Insurance claims from the freak hailstorm that hit the region on Boxing Day last year have reached $41 million.
More than 1000 claims have been lodged in regards to the weather event that saw some orchards lose their entire crop.
Provisional figures released by the Insurance Council of NZ show that 1043 claims have so far been lodged, totalling more than $40million.
The claims include 425 house and contents claims ($1.8m), 125 commercial and business claims ($18.7m), 432 claims for crops and other ($20m), 59 motor claims ($146,000) and two marine claims ($3000).
ICNZ chief executive Tim Grafton says sudden and unexpected extreme weather can leave widespread losses for individuals and their communities in its wake.
"The preliminary support from insurers for the Boxing Day hailstorm is $41m but the true costs are much higher." he says.
"It is sobering to think of the numerous orchards in the region that may not have had insurance in place - with the true cost of the event realistically much larger than reflected by our figures."
Insurance support for communities around the country hit by extreme weather events has hit a new annual record of $248m, with insurance customers making more than 13,600 weather related claims for the twelve months to December 2020.
The revised figure includes the preliminary cost of the severe weather and floods across the Greater Wellington region 29 November - 1 December, and the freak hailstorm that hit the Nelson-Marlborough region on Boxing Day 26 December.
They also include a final figure of $35m in claims from the October Ōhau fire which saw 180 house and contents claims, 15 business and commercial claims, and 31 motor claims.
The major loss events include Napier flooding in November, ($73m provisional), Upper North Island flooding in July ($44m), Nelson-Marlborough hailstorm ($41m provisional), Lake Ōhau fire in October ($35m), Southland flooding in February ($30m) and the June Upper North Island storm and tornado ($17m).
Tim says that due to the impacts of climate change we can expect extreme weather events to become even more frequent, with more droughts and more flood events.
"Sadly, the impacts of climate change are very real for all New Zealanders. Insurance plays a vital role to support our communities manage these risks and it has never been more important to insure adequately for unexpected events.
"Conversely, we must adapt to our changing climate and take steps to reduce risks where possible, building more resilient communities."
He says this could mean improving infrastructure such as stormwater systems, not consenting new properties in higher risk areas, as well as building more resilient residential and commercial buildings.
"The sooner we adapt the less adaptation will cost us and the less we will be impacted by the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather."
