Planning and Development Research and Supporting Documents
The Rotorua District Council commissioned a large amount of research in preparation of the District Plan. Other research commissioned outside the District Plan that may inform development is also listed.
The research reports cover the following topics: Strategic planning, Important landscapes, Natural heritage, City centre, Amenity and Natural hazards.
Research Documents
Strategic Planning
- Rotorua Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessments 2021 (Main Report)
- Rotorua Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessments 2021 (Technical Report)
- Integrated Structure Plan Vol 2, with Draft Transport Assessment
Landscapes
- Eastern Lakes Landscape Assessment
- Lake Rotorua Catchment Landscape Report
- Lake Rotorua Catchment Landscape Report part 2
- Northern Lakes Landscape Report
- Rotorua Caldera Rim Report
- Southern Lakes Landscape Report
City Centre
- City Centre Parking Study
- Government Gardens Promotion and Signage Guidelines Report
- Interim Report Rotorua CBD Revitalisation Economic Assessment
Amenity
Natural Hazards
- Active Fault Hazards Report
- Landslide Hazard Report
- Shallow Groundwater Hazards Report
- Soft Soil Hazard Report
- Bay of Plenty Regional Liquefaction Vulnerability Assessment
- Volcano and Geothermal Hazards Report
- Active Fault Hazards Report for Growth Areas - Peka Block, Eastside, Airport, Wharenui, Ngongotahā, Pukehāngi
- Active Fault Hazards Report for Eastside 2020
Flood Mapping
Following are flood maps and related reports relating to three types of flood assessments:
(1) Pluvial flooding for specific stormwater catchments in Rotorua city and Ngongotahā
(2) Flooding from high lake levels
(3) Fluvial flooding from streams overspilling in the Greater Utuhina Catchment (Rotorua City).
Assessments can overlap in area, providing different results for different sources of flooding. Therefore, all should be considered. The regional councils may also hold further information on flooding that is not available here.
1. Pluvial Flooding (Stormwater Catchments)
Modelling has been completed for pluvial flooding (flooding when high rainfall events exceed ground absorption and the capacity of any drainage system) for specific catchments in Rotorua city (as show in this Location Map of Rotorua's Stormwater Catchments and Flood Maps (PDF 1.4MB)) and the wider Ngongotahā area to the Awahou Stream.
Below are results and related reports for the 1% annual exceedance probability (AEP) under present and/or future climate conditions. Refer to the linked reports for other model outputs, including for other AEP scenarios.
The flood modelling is indicative only. The models were developed at a catchment, rather than a property-specific, level and incorporate a range of assumptions and limitations as explained in the reports. For example, fine features that may influence the direction of flow, such as kerbs, fences and walls, have not been included in the model. Drainage works that affect the flooding may also not be taken into account. In most cases, there was limited data from actual events against which the models could be validated or calibrated.
Caution should be taken in interpreting the results in and around building footprints. In some models, buildings are treated as elevated areas of land to approximate their impacts on flows. However, actual building floor levels are generally not incorporated into the models and potential inundation of building footprints may not be shown. In other models, buildings are essentially removed, which may imply flooding of buildings that may actually be raised above the modelled flood level.
Future climate scenarios are based on the IPC RCP 8.5 high emissions scenario and, in terms of today’s climate, would have an annual exceedance probability significantly less than 1%.
Special planning rules or Building Act considerations may apply in relation to building or other development affected by potential flooding.
