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Story: Natural environment

River in flood, Glenorchy, Otago, 1993

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River in flood, Glenorchy, Otago, 1993

Flooding is the most common natural hazard and can occur at any time of the year. Many weather systems sweep in from the ocean to the uplands of the country. This process can result in very high rainfall over short periods of time. Because townships are often built on flat land (usually a river flood plain), many New Zealanders face the risk of flooding. But flooding also forms new soils, providing much of the agricultural wealth of those who live on the plains.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10047603

by Neville Peat

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Natural environment – Climate, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/2670/river-in-flood-glenorchy-otago-1993 (accessed 25 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 3 March 2009.