The Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) has secured $10.3 billion in reinsurance protection for New Zealand homeowners, effective from June 1.
This marks a $1.15 billion increase from the previous year’s coverage and includes $225 million from a multi-year catastrophe bond issued in 2023.
NHC chief executive Tina Mitchell said that reinsurance serves as insurance for insurers, allowing the commission to access funds to cover claims resulting from natural hazard damage.
Homeowners insured across New Zealand pay levies to the scheme, a portion of which is allocated to purchasing reinsurance at the national level.
“If a significant natural disaster should happen and costs exceed $2.2 billion, the scheme can then access up to an additional $10.3 billion for settling homeowners’ claims,” said Mitchell.
Reinsurance companies, which operate in a global marketplace, evaluate where to provide support based on a country’s risk profile, the reputation of the organization, and commercial factors.
Mitchell said the scheme has a strong standing internationally due to its long-term investments in research and risk modeling, which offer reinsurers clear insight into the risks covered.
She also pointed to the scheme’s commitment to community resilience through funding science and research that informs building standards, decisions on residential development, and government planning.
The last significant reinsurance claim handled by NHC followed the Canterbury earthquakes, during which reinsurers covered approximately $5 billion in costs.
“We can’t change the natural hazards we live with, but we can be prepared. Ensuring we have access to the right financial support provides peace of mind for New Zealand homeowners,” Mitchell said.
The expanded reinsurance program aims to provide additional financial support in the event of major disasters, enhancing the scheme’s capacity to manage claims arising from natural hazard events.
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