We, the delegates of the International Indigenous Climate Change Summit (IICCRS), gathered from November 13th to 17th, 2023, recognize the profound climate crisis facing our world and its dire consequences for Indigenous peoples, our lands, and the global ecosystem. This communiqué is an urgent message intended for world leaders, policymakers, environmental organisations, and the global community. It underscores the pivotal role of Indigenous voices, ideas, and actionable solutions in addressing climate change.

Sea level rise resulting from climate change poses significant threats to coastal resources, including mahinga kai, culturally significant sites like wāhi tapu or marae, and projects like wetland habitat restoration. Threats include not just rising sea levels, but also increased frequency and intensity of storm-related effects like storm surge and flooding (e.g., Cyclone Gabrielle). These threats are complex to model, and to fully understand or interpret the outputs of such models often requires technical knowledge beyond the grasp of most people.

Project supervisor: Associate Professor Bridgette Masters-Awatere & Dr Amohia Boulton

Institution: Whakauae Research

Raumati intern: Grace Manihera (Ngaati Wairere, Ngaati Mahuta)