Strengthen 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.
3.2 Ensuring a just transition
Action
Key Initiatives
- Address energy hardship: Support social service agencies and iwi to assess the scale of energy hardship in the district and support community-led solutions to improve energy resilience.
- Support workforce transition: Collaborate with industry partners to explore upskilling and reskilling opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable construction, regenerative agriculture, and conservation.
- Engage and educate newcomers: Implement initiatives to inform, educate, and support newcomers in embracing the district’s sustainability goals.
- Healthy homes: Work with QLDC Libraries and other agencies to provide access to Healthy Home Kits, helping renters and homeowners identify issues such as dampness, insulation gaps, and energy inefficiencies.
3.2
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
Kāi Tahu, KUMA (Te Kupeka Umaka maori kin Araiteuru), Mana Tāhuna, Ministry of Social Development, Lakes Multicultural Collective, Salvation Army, Happiness House, Community Link Upper Clutha, Wao, Te Whatu Ora, local social service organisations.
Kāi Tahu Value Alignment
Whanaukataka - Family and community focused
Makaakitaka - Hospitality
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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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3.3Community 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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3.5Community adaptation - wildfire hazardsStrengthen 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.
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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.