On 1 July 2025, NIWA merged with GNS Science to become Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Floods

Flooding is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most costly hazards. NIWA undertakes research into fluvial, pluvial and coastal flooding, including forecasting, mapping risk and understanding impacts.

  • New Zealand to have world-leading hazard risk modelling tool

    Media release
    EQC, GNS Science and NIWA have joined forces to further develop world-leading natural hazards risk modelling for New Zealand.
  • Flood-harvesting effects on braided river geomorphology

    Research Project
    The alp-fed braided rivers of Canterbury are treasured for their landscape, recreational amenities, salmon- and trout-fishing, and unique riverine environments – which provide habitat to a host of endangered birds – but they are under threat from land-use intensification and a growing demand for irrigation water.
  • Suspended sediment dynamics in New Zealand Rivers

    Research Project
    Impacts of catchment characteristics on the timing of sediment delivery during runoff events.
  • River forecasting: capabilities versus user requirements

    Research Project
    Currently there are gaps in understanding of user decision making processes and public needs and requirements for river forecasting in New Zealand. This project aims to bridge NIWA river forecasting aspirations and capabilities with both the public and decision makers’ requirements.
  • Solutions: Early warning of PNG floods

    Feature story
    NIWA has completed a project that aims to help build community resilience against flooding in the Bumbu River and contribute to improving Papua New Guinea’s disaster preparedness in the face of increasing climate-related disasters.
  • Joining the flooded dots

    Feature story
    The term “joined-up government” was coined in the late 1990s to describe the coordination modern governments need to deal with large problems.
  • Flood focus

    Feature story
    Autumn and winter rain caused damaging floods and slips across New Zealand, yet again. Susan Pepperell investigates the nation's evolving skill in avoiding and coping with water.
  • Calculated risk

    Feature story
    Imagine if you could foresee what would happen to your home in a severe flood or tsunami, and then work out how to prevent or reduce the impact before any such event occurred.
  • Flood waters receding after days of heavy rain across the area.

    Flooding - how does it happen?

    Education Resource
    Understanding what happens above and below ground during a flooding event, and how it is different from normal rainfall conditions
  • (no image provided)

    Riparian management classification

    Management of stream riparian areas - including vegetation and stock access - influences the health of streams and downstream water bodies.
  • Water dams

    Damming water for urban use, hydro-electric power generation, irrigation, and other industrial and commercial uses.
  • surface_flooding_in_auckland

    Stormwater - an introduction

    Stormwater poses risks to NZ’s urban streams & coastal waters, affecting ecological health & the cultural, social, & economic value of these environments.