Moving Towns: 4 Stories of Communities Facing Relocation Show the Complex Realities of Managed Retreat
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The Conversation
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With large parts of New Zealand having recently been pummelled by ex-tropical Cyclone Tam and ongoing bouts of heavy rain, it is important to remember that natural hazards have long shaped our cities. Two townships in particular – Westport and Kumeū – have featured in national stories about floods since the 19th century. They are now among a growing number of places where flooding infrastructure is losing effectiveness and drastic actions have to be considered, including managed retreat. This raises understandable concerns about anticipated drops in land value and loss of social connection to a place. But managed or planned retreat is not a new concept nationally or globally. International examples can serve as useful references. These stories from four communities in three countries show how connection to culture and place can be either challenged or sustained when relocation becomes necessary.
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