Auckland Council is advancing changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan to enhance resilience to natural hazards, addressing high-risk areas for flooding, land subsidence, and coastal erosion.

"The unique geography of Tāmaki Makaurau, with its 3200km of coastline and three harbours, makes Auckland special but also vulnerable to natural hazards," said Planning Committee Chair Richard Hills.

Feedback on the Future Development Strategy indicated that locals want to limit growth in hazard-prone areas.

Hills explained, "We’re seeing more frequent extreme weather events, and residents are concerned about new developments in flood-prone zones."

The proposed changes will require higher standards for developers in these areas, aiming to reduce potential harm.

The plan change is part of broader efforts, including the Making Space for Water programme and the Shoreline Adaptation Programme, to bolster Auckland's climate resilience.

Aucklandwide Planning Manager Phill Reid added, "This plan will help protect our region by strengthening controls over building in hazard-prone areas and ensuring better assessments of resource consent applications."

The council is currently defining the scope of the plan change, with opportunities for public input expected later in 2024.