Landslides putting communities at risk — know your cover, be prepared
Following a period of frequent storms, Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC Toka Tū Ake) is now receiving more claims for damage from landslides than for any other natural hazard.
NHC Toka Tū Ake has received almost 13,000 claims for damage from landslides in the last five years, 10,000 more than the previous five years.
“Landslides can happen with little warning and cause significant damage to homes and property – and in some cases put lives at risk” says NHC Toka Tū Ake Chief Executive Tina Mitchell.
“As storms become more frequent and intense, landslides are understandably a growing concern for many communities,” says Tina. “A good first step is understanding the risk in your area and the practical things you can do to strengthen your property”.
“Regular maintenance, good drainage, and getting expert advice early can make a real difference,” Tina says. “If you have concerns about retaining walls or slope stability, a geotechnical engineer can help assess risks and recommend next steps.”
Homeowners living on or near slopes are encouraged to be alert to early warning signs of instability, such as cracks in the ground, leaning retaining walls, or changes after heavy rainfall.
“It is also important to understand how your insurance works. That allows homeowners to make informed decisions — whether that’s strengthening their property or planning for any gaps in insurance cover,” Tina says.
Under the national scheme, homeowners are covered for up to $300,000 (plus GST) of damage to an insured home from certain hazards, including landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and geothermal activity. Private insurance may cover remaining damage up to the policy limit.
The national scheme also covers land damage in some situations, but the amount is set by law and is limited. In most cases, land cover applies only to the area immediately around the home (up to eight metres), and there are limits on how much can be paid toward repairs.
“Given these limits, it’s important people understand their individual situation and what practical steps they can take to reduce their risk.”
Driveways are another area where insurance cover is available but may be limited.
“Long driveways may not be fully covered by insurance, so it’s good to think ahead about how they could be strengthened and what you would do if access to your home was disrupted.”
For those buying property, NHC Toka Tū Ake recommends checking the Natural Hazards Portal(external link) for information about previous claims relating to landslides or other hazards, which can indicate future risk.
“Understanding your property’s natural hazard risks before an event occurs can help reduce stress and financial pressure later,” Tina says.