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In the wake of damaging weather events nationwide, New Zealand’s natural hazards insurer is urging homeowners to understand the natural hazards that could impact their properties and their insurance limits. Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC Toka Tū Ake) had received almost 10,000 claims for damage from landslides in the last three years, nearly […]
In the wake of damaging weather events nationwide, New Zealand’s natural hazards insurer is urging homeowners to understand the natural hazards that could impact their properties and their insurance limits.
Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC Toka Tū Ake) had received almost 10,000 claims for damage from landslides in the last three years, nearly ten times more than the previous three years when there were just over 1,000 claims lodged.
“The significant storms in recent years caused devastation to communities across the country,” says NHC Toka Tū Ake Chief Resilience and Research Officer Jo Horrocks.
“Landslide damage can be complex and costly to fix, and the insurance available for damaged land is limited. It’s really important to understand the risks, think about ways to protect your property and factor that into your financial planning – before an event happens.”
NHC Toka Tū Ake currently receives more claims for damage due to landslides than any other natural hazard. Since the Auckland anniversary floods in January 2023, losses from landslides have totalled $302 million – over four times the cost of all other natural hazards combined.
“For landslide damage, the natural hazards scheme covers up to the first $300,000 of damage to an insured home, and private insurance covers the rest up to the policy limit. There is also a limited contribution available for damage to land through the national scheme.
“However, the scheme can only cover up to the value of the insured land, up to 8 metres around your home. For some homeowners, that won’t cover the full costs of repairing their land, especially when complex landslides have occurred,” Jo says.
“If you live on or near a slope, there are things you can do to identify signs of potential slipping and prepare your property. Consider getting advice from a geotechnical expert and keep an eye on your retaining walls and slopes to make sure they’re well-maintained,” she says.
“It’s also important to understand the limits of cover for your driveway, consider if you can strengthen it against storm damage, and make plans in case your driveway gets washed away.”
If you’re buying a new property, you can also visit the Natural Hazards Portal for information on past claims related to landslides and other natural hazards, which could indicate future risk.
“A landslip may be triggered by heavy rain or earthquakes, with homes near hills or steep slopes most at risk. If you live near a hill or steep slope, watch out for cracks or movement that could be a warning sign,” the government’s natural hazards site reads.
“Make sure any retaining walls are well maintained, and look around to see if neighbouring retaining walls or slopes could affect your property.
“Keep a look out on your property for unusually angled retaining walls, small slips or rock falls, subsidence or bulges on or at the bottom of the slope, tilting trees or fences, cracks in the ground, retaining walls, driveways, footpaths or other hard surfaces, ground that’s become waterlogged, and water seepage at the bottom of the slope.
“It’s worth thinking about what would happen if a retaining wall failed. Consider who and what would be affected. How would you pay for repairs? The work may cost more than you might receive from natural hazards cover or your private insurance cover.” Visit www.naturalhazards.govt.nz for more information.
Landslides occur when soil, rock, or debris moves downhill due to natural or human-induced factors. In New Zealand, several key triggers contribute to the increasing risk of landslides, affecting homeowners and communities across the country.
Heavy rainfall and severe storms are among the most common causes of landslides. When the soil becomes saturated with water, it loses stability, making it more likely to slide. In recent years, extreme weather events such as the Auckland Anniversary floods in 2023 and Cyclone Gabrielle have caused widespread landslips, resulting in extensive property damage.
Earthquakes can also trigger landslides, particularly in areas with unstable terrain. The shaking of the ground can loosen soil and rock, causing slopes to collapse. In earthquake-prone regions, even small tremors can weaken land over time, increasing the likelihood of future landslides.
Human activity, such as deforestation and construction on steep slopes, can make land more susceptible to landslides. Removing vegetation that stabilises the soil or altering natural drainage patterns can contribute to slope instability. Poorly designed infrastructure, such as roads or retaining walls, can also lead to unexpected land movement.
New Zealand’s geology plays a significant role in landslide risk. Many regions have weak or erodible rock formations that are more prone to failure, especially when exposed to heavy rain or seismic activity. Areas with steep terrain and soft soils are particularly vulnerable.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, leading to more landslides in the future. Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns may contribute to more intense storms and prolonged wet conditions, further destabilising slopes.
Homeowners can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of landslide damage. If you live on or near a slope, regularly inspect your property for warning signs such as cracks in the ground, retaining walls, or driveways. Look for tilting trees, bulging soil, or water seepage, as these could indicate potential land movement.
Ensuring that retaining walls are well maintained can help prevent soil from shifting. If you notice any signs of instability, seek advice from a geotechnical expert. Proper drainage is also crucial—diverting water away from slopes can reduce the risk of soil saturation and erosion.
If you are considering buying a property, check the Natural Hazards Portal for information on past landslide claims in the area. Understanding the history of land movement in a location can help you assess future risks before making a purchase.
Insurance coverage for landslides in New Zealand is limited, so it is essential to understand what your policy includes. The national natural hazards scheme covers up to the first $300,000 of damage to an insured home, while private insurance covers the remaining cost up to the policy limit. However, land cover is restricted to the insured area, typically up to 8 metres around the home. In some cases, this may not be enough to cover extensive repairs.
For homeowners living in high-risk areas, being prepared is key. Monitoring your property for warning signs, investing in preventive measures, and understanding your insurance coverage can help you minimise the impact of a landslide before disaster strikes.
