New Zealand report warns of climate threats to coasts,

8/10/2025 18:16

Evidence shows rising risks to coasts and communities as New Zealand's marine environment faces escalating pressures from climate change and human activities.



According to the latest Our Marine Environment 2025 report released by the Ministry for the Environment and the statistics department Stats NZ, 219,000 homes, valued at 103.64 billion U.S. dollars, are already in New Zealand's flood-prone areas.



By 2060, about 1,300 coastal homes could face major damage from extreme weather events.



Warming seas and ocean acidification are affecting fisheries and aquaculture, sectors contributing 630 million U.S. dollars directly to Gross Domestic Product and supporting over 14,000 jobs.



Furthermore, 428 non-native marine species had entered New Zealand waters by 2022, with 266 establishing populations, compounding ecosystem stress.



Wetlands, dunes, and native vegetation that help buffer against flooding and erosion are being degraded or replaced, the report showed.