Extreme wildfire: legislative framework for managing wildfire risk in Aotearoa New Zealand

Forkink, A.; Tang; X; Buxton, R.B. 2023 Extreme wildfire: legislative framework for managing wildfire risk in Aotearoa New Zealand. Lower Hutt, NZ: GNS Science. GNS Science report 2022/21. 100 p.; doi: 10.21420/0Q8T-M289 

Abstract

In recent years, Aotearoa New Zealand has witnessed a significant increase in the occurrence of extreme wildfires. This trend is related to accelerated impacts of climate change, which have intensified the risks associated with such events. Of particular concern is the higher risk observed at the rural-urban interface, where urban development is close to rural vegetation. This study aims to identify and analyse the regulatory, planning and decision-making systems relevant to wildfire management in Aotearoa New Zealand. To achieve this, consultations were conducted with programme partners and experts in the planning field to identify specific parts of the decision-making process that offer opportunities for reducing wildfire risk in the rural-urban interface. The report underscores the importance of clear guidance and using consistent terms and guidelines in decision-making and planning processes. It furthermore emphasises the need for stricter building requirements, wildfire risk awareness programmes, pro-active planning and efficient co-ordination among authorities for effective wildfire risk management (auths)