Like other coastal communities around New Zealand, Tasman has and will continue to experience the impacts of coastal hazards in the future.

Many parts of Tasman’s 700km of coast and estuary shoreline are vulnerable to storm inundation and/or coastal erosion. Ex-tropical cyclones Drena (1997) and Fehi (2018) are two notable examples of storm surge events which caused significant damage along our coastline.

While the rate and exact amount of future sea level rise is uncertain, it was clear that rising sea levels will have increasing implications for development and infrastructure in coastal areas along with environmental, cultural, economic, and societal effects.

Community conversations are getting underway to talk about how we can respond to sea level rise and coastal hazards by identifying high-level options that enable us to adapt.

Tasman District Council Coastal Management Project Lead Diana Worthy explained there are a mix of options for responding to sea level rise and coastal hazards with all options having both benefits and costs. These options broadly fit into four categories; accommodate, protect, avoid, and retreat.

“These are complex issues, so it is important we start the conversations now,” said Worthy.

“At this stage, our focus is to raise awareness and develop a common understanding about what we know and the options we have.

“We want to understand the views on these options and if there are alternative options or ideas for coastal management that we should consider.

“By coming together this year to look at what we know about sea level rise and coastal hazards in Tasman, and the options we have for responding, we'll be better prepared for future decision-making. This will also ensure that we avoid narrowing down the options too early in the process,” said Worthy.

Long-term adaptive planning work will take several years to complete and the community conversation will be ongoing.

However, the decisions we make over the coming years will affect generations to come – shaping the places we live, work, and value.

In December 2020, Council released its coastal risk assessment which outlined what is at risk from sea level rise and coastal hazards in Tasman.

The report found a range of impacts including loss of rural productive land, homes, and key infrastructure.

Later this month, we’re hosting online community events that will cover what we know about future sea level rise and coastal hazards and be a place for safe conversations that explore “what can we do about it?”.

TDC Coastal Management Project Lead Diana Worthy and Natural Hazards Scientist Glenn Stevens will be joined by leading NZ Coastal Scientist Dr Rob Bell to talk through climate change scenarios and answer your questions about how different areas might be affected. It is free to attend so register below:

• Tuesday 28 Sept, 7pm – 8pm. Register here
• Thursday 30 Sept, 12pm – 1pm. Register here
• Thursday 30 Sept, 7pm – 8pm. Register here

We hope to hear a range of views and ideas over the coming weeks. You can join the conversation here or give us more detailed feedback through our feedback form.

What we learn from our communities will stand us in good stead for future conversations and policy work.