Kāpiti Coast River flood hazard mapping

Engagement on historic flood events in Kāpiti is now open until 31 May 2025. Go to Have Your Say to make your submission.

Greater Wellington is reviewing the current suite of flood hazard maps for rivers on the Kāpiti Coast.  

Flood hazard maps are developed through models that gather information about rainfall patterns, historical flooding, and the flow of water over ground during heavy rainfall. Being able to model large scale events enables councils and communities to plan ahead and be prepared for a range of potential impacts of natural hazards.

Greater Wellington flood maps and models

Greater Wellington models represent flooding originating from overflows of natural watercourses, such as the rivers and streams.  

We are updating flood hazard maps for the following Kāpiti catchments:

• Ōtaki River – including the Waitohu Stream and the Mangapouri Stream  
• Mangaone Stream (Te Horo) 
• Waikanae River

As part of our river and stream flood modelling project, we have been looking at rainfall patterns and river levels for the major Kāpiti river catchment areas and creating models based on information on previous flooding events. We’re now sharing the maps created by the models on historic events to see whether they match with local knowledge and experiences.  

Your input is valuable in helping us identify flood-prone areas more accurately.

Were you here for any of the following floods in Kāpiti?  

Let us know if the maps match your recollection of how past flooding events affected you or the community. To view and provide feedback on the maps, as well as submitting photos, visit Have Your Say. 

Your knowledge of these events helps to refine the model so that it accurately represents what happens in these catchment areas following heavy rainfall.  

What we need to know

• Do the maps accurately show how past flooding events affected the areas?
• The timing and location of flooding events.
• The extent of the flooding (e.g., how high did the water rise?).
• Any damage caused by floods (homes, roads, infrastructure, etc.).

All information shared will be kept confidential and used only for the purposes of improving flood hazard mapping in our community.  

Your local knowledge is valuable in helping us identify flood-prone areas more accurately.

Kāpiti Coast District Council flood maps and models

Kāpiti Coast District Council are inviting feedback on their draft flood maps to ensure they accurately reflect local flood behaviour, ground features, and built infrastructure on people’s property and local areas. Their draft flood maps are based on a 100-year rainfall events under current 0.6 oC climate conditions, and 1.8oC of climate change and 3.7oC of climate change.

Your input is an important part of their reviewing process before they finalise the models behind the maps. You can view the impact on your property and areas of interest. They’re also holding a webinar and drop-in sessions. Find out more and provide your feedback on Kāpiti Coast's Have Your Say.