Storms are causing widespread property damage
Storms are frequent in Aotearoa New Zealand and can bring flooding, storm surges, landslides, and damage from fallen trees, debris, and silt. These hazards are causing serious damage to homes, buildings and land – putting your whānau at risk.
Flood water also can carry sewage, dirt, rubbish, and chemicals – creating serious health concerns.
In normal conditions, water flows through rivers and stormwater pipes to the sea. During heavy rain, these systems can be overwhelmed. Rivers may flow into floodplains, and rainwater can run off roofs, roads, and footpaths instead of soaking into the ground. This can lead to flooding that damages nearby homes and properties.
A flood-ready property means you’ll have peace of mind knowing your property and whānau are safer for next time.
Features on your property may increase risk
Your property may be more likely to flood if it has any of the following features.
- House below road level – a house below road level or at the bottom of a steep driveway can mean water is directed towards your house if the driveway is not properly designed to drain water away.
- Large, paved areas such as concrete, asphalt or tarmac – paved areas create impermeable surfaces that prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground.
- Ground levels – when the ground outside is the same height or higher than your floor level, it can allow water to easily flow in.
- Changes made to land or buildings – that could block or obstruct an overland flow path (the natural flow path water takes during heavy rainfall) – redirecting water onto your property or a neighbouring property.
Check the local flood mapping in your area(external link) – Natural Hazards Portal
Take steps to prevent flood damage
While we can’t control the weather, and it’s not always possible to prevent flooding, you can take steps to make your property flood-ready.
If you have neighbours who are elderly or need some support, you could give them a hand with these.
Take action in other at-risk areas on your property:
Regularly check and maintain your slopes and retaining walls
Protecting the outside of your home, like roofs and walls
Choose flood-reducing features when doing upgrades
If you plan to landscape or build, choose options that make your home more resilient from potential flooding.
Replace solid surfaces with more permeable alternatives
Consider replacing solid surfaces like concrete and asphalt with permeable surfaces like grass, gravel, pavers, or porous asphalt or concrete. These surfaces allow water to naturally absorb into the ground – reducing the risk of flooding.
These options vary in cost. Talk to a professional to find the right option for you and your home.
Avoid building on overland flow paths
Do not build fences, sheds, and other structures that block overland flow paths. An overland flow path is the natural path that water takes across the land to reach waterways during heavy rainfall.
Blocking this path could lead to increased flooding in your property or onto neighbouring properties.
Making changes inside your home
If you’re designing a new building or renovation, you should:
- raise your floor level if it’s below a possible flood level
- choose flood-resistant wall and floor coverings
- place electrical sockets higher on the wall.
Visit the National Emergency Management Agency website(external link) for more information.
Insurance for land damage to your property
Natural hazards insurance may provide some cover for parts of your property that’s been damaged from storms or floods, including clean-up from silt and debris. The cover is limited and often won’t be enough to fully repair the damage.
It does not cover flood damage to your home. Talk to your private insurer about what you may be covered for if your home has been damaged by a storm or flood.
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