National Flood Map
Developing the first map to provide flood risk information for the whole of New Zealand.
We are developing New Zealand’s first National Flood Map to provide a trusted source of flood risk information for the whole country.
A National Flood Map will unify the best available local, regional and national-scale data, so everyone can access information to help them make informed decisions.
The National Flood Map is one of the key actions under the Government’s wider National Adaptation Framework.
- Show where flooding from rivers, heavy rain, or the sea is likely to happen now and in the future.
- Show where and how climate change may increase flood risk over time.
- Provide trusted information to underpin council adaptation planning, land use and development, infrastructure investment, and emergency responses.
- Provide homeowners, buyers and sellers access to flood risk information relevant to them.
- Identify gaps in existing data, so new information can be prioritised and developed over time.
Despite floods being a leading hazard in terms of loss, currently, information about flood risk is fragmented across the country. Councils and other organisations use different models, methods, and maps.
In some places we have very good regional or local maps. In other places, this information is lacking.
No current publicly-available map combines high-quality, detailed local or regional flood information with national data to build a unified and consistent view.
The first-generation map will bring together the best available data and mapping from local government, public research organisations and central government.
Local and regional data will be carefully checked and integrated with national-scale information.
The first-generation map is expected to be publicly released in 2027.
The map will be improved and expanded on over time, as new science, data and technology become available. Where there are gaps or uncertainties, these will be clearly shown to identify where future improvements are needed.
We are currently exploring the potential scope of the first-generation flood map. We have issued a Request for Information inviting input from external organisations to inform the Ministry’s approach to delivering the map.