Wairarapa Region Hit Hard by Weather Events, Thousands of Claims Lodged Nationwide

Severe weather events hit the Wairarapa region in October, resulting in over 200 claims, mostly related to wind damage. The region's councils reported minimal damage to their properties, with IAG, a leading insurer, processing thousands of claims nationwide. In total, 3,300 claims were lodged for weather and fire events in October, with wind damage being the primary cause.

Key Takeaways:

200 claims were made in the Wairarapa region, with Masterton having the highest number at 60, mostly due to the weather event on 21 October.
South Wairarapa had the second-highest number of claims at 56, most of which related to high winds on 23 October.
Carterton property owners made 44 claims, and Tararua 40, with damage to fences, gutters, and sheds being the most commonly reported.
A spokesperson for Carterton council confirmed a claim had been made for damage to the Wairarapa Event Centre's roof in Carterton, forcing a change of venue for a dance performance.
IAG stated that the South Island had sustained the most significant damage, with over 2209 claims received for gale-force winds in the Southland, Otago, Canterbury, and Wellington regions.
Insurers received a total of 3,300 claims for weather and fire events in October, with wind damage being the primary cause.
Canterbury policy holders made 481 claims, Southland 1,129, Otago 615, and Wellington 570, with the rest of New Zealand accounting for 566 claims.
Insurers were able to help with emergency temporary accommodation, payment support, and help with lodging claims, as well as lodging claims with the natural hazards commission for land damaged during the weather event.
Terri Orr and Luke Schluter reported on the claim statistics for the Lawn Daily Report, which is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Statistics:

200 claims were made in the Wairarapa region.
2209 claims were received for gale-force winds in the Southland, Otago, Canterbury, and Wellington regions.
3,300 claims were lodged for weather and fire events in October.
481 claims were made by Canterbury policy holders.
1,129 claims were made by Southland policy holders.
615 claims were made by Otago policy holders.
570 claims were made by Wellington policy holders.
566 claims were lodged for the rest of New Zealand.

Sources:

A spokesperson for insurer IAG
AMI, State and NZI executive general manager for claims, Stephannie Ferris
Terri Orr and Luke Schluter for the Lawn Daily Report, which is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air