University of Waikato research reveals 2050 drought threats
New research could help farmers prepare for a future where summer rainfall is increasingly unpredictable and where drought risk is rising, no matter what.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) is urging the Government to take a leadership role on climate adaptation and build New Zealand’s resilience against the impacts of climate change on lives and property.
The ICNZ presented its submission on the Inquiry into Climate Adaptation to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee yesterday.
ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi says the urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated.
“New Zealand’s vulnerability to climate-related hazards, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, requires a clear and coordinated approach which the Government is best placed to lead on,” Faafoi says.
He says the ICNZ supports the development of a national climate adaptation model to guide policy and legislative frameworks and provide long-term clarity and certainty around the country’s response to climate change.
“This strategy aims to bring together central government, councils, the private sector and communities to effectively mitigate risks and ensure sustainable adaptation measures,” Faafoi says.
“We have seen firsthand the impacts of the Auckland Anniversary Weekend and Cyclone Gabrielle events on lives, property, and the economy,” he explains. “By taking a proactive approach, adaptation measures can not only reduce these risks but also contribute to the economy’s security and community resilience.”
Faafoi says ICNZ also backs the development of ambitious adaptation goals and clear outcomes such as a defined level of resilience achieved by 2050.
“The cost of achieving these outcomes should be estimated as much as possible so the funding required for adaptation is well understood,” he adds.
“We acknowledge the investment in climate adaptation is likely to be sizeable and is likely to require funding from a variety of sources, including the private sector, and the development of financial instruments such as resilience bonds.”
Faafoi says a coordinated approach should also consider the Government’s work in related areas such as resource management, housing and fast track approval for infrastructure development to “ensure there is an alignment of objectives and incentives”.
"The time for action is now. By working together, New Zealand can build a resilient and sustainable future for all Kiwis," he concludes.
Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.
Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards champion the important contribution parts and service technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.
New Zealand is closer to eradicating bovine TB than ever before, but possums remain a threat, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.
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