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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, and storm surge.
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 on managing the effects of natural hazards through regional and district plans and policy documents.
- Flood risk management
- Alexandra Flood Protection Scheme
- Waiho River at Franz Josef, South Westland
- Lower Waikato-Waipa Control Scheme
For more information on best practice visit the Quality Planning website.
Last updated: 19 October 2009
