National Adaptation Framework announcement

Please find below a statement that can be attributed to Dr David Hall, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) Senior Lecturer in Climate Action. Speaking from the Adaptation Futures (AF2025) conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Dr Hall was an independent special advisor for the finance and expenditure committee inquiry into climate adaptation, which provided input into New Zealand’s Adaptation Framework process.

“Today’s announcement of a National Adaptation Framework is an important step forward but the framework does leave some questions unanswered. There are important questions to be answered around sharing of costs and benefits across society and more clarity is needed around which sectors carry which burden. 

“The emphasis on climate and hazard data and information is exceptionally important but in the context of withdrawal of funding for research organisations, there’s a paradox there that needs to be addressed. Does that mean there is going to be new funding available for adaptation and hazard related outcomes, or are we within a constrained space for research?”

Media are welcome to interview other Aotearoa and international climate scientists on this topic, who are attending AF2025 today.