Disabled communities help shape climate solutions

The funding comes through Auckland Council’s ‘Disability-Led Climate Adaptation Pilot’ and Foundation North in a first-of-its-kind initiative that puts disabled people at the centre of climate decision-making.

People with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by climate disruption. This pilot flips the script by recognising their valuable perspective, expertise and leadership in shaping practical, community-based solutions.

“This process has been a fantastic opportunity for Auckland Council to collaborate with disability communities across Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Ben Brooks, Senior Policy Manager at Auckland Council.

“We are grateful to Foundation North for supporting the funding and to Spectrum Foundation who will be a partner in supporting the implementation of the projects.”

Developed with Foundation North, a disability-led Grant Advisory Panel and two implementation partners Juliana Carvalho and Community Think, this pilot approach to assess funding applications brought together disabled people, organisations and climate experts to explore how communities can adapt. Participants took part in workshops, mentoring and a public Pitch Day, where ideas were presented and assessed.

Importantly, disabled people designed the process and decided which projects would receive funding. Connie Lee from Foundation North says the process was as important as the outcomes.

“It was incredibly powerful to see the community come together to support one another, and to develop climate adaptation ideas created for, by, and with the community,” says Connie Lee.

“What makes this pilot truly unique is that disabled people led every step - designing the process, shaping the criteria, supporting applicants, and ultimately determining which projects received funding.”

Community ideas turned into action

Nine proposals were submitted, covering areas that included emergency preparedness, food security, accessibility and cultural resilience. Six were selected for funding after a strong response from the disability community.

Successful projects include:

• Auckland Deaf Society delivering climate adaptation workshops in New Zealand Sign Language
• My Life My Voice developing an accessible adaptation planning app for disabled people and whānau
• Te Ao Mārama Aotearoa (TAMA) producing Māori-led climate and preparedness films
• CCS Disability Action running gardening and food resilience workshops
• Wilson School with Te Hōnonga a Iwi leading student-driven food growing and restoration projects
• People First New Zealand and XR Rogers delivering a disability-led forum and Easy Read climate resources.

Building resilience and leadership

Alongside funding, the pilot programme has helped build confidence, skills and connections in the disability community. Many participants were new to climate adaptation but developed strong, community-led proposals through the process of their involvement.

The initiative is part of Auckland Council’s Resilient Tāmaki Makaurau programme, supporting communities to work together and thrive in a changing climate, while exploring a participatory grant-making approach that puts funding decisions in community hands.

Looking ahead

The six projects will begin in August 2026 and will run for up to two years, supported by Spectrum Foundation.

Together, they signal a shift in how Auckland approaches climate adaptation, recognising disabled communities not as passive recipients, but as innovators and leaders helping shape a resilient future.

Our thanks to Auckland Council for sharing this story.