Parliament’s Environment Committee is looking into how communities in New Zealand could adapt in areas of high risk from climate change, including ahead of any natural disasters, and how this could be funded.

Adaptation means building resilience to the increasing risks of natural hazards, with options to protect your home or relocate somewhere else. For disabled people who are affected by natural disasters there are a number of factors to consider including losing power and communications, and accessible housing and facilities.

We're interested to hear members views on what's important for disabled people when it comes to climate change adaptation. We would like to include information about the risks disabled people face, how communities can best respond to those risks, and how responses could be funded.

Submissions close on 1 November 2023. You can send your views to policy@dpa.org.nz by 13 October 2023.

For more information and to make your own submission: Community-led retreat and adaptation funding, Ministry for the Environment.