As of 9am on Jan. 20, AMI, State, and NZI had recorded about 80 claims from the latest Northland rain event, across home, contents, motor, boat, and commercial policies. The number of claims is likely to increase as weather conditions change and more customers are able to access properties and assess damage. Stephannie Ferris, executive general manager claims for AMI, State, and NZI, said the group has activated its catastrophe procedures. “We have a dedicated Major Event Response team who are well prepared and ready to respond. With more wet weather likely to affect the country during the week ahead, our teams continue to monitor and are ready to mobilise to support affected customers,” Ferris said.
Ferris said the brands are closely monitoring civil defence updates and MetService guidance, given the potential for further heavy rainfall, slips, and localised flash flooding across parts of the region. “Heavy rainfall, landslips, damaging winds, and the risk of flash flooding are possible. While the impact of these storms can be devastating, we want our customers to know we are here to help. Our claims people, assessors, and suppliers are on standby. In the meantime, it is important people stay updated with MetService weather forecasts and follow Civil Defence for any safety alerts,” she said.
AMI, State, and NZI are advising customers to lodge claims once it is safe to do so and once they have had an opportunity to understand the extent of loss to homes, contents, vehicles, or business assets. The insurers say online lodgement is the fastest way to submit claims, although call centres remain available. NZI policyholders are being directed to contact their brokers in the first instance. For property damage, customers are being encouraged to:
For motor claims, customers are being reminded not to drive vehicles that have been flooded or have significant windscreen damage. Policyholders are advised to arrange towing where necessary, remove personal belongings from vehicles if possible, and keep keys secure for collection. Contents damaged in vehicles may in some cases be addressed under contents policies. AMI and State have set up disaster claims hubs with information on emergency repairs, flooring, temporary accommodation, and claim lodgement. NZI customers are being directed to contact brokers, with general information available on IAG’s online hub.
The insurance activity is taking place alongside civil defence operations in Northland. A Civil Defence team is on the ground in badly affected communities around Ōakura in the Whangārei District, carrying out welfare checks following flooding, slips, and damage to local infrastructure. Authorities report that saturated ground conditions, combined with a heavy rain warning through early Thursday, may lead to rapid rises in rivers and streams, further surface flooding and disruption on the road network. A bridge collapse on Whangaruru North Road has closed a section of that route, and there are multiple reported slips, flooding sites, obstructions, and fallen trees. Several homes have been affected by floodwater, with dangerous building notices issued for some properties after assessment.
At 4pm on Jan. 20, Whangārei District Council declared a precautionary state of emergency for an initial seven-day period. The declaration, requested by Whangārei District Civil Defence Controller Victoria Harwood and signed by Mayor Ken Couper, is intended to make available additional powers under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. Couper said the move reflects both existing damage and the potential for further impacts in communities including Oakura, Whangaruru South, and Whangaruru North, as well as other parts of the district. “Declaring an emergency is a step under our legislation which allows the Civil Defence Controller and/or those to whom they delegate authority, access to emergency powers, granting authority to protect life and property in extraordinary emergency events under the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act 2002,” Couper said.
Those powers allow authorities to evacuate premises, enter properties, close roads and public spaces, and requisition property and equipment. For insurers and brokers, this can affect the timing of on-site assessments, access to damaged properties, coordination of alternative accommodation and, where relevant, business interruption and additional living expense claims. Harwood noted that MetService has issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning from Tuesday morning until early Thursday, with a tropical low expected to bring very heavy rain and strong winds before easing later in the week. At this stage, officials are uncertain how extensively emergency powers will be used, but Harwood said declaring early ensures legal authority is in place if evacuations or other measures are required.
Northland Civil Defence, emergency services, and partner agencies continue to urge residents to follow official updates, prepare for potential evacuation, limit non-essential travel, and check on neighbours. For insurers operating in the region, the ongoing weather is likely to result in further claims, with continued coordination required between claims teams, brokers, civil defence, and local authorities as conditions develop.
