Regional and unitary councils bring local knowledge and practical solutions to managing flood risk

Regional and unitary councils say growing attention on natural hazard risks reinforces the need for a coordinated national approach that combines better information with practical action and long-term investment to reduce those risks.

Chair of Canterbury Regional Council and Te Uru Kahika Flood Risk Resilience Co-Sponsor, Dr Deon Swiggs, said a recent announcement from a major bank that it will consider natural hazard risks in lending decisions shows how important hazards management and the role of regional and unitary councils have become.

"Local government plays a key role in helping communities understand and prepare for natural hazards, from monitoring and research through to flood protection, emergency response and recovery. We've seen first-hand the impact flooding and slips can have on people, families and businesses, so it's important people have access to good information when they're making major financial and life decisions.

"Regional and unitary councils have been working to make more hazard information publicly available. Councils remain the best source of information about local risks, and that information should be part of lending and insurance decisions. National modelling is valuable, yet it doesn't always reflect the stopbanks, schemes and other work that reduce risk on the ground.

“We encourage banks and insurers to work with us so that protection is recognised.

"Understanding risk is only part of the job. We also need to keep investing in practical measures that reduce those risks and improve community resilience.

"Regional and unitary councils have a strong track record of delivering projects and services that make communities safer and more resilient. Our 367 flood resilience schemes provide $11 billion of benefits to our communities. From these schemes to monitoring networks and early warning systems, this is work that helps reduce risks and protect people," said Dr Swiggs.

Greater Wellington Chair and Te Uru Kahika Flood Resilience Co-Sponsor Daran Ponter said the partnership of regional and unitary councils have an active programme of work to strengthen New Zealand's resilience to flooding and other natural hazards.

“Through Before the Deluge 3.0, a business case from Te Uru Kahika, we’ve set out the case for enduring central and local government co-investment in flood protection. This builds on the incredible work our teams have delivered with backing from successive governments, and asks for a long-term co-commitment to flood resilience infrastructure in New Zealand.

“We've also developed a business case for improved rainfall radar coverage, and are working with government on the New Zealand Flood Map, better hazard data and improvements to how flood risk is considered in planning decisions,” said Chair Ponter.

Dr Swiggs says the scale of the challenge requires a different approach to how New Zealand manages and invests in flood resilience.

"No one organisation can do this alone. We need sustainable long-term funding, better use of technology and a coordinated approach that brings together councils, communities, iwi, central government, banks and insurers.

"Banks are already pricing hazard risk into people's lives. The question now is whether we invest to reduce that risk or leave communities to carry it alone. Regional and unitary councils have the knowledge and the plans. We want the next government to commit to a long-term partnership that gets them delivered," said Dr Swiggs.

ENDS

Media contact: Nicole Taber, Te Uru Kahika Communications Lead, 022 100 2422 

About Te Uru Kahika

Te Uru Kahika – Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa is the partnership of New Zealand's 16 regional and unitary councils. We work together to protect and enhance our environment, build resilient communities, and support a thriving economy.