Research Aims

Our aim is to make projections about how runoff from New Zealand’s glaciers and seasonal snow will change into the future. We engaged with iwi and with local authorities to determine the specific needs of communities that utilise water flows. This data is crucial for decision-makers in government, communities and industry – all of whom rely on this climate-sensitive resource.

This project brings together, for the first time, New Zealand’s leading snow and glacier scientists. Together we have been developing computer models to simulate how snow and ice respond to climate change scenarios. We have made projections of all New Zealand glaciers, and are testing models to make projections of future snow and ice cover and the resultant runoff from alpine catchments. We have investigated the future availability of spring and summer meltwater from snow, and probable changes in summer flow as glaciers are lost.

We also looked at extreme weather events, e.g. providing some insight into the frequency and likelihood of large snowfall events or ‘rain on snow’ events which can cause exceptional floods. We identified the extent to which snow and ice melt might ease the effects of drought, and whether this protective effect will continue in the future.

Improved water projections are essential for the development of climate change adaptation policies that can balance both the financial and intrinsic value of water.