A guide to just transitions for communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Published:
20 November 2023

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Adaptation
Research
Strategy & Policy
A guide to just transitions for communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

He puka arataki whakawhitinga tika mō ngā hapori i Aotearoa. 

As we enter a time of increasing disruption, coming together to plan and collectively manage change is vital to achieve equitable outcomes for all. A guide to just transitions He puka arataki whakawhitinga tika can help regions, communities and organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand navigate their own just transition processes in response to challenges such as climate change, rapid technological advances, regional employment changes, and the shift to renewable energy. The goal is to ensure that the positive and negative effects of these transitions are equitably shared. 

The guide, led by the Just Transitions Aotearoa Group and Motu Research, was commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and developed by a team of more than 25 contributors. 

Government commitment 

Under the Paris Agreement, the New Zealand government has promised to plan for a just transition of the national workforce, in order to ensure ‘decent work and quality jobs’. It has launched a programme to help regions plan and manage their own transitions. This guide has been developed as a tool to support. 

What is a just transition? 

While there is no single accepted definition, the guide describes just transitions as ‘a powerful invitation for communities to develop positive visions for change, transform unfair systems, draw on diverse strengths and worldviews, and come together to solve problems in ways that work better for everyone’ (p. 1). 

Who is this guide for? 

This guide is a valuable resource for people involved in a change process with communities, in particular those in leadership roles.  

While the guide can be applied in many different contexts, we have included it on the Knowledge Hub because adapting to the impacts of climate change and transitioning to a low-carbon economy are key examples where a just transition is crucial.  

Responding to climate change challenges will require significant economic, social, cultural and environmental change, which will impact how and where we live and work. Applying a just transition approach to this process will ensure we collaboratively design new systems that equitably distribute costs and benefits. 

Read the guide. 

 
Further opportunities 

Climate Connect Aotearoa and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited are seeking collaborative opportunities to support just transition planning for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, building on this guide and existing research, which shows how Auckland’s economy and jobs may be impacted by the Climate Change Commission’s anticipated transition to low carbon. 

Join us

If you or your organisation would like to be involved in this kōrero (conversation) and future mahi (work), please get in touch. 

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