Better planning will help protect our communities as floods become the norm – Editorial
The sub-tropical low that smashed its way across the North Island last week was another stark reminder of vulnerability to severe weather.
For many Northlanders it was the third time this year alone that they had experienced flooding. Many remain homeless as the clean-up continues.
They are no strangers to wild weather and the impact it can have. In the past few years, the region has experienced several devastating storms, including cyclones Hale and Gabrielle.
During these events we hear repeatedly of the resilience of people. Neighbours rally around to support one another, marae open their doors, volunteer firefighters and civil defence teams work to support the worst affected.
This collective support network that appears at these times is a testament to the spirit for which Kiwis are renowned.
But resilience alone is not enough.
Investing in better infrastructure and improving flood protection and drainage are a great start and this is already paying off in some parts of Te Tai Tokerau.
Northland Civil Defence chairman Colin “Toss” Kitchen said last week that major upgrades to Kaitāia’s flood-control scheme prevented loss of life in the town.
His comments came after 400 people were evacuated, in the dark, from their homes in the north of the town last Thursday.
In 2024, the Far North communities of Kawakawa, Moerewa and Ōtiria welcomed the opening of the multimillion-dollar flood protection schemes aimed at protecting all three from repeated devastating flooding.
New research from Earth Sciences New Zealand shows that more than 24,000 Northlanders live in locations exposed to a one-in-100-year flood event.
Dr Emily Lane, programme leader and Earth Sciences NZ principal hazards scientist, said the research emphasised what many already know: flooding is one of the major hazards in Aotearoa.
On top of those living in areas at risk of flooding, the research showed that more people would be affected by vital infrastructure being taken out, she said.
About 17% of roads and 45% of stormwater pipes in the Northland region were at risk of flooding without any additional warming.
The Government is already acting on the research findings, committing to national flood mapping.
This will be essential to help stop people building in the wrong places.
Some New Zealand councils have bought the reusable Ark flood barriers to help protect areas from flooding.
The company behind these hopes more councils will adopt them as a short-term solution while longer-term flood protection projects are developed.
Whatever we decide to do, if we want to make sure our communities are as protected as they can be, we need to start having these tough conversations now.
The weather may be beyond our control, but how we prepare for it isn’t.