Review of 2003 Kapiti Coast District fault trace survey
Search in document libraryPurpose of the report to assess and refine fault trace mapping in Kapiti Coast District based on new field investigations in Maungakotukutuku Valley and Transmission Gully.
Geographic Area Covered
The report covers parts of the Kapiti Coast District, specifically the Maungakotukutuku Valley and Transmission Gully areas.
Summary of the Report
This report provides a review of fault trace mapping conducted in 2003 for the Kapiti Coast District, focusing on new field investigations carried out in 2007 in the Maungakotukutuku Valley and Transmission Gully areas. The purpose of the review was to validate and refine the location and classification of active fault traces identified in the original survey. The fieldwork involved site inspections, trenching, and analysis of geological features to better understand the fault complexity and recurrence intervals of surface ruptures. 
 
The findings confirmed the presence of active fault traces in the surveyed areas and provided improved accuracy in mapping their locations. In some cases, previously mapped fault traces were adjusted based on new evidence, and additional features were identified that contribute to understanding the fault behaviour. The report also discusses the implications of these findings for land use planning and development, particularly in relation to the Ministry for the Environment’s guidelines on building near active faults. 
 
Recommendations include updating the fault avoidance zones and resource consent categories to reflect the refined data, and considering further investigations in areas where fault complexity remains uncertain. The report emphasizes the importance of integrating geological assessments into planning processes to mitigate risks associated with earthquake-induced surface ruptures. Overall, the review enhances the reliability of fault hazard information available for the Kapiti Coast District.