Abstract
Global ramifications of climate change and associated sea level rise remain one of humanity's greatest long-term challenges in the 21st Century. Accelerated sea level rise, along with an increase in the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, will have unprecedented social, cultural, psychological, environmental and economic consequences on low-lying coastal communities. Aotearoa is by no means an exception to the challenges of climate change and sea level rise. Low-lying communities in New Zealand are under impending threat and displacement from sea level rise and worsening coastal hazards. Using a qualitative social constructivist approach, this study investigates the viability of implementing pre-emptive managed retreat strategies in New Zealand, with context-specific investigations into two small coastal communities, Haumoana and Westport. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants, stakeholders and community representatives to determine their perspectives surrounding the implementation of pre-emptive managed retreat across New Zealand, and also within these respective coastal communities. A policy context analysis was also undertaken to determine whether specific planning and policy documents in New Zealand help to shape the implementation of pre-emptive managed retreat strategies. Findings from this research highlight several common themes. Firstly, extensive consultation and education programmes for community members, and meaningful co-governance with iwi, are required to operationalize pre-emptive managed retreat strategies. Secondly, there is an existing legislative gap in New Zealand, where current plans and policies fail to adequately shape the implementation of pre-emptive managed retreat initiatives. Finally, the two most significant barriers inhibiting the implementation of pre-emptive managed retreat in Haumoana and Westport are a lack of financial capital, and the preference for protective climate change adaptation strategies, such as the construction of seawalls and revetments. This study is significant in highlighting the need for research which investigates the location specific viability of pre-emptive managed retreat strategies and the importance of further research into climate change adaptation strategies of small coastal communities, who are often marginalized in future decision-making in New Zealand.