New Zealand has experienced a significant increase in severe weather, with storms hitting the country every eight days on average over the past year. This surge in activity has caused insurance claims for the nation’s largest insurer to more than triple.
Rising Frequency of Severe Weather
Data from a Wild Weather Tracker revealed that 46 storms occurred between March 2025 and the end of February this year. These events, defined as damaging weather driven by intense rainfall or strong winds, resulted in more than 33,000 storm-related claims covering wind, flood, rain, and other damages.
The trend reflects a long-term shift in climate patterns. Over a 15-year period, the frequency of these damaging events has climbed from approximately one per month to between three and four per month.
Impact of the Southland Storm
The most severe event during this period was the October 2025 storm in Southland. Ferocious winds toppled power lines and trees, leaving numerous homes without electricity for several days.
This single event prompted more than 5,000 claims across three insurance brands underwritten by IAG: AMI, State, and NZI.
A Shift in Seasonal Patterns
There is evidence of a shift in overall climate patterns, with an increasing number of severe weather events now occurring during the summer and spring months.
Public Concern and the Call for Systemic Change
Public awareness of climate change risks is growing, though it is accompanied by significant stress. Almost 60% of people surveyed reported experiencing storm-related anxiety.
This concern is translating into action; the number of respondents who have taken steps to protect their homes from natural hazards doubled from 40 in a 2022 survey to 805 in the most recent data. 75% of New Zealanders seek to see increased investment in managing these risks.
The Demand for a Coherent Strategy
IAG climate spokesperson Bryce Davies described the current national response as “ad hoc” and “fragmented,” stating that the country lacks a coherent system for managing natural hazard risk.
Davies called for a “systemic response” that focuses on hotspots and provides councils with the necessary funding, guidance, and planning laws to act. Similarly, Insurance Council chief executive Kris Faafoi has highlighted the need for greater government urgency regarding the funding of climate adaptation.
Future Outlook
If a coherent response is established, it may make the process of offering insurance to as many people as possible for a longer duration more sustainable. A possible next step could involve the implementation of updated planning laws and targeted funding for high-risk areas to reduce risk upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often have storms occurred in New Zealand recently?
On average, a storm has hit New Zealand every eight days over the last year, with 46 storms recorded between March 2025 and the end of February.
Which specific event caused the most damage?
The October 2025 storm in Southland was the most damaging event, leading to more than 5,000 claims among AMI, State, and NZI customers.
What is being requested from the government and authorities?
There are calls for a “systemic response,” including greater urgency in funding climate adaptation, improved planning laws, and better guidance to enable councils to manage natural hazard risks.
Do you experience your local community is sufficiently prepared for the increasing frequency of severe weather events?
