Fidelity Life has broadened its drought support measures to include policyholders in five additional regions.
The move follows a similar initiative launched in Taranaki last month, aimed at offering temporary premium relief for customers affected by ongoing dry conditions.
Eligible policyholders in facing financial pressure due to drought in Northland, Waikato, King Country, Horizons (Manawatū-Whanganui), and Marlborough-Tasman can apply for a three-month premium waiver, with the option to extend for a further three months.
The relief applies without impacting the customer’s insurance coverage during the approved period.
Chief commercial officer Bronwyn Kirwan (pictured) said the insurer is taking steps to respond to the needs of customers in regions experiencing prolonged dry spells.
“We recognise how tough it’s been for these regions as the dry weather continues, and we want to show our support in a meaningful way. Our premium relief offer is a way we’re trying to help ease the burden and be there for our customers when they need us most,” she said.
Fidelity Life introduced the relief option for Taranaki customers in March 2025 as part of its approach to managing climate-related disruptions. That offering included the same conditions – an initial three-month waiver with a potential extension – ensuring coverage remains intact.
The drought is part of changing climate patterns in New Zealand. Data from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) showed that 2024 was among New Zealand’s warmest years on record.
The national temperature averaged 13.25°C to 0.51°C higher than the 1991-2020 baseline – contributing to drought in several areas.
In parliament, discussions are underway to develop a national climate adaptation framework.
In 2024, the Finance and Expenditure Committee tabled a report outlining a strategy to clarify government roles, expand climate risk data access, and create funding mechanisms to handle hazard-related costs.
The government is expected to introduce legislation later this year that will incorporate these recommendations and set a clearer path for nationwide adaptation planning.
Members of parliament from multiple parties raised proposals to enhance the framework, including:
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has supported the committee’s direction.
“The report is an important signal from Parliament that there is a general political consensus on the challenge facing New Zealand,” ICNZ CEO Kris Faafoi said in a previous statement.
