Almost half of all New Zealanders want more government investment in climate resilience, a new survey has found. 

About 49% of respondents to the Insurance Council of New Zealand study say the government should do more to protect people and properties from extreme weather, a slight drop from 53% in 2022; 29% are unsure.  

About 83% want more controls to ensure properties are not built in flood-risk areas.

And 46% say the government should cover the cost of work to reduce climate change impacts, while 13% believe councils should and 12% call for individual action. 

About 62% say the government should take the lead in lifting the country’s ability to cope with natural disasters.   

ICNZ CEO Kris Faafoi says the government’s recent actions, including its commitment to a climate adaptation framework, are “steps in the right direction, but New Zealand needs to remain focused on finding solutions to reduce risk and keep communities safe as we face the prospect of more extreme weather”.

He says ICNZ’s annual conference next week is a chance to bring together politicians, industry leaders and regulators to explore necessary action.  

“New Zealand is highly vulnerable to natural hazards and we are used to responding to major events. The insurance industry is committed to working collaboratively with government to reduce risk before disaster strikes. The industry supports a broad political consensus that delivers a clear, co-ordinated and enduring climate change framework that ensures we avoid building in dumb places and that we do invest in infrastructure to protect communities. 

“By investing in solutions to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate and reduce risk, we can safeguard New Zealanders, reduce the costs to taxpayers and ratepayers, and keep insurance affordable and accessible.”