Insured storm damage in New Zealand totalled $NZ76.9 million ($72 million) in the first half of this year, according to the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ). 

It comes after damage from a storm that hit Canterbury and the lower North Island on March 4-5 was finalised at $NZ22.5 million ($21 million).

Insurers settled more than 4000 claims in Canterbury, paying out $NZ21.6 million ($20.2 million). Most of that sum – $NZ15.2 million ($14.2 million) – was for domestic claims.

A “super-cell” storm that hit Canterbury on February 23 led to $NZ4.8 million ($4.5 million) of insurance payouts, while Cyclone Lusi, which hit Auckland on March 15-16, cost insurers $NZ4 million ($3.7 million).

The period’s most damaging storm hit the west coast on April 17, causing insured losses of $NZ45.6 million ($42.7 million). 

ICNZ CEO Tim Grafton says insurers settled more than 15,800 weather-related damage claims in the first half, “which highlights the role insurance plays in… helping New Zealanders to get back on their feet after major storms and extreme weather events”.

Last calendar year the country reported a record $NZ174 million ($162.9 million) in weather-related claims.