New data shows the sea level is rising twice as fast as previously thought in some parts of Aotearoa, significantly reducing the amount of time authorities have to respond.
Projections unveiled in a major government-funded report show infrastructure and homes across the country - particularly in Auckland and Wellington - risk inundation decades earlier than expected.
For example, in just 18 years, parts of the capital will see 30cm of sea level rise, causing once-in-a-century flood damage every year.
The new information comes from a programme comprising dozens of local and international scientists called NZ SeaRise, which also includes GNS Science and Niwa.
Climate Change commissioner Rod Carr told Morning Report there are some areas where people will have to leave thier homes.
"We do have to make sure that every decision we make about where we build and where we restore infrastructure is seen through a climate change lens.
"We need to understand that New Zealand cannot afford to protect everything we have built, and we cannot afford to put back everything that will be damaged."
