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National Policy Statement on Flood Risk Management

Flooding is part of life in New Zealand that happens relatively often, so good flood risk management is important for our communities and will also help New Zealanders adapt to climate change. A national policy statement on flood risk management would help strengthen the current policy framework by acknowledging the national significance of good flood risk management and by providing clear direction for decision makers.

The need to consider a national policy statement was identified in the Flood Risk Management Review and the Minister for the Environment and Cabinet decided in March 2007 that a national policy statement on managing flood risk is desirable. The Minister’s decision formally started the process to develop a national policy statement as set out in the Resource Management Act 1991.

Comments have been sought from councils, iwi authorities and other organisations with a direct interest in flood risk management. The Ministry has considered these comments and a draft national policy statement is being prepared. Feedback will continue to be sought from relevant parties in finalising the draft.

We expect that a proposed policy statement will be completed and ready for public comment in 2009. A board of inquiry has been appointed and will become operational when the proposed national policy statement is ready for public comment.