A recent nationwide survey commissioned by Suncorp New Zealand has revealed that a large proportion of New Zealanders expect more decisive action from both central and local government in addressing climate adaptation.
According to the Talbot Mills research, 82% of respondents want improved access to information about natural hazard risks, while 87% and 86% support central and local government leadership, respectively, in adaptation planning.
The survey, which included responses from 1,008 adults, coincides with the introduction of the government’s National Adaptation Framework.
The framework is designed to provide a unified approach to climate adaptation and funding, a move that Suncorp New Zealand CEO Jimmy Higgins (pictured) says is necessary to break the cycle of repeated climate-related losses.
“Climate change is creating a costly cycle of repairing and rebuilding in the same vulnerable areas. The new framework gives New Zealand the tools to plan and invest ahead of time, so we can reduce risk before disasters strike and help communities recover faster,” he said.
He also noted the importance of making hazard data more accessible, referencing the planned National Flood Map as a step toward more informed decision-making.
The research indicates that New Zealanders are supportive of proactive investment in resilience measures.
Eighty percent of respondents favour increased funding for the maintenance of existing infrastructure, such as stormwater systems and dune reinforcement. Additionally, 75% support new investments in mitigation infrastructure.
Higgins commented that early investment in resilience could help reduce future losses and contribute to maintaining affordable insurance.
“We’re keen to work with councils to help them understand how insurance markets respond to adaptation decisions, so they can plan with confidence,” he said.
Public opinion also leans toward a user-pays approach for climate adaptation funding. The survey found that 84% of respondents believe those contributing to higher risk should cover a greater share of costs, while 79% support funding models where direct beneficiaries of protective measures pay more.
More than half (58%) support the establishment of a dedicated national fund for climate adaptation, which aligns with the framework’s proposed cost-sharing model.
“Adaptation isn’t just about responding to today’s challenges, that’s how we turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s resilience, it’s about preparing for what’s ahead,” Higgins said.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has described the framework as a baseline for building climate resilience and supporting continued access to insurance.
ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi said the framework clarifies the roles of government, the private sector, and communities in managing climate risks.
“The government’s focus on clear roles and responsibilities, better information on natural hazard risks, and investment in risk reduction are all steps in the right direction,” he said.
Faafoi also pointed to the requirement for local councils to develop 30-year adaptation plans for areas at high risk of flooding and coastal hazards.
He emphasised that while planning is essential, swift implementation is critical for communities already experiencing repeated losses.
Faafoi called for the rapid finalisation of rules, funding models, and cost-sharing arrangements, and highlighted the importance of political consensus to ensure continuity of adaptation policies.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts outlined the framework’s four pillars:
One of the key initiatives is the creation of a National Flood Map, expected to be available by 2027, to provide accessible flood risk information to the public.
“We want the best minds in modelling and technology, nationally and internationally, to help us tackle this,” Watts said.
He added that new legislation will clarify the responsibilities of local government, particularly in high-priority areas.
“The new adaptation plans will help people understand what the risks are, how this will be managed, and what investment will happen in their area, so people know what to expect,” Watts said.
