Living Labs - BEYOND ADAPTATION

Disaster Recovery: Water, walls and wetlands: Science, resilience and adaptation in action 

Location: Christchurch/ Ōtautahi
Date: Thursday, 16 October
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $65
Maximum numbers: 69
Details: Depart Te Pae at 9.30am returning to Te Pae by 4.30pm. A packed lunch will be provided.

Leaders:
Dave Little - Christchurch City Council, Residential Red Zone Manager.

Tom Parsons - Chartered Professional Engineer 

The Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor comprises 600ha of land in eastern Christchurch, which was ‘red zoned’ after the earthquakes of 2010/2011 and the houses subsequently removed.  Parts of the Corridor sunk by up to a metre, effectively experiencing 100 years of sea level rise instantly.  This Living Lab will visit a range of sites, exploring our science-based approach in restoring this land and returning it to a mix of ecological, recreation, flood protection, water quality and housing outcomes. An underpinning objective of the Corridor is for it to become a ‘living laboratory’. This allows trials of new approaches to reduce emissions and costs typically associated with brownfield remediation and improve restoration outcomes. While some initiatives are more advanced than others, the day will cover:

Stormwater & Flood Resilience

•         Stopbanks vs floodwalls, options for future adaptation and enabling community engagement

Nature-Based Solutions:

•         Bioremediation of road contamination

•         Natural regeneration of estuarine wetlands

•         Biochar treatment of water contamination 

•         Phytoremediation of soil contamination

Carbon Sequestration & Soil Health: 

•         Addition of carbon to soils, and remote verification of results

•         Cultivating and improving degraded brownfields soils to improve plant growth

Innovative Material Use

•         Biogenic asphalt 

•         Use of recycled materials and alternative materials in park furniture

Ongoing stewardship and funding

•         Community governance model, tour of the Richmond Community Garden

•         Creation of productive landscapes and the voluntary carbon market

•         Funding ongoing management via housing/activity zones

We aim to prove that environmental responsibility can also make economic sense, and that the merits of restoration work should not be solely judged on ‘doing the right thing’.

Please bring a water bottle, warm clothing and sturdy footwear. 

Antarctic Insights: Shaping Global Adaptation Strategies

Location: International Antarctic Centre Christchurch / Ōtautahi 
Date: Thursday, 16 October
Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm
Cost: $65
Maximum numbers: 30
Details: Depart Te Pae at 9.30am returning to Te Pae by 12.30pm. 

Leaders:
Wolfgang Rack UC
Graeme Ayres 
David Taylor - ChchNZ Head of Christchurch Antarctic Office

Experience how Antarctic science is shaping the world's adaptation response. 
This immersive session will include a guided tour of the International Antarctic Centre — Christchurch’s hub for Antarctic education.
 
You will then hear from experts in Antarctic operations, research, and the business sector about how national and international collaboration provides critical information about Antarctic climate and ecosystems, with global significance. From accelerating ice melt and sea-level rise to changing ecosystems and atmospheric dynamics, learn how Antarctic science underpins adaptation strategies for communities particularly Pacific and coastal settlements. 

Discover how Antarctica New Zealand supports this frontline research and the role of Christchurch as a vital global gateway for climate science collaboration.