A significant number of Māori marae and papakāinga homes are in low-lying coastal areas. Nearly 200 marae sit within one kilometre of the coast. Of these, 41 are exposed to coastal flooding risks during a one-in-100-year storm.

Among challenges is the issue of insurance for homes and marae, which research suggests is likely to significantly harm Māori and households with lower material wellbeing.

As insurance companies assess the risks associated with climate change, some may become reluctant to continue coverage - presenting a challenge for maintaining marae and culturally significant sites.

For Māori, land is significant, whether this be a result of land returned through settlement agreements with the Crown or land under Māori Title based on whakapapa ownership. 

Marae, urupā (burial sites), and wāhi tīpuna (ancestral sites) have immense spiritual and cultural significance. But the coming effects of climate change and the issue of insurance retreat is likely to complicate efforts to protect and preserve them. 

Compounding things is the economic and social vulnerabilities faced by many Māori communities - limiting the ability of some to pay potentially much higher premiums or invest in adaptive measures such as resilient infrastructure or re-location from high-risk areas.

Insurance issue aside, Māori are uniquely positioned to adapt to climate change. Central to the response is a deep connection to place, and a rich tradition of relocation and adaptation in response to environmental changes and challenges.

While anthropogenic climate change is much different to what has come before, Māori have long navigated changes in their environment through flexible responses, including relocating settlements when necessary. 

Along with traditional practices and knowledge, the historic adaptability of Māori sets a solid foundation for efforts to address climate impacts. This alongside collaboration between local communities and government agencies.

We're gladdened that climate action for Māori is an important part of the national climate adaptation plan, and that many iwi and whānau are already working to develop strategies to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

An adaptation plan put together by the Maketū iwi collective in Western Bay of Plenty, which is seeing more frequent coastal flooding, is a fitting example. A land-use research project based around two coastal Māori farms and a whānau trust in the Horowhenua-Kāpiti region is another.

In a heartening new initiative between iwi and Northland Regional Council, thirty-five of Te Tai Tokerau's most flood-prone marae are set to get a flood resilience boost in a first-of-its kind project.

While the impacts of climate change on Māori are significant, we're confident that, together, iwi and communities will navigate the challenges.  

By combining traditional Māori knowledge, adaptability, and deep connection of place with other strategies, there is a path forward that protects and preserves our cultural heritage while addressing the immediate and future risks posed by a changing climate.