Hazards

This weekly update helps assess likelihood of extremely dry weather preceding a drought.

Whitianga Wharf sea levels

The Kiwi dream of owning a beachfront property with panoramic views of the ocean is under threat—and not just for financial reasons.

Understanding what happens above and below ground during a flooding event, and how it is different from normal rainfall conditions

One of the major consequences of climate change is rising global sea levels.

The New Zealand Drought Monitor is a system for keeping track of drought conditions across New Zealand based on a standardised climate index.

New Zealand’s coast is sculpted by ocean waves. Some wave conditions bring joy to surfers and beachgoers, but, at other times, waves can cause major hazards at sea or along the shore.

New Zealand faces a variety of hazards associated with undersea geological activity.

Generally speaking, a drought is defined as a rainfall deficit which restricts or prevents a human activity – for example, farming or power generation.

This system combines daily sea-level data from NIWA, regional councils, port companies, Antarctica NZ, Bureau of Meteorology and territorial authorities.

Heavy rainfall is one of the most frequent and widespread severe weather hazards to affect New Zealand.