Auckland is the world's 'spongiest' major city, but what does that mean?

Auckland is estimated to be the major city most able to effectively absorb torrential rainfall today, thanks to its numerous parks and water bodies. Photo: AFP

Building the resilience of large cities to climate change – bringing extreme heat and heavy rainfall – will require more green space and less concrete, according to a report from Arup.

The British consulting firm estimates that Auckland is the major city most able to effectively absorb torrential rainfall today, thanks to its numerous parks and water bodies.