Local authorities must start planning for increased flooding caused by climate change, the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) warns.

CEO Tim Grafton called for immediate action during a presentation to the Society of Local Government Managers.

He later told insuranceNEWS.com.au lessons can be learned from the situation in Queensland.

“We are looking at climate change and the impact over the next three or four decades, and we want to send a signal that flooding needs to be part of councils’ long-term planning.

“It is different in Australia due to the scale of the flooding that has taken place there, but you can see how things can play out if you don’t take steps to manage that risk. We need to address the issues and keep insurance available and affordable for everyone.”

ICNZ says high-quality flood mapping is needed to inform decision-making.

Mitigation is vital, including direct investment in infrastructure and early warning systems, zoning and land use planning.

Public education creates awareness of risk, so homeowners can take mitigation action themselves or prepare financially.

Mr Grafton says collaboration between local government and the insurance industry has so far been positive, particularly in Christchurch, where earthquakes have increased flood risk.