Water sector storm recovery: are we future proofed?

Author: Chris Cameron, Matt Balkham, Chris Thurston

Source: Pattle Delamore Partners Ltd

Year: 2023

Abstract

In the wake of this year's flooding events. Chris Cameron, Matt Bolkhom, Chris Thurston - members of the Water New Zealand Climate Change Special Interest Group, and practitioners who collectively have decades of experience in climate adaptation, shine a spotlight on the need for longer-term proactive climate adaptation action.

The impact of the Auckland Anniversary weekend storms, closely followed by Cyclone Gabrielle, have required immediate and decisive responses.

While water services experienced extensive damage and disruption, the water sector must also consider the longer-term inevitability of more intense storm events, and the likelihood of repeated episodes of flooding (and other damage) due to climate change.