Porirua is exposed to a range of geohazards. These include faults, liquefaction and land instability (landslides).
Because of the topography, geology and geography of Porirua, geohazards have the potential to affect many people and communities across all parts of our district. The risks associated with some geohazards for property, people and the wider community are likely to intensify as a result of the increasing effects of climate change.
Along with the direct effects from ground shaking, earthquakes can also have significant effects as a result of associated geohazards, including fault rupture – leading to ground surface breakage or deformation – liquefaction and landslides.
These geohazards can be exacerbated by the effects of climate change, with more extreme rainfall events and high groundwater levels resulting in higher likelihood and potential consequences of experiencing landslides and liquefaction, respectively.
To better understand the extent and nature of the liquefaction and land instability hazards within Porirua, we commissioned district-wide assessments for these hazards. These assessments have been prepared by qualified and experienced geotechnical professionals and are currently in draft.
