The latest issue of the "New Zealand Wild Weather Tracker", commissioned by insurance companies AMI, State and NZI Insurance, covered the six months from September last year through February and covered 14 "natural hazard events", including six significant storms, when the weather resulted in claims totalling more than $1 million.
In early October, heavy rainfall in the region led to two states of local emergency being declared in Dunedin city and the Clutha district as flooding caused significant impacts for residents, resulting in evacuations and isolation of some communities due to slips, the report, published yesterday, said.
"This wild weather event also impacted other parts of the South Island, accounting for 37% of significant storm claims received during spring and summer," it said.
Still, the report said in the last six months, the six significant storms, resulting in 2868 total claims, was down by 57% compared to the same period last year, where the insurers recorded seven significant storms resulting in 6712 claims.
In the foreword of the report AMI, State and NZI Insurance chief executive Amanda Whiting said with each natural hazard-related claim lodged the toll natural hazards were having on New Zealanders had become increasingly apparent.
Ipsos research commissioned by the insurance companies last month showed that over the past two years natural hazards had impacted the lives of 54% of New Zealanders, with 41% feeling adversely affected.
Over half of respondents said they experienced anxiety and concern about storms and heavy rainfall and 43% said they experienced anxiety about flooding.
Insurers played "a crucial role" in helping people get back on their feet after a disaster — a responsibility not taken lightly.
"But strong insurance support is not enough.
"We urgently need the government to take steps that will enable our natural hazards to be better managed and reduce their impact on vulnerable communities.
"We will continue to advocate ... for an approach to natural hazards that focuses on resilience, protection and prevention, instead of recovery."
More frequent and intense weather events were "almost certain" and decisions about where to build, protections for what was built or deciding to move people out of harm’s way were needed for people to feel confident that they would be all right when the next storm came, she said. — APL
