Our first episode of series 3: In your Neighbourhood, explores the topic of managed retreat as a way to protect vulnerable communities from climate change risks. As New Zealand recovers from the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, climate change and its potential impact on communities are increasingly pressing issues.

The Government has released its first National Adaptation Plan, which covers how New Zealand will adapt to its most significant climate change risks. However, the NAP has faced criticism for its lack of practical action, particularly around managed retreat. Managed retreat, which involves abandoning at-risk residential areas, is one of the options for mitigating climate change risks in a number of communities throughout NZ, however the Government’s failure to properly address managed retreats costs and strategies in the NAP will make it harder for councils to future-proof their vulnerable communities.

Tompkins Wake Senior Associate Jill Gregory sits down with Special Counsel Catherine Bryant to discuss the impact that climate change may have in your neighbourhood.