27 Nov Auckland’s New Natural Hazard Management Framework under Proposed Plan Change 120 (PC120)
PC120:
Proposed Plan Change 120 (PC120) was publicly notified by Auckland Council on 3 November 2025, with strengthened provisions to manage natural hazard risk. Areas potentially affected by flooding, land instability, coastal erosion or coastal inundation now and in the future are targeted with stronger rules and other planning measures. This approach is to improve Auckland’s resilience to severe weather events and natural hazards, following the storms in early 2023 which resulted in widespread flooding, landslips, and coastal inundation across the region.
Provisions related to natural hazards and flooding have “immediate legal effect” (applicable to all current resource consent applications) as managing significant risks from natural hazards is a matter of national importance under the RMA.
What it means:
The revised provisions revolve around a new risk management framework based on the likelihood of natural hazards and their consequences, with risk levels of acceptable, tolerable, or significant using feedback from community consultation.
Flood hazard areas are now categorised into four classifications (low, medium, high and very high) based on the depth and velocity of floodwaters for floodplains, overland flow paths and flood prone areas. Flood prone areas (localised depressions) are now formally included in E36 provisions due to the level of risk these areas can pose. Coastal inundation hazard areas are now categorised into three areas taking into account varying degrees of relative sea level rise.
Activity classification has changed from “less vulnerable” and “vulnerable”, to “less sensitive”, “potentially sensitive”, and “sensitive” to natural hazards. Activities “sensitive” to natural hazards are further split into two groups based on A) risk to people associated with the frequency of occupancy and vulnerability, and B) risk of creating significant public health or pollution issues.
All existing Unitary Plan Section E36 (natural hazards and flooding) activity rules have been replaced, with revised rules focusing on the likelihood, depth, velocity and impact of flooding, and how each activity interacts with that risk. This aligns with national policy direction and recognises that the presence of floodwaters does not always mean the same level of danger.
How FTL can help:
At Fraser Thomas we have been busy with some bedtime reading to get up to speed with the PC120 requirements and associated changes to Section E36.
Our team leverages industry leading TUFLOW hydraulic modelling software to accurately map flood hazards, the impacts of proposed development, and availability of safe evacuation routes. This detailed flood modelling enables informed decisions on site design that protects both people and property, and supports the preparation of comprehensive flood risk assessment reports and associated flood management response plans that aligns with Auckland Council’s updated PC120 provisions.
We have demonstrated experience in supporting proposed plan changes, subdivisions and Council flood mitigation projects in Auckland and across New Zealand. Our multi-disciplinary team enables streamlined investigation and design phases whilst ensuring proposed developments are both compliant and resilient.
Whether you have an existing project that is impacted by the new PC120 provisions, or are planning to develop a site impacted by natural hazards and flooding, contact our team today to discuss your options.
