Brighton Observatory of Environment & Economics Trust

Our organisation

For New Zealand, the impact of the effects of climate change on our economy, people, and environment is the greatest threat we face. Paradoxically, it is also our greatest opportunity.

“He moana pukepuke ekengia e te waka”. (Rough seas can still be navigated.)

Who we are

The Brighton Observatory of Environment & Economics (BOEE) Trust is New Zealand’s leading centre for climate change adaptation.

Established in 2020, the Brighton Observatory of Environment & Economics (BOEE) Trust is dedicated to addressing the impacts of climate change and facilitating adaptive strategies across communities, businesses, and governments.

We are named for the former Township of Brighton in Aotearoa New Zealand’s south island – situated at the mouth of the Fox river, it was swallowed by the sea in the 1880s.

We are a registered charity (NZ #CC58284) governed by a Board of Trustees.

Our mission

Our mission is to accelerate the New Zealand economy’s adaptation to climate change, reducing the period and extent of economic, social, and environmental damage during our adaptation journey. We aim to foster resilience and sustainability by bridging the gap between businesses, communities and government, forming a nexus where they meet and ensuring all voices are heard and all sectors are prepared for future challenges.

Our projects identify and engage process-critical barriers, (jigsaw pieces) that if not resolved will become barriers to realistic economic, compassionate, and environmental adaptation pathways. These jigsaw pieces are too small for government, but too large for individual businesses / communities.

What we do

Facilitation and collaboration: we work closely with local governments and communities to facilitate conversations and create actionable plans for climate adaptation. This includes advising on any technical aspects, and ensuring that all parties have the information and resources they need to make informed decisions.
Business and economic adaptation: we assist businesses in understanding and adapting to the changing climate, identifying opportunities for innovation and sustainability. Our consultancy services focus on integrating environmental and economic strategies to enhance resilience and growth. Adaptation is not about writing off sunk investment, but instead about using it differently.
Research and development: our research initiatives aim to remove critical barriers to adaptation, whether they are technical, economic or social. We work on facilitating technology transfers and connecting the right stakeholders to ensure that new developments are market-ready and beneficial for all.

Our approach

Community engagement: we respect and support communities in their adaptation journeys, recognising their unique stories and challenges. Our goal is to empower communities through education, technical assistance and collaborative decision-making processes.
Sustainability and innovation: by promoting sustainable practices and innovative solutions, we help businesses and economies evolve to meet new environmental realities. We believe adaptation is about using existing investments differently, rather than writing them off.

Get involved

Our work is driven by collaboration and support from various stakeholders. We invite businesses, governmental bodies, and community organizations to join us in our mission to create a resilient and sustainable future for New Zealand.