HEAD OF LAKE WHAKATIPU

This year, we have achieved some major milestones in the programme of work toward a natural hazard adaptation strategy for the head of Lake Whakatipu. 

We’re very grateful to the community members who continue to provide feedback to help us develop this collaborative work.

The reports about the Dart-Rees floodplain and Glenorchy’s liquefaction and flooding potential released earlier this year have been called ‘sobering’. The detailed modelling and analysis has provided all of us with a much better understanding of what could happen in major flooding or earthquake events. It’s helped us move into the next stages of the programme, which are to assess what approaches might help to manage or adapt to these hazard challenges. Keep reading!

Remember, you can find the flood hazard and liquefaction assessment reports here on our website as well as a much simpler summary of each report here.

You may also notice we are using the word Whakatipu more widely. This is in line with our Mana Whenua and Queenstown Lakes District Council partners, and we acknowledge the full title is Whakatipu-wai-Māori. 

1. The lower Rees River and Glenorchy township
2. The Dart floodplain and Kinloch access
3. The Rees floodplain and the Rees bridge

• This report has missed anything
• You have any questions, or if any information is unclear
• You agree with the expert assessments – if not, why not?
• You think any of the approaches discussed in the report should be investigated further – and why

Another assessment is underway, which will focus on possible hazard management approaches for liquefaction and lateral spreading.
 
Like the floodplain adaptation assessment, this will be a high-level overview of potential mitigation approaches. It will help all of us consider the following questions:

• What mitigation is technically feasible for the liquefaction and lateral spreading hazards at Glenorchy township?
• What are the benefits of each mitigation approach?
• What would be the indicative costs and key constraints to implementation?

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Contacts

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us, please email us at headofthelake@orc.govt.nz.