A new study led by Dr. Sasha Maher and Professor Brad Jackson reveals that climate adaptation leadership in New Zealand is significantly lacking. These included government documents like legislative and parliament reports, bills as well as newspaper and media articles. They insist the solutions to climate change aren’t enough, prioritizing small, incremental changes over big, holistic solutions. The study began in response to severe floods that impacted areas such as the West Coast, Buller, Tasman, and Marlborough regions in 2021.
Considering the leadership landscape for climate adaptation, the scientists used the PARA framework to evaluate current efforts. Their important results have just come out in the journal Leadership. They illustrate how the government prioritizes avoiding fiscal costs over pushing hard for real climate adaptation efforts. This and other interviews Maher and Jackson conducted with stakeholders across the adaptation community revealed a wide consensus about the goals of adaptation leadership. They further highlighted significant disagreement around just who should be served by this leadership.
Findings of the Study
Dr. Maher and Professor Jackson’s analysis brings to light some troubling trends in climate adaptation strategies across New Zealand that go beyond just these four cases. Our current practices tend to favor piecemeal responses. Sadly, these solutions can’t address the accelerating impacts of climate change.
Our manuscript explores the state of leadership responses to climate change, with a sharp focus on climate adaptation. Dr. Maher explains, “At a deeper level, we are investigating whether leadership on adaptation is really pushing for or requiring a transformative approach to adaptation—or instead, just enabling the status quo, incrementalist approach.”
The study also noted a concerning trend: “Also concerning was the avoidance of any particular group to take an explicit responsible leadership position,” she added. This lack of accountability creates an enormous barrier to meaningful climate adaptation.
There was a clear call from the researchers for a new direction. They further suggest that climate adaptation leadership should be accountability-driven, making the case for greater central government leadership to drive such efforts. “Central government should place equity and relationships at the center of adaptation,” Dr. Maher stated. “This ensures that responses to floods, storms, and rising seas are not only about protecting property, but about strengthening and safeguarding vulnerable communities.”
Prioritizing Equity and Community
The study highlights the need to embed equity and community engagement at the core of any climate adaptation leadership. Dr. Maher and Professor Jackson assert that addressing these aspects is crucial for ensuring that all communities, especially Māori and other vulnerable groups, are considered in decision-making processes.
Yet, the present federal government talks only about their fiscal prudence. Historically, future administrations have recognized that equity and justice mattered and made an impact in their administration. The researchers call for a re-commitment to these principles to create more inclusive and effective climate adaptation strategies.
“New Zealand is in the process of designing a national adaptation framework, and questions regarding leadership are being actively debated,” Dr. Maher noted. The ongoing discussions present an opportunity for leaders to reconsider their approaches and align them with the values of equity and community support.
Recommendations for Future Action
Drawing upon their extensive experience Dr. Maher and Professor Jackson offer a number of recommendations to strengthen climate adaptation leadership in New Zealand. In response, they argue that building trust and community and taking collective action should be foundational principles of these initiatives. By prioritizing collaboration between stakeholders, New Zealand can ensure a more unified and targeted response to the challenges posed by climate change.
“The research calls for a more holistic approach that goes beyond simple incrementalism. “New Zealand’s emerging form of adaptation leadership leans towards incrementalism, cutting off recognition of our collective ties and obligation to others,” Dr. Maher explained.”
Clara welcomes the commitment that New Zealand is making to address these challenges posed by climate change. This study calls on elected leaders to reconsider their approach and invest in bigger, fairer solutions.