Hanna, ChristinaWallace, PipSerrao-Neumann, Silvia2025-02-102025-02-102025Hanna, C., Wallace, P., & Serrao-Neumann, S. (2025). Evaluating riverine flood policy: Land use planning trends in Aotearoa New Zealand. Environmental Science and Policy, 164, Article 104006. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2025.1040061462-9011https://hdl.handle.net/10289/17170Globally, the responsibility to develop flood risk policy is often devolved to local government. However, local governments can lack the capacity to keep up with increasing and changing flood risk and information provision without external guidance and support. Central and state governments can deliver policy support and consistency by providing policy direction or standards based on best practice. Due to diverse localised modelling, plans and policies, there is often limited understanding of the nature of flood policy, the degree of variation between localities, and how authorities are improving practice and responding to increasing and changing risk. In this study, we develop and apply an evaluation tool for riverine flood planning that captures the modelling parameters, policies, and information used by regional authorities, distinguishing between traditional and emerging approaches. We examine three primary categories of regional flood policy: modelling parameters and associated planning regulations, risk-based policy approaches, and information provision processes. Our findings reveal evolving practices, policy variances, and aspects of contention, demonstrating where central and state governments can provide greater direction for policy development. Our evaluation tool therefore provides a basis to guide complex policy transitions, from static hazard-based planning towards a more comprehensive, risk-based approach.enThis is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons CC-BY license.http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Journal Article10.1016/j.envsci.2025.1040061873-64164407 Policy and Administration44 Human Society30 Agricultural, veterinary and food sciences41 Environmental sciences44 Human society15 Life on Land13 Climate Action11 Sustainable Cities and Communities9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure