Source: Northland Regional Council
Northland Regional Council’s Climate Resilient Communities Fund has generated millions in value for the region a report by Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL) has found.
The report covered the fund’s first two years during which it invested $1.17 million across 44 community-led projects spanning food resilience, water security, renewable energy, environmental restoration, and climate preparedness.
In the report – compiled for the council – BERL found for every $1 invested by NRC, the fund generates an estimated $4.59 in value for Taitokerau.
The report says the fund’s value lies not in any single project, but in the way these investments work together.
“Food, water, energy, environmental restoration, and community capability reinforce one another to build stronger, more self-reliant communities.”
The report says the programme has delivered practical assets such as water tanks, solar systems, māra kai, orchards, and restoration projects, while also strengthening local leadership, mātauranga Māori, preparedness, and community connections.
“These social and cultural benefits are just as important as the physical infrastructure.”
The report says value is generated across multiple stakeholder groups.
“Communities benefit through improved well-being and resilience; marae and hapū through strengthened capability and cultural resilience; community leaders through increased knowledge and leadership; and NRC through reduced future infrastructure, environmental, and emergency management pressures.”
The report says funded activities include capacity building; community resilience planning; implementation of projects across food, water, energy, environmental restoration, and climate action; as well as community engagement and awareness raising.
“These activities generate tangible outputs, such as community resilience plans; improved access to sustainable food, water, and energy systems; ecosystem restoration; and increased participation in resilience initiatives.”
The report says over time, these outputs contribute to stronger outcomes for Northland communities.
“Communities become better equipped to identify and manage climate risks, vulnerable populations experience greater water and energy security, and the transition to a low-emissions future is more equitable.”
It says the fund also encourages lasting behavioural change by supporting more sustainable and circular practices across the region.
“At the highest level, the fund contributes to ‘Kia Manawaroa Taitokerau’: a Northland where communities are connected, prepared, adaptable, and thriving.”
“It supports progress toward a net-zero emissions future by 2050, while enhancing environmental sustainability, reducing future disaster recovery costs, and strengthening intergenerational resilience and well-being.”