New Zealanders are once again facing the challenge of cleaning up and recovering after another round of severe weather, particularly across the upper North and South Islands.

"This is tough for communities that had just beginning to get back on their feet after recent major storms," said Kris Faafoi, Chief Executive of the Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihui o Aotearoa (ICNZ).

"We encourage people to begin the recovery process safely and as soon as they're able. We understand that not everyone can lodge an insurance claim immediately.

"It’s important to note that any new damage from this latest weather event will require a separate insurance claim."

To support affected residents, Nelson-Tasman Emergency Management has re-established a community information centre at the Motueka Rec Centre on Old Wharf Road. Insurance sector contacts will be available through the centre to provide assistance.

"While it’s important to contact your insurer as soon as you can, don’t delay necessary steps to prevent further damage if it’s safe to act," Kris Faafoi said.

To help speed up recovery and keep people safe, ICNZ recommends the following:

• Mark and photograph all damaged items before moving or disposing of them.
• Make emergency repairs to ensure your home is safe. Keep receipts and records of any urgent work.
• If your home is open to the weather, you can engage a qualified professional to install temporary protection like tarpaulins provided it’s safe to do so.
• Dispose of water-damaged or contaminated goods that can’t be salvaged or cleaned.
• Use protective gear and keep a detailed list of discarded items. Take photos and save proof of purchase for insurance purposes.
• Separate cleanable items and don’t store unsanitary belongings indoors.
• Do not remove structural elements like flooring or wall linings or materials that may be hazardous without first speaking to your insurer. This work must be done by qualified professionals.

For homes that are uninhabitable, many home and contents policies offer temporary accommodation support. Contact your insurer to find out what’s available.

Insurers will also manage claims under NHCover, which they manage on behalf of the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC).

"If your property has been affected, contact your insurer. They can help arrange assessments for your home and any affected land," Kris Faafoi said.

"Your insurer is here to support you and they’ll be ready to help as soon as you’re able to get in touch and start the claims process."

Kris Faafoi also stressed the increasing risks from climate change.

"New Zealand is highly vulnerable to climate-related events, and we know that natural disasters are likely to become more frequent and severe.

"We have consistently called for a collective nationwide approach, led by Government, to reduce risk by avoiding development in high-risk areas and investing in resilience infrastructure like stopbanks.

"By building our resilience to climate change, we can better protect communities and ensure insurance remains accessible in the future," Kris Faafoi said.

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