New research from two academics has raised concerns that New Zealand’s climate adaptation policies are overly focused on protecting property and reducing government spending, while failing to address wider community needs.
The study, led by Dr Sasha Maher from the University of Auckland and Professor Brad Jackson from the University of Waikato, was published in the journal Leadership. It analysed government reports, ministerial advice, and interviews with stakeholders from 2021 to 2024, including insurers, banks, environmental groups, and planners.
The research was prompted by severe flooding in 2021 across Buller, Tasman, Marlborough and the West Coast, which sparked questions about whether communities would need to relocate and if insurers would continue to cover high-risk areas.
According to Maher, “Although we found evidence that key stakeholders… agreed on the purpose of adaptation leadership, there was considerable divergence about who adaptation leadership should benefit.” She added that “concerning was the avoidance of any particular group to take an explicit responsible leadership position.”
The findings suggest that current leadership practices are “insufficient,” relying on “small, fragmented steps.” Maher said the government’s priority has been “to minimise fiscal costs,” with a stronger pro-market direction under the current administration.
“Climate leadership has narrowed to protecting property rather than addressing inequities or broader environmental impacts, by shifting responsibility onto individual homeowners and insurers,” the researchers warned.
“New Zealand’s emerging form of adaptation leadership leans towards incrementalism, cutting off recognition of our collective ties and obligation to others.”
“Central government should place equity and relationships at the centre of adaptation, ensuring that responses to floods, storms, and rising seas are not only about protecting property, but about strengthening and safeguarding vulnerable communities,” Maher said.