Residents across central Auckland are learning how to better prepare for flooding thanks to a community-focused programme delivered by local organisations.
“Some of our neighbourhoods were hit hard by flooding during weather events in early 2023,” says Waitematā Local Board chair Alex Bonham.
“We want to make sure there is help and advice available for people who may be affected in the future.”
The local board contributes funding to Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao, an organisation that supports community conservation groups in Auckland’s central isthmus.
Its community flood resilience coordinator, Kiri Huddleston, is working with community groups and residents to help people understand flood risks, connect with their local waterways, and take practical steps to reduce the impacts of future flooding.
"The aim is to make sure Aucklanders feel like they know what to do before, during and after a flood," says Kiri. "There are things they can do both at home and in the wider community to be prepared and be more resilient to flooding in the future."
A key part of Kiri's role is helping residents understand the connection between healthy waterways and flood resilience. Through planting days, guided walks, educational workshops, and pop-ups at local events, community members can learn how simple actions can contribute to reducing flood risks.
Working alongside other local community groups, the programme focuses on three central Auckland catchments, including the Ōpoutūkeha (Cox's Creek) catchment which is within the Waitematā Local Board area.
Planting native vegetation alongside streams can help slow the movement of water, reduce erosion and improve water quality. Community clean-up events also help prevent rubbish from entering waterways, where it can contribute to blockages during heavy rainfall.
"If everyone does their bit, it can really make a difference to increase our flood resilience," says Kiri.
"We know flooding is not going anywhere. If anything, it's probably just going to get more frequent," Kiri says. "But we also know people aren't going anywhere, and we want places to be safe for people to live."
Alongside community events, Kiri spends time door-knocking properties located on overland flow paths, speaking directly with residents who may be affected during heavy rainfall. Many people are surprised to learn about the flood risks around their homes, and are grateful to discover tools that can help them prepare.
One resource Kiri strongly encourages residents to use is Auckland Council's Flood Viewer.
"If I could get people to take away one thing about the programme, it would be: check the Flood Viewer," she says. "It has loads of information in there and people find it really useful."
Here are a few simple actions residents can take before severe weather arrives:
- Clear gutters and drains regularly.
- Check that downpipes are in good working order.
- Secure loose outdoor items that could be carried away in floodwaters.
- Avoid parking vehicles in areas vulnerable to flooding.
- Create an emergency plan and prepare a grab bag if appropriate.
- More tips can be found on this council webpage.
The community flood resilience programme is part of Auckland Council's wider Making Space for Water initiative, a long-term programme established in response to growing flood risks across the region.
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