- Catchment 4 Report - Stormwater Model Build and System Performance (PDF 51MB)
- Catchment 4 Flood Map - Maximum Flood Depth 1% AEP with Climate Change (PDF 3MB)
- Catchments 4 & 6 Report - Memorandum on Additional Results for 1%AEP Event (PDF 90MB)
- Catchment 5 Report - Stormwater Model Build and System Performance (PDF 3MB)
- Catchment 5 Flood Map - Maximum Flood Depth 1% AEP with Climate Change (PDF 3MB)
- Catchment 6 Report - Stormwater Model Build and System Performance (PDF 60MB)
- Catchment 6 Flood Map - Maximum Flood Depth 1% AEP with Climate Change (PDF 3MB)
- Catchment 8 Flood Map 1% AEP Event with Climate Change (PDF 3MB)
- Catchment 12 Flood Map 1% - Maximum Flood Depth 1% AEP with Climate Change (PDF 3MB)
- Catchment 14 Report - Stormwater Model Build and System Performance (PDF 9MB)
- Catchment 14 Flood Map - Maximum Flood Depth 1% AEP with Climate Change (PDF 3MB)
- Catchment 18 Report - Model Development Memo and System Performance (PDF 3MB)
- Catchment 18 Flood Map - Maximum Flood Depth 1% AEP with Climate Change (PDF 3MB)
- Ngongotahā Report - Model Build and Design Scenarios
- Ngongotahā Flood Map - Maximum Flood Depth 1% AEP current climate (PDF 2 MB)
- Ngongotahā Flood Map - Maximum Flood Depth 1%AEP climate change (PDF 2 MB)
2. High Lake Levels
Refer to the following report for information on high lake levels for the twelve major Rotorua lakes:
The approximation of the areas potentially affected by the 1%AEP high lake levels is available on Council's online mapping service GeyserView.
Note – Bay of Plenty Regional Council is currently developing updated projections on climate change impacts on high lake levels.
3. Greater Utuhina Catchment Fluvial Flooding Model
Modelling commissioned by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council provides information on areas susceptible to fluvial flooding (stream overspill) in the vicinity of streams in the Greater Utuhina Catchment (Rotorua city). Flooding from direct localised rainfall or pipe surcharges is not shown in these flood maps. For questions on this modelling please contact the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
- Greater Utuhina Catchment Model - Phases 2 and 3 Numerical Modelling Report, September 2021
- Utuhina Catchment Numerical Modelling Addendum Report
- Utuhina Catchment Flood Map 1%AEP Event with Climate Change (Regional Council Greater Utuhina Catchment Model)
Other
Heritage and Culture
- Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga for heritage sites in the Rotorua District
- Rotorua Central Area Built Heritage Study Part 1- A
- Rotorua Central Area Built Heritage Study Part 1- B
Natural Heritage (Biodiversity / Ecology)
SNA Site Assessment Reports
1. Mamakū [Sep 2018]
2. Ohinenui Stream [Sep 2018]
3. South Road [2009]
4. Ohinenui Sidestream [2009]
5. Waitetahi Stream [Sep 2018]
6. Mt Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve Extension [2014]
7. Mountain Road [2014]
8. Waiowhiro Flat Wetland [2009]
9. Ngongotaha Railway Kahikatea [2009]
11. Tupapakurua Stream [2009]
12. Komutumutu Stream A [2009]
13. State Highway 5 [2009]
14. Komutumutu Stream B [2009]
15. Waiteti Stream [Sep 2018]
16. Oturoa Road Junction [2009]
18. Upper Waiteti Stream [2009]
