The programme is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits across seven domains, each of which is outlined below.
External stakeholders are the primary users and consumers of the programme data and are expected to realise the majority of benefits directly, however it is anticipated that all New Zealanders will benefit from the outcomes of the programme, albeit indirectly.
Short-term benefits are expected to be realised within five years as improved data is published and applied. Long-term benefits – including amendments to regional and local plans – are expected to materialise over a period of five to ten years or more. Some benefits are contingent on significant natural events and will be assessed on that basis.
LINZ have developed a Benefits Management and Realisation Plan (BMRP) which establishes the structured approach by which the programme will identify, plan, monitor, measure, and realise its benefits. It provides the framework for ensuring that the programme's investment translates into demonstrable value for New Zealand. This process is essential to ensuring the programme achieves its objectives.
A Benefits Register is used to record all benefits identified for the programme. Benefits not deemed worth pursuing will also be recorded in the Benefits Register for transparency, marked accordingly, and no further action will be taken. Benefits deemed worth pursuing will have a Benefits Profile created. A Benefit Profile provides a structured, detailed record of each benefit and will include information such as criticality, domain (e.g. Societal, Climate adaptation planning), classification (e.g. direct/indirect, monetary/non-monetary), and type (risk reduction, cost avoidance).