Climate change and the 'last person standing' conundrum

Climate change and the 'last person standing' conundrum
Climate change might spell the end of the traditional beach house. (Image: Deposit Photos)
Pattrick Smellie
If you own property at sea level, on a flood plain or near a river that regularly bursts its banks, it is time to start thinking hard about how and whether you will be able to stay there.That is the underlying message from today’s release of consultation documents on climate change adaptation.There is an important accompanying message: the government will help, but don’t expect a total bailout.Climate change minister James Shaw was careful to be clear that central government will have to pay for some things: think moving roads and o...

More Policy

Compass dropped in major school lunch shake-up
Policy

Compass dropped in major school lunch shake-up

Ministry appoints 10 regional suppliers; Compass misses out after bidding for RFP.

Cécile Meier 07 Nov 2025
$200m gas fund may not be enough as Māui closure looms
Policy

$200m gas fund may not be enough as Māui closure looms

The fund has been expanded to cover gas storage.

Ian Llewellyn 06 Nov 2025
Seymour promotes coal, nuclear, and privatisation
Policy

Seymour promotes coal, nuclear, and privatisation

Burning some coal to enable more renewable power "not a bad deal".

Pattrick Smellie 05 Nov 2025
EPA head quits with fast-track changes
Policy

EPA head quits with fast-track changes

The latest fast-track reforms go far beyond supermarket resource consenting.