Expert working groups: 2026 National Climate Change Risk Assessment
About this form
Our work to develop the 2026 National Climate Change Risk Assessment is well underway.
We are now looking for independent experts to join our expert review groups to ensure our evidence base is balanced and reflective of current knowledge, and that our assessment is rigorous and fair. Experts will focus on whether we have identified the correct risks, not overlooked any significant factors in the analysis, and drawn sensible conclusions.
Participants will be compensated for the time they contribute to this work, which will be the equivalent of 3–5 days between July and October 2025.
Read more below about what this group will be reviewing, what's involved, and what we would like to know about you.
The six domains of risk we're reviewing
Through our assessment, we are looking particularly at risks to Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy, society, environment and ecology that step from the physical impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels and more frequent and intense storms. We are not looking at risks related to emissions and efforts to reduce them.
These working groups will be reviewing the risks across six of seven interconnected domains, including:
- Built environment
- Economy and financial system
- Governance
- Natural environment
- People, health and communities
- Sectors relying on the natural environment
The seventh domain is Ngā mea hirahira o te ao Māori (things of importance in te ao Māori). The assessment for this domain is being conducted by an external reviewer who will arrange for expert review of the risks in this domain. However, we welcome applications from those with expertise in te ao Māori for the working groups for the other domains.
For more detail on the domains and the key risks for review, visit our website or download the information pack [PDF – 135 KB]
What you can expect from being involved
Experts will contribute the equivalent of 3-5 days of work between July and October 2025. This will involve actively engaging with others to discuss the risks as well as providing written feedback. This will include several online or in-person meetings/workshops, as well as independent reading and review of the Commission’s currently identified risks.
Experts will be paid a daily rate of $800 per day, up to a maximum total of $4000.
What we would like to know about you
To help us with our recruitment process, we will ask for your name and contact details, as well as information about your experience. We will also ask for a CV to detail your relevant experience, and there will be an opportunity to provide any additional information you think will be relevant to our selection process.
All applications will be reviewed by our project team, and we will be assessing these using the following criteria:
- Expertise related to the risks across the domain area (50%)
- Ability to look across whole domain and provide a broad view, including knowledge and understanding of relevant considerations for Māori (20%)
- Experience of providing similar services (30%)
If you have any queries about the requirements or the process, please email nccra@climatecommission.govt.nz and we will aim to respond within two working days.
Final applications are required by 11:59pm 22 June, and we expect to confirm selections by 30 June.