Southland’s coastline needs urgent attention according to AUT alumna and Coastal Restoration Trust science award winner Cassie Newman.
Her thesis, which studied four coastlines in Southland using historic satellite images and 3D unmanned aerial vehicle techniques to map the changing coastline has found that parts of the coastline, including roads and buildings are at serious risk.
“You can see the definite patterns of erosion over time and, by understanding these changes, we can help manage and prepare coastlines for the future, which of course includes climate change,” she said.
Cassie’s hope is that this research will help inform the local communities about the risks they face not only in the present but in the future.
