Fidelity Life has introduced a temporary premium relief option for policyholders facing financial hardship after recent severe weather in Northland, Bay of Plenty, and Tairāwhiti, as recovery operations continue across affected communities.
From Jan. 29, eligible Fidelity Life customers in Whangārei, Thames-Coromandel, and Hauraki Districts, and the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti regions may apply to have their life insurance premiums waived for up to three months. In some cases, this period may be extended for an additional three months, with cover remaining in force while premiums are waived. The settings apply to customers whose income or living situation has been directly disrupted by the storms, and are intended to keep existing life and risk cover in place during the agreed relief period. For advisers and insurers, the move sits alongside existing processes for hardship requests, lapse prevention, and claim management following severe weather events.
Fidelity Life chief commercial officer Bronwyn Kirwan (pictured) said the offer is intended to reduce financial pressure on affected customers without requiring them to cancel policies. “We understand the significant impact the recent weather has had on these areas, and we’re committed to supporting affected customers. Our premium relief offer is designed to help reduce financial pressure and ensure customers continue to feel supported when it matters most. Our hope this support offers some peace of mind knowing that their insurance protection will remain in place as they work through the disruption caused by the severe weather,” Kirwan said. Customers can contact their financial adviser to discuss access to the offer or approach Fidelity Life directly via assistance@fidelitylife.co.nz. Advisers are expected to help determine whether premium relief is appropriate in the context of each client’s cover, claim position, and broader financial circumstances.
The insurer’s announcement comes as emergency settings remain in place for part of the Whangārei District. The district-wide state of emergency has been lifted, but a local state of emergency continues for seven days from Jan. 27 for the Hikurangi–Coastal ward, which includes severely affected Whangaruru communities. The state of emergency under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 enables powers to protect life and property, including restrictions on movement and control over access to certain routes. For insurers, brokers, and loss adjusters, these conditions influence the timing and safety of on-site assessments, repair work, and face-to-face client engagement.
Council information shows ongoing roading constraints in Whangaruru and Ōakura, including managed access on Kaiikanui Road and extended clearance timeframes on the Helena Bay slip, with Russell Road near Helena Bay still significantly affected. Around 90 residents remain in emergency accommodation at marae, and rapid building assessments in Ōakura have resulted in properties being placarded white, yellow, or red. Planned community hui and Marae Recovery Hubs are expected to bring insurers together with support agencies and health providers, giving affected residents a single setting to discuss insurance claims, financial assistance, and housing or wellbeing needs.
Whangārei District Council has also set up an emergency recovery fund of about $130,000 for people and organisations in the Hikurangi–Coastal ward who have experienced extreme hardship or property damage linked to the mid-January weather. The fund, made up of contributions from central government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the council, is intended for one-off payments to individuals, families, community, and not-for-profit organisations, marae, and small businesses. For insurers and intermediaries, these grants sit alongside claim settlements and may cover costs that fall outside policy terms or arise before claims are fully resolved.
Mayor Ken Couper said the council is seeking to provide extra financial support to those significantly affected. “We want flood-affected communities to know that we have their backs and are ready to support them, even if it’s just with these small grants of one or two thousand dollars each. The community spirit in the area has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s important to us that you’re not left out of pocket. It’s been a really tough time for many in these communities, and the emergency recovery fund is a small but vital part of the response. Events like these can take a long time to recuperate from and get back to ‘normal’ life. We hope the fund will provide some relief for those who have been hardest hit,” Couper said. Further detail on eligibility criteria, application processes, and how the public can donate is expected from Feb. 2.
At a national level, Civil Defence payments have been activated for people in specified parts of Northland, Bay of Plenty, and the East Coast affected by the severe weather. These payments are available in addition to private insurance, premium relief initiatives, and council-managed funds. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston said the payments are intended to assist with immediate costs, including loss of livelihood. “We want to make sure those communities that are doing it tough because of the latest severe weather event have as much support as possible. By the end of [Jan. 29], if you’re based in Rawhiti, Ngaiotonga, Bland Bay (Whangaruru North), Punaruku, Ōakura (Whangaruru South), Mokau, Helena Bay, Mimiwhangata, Whananaki, Waioweka Gorge, Hicks Bay, [and] Te Araroa and have been impacted by the recent severe weather event, you may be able to get help to pay for food, bedding, clothing, accommodation, or loss of livelihood,” Upston said.
Upston added: “You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Civil Defence payment, and non-residents in these areas may be eligible. Anyone wanting to apply is encouraged to talk to someone from their local welfare team at a Civil Defence centre, or phone MSD’s general enquiries team on 0800 559 009. Work and Income service centres are open and continue to operate as normal. MSD regional teams continue to actively engage with Regional Public Service networks and Civil Defence Emergency Management as welfare assessments are undertaken and will continue to assess the need for Civil Defence payments in other impacted areas. We’ll continue to support communities affected by this event.” For insurance professionals, the combination of Fidelity Life’s premium waivers, local emergency grants, and Civil Defence payments represents a mix of funding and support mechanisms that will influence client discussions, claim strategies, and the wider recovery pathway in the affected regions.
