The Insurance Council of New Zealand has welcomed the government’s National Adaptation Framework, under which a new flood map will be delivered by 2027.

The framework, launched last Thursday, proposes legislation to clarify the responsibilities of local government and require 30-year adaptation plans in priority locations facing flood and coastal hazards.

It sets out 16 actions, including development with the private sector of new hazard data sets and risk standards.

The Resource Management Act will be strengthened to enable councils to take a more robust approach to managing natural hazard risks around new development.  

And the government proposes a development levy system for councils to charge developers part of the cost of capital spending needed to reduce and adapt to risk. 

ICNZ CEO Kris Faafoi says the framework is an important first step towards building climate resilience and keeping insurance accessible.

He says it provides much-needed direction on how government, councils, the private sector and communities will work together to reduce and manage climate-related 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.” 

Local government adaptation plans that set out actions, costs and funding mechanisms will help communities plan, but adaptation needs to be accelerated, Mr Faafoi says.

“Some vulnerable communities are already facing repeated losses and they can’t afford to wait five years for plans and longer still for adaptation projects to get under way. We need to see the rules, funding arrangements and cost-sharing mechanisms finalised as soon as possible.”

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says the framework is based around four pillars: information sharing on risks and responses; clarifying roles and responsibilities; investment in risk reduction; and cost sharing before and after events.

It responds to the recommendations of an independent reference group established by the Environment Ministry. 

The National Adaptation Framework can be downloaded here.