Abstract
This report has been produced as part of a research project funded by the Otago Regional Council (ORC) and the Centre for Sustainability at the University of Otago.
Many communities around Aotearoa may face the possibility of relocation or managed retreat in the future as they adapt to natural hazards and climate change related impacts. To date, relocations have been rare in New Zealand history and this project offers a unique insight into the voices of an affected community. This report provides a summary of the experiences of those who lived in Kelso, a small West Otago settlement, during two major flooding events of 1978 and 1980 and the subsequent relocation of the township’s community members. Seven semi-structured interviews were undertaken with twelve former residents and local farmers, alongside an archival analysis of secondary materials. The decision to relocate and the process of relocation was unplanned and largely ad-hoc. From a current-day lens, there are many aspects of the process which had serious consequences and, in some instances, inequitable outcomes. Insights from this research show that there was no single body taking responsibility for the future of Kelso, which led to antagonism in the press, disagreements and time wasted, while residents were left uncertain about their futures. Sources of funding for relocation were unclear and uncertain and took over a year to resolve in a few cases. The strength of community relationships eased the process, however there was undoubtably a major effect on people’s health and wellbeing and their livelihoods. Therefore, any regulatory framework and policy approach to managed retreat requires a clear well-structured process, with identifiable leadership and management across different agencies and a partnership approach with the affected community, clear adequate funding streams to ensure equitable outcomes for those relocated, and community support to address stress and anxiety.
This project relied on the willingness of former residents and local community members who participated in interviews. The researchers are extremely grateful to all participating individuals who shared their stories of Kelso.