Natural Hazards Print E-mail
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Natural Hazards Natural Hazards Indicators (what we measure)

 

Overview

Te Aroha Flood in 1985The district is subject to a wide range of natural hazards. Several significant natural events have been recorded that have caused loss of life, and damage to property and the environment. Our district’s hazards include:
  • Flooding – extensive flood protection schemes have been implemented to minimise flood damage in the district.
  • Erosion and landslides - important concerns in hill country in the district, particularly on the steep slopes of Mount Te Aroha, and along the Kaimai Ranges.
  • Fire - from burning forest is a rare event within the district, but still poses a significant risk.
  • Wind - can be a problem in areas adjacent to the Kaimai Ranges, and in known wind tunnelling areas.
  • Peat Soils - represent a hazard because of the subsidence, fire and flood risks that are associated with them.

 

 

Our Situation

There are approximately 8091 hectares of land that has been identified by Council as being at risk of flooding. A ‘flood event’ is a mean annual event or higher. Whilst no flooding events have been recorded between 2003/04 and 2007/08, the district suffered three main flooding events from 2000/01 to 2002/03. In June 2002, a flood considered as a ‘one-in-twenty-year-event’ occurred; this ‘weather bomb’ caused damage to Council infrastructure estimated at a value of $263,500. In addition to this, another $1,467,200 worth of storm water upgrades were recommended to be undertaken by Council following this storm. There was also a one-in-five year flood event on the Waitoa River in July 2002 and a one-in-five year event on the Waihou River in January 2003. In July 2008 the district suffered a flood causing approximately $191,820 worth of damage to Council infrastructure.

 

New developments in known hazard zones are potentially at high risk of being damaged by hazard events. Between 2000/01 and 2008/09, 135 resource or building consents have been applied for within the flood protection area in the district. All 135 consents were granted, subject to conditions to mitigate potential adverse effects. These consents were for activities such as building new garages, relocating dwellings, and upgrading buildings. There are approximately 274 buildings existing within the flood protection zone.

 

Number of Resource and Building Consents applied for within flood protection area

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