Entry received from: Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Category: The BERL Award for Excellence in Collaborating for Results
In a leading display of community collaboration, this project saw Bay of Plenty Regional Council (hereafter Regional Council) partner with WaihT Beach Lifeguard Services (hereafter WBLS or the club) and key stakeholders to create an adaptable plan that will help them navigate climate changes. The wider community was engaged every step of the way with representatives from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, NZ Police, Coast Care, Coastguard, Emergency Management Bay of Plenty, and the WaihT Beach Community Board playing pivotal roles.
The project was prompted in 2023 in response to several flood events and the WBLS board receiving a report by GNS Science identifying the club as a priority site vulnerable to coastal flooding. Based on central government guidance, a series of in-person workshops were cofacilitated by the WBLS board Chair and Regional Council climate resilience staff. These sessions explored the overlap between the club's strategic objectives and the numerous climate hazards they face, resulting in a resilient and actionable plan to prepare the club for the future.
The collaborative spirit was the driving force behind the project's success, ensuring that local and diverse perspectives and expertise were harnessed at every step. The process has not only empowered a climate-ready community but also offers valuable lessons that can be scaled and shared.
Thank you to our category sponsor