreme weather events have sparked a surge in organisations seeking climate adaptation-related guidance.
Our team members have been extensively involved in conversations, support activities, and in-depth engagement and advice related to climate adaptation and extreme weather.
These engagements have the potential to make a significant impact to shaping national adaptation policies and strategies in the face of the recent extreme weather events and climate change.
To learn more about our benefits and impacts, check out our X (Twitter) channel, @ClimateSigma, or email our project manager Nienke Kloppenburg.
Climate change in the media
Videos
Downstream
Our researcher Tui Warmenhoven (Ngāti Porou), in collaboration with Greenpeace, made a mini-documentary with other wāhine Māori of Ngāti Porou sharing their story of the impacts that the storms, flooding, forestry slash, and climate change have had on her community and whenua.
Climate Commons
Shaun Awatere was in this documentary film. The documentary follows stories about climate action, strategies for adaptation and mitigation in Aotearoa. The film is produced by the Climate Commons movement.
News articles
Guardian: After Cyclone Gabrielle, New Zealand wonders how—and if—to rebuild
NZ Herald: Deconstructing Gabrielle: the making of a major storm
Stuff: Can we build our way to flood resilience?
Washington Post: New Zealand declares rare state of emergency as cyclone wreaks havoc
Read the Washington Post article.
Spinoff: Why do we still build houses on floodplains?
Guardian: Climate crisis costing $16m an hour in extreme weather damage, study estimates