National Climate Change Risk Assessments

About these reports

The National Climate Change Risk Assessment is an important way we help Aoteraoa New Zealand adapt to the impacts of climate change. 

Every six years from 2026, the Commission will deliver a risk assessment (NCCRA). These reports are required under section 5ZQ of the Climate Change Response Act 2002. 

The reports provide a national picture of how the country may be affected by climate change-related hazards. They also identify the most significant risks and opportunities, and steps to take to address them.

These risk assessments enable the government to prioritise action, including through the government's national adaptation plans. 

Help us produce the 2026 report

We are calling for evidence to inform our work on the next risk assessment.

We are looking for high-quality and credible evidence – including mātauranga Māori – to help us understand what climate risks our nation faces, what the consequences of those risks are over time, and what actions can and are being taken to address those risks.  

Evidence can take a range of forms, including academic journal articles, organisational reports, information about community-led adaptation processes, and people’s lived experience observing and adapting to the changing climate. 

This risk assessment is due to be delivered to the Minister of Climate Change by August 2026 and will inform the government’s national adaptation plan. We are calling for evidence now to ensure we have sufficient time to carefully consider a wide range of information and insights. 

Read more and submit evidence on our engagement site: Have Your Say | Climate Change Commission

2020 National Climate Change Risk Assessment

The first risk assessment was delivered by the Ministry for the Environment in 2020. You can read the first national climate change risk assessment on the Ministry for the Environment website.