New Zealand records nearly 10,000 claims for damage from landslides

Losses from landslides have totalled $170m since January 2023.

New Zealand's Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC Toka Tū Ake) has received nearly 10,000 claims for damage from landslides over the past three years.

Since the Auckland anniversary floods in January 2023, losses from landslides have totalled $170m (NZ$302m), a figure more than four times greater than the combined cost of all other natural hazards during the same period.

NHC Toka Tū Ake is urging homeowners to familiarise themselves with the natural hazards that could affect their properties and to understand the limits of their insurance coverage.

According to Jo Horrocks, chief resilience and research officer, the commission’s natural hazards scheme covers up to $300,000 in damage to an insured home due to landslides, with any remaining costs covered by private insurance policies, subject to policy limits. 

The scheme also provides limited contributions for land damage but only to the value of the insured land and up to 8 metres around the insured property.

For residents living on or near slopes, Horrocks recommends seeking advice from geotechnical experts and regularly monitoring retaining walls and slopes for maintenance needs. 

She also stressed the importance of understanding coverage limitations for features like driveways and considering preventative measures, such as fortifying them against storm damage or preparing for potential washouts.