Rotomā resident Bryce Allan, an auto mechanic, knows first-hand the experiences of climate change after his business flooded. Local Democracy Reporting asks Rotorua election candidates what they would do to help people like Allan.

Record rain and an unknown geothermal spring led to 100mm of water flooding Rotomā's only garage this year. But owner Bryce Allan does not yet have the lake lapping at his door, unlike some lakeside homeowners.

The Rotomā Auto Repair auto mechanic worked around the clock to pump the water out as the ground remained saturated and the water table high.

He bought the property 40 years ago and, until last March, did not know there was a geothermal spring beneath the building.

He is still unable to use his workshop due to rust from metal reacting with the geothermal water, and is still pumping water out.

The reality is more frequent extreme weather events — including droughts and deluge — are expected with a changing climate.

Allan says he was keen to know how candidates and their parties would help with situations like his, and how they would address climate change-related issues in the electorate and the country.

Bryce Allan calls the result of the geothermal water 'rusty custard'. Photo: Laura Smith/Local Democracy Reporting.

Rotorua candidate responses

Ben Sandford, Labour Party

We are living in a climate crisis; we need a government that recognises the urgency of this and will act now.
Labour has introduced the Zero Carbon Act, established the Climate Change Commission and much more.

Our emissions have fallen for three consecutive years. Tackling the climate crisis is an opportunity to improve wellbeing, increase resilience, and become a global leader in this space.

We will continue to work with affected local communities, develop a new Climate Adaption Framework and National Adaption Plan to ensure resilience and effective mitigation and adaption, as well as provide for just transitions.

Todd McClay, National Party

Bryce’s personal situation is deeply concerning and saddening to hear.

It highlights the need for a plan to tackle the ongoing and increasing impacts of climate change we are experiencing both locally and across the country.

National will gather Central and Local Government as well as banks, insurers, and communities to develop a ClimateAdaptation Framework so that when weather events or disasters occur, we have the tools and plan to manage the issues that arise, including any relocations or buyouts.

No one group has all the answers, so National will bring together affected parties to work out joint solutions.

Marten Rozeboom, ACT

This is why adaptation should be a priority. An increased risk of floods, storms and droughts requires an infrastructure response, enabled by simpler planning and consenting pathways.

ACT is proposing exactly that, our proposed replacement for the Resource Management Act will allow asset owners to build flood protection quickly.

Find workable solutions for geothermal water instead of being stuck in an endless battle for consents.

Kariana Black-Vercoe, New Zealand First

It has been a drenched two years and I feel for all those affected by excessive whether patterns, such as Bryce has experienced.

Our party sits on the position of sensible decision-making when climate matters are concerned.
Kaitiakitanga’ is a core value NewZeal party upholds - ‘the balance between protecting our ecology as well as ‘tāngata’ people.

So, all people, as well as our environment can prosper and thrive.
Including our farmers who provide our food.

Merepeka Raukawa-Tait, Te Pāti Māori

Everything points to more adverse weather events happening in New Zealand.

We love our lakeside properties but in future we will need to be more conscious about where we build, materials we use and I think consenting will probably become hotly debated with local councils.

Has the Rotorua Lakes Council approached other councils asking how they dealt with a similar problem?

A business is at stake here. I believe it will be young people driving action on climate change.

Successive governments could have planned for climate change and environmental impacts long before now. A case of too little too late.

- Independent candidate Jonn Naera was also approached.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.