Our work

• We carry out topographical survey, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data capture as well as working with communities and mana whenua to understand the context and background of any problem.
• We conduct detailed hydrological and hydraulic modelling to understand the risk. This process supports detailed optioneering, planning controls and design.
• We follow a risk assessment and analysis described in our Floodplain Management Planning process to identify options, critically assess and prioritise.
• We work with communities, key partners and mana whenua to develop solutions and select options. We select an approach that suits the community we are working with.

Find out about how we develop our flood hazard models on our technical guidance page:

Technical guidance

To request a flood hazard model please use the model date request form:

Model Data Request form (DOCX 89 KB)

Find out more about our Floodplain Management Plans and other flood risk management strategies:

Floodplain Management Plans and Strategies

• We provide flood hazard advice to developers, territorial authorities, Wellington Water and other partner organisations on appropriate development.
• We support the development of regional and district policy ensuring district plans, national policy and other strategies adequately provide for appropriate development

Looking to build or develop? Information on our advisory service can be found here:

Building or developing

Design & construction

• We plan, consent, and deliver engineered defences such as stopbanks and have project managers, and engineers in-house to deliver these.

Asset management

• We apply a comprehensive asset management system to maintain our engineered assets including inspection and investigation.

River management

• We maintain flood protection schemes and work with landowners to provide erosion protection.
• We use planting and are investigating ways to integrate more natives into riparian planting margins to manage erosion and run-off.
• We manage gravel to ensure capacity is maintained and erosion damage is reduced. We are working with industry to improve practices in channel works.

Find more information on river management and schemes:

Rivers & Schemes

• Working with our colleagues in Environmental Science & WREMO (Wellington Region Emergency Management Office) we maintain a regional hydrometric network, provide flood forecasting and warning, and provide a 24/7 flood duty roster.

Find out what to do before, during and after a flood:

What to do before during and after a flood