The provisional figures for the insured losses during the flooding event between May 29 to June 1 were released by the Insurance Council of New Zealand - Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa on Wednesday.
"The figures reflect the vast damage floods leave behind, and how important it is to have insurance to help you get back on your feet when the unexpected happens," said ICNZ chief executive Tim Grafton.
He said the provisional total includes 2327 house and contents claims, 288 claims for motor, 842 commercial and business-related claims, and 77 crop and other claims, which can include claims for livestock.
"We’ve said on many occasions that we can expect to see more frequent and disruptive weather events as the effects of climate change increase, and sadly we are starting to see that pattern emerge.
"We only have to cast our minds back to the weekend to the second significant weather event that has left devastating flood and damage behind in Westport and through the Buller district.
"It has never been more important to look at how we manage this, and what steps we need to take to control, adapt, avoid and accept the risks they present."
