A growing number of New Zealand homeowners are taking steps to safeguard their properties against natural hazards, according to new research from Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC).
The survey, conducted by NielsenIQ on behalf of NHC, found that 71% of respondents had implemented protective measures for their homes, land, or belongings – an increase of 15 percentage points from the previous year and the highest level recorded.
NHC public education manager Hamish Armstrong said the increase reflects greater awareness of the risks posed by earthquakes, floods, and other environmental hazards.
“We live in a high-risk country, but there are many things people can do to make their homes safer and stronger against the impact of natural hazards. Even small steps people take will reduce damage to their properties and further protect their families, so it’s great to see that more people than ever are getting prepared,” he said.
According to the research, two-thirds of respondents had checked and secured their home’s foundations, while nearly half had either removed or reinforced brick or concrete chimneys.
“The great news is, there [are] a lot you can do that will improve the strength and safety of your home for natural hazards,” Armstrong said. “You might like to start small – make sure you know where to turn off your gas and water mains if lines are damaged, move heavy objects to safer spots lower down, and secure furniture and pictures to the wall.”
Armstrong advised homeowners to keep records of any upgrades, noting that 89% of homebuyers now consider natural hazards when choosing a property.
Understanding insurance coverage is another part of disaster preparedness. Under New Zealand’s national natural hazards insurance scheme, the first $300,000 of damage to an insured home is covered, with private insurers responsible for the remainder up to the policy limit. Limited land damage coverage is also available through the scheme. This highlights the important role of brokers in ensuring that policyholders understand their coverage.
Alongside the homeowner survey, NHC has released its latest “Research and Resilience Highlights Report,” which detailed more than $10 million in funding allocated to initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of natural hazards.
The report outlined efforts in research, education, and advocacy to improve resilience against earthquakes, landslides, and flooding.
One area of focus is the feasibility of base isolation technology, a seismic protection method widely used overseas but less common in New Zealand due to cost barriers. NHC is evaluating whether the long-term benefits of this technology outweigh its financial challenges.
Beyond research, NHC collaborates with organisations such as the New Zealand Planning Institute and the Structural Engineering Society NZ to integrate resilience measures into urban planning and construction. In 2024, nearly $2 million was directed toward partnerships with schools, museums, and community preparedness initiatives.
