Weather-related damage led to more than $NZ174 million ($163.75 million) of insured losses last year, according to the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ).

“Last year was one of the most costly years for weather losses since the council started tracking these losses on a regular basis in 1968, the year of the Wahine [ferry] disaster,” CEO Tim Grafton said.

Only 2004 was worse, with $NZ181 million ($166.92 million) of insured damage.

Last year’s most severe storm struck on September 11, causing $NZ74.5 million ($70.11 million) of insured losses. Other major storms occurred in April and June.

“Climate change scenarios point to higher levels of rain in parts of the country already prone to flooding and stronger winds from the west,” Mr Grafton said.

“This underlines the need for New Zealand to focus on pre-disaster mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimise economic losses and social disruption.”

Meanwhile, ICNZ says total insured losses from the Cook Strait earthquake series last year totalled $NZ31.1 million ($29.27 million).

The August 16 event that hit the South Island town of Seddon accounted for $NZ16.2 million ($15.26 million), compared with $NZ14.9 million ($14.02 million) for the July 21 quake that damaged buildings in Wellington.

The Earthquake Commission says it has so far received 2303 claims relating to the 6.2-magnitude quake that hit the North Island town of Eketahuna on January 20. People who suffered damage to their homes, land or contents have until April 22 to lodge claims with the commission.