The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) has changed its name to the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) as of 1 July 2025. The new website address is www.phfscience.nz. Visitors will automatically be redirected to the new address. Please check and update any links and bookmarks after this change.

Health risk assessment: Supporting community recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle - Contamination resulting from flooding events

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora National Public Health Service commissioned the report following Cyclone Gabrielle to better understand any longer-term impacts of silt or dust on human health. It concludes that while health effects may occur due to flooding events, this is most commonly due to direct contact with flood waters, rather than flood-deposited silt.

Download