A flood map identifies land that is at risk of flooding from rivers.
The regional council is producing flood maps for the 27 Northland catchments identified as having the highest level of potential flood risk, as part of the Priority Rivers Project.
The draft maps are designed to raise awareness of where flood hazard areas are and inform decision-making, to help minimise the impacts of flooding in our region.
Disclaimer
The maps have been compiled using an assessment of best available information, and should give a good indication of the areas at risk of flooding.
However, flood mapping is a complex process which can never be completely accurate. Before using the flood maps, please ensure that you understand the disclaimer.
Download the Disclaimer (240 KB)
What’s on the maps?
The flood maps show the likely extent of river flooding during a 10-year or 100-year flood event. A 10-year flood area has a 10% chance of flooding annually, whilst the more extensive 100-year flood area has a 1% chance of flooding annually.
To find out more about the flood maps and how they were developed, see our Frequently Asked Questions. Please note the FAQs refer to a submissions period on the Proposed RPS that closed Monday, 3 December 2012.
Download the Frequently Asked Questions (128 KB)
Where can I view the maps?
The maps are available for viewing on our GIS website.
View the flood maps on our GIS website
Flood maps for 20 river catchments are now available, with seven more to follow in coming months.
Technical requirements
To view the maps, you will need to have a product called Silverlight on your computer. When you click on the "View draft maps in GIS" link above, you will be prompted to download Silverlight. (Note: The Silverlight file is 6MB).
You can get more information about this product when you visit our Online Maps page.
Support information
Download a step by step guide to finding your way around the maps (209 KB)
What if I disagree with the maps?
If you believe that a particular location on a map is not at risk of flooding, or you have information that you think may not have been taken into account, get in touch with the regional council’s rivers team on 0800 002 004.
Flood maps and the Building Act
Under the Building Act, district councils will take into account the flood maps when making decisions on building consents. For queries on this please contact your district council:
- Far North District Council (Lynley Newport, Acting Manager Resource Management) – 0800 920029 or 09 401 5200
- Kaipara District Council (Mark Vincent, Policy and Planning Manager) – 0800 727 059 or 09 439 3123
- Whangarei District Council (Paul Waanders, Policy and Monitoring Manager) – 09 430 4200