On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Tools to support powerful conversations 

Future Coasts Aotearoa is empowering communities to confront climate change with practical and interactive tools designed to inspire meaningful science-based conversations around adaptation. 

Future Coasts Aotearoa is empowering communities to confront climate change with practical and interactive tools designed to inspire meaningful science-based conversations around adaptation. 

Lower Waikato visualization exercise 

In the Lower Waikato, climate change is contributing to warming and salinization of the Waikato River, while simultaneously pushing groundwater upwards and contributing to shallow groundwater. The emergence of shallow groundwater in the area, and ongoing shifts in the coastline, are also contributing to increased effect of river flooding and coastal inundation.  

Together with Swamp Frog Environmental & Tree Consultants Ltd., Future Coasts Aotearoa conducted a Lower Waikato visualization exercise in November 2025 to bring together members of the community to brainstorm adaptation options and explore a possible future for the area in the face of these changes. 

The event featured three engaging activities:

  1. an expert-led presentation from Earth Science New Zealand detailing local hazards
  2. a hands-on future-building session where participants creatively mapped out adaptive strategies using craft materials
  3. a facilitated group discussion encouraging open exchange of ideas. 

Participants identified a wide range of options to live with change in the Lower Waikato, from structural change to changes in policy. By fostering teamwork and creative problem-solving, the visualisation methodology proved remarkably effective and holds promise as a model for other regions/groups.

Future Coasts Aotearoa have now transferred the visualisation materials and a manual to Swamp Frog Environmental & Tree Consultants Ltd. who will be rolling out the visualisation exercise with other members of their community in 2026. 

Tauranganui Marae game workshop held at Tuakau Hall in July 2025, part of an iwi-led climate change adaptation information hui.
Tauranganui Marae game workshop held at Tuakau Hall in July 2025, part of an iwi-led climate change adaptation information hui. 
Detailing likely changes in the environment due to climate change was part of a climate adaptation visualisation exercise held with the Lower Waikato community at the Ake Ake Hall in November 2025.
Detailing likely changes in the environment due to climate change was part of a climate adaptation visualisation exercise held with the Lower Waikato community at the Ake Ake Hall in November 2025. 
A facilitated discussion and visualisation exercise let community members brainstorm adaption options for their community to cope and thrive in a changing environment.
A facilitated discussion and visualisation exercise let community members brainstorm adaption options for their community to cope and thrive in a changing environment. 

    Coastal Adaptation Challenge 

    In the Bay of Plenty, the Maketu community is concerned that ongoing climate change will contribute to a range of hazards including more frequent storm and flood events, coastal erosion and inundation, as well as impacts on land, habitats and ecosystems. To support the community to consider the implications of different adaptation options, Future Coasts Aotearoa developed the Coastal Adaptation Challenge, a single or multi-player board game that represents a stylised, yet Maketu-like coastal community. The game, which immerses players in the real-life decisions of a coastal community facing mounting risks, was launched at Maketu’s community Day in December 2025. Debuted at Maketu’s Community Day in December 2025, this activity encouraged strategic thinking and collaboration as participants explored ways to defend against flooding, storm surges, erosion, and waterlogging. 

    The game generated lots of discussions about how long families and businesses could reside in the area and what options they had to survive. Future Coasts Aotearoa have now transferred the visualisation materials and a manual to the community who will be rolling out the visualisation exercise with other members in 2026. 

    To support the community to consider the implications of different adaptation options, Future Coasts Aotearoa developed the Coastal Adaptation Challenge, a single or multi-player board game that represents a stylised, yet Maketu-like coastal community.
    The game was played with both adults and youth; sometimes a mix of both. This allowed for an interesting learning experience for all generations, sharing ideas and different perspectives. 
    Players of all ages had the opportunity to create their favourite adaptions options and place them on the Maketu map. This visual summary of adaption preferences supported further conversations about the future of the community.
      Book: Future Coasts Aotearoa