Are New Zealand's Deadliest Landslides Coming? Experts Reveal Shocking Climate Crisis Stats!

New Zealand is facing a growing risk of landslides, its most deadly natural hazard, as global warming leads to more intense and frequent storms. This alarming warning follows two tragic landslide incidents on the North Island, where heavy rainfall from tropical storms has already taken lives.

Since records began, landslides in New Zealand have caused over 1,800 deaths, surpassing casualties from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions combined. The recent events underscore the urgent need for better protective measures as the nation grapples with the devastating impact of extreme weather.

In January, a series of tropical storms swept across the North Island, resulting in two fatal landslides. One landslide struck a holiday park in Mount Maunganui, a city in the eastern region of Tauranga, burying six individuals. Authorities have since confirmed that it is unlikely any of them survived. Just hours earlier, another landslide occurred south of Tauranga, claiming the lives of two others.

In light of these tragedies, the Tauranga city council had to evacuate approximately 150 people from 30 homes as they assessed a new landslide risk that posed a “risk to life.” This reflects a growing awareness of the danger that landslides pose in the region.

New Zealand's unique geographical features contribute to its vulnerability. The nation is situated on a tectonic boundary, which not only elevates land but also creates steep slopes. The maritime climate, characterized by high rainfall, compounds this susceptibility. As pointed out by Martin Brook, a professor of applied geology at the University of Auckland, human activity has also exacerbated the problem through practices like deforestation and altering land for transport and housing.

“Land use change has been so profound that we just aren’t resilient,”

Brook stated. He emphasized that while mapping landslide susceptibility has improved, actionable steps must follow to inform better planning decisions.

Furthermore, global warming has intensified tropical storms, increasing the likelihood of landslides, according to Dr. Thomas Robinson, a senior lecturer in disaster risk and resilience at the University of Canterbury. He noted,

“The more we have intense storms, the more frequently they occur, the more landslides we’re going to have, and then the more impacts we’re going to experience.”

The effects of this extreme weather were starkly demonstrated in 2023 when Cyclone Gabrielle triggered about 800,000 landslides, marking one of the most severe landslide-triggering events ever recorded globally, as reported by Earth Sciences New Zealand.

Dr. Robinson added,

“The losses and the impacts are increasing. We need to have a really serious conversation nationally and internationally about how we’re going to manage the risks we’re faced with.”

The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue; it’s also becoming a political battleground. Recently, politicians have exchanged accusations regarding the government's climate policy, which includes cutting targets for reducing emissions and the cancellation of a NZ$6 billion resilience fund established following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticized the government for its lack of action on climate change, claiming,

“Almost every major action New Zealand was taking to really tackle the challenge of climate change has been wound back under [the government’s] leadership.”

In response, Finance Minister Nicola Willis accused Hipkins of politicizing a tragedy, arguing that the government has allocated significant funding for infrastructure, flood resilience, and necessary repairs to combat climate change's effects. Hipkins countered, stating that the broader discussion around climate change is a legitimate concern.

As the nation mourns and questions arise about preventive measures, the Tauranga city council has initiated a local inquiry into the Mount Maunganui landslide. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is also seeking advice on a government inquiry, prompting public discussions about whether local authorities could have acted more proactively to prevent the disaster. Many residents reported having alerted emergency services about the potential risk before the landslide occurred, highlighting the mountain’s historical susceptibility to such events.

Despite the clear dangers that landslides pose, they often do not capture public attention like earthquakes do. Dr. Robinson remarked,

“If anything good can come out of this, then having a better and broader understanding of landslide risk and how to prepare for them is a positive.”

As New Zealand grapples with these recent tragedies, it finds itself at a critical juncture. The country must confront the reality of climate change and its implications for public safety, while also addressing the role of human activity in reshaping the landscape. With increasing storms likely to catalyze further landslides, the time for action is now.