Retreat could be unavoidable in some situations because of intolerable risk or to ensure safety, a draft document attributed to Mr Radich stated.
It was also argued relocating people and assets could be a pivotal plank in setting up an area for a strong future in harmony with its environment, in some ways resulting in "a better place to live".
The Dunedin City Council will next week debate a draft submission to a parliamentary inquiry about adapting to climate change. It has been recommended Mr Radich, or his delegate, be given authority to speak at any inquiry hearing.
The council’s draft submission criticised a central concept of the inquiry — community-led retreat, which was defined as "moving homes, businesses, sites of cultural significance or taonga out of harm’s way, in a carefully planned process that involves the community at every step".
This terminology implied retreat or relocation would be driven or led by the community "and this may not always be the case", the draft submission said.
Noting the inquiry’s use of the word "involves", the council pointed out "involvement in an adaptation process is different from leading".
The inquiry itself observed not everyone may be on board to retreat.
"People may not want to retreat due to their connection to the land, the amount of money they have invested in it, the desire to negotiate greater compensation or other financial assistance, the cost of moving somewhere else and the difficulty in finding another suitable place to live."
South Dunedin has been used as a case study for the inquiry.
It was described as being home to about 13,500 people, 1500 businesses and a range of critical city infrastructure.
"Over time, coastal erosion and high groundwater have impacted the community and the sea level is estimated to have already risen about 20cm over the past 100 years."
The 2015 flooding was noted and "these heavy rainfall events are expected to increase in intensity and frequency in the future".
It is expected substantial changes in land use will need to happen in South Dunedin over the next century — particularly allowing more space for water — and a comprehensive strategy is under development for delivery from 2026.
A voluntary property acquisition scheme could be one approach and the council has had preliminary discussions with the Treasury about government support.
The council’s draft submission also raised objections to the inquiry’s mentality about retreat.
Retreat, or relocation, "is not just an end game, the culmination of other failed options", it argued.
"Rather, it can be an enabler of new protective infrastructure, of creating space for nature-based solutions that not only make an area safer but also a better place to live, and for reshaping urban form to better align with a changing natural environment."
Relocating people and assets out of harm’s way "should not be viewed as an option of last resort" and, when combined with other approaches, outcomes could be positive, the draft submission said.
A council spokesman said today the submission was drafted by staff and the mayor and councillors were yet to consider it.
"In the first instance, staff draft such submissions for consideration by the council. Once council formalises its collective position, the mayor is usually the signatory of the finalised submission."
