Kiwis call for strong leadership, clearer data and greater investment to tackle climate adaptation

New Talbot Mills research commissioned by Suncorp New Zealand reveals clear public appetite for action on climate adaptation, with 82% of New Zealanders wanting greater access to natural hazard risk information and strong support for Central (87%) and Local Government (86%) to lead adaptation planning.

The nationwide survey of 1,008 New Zealanders shows strong support for a nationally coordinated, better-funded approach - aligning with the Government's new National Adaptation Framework, announced this morning.

Jimmy Higgins, CEO of Suncorp New Zealand and a member of the Independent Reference Group on Climate Adaptation, says the Framework is a vital starting point to break the repeating pattern of climate-related damage and recovery.

“Climate change is creating a costly cycle of repairing and rebuilding in the same vulnerable areas. The new framework gives New Zealand the tools to plan and invest ahead of time – so we can reduce risk before disasters strike and help communities recover faster.”

“We welcome the Government’s efforts to make natural hazard data more accessible, including through the development of the National Flood Map. Better information will help people and businesses make more informed choices about where they live, work and build.”

Kiwis back early investment in resilience

The National Adaptation Framework will help orient investment towards reducing risk before natural disasters strike. Suncorp’s research shows four in five New Zealanders (80%) support increased spending on maintenance of existing protections such as stormwater systems and dune reinforcement, while three in four (75%) back investment in new mitigation infrastructure.

“Communities that invest early in resilience will face fewer losses later, making insurance more affordable and sustainable,” Higgins said. “We’re keen to work with councils to help them understand how insurance markets respond to adaptation decisions, so they can plan with confidence.”

Public supports stronger funding for climate adaptation

The Suncorp research suggests New Zealanders have clear views on who should pay for adaptation in high-risk areas, with strong support for a user-pays approach. The overwhelming majority of respondents believe those who contribute to higher risk (84%) or directly benefit from protective infrastructure or services (79%) should bear a greater share of funding responsibility.

More than half of New Zealanders (58%) support creating a dedicated national climate adaptation fund, consistent with the new National Adaptation Framework’s focus on establishing a national cost-sharing model for climate adaptation and recovery.

“Adaptation isn’t just about responding to today’s challenges – that’s how we turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s resilience – it’s about preparing for what’s ahead,” Higgins said.

“If we continue to plan together, invest early, and make informed choices, we can build more resilient communities. New Zealand has a unique opportunity to lead by example and set a benchmark for others around the world.”