The New Zealand Government is setting aside $NZ6 billion ($5.6 billion) to build back with greater resilience after the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle and protect the community from increasingly severe and unpredictable weather events.

“This investment will initially focus on building back better from the recent weather events. It will also include future proofing road, rail, and local infrastructure wiped out by the extreme weather, as well as telecommunications and electricity transmission infrastructure,” Finance Minister Grant Robertson said.

“Addressing vulnerabilities in our infrastructure systems to function during adverse conditions and quickly recover after an event is fundamental to the wellbeing of communities.”

The funding for the National Resilience Plan was outlined in today’s New Zealand Budget handed down by Mr Robertson.

Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty said earlier this week that the Budget would provide $NZ100 million ($93.9 million) specifically for flood protection funding following the recent North Island extreme weather events, while spending totalling $NZ1 billion ($939 million) was flagged for a flood and cyclone recovery package.

The Government has today also published an Infrastructure Action Plan, which outlines focus areas where improvements will continue to be made in coming years.

That includes ensuring that infrastructure rebuild and new build is resilient in the face of climate change, natural disasters and increasing extreme weather events.

"Most of the actions identified are already underway, with many more due to begin in 2023. More than half are expected to be complete in the next three years,” Infrastructure Minister Megan Woods said.