Auckland Council is taking to the skies to deploy state-of-the-art Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to map critical waterways as part of its Making Space for Water (MSFW) programme.
The innovative technology provides virtual ‘walkthroughs’ of stream networks to detect changes with remarkable precision, helping enhance flood resilience across Auckland.
Earlier this year, a low-flying EC120 helicopter equipped with Lidar sensors gathered high-resolution data across approximately 560 square kilometres of the region, covering areas from Matakana and Whangateau in the north, to the urban catchments of Meola, Swanson and Henderson Creeks, Whenuapai and the North Shore.
The focus is now in the south and east of the region. The data will provide unparalleled insights into Auckland’s most complex environments such as densely vegetated areas and small stream networks in flood-prone catchments, forming the backbone of future planning and mitigation efforts.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the council will be implementing many more innovation and technology initiatives in the coming years.
“Growth in the technology sector is a core focus of work in my refreshed manifesto. This is also part of our plan to modernise services,” he said.
“We must make better use of technology to make the council faster and more efficient.
“I’ve been using Lidar in my own companies for years; it’s good to see the council will be utilising this. I’m also keen to get on with rolling out AI in the council so we can keep up with business around us.
“The Making Space for Water programme will be more effective and developed faster because of this; it’s another move that will help build physical and financial resilience into Auckland for future generations.”
Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters Manager, Craig Mcilroy says the cutting-edge technology is like progressing from X-ray to MRI for the environment, capturing the health of a catchment’s stormwater network.
“By using Lidar technology, we’re obtaining a level of detail we’ve never had before,” said Mr Mcilroy.
“This data will help us visualise and understand the intricacies of Auckland’s waterways in a way that hasn’t been possible, right down to individual trees, slips, and bank conditions. It will equip us to tackle the challenges of urban flooding and climate change head-on.
“It’s a game-changer for managing flood risks and ensuring the city’s resilience for future generations.”
The stormwater network data collection is being led by Auckland Council’s Principal of Waterways Planning, Danny Klimetz, with support from Professor James Brasington, Director of the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management at Canterbury University, with Christchurch Helicopters providing air support.
With laser-point densities reaching 250 points per square metre, the resulting datasets are over 20 times more detailed than Auckland’s current regional Lidar data.
“These datasets are essential for building accurate flood models, tracking erosion, and planning for the future of Auckland’s waterways,” say Professor Brasington.
Mr Klimetz is the original concept designer and brings a wealth of experience to the project. He says the undertaking highlights the value of collaborative innovation, the Council said.
“Drawing from my work in the United States, it’s satisfying to see we’ve been able to adapt this method and apply it here to New Zealand’s unique landscape,” says Mr Klimetz.
“With Lidar, we’re creating a detailed digital elevation model that not only defines catchment shapes but also identifies vegetation, erosion, and blockages. This clarity is critical for informed decision-making and long-term planning.
“By collaborating with experts like those at the University of Canterbury, we’re setting a new benchmark for how councils can manage water systems effectively.”
The 10-year MSFW programme uses a holistic approach to prepare for storms, raise awareness, reduce risks and ensure sustainable development. It is a cornerstone of Auckland’s Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Plan, developed in response to the devastating weather events of early 2023. As urban development continues to alter natural waterways, the project aims to balance infrastructure upgrades with environmental guardianship.
“Flooding is a growing challenge in our city,” said Mr Mcilroy.
“With climate change increasing the intensity of storms, we need innovative tools like Lidar to guide us in creating safer, more resilient communities.
“Although the low-flying helicopter used during the data gathering may generate brief noise disturbances for residents, the benefits for flood mitigation far outweigh the inconvenience. The data captured will support critical projects to reduce flood risks, raise community awareness, and improve stormwater infrastructure,” he said.
