1 outhlanders need to adopt Southland is likely to experience which are adaptable to changing a resilient approach to warmer weather all year round, environments, changing economic climate change. more dry days in summer and models or farming systems and S extended periods of relatively higher processes. We need to determine Team leader resource management temperatures. Average annual how that change – whether it’s Marcus Roy said a recent report rainfall is projected to increase, at local, central government or commissioned by Southland’s four mostly in winter and spring, and international level – is going to councils provided valuable data is likely to occur in more intense affect our lives moving forward. which would play an influential role events. Coastal flooding will increase in future planning decisions. steadily under all scenarios, with “Our communities are going to be impacted in the future and we have “Forewarned is forearmed – you increasing incidents of pure tidal flooding (that is, on sunny days). a real leadership role to play here. have to be aware something’s We can’t expect others to be making coming so you can adapt to it,” Some other general Southland change in how they operate if we’re he says. impacts highlighted include an not making change too.” increase in “severe” event frequency The Regional Climate Change The report was initiated to also Impact Assessment, prepared by and the size and duration of unprecedented weather events, while enable residents and communities the National Institute of Water and to prepare. Atmosphere (NIWA), addresses sea level rise is a highly likely and Resilience needed for climate change potential impacts of climate costly risk for our coastal areas. “Raising awareness is vital. People change on a range of components “It may not happen quite how the need to look at this report and think of climate, hydrology and coastal model predicts,’’ Mr Roy says. “It about what it means for them. If you processes across Southland. could be faster or slightly different own property in a certain location, and that’s the nature of forecasting. what does it mean for that? If you’re “We can be confident change is looking to shift, what does it mean happening. How it impacts locally But we can say this is what we’re likely to see based on trends and the for the future of that town and can’t be exactly determined,” Mr community, for me as an individual Roy says. analysis being done, including data from a number of different scientists and for my family,” Mr Roy says. “There is an element of crystal around the world. “We’re just trying to get people ball gazing … it’s a forecast “Our next step is to interpret what thinking about their assets and their which basically uses the best investments for the future now.” assumptions we’ve got and NIWA that means for our communities and is one of the most reputable us as an organisation and how we The gradual nature of climate change organisations to do this.” plan to create resilient communities had led to plenty of sceptics over the 22 years but attitudes are shifting. up on us and all of a sudden it’s on Transitioning to a new way of our doorstep.” thinking is important. “Nationally and regionally, people are generally accepting the climate Everyone has a role to play in “It’s about thinking beyond a 10- is changing. You just have to talk mitigating climate change. year plan or an election cycle,’’ he to someone who’s been farming for says. “What decisions do we need to 60-odd years … we’ve got people “I think the biggest hurdle is people be making for 20-plus years ahead here in Southland who have worked wondering how they can have a so we hand this organisation and the on this land for generations and kept meaningful impact on the direction region over to the next generation historical records which show what’s our climate’s heading when they using the best information available going on.” are one person. But effectively if for decision-making? everyone takes that approach, we’re There was potential for Southland’s not going to make any headway. We “Bringing climate change foresight agricultural industry to diversify. underestimate the power we have as into decision-making now should individuals,” Mr Roy says. put us on a trajectory to anticipate “There’s opportunities in what is needed in the future. everything,’’ Mr Roy says. “It’s “Ultimately we need to ask just a case of identifying those ourselves ‘what does my impact “We need to be a resilient region opportunities and adapting as soon on the environment mean so when factors start changing – as practicable. for my grandchildren and my whether that’s at a policy level or Resilience needed for climate change “If you’re adaptable and resilient grandchildren’s children?’ Those a rule level or laws, climate, social then there are benefits in that for three or four generations ahead, situations, whatever – we’re able to the region and individuals but we what are we leaving them and what adapt and position ourselves well need to be thinking about those state will it be in?” because what we see now is not what things now so it doesn’t just creep we’re going to see in 10 years.” Cover art Magazine design Produced by Ted, the gentle giant, is a member of the Holms Gloria Eno Southland District Council family of Waimahaka. He came into their lives communications team when he was just six months old and is a much- loved fixture on the farm. Dog registration for 2019/2020 is now under way. See page 8 to find out how you can go in the draw to win an iPad. 33 MAYOR GARY TONG We all have a voice. It’s how you choose to use it that truly has an impact. Blair Vining may not have been a familiar name six months ago but now he’s recognised around the country for his remarkable work shining the spotlight on New Zealand’s woeful cancer statistics. Here we have a typical Southland rugby bloke forced to face his own mortality after being diagnosed with terminal stage four bowel cancer late last year. And you bet he’s making every minute count. But instead of just fighting for his own life, he’s slugging it out with the powers that be to ultimately save many more of his fellow Kiwis in the future. Blair’s petition launched last month requests the House of Representatives create a national cancer agency to address New Zealand’s death rates from this cruel disease, overseeing a cancer plan to deliver the world-class care people deserve. If you haven’t already, I urge you to add your signature to the tens of thousands already there. You can find it at www.parliament.nz/en/pb/petitions Blair’s research shows 500 to 800 Kiwis die from cancer every year who would live if we had the survival rates of our mates across the ditch in Australia. Survival here can depend on who you are or where you live. That’s not right. The success of Blair’s campaign has proven we can make a difference from this end of the country if we shout loudly enough. I had the pleasure of meeting Blair and his beautiful family while officiating at a wedding in Queenstown. Their willingness to share such a difficult journey so publicly to raise awareness is incredibly brave and will undoubtedly benefit future generations. We can’t be scared to have those conversations. Whether its health services, roading, social housing – whatever the issue – we need to speak up as a District. I spent time with Minister David Parker on Stewart Island last month and it’s opportunities like this to ‘bend an ear’ which can prove valuable. It’s always great to see ministers visiting our District to meet the people and get a real appreciation for not only I’ve heard a few comments from First Edition what makes us unique but the challenges we face. readers questioning the use of the word “Plod” on my coffee cup in this photo and suggesting The connections we have with various ministers it’s disrespectful to New Zealand police. Nothing are important for Southland and I continue to could be further from the truth. work hard as your mayor to foster them. I was a proud member of the New Zealand That doesn’t extend to letting him win at pool, police force for 25 years and in fact “Plod’’ was though. Luckily this time we were team-mates, the nickname given to me by members of the earning King of the Table status at the local hotel. communities I served. It was an affectionate In the world of politics, those are the rare times nickname and I never took offence. I always got a when people get to see who you really are. After laugh out of it. Some people who knew me back all, we’re only human. then still call me “Plod”. I’ll take that any day. 4 Among the wide range of work Dear I do as Mayor of Southland District, one of the most Diary satisfying roles is being a mentor Excerpts from Mayor Gary Tong’s to a fine young busy schedule … man, Levi Beattie. He had a very rough start in life, but I’m thrilled that he has turned his path around and is now acting as I had an evening spot to an inspiration to Learning with Levi chat with the characters others.