New Zealanders strongly support proactive efforts to reduce the risks from climate related events like flooding, landslips and sea level rise and keep communities safe, according to a new survey commissioned by the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ).
The survey found 87% of respondents favour early action to protect communities from natural disasters. New Zealand is highly vulnerable to natural hazards, and 71% of the participants agreed that natural disasters are likely to become more serious and frequent due to climate-related events.
ICNZ Chief Executive Kris Faafoi said, "Kiwis overwhelmingly agree it is better to act before disaster strikes to protect communities, rather than pick up the pieces afterwards. It is a no-brainer, really.
"Modelling by Earth Sciences shows that major cyclones could bring up to 35% more rainfall to New Zealand by the end of the century. This significantly increases the flooding risk to vulnerable communities."
Mr Faafoi said, "New Zealand’s land-use decisions must change. The Government’s National Adaptation Framework is an important start, but there is urgency in turning intent into action to deliver enduring solutions that reduce risk and keep communities out of harm’s way. We strongly agree that adaptation must be embedded in long-term planning.”
The survey findings reveal that 65% accept insurance premiums may need to rise to reflect growing climate risks and that 61% believe the government should lead the response to protect communities from climate change.
Some 44% of those surveyed believe New Zealand is not investing enough to protect communities from natural hazards, compared with 35% who disagreed.
"Separately, 43% believe there are strong land-use controls, but nearly as many - 39% - actively disagree, showing public concern about development in high-risk areas," Mr Faafoi said.
"These results underline the need for greater certainty around the rules and tools to help communities reduce their exposure to natural hazard risks.”
Mr Faafoi said, "Every dollar invested in adaptation brings significant long-term economic and social benefits. Acting now means we can avoid the far higher costs of future disasters and support the long-term accessibility of insurance."