By Kate Newton of RNZ More than 1400 new house consents have been granted in flood plains in Auckland since devastating flooding damaged thousands of homes a.
People who own homes in flood zones might see their property values sink, according to the Reserve Bank.
It has suggested banks could tighten their lending criteria in flood prone areas - finding in Auckland more than one in four houses with mortgages are in zones that could be affected by a 'severe' flooding event.
Anei te kai ripoata a Katie Todd.