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Geographic area covered: Hutt Valley including Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Wainuiomata, Eastbourne, and surrounding Eastern Bays. 

This report assesses the susceptibility of the Hutt Valley region to wildfire, focusing on the rural–urban interface. Prepared for the Wellington Regional Council, it forms part of a broader strategy to manage wildfire risk across the region. The study uses a simplified hazard model based on four key factors: vegetation type, curing and weather (aspect and rainfall), slope, and proximity to people. These elements are scored and combined to produce a wildfire hazard rating, which is then mapped to identify high-risk areas. 
 
The report highlights several critical locations where buildings are situated on or above high hazard slopes. These include Kingsley Heights in Upper Hutt, the margins of Eastbourne, hillside communities in the Eastern Bays such as Point Howard, Lowry Bay, Mahina Bay, and Rona Bay, parts of Maungaraki, the northern end of Stokes Valley, and areas above Pinehaven and Silverstream including Blue Mountains Road. Additionally, homes on the slopes of the Eastern Hutt Hills, such as those near Swainson Street in Naenae, are identified as vulnerable. 
 
The report recommends prioritising hazard reduction efforts in these high-risk zones. For existing buildings, strategies include increasing defensible space through lawns, paths, and firebreaks, replacing flammable vegetation with less flammable species, and using structures like walls and hedges to deflect heat. For new developments, it advises aligning building design, siting, and materials with the hazard level and ensuring adequate setbacks and vegetation management. 
 
Vegetation management is a key focus, with the report noting that flammable species such as gorse, rank grass, broom, and manuka dominate many high-risk areas. Encouraging succession to less flammable native species like mahoe and five finger can reduce hazard over time. Mechanical methods such as mowing and grazing are preferred over burning, which can exacerbate fire risk by promoting gorse growth. 
 
Building measures also play a role in hazard mitigation. Recommendations include using non-flammable materials, avoiding elevated structures on slopes, and removing combustible debris near buildings. The report emphasises the importance of public education and tailored guidance for both existing and new developments in high-risk zones. 
 
Overall, the report provides a detailed framework for identifying and managing wildfire hazards in the Hutt Valley, supporting informed decision-making for land use planning, building design, and vegetation management.