In 2016 the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group as part of its review of the Group Plan carried out a risk analysis to identify the hazards for the region. In order to refine the results of the risk analysis the hazards ranked high, very high and extreme, of which there were 18, were then taken through a more in-depth risk evaluation process. The risk related to each of theses hazards was evaluated in terms of seriousness, manageability, and growth. Summaries of our Region’s hazards can also be found in the CDEM Group Plan. It is important to note that the prioritised list of hazards is based upon the risk to the region as a whole, and that there will be some variances for each territorial authority. To this end, the analysis and evaluation process will need to be undertaken at the local level for that particular territorial authority.
The Manawatū-Whanganui Region has experienced emergencies caused by hazards including floods, storms, landslides, earthquakes, drought and pandemics. Find out how your property may be impacted by selecting the relevant map profile and clicking on the ‘Layer’ icon to list and tick the relevant map.
Public map viewer
*To find more information on the feature/layer please click on the map at the location of interest or on the relevant map feature, once the “Details” box appears on the right-hand side of the screen, click on the small black arrows to view all land parcel and feature details. To view 1 in 200 year (0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability) modelled wet extents visit the Regional Natural Hazard Viewer or our webpage on flood plain mapping.
Keep in mind that floods are a frequent natural hazard in this region, posing a high risk due to the extensive damage they can cause. Flooding can result from heavy rainfall in rivers and inadequate drainage in urban areas. Learn more about floods here.
The Manawatū-Whanganui Region frequently faces severe weather events like strong winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and heavy swells, with the capacity to cause significant damage and disruption, including flooding due to rising river levels from heavy rain and sudden downpours. Learn more about storms here.
The Manawatū-Whanganui Region is prone to various types of landslides, especially in specific districts. The risk factors include terrain type, slope, land use, vegetation cover, climate, and susceptibility to seismic events. Learn more about landslides here.
The Manawatū-Whanganui Region straddles the active boundary between the Australian-Pacific plates in the southern North Island and has a history of major earthquakes, as well as many known active fault lines. Learn more about earthquakes here.
Wildfires can occur anytime and are more likely following a large earthquake. If you see smoke or fire and believe there is a risk to people or property, call 111 immediately and ask for the fire department. Learn more about wildfires here.
A drought is a prolonged period with below-normal rainfall, impacting water usage and increasing fire risk. Please reach out to your local council for more information during a drought. Learn more about dealing with drought conditions here.
If you are in a coastal area and experience an earthquake that goes on for longer than a minute or makes it hard to stand up, or the sea behaves abnormally, leave immediately for high ground. Do not wait for an official evacuation notice - tsunamis can arrive within minutes and without warning. If there is a tsunami threat that allows time for evacuation notices, these will come from your local council. To find out what the official tsunami evacuation procedures are for your area please contact your local council.
Signage displaying information about tsunamis and at-risk areas have been erected in all coastal communities across the region. The signs and the information contained within them are the responsibility of the local district council so please contact them directly if you have any specific questions. Ruapehu District Council - 07 895 8188 Rangitīkei District Council - 0800 422 522 Whanganui District Council - 06 349 0001 Manawatū District Council - 06 323 0000 Palmerston North City Council - 06 356 8199 Tararua District Council - 06 374 4080 Horowhenua District Council - 06 366 0999
Below you will find evacuation maps for each populated area. The West Coast area maps also show the designated safe zones. If you live in one of these communities, or are planning on visiting one of these beaches, we suggest familiarising yourself with the maps which you can click to open and save. Please remember that nearly all of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and all of our coastline is at risk of tsunamis, if you are near the coast and there is a long or strong earthquake, evacuate to higher ground immediately.