National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards (2025): What Developers and Landowners Need to Know
Natural hazards are increasingly shaping how and where development occurs across New Zealand.
Flooding, coastal erosion and land instability are becoming more visible risks for communities and infrastructure. These factors are now more common considerations for anyone looking to subdivide, build or develop land.
Planning frameworks are evolving to respond to these challenges with a stronger focus on understanding risk early and planning accordingly.
What is the National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards?
The recently introduced National Policy Statement forNatural Hazards 2025 (NPS-NH) took effect in January 2026. It signals a shifttoward a more consistent national approach to managing hazard risks in planning and consenting decisions under the Resource Management Framework, rather than relying on fragmented approaches across different regions.
For landowners and developers, this means clearer expectations about how hazard risks are assessed and managed as part of subdivision and development proposals.
Importantly, the policy does not prevent development outright, but instead focuses on ensuring that risks are properly understood and addressed.
What hazards are covered under the NPS-NH?
The policy applies to a range of natural hazards that commonly affect development in New Zealand:
- flooding
- landslips
- coastal erosion
- coastal inundation
- active faults
- liquefaction
- tsunami
These hazards are already familiar issues in many parts of the country, and the NPS‑NH provides a consistent way of assessing how they should be considered in planning decisions.
A shift toward risk-based planning
The key directive of the policy direction is a risk-based approach. Traditionally, planning frameworks often focused primarily on whether a hazard existed at a site. The new policy goes further by asking the question: What is the actual level of risk, and can it be managed appropriately?
Under this approach, decision‑makers must consider both:
- the likelihood of a hazard event occurring; and
- the potential consequences if that event occurs
This allows hazards to be assessed in a more structured and transparent way, providing greater certainty for developers, landowners and councils alike.
In particular, hazard assessments must rely on the best available information and account for the impacts of climate change over at least a 100-year. This reflects the growing importance of long‑term resilience and forward‑looking land use planning.
How is natural hazard risk assessed?
To support consistent decision-making, the NPS-NH introduces a standardised risk matrix that combines hazard likelihood and consequence to determine overall risk levels. That risk matrix is demonstrated in the cover image of this article.
In general, risks from natural hazards are categorized by levels.
- Typically, development is discouraged in specific locations marked as having very high risk.
- For other locations, development may proceed if the risks can be properly controlled.
This approach recognises that not all hazard‑affected land is unsuitable for development, and that well‑designed projects can often proceed with the right level of assessment and mitigation.
What does the National Policy Statement mean for developers and landowners?
Site-specific natural hazard assessment will become increasingly important when progressing subdivision or development proposals. Understanding potential hazard risks early can help avoid delays, redesigns or unexpected costs later in the process. The type and details of assessment required will depend on the hazards relevant to each site and the anticipated level of risk. For instance:
- A site located within a floodplain may require detailed flood modelling and hydraulic analysis.
- A hillside site may require geotechnical investigation to address potential landslide or slope instability risk.
- In coastal areas, coastal hazard assessment addressing coastal erosion, inundation and sea-level rise may be required.
As a result, the level of technical assessment is expected to vary from project to project. Some sites may only require a high‑level review, while others may need more detailed technical input to demonstrate that development can proceed safely.
How does this align with local planning approaches?
In practice, the NPS-NH reinforces a planning direction we are already seeing emerge in some local plans. In Auckland, Plan Change 120 (PC120), has Auckland Council introducing stronger controls relating to flood hazards, overland flow paths, land instability and coastal hazards. PC 120 emphasises the need for robust modelling and risk evaluation when considering subdivision and development in hazard affected areas.
In other districts Councils implementation of the new policy is to require additional information with resource consent applications.
Regional differences in natural hazard risk
Across New Zealand, the implications will differ depending on local geography and natural hazard exposure. In Auckland, flooding, coastal inundation and land instability are likely to remain key considerations for urban development. In parts of the South Island, development proposals may need to place greater emphasis on seismic hazards, active fault lines, landslides and alpine flooding.
Key takeaways for development planning
Overall, the emerging policy framework suggests a shift in planning policy. At Inovo, we are seeing an increasing expectation that developments respond to the natural characteristics and risks of each site, rather than relying solely on engineering solutions.
As hazard information becomes more detailed and climate related risks continue to evolve, the risk based approach is likely to play a growing role in guiding where and how development occurs across the country. For well planned projects, this approach can provide clearer pathways through the consenting process.
FAQs: National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards
1. Does the NPS-NH prevent development in hazard areas?
No. It does not prohibit development but requires that risks are clearly understood and appropriately managed.
2. What hazards are included in the NPS-NH?
Flooding, landslides, coastal erosion, coastal inundation, liquefaction, tsunami, and active faults.
3. How does this affect subdivision projects?
Developers must provide site-specific hazard assessments, which may include flood modelling, geotechnical reports, or coastal risk analysis.
4. What is Plan Change 120 (PC120)?
PC120 is Auckland Council’s planning update that strengthens rules around floodrisk, land instability, and coastal hazards.
How Inovo can help
Planning a development?
Understanding natural hazard risk early can save time, cost,and complexity later. Talk to Inovo’s planning and engineering specialists to get clarity on your site and next steps. Early advice can make a real difference.
Our team can assist:
- identifying potential natural hazard risks
- coordinating the appropriate technical assessments
- advising on the level of information required to support your application
We work alongside developers and landowners to find practical, proportionate solutions that support successful outcomes.
Get in touch to discuss your project
rmplanning@inovo.nz
020 4000 0294
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Disclaimer
This article contains general information and opinion based on our expertise. It is provided free of charge and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. The information within it was up to date at the time of publishing.
Have you got further questions about this topic or our other services?
We are always happy to help – drop us an email rmplanning@inovo.nz, or phone us on 020 4000 0294.
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