In 2025, the rules around natural hazard information in Land Information Memoranda (LIMs) changed. From 1 July 2025, councils have had new obligations when preparing LIMs, which must include clearer details about natural hazards. From 17 October 2025, new regulations also standardised how natural hazard information is included and presented in LIMs.
The changes aim to make LIMs more user-friendly, by using plain language so that property owners and prospective buyers can understand and act on the information.
Changes from 1 July 2025
Key changes include:
- Greater obligations on regional councils – regional councils must share all known natural hazard information with territorial authorities, including impacts of climate change on natural hazards.
- Clear hazard information – LIMs must include easy to understand details about all known and potential natural hazards affecting a property.
- Council liability protection – Councils are protected from legal action if they share hazard information in good faith.
- No new assessments required – Councils are not required to create new hazard models; they only need to share what they know.
Changes from 17 October 2025
Key changes include:
- Clear natural hazards section – every LIM will have a dedicated natural hazard section which must include specific content in a standard format, to ensure consistency across Councils in New Zealand.
- Plain English summaries of hazards – LIMs must include simple, easy to read summaries of technical hazard reports. These summaries are intended to help buyers understand what the hazards mean for the property and how they might affect future use or value.
- Maps and supporting information – LIMs must include supporting information such as links to reports and maps showing hazard areas and property boundaries.
How do the changes affect property owners?
These changes aim to provide greater transparency for prospective buyers. However, they may also raise concerns about property insurability. With more detailed hazard information available, insurers could classify certain properties as high-risk, potentially increasing insurance costs. In turn, this could also have an impact on future resale values.
If you are looking to buy, it is essential to obtain and check the LIM for the property you are considering, especially if it is in a hazard prone area.
We can assist you with understanding this information and how it might impact your purchase.
