Climate change is already affecting communities in the Whakatāne district, and more frequent, intense weather events are expected in the years ahead.

To help plan and adapt, a comprehensive Climate Change Risk Assessment for the district has been completed and was presented to Whakatāne District Council’s environment, energy and resilience committee yesterday.

The assessment brings together local knowledge, existing natural hazard data, new climate science, and insights from more than 50 engagement sessions held across the district. It provides a clearer picture of where the biggest climate-related risks lie, both now and into the future.

This marks an important first step in the council’s wider adaptation journey as it prepares for the effects of climate change and find ways to live with them.

It will help guide decisions on strengthening infrastructure, protecting ecosystems, and supporting community wellbeing.

This work is part of the council’s broader commitment to delivering the Our Climate Pathway and the 2024–34 Long Term Plan, aimed at building resilience to climate change and natural hazards. It also connects with regional efforts, including Bay of Plenty Regional Council Risk Assessment and ongoing civil defence planning.

Climate change and resilience manager Lou Hunt said a science-based, community-informed approach was key to making good decisions.

“It's about changing what we do, how we build, and how we plan so we can stay safe, protect nature, and keep our communities strong.

“Rather than reacting after events happen, we’re putting tools in place to plan ahead, protecting our people and places, reducing future costs, and supporting long-term wellbeing.”

A key feature of this project is a new online viewer, developed in-house, that will allow staff and the public to explore climate risk data interactively. The viewer is currently being refined and will be rolled out in stages later in the year.

Community conversations will continue as the next phase of this work begins, and public input will help shape the actions that matter most for the district’s future.