Quantification of the flood and erosion reduction benefits, and costs, of climate change mitigation measures in New Zealand

This technical report looks at how certain climate change mitigation measures can lead to changes in erosion, flooding  and water yield. Because of New Zealand’s rugged terrain, tectonic instability, short steep river catchments, and weather patterns, there are high rates of natural and induced erosion and frequent large changes in the volume of water in rivers and streams. These can lead to physical and economic losses; and may be reduced through afforestation or reversion in certain environments. Conversely, afforestation or reversion can significantly reduce water yield in certain environments. Putting a dollar value on such potential ‘co-benefits’ and 'co-costs' can assist in developing appropriate New Zealand policies for climate change mitigation.