The New Zealand Government has launched a draft National Adaptation Plan aimed at helping communities adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change.

The plan outlines action the Government will take over the next six years to respond to climate-related risks.

“Aotearoa will soon have a plan to bring down our emissions and help prevent the worst effects of climate change, but we must also support communities already being hit by more extreme and more frequent weather events,” Climate Change Minister James Shaw said.

“Just in the last few months we have seen massive floods, such as those in Tairawhiti; storms, such as those experienced recently in Westport; fires in the Waituna wetlands in Southland; and droughts right across the country.

“These events demonstrate the case for urgent action on climate change – action to protect lives, incomes, homes, businesses and infrastructure.”

The consultation asks how best to share risks and costs between property and asset owners, insurers, banks and local government, as well as central government.

It also asks for views on managed retreat and flood insurance.

IAG NZ CEO Amanda Whiting welcomed the report saying climate change “is a critical issue for our country”. But she says it is only the first step.

“It’s apparent there is still a lot we need to do as a country to get ahead of these issues and we welcome the opportunity to contribute to this plan.

“Insurance is one component of this solution. It is not the full answer. The most important thing we can do is to ensure people are not in harm’s way. Avoiding the impact on lives and people’s wellbeing must be the priority.”

This requires greater investment in infrastructure and other solutions, she says.

“We can help achieve this alongside central and local Government.

“IAG is committed to being here for all New Zealanders now and into the future. We will continue to provide insurance for our customers because that’s what we do.

“But to keep people safe, we need to think smarter. We need greater investment in flood protection, sensible controls around where new homes can be built, and regulations that make existing homes more resilient.”

Click here to see the draft plan.