Waiheke’s climate adaptation journey

Facing the future head-on

On a beautiful autumn day, community members from across Waiheke gathered for a hui with a shared Kaupapa: to refresh the island’s climate action plan and prepare for a changing future.

What emerged was a powerful reminder that when it comes to climate leadership, size is no barrier to ambition or impact. Waiheke is a small island with a big vision. The community has set itself a bold goal to be net positive by 2040, restoring more to the environment than is taken.

It’s an ambitious target, but one grounded in the island’s unique strengths of deep community connections, a strong sense of kaitiakitanga, and a long history of locals stepping up to care for both people and place.

Sharper challenges, sharper focus

As climate change accelerates, the challenges Waiheke faces are becoming sharper and more immediate. More intense rainfall brings flooding risks, while hotter, drier summers are placing growing pressure on water supplies. As with the rest of the Auckland region, extreme heat is also increasing health risks, particularly for those who are more vulnerable.

At the same time, the island’s geography makes resilience more complex, such as when ferries are disrupted or infrastructure fails, Waiheke can quickly feel isolated.

Yet throughout the hui, the conversation was not defined by what Waiheke lacks, but by what it has. 

“The challenge now is how to better connect these efforts, support those doing the work, and scale solutions so everyone benefits,” says Kylee.

Leading the way in adaptation

This focus on adaptation is where Waiheke is increasingly leading the way. While climate-related weather emergencies often capture headlines, adaptation planning is becoming more important than ever across Auckland. Waiheke’s work offers a glimpse into how powerful locally led, community-driven adaptation can look if it is practical, grounded and responsive to place.

Tools like The Adaptation Game are also helping communities think through future scenarios.

Connection as a tool for equity

Another powerful takeaway from the hui was the strength that comes from connection. Waiheke has many active community groups, iwi, businesses and volunteers working toward shared climate goals. But participants spoke candidly about the need for better coordination, clearer pathways to collaborate, and stronger support networks, especially during emergencies.

Kristin Busher from the Waiheke Resources Trust says, “Improving these connections isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about equity.”

What makes the Waiheke approach so compelling is that it recognises climate action as a social project as much as an environmental one. Building resilience means strengthening relationships, passing on knowledge, and making sure no one is left behind.

The refreshed climate action plan for Waiheke is still taking shape, guided by ongoing community input and collaboration. But the direction is clear: this is a community choosing to be proactive rather than reactive, hopeful rather than overwhelmed.

Get Involved

Want to get more active in climate adaptation planning?

• Next Planning Hui: Tuesday 19 May, 9am–2pm.
• Updates: Follow the Waiheke Resources Trust Facebook page.
• Local Board Plans: Find out what your board is doing by visiting the Auckland Council Local Board Plans section of the council website here.
• Local Resilience: Explore what’s happening in your neighbourhood here.