Assessing the chance of an Auckland volcanic eruption and its cost

There is a 10% chance of Auckland suffering a volcanic eruption in the next 50 years and it could cost as much as $65 billion in building damage alone. The disaster scenario is one of several listed in a discussion document designed to inform the Government’s changes to the country’s emergency management legislation . Consultation is now open until May 13 on how the Government could strengthen emergency management powers following the lessons learned after Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary floods in 2023.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell today outlined what his priorities would be in a new bill that would be passed before the next election, including establishing authority during an emergency, improving co-operation with Māori and reducing disruption to essential services. After the events of 2023, the need for modern legislation was widely acknowledged amid the increasing likelihood of more damaging natural disasters..