Coastal communities’ inundation maps released

Published: 14 December 2023

Last Updated: 18 December 2023

A vital tool in planning for the future is being provided to the community this week to better prepare for the effects of climate change.

Coastal inundation maps have been prepared as part of a report, Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Inundation, commissioned jointly by Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. They show the potential impacts of seawater flooding in the year 2100.

Having information that far into the future is essential for helping the community build resilience, explains Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise.

“We welcome this modelling and mapping because the more information we have about natural hazards, the better we can plan. This information will help us make sound decisions about future infrastructure investment.”

“This work shows scenarios up to 75 years into the future, so we can help our community be prepared, says Mayor Wise.

“The report is a reminder that all coastal communities in New Zealand must continue to adapt and challenge the status quo. What works today may not work in years to come.”

Coastal inundation maps show how coastal areas from Clifton to Tangoio could be affected by future sea level rise. They were developed by environmental and engineering consultants at Tonkin + Taylor Ltd and peer reviewed by NIWA. The goal of the mapping exercise is to help inform decision making such as setting minimum floor heights and planning future infrastructure. There is also a legislated requirement from central government to map coastal hazard risks.

“The implications of inundation mapping will be slightly different for each property owner, depending on where the property is,” explains Mayor Wise.

By legislation (Building Act 2004), properties within coastal inundation zones must have notes on their property files, which will be accessible through the Land Information Memorandum process. New builds and renovations will benefit from having the modelling in place as floor levels will be set to account for potential inundation impacts.

For councils, the modelling will be considered during building consent and subdivision consent processes, and in land use and infrastructure planning. Napier has already put in place some mitigation measures such as raised gravel barriers, stormwater networks, gravel bunds and pumps.

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