Kāpiti Flood Hazard Mapping - Engagement on historic flood events
Access the historic flood event maps >
We need your help to update flood hazard maps for Kāpiti Coast rivers and streams, so we can keep the community updated about flood risks.
Let us know if your recollection of historical river flooding events matches the flood hazard maps before Saturday 31 May 2025.
The maps we’re updating are for three awa (river/stream) catchments on the Kāpiti Coast:
Ōtaki River and the nearby Waitohu and Mangapouri Streams
Waikanae River
Mangaone Stream in Te Horo
Flood hazard maps provide a clear picture of which areas are most at risk of flooding during severe weather, so that people can be informed and prepared for flood risks.
To create flood hazard maps, we use computer software to analyse data from past floods and model which areas are likely to be impacted by flooding, both now and in the future.
Greater Wellington works with communities to understand flood risk to help minimise the effects of river flooding on people, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Share your local knowledge
The more information we have about past floods, the more accurate the flood hazard map for your community will be.
If you were living on the Kāpiti Coast during any of the following flood events, let us know if the maps match your recollection of how heavy rainfall impacted the areas surrounding these catchments:
Ōtaki River, Waitohu and Mangapouri Streams, and Mangaone Stream (Te Horo) catchments during heavy rainfall events in:
October 1998
January 2005
February 2017
Waikanae River catchment, during heavy rainfall events in:
October 1998
January 2005
October 2015.
We’re looking for photos or videos of river and stream flooding only. Kāpiti Coast District Council manages urban stormwater systems and localised flooding, while Greater Wellington focuses on rivers, floodplains, and large-scale flood management across the region. To find out more, visit our FAQ page.
If you have flooding information relating to blocked stormwater drains or heavy water pooling on roads, please contact Kāpiti Coast District Council. They are also updating their flood hazard maps.
When submitting, please include:
Any images of historic flood events, including time and date it was taken (if known)
The water depth (if known)
Whether it’s on public or private land
How long the water took to recede
Plus any other details that might help us, like the impacts on nearby areas.
From the 7th of May, submit your images via the link below. Your input helps us better understand how rivers and streams behave during floods and improve how we manage flood risks in the region to help protect communities.
Why are we doing this?
Advances in flood modelling computer software make it a good time to update these maps. Doing this review also means updated maps can be used in future development planning, including the Whaitua Implementation Plan.
Need more information or to talk to someone?
For frequently asked questions about Kāpiti flood hazard mapping, head here.
If you’d prefer to talk with a Flood Protection officer to share your experiences, please email us at floods@gw.govt.nz and mention the Kāpiti flood hazard mapping.
For advice on how to prepare for floods, or information about our wider flood protection work, please visit www.gw.govt.nz/flood-protection.
How we’ll use your information
Please be aware that any feedback you share on the Maps below will be visible to all visitors to the page.
We use this information to refine our flood hazard model for Kāpiti. We may use your contact information to follow up with you for additional details or to clarify the information you’ve provided. We may also contact you to seek permission for use of the photos for other purposes such as future engagement material. Your information is held securely by Greater Wellington, find out more in the Privacy Statement.
