Early cyclone estimate lifts EQC costs by more than $300m

Early cyclone estimate lifts EQC costs by more than $300m
The government is still counting the cost of the cyclone. (Image: Getty)
Paul McBeth
The government’s latest accounts show early estimates of the recovery costs from this year’s cyclone and flooding have already added about $160 million to the Earthquake Commission’s insurance provisions and about $150m to the agency’s insurance expenses. The crown’s accounts for the eight months ended Feb 28 show EQC’s insurance expenses in the period were $359m, up from $235m a year earlier, and almost $150m more than forecast, having tracked $20m below forecast in the prior month. On top of that,...

More Policy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM
Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM

Advice on leading for innovation, threats to democracy, gangs, and more.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
Air NZ’s Ravishankar grows up in public
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: Air NZ’s Ravishankar grows up in public

The national airline’s new CEO faces plenty of challenges, some self-inflicted.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
Govt proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Nov 2025