Auckland Council is moving forward with changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan aimed at increasing resilience to natural hazards.

This initiative will enhance the standards developers must meet when building in areas prone to flooding, land subsidence, coastal erosion, and inundation.

Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, highlights Auckland’s unique geography.

“Situated on a narrow isthmus, Aucklanders are fortunate to have over 3200km of coastline, sandy beaches and three major harbours on their doorstep. However, this distinctive topography, combined with a changing climate, also makes Auckland vulnerable to natural hazards, like floods, landslides and coastal erosion,” he says.

Feedback from the Future Development Strategy indicated that Aucklanders want to avoid further urban growth in hazard-prone areas due to the risks.

The proposed changes to the Unitary Plan aim to address these concerns and reduce future harm to people and property.

Councillor Hills notes, “Residents have rightly questioned why new developments continue to be built in areas at high risk of flooding. While the work we’re doing can’t completely prevent building in floodplains, it will mean those applying to build here will need to show that the impacts of natural hazards are alleviated to an even higher standard than our current consenting processes.”

Phill Reid, Manager of Aucklandwide Planning, acknowledges the challenges faced by councils.

“Changing the Unitary Plan is one action we can take to help protect our region from the impacts of climate change in the future. It will strengthen controls over what can be built where and allow better assessments to be made of resource consent applications.”

This plan change is part of a broader effort to enhance climate resilience in Auckland, including initiatives like Making Space for Water and the Shoreline Adaptation Programme.

The council will continue to refine the proposed plan change, with opportunities for public input expected later this year.