Climate adaption and resilience

We’re building a safer, better Ōtepoti Dunedin

Climate adaptation is about responding to the challenges we face today while preparing for the future.

Climate change is increasing the risk of flooding, coastal hazards, extreme rainfall and other climate-related impacts across Ōtepoti Dunedin.

We are working with mana whenua, communities and partner organisations to better understand these risks and plan for the future.

Our commitment

In June 2026, we adopted a Climate Adaptation Policy to guide how climate risks are considered in planning, investment and decision-making.

In September 2026, we committed to an ongoing climate adaptation and resilience programme to help prepare Ōtepoti Dunedin for a changing climate.

What we’re doing

Climate risk assessment

We're developing a citywide climate risk assessment to better understand how climate change could affect communities, infrastructure, services, ecosystems and cultural values across Ōtepoti Dunedin.

Climate adaptation plan

We're starting work on a citywide Climate Adaptation Plan that will identify priorities and actions for managing climate risks over time.
The plan will be developed with mana whenua, communities and partner organisations.

Supporting resilience

We are also integrating climate risk and resilience considerations into future planning, infrastructure, asset management and investment decisions.

South Dunedin Future

South Dunedin faces some of Ōtepoti Dunedin's most significant climate-related challenges, including flooding and rising groundwater. The South Dunedin Future programme is working with communities and partners to explore long-term adaptation options. Lessons from this work will help inform adaptation planning across our city.

What’s next

The citywide Climate Adaptation Plan will help identify where more detailed, place-based adaptation planning is needed across Dunedin. Guided by the principle of he rā tō, he rā ākuanei, there is a day today and another coming.

We will work with communities, mana whenua and partners to respond to local climate risks while helping build resilience for future generations.

We will also support initiatives that strengthen community resilience, preparedness and the ability to adapt to changing conditions over time.

Learn more

Ōtepoti Dunedin

• Climate Adaptation Policy
• South Dunedin Future

Otago Region

• Otago Climate Story
• Otago Climate Change Risk Assessment
• Climate Change Projections for the Otago Region

National

• National Climate Change Risk Assessment for New Zealand
• National Adaptation Framework
• National Adaptation Plan
• Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Projections
• NZ SeaRise

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