Important
Find out the city will be affected, and where to find further information.
What we already know
Our city needs to respond to the adverse effects of climate change already happening in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt, and prepare for future impacts. Climate impacts include sea-level rise, storm surges and flooding. For example, we are guaranteed at least half a metre of sea-level rise this century, and storm surge inundation (flooding by the sea during storms) will occur more often and be more severe due to sea-level rise. The sea-level is currently rising about 3mm per year in the Wellington region.
We have been building our knowledge of these risks through research such as Preparing Coastal Communities for Climate Change and modelling flood hazards across urban Lower Hutt. Additionally, information on climate change impacts on Lower Hutt is included in Land Information Memorandum (LIM) reports, and used in Council’s consenting process for planning, building and subdividing. Council has included flooding and coastal hazard information into proposed District Plan Change 56.
There are also a range of reports and maps to illustrate impacts, such as
Climate change maps for the Wellington Region
Sea level rise maps for the Wellington Region
Climate change projections for the Wellington Region
Next steps
Hutt City Council is collaborating with the region’s councils to develop a regional risk assessment for key climate change impacts. This project will underpin the regional approach to climate change impacts undertaken by the Wellington Region Climate Change Forum.
The latest information about risks is also being considered as part of Hutt City Council’s District Plan Review, which will identify areas at risk of natural hazards, including sea-level rise and extreme weather events, and may restrict use and activities in these areas.