Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland is at the forefront of delivering innovative, research-driven solutions that strengthen infrastructure resilience and safeguard long-term investments.

With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and environmental challenges, and the growing costs of insurance against these events, the University’s world-leading researchers and engineers are collaborating with government, industry, and investors to develop strategies that enhance infrastructure resilience and adaptation. By integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications, the University is helping to shape climate-ready urban spaces, sustainable transport systems, and robust disaster mitigation frameworks.

The University of Auckland hosts several multidisciplinary research centres dedicated to tackling climate resilience and infrastructure adaptation:

• Ngā Ara Whetū, Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society: A multi-disciplinary initiative addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and societal well-being. This centre develops evidence-based strategies for reducing climate risks, enhancing urban resilience, and promoting equitable solutions.
• Transportation Research Centre (TRC): Focused on sustainable transport systems, TRC collaborates with government and industry to optimise public transport, reduce emissions, and improve infrastructure performance through data-driven solutions.
• Engineering for Natural Hazards Mitigation: This centre applies advanced modelling and socio-economic impact assessment to strengthen infrastructure against natural hazards. It works with iwi, government, and industry to embed resilience into urban planning and construction.
• Māori and Pasifika Engineering Research Centre (MPERC): Combining Indigenous knowledge with engineering expertise, MPERC delivers culturally relevant solutions for climate adaptation, water engineering, and disaster preparedness. By working closely with Māori and Pasifika communities, it ensures research outcomes align with Indigenous values and needs.

The University of Auckland is actively contributing to international and national research programmes that inform infrastructure investment decisions:

• Resilience to Nature’s Challenges (RNC): A programme aimed at developing evidence-based strategies to mitigate financial and human costs associated with climate-related disasters.
• Pacific Climate Research Programme: Led by Pacific researchers, this initiative explores climate migration and its effects on infrastructure resilience across Pacific Island nations and New Zealand.
• Horizon Europe Minority Report Programme: This research programme supports sustainable infrastructure investment strategies and enhances climate adaptation planning at a global scale.

PhD researchers at the University are pioneering solutions to infrastructure challenges, including:

• Interplay of Local and Western Scientific Knowledge in Climate Adaptation (Cook Islands) – Examining how Indigenous knowledge can be integrated into disaster risk reduction strategies.
• Indigenous Approaches to Infrastructure Resilience (Aotearoa New Zealand) – Investigating Māori-led solutions for marae water infrastructure and seismic safety.
• Sustainable Water Resource Management (Vietnam & New Zealand) – Exploring climate-resilient water allocation strategies using system dynamics modelling.
• Infrastructure Asset Management for Climate Resilience (Thames-Coromandel, NZ) – Incorporating climate variability into long-term infrastructure investment planning.

“Effective and impactful research helps investors, developers, and policymakers make informed decisions,” says Greg Murison, CEO UniServices and Pro Vice Chancellor Innovation & Enterprise.

“By leveraging the University’s world-class expertise across engineering, environmental science, and Indigenous knowledge systems, we can provide the insights needed to ensure infrastructure investments are resilient and sustainable as well as being adaptable to the evolving climate landscape.”

UniServices is the commercialisation arm of the University of Auckland, helping industry partners, government agencies, and investors navigate the cross- and multidisciplinary opportunities available within the University. Their expertise ensures seamless engagement with leading researchers and access to innovative solutions that drive infrastructure resilience.

As leaders and decision-makers to discuss the nation’s future following the NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit, we are ready to support future investment with research-driven solutions that will shape a more resilient Aotearoa New Zealand.