An Easter storm that left 22,000 New Zealanders without power and caused extensive damage to properties resulted in insured losses of $NZ46 million ($41.8 million), according to the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ).

The highest losses in the West Coast region were for damage to homes and contents – more than $NZ25 million ($22.7 million) – followed by commercial property on $NZ16 million ($14.6 million) and motor vehicles on $NZ2.7 million ($2.5 million).

“This is the most damaging storm of the year so far,” ICNZ CEO Tim Grafton said. 

Total storm damage for the year now stands at $NZ71 million ($64.6 million).

Meanwhile, ICNZ has criticised a Labour Party proposal to establish an “earthquake court”, to overcome what it says are unacceptable delays in the settlement of insurance claims.

Mr Grafton says free and independent dispute resolution from the Residential Advisory Service makes the proposed court unnecessary. 

New Zealand’s election takes place on September 20.