Te Kawa o Te Ora webinar series

Over three final webinars we traversed everything from the importance of intergenerational eeling to snowfall in Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (The Southern Alps). If you’re curious to know how researchers have pushed boundaries in climate adaptation research you can re-watch our final series here.

Climate adaptation through the eyes and ears of our mokopuna

Rangatahi are pivotal agents of change in climate adaptation. Their unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and energetic advocacy are driving significant shifts in both policy and grassroots initiatives aimed at creating sustainable futures.

In this webinar, we hear about the research done by Te Morehu Whenua and the ways in which they have drawn forward the voices of rangatahi and their powerful intergenerational approach. We also get insight into the Toi Rito Toi Rangatira rangatahi climate leadership programme and hear from rangatahi themselves about their experiences and aspirations for climate adaptation in their communities.

Drawing on their cultural narratives, values, and the power of collective action, we learn how rangatahi are raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and actively contributing to the development of climate solutions that are connected to their communities and whānau.

We are excited to hear from the research team members, directly from rangatahi themselves, in the first of our webinar series Te Kawa o Te Ora.

Innovating through the winds of change

“A treasured kite lost to the winds brings much joy when found again.”

He taonga tuku iho, ko te manu tukutuku, kua ngaro atu kē ki ngā hau e whā, kua whakamīharo ā tātou nei ngākau kia puta ake ki te whaiao, ki te ao mārama.

Responding to a changing climate includes asking, what tools do we have that can be repurposed? And it means taking care not to forget the importance of joy. As climate change continues to make itself felt, mana whenua communities are increasingly finding themselves reading the signs in their shifting physical and spiritual worlds and adapting on the fly.

Join us in conversation with:

Jude Cornelius (Ngā Rauru, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Ātihaunui-a-pāpārangi, Te Whakatōhea)
Jude serves as the Pou Taiao for Te Kāhui o Rauru, bringing over 20 years of experience in education and a range of Pūtaiao kaupapa.

Janet Stephenson
Janet is a research professor at the Centre for Sustainability, an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Otago. Two of her current research projects are with Māori communities that are leading innovative responses to climate change challenges.

Mahuru Wilcox (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Ranginui)
Mahuru is passionate about supporting iwi and hapū to engage in research that enables wellbeing of communities and their taiao. Her background is in freshwater and wetland ecology (MSc), and she now works within a Māori research team at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research.

Anne-Maree McKay (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama)
Anne-Maree works as Pou Taiao for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga in Urenui. Her passion is to connect Ngāti Mutunga whanau back to their whenua through mahinga kai monitoring and other biodiversity mahi in the taiao.

Evolution of Climate Adaptation Research; Back to the Future

In Evolution of Climate Adaptation Research; Back to the Future, we acknowledge breadth and expertise of climate research across Aotearoa by talking to a small group of researchers who are pushing the boundaries. From how glaciers are responding to climate, to the way Te Tiriti and climate change intersect in our health system responses, to our abilities to access home insurance for our whare, and myriad ways children are engaging with climate action, we take a look at some of the challenges we face with our changing climate, and how our researchers are finding ways to contribute to a resilient climate future for all of Aotearoa.

This webinar will be the final webinar of the Deep South Challenge. We acknowledge all those who have been with us throughout the last 10 years, and who have been and are continuing to work to support informed, equitable and effective adaptation throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Join us in conversation with:

Lauren Vargo

For as long as Lauren can remember, she’s loved being outdoors and exploring the natural world. After discovering Geology in university, Lauren enjoyed learning about and studying the Earth, especially the icy parts. She now investigates questions in glaciology and climate science, with current research including monitoring how glaciers in Aotearoa New Zealand are changing, and investigating the impacts of climate change on snow and glaciers in New Zealand and globally.

Kenny Bell

Kenny is an economic researcher who focuses on environmental issues relating to the primary sector, including climate change adaptation, climate change mitigation, and water quality. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California at Berkeley and is currently a Ngā Puanga Pūtaiao fellow.

MahMah Timoteo

MahMah Timoteo identifies as a fat, queer, Cook Island vā’ine. They are an Environmental Anthropologist who has just recently completed their PhD thesis through the University of Canterbury. Their thesis explored the lived experiences of Pacific peoples and their navigation of climate change spaces within Aotearoa. They are a researcher and lecturer whose interests lie in fat liberation, Pacific peoples and community, climate change, and decolonisation. Alongside this, MahMah takes great pride in advocating for their communities in spaces that they have created online which work to disrupt and dismantle oppressive systems that continue to harm our most marginalised communities.