More communities across Auckland are stepping up to prepare for flooding, as Auckland Council expands its Community Flood Resilience initiative, a key part of the region’s Making Space for Water programme.
The initiative works with trusted local organisations to help residents understand flood risks, share practical preparedness advice and take simple steps to reduce the impacts of heavy rain.
With more intense rainfall and decades of urban development placing pressure on waterways and stormwater networks, flood risk is increasing across the region. Around 300,000 Aucklanders live in flood-hazard areas, including approximately 50,000 people whose homes could flood above floor level during a major storm.
Alongside major infrastructure projects and stream restoration, Auckland Council is working directly with communities for the second year to build knowledge, awareness and preparedness at a neighbourhood level.
Last year, community partners delivered workshops, events and local activities across the region to help residents understand how flooding happens and what actions they could take. The initiative has also reached Aucklanders through library displays, tertiary education partnerships, events with local businesses and rural communities, and resources available in multiple languages.
Tools such as Auckland Council’s Flood Viewer is also helping residents see whether their property could be affected during extreme rainfall.
Auckland Council’s Senior Healthy Waters Specialist Bianca Lilley says partnering with local organisations is one of the programme’s biggest strengths.
“Last year showed us how powerful local leadership can be. Community groups understand their neighbourhoods and the challenges their communities face.
“Through Making Space for Water we’re investing in major infrastructure, restoring waterways and improving how our stormwater network performs. But infrastructure alone can’t solve every challenge. Community initiatives help Aucklanders understand their local flood risks and take practical steps to be prepared.”
Two new organisations have now joined the initiative for 2026, including the Papakura Community Resilience Network (CRN), which is already bringing neighbours together to talk about flooding and emergency preparedness.
The Papakura group has been running neighbourhood workshops and information sessions designed to make flood preparedness practical and accessible.
One recent example was a series of Saturday morning drop-in sessions held at Papakura Museum alongside the Living with Floods exhibition. The informal sessions allowed residents to ask questions, explore how flooding can affect their area and learn what steps they can take to protect their homes.
Interactive displays included videos in multiple languages, a virtual-reality flood scenario and practical information residents could use at home. Visitors also learned how to use the Flood Viewer to understand flood risk at their property.
Brian Collins from Papakura’s Community Resilience Network says strengthening community connections is key to building resilience.
“Real resilience is built before the rain arrives, street by street, neighbour by neighbour,” Collins says.
“This partnership helps us give local people the knowledge, confidence and connections they need to prepare for floods and look after each other when it matters most.”
Papakura Local Board chair Kelvin Hieatt says community-led initiatives complement the wider regional investment in flood resilience.
“Auckland Council is investing in flood resilience projects across the region through Making Space for Water, and community initiatives like this play an important role alongside that work.”
Aucklanders can learn more about flood risk in their area using the Flood Viewer and connect with local groups delivering flood resilience activities through the Community Flood Resilience page on the Auckland Council website.