Natural Hazards, Sea Level Rise and the New Auckland Unitary Plan: Implications for Low Lying Coastal Communities

Chris Murphy

Abstract

This paper uses the objectives and policies inherent in the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 as a template for benchmarking the adaptation strategies contained in the Unitary Plan for Auckland City, New Zealand’s largest coastal municipal centre. The research analyses the stakeholder feedback from the public submission section devoted to coastal hazards, and assesses through selected criteria and a rating system, developed in conjunction with literature studies and stakeholder contribution, the degree to which the plan aligns with the policies of adaptation required by this Coastal Policy Statement. A case study tests the effectiveness of the adaptation requirements. Results indicate an appropriate degree of compliance with the relevant adaptation criteria, but that, in order to minimise future disruption, more attention should be given to the long-term planned withdrawal of housing from hazardous coastal situations.