Flood risk needs urgent, joined-up plan, says NZ’s largest insurer

Flood risk needs urgent, joined-up plan, says NZ’s largest insurer
Westport is facing its fourth catastrophic flood in 12 months. (Image: Getty)
Pattrick Smellie
A joint initiative by the public and private sectors needs to get underway immediately to identify where climate change-related flood risks are greatest to stop new development in those places and invest in flood protection.“We are not retreating those from any areas,” the chief executive of Insurance Group Australia (IAG), Amanda Whiting, told BusinessDesk in an interview coinciding with the fourth major flooding event in Westport in the last 12 months.“But there could come a time if we don’t act that we could need to r...

More Policy

Workplace safety: Compliance equals protection
Policy

Workplace safety: Compliance equals protection

The Govt says health and safety obligations will be clearer within a new system of rules.

Dileepa Fonseka 03 Apr 2025
Credit card issuers fear ComCom proposals
Finance

Credit card issuers fear ComCom proposals

The proposed regulations will stifle banking competition, says Mastercard.

Pattrick Smellie 02 Apr 2025
Health and safety change for directors
Policy

Health and safety change for directors

Govt to clarify managers are responsible for managing day-to-day health and safety risks.

Dileepa Fonseka 02 Apr 2025
Supermarkets face break-up threat
Retail

Supermarkets face break-up threat

Forced and voluntary divestments are among potential outcomes.

Pattrick Smellie 30 Mar 2025