26 Jul 2016

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The panel peer reviewing a coastal hazards assessment report released last year by Christchurch City Council has made public its draft findings.

Read the findings of the draft Peer Review Report from the Peer Review Panel.

The Coastal Hazards Assessment Report was prepared by environmental consultancy Tonkin & Taylor Ltd and identified areas in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula that were likely to be vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation (flooding by the sea over a 50 and 100 year timeframe), taking into account the potential impact of sea level rise.

The Council had the report independently peer reviewed before it was publicly released but in December last year it ordered a further peer review after questions were raised by members of the community about the science and findings within the report.

The Council contracted GHD Consultants to project manage the second peer review and developed the terms of reference in consultation with the community.

An expert panel, made up of local and international experts, has been working on the review and has now delivered its draft report.

The Community Reference Group, the Council and Environment Canterbury now have the opportunity to seek further clarification from the expert panel on points made within the report.

Members of the public can also seek clarification by directing their enquiry via the nominated Community Reference Group.  All points of clarification should be received by 8pm on August 3. 

On August 5 the Community Reference Group will meet with the Council to discuss the report and points of clarification.

The final peer review report is expected to be available after August 22 and will be tabled at the Council’s August 25 meeting.