Key Takeaways
- New Zealand is prone to flooding, with it being the country’s most common natural hazard, yet many residents are unprepared for it.
- The same regions are affected by flooding every year, including Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, West Coast, and Canterbury.
- The country needs to rethink its approach to rebuilding and infrastructure development to mitigate the effects of flooding.
- Investment in resilience and disaster preparation is crucial, and the government needs to prioritize funding for these areas.
- The new Emergency Management Bill aims to address failings in the current system, but more needs to be done to prepare for the increasing frequency of storms.
Introduction to New Zealand’s Flooding Problem
New Zealand is a country prone to flooding, with it being the most common natural hazard affecting the nation. However, despite its frequency, many residents are often unprepared for it, with a greater focus on earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The same regions are affected by flooding every year, including Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, West Coast, and Canterbury. The storms that cause these floods are destructive, devastating, and heartbreaking, leaving a trail of destruction and disruption in their wake.
Lack of Preparation and Infrastructure
Newsroom political reporter Fox Meyer notes that Kiwis tend to be a fearless people, which may contribute to the lack of preparation for flooding. Gwen McClure, also from the US, agrees, stating that in her home country, people are more prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. She believes that New Zealand needs to adopt a similar mindset, with a greater emphasis on preparation and infrastructure development. The country’s infrastructure is often unable to handle the heavy rainfall, leading to widespread damage and disruption.
The Need for Change
The Detail team suggests that the country needs to rethink its approach to rebuilding and infrastructure development. Fox Meyer notes that the issue is being taken seriously, with legislative change in the pipeline, including the new Emergency Management Bill. However, he also states that these concerns are not new and that many experts have been warning about the vulnerabilities in the system for some time. The bill aims to address these failings, but more needs to be done to prepare for the increasing frequency of storms.
Investing in Resilience and Disaster Preparation
Nick Leggett, chief executive of Infrastructure New Zealand, believes that the country needs to invest more in resilience and disaster preparation. He notes that the current approach to rebuilding is often focused on the short-term, with a emphasis on reinstating damaged infrastructure rather than improving it. Leggett argues that this approach is not sustainable and that the country needs to prioritize investment in mitigation and adaptation measures. He also suggests that the country needs to make better use of new technology to get ahead of problems before they arrive.
The Importance of Prioritization and Cooperation
Leggett emphasizes the need for prioritization and cooperation in making investment decisions and building infrastructure. He notes that the country needs to be armed with information about risk and where the problems are, in order to prioritize investment. He also suggests that the country needs to be more cooperative in its approach, with a greater emphasis on working together to find solutions. This includes working with district council neighbors and the government to address issues such as the Waioweka Gorge route, which is not in the region of Gisborne but is crucial for the city’s connectivity.
The Impact of Flooding on Communities
The latest storms have had a significant impact on communities, with up to 40 slips blocking the 60 kilometers of the main gorge linking Gisborne to Opotiki. Mayor Rehette Stoltz notes that the community is incredibly proud of the way it responds to weather warnings, but that the region deserves a break from the constant storms. The community is working together to sort out issues, but the lack of connectivity and infrastructure development is a major challenge. The city’s isolation is also a concern, with Gisborne being one of the most isolated cities in the world.
The Issue of Insurance and Uninsurable Properties
The continual storms have also raised concerns about insurance, with premiums skyrocketing and many properties becoming uninsurable. RNZ climate change journalist Kate Newton notes that this is a major issue, with many homeowners struggling to afford insurance or being left without coverage. The problem of uninsurable properties is also a concern, with many homes and businesses being left vulnerable to the effects of flooding. The government and insurance companies need to work together to find solutions to this issue, including providing support for homeowners and businesses affected by flooding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to flooding and infrastructure development. The country needs to prioritize investment in resilience and disaster preparation, and work together to find solutions to the challenges posed by flooding. The new Emergency Management Bill is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to prepare for the increasing frequency of storms. By working together and prioritizing investment in mitigation and adaptation measures, the country can reduce the impact of flooding and create a more resilient and sustainable future for its communities.
