Investing in climate resilience

In the aftermath of recent weather events and their recovery costs, there is a sense of urgency felt across all regions and increased public awareness of the need to build climate resilience.  

Regional and unitary councils install and maintain flood management assets and systems to prevent flooding and erosion. This helps to safeguard people’s lives, properties, and livelihoods – including food production and valuable exports – as well as critical infrastructure. 

As regional government, we recognise the scale of the challenge ahead. That’s why we’ve stepped up our investment in flood management over the next 10-years and we’re working together to build more resilient river-based communities. 

Through Long-Term-Plans, regional and unitary councils are set to collectively invest billions of dollars over the next decade in new flood management projects and maintaining and improving existing resilience infrastructure. 

The level of protection that this infrastructure provides to vulnerable communities and critical lifelines – such as roads, hospitals and energy networks – far outweighs the upfront costs. For example, every $1 invested in flood resilience infrastructure saves $8 in clean-up after a flood event. 

Local government cannot deliver climate adaption alone

For flood management services to be viable in the future, it can’t be reliant solely on regional ratepayers. It will take all of us together - involving central and local government, insurers, banks, iwi/hapū, and flood-prone communities. 

We know from recent weather events that the cost of clean-up and recovery far outweighs the cost of building resilience before the deluge.  

It is positive for New Zealand communities that Central Government has made moves to recognise the importance of building resilience in the face of increasing severe weather events – and we look forward to working together more.  

The Government’s $1.2b Regional Infrastructure Fund has appropriated $200m through Budget 2024 as a start point for supporting projects that lift regional resilience to flooding. Of this initial amount, $101m is earmarked for 42 projects put forward by regional and unitary councils as part of a collective business case titled, Before the Deluge.  

The funding announced is co-investment, meaning regional and unitary councils are also contributing 40% of the funds to make the projects happen.  

Councils will be responsible for delivering the projects that are set to significantly increase the level of flood management infrastructure. 

Without sustained long-term cost-sharing with central government, local and regional councils will not be able to provide the infrastructure that our communities expect and deserve.  

We are actively seeking to work with central government, industry players, and mana whenua to build resilient communities using a range of climate adaptation options.