A property at Ruby Bay after ex-Tropical Cyclone Fehi hit Tasman District in February 2018.
An estimated 8400 people in Tasman District live in low-lying coastal areas that are vulnerable to storm inundation and sea level rise, according to a new report. More than 5000 buildings, mostly in Motueka-Riwaka, at least 350 archaeological sites, eight closed landfills, 3650ha of grassland, 2106ha of coastal indigenous vegetation (much of it in Abel Tasman National Park) and 941ha of urban land are identified as being at risk. Those risks arise from coastal storm inundation that has a 1 per cent chance of occurring in any year and up to 2m of sea level rise.
An avalanche of RMA reform – are we ready and what will it mean for infrastructure?
After years of repeated demands for the RMA to be dumped and blamed for a myriad of major issues (from water quality to the housing crisis), the RMA s demise seems imminent.
While this article is focused on infrastructure, and the path ahead, it is critical for all New Zealanders that the policy settings of the RMA replacement legislation, and its subordinate policies are properly set. Failure to do so will be felt for generations to come. There is a significant and pressing need for major infrastructure upgrades across New Zealand. We have invested far too little over the last 30+ years. Much of our infrastructure is creaking; at or over capacity; at the end of its design life; and/or failing to provide sustainable environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes. Significantly adding to these problems is the effect of climate change on existing infrastructure, and the need for new infrastru