PUBLISHED 9 JULY 2026
When waters rise: Climate change, regional risk and infrastructure investment
Flooding, which includes both inland and coastal flooding, is already one of New Zealand's most costly natural hazards, and the costs are rising. Climate change is increasing flood frequency and severity, sea levels are rising, and communities and infrastructure networks that were designed for yesterday's conditions will face greater pressure in the decades ahead.
Flooding, which includes both inland and coastal flooding, is already one of New Zealand's most costly natural hazards, and the costs are rising. Climate change is increasing flood frequency and severity, sea levels are rising, and communities and infrastructure networks that were designed for yesterday's conditions will face greater pressure in the decades ahead.