Coastal processes

Introduction

Aotearoa New Zealand’s coastline is a dynamic environment, acted on and constantly reshaped by waves, currents, tides, and tectonic (earth movement) and fluvial (river) processes. In contrast, land transport infrastructure is generally fixed in location, with limited alternatives and high costs of relocation. When planning new capital projects, and maintenance and operations activities, coastal processes need to be considered for the impacts on infrastructure, as well as the effect of that infrastructure on the coastal environment. Waka Kotahi also has guidance related to resilience and climate adaptation, which are both strongly interrelated with coastal processes.

Future updates

We are currently developing a Coastal hazards and land transport infrastructure guide, as a complementary guide to the Coastal effects assessment guideline for transport infrastructure that was developed in 2017.

Our policy

Our policy on coastal processes and effects can be found in:

• Environmental plan: improving environmental sustainability and public health in New Zealand