Nelson Council prepares for rising seas, climate change
As disruptive storms and major flooding events become more common, councils are looking at how to prepare for the impact of a changing climate.
In the coastal city of Nelson, 4170 properties are likely to be affected by 1.5 metres of sea level rise by 2130.
The council is holding community meetings and asking residents what features in the city they most want to protect.
The Wood - a desirable low-lying suburb close to Nelson's city centre is facing a future that will see more coastal inundation and river flooding.
Residents want to know what the options are to protect their homes, and how long they have.
Environmental engineer Rob Bell said New Zealanders needed to prepare for more frequent and extreme weather events.
"As across all our low lying areas around New Zealand...