Strengthen wildfire risk reduction efforts across the district to mitigate the increasing threat of wildfires due to climate change. Council will continue implementing proactive measures to protect people, property, and ecosystems from heightened fire risks.
3.5 Community adaptation - wildfire hazards
Action
Key Initaitives
- Risk-based controls: Continue to improve risk-based fire management protocols for Council reserves with key partners and stakeholders.
- Vegetation management: Progress work programmes for strategic vegetation management, including targeted fuel load reduction and replanting with fire-resistant native species.
- Environmental monitoring: Leverage the environmental monitoring network to improve real-time wildfire risk assessment and support emergency response coordination.
- Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships with FENZ, ORC, and support agencies to improve fire prevention, response, and recovery strategies.
- Public information: Improve public awareness and preparedness through targeted education campaigns on fire risk reduction and emergency evacuation planning.
3.5
Project Details
Investment
What is this?
Investment Value (Estimate)
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<$20k
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$20K - $100K
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$100K - $500K
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>$500K
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To be confirmed/still under review
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Key Partners
FENZ, Emergency Management Otago, Whakatipu Wilding Control Group, reserve leaseholders, community.
Kāi Tahu Value Alignment
Whanaukataka - Family and community focused
Tikaka - Appropriate action
Mauri - Life force
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3.1Preserving our cultural and natural heritageCollaborate with the Preserving Legacies Project which has selected Tāhuna Glenorchy as an international climate adaptation heritage site. This global initiative, launched in 2023, empowers communities to protect cultural and natural heritage from climate change by providing scientific knowledge and technical training. In March 2025, Tāhuna Glenorchy was officially accepted into the program.
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3.2Ensuring a just transitionStrengthen partnerships between Council, Kāi Tahu, local kaupapa Māori organisations, social service providers, Te Whatu Ora, NZ Public Health, and social investment groups to ensure a just and inclusive transition16 to a low-emissions, climate-resilient future. By working alongside iwi, Māori organisations, and community agencies, we aim to better understand and address the social and economic challenges of this transition.
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3.3Community Resilience GroupsIn partnership with Emergency Management Otago, accelerate the growth and capability development of Community Resilience Groups to ensure communities across the district are well-prepared for major emergency events.
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3.4Community adaptation - Head of the Lake natural hazardsPartner with ORC and Glenorchy community to implement adaptation actions from the Head of the Lake Adaptation Strategy to address the climate-related hazards facing the community at the head of Lake Whakatipu.
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3.6Strengthen the resilience of our local food systemPartner with the Southern Lakes Kai Collective to implement a strategic roadmap of projects and initiatives to develop a more resilient, sustainable and community-driven local food system.
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3.7Exploring Kaupapa Māori food projectsSupport Kāi Tahu and local kaupapa Māori organisations in strengthening food sovereignty for iwi, protecting mahika kai sites and practices, and embedding mātauraka Kāi Tahu to promote sustainable harvesting practices.