20. Hamurana Road Wetland [2009]
21. Te Waerenga Gorge Scenic Reserve Extension [2009]
22. Mission Bay Bush [2009]
23. Hamurana Road [2009]
24. Ohau Channel Wetland [2009]
26. Te Weta Bay [2009]
27. Te Ti Bay [2009]
29. Te Arero Bay [2009]
31. Lake Te Hapua [2009]
32. Tumoana Point [Sep 2018]
33. Motuhoa Point [2009]
34. Te Ngae Junction Wetland [Sep 2018]
35. Hell's Gate [2009]
36. Tikitere Northwest [2014]
37. Maraeroa [Sep 2018]
38. Ruahine Springs [2009]
39. Tikoki Farm Forest [2009]
42. Lake Rotokawau [2009]
43. Te Ngae Kahikatea Stand [2009]
44. Te Ngae Bush [2009]
45. Cookson Road [Sep 2018]
46. Hamurana Cliffs [2009]
47. Rotokawa Road [2009]
49. Lake Rotokawa [2009]
58. Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve Extension [2009]
61. Waikaruru Stream Wetlands [2009]
73. Mt Tarawera (part) [2009]
78. Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve Extension (Eastern) [2009]
79. Lake Okataina Scenic Reserve Extension (Northern) [2009]
80. Haroharo [2009]
81. Maungawhakamana-Hinehopu Scenic Reserve Extension [2009]
82. Hinehopu Mire [2009]
83. Matawhaura [2009]
84. Lake Rotoehu Margins [2009]
85. Rotoiti Forest Wetlands [2009]
87. Lake Rotoma Scenic Reserve Extension [2015]
89. Rotoma Recreation Reserve Extension [2009]
98. Edwards Road [2009]
100. Awahou Stream [2009]
104. Ridgetop Road [2009]
106. Whakarewarewa [2009]
108. Ngapuna [2009]
109. Ohinemutu [2009]
110. Cemetery Reserve [2009]
111. Puarenga Park [2009]
112. Arikikapakapa (Golf Course) [2009]
113. Tangataru (Old Taupo Road Reserve) [2009]
114. Kuirau Park [2009]
115. Lake Rotoiti [2009]
116. Lake Rotorua [2009]
117. Lake Rotoehu [2009]
118. Lake Rotoma [2009]
119. Lake Rerewhakaaitu [2009]
120. Redwood Grove Pool [2009]
121. Parengarenga Springs [2009]
122. Te Rei Bay [2009]
123. Wharetata Bay [Sep 2018]
124. Wairau Bay and Ōtutatara Springs [Sep 2018]
125. Papakiore Springs [2009]
126. Motutawa Point [Sep 2018]
127. Ōtutatara Road Lake [Sep 2018]
129. Arawa Park (Racecourse) [2009]
130. Marguerita Street (Wonderland; Leisureworld) [2014]
132. Whakarewarewa South [Sep 2018]
133. Five Mile Gate Swamp [2009]
134. Waipa Wetland [2009]
136. Ohineuia Stream [2009]
139. Ngapuna Wetlands [Sep 2018]
141. Pohaturoa Wetlands [Sep 2018]
142. Poplar Avenue Wetlands [Sep 2018]
143. Reservoir Road Wetland [Sep 2018]
144. Waitangi Soda Springs Hot Springs [2009]
145. Waitangi Soda Springs Mire [2009]
147. Tikitere Kahikatea [Sep 2018]
148. Te Ngae Lake Edge Wetlands [Sep 2018]
151. Tawa Road [Sep 2018]
153. Peka Forest [Sep 2018]
154. Te Miri Road [Sep 2018]
155. Horohoro Forest [Sep 2018]
156. Horohoro Forest Extension [Sep 2018]
157.Anderson Road [Sep 2018]
158. Hauraki Stream [Sep 2018]
162. Government Gardens (including Rachel Spring) [2009]
163. Old Government Gardens [2014]
167. Tikitere Hill Forest [Sep 2018]
172. Upper Wairau Bay [Sep 2018]
176. Te Weta Bay Geothermal Area [2009]
177. Pohaturoa [2009]
178. Sulphur Point [2009]
179. Mokoia Island [2009]
302. Makititi Dome Extension [2009]
304. Waterfall Road Wetland [2009]
305. Maungawhakamana [2009]
313. Mt Tarawera Northeast [2009]
315. Purutai Road Forest Blocks [2009]
411. Mamaku South Road Bush [Sep 2018]
412. Mangakotaha Stream [2009]
413. Takapuhurihuri Stream [2009]
414. Oraka Stream Riparian [2009]
415. Barker Road [Sep 2018]
416. Off Road New Zealand [2009]
417. Arahiwi [Sep 2018]
550. Tureporepo Bush [2009]
551. Horohoro Bluff [2009]
552. Horohoro Geothermal Area [Sep 2018]
553. Tumunui Bush [2009]
554. Lake Tutaeinanga [2009]
555. Waiotapu South Extension [Sep 2018]
556. Mangamingi Station Bush [2009]
557. Te Kopia Road Swamp [2009]
558. Akatarewa Stream [Sep 2018]
559. Orakeikorako [2009]
560. Whangairorohea Hot Pool [2009]
561. Will's Swamp [2009]
562. Torepatutahi Stream [2009]
563. Hardcastle Lagoon [2009]
564. Rawhiti Lagoon [2009]
565. Waihunuhunu Geothermal Area [2009]
566. Red Hills Geothermal Area [2009]
567. Golden Springs [Sep 2018]
568. Waikato River Springs [Sep 2018]
571. Wharepapa Road Thermal Areas [Sep 2018]
572. Ngapouri [Sep 2018]
573. Waiotapu North [Sep 2018]
574. Waikite Valley [Sep 2018]
575. Hamill's Wetland [Sep 2018]
577. Rahopakapaka Stream [Sep 2018]
578. Ngatuku Road Wetland [Sep 2018]
579. Tahunaatura Stream Gorge [Sep 2018]
580. Lake Ngapouri [2009]
581. Lake Atiamuri [2009]
582. Lake Atiamuri North Faces [Sep 2018]
583. Lake Atiamuri South Faces [Sep 2018]
584. Lake Ohakuri [Sep 2018]
585. Lake Ohakuri Northwest Riparian Faces [Sep 2018]
589. Lake Ohakuri Northeast Riparian Faces [Sep 2018]
590. Waihunuhunu Arm Riparian Faces & Wetland [Sep 2018]
592. Orakeikorako Extension [Sep 2018]
595. Te Kopia Scenic Reserve Extension [2014]
596. Pukemoremore [Sep 2018]
597. Wharekaunga Stream Riparian [Sep 2018]
598. Tokiaminga Stream Riparian [Sep 2018]
599. Lake Ngahewa [2009]
650. Capella Road Wetland [2009]
651. Oturoa Road Wetland [2009]
652. Galaxy Road North Forest Remnant [2009]
653. Upper Mangorewa River [2009]
654. Mamaku Lagoon [2009]
655. Mangorewa Extension [2009]
656. Lagoon Road [2009]
657. Upper Mangapouri Gorge [2009]
658. Upper Pipikarihi Rd [Sep 2018]
659. Mervyn Street [Sep 2018]
660. Mid Mangorewa Gorge [Sep 2018]
661. Te Waerenga Road [2009]
662. Kapukapu Road [2009]
663. Lake Rotongata [2009]
664. Onaia Stream [Sep 2018]
665. Hururu Stream [2009]
666. Maungarangi Road A [2009]
667. Kaituna River [2009]
668. Paretero [2009]
669. Taheke Geothermal Area (was Taheke Springs) [2009]
670. Taheke Forest [2009]
671. Pokopoko Stream [2009]
672. Lichenstein Road [2009]
673. Maniatutu Road B [2009]
674. Roydon Downs Scenic Reserve Extension [2009]
675. Tokerau [2009]
676. Maniatutu Road A [2009]
677. Te Iringa [2009]
678. Upper Kaituna [2009]
679. Te Waerenga Road 2 [Sep 2018]
680. Jackson Road [Sep 2018]
681. Mangorewa Kaharoa [Sep 2018]
700. Mangaharekeke Waterfall [Sep 2018]
701. Mangaharakeke Wetland [Sep 2018]
703. Torepatutahi Stream Riparian [Sep 2018]
707. Te Pohue - Te Mahorehore [Sep 2018]
708. Tokerau Wetland A [Sep 2018]
709. Tokerau Wetland B [Sep 2018]
710. Akatarewa East [Sep 2018]
712. Te Kopia [Sep 2018]
713. Mangamingi Station [Sep 2018]
714. Matapan Road [Sep 2018]
715. Ohaaki Steamfield East [Sep 2018]
716. Maungakakaramea (Rainbow Mountain) [Sep 2018]
717. Upper Atiamuri West [Sep 2018]
718. Western Te Kopia [Sep 2018]
800. Northern Paeroa Range [Sep 2018]
801. Murphy's Springs [Sep 2018]
802. Ohineuia Stream Wetland [Oct 2018]