Science Centres: Climate, Te Kūwaha

E ngā matāwaka, tēnei te mihi atu a NIWA ki a koutou e noho mai nā i tēnā koko, i tērā koko o te whenua o Aotearoa. 

Climate has always been important for Māori. It affects natural environmental systems and resources, influences social-ecological knowledge and practice, shapes community vulnerability and resilience, and is directly linked to economic investment and government policy. Given the diverse realities and climate sensitivities that exist for Māori across New Zealand there is a widening interest to know more about the implications (and risks) of a variable and changing climate on different iwi/hapū/whānau. Māori stakeholders wish to learn more about the links between climate adaptation, natural hazards and sustainable development; to understand what makes some stakeholders more resilient than others; and to promote Māori knowledge and values in environmental policy, planning and management.

Projected climate change impacts - and the adaptation they will demand - will present new challenges (as well as opportunities) for iwi/hapū/whānau and Māori enterprise. Reaffirmation of traditional ways and knowledge as well as new and untried strategies will therefore be important for ensuring the long-term sustainability of climate sensitive communities and activities in the context of a changing climate. Inevitably, there is some uncertainty about the timing and exact nature of climate change impacts, but those who consider and plan early for the future impacts of climate variability and change will likely secure considerable advantage. To inform those choices, NIWA's Māori Environmental Research Centre and the National Climate Centre have developed the research programme: Climate and Māori Society 

NIWA has produced a range of publications – peer reviewed papers, technical reports, popular articles, presentations and posters – funded and supported through this programme. Links to selected documents are provided for your use in the tables below. More will be added as they are completed.

For further information please contact: D King (darren.king@niwa.co.nz) 

Publications/Reports/Popular articles

* NIWA client reports

Posters