Western Bay of Plenty residents are being invited to discuss how the district will deal with an expected, one metre rise in sea levels.

For the very first time, maps have been made public that show what effects erosion could have on the district in 100 years.

Some areas of Bowentown are set to to be inundated over the next 100 years. The areas in orange have the potential to flood. Photo: Supplied.

Ratepayers are being asked for input on who should fund erosion protection efforts, how they should be paid for and what should be protected.

The online discussion, called ‘Living with the Changing Tides', opens today and is the first stage in the development of a 30-year Western Bay of Plenty-wide policy for tackling harbour and coastal erosion.

Feedback received through the forum will guide council in developing a draft policy for erosion, says Policy and Planning Manager Liz Davies. The policy, once finalised, will be in place for 30 years.

'There are some big decisions that need to be made,” says Liz, 'and that could potentially affect the entire district, not just those people living by the water.

'We really encourage everyone to have a look at the information and tell us what they think.”

Key topics covered in the discussions include how we should protect against erosion, whether private property, community infrastructure or cultural/historic sites should be prioritised and who should fund the work.

Liz says the project is based on research that looked at potential erosion and flooding at Western Bay harbour margins and open coastlines.

The results have been mapped to include the anticipated impact of climate change, which suggests New Zealand should prepare for a one metre sea level rise over the next 100 years.

Maps of the Western Bay have been generated, showing the extent of the possible effects.

'While 100 years may seem like a long time away, as a district we need to start talking about how we are going to tackle this,” says Liz.

'We need to make sure we have a plan in place that is fair, effective and affordable over the long term.”

The ‘Living with the Changing Tides' online forum runs from 9-30 November.

Participants can read frequently asked questions and relevant research, view maps and photos, take part in discussions and polls and ask council staff questions.