AbstractHolocene marine terraces occur globally and record information about the timing and magnitude of past coseismic events. Staircased terraces develop through repetitive coseismic uplift of shore platforms, but are also subject to destruction from subsequent wave erosion and rock weathering. In this study we calibrate a rock coast evolution model using terrace field data from Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, and use it to investigate how relative sea level (RSL) change influences Holocene terrace development. Analyses of 10,002 simulations reveal time periods of extremely rapid terrace creation and destruction as a result of shore platform development processes that are modulated both by episodic and gradual RSL change scenarios. Subtle differences in these scenarios give rise to completely different terrace sequences, even if coseismic event timing is held constant. Improved interpretation of Holocene terrace sequences require higher resolution paleo RSL data and chronological data on shore platform development.