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.

Share your images, stories, and memories of flooding events using the maps feedback form below before Friday 20th December, 2024.

Greater Wellington is updating the flood hazard maps 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.

What we'd like from the Kāpiti community

The more information we have about past river and stream floods, the more accurate the flood hazard map for your community will be.

We’d really appreciate any photos or information that show flooding around the following awa:

• Ōtaki River
• Waitohu Stream
• Mangapouri Stream
• Waikanae River
• Mangaone Stream in Te Horo

Any photos or information you have from the following flood events would be particularly helpful:

• October 1998
• January 2005
• February 2017

We’re looking for photos, stories, and memories of river and stream flooding only—not flooding caused by blocked stormwater drains or heavy rain pooling on roads. 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 Frequently Asked Questions page.

When submitting, please include:

• The time and date the image was taken
• The water depth (if known)
• Whether it’s on public or private land
• How long the water took to recede
• Any other details that might help us, like the impacts on nearby areas

Submit your images via the link below. Your information helps us better understand how rivers and streams behave during floods so we can improve how flood risks are managed in the region to help protect communities. You don't have to submit an image if you don't have one, your recollection of flooding events is also useful.

File sizes need to be kept to less than 5MB. If you have difficultly uploading the information, please contact us at floods@gw.govt.nz and we can assist.

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?

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.