The occurrence of a natural hazard is not generally influenced by human activity, however the effects of the hazard can be reduced or increased as a result of human activities. The key to the management of the effects of natural hazards is the management of human activities in the environment (1) . In other words, the easiest way to control effects is to carefully manage development.

Natural hazards can occur with little warning and cause significant damage to property and the environment and put lives at risk. Natural hazards are only a concern if they have the potential to affect people or property. For example, if a river system floods land that is not used or populated, then the flood is simply a natural event rather than a natural hazard. Increased development will result in a corresponding increase in the hazard associated with natural events that affect the district.

(1) Eriksen, N, 1986: Creating Flood Disasters New Zealand’s need for a new approach to urban flood hazard, Water and Soil Miscellaneous Publication No 77, Wellington.

Pressures

While natural events such as floods and earthquakes cannot be prevented from occurring, their effects can be minimised by preventing and controlling development in the most hazard-prone areas. Where development occurs in hazard-prone areas, engineering works such as construction of stop banks or strengthening of buildings can mitigate the effects of natural hazards. A crucial role for the Council in areas affected by natural hazards is raising public awareness and ensuring that the public is prepared for emergencies, to reduce the risk to lives and property.

Key Issues

• The threat of stopbank breaches, whihc present a significant hazard in rural areas, and the considerabel amount of effort required to remedy flood hazard in the District whihc effect farming and therefore the economic well-being as well as the physical safety of people and communities.
• The threat of hazards from slips, landslides and erosion, particularly on the steep slopes of Mt Te Aroha and along the Kaimai Range.
• The need to address erosion along stream and river margins in the District.
• The threat of forest fire, which could significantly increase if the intensified development is permitted in forested hill country areas.
• The threat of wind hazards, particularly in areas adjacent to the Kaimai Ranges and in known wind tunnelling areas.
• The threat of earthquake and volcanic hazards where risks need to be more clearly identified and defined.
• The requirement to avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of natural hazards in line with the Regional Policy statement.