Key Takeaways
- New Zealand experienced an average of one storm every eight days in the past year, with 46 recorded storms between March 2025 and February 2026.
- Storm‑related insurance claims more than tripled, exceeding 33,000 for rain, flood, wind and other damage.
- The October 2025 Southland storm was the single most damaging event, felling trees and power lines and prompting a state‑of‑emergency declaration.
- Over 5,000 claims were lodged with IAG’s three brands (AMI, State and NZI).
- A nationwide survey showed the proportion of residents taking protective actions doubled from 40 % to 80 % since 2022, while nearly 60 % reported storm‑related anxiety.
- Climate‑change awareness is high; 75 % of New Zealanders want greater government investment in risk‑reduction measures.
- Experts warn that current responses are fragmented and ad hoc, calling for a coherent, systemic approach to natural‑hazard management.
Storm Frequency and Impact
A storm hit New Zealand every eight days on average over the last year, according to IAG’s Wild Weather Tracker. The tracker logged 46 damaging weather events defined by strong winds or intense rainfall between March 2025 and the end of February 2026. This elevated frequency translated into a sharp rise in insurance claims, with the nation’s largest insurer reporting more than triple the usual volume of storm‑related filings.
Scale of Claims Submitted
Overall, more than 33,000 storm‑related claims were lodged, covering a range of perils including rain, flood, wind and other damage. The surge reflects both the increased occurrence of severe weather and a growing propensity of policyholders to seek compensation when their properties are affected. The data underscore the financial strain that frequent storms place on both individuals and the insurance sector.
The October 2025 Southland Event
The single most damaging incident was the October 2025 storm that struck Southland. Ferocious winds toppled trees and power lines, leaving many households without electricity for days. Authorities declared a state of emergency for the region and urged residents living in low‑lying areas to evacuate. This event exemplified how a single extreme storm can overwhelm local infrastructure and necessitate coordinated emergency response.
Claims Across IAG Brands
More than 5,000 of the total claims were filed with IAG’s three underwritten insurers—AMI, State and NZI. The concentration of claims within these brands highlights the market share IAG holds in New Zealand’s property insurance landscape and illustrates how a single underwriter can feel the brunt of nationwide weather spikes.
Public Awareness and Preparedness
A nationwide survey commissioned alongside the Wild Weather Tracker revealed a marked shift in public attitudes. The share of respondents who had taken concrete steps to protect their homes against natural hazards doubled from 40 % in the 2022 survey to 80 % in the latest poll. Simultaneously, almost 60 % of participants admitted experiencing storm‑related anxiety, indicating that awareness of risk is now coupled with emotional concern.
Expert Commentary on Climate Trends
IAG climate spokesperson Bryce Davies noted that, over a 15‑year horizon, the definition of a storm (damaging weather driven by strong winds or intense rainfall) has risen from roughly one event per month to three or four per month. He attributed this increase to both greater frequency and higher severity, suggesting a tangible shift in the country’s climate patterns linked to climate change.
Gap Between Concern and Action
Davies warned of a mismatch between the level of public concern and the national response. Seventy‑five percent of New Zealanders expressed a desire for more investment in managing natural‑hazard risk, yet he observed that past efforts have focused largely on reacting to events rather than reducing risk upfront. He described the current approach as “very ad hoc,” “fragmented,” and lacking a coherent system for hazard mitigation.
Calls for a Systemic Response
Insurance Council chief executive Kris Faafoi echoed the need for greater governmental urgency in funding climate‑adaptation measures. Davies elaborated that what is required is a systemic response: identifying real hotspots, empowering councils with appropriate planning laws, securing funding, and providing clear guidance. Such a framework, he argued, would not only protect communities but also simplify the insurer’s task of offering coverage over the long term.
Industry Perspective on Long‑Term Viability
From IAG’s standpoint, offering insurance to as many New Zealanders as possible for as long as feasible hinges on reducing underlying risk. A coherent national strategy for climate‑related hazards would make the insurer’s job “a hell of a lot easier,” lowering claim volatility and preserving the affordability and availability of policies. The industry thus has a vested interest in supporting proactive risk‑reduction initiatives.
Conclusion
The past year’s storm pattern—roughly one event every eight days—has driven a dramatic increase in insurance claims, highlighted by the destructive Southland storm of October 2025. While public awareness and preparatory actions have risen sharply, with a doubling of protective measures since 2022 and widespread anxiety about storms, experts agree that the country’s response remains fragmented and reactive. A unified, well‑funded, and forward‑looking system for natural‑hazard management is seen as essential to curb rising losses, reassure concerned citizens, and sustain the insurance market’s ability to protect New Zealanders into the future.
