Natural Hazards
Natural hazard mapping
Western Bay of Plenty District Council (Council) and Bay of Plenty Regional Council (Regional Council) are regularly updating the natural hazard maps for the District. This includes flooding (from extreme rainfall), coastal inundation (flooding from the sea), coastal erosion, land instability, tsunami, liquefaction and active faults.
The District Plan Maps still contain the most up-to-date natural hazards mapping we have for:
- Flooding at Ōmokoroa
- Coastal inundation (flooding from the sea) at Waihī Beach, Ōmokoroa and Pukehina
- Coastal erosion at Ōmokoroa
- Land instability at Athenree, Tanners Point, Ongare Point, Ōmokoroa, Plummers Point, the Minden (Lifestyle Zone), Te Puna West and Maketu
In other cases, the latest information we hold about natural hazards are from mapping studies not yet reflected in the District Plan, including:
- Flooding at Waihī Beach, Athenree and Bowentown
- Flooding along the Wairoa River (downstream of the Ruahihi Power Station)
- Flooding at Katikati
- Flooding at Te Puke
- Flooding in Rural Areas and Small Settlements (Tanners Point, Tuapiro Point, Ongare Point, Kauri Point, Katikati Lifestyle Zone, Plummers Point, Te Puna West, Tides Reach Rural-Residential Zone, Minden Lifestyle Zone, Te Puna Business Park, Tara Road Rural-Residential Zone, Te Puke Lifestyle Zone, Paengaroa, Rangiuru Business Park, Maketu, Little Waihi, Pukehina, Arawa Road Residential Zone and Rogers Road Residential Zone)
- Coastal inundation along the Tauranga Harbour
- Coastal erosion along the Tauranga Harbour
- Coastal erosion at Waihī Beach, Matakana Island, Maketu, Waihi Estuary and Pukehina to Otamarakau
- Tsunami for the whole District
- Liquefaction in the Ōmokoroa Stage 3 Structure Plan Area
- Liquefaction for the remainder of the District
Mapping Purpose
This information will help people make informed decisions about undertaking building works, buying property or preparing for a natural disaster. As each hazard map is completed, landowners will be notified and the information will be made available on Council's website. It will also be included on property files and in any land information memoranda (LIMs) requested for properties.
Once available, the hazard maps will also be used by Council staff when processing resource consents, project information memoranda and building consents to ensure that the risk from natural hazards to people and buildings is assessed.
Frequently asked questions about natural hazards
Why are the councils doing this work?
Natural hazards can pose a significant risk to people's lives and wellbeing as well as to buildings and infrastructure. The Resource Management Act (RMA) requires councils to manage significant risks from natural hazards as a matter of national importance. The Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement (RPS) sets out the way in which natural hazards are to be mapped and how risks are to be identified and managed. Council must follow the national and regional direction given.
Why does it have it be done now?
It is important to identify land susceptible to natural hazards so that we are aware of the risks involved and can plan to reduce those risks. Events such as the Christchurch earthquakes and Edgecumbe flood have highlighted the need to take natural hazard risk more seriously. Councils also need to respond to new requirements in legislation within a certain time.
What should I do in the event of a natural disaster?
If a disaster happened now would you be ready? Natural hazards have the potential to cause disruption, property damage and take lives, so it is vital that you prepare now. Visit the Get Thru website to learn how to get ready, so you'll get through.
You can also stay up to date with the latest local Civil Defence and Emergency Management alerts and news at bopcivildefence.govt.nz.
Are these natural hazards affected by climate change?
Yes, many natural hazards will be influenced by the effects of climate change such as sea level rise and the increasing intensity of rainfall. Examples of hazards affected by climate change include flooding (from extreme rainfall), coastal inundation (flooding from the sea), coastal erosion, tsunami and liquefaction.
Can we trust the science behind the identification of natural hazards?
As with any future projections, there are always going to be uncertainties. However, to ensure we get things as accurate as possible, all natural hazard maps will be based on the latest scientific knowledge and best practice. Regional and national guidance is also provided through the requirements of the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS). Also, when completing the mapping, the councils work with experts who can demonstrate an ability to achieve these requirements.
Why is a District Plan Change necessary?
The District Plan will need to be changed to meet the requirements of the Resource Management Act (RMA) and Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement (RPS). Updating the District Plan will show landowners and developers what areas are subject to natural hazards and what restrictions apply within them.
Can I still build on land identified with natural hazards?
Yes, but there are some restrictions. For example; in floodable areas and coastal inundation areas minimum floor levels are required for dwellings and other habitable buildings; within coastal erosion areas only one dwelling can be built per title and these must be designed to be relocatable; and in land stability and liquefaction areas a geotechnical report is required to ensure buildings are established on solid foundations.
I'm currently building or have just finished building on a property not identified with a natural hazard - what will it mean for me if a hazard is identified later?
If you are currently building and have the necessary consents all you need to do is ensure you complete the building works in accordance with those consents and their timeframes.
However, if the project is not completed in time and you need to re-apply for consents, you will be required to address any newly identified natural hazards. If you have finished building in accordance with the necessary consents and their timeframes, the identification of a natural hazard won't affect the building works.
Note: If you have not commenced building yet but have the necessary consent/s, you can continue with your project as per the consent/s, but may want to consider taking into account any updated natural hazard information.
What is a Land Information Memorandum?
A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) is a report that provides an applicant with information about what Council knows about a property that may affect it. For both sellers and buyers, a LIM may answer some important questions about the land or any buildings that are on the property. Council is required by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 to make LIM information available to any interested party. This includes any information that Council may hold in relation to natural hazards.
Will the identification of natural hazards affect my property value or insurance?
Council is responsible for making sure that any information we have about your property is easily available upon request. We recommend you seek advice from a property valuation or insurance expert about any concerns you may have regarding property values or insurance.
How is Council going to keep landowners informed of what's going on?
Council plans to communicate natural hazard information in a range of ways:
- Letters to landowners
- Website updates
- Property files
- Land Information Memoranda (LIMs)
- Opportunities to e-mail, phone or meet with Council staff
Got a different question or want more information?
For more information about the District's natural hazards including existing maps and technical reports, current and upcoming projects, and frequently asked questions for each hazard, follow the links below:
You can also visit the Regional Council's natural hazards webpage for additional information about natural hazards.
If you have any further questions, please contact Council on 0800 926 732 or at customerservice@westernbay.govt.nz.
