Earthquakes
The Hikurangi subduction zone, located off the East Coast of the North Island, is potentially the largest source of earthquake and tsunami hazard in New Zealand.
Storms
Hamilton is vulnerable to severe storms including cyclones and tornadoes.
Extreme heat
If you’re unable to escape the heat at home, head to a Hamilton City Library, or find natural shade at one of our many parks and gullies.
Pandemics
COVID-19 has shown us how vulnerable we can be, and another pandemic may affect us in the future.
Floods
Extreme rainfall events are expected to become more frequent and more intense, and Hamilton can experience flooding from severe events, especially tropical cyclones and depressions.
Flooding can occur due to topography, overloading or blockages of the stormwater network – it's not just the Waikato River.
Understanding how flooding could impact your home is an important way to get prepared.
Check out Floodviewer to see how your home could be impacted by extreme flooding events.
Lifeline disruption
Modern life is reliant on a range of services, the infrastructure that provides services such as electricity could fail.
Mass casualty
As a large city and major transportation hub, mass casualty could occur in Hamilton.
Chemical spills
Hamilton has a major hazard facility and hazardous substances are transported through the city regularly.
Climate change
The climate in our city is already changing, including longer summers, warmer temperatures, extreme rainfall, and drought.
Terrorism
As a major city, Hamilton may be impacted by a terrorism incident.
Volcanic ashfall
Volcanic ashfall from volcanoes in Auckland, Tongariro or Taranaki is a real possibility.
Drought
- A major drought may:
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- - limit our drinking water supplies from the Waikato River,
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- - cause ongoing water restrictions, with impacts for businesses that require water,
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- - lead to increased risks of wildfires, erosion along our gullies, loss of biodiversity.
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Last updated 21 June 2022