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Natural hazard management

New Zealanders are exposed to a wide variety of natural hazards. The hazard we most often encounter is flooding. However, the most dangerous hazard is earthquake and the most underrated is volcanic eruption. Other natural hazards that have caused severe disruption and damage in the past are snow, wind, landslide, coastal erosion, storm surge and tsunami.

Regional, city and district councils have a range of roles in:

  • managing for hazardous events
  • responding to emergencies
  • ensuring that essential services are maintained.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is responsible for ensuring systems are in place to adequately deal with an emergency and the post-emergency recovery phase after such an event.

The Ministry for the Environment provides guidance for and promotes best practice for dealing with hazards in regional and district plans and policy documents.

For more information on best practice visit the Quality Planning website.