Flood mapping released

Published: 22 November 2024

Napier City Council has uploaded flood maps that show the expected extent and depth of flooding under the 2% and 1% AEP rainfall conditions. 

Two separate flood models were developed as Napier is divided by an estuary, Te Whanganui a Orotu. The Bayview Model covers the area north of the estuary. Te Awa Meeanee Model covers the area south of the estuary. The mapping from the two models is displayed under each of the two rainfall conditions.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says the release of updated flood maps is an important part of providing the community with the latest information on flood risks.

“Our council is very focused on preparing for any future extreme weather events, especially so since the impacts of the 2020 floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. This includes giving community tools to understand hazards,” explains Mayor Wise. “We are doing a lot of work in the stormwater management and mitigation space. This includes strategic investments and infrastructure improvements from pump upgrades and portable generators through to using new technology and data analysis. Flood mapping is another tool to help our community build its resilience.”

Executive Director Infrastructure, Russell Bond, explains the flood mapping is a crucial tool for the public, as well as for Hawke’s Bay councils.

“We have spent some time doing rigorous testing and trialling of the flood maps ahead of releasing them to the public,” Russell says. “It is a complex piece of work and it’s essential the maps give councils and our community an understanding of the potential impacts from future weather events.

“Flood modelling and mapping is a live space, it’s subject to change and there is a level of limitation within the accuracy of the data,” explains Russell.

Flood maps are regularly updated as new information becomes available. Changes in infrastructure, land use, and climate can all affect the results, so maps are updated and revised. The accuracy of the model depends on the quality of the data and how well it matches real-world conditions. While the model provides a general idea of flood risks across the district, it may not reflect conditions for specific properties or sites.

The updated flood maps are available for public viewing here.

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