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An Overview of Natural Hazards in the Hauraki District

TR 2006/16
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Report: TR06/16

Author: Adam Munro

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of natural hazards in the Hauraki district as a basis for guiding and prioritising work activities by Hauraki District Council and Environment Waikato for 2006/07 and beyond. This report also provides a useful insight into the district's natural hazards as part of the scheduled review of the Hauraki District Plan.

Both agencies have responsibilities for the management of natural hazards in accordance to a complex set of statutory responsibilities, but primarily via the Resource Management Act 1991.

Known natural hazards in the Hauraki district are identified and explained. Hazard scenarios are defined for each natural hazard and existing risk management controls are outlined. A preliminary (qualitative) risk analysis is then undertaken, and an evaluation of the risk from each natural hazard is made as a basis for prioritising risks. This approach is very similar to the hazard assessment that was carried out for the Thames-Coromandel district as part of the Thames Coast Flood Risk Mitigation project.

River flooding hazards pose the greatest risk in terms of potential loss of human life, social disruption, economic cost and infrastructure damage. Coastal flooding has the second highest risk, and earthquakes have the third highest risk. The report also identifies various factors/considerations that are likely to affect natural hazard planning such as climate change, sea level rise, and tectonic deformation.

An Overview of Natural Hazards in the Hauraki District [PDF, 718 KB]