A climate adaptation model for Māori groups, Aotearoa, New Zealand

Abstract

Climate change is a global issue affecting Aotearoa/New Zealand and the wider world. It is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, with its impacts widely felt (WWF, 2024). Indigenous groups around the world are severely affected by climate change. These impacts affect cultural practices, increase health risks within indigenous communities and exacerbate existing inequalities that they face (Green et al., 2009; Abate & Kronk, 2013; Jones, 2019). In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori are among the groups that are especially vulnerable to these effects, facing unique challenges stemming from colonisation, urbanisation and their deep spiritual and physical connection to the land (Marques et al., 2020; Ministry of Environment, 2022a; Macinnis-Ng et al., 2024). Climate change threatens Māori cultural knowledge and practices and their health and well-being (MftE, 2023). With adverse effects of climate change expected to worsen over time, adaptation is pivotal in minimising the damage it can cause. Adaptation not only lessens the impact of climate change but also helps deal with its consequences by taking appropriate action as well as maximising opportunities. The primary focus of this article is climate adaptation as it pertains to Māori groups, including iwi, hapū, Māori communities, Māori entities and Māori land trusts.  A literature review on climate adaptation models highlights a gap in models designed for Māori groups. Given this gap, there is an urgent need for climate-adaptation models designed for Māori groups that incorporate a Māori perspective (MftE, 2022). This article addresses this gap by presenting a climate adaptation model, ‘Nekenekehia i te Taiao,’ designed to assist Māori groups in tackling climate adaptation challenges. Additionally, it is hoped that this article inspires further discussions on Māori-led climate adaptation models for Māori.