More Than Half Of New Zealanders Anxious About Storms

New research commissioned by AMI, State and NZI shows that over half of all New Zealanders have recently experienced anxiety and concern about storms and heavy rainfall, while 43% are concerned specifically about flooding[1].

The findings, published today in the seventh issue of the AMI, State and NZI Wild Weather Tracker, also show that half of the respondents are concerned about earthquakes.

Amanda Whiting, CEO of AMI, State and NZI says the research shows that in the past two years natural hazards have impacted the lives of 54% of New Zealanders, with 41% feeling adversely affected.

“It is troubling that New Zealanders feel worried about going to bed when it’s raining, or worry about their homes when storms, high winds and weather watches are issued.”

The Wild Weather Tracker shows that New Zealanders had to endure 14 natural hazard events throughout spring and summer, six of which were significant storms causing millions of dollars in damage.

“We supported our customers with a total of 3,536 claims resulting from these events. This includes 908 claims from the Dunedin flood last October and 373 claims from a storm that occurred during Northland Anniversary weekend, almost 200 of which were from the devastating Mangawhai tornado.”

Recent weather events, such as elongated periods of rain due to an atmospheric river and two tornadoes in Levin and Waikawa Beach, are stark reminders that these storms are not easing.

To date, AMI, State and NZI have received more than 2,000 home, contents, commercial and motor claims due to damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam.

“As we respond to these events, our customers often tell us about the psychological and emotional impact of wild weather, and the effect of being displaced or losing their home on their wellbeing. These impacts can last far longer than physical damage, and raise concerns about the ongoing wellbeing of affected communities.”

Research from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand reveals that the most important thing helping people get through extreme weather events is their community[2].

“While community solidarity and our immediate insurance response aids recovery, we need to be doing more to prevent communities from experiencing these devastating impacts in the first place.

“We will continue to play our part as a sustainable, reliable insurer ready to support our customers when they need us, but strong insurance support alone will not be enough.

“We urgently need the government to take steps that will better manage our natural hazard risks and reduce their impact on vulnerable communities.”

“Through smarter decisions about where we build, better protecting what we have built or moving people out of harm’s way, we can help New Zealanders to feel confident that they will be okay when the next storm hits.

“No one should be left to feel anxious about making it through a storm. 52% of New Zealanders feeling this way is simply too many.”

Please note: ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam occurred outside of the reporting period of this Wild Weather Tracker, which spans from 1 September 2024 to 28 February 2025. The data from this event will be included in the next issue of the Wild Weather Tracker.

About IAG:

IAG New Zealand is the largest general insurer in the country, trading under the AMI, State, NZI, NAC, Lumley and Lantern brands, as well as providing the general insurance products sold by ASB, BNZ, Westpac and The Co-operative Bank. IAG New Zealand employs over 4,000 people, holds relationships with one in every two New Zealand households, and insures over NZ$1.07 trillion of commercial and domestic assets.

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