Te āhuarangi hurihuri Climate change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Since the 1800s, human activities—primarily the burning of fossil fuels—have been the main driver of these shifts, causing average temperatures to rise, sea levels to increase, and weather patterns to change.

For natural hazards, this means some existing hazards are becoming more frequent or severe, and some risks that were previously rare are becoming more common.

New Zealand experiences a wide range of natural hazards. Climate change doesn't create most of them from scratch - but it does change the odds. Some hazards will happen more often, affect larger areas, or arrive with less warning than they have historically.

The New Zealand Government has developed a National Adaptation Planopen_in_new to help New Zealanders understand and respond to these changes.

Coastal hazards

Rising sea levels will increase the frequency of coastal flooding, even without storm events. Properties that currently flood occasionally may flood regularly. Coastal erosion and cliff instability are also likely to increase. If you live near the coast, it's worth checking projected sea level rise and erosion rates for your area through your local council.

Find your local council's natural hazard information and maps

Storms and floods

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall and ex-tropical cyclones in New Zealand. This means more frequent flooding, and floods that reach further or hit harder than historical patterns would suggest.

See Storms and floods for more information.

Landslides

Landslides are more likely when the ground is saturated. Higher rainfall and rising groundwater levels associated with climate change, are increasing landslide risk in many parts of the country. Coastal erosion driven by sea level rise is also destabilising some slopes near the coast.

See Landslides for more information.

Earthquakes

Climate change won't change the frequency or magnitude of earthquakes. However, some earthquake-related hazards - particularly liquefaction and earthquake-triggered landslides - may become more common as groundwater levels rise.

See Earthquakes for more information.

Tsunami

Sea level rise means tsunami can travel further inland than historical records would suggest, affecting areas that may not have inundated in past events.

See Tsunami for more information.

Volcanic activity

Climate change won't affect volcanic eruptions. However, non-eruptive hazards such as lahars may increase with more extreme rainfall.

See Volcanic and hydrothermal activity for more information.

The impacts of climate change on your property will depend on where you live and how your home is built. Some things are worth thinking about now, particularly if you are renovating, maintaining, or considering buying or selling a property.

Flood prone areas

For homes in flood-prone areas, it's worth checking whether floor levels, drainage, and the positioning of key services like electrical switchboards and hot water systems leave room for increased flood risk over time. Small changes during a renovation can make a meaningful difference.

Coastal properties

For coastal properties, understanding projected sea level rise and erosion rates for your specific location is a practical starting point. Your local council is the right first contact for this.

Slopes and landslides

For properties on or near slopes, maintaining good drainage and vegetation cover reduces landslide risk. If you notice signs of ground movement — cracks in foundations or walls, doors or windows that no longer close easily — it is worth getting professional advice sooner rather than later.

• Learn how to make your home saferopen_in_new
• Search your address in the Natural Hazards Portal to find out which hazards may affect your property
• Check your local council website for information about local hazards and emergency planning in your area
• Visit the Ministry for the Environmentopen_in_new for information on New Zealand's national climate adaptation plan