Environment / Climate

Sea levels rising twice as fast as expected - Lower Hutt and Tasman mayors respond

12:11 pm on 2 May 2022

Listen

Alarming new data shows sea levels are rising twice as fast as expected in some parts of Aotearoa. In those regions levels previously thought likely for 2060 are now forecast to happen in just 18 years.

Lower Hutt is in a vulnerable position with predictions of 30 centimetres of sea level rise by 2040 -- which will affect the waterfront road connecting Petone and Eastbourne.

In the Nelson-Tasman District the local airport is very exposed to sea-level rise.

Tasman District Council mayor Tim King and Lower Hutt mayor Campbell Barry joined Māni Dunlop.