Flood Emergency: NZILA response

The Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects' president says the current flood emergency affecting Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty is a stark reminder of the threats climate change poses to all of us here in Aotearoa.

Henry Crothers says right now the Institute’s thoughts are with those affected by this unprecedented event, including the people who have lost their lives, their homes and their livelihoods. 

This image was shared over the weekend on Auckland’s Hillsborough Community Facebook page.

“This is a far-reaching event and there will be a time where we as a profession put our collective hand up to talk about how we can be more closely involved in planning and development to help mitigate the effects of disasters like the one experienced last Friday.” he says. 

“Right now the full extent of damage and cost is not yet known and it will take some time to establish exactly what it will mean for the affected areas.” 

The above image was taken at Auckland Zoo in Western Springs during the Friday evening downpour.

The NZILA Climate Action Working Group will be continuing to step up its work in this area. We will be hearing from them in the near future about how landscape architects and allied professionals can make a difference in future planning. 

Henry says right now NZILA members are battling their own flood damage in some instances and are bracing for the next round of heavy rain forecast for the upper North Island.

One person lost their life in this Remuera house slip during the flood emergency.