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Councils, Communities and Climate Change Adaptation

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This three-part webinar series draws from the Climate-Adaptive Communities research project of the Deep South Challenge.

Climate change is already impacting councils and communities  Around New Zealand, people are starting to grapple with the challenges of increasing sea levels, groundwater levels, and more severe flood events. As well as impacting on infrastructure, these will have significant societal implications both in the short term and long term. In the near future, many councils will need to start engaging with exposed communities about what this might mean. 

This three-part webinar series draws from the Climate-Adaptive Communities research project of the Deep South Challenge. The research included a survey of councils and case studies of several local authority areas that are exposed to climate change impacts. We looked at how councils are engaging with their communities, how communities (especially those more susceptible to harm) may be affected, and what adaptation initiatives are already being undertaken by iwi and communities. 

Director of the Centre for Sustainability Dr Janet Stephenson, along with Grace Hall, Sophie Bond, and Gradon Diprose will be your presenters on these essential topics. 

Presented in partnership with the Deep South Challenge, these webinars are offered free of charge.

Furthermore, as part of this work we have produced 2 short videos, a council briefing document, and a cartoon, to help in conveying key messages to a broad audience of councils, communities, and government. These are available to be part of the package of webinars.

To register for this series, please email [email protected]. Click the links below to find out more about each webinar. 

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS


Janet Stephenson

Grace Hall

Grace is the Director of Policy and Advocacy at Local Government New Zealand, and has held that role since early 2022. This is Grace’s second stint at LGNZ – she first worked for LGNZ’s Policy Team from 2017 – 2020 and led LGNZ’s work on climate change, as well as providing support to its Young Elected Members’ network and Te Maruata, the network of Māori in local government.

Grace is working closely on the reform of the resource management system, the Review into the Future for Local Government and climate change initiatives. Prior to moving into the local government and advocacy space, Grace practised as a resource management and employment solicitor.


Sophie Bond

Gradon Diprose