Coastal science

We asked independent consultancy Jacobs New Zealand Limited to assess our district for coastal hazards, from Ōtaki in the north to Paekākāriki in the south.

The assessment updates previous coastal hazard assessments of the Kāpiti Coast District shoreline. It identifies areas susceptible to current and future coastal erosion and inundation under various potential magnitudes of sea-level rise over 30, 50, and 100 years. It identifies Council infrastructure, community services and private property vulnerable to those hazards.

The report

The report, known as the Kāpiti Coast Coastal Hazards Susceptibility and Vulnerability Assessment[PDF 11.98 MB], is based on robust scientific and technical data. It has been independently peer reviewed by Beca and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

It's made up of two documents:

Kāpiti Coast Coastal Hazards Susceptibility and Vulnerability Assessment – Report[PDF 11.98 MB]
Kāpiti Coast Coastal Hazards Susceptibility and Vulnerability Assessment – Appendices[PDF 48.23 MB].

The report reflects both national and international best practice, and meets the requirements of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 and Ministry for the Environment: Preparing for Coastal Change. Guidance for Local Government.

Use our coastal hazards GIS map viewer to see how your property could be affected.

What is coastal erosion?

To support understanding of coastal erosion processes, watch coastal geomorphologist Derek Todd give an overview of coastal erosion, and answer questions about coastal processes and the impacts they're likely to have.

Likely effects of sea-level rise

These short videos outline the likely effects of sea-level rise on the Kāpiti Coast.

Our changing Kāpiti Coast – understanding future sea-level rise on the Kāpiti Coast

Effects of future sea-level rise on the Northern Kāpiti Coast (Waikanae Beach and north)

Effects of future sea-level rise on the Central Kāpiti Coast (Paraparaumu Beach and Waikanae estuary)

Effects of future sea-level rise on the Southern Kāpiti Coast (south of Paraparaumu Beach)

Methodology

Before starting work on the report, Jacobs documented the methodology to be used, and provided this in report form to Council. This methodology report, Coastal Hazard Assessment Technical Report Volume 1 Methodology[PDF 32.51 MB], has been externally peer reviewed by Beca and Greater Wellington Regional Council, and statements of review are attached at end of it.