Collaborate 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.
3.1 Preserving our cultural and natural heritage
Action
Key Initiatives
- Support local leadership: Assist appointed site custodians as they receive training in global best practices for climate adaptation and heritage protection.
- Enhance local adaptation: Work with site custodians to apply this knowledge locally.
- Preserve cultural landscapes: Develop tailored strategies to safeguard iconic landmarks and heritage sites.
- Community engagement: Collaborate with local groups to create climate models that visualise future hazards and inform planning.
- Storytelling: Utilise storytelling methods to share knowledge, explain the challenges, and inspire action.
- Foster global connections: Build international networks among heritage professionals to share expertise and best practices.
For more information visit www.heritageadapts.org
3.1
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
Click on an icon to see what it means.
Key Partners
Preserving Legacies Project team, site custodians.
Kāi Tahu Value Alignment
Kaitiakitaka - Stewardship
Haere whakamua - Future focused
Whanaukataka - Family and community focused
Makaakitaka - Hospitality
Tikaka - Appropriate action
Mauri - Life force
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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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3.5Community 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.