Waikato Regional Climate Change Hazards and Risks Report

The climate in the Waikato region is changing, and it is important to understand what risks the region may face as a result. This report provides an overview of climate change hazards and risks identified through a high-level risk identification and screening process, incorporating insights from council subject matter experts, iwi and external stakeholders. The process aimed to compile a comprehensive list of potential climate change risks through desktop reviews, workshops, surveys and stakeholder engagement.

Key hazards of interest included higher temperatures, drought, extreme weather, flooding, and coastal hazards. A total of 231 direct risks across 44 elements and 55 indirect risks across 37 elements were identified, spanning the natural, built, economic, and human domains.

This report, which covers the geographic area of the eleven councils in the Waikato region, provides insights into the hazards and potential risks associated with climate change that are likely to affect the Waikato region, across five domains (human, natural environment, economy, built environment, governance).

Report: TR 2024/28

Authors: Whitney Mills, Lisa Armstrong, Derek Phyn and Celeste Davies-Calway