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January 25, 2026
#climatechange Why Landslides Are a Growing Threat in Aotearoa — and Why Rural and Coastal Communities Are Most at Risk
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On January 25, 2026
Landslides are becoming an increasingly serious risk across Aotearoa, with many of the country’s small rural and coastal communities now living on the front line of this growing natural hazard.
Aotearoa’s landscape is naturally prone to slips. Much of the country is young in geological terms, with steep hills, fractured rock, soft soils and highly erodible land. When heavy or prolonged rainfall hits, the ground can quickly become saturated, unstable and prone to sudden collapse.
Climate change is making that risk worse.
Scientists and emergency management agencies say more intense rainfall events are increasing both the frequency and severity of landslides. Instead of steady rain spread over days, many regions are now experiencing short bursts of extreme rainfall, overwhelming the land’s ability to absorb water and triggering slips with little warning.
Rural and coastal communities are especially vulnerable.
Many of these communities are built along steep hillsides, river valleys, coastal cliffs and narrow road corridors, often with just one main access route in or out. When a landslide hits, that road can be blocked or destroyed, cutting off residents from emergency services, food supplies, medical care and power.
In some areas, communities can be isolated for days or even weeks.
Older infrastructure adds to the risk. Rural roads, bridges and stormwater systems were often built decades ago for very different weather patterns. They are now under pressure from heavier rain, increased erosion and repeated storm damage – sometimes without the funding needed for major upgrades.
Housing is also a factor.
Many homes in rural and coastal areas sit on or below steep slopes, often close to waterways. In some cases, historic land-use decisions allowed development in areas that are now recognised as high-risk, but where people still live because there are few affordable alternatives.
For Māori communities, the risk carries an added dimension.
Many marae, papakāinga and ancestral settlements are located in coastal or rural areas tied closely to whenua, awa and moana. These places hold deep cultural, historical and spiritual significance – meaning relocation isn’t just a practical decision, but one that affects identity, whakapapa and connection to place.
Emergency officials say warning signs of landslides can include cracks in the ground, leaning trees or poles, unusual sounds like cracking or rumbling, and sudden changes in water flow. However, slips can also happen without warning, particularly after long periods of rain.
As extreme weather events become more common, councils, iwi and central government face difficult decisions around risk reduction, infrastructure investment, land-use planning and community preparedness.
What’s clear is that landslides are no longer rare or isolated events. They are becoming a regular and serious threat, particularly for communities already facing economic, geographic and infrastructure challenges.
Radio Waatea will continue to follow developments affecting rural and coastal communities and bring updates on how Aotearoa prepares for a future where extreme weather is becoming the new normal.
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