Urenui and Onaero Local Adaptation Plan

As our climate changes, we’ll see more pressure on our coastlines, rivers and infrastructure. Local adaptation planning helps us understand these risks, look at our options, and imagine what we want for our communities in the years ahead — including how we protect the places and things we love.

This is about working together - bringing local knowledge, community values, and technical information into the same conversation - to create a shared vision and identify practical, place-based actions.

We’re partnering with Ngāti Mutunga as mana whenua, and with the community to ensure the plans reflect what matters most, both now and for future generations.

What is local adaptation planning about?

Urenui and Onaero are already experiencing coastal hazards such as erosion and changing environmental conditions. A Local Adaptation Plan sets out the possible actions to respond to a changing climate. The plan isn’t about locking in decisions straight away, but about guiding future choices.

Through local adaptation planning, we can:

• Better understand risks and opportunities for a thriving future.
• Inform our decision-making for homes, infrastructure and the environment.
• Strengthen community resilience and preparedness.
• Bring people together to shape a pathway forward.

Your voice is important

Community knowledge and input is critical. We’re asking you to get involved to share your views, tell us what matters to you, and help shape the options to protect the things and places we love.

To do this, we are looking for volunteers to act as local champions – people who are passionate about the future of Urenui and Onaero and who can commit to attending three half-day workshops/wānanga in July, September and November.  No experience or prior knowledge is required. We strongly encourage young people to get involved.

Please get in touch by the 10 July 2026

Fill in this short form

How else can you get involved?

Other opportunities to participate include:

• Wider Summer engagement (2027)
  Draft plans will be shared for wider feedback, including opportunities for residents, ratepayers and visitors to have their say.
• Ongoing updates and information
  We will provide updates and ways to get involved as the project progresses.
  
  

Project timeline

• July–September 2026
  Community wānanga (a series of workshops)
• Late 2026
  Development of draft adaptation options and pathways
• Summer 2026/2027
  Community engagement on the draft plans
• 2027
  Final Local Adaptation Plans presented to Council for endorsement

What we’re aiming for

This project is expected to result in Local Adaptation Plans. These plans will:

• Outline key climate risks and opportunities for thriving.
• Reflect community values and priorities.
• Identify practical adaptation options and pathways.
• Provide a clear basis for future decision-making and investment.

Stay involved

If you are interested in taking part in workshops or acting as a community champion, or for more information, please Contact us.