Jacobs, together with JBA Consulting, has been selected by New Zealand’s Ministry for the Environment to develop the data integration and harmonization methodologies for the first generation of the New Zealand Flood Map — an important step under the government’s National Adaptation Framework.

The New Zealand Flood Map will provide a unified, trusted source of flood risk information, bringing together the best available local, regional and national-scale data. Once complete, it will enable communities, businesses and decision-makers to better understand current and future flood risks and make more informed planning and investment decisions.

Flooding remains one of New Zealand’s most significant natural hazards, with risks increasing due to climate change. Today, flood risk information is often fragmented, with varying methodologies and levels of detail across regions. The New Zealand Flood Map will combine the information available to provide a consistent, nationwide view of flood risk — improving accessibility, transparency and decision-making.

Jacobs and JBA Consulting combine global leadership in national-scale flood modeling, including experience from England’s Environment Agency’s National Flood Risk Assessment 2, with deep local expertise and extensive geospatial capabilities across New Zealand and Australia.

“Creating a consistent, nationwide understanding of flood risk is critical to how New Zealand plans, invests and adapts to climate change. This work supports more informed decisions and more resilient outcomes for communities and infrastructure over the long term,” says Jacobs Director of Operations, Water, Australia and New Zealand, Kate Simmonds.

By leveraging advanced modeling, geospatial analytics and cloud-based digital solutions, the project will help future-proof infrastructure planning, strengthen climate resilience and support long-term adaptation strategies across the country.