Our Marine Environment 2025

The Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ have released the latest Our Marine Environment 2025 report

The report highlights how climate change and human activity are putting increasing pressure on our coasts and the ocean - affecting communities, industries, and ecosystems across the country.

It draws on a wide body of evidence, including:

• peer‑reviewed research

• government reports

• mātauranga Māori

• official statistics

It was independently reviewed by subject‑matter experts to ensure the findings are robust and reliable.

Findings

• 219,000 homes are already in flood-prone areas, representing $180 billion in assets.

• By 2060, 1,300 coastal homes could face major damage from extreme events.

• Warming seas and ocean acidification are affecting fisheries and aquaculture, which contribute $1.1 billion directly to GDP, an additional $1.1 billion indirectly by stimulating the non-marine economy, and support more than 14,000 jobs.

• By 2022, 428 non-native marine species had entered New Zealand waters, with 266 establishing populations.

• In 2023, approximately 219,000 residential properties were in coastal inundation and inland flood zones, representing $180 billion in assets.

• Wetlands, dunes, and native vegetation that help buffer against flooding and erosion are being degraded or replaced.