From a campus just an hour south of the Hibiscus Coast, University of Auckland researchers are leading a project that’s turning rooftops white in some of the hottest places on Earth.

The REFLECT project, managed by Dr Noah Bunkley from the University’s Centre for Pacific and Global Health, is testing whether reflective “cool roofs” can protect people from dangerous heat in Niue, Mexico, India and Burkina Faso.

Temperatures in these countries can soar over 45°C, or sit above 32°C with humidity at 90% — conditions that raise the risk of heat stroke, heart problems and kidney failure.

While the Hibiscus Coast doesn’t see those extremes, Auckland summers are getting hotter and heatwaves more common.

The idea is simple: a white reflective coating bounces sunlight away, lowering indoor temperatures and reducing the need for air conditioning.

It’s cheap, quick to apply and could one day be used here to cut energy bills and keep homes comfortable in summer.

In Niue, the Auckland team has painted 200 roofs so far, with another group of households waiting in a control trial.

Reflective white roof coatings have been applied to about 100 roofs in Niue.

Over the next year, researchers will track physical health, mental wellbeing, and hospital visits to see if cooler homes make a measurable difference.

Dr Bunkley says the aim is to build strong evidence to roll the approach out globally.

“Cool roofs could be a climate change adaptation tool with huge benefits,” he says.

Results are expected early next year — and could inspire similar solutions right here on the Hibiscus Coast.

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