Climate change  |  5h ago

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Christchurch City Council has decided where its coastal hazards adaptation planning will move next, as part of its long‑term programme to help communities prepare for the impacts of climate change.

The Council will begin the next adaptation planning process in the Lower Ōpāwaho Heathcote to Taylors Mistake area, following a decision by councillors today at the Policy and Planning Committee meeting.

The areas were identified based on coastal hazard risk, the number of public and private assets exposed to future flooding and coastal erosion, and feedback from communities about their readiness to take part in adaptation planning.

Deputy Mayor and Policy and Planning Committee Chair Victoria Henstock says confirming the next adaptation areas is an important step in maintaining momentum following the city’s first completed adaptation plan last year.

“These communities face increasing impacts from sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and land movement, and they’ve clearly told us they’re ready to engage in planning for the future,” Deputy Mayor Henstock says.

“Starting our adaptation planning with them now gives people time to understand the risks, consider a range of options, and be involved in shaping long‑term pathways for their local area.”

Coastal hazards adaptation planning brings together residents, rūnanga, community representatives, technical experts, and Council staff to explore how coastal areas may change over time, and how risks to public assets – such as roads, reserves, water pipes, and walkways – can be managed as sea levels rise.

Planning takes a long‑term view, recognising that sea levels are expected to continue rising for centuries, even if global emissions were to reduce significantly. In Christchurch, ongoing land settlement following the Canterbury earthquakes means some coastal impacts may be felt sooner than previously expected.

Deputy Mayor Henstock says the Council is applying lessons learned from its first adaptation planning process to allow work to progress more efficiently across the district, while maintaining transparency and strong community involvement.

“We know adaptation planning takes time and careful conversation,” she says. “We also know that, by doing it sooner rather than later, we can have more of an impact for communities and ratepayers.

“In confirming where we’re going next, communities can see how this programme will roll out across the city and Banks Peninsula, and where their area sits in the bigger picture.”

Following the Lower Ōpāwaho Heathcote to Taylors Mistake adaptation area, the Council has also agreed a forward sequence for future planning, namely the remaining areas within Banks Peninsula and the Lower Pūharakekenui Styx River, followed by the Lower Ōtakaro Avon River and Waimairi to Southshore. This will help provide certainty for other coastal communities about when adaptation planning is likely to happen in their area.

The decision builds on the completion of the Council’s first coastal hazards adaptation plan – for Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Koukourārata Port Levy – which was adopted last year after two years of working closely with local communities and rūnanga.

“Completing the Whakaraupō and Koukourārata plan showed how powerful this process can be when communities are at the centre,” Deputy Mayor Henstock says.

“Now we’re building on that foundation as we continue planning for our changing coastline and low-lying landscapes, to better protect what matters most – both now and for future generations.”

Early preparation and technical work for the next adaptation areas will get under way soon, with community engagement expected to begin in late 2026.