New Zealand insurers have paid $NZ29.6 million ($27.35 million) to meet losses from the February floods in Southland, Fiordland and Clutha.

The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) says fallout from another flood to hit Northland in July is still being calculated, with several thousand claims expected.

"These events are becoming ever more frequent and severe for our communities,” CEO Tim Grafton said.

"We know that with climate change events like these will only increase. We must adapt to these changes and take steps to reduce risks where possible to minimise the social impact and cost."

With extreme weather events such as storms, heatwaves and heavy rainfall likely to be more common and intense, Mr Grafton says more resilient communities need to be built.