Sustainability Highlight: Climate Resilience

Auckland Conventions, Venues and Events (ACVE), part of the Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) whānau, is a proud custodian of New Zealand’s largest collection of 13 celebrated venues. 

ACVE and TAU work with partners to drive business growth, support key industries, attract events, and establish Auckland as a premier destination for business events. As part of TAU, New Zealand’s largest conventions operator, ACVE provides unique venues while supporting sustainability and climate adaptation initiatives. 

The Climate Change and Environment Strategic Plan of TAU outlines key goals, targets, and actions to address climate change and reduce environmental impacts across operations.

The plan’s environmental pillar is structured around four key focus areas: 

• Climate resilience 
• Net zero emissions 
• Responsible water use 
• Zero waste 

These areas were strategically chosen to maximise positive impact and drive meaningful change within TAU’s sphere of influence. By prioritising these focus areas, TAU aims to achieve significant improvements in sustainability and environmental performance. 

Over the coming months, we will explore each focus area in depth to understand its relevance and impact on our ACVE venues. 

Climate Resilience 

Climate change poses risks to our ability to deliver services and maintain facilities. 

TAU proactively addresses these challenges by assessing climate risks and integrating mitigation and adaptation strategies into our operations. 

To enhance resilience, the first step is adaptation planning based on identified climate risks across its cultural institutions, operated venues, and services. 

Since 2022/23, TAU has developed site-specific adaptation plans that focus on 7 of our venues; the New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Zoo, Auckland Stadiums, and Aotea Precinct (Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall).

Case Study: Aotea Precinct 

Aotea Precinct consists of three of ACVE’s unique venues; Aotea Centre, Auckland Town Hall, and The Civic. Located in central Auckland, it is a premier destination for performing arts, conferences, gala dinners, and more. 

The development of the Aotea Precinct adaptation plan involved identifying key climate change risks, along with establishing thresholds, signals, and triggers for action. 

The primary physical climate hazards identified for Aotea Precinct include extreme heat and flooding. 

In response, the adaptation plan proposes measures such as increasing the availability of drinking water stations during extreme heat, flood-proofing existing assets, improving water storage and drainage, and upgrading critical infrastructure capacity, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. 

By assessing risks and implementing a strategic action plan, the three venues in the precinct adapt to potential climate challenges that could impact operations. 

We prioritise proactive solutions over reactive measures, ensuring the best interests of our clients and stakeholders while providing exceptional venues for all events. 

Climate Connect Aotearoa 

Climate Connect Aotearoa, established and led by TAU, reccently launched ClimateWise, a new digital platform designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) plan for and adapt to climate change. 

The platform provides practical tools, expert insights and real-world case studies to assist SMEs adapt to climate challenges, like rising sea levels and extreme weather. 

Visit the website via the image and discover all the free courses to empower your business to adapt to climate change.