#climatechange: Marae at the Heart of Climate Resilience, Says Lincoln University Expert
As New Zealand faces more frequent and severe weather events, a leading climate resilience expert says stronger partnerships between local councils and marae communities will be essential to protecting people, infrastructure and the environment. Professor Paora (Paul) Tapsell, Director of the Kāika Institute of Climate Resilience at Lincoln University, says proposed changes to the country’s…
As New Zealand faces more frequent and severe weather events, a leading climate resilience expert says stronger partnerships between local councils and marae communities will be essential to protecting people, infrastructure and the environment.
Professor Paora (Paul) Tapsell, Director of the Kāika Institute of Climate Resilience at Lincoln University, says proposed changes to the country’s climate adaptation planning provide an important opportunity to rethink how communities prepare for natural hazards and respond to the growing impacts of climate change.
He says adaptation planning must move beyond engineering solutions alone and recognise the knowledge, leadership and community networks already embedded within local kāinga and marae.
Professor Tapsell believes marae possess generations of environmental knowledge, strong social connections and deep understanding of local landscapes, making them valuable partners in planning for future climate risks.
Recent emergencies across Aotearoa have repeatedly demonstrated the critical role marae play during disasters. From providing emergency shelter and distributing food to coordinating welfare support and reconnecting whānau, marae have become trusted centres of response when communities are under pressure.
Professor Tapsell says that experience shows climate resilience is not only about physical infrastructure but also about strengthening relationships, local leadership and the ability of communities to support one another before, during and after emergencies.
He argues that councils and central government should work alongside iwi, hapū and marae as equal partners when developing adaptation strategies, ensuring local knowledge helps shape decisions about land use, emergency management and long-term resilience.
Building those partnerships, he says, will require ongoing investment, trust and meaningful collaboration rather than consultation at the end of the planning process.
As climate-related events become more frequent, Professor Tapsell believes New Zealand must adopt a more community-led approach that recognises Māori knowledge systems and the enduring role of kāinga in caring for both people and place.
The discussion comes as the Government continues work on strengthening the national climate adaptation framework, with growing calls for greater certainty around funding, governance and community resilience.
Professor Tapsell says the greatest challenge ahead will be ensuring every community has the resources, partnerships and planning needed to adapt to a changing climate while protecting future generations.
