Literature Review of Catchment Models in Aotearoa New Zealand for Ecological and Social Climate Change Effects

Shifting climatic averages and extremes are affecting both environmental and anthropogenic communities. This is a growing concern, especially for social–ecological systems (SES) such as lakes and their catchments, which integrate ecological and societal subsystems. Models are frequently used for research and management of these SESs, although these tools may not be capable of simulating processes from both subsystems. We conducted a literature review to assess the ability of ten catchment models commonly applied in Aotearoa New Zealand to simulate broad climate change effects. Assessment criteria represented the ecological system (hydrology, sediment transport, contaminants) and social system (economics, cultural values) of lake catchments. All of the reviewed catchment models demonstrated capacity for simulating one or more ecological criteria, while only three addressed the economics criteria within the social system. Based on these findings, we discuss model trade‐offs and highlight options for more holistically incorporating the social system into models of SESs. Advancing the development and applications of such models will provide a basis for more integrated and effective management in the years to come.