August 06, 2014
Storm track study could interest Maori
Scientists involved in the governnment's Deep South National Science Challenge will be asking Maori and other communities for guidance on the sort of issues that need to be explored.
The challenge, which is one of 10 aimed at responding to the most important scientific issues facing New Zealanders, is likely to focus on issues such as drought, freshwater availability, flooding due to coastal innundation, damaging storm events and changes to mean climate and variability.
David Frame, a professor of climate change at Victoria University's school of geography, environment and earth sciences, says the multi-agency team will also investigate how New Zealand’s climate will respond to changes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
"There's no question that what happens in the storm track, especially in the rough winds south of Southland, plays a big role in determining some of the worst weather we get. Maori have long been affected by processes that spin up out of the deep south, so I think it will be a voyage of discovery for Maori as well. They will no doubt find things they have pondered about and get a better handle on them," he says.
Professor Frame says part of the challenge will be working with communities on making use of the information gathered, because it's no use just dumping academic papers on people.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH DAVID FRAME CLICK ON THE LINK
https://secure.zeald.com/uma/play_podcast?podlink=MjA4MjA=
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