The Head of Lake Whakatipu Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy was endorsed by Otago Regional Councillors at a Council meeting held today, 21 May. The Strategy is a partnership between ORC, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Civil Defence Emergency Management Otago and the community.

ORC chair Gretchen Robertson says completion of the strategy represents the culmination of more than five years of work, including technical investigations and partnership with the community and stakeholders.  
“The approach reflects the shared ownership and need for coordinated planning to address the multiple challenges natural hazards present in this area, which includes seismic events, flooding and slope-related processes, such as landslides and debris flow.”  

As we move into the implementation phase of the programme, progress on actions will be tracked on ORC’s website. ORC will be talking to the community about next steps later this year and will continue with regular updates to the community.

Natural Hazards Manager Jean-Luc Payan says, “The Strategy has contributed a substantial body of knowledge on natural hazards in the area, including updated understanding of seismic risks and flood hazards.”

Dr Payan adds this strategy will support more informed and proactive decision-making on adaptation for the Head of Lake Whakatipu area now and in the future.

Cr Robertson says, “The feedback on the draft strategy showed strong community support, with 80% of respondents agreeing with the strategy’s vision. Respondents regarded the strategy as practical and science-based, and appreciated that it was developed through an inclusive, collaborative process.”  
The strategy and a summary are available on the ORC website at: www.orc.govt.nz/holw  

Background to programme 

The Head of Lake Whakatipu natural hazards adaptation programme provides a framework that will help manage the risks associated with natural hazards at the Head of Lake Whakatipu, including Glenorchy and Kinloch. The aim of the programme is to make the area more resilient.

The setting at the Head of the Lake means we need to take a comprehensive approach to managing the hazards, one that takes a long-term view, encompasses all types of natural hazards, and works with the community to develop resilience.

The hazards include hazards associated with floodplains and alluvial fans, such as flooding and erosion, along with seismic and geological hazards. Some hazards are expected to change over time, and they may become more likely or have greater impacts due to changes in the landscape or climate.

Led by ORC, the strategy was developed in collaboration with the community as well as with Queenstown Lakes District Council, Civil Defence Emergency Management, Otago, mana whenua representatives’ partners, technical experts and different ORC teams.

A final round of review of the revised draft Strategy was completed in March 2025 with ORC teams, QLDC, CDEM Otago, Aukaha and Dr Paula Blackett (adaptation expert).  

More information about the programme is available on https://www.orc.govt.nz/holw