The project consisted in the development of Coastal Adaptation Pathways (CAPs) that address immediate, short- and medium-term issues, considering how communities may need to adapt in the longer term. 

The CAPs follow the Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways (DAPP) approach, which recognises that climate change-related coastal hazards are not certain and difficult to predict. Consequently, the pathways developed are intended to be flexible and designed to be dynamic (or adapted). If the predicted hazards do not occur, or do not occur as predicted, the pathway can be revised and actions (such as protect or retreat) may not need to be taken. The challenge relates to not acting too early (and investing to mitigate risks that are not realised) or too late.

In total, 138 CAPs, one for each unique stretch of the Coromandel Peninsula’s shoreline, were produced. CAPs develop tailored, flexible solutions to reduce the risk from coastal hazards to an acceptable or tolerable level; and to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the Coromandel’s coast communities for the next 100 years. By their nature, the pathways will require review as new information becomes available, circumstances change or triggers for action are met. 

Important community engagement activities were conducted, including over 100 meetings. The project team worked with Coastal Panels to define coastal assets, coastal hazards, and to integrate local values to prioritise areas of action and design the CAPs. Panel members were nominated representatives from Mana Whenua, Community Boards, community organisations, business and citizens, tasked with representing the views of their community. Broader forms of public consultation at key milestones were also conducted to enable Coastal Panels to justify, clarify, and revise recommendations in response to public feedback.

Ultimately the 138 CAPs  build on the aspirations and concerns of TCDC’s communities and the principles of kaitiakitanga – the ethic and practice of safeguarding the natural environment and sustaining its resources, on which people depend.