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Births to under-25s decline to record low proportion – Births and deaths: Year ended December 2025 (including abridged period life table) – Stats NZ news story and information release
Legislation – Dark day for workers as Parliament passes bill that strips away job security – PSA
Source: PSA
Parliament has just passed the most extreme anti-worker legislation since the notorious Employment Contracts Act of 1991, stripping away protections that have been the foundation of fair employment for decades.
“The Employment Relations Amendment Bill effectively introduces fire at will, leaving New Zealand workers more vulnerable than at any time in the past 30 years,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“This is a disgraceful power grab by employers that will pile more pressure on families already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis this Government promised to fix.
“Workers can now be sacked at will with employers able to undermine personal grievance protections even when their own conduct is clearly unreasonable.
“This law change will radically change every workplace in New Zealand. Workers can be unjustifiably dismissed and walk away with nothing.
“How does threatening people's jobs help families cope with higher prices and a weak job market? It shows how heartless this Government is – prioritising the profits of business over the wellbeing of working New Zealanders and their families.”
The changes will also affect the quality of public services New Zealanders rely on.
“Insecure workers means insecure services. When teachers, health workers, and other public servants face constant job insecurity, it undermines their ability to deliver the quality services New Zealanders deserve.
“This law will drive down wages and accelerate the exodus of skilled workers offshore to countries that value their expertise and provide job security.”
“Supporters of this law change talk about 'labour market flexibility.' But flexibility is not evenly shared.
“For large employers, it means more power. For workers, it means uncertainty – wondering whether a minor mistake could cost them their job, or whether a new contract quietly removes protections they once relied on.
“Just like in 1991, with the Employment Contracts Act, business lobby groups are the strongest supporters of these reforms while workers face losing their jobs, reduced protections and weaker bargaining power.”
Latest attack in Government's war on workers
The bill is the latest in a series of attacks on working New Zealanders by the Coalition Government:
– Axed Fair Pay Agreements
– Reinstated 90-day fire at will
– Scrapped pay equity for more than150,000 women workers
– Suppressed minimum wage increases
– Proposing to cut back sick leave for part-time workers
“The changes made today continue the shift of power in one direction only – strengthening the hand of large employers while leaving workers more exposed in an already fragile economy,” said Fitzsimons.
“This Government's priorities are clear: landlords and big business are in but working New Zealanders and their families are out.
“Come the election in November, the PSA will be reminding voters of the choices the Coalition parties have made to put the interests of business ahead of working families.”
ENDS
Background Employment Relations Amendment Bill
In summary, the changes will:
– mean workers who are legally unfairly dismissed will have no proper remedies if they have contributed to the situation, however minor.
– allow employers to fire at will workers who are unjustifiably dismissed and earn more than $200,000 – they cannot access a personal grievance process for unjustified dismissal.
– remove the provision that automatically enrols new employees in collective agreements for 30 days. This means new workers will risk being exposed to 90-day fire-at-will trials before understanding the protections offered by collective agreements.
– allow employers to deem workers contractors removing their right to holiday and sick pay and means they can be fired at will – the law change written by multi-national ride share company Uber.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
Legislation – Darkest day in decades for NZ workers’ rights as ERA Bill passes – Workers First Union
Source: Workers First Union
Workers First said that the passage of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill today was the “darkest day in decades” for New Zealand workers’ rights and that every person, whether an employee or contractor, should be deeply concerned for their future job security and prosperity.
Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary, said that while it was obvious that the governing ACT Party and National Party intended to change New Zealand law to protect the “exploitative” business model of employers like Uber, NZ First had “sold out” workers despite meeting with several unions over the last few months and claiming their intention to amend the Bill during its Committee Stage. Instead, NZ First offered no amendments during the final Parliamentary opportunity to develop the legislation and rejected every Opposition attempt to limit the Bill’s “catastrophic” scope.
“This ‘fire-at-will’ Bill not only protects contractor misclassification by enshrining the process in law, but it decimates the right to workplace justice and enables employers to erase the rights workers fought for decades to win,” said Mr Maga.
“This is a shameful day for Aotearoa and an international embarrassment. While other nations stood up to international corporates like Uber and required them to adapt to sovereign law, our Government has laid out the red carpet for them to redesign our employment system in their favour.”
“It’s no surprise to see the ACT Party advance legislation as the parliamentary wing of Uber’s business model, but NZ First’s decision to back the Bill is a stark act of hypocrisy.”
“They are a party that pretends to care about sovereignty but have turned their backs on New Zealanders today, and workers will not forget it.”
Mr Maga said that the passage of the Bill did not rule out the pursuit of backpay and lost entitlements for the misclassification of Uber drivers, which last year’s judgement from the Supreme Court allowed for. Over 1,500 financial claims for Uber drivers have already been lodged by Workers First Union, and they would proceed despite the law change.
