The Head of Lake Whakatipu natural hazards adaptation programme provides a framework that will help us manage the risks associated with natural hazards at the Head of Lake Whakatipu, including Glenorchy and Kinloch. The aim of the programme is to make the area more resilient. 

We started the programme because this area faces a changing landscape, a complex mix of natural hazards and future uncertainties.

The setting at the Head of the Lake means we need to take a comprehensive approach to managing the hazards, one that takes a long-term view, encompasses all types of natural hazards, and works with the community to develop resilience. Reactive or very localised responses are likely to have only shorter-term benefits, so the most effective way to deal with this type of complex setting is to take a long-term adaptation view and working with the community to develop resilience.

The ORC is taking the same approach in other areas facing complex challenges with natural hazards – such as South Dunedin, the Taieri Plains and the Clutha Delta.

This work programme is considering all types of natural hazards and their possible impacts – this includes hazards associated with floodplains and alluvial fans, such as flooding and erosion, along with seismic and geological hazards.

We expect that some hazards will change over time, and they may become more likely or have greater impacts due to changes in the landscape or climate. You can find out more about factors that are expected to increase the future flooding hazards for the Dart and Rees floodplains on our investigations, reports and presentations page. 

The project to develop the strategy is being led by the ORC, in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council, Aukaha and Te Ao Marama, working together with the local community. 

The ORC team are: 

• Jean-Luc Payan, ORC Natural Hazards Manager 
• Simon Robinson, Team Leader Natural Hazards Analysis 
• Tim van Woerden, Senior Natural Hazards Analyst 
• Nathan Anderson, Senior Flood Hazard Analyst 
• Ann Conroy, Team Leader Natural Hazard Adaptation 
• Toan Nguyen, Senior Natural Hazard Adaptation Specialist 
• Jamie MacKenzie, Natural Hazard Adaptation Specialist 

Several consultants are providing specialist input and advice for the project: 

• Dr Paula Blackett from NIWA is providing expertise in implementing the adaptation pathways approach to natural hazards and risks. 
• Professor James Brasington from the University of Canterbury is providing technical expertise in river morphology and floodplain hazards. 
• The Tonkin + Taylor hazards team has completed natural hazard assessments and is providing geotechnical advice. 
• The Beca risk assessment and social outcomes teams are providing advice on risk and socio-economic impact. 
• Aukaha and Te Ao Marama are representing the local iwi, Ngāi Tahu, and are providing cultural direction and expertise, and have completed a cultural values statement for the strategy. 

This programme uses an approach called Dynamic Adaptive Pathways Planning (also referred to as DAPP, or “Adaptation Pathways”).

This approach was developed by the Ministry for the Environment as a blueprint for community-led decision-making in areas affected by natural events and climate change.