New Zealanders strongly support proactive efforts to reduce the risks from climate related events like flooding, landslips and sea level rise to keep communities safe, according to a survey commissioned by the Insurance Council of New Zealand.
The council says the survey found 87% of respondents favour early action to protect communities from natural disasters.
ICNZ Chief Executive Kris Faafoi says in a statement that Kiwis overwhelming agree it’s better to act before disaster strikes to protect communities, rather than pick up the pieces afterwards. “It’s a no brainer, really.”
He says the recent severe weather across the top of the North Island and 2023’s Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle “are a stark reminder of the devastating impact natural disasters can have, and we know more frequent and severe events are likely in the future”.
The council adds that New Zealand is highly vulnerable to natural hazards and 71% agree that natural disasters are likely to become more serious and frequent due to climate-related events.
“Modelling by Earth Sciences shows that major cyclones could bring up to 35% more rainfall to New Zealand by the end of the century…”
“Modelling by Earth Sciences shows that major cyclones could bring up to 35% more rainfall to New Zealand by the end of the century. This significantly increases the flooding risk to vulnerable communities,” Faafoi says.
“New Zealand’s land-use decisions must change. The Government’s National Adaptation Framework is an important start, but there is urgency in turning intent into action to deliver enduring solutions that reduce risk and keep communities out of harm’s way. We strongly agree that adaptation must be embedded in long-term planning.”
The survey shows 65% accept [insurance] premiums may need to rise to reflect growing climate risks and that 61% believe the government should lead the response to protect communities from climate change.
“Kiwis value the protection insurance provides from unexpected and unwanted events. But keeping insurance accessible requires of us, led by government, to step up and reduce the underlying risk. That includes investing in resilient infrastructure like flood protection and avoiding building in high-risk areas. Despite that, there’s concern that current efforts are falling short,” Faafoi says.
“Some 44% of those surveyed believe New Zealand is not investing enough to protect communities from natural hazards…”
Some 44% of those surveyed believe New Zealand is not investing enough to protect communities from natural hazards, compared with 35% who disagreed.
“Separately, 43% believe there are strong land-use controls, but nearly as many – 39% – actively disagree, showing public concern about development in high-risk areas.”
“These results underline the need for greater certainty around the rules and tools to help communities reduce their exposure to natural hazard risks.
“Every dollar invested in adaptation brings significant long-term economic and social benefits. Acting now means we can avoid the far higher costs of future disasters and supports the long-term accessibility of insurance,” Faafoi says.
