Thousand of property owners notified after harbour inundation study results

New data illustrates potential inundation levels for low lying areas around Tauranga Harbour. Photo / File

Tauranga City Council has released new data and updated maps that illustrate the potential inundation levels for low-lying areas around Tauranga Harbour.

Letters were sent to the owners of approximately 5500 properties that lie within the areas identified as susceptible to inundation around the harbour.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) carried out this latest study on harbour inundation, which considered a range of storm events and potential sea level rise scenarios up to the year 2130.

Tauranga mayor Greg Browness said the council had a well-established history of research into natural hazards.

"It's increasingly important we have an understanding of the potential for flooding from the sea, and the effects of sea level rise over the next 100 years.

"This study provides us with insights on what inundation could look like for our inner harbour margins, allowing us to prepare and plan for the future. It is our duty to enable our residents to do the same", he said.

The updated information online included a map viewer that allowed people to explore the outcomes of the modelled inundation for different locations, and considered the extent of inundation for various storm events and changes in sea level rise.

"We want to help our community in understanding the information we hold on natural hazards. This new study and the online viewer give everybody the ability to see how inundation may affect property on the inner harbour", Brownless said.

The council will also use the new information when considering resource and building consents applications, and future planning processes.

Community Sessions

The council is holding community sessions to provide the opportunity to meet and discuss this new information with council staff.

Property landowners who received a letter and have further questions are invited to book an appointment at one of the community sessions, held at the following times and locations:

Otumoetai Golf Club - September 3 and 4 - 3pm-6pm
Mount Maunganui Surf Club - September 5,18,19 and 25 - 3pm-6pm
Waipuna Hall, Welcome Bay - September 10 and 12 - 3pm-6pm
TCC Offices, Willow St - September 11, 17, 24 - 3pm-6pm

Research on coastal inundation and other hazards is run in partnership with Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Further research on other hazards such as liquefaction, groundwater levels and inundation of the open coast is also in progress.

The updated information is available on council's website at here.