He Toka Tū Moana Mō Maketu -
Maketu Climate Change Adaptation Plan
Turning a threat into an opportunity
Climate change is an enormous threat to hau ora / wellbeing and to the health of the planet. Every day, we hear about the consequences on the news and increasingly will experience the impacts ourselves.
We can't just sit around and wait to see what will happen next. We need positive action.
That's why, together with the local community, we've developed a climate change adaptation plan to ensure the people of Maketu are prepared for, can adapt to, and will be resilient to a changing climate.
This is an iwi-led, whole community effort.
While there are climate challenges, there are also significant opportunities – especially for us in Maketu.
These opportunities include:
growing our own food
restoring our land
building resilience
creating an economy that works in our favour
sharing knowledge
Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have increased greenhouse gas concentrations in our atmosphere. As a result, temperatures and sea levels have been rising, leading to more floods, droughts and wildfires.
In Maketu, our community has seen more frequent coastal flooding, including near Whakaue Marae, following subtropical storms. In 2019, large swells caused a landslide, causing koiwi (human remains) to tumble from the clifftop urupā at Ōkurei to the beach below.
The Maketu Iwi Collective – consisting of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketu, Whakaue Marae Trustees and Ngāti Pikiao Noho Ki Tai – has led the development of the climate change adaptation plan, working closely with the local community and supported by Toi Moana (Bay of Plenty Regional Council).
The plan outlines interconnected issues, strategic priorities, kaupapa and actions that aim to safeguard the future of Maketu's people, places and natural environment.
There are five strategic priorities: caring for our 1) waters, 2) lands and 3) home; 4) ensuring security and self-sufficiency, and 5) fostering and enabling collective knowledge and wisdom.
Twelve kaupapa have been identified to drive action and progress for these strategic priorities. They range from the development of food gardens and a tree nursery, as well as a community emergency response plan, education programme and a land use change project.
Seven 'Enabling Actions' will ensure the plan is effective, successful and long lasting. They include the foundation of an iwi-led working group, strong collaboration with relevant stakeholders and project management.
We need you
This plan is not intended to sit on a shelf, but to be brought to life.
We know lots of our whānau, residents and manuhiri will be in Maketu for the summer, so it's the perfect time to have a korero and reflect on what you want the future to look like for you and the generations to come.
So, take a good look at the plan, talk about it with your whānau, friends and neighbours, and think about what you can do to make this happen.
Specifically, we're looking for people who:
- Are interested in participating in our working group.
- Are experienced in project management and want to be involved in shaping the next steps.
- Can help us with funding to take action.
- Are excellent communicators so that our community knows what's happening and how they can be involved.
- Are key connectors so that we are linked to all relevant stakeholders and can influence change and progress.
- Can bring relevant expertise to the table.
Let's move away from climate anxiety and distress, towards climate action. Together we must protect our whenua and our people!
Get in touch
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To stay in the know, follow our progress with the plan on our Facebook page or check out our latest updates.
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If you have any pātai or just want to reach out, give us a call on 022 507 6336 or email us on korero-mai@maketu-runanga.iwi.nz.