News article

The New Zealand Coastal Society has published Adapting to the consequences of climate change: Engaging with communities to assist coastal professionals, decision-makers and communities in preparing for sea-level rise and the associated effects of climate change.

The aim of this publication is to encourage the development of best practice in working with communities as they adapt to the consequences of climate change.

The publication includes examples of how local authorities are engaging with the public and working to create climate-smart communities. Some of this work includes considering when and how to engage with communities in planning processes, as well as how to make general and site-specific information, such as estimated sea-level rise, available in a way that supports better decision-making.

The publication is divided into three sections:

• Section 1 is an overview of the national landscape in addressing the consequences of climate change.
• Section 2 provides a discussion on engaging with communities on this issue.
• Section 3 looks at how Coastcare groups and communities are addressing climate change. The case studies were prepared in collaboration with the Coastal Restoration Trust.

Much of the information in this publication is based on presentations that were given at the 2015 Australasian Coasts and Ports conference that was held in Auckland last September.

For more information, images or to set up interviews, please contact editor Shelly Biswell at [Enable JavaScript to view protected content] or 021 985 843.

The New Zealand Coastal Society is an IPENZ technical group that was formed in 1992 to promote and advance knowledge and understanding of the coastal zone. It provides a forum for those with an interest in the coastal zone to communicate amongst themselves and to the public.