The data, published in the latest edition of the Wild Weather Tracker, revealed that over half of respondents reported anxiety related to storm events and heavy rainfall. Flooding ranked as a key concern for 43% of participants, while 50% voiced unease about the potential impact of earthquakes.
Amanda Whiting (pictured), chief executive for AMI, State, and NZI, said the figures underscore the extent to which natural hazards are affecting New Zealand communities.
“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,” she said.
The research showed that in the last two years, 54% of respondents have been affected by natural events, with 41% saying the impact was negative.
The insurers recorded 14 natural hazard events across spring and summer, including six major storm events, each resulting in significant insurance claims. These events generated 3,536 claims, including 908 from the October 2024 Dunedin floods and 373 from the Northland Anniversary storm, which included damage caused by a tornado in Mangawhai.
Additional weather activity, including two tornadoes and prolonged rainfall tied to atmospheric conditions, has led to more than 2,000 further claims following ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam. The claims span residential, contents, motor, and commercial policies.
Whiting also noted that the emotional effects of such events are often long-lasting.
“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,” she said.
As more New Zealanders become concerned about the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, new research from the Natural Hazards Commission (Toka Tū Ake) revealed a growing number of homeowners taking proactive steps to manage hazard risks.
The survey, conducted by NielsenIQ, found that 71% of respondents had made improvements to safeguard their property – the highest level recorded and a 15-point increase from the previous year.
Hamish Armstrong, public education manager at the commission, said the findings suggest stronger public engagement with risk mitigation.
“We live in a high-risk country, but there are many things people can do to make their homes safer and stronger against the impact of natural hazards. Even small steps people take will reduce damage to their properties and further protect their families, so it’s great to see that more people than ever are getting prepared,” he said.
He also recommended that property owners keep records of any improvements, as buyers are increasingly prioritising hazard resilience in property decisions. Nearly 90% of those surveyed said natural hazard exposure factored into their choice of home.
Despite the increase in preparation, recent polling from Ipsos New Zealand showed a decline in public concern about climate change.
In a global survey involving 32 countries, concern among New Zealand respondents fell to 69% in 2025 from 80% in 2023. The share of respondents who believe New Zealand should be taking more action on climate has also dropped.
Carin Hercock, country manager at Ipsos New Zealand, said economic factors may be shifting public focus.
“This report gives us some insight as to why New Zealanders still see inflation as the most important issue facing New Zealand. New Zealanders are not making the connection between reductions in the official cash rate to an improvement in living costs. Instead, the majority believe that major household costs like groceries, power, and insurance will continue to increase in the next six months,” she said.
