Summary of climate change effects applicable to New Zealand
This map provides an indication of the potential regional impacts of climate change in New Zealand. It is not an attempt to provide a comprehensive summary of all the impacts.

(Source: Ministry for the Environment 2008)
The map above indicates the following effects:
Snowlines and glaciers
- increased length and area of glaciers
- rise in snowline
- possible increase in snowfall
- possible increase in avalanches
Coastal
- sea-level rise
- increased storm surge
- coastal inundation
- increased coastal erosion
Drier northern and eastern parts of North and South Islands
- less rainfall
- decreased run-off to rivers
- increased evaporation
- increased drought for already drought-prone areas
- increased irrigation demand
Wetter west and south of North and South Islands
- increased precipitation
- increased intensity in weather events
- increased flooding for already flood-prone areas
- increased slips
- increased soil erosion
Cyclones
- increased intensity (leading to increased wind, waves, storm surge and rainfall)
Wind
- increased westerly winds
Natural areas
- species distribution changes
- changes to/loss of habitat
- increased pressure from pests, animals and plants.
Climate change effects by local authority function
| Local authority area of responsibility | Asset or activity affected |
Climate change influence |
Possible effects |
|---|---|---|---|
Water supply and irrigation |
Infrastructure |
Reduced rainfall, extreme rainfall events and increased temperature |
|
Wastewater |
Infrastructure |
Increased rainfall |
|
Stormwater |
Reticulation |
Increased rainfall |
|
Roading |
Road network and associated infrastructure (power, telecommunications, drainage) |
Extreme rainfall events, extreme winds, high temperatures |
|
Urban land-use planning/policy development |
Management of development in the private sector |
All |
|
Land management |
Rural land management |
Changes in rainfall, wind, and temperature |
|
Water management |
Management of watercourses/lakes/ wetlands |
Changes in rainfall and temperature |
|
Coastal management |
Infrastructure |
Temperature changes leading to sea-level changes |
|
Civil defence and emergency management |
Emergency planning and response, and recovery operations |
Extreme events |
|
Biosecurity |
Pest management |
Temperature and rainfall changes |
|
Open space and community facilities management |
Planning and management of parks, playing fields and urban open spaces |
Temperature and rainfall changes |
|
Transport |
Management of public transport |
Changes in temperatures, wind and rainfall |
|
Waste management |
Transfer stations and landfills |
Changes in rainfall and temperature |
|
Energy |
Transmission lines |
Extreme wind, high temperatures |
|