Other elements of the Bill that disadvantage workers included the end of the “30-day rule” that protected new employees under an existing Collective Agreement, and changes to the Personal Grievance process that allowed employers to unilaterally define “serious misconduct” and deny workers the right to compensation or reinstatement if they are deemed to have “contributed” to the situation.
“The Bill is an omnibus of gifts to exploitative employers and a firm admission that this Government does not care about ordinary New Zealand workers,” said Mr Maga.
“It will worsen the cost-of-living crisis, exacerbate the exodus of New Zealand workers to Australia, and encourage more predation on the working class by big business without redress.”
Ultimately, Mr Maga said the legislation created the conditions for New Zealand employers to pursue mass redundancies of employees before attempting to ‘re-hire’ them under the new category of a ‘specified contractor’, lacking the protections of employment like a minimum wage, holiday pay, sick and annual leave, and the right to join a union.
“If you think this Bill doesn’t apply to you now, it may well in the future,” said Mr Maga.
Energy Efficiency – Hot water heat pumps a faster, lower-cost alternative to risky LNG imports – Ecobulb
Source: Ecobulb
An energy efficiency expert is urging the Government to prioritise hot water heat pumps as one immediate and cost-effective response to New Zealand's energy crisis, backing views in a new report that importing LNG would increase energy prices and expose the country to volatile international markets.
A New Zealand Green Building Council report warns that importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) would require significant taxpayer subsidies and likely place sustained upward pressure on gas and electricity prices. International experience – including in eastern Australia – shows that linking domestic supply to global gas markets can dramatically increase generation costs, accelerating industrial decline and job losses.
(ref. https://nzgbc.org.nz/news-and-media/lng-imports-would-lock-kiwis-into-higher-energy-bills-for-decades-when-more-secure-options-are-ready-now )
New Zealand doesn't need to take that risk, says Ecobulb Managing Director Dr Chris Mardon.
“Before we spend hundreds of millions subsidising imported gas, we could fix the biggest, most remedial source of household energy waste – hot water,” says Mardon. “Hot water heat pumps are proven technology that can slash electricity use by up to 70 percent compared to traditional electric cylinders, and completely remove the need for gas water heating.”
Hot water typically accounts for around a third of household energy consumption. Replacing ageing electric or gas water heaters with high-efficiency heat pump systems delivers permanent demand reduction – lowering peak loads and easing pressure on the national grid.
According to the NZGBC's analysis, widespread adoption of efficient electric technologies, including hot water heat pumps and rooftop solar, could offset a significant portion of the energy shortfall that LNG imports are intended to address – without exposing New Zealand to global fuel price volatility.
“If all new homes built had rooftop solar and all new residential hot water systems sold were heat pumps, by 2030 more electricity would be being generated and saved than the LNG terminal would provide,” Mardon said. “That's energy we don't have to generate, import, or subsidise.”
Unlike LNG infrastructure, which creates a centralised point of failure and ties prices to international markets, hot water heat pumps are distributed assets installed in thousands of homes across the country.
“Distributed efficiency is inherently more resilient,” Mardon said. “Every home that upgrades, reduces national demand. That lowers wholesale price pressure and protects households from future energy shocks.”
The report also highlights that LNG imports would likely increase the marginal cost of electricity generation, pushing up power prices even in normal years. Higher energy input costs would further strain manufacturers and gas-intensive industries.
Mardon says improving hot water efficiency is a direct way to reduce both household living costs and system-wide demand.
“Energy we don't use is the cheapest energy of all. A hot water heat pump delivers guaranteed, ongoing savings for families – year after year – without requiring permanent government subsidies.”
The NZGBC report estimates that LNG imports would depend on substantial annual taxpayer support.
Ecobulb is calling for those funds to instead be redirected into targeted grants or financing support for hot water heat pump installations, particularly for low- and middle-income households. The NZGBC report says that rooftop solar should also be supported.
“Instead of subsidising imported fuel, we could invest in permanent bill reductions for Kiwi families,” said Mardon. “That strengthens energy security, supports local installation jobs, and reduces long-term system costs.”
Mardon says the pathway forward is clear.
“Hot water heat pumps are available now. They're efficient, scalable, and already proven in thousands of New Zealand homes. If we're serious about reducing energy costs and protecting our economy, accelerating the transition to hot water heat pumps is one of the smartest steps we can take.”
About Ecobulb
Ecobulb is a New Zealand-owned energy efficiency company specialising in lighting and high-performance hot water heat pump systems for residential and commercial applications, helping households reduce energy use, cut power bills, and transition away from fossil fuels.
Legislation – Long-term Infrastructure Plan welcomed by road freight sector
Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Road freight association Transporting New Zealand has welcomed the release of the Infrastructure Commission’s National Infrastructure Plan that was tabled in Parliament by Minister Chris Bishop today.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that the National Infrastