Two-thirds of New Zealanders believe natural hazard risk affects what they pay for property insurance, according to research commissioned by the Insurance Council.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) released the figures on 21 October, in a media release calling on the next government to put climate adaptation, resilience and long-term funding first.
The survey found 67% think hazard risks push up property insurance premiums. Seven in ten expect flood, landslide and coastal inundation risks to be a significant challenge for future governments.
Fewer than half (48%) believe politicians are taking the risks from extreme weather seriously. Nine in ten want political parties to work together on solutions.
The release was a response to the Stuff leaders' debate the night before. ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi said it was positive that both leaders acknowledged the growing risks.
"It was positive to see both leaders recognise the challenges extreme weather poses for communities, businesses and infrastructure," Faafoi said.
He said talk now has to turn into action.
"New Zealand has spent a lot of time talking about the problem. The next Government must pivot to action to reduce risk for New Zealand's communities that are the most vulnerable to natural hazard risk," Faafoi said.
ICNZ wants investment in flood protection and other resilience infrastructure, better planning decisions, and no further development in high-risk areas. Faafoi said that also means facing difficult decisions about how and where communities develop.
He said National's Christopher Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins both agreed New Zealand cannot keep rebuilding after every disaster.
The council put a number on the exposure. Faafoi said 219,000 homes valued at $180 billion were identified during the debate as being at risk from coastal or inland flooding.
"With 219,000 homes valued at $180 billion identified during the debate as being at risk from coastal or inland flooding, the consequences of delay are becoming increasingly clear," Faafoi said.
He tied the push to what people pay for cover.
Faafoi said the way to support long-term accessibility and affordability of insurance is to reduce the risks facing homes, businesses and communities.
The release doesn't say how much premiums would change, or what long-term funding it has in mind. The survey itself measures what people believe, not what insurers charge.
Faafoi said insurers help communities recover after disasters, but recovery is not a substitute for reducing risk before disaster strikes.
His closing line was short: "What we need now is delivery."
