increase font size
ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi says climate adaptation measures can reduce the risks created by storms like Cyclone Gabrielle.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) is urging the Government to take a leadership role on climate adaptation and build New Zealand’s resilience against the impacts of climate change on lives and property.
The ICNZ presented its submission on the Inquiry into Climate Adaptation to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee yesterday.
ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi says the urgency of the climate crisis cannot be overstated.
“New Zealand’s vulnerability to climate-related hazards, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, requires a clear and coordinated approach which the Government is best placed to lead on,” Faafoi says.
He says the ICNZ supports the development of a national climate adaptation model to guide policy and legislative frameworks and provide long-term clarity and certainty around the country’s response to climate change.
“This strategy aims to bring together central government, councils, the private sector and communities to effectively mitigate risks and ensure sustainable adaptation measures,” Faafoi says.
“We have seen firsthand the impacts of the Auckland Anniversary Weekend and Cyclone Gabrielle events on lives, property, and the economy,” he explains. “By taking a proactive approach, adaptation measures can not only reduce these risks but also contribute to the economy’s security and community resilience.”
Faafoi says ICNZ also backs the development of ambitious adaptation goals and clear outcomes such as a defined level of resilience achieved by 2050.
“The cost of achieving these outcomes should be estimated as much as possible so the funding required for adaptation is well understood,” he adds.
“We acknowledge the investment in climate adaptation is likely to be sizeable and is likely to require funding from a variety of sources, including the private sector, and the development of financial instruments such as resilience bonds.”
Faafoi says a coordinated approach should also consider the Government’s work in related areas such as resource management, housing and fast track approval for infrastructure development to “ensure there is an alignment of objectives and incentives”.
"The time for action is now. By working together, New Zealand can build a resilient and sustainable future for all Kiwis," he concludes.
OPINION: Among the many satisfying jobs on the farm is shifting our Angus heifers onto fresh pasture. They love it. Tails up, they gallop around for a minute, then it’s heads down — those long, raspy tongues pulling in mouthfuls of lush green feed.
OPINION: A press release from the oxygen thieves running the hot air symposium on climate change, known as COP30, grabbed your old mate’s attention.
OPINION: In a memo, rich guy Bill Gates didn't become a climate change denier, but he did give the world a dose of common sense, saying we should redirect efforts away from the campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and instead focus on other ways to improve human lives and reduce suffering.
New research could help farmers prepare for a future where summer rainfall is increasingly unpredictable and where drought risk is rising, no matter what.
A new nationwide survey shows New Zealanders expect farmers and food producers to play a leading role in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, but also gave them higher marks than most industries for their current efforts.
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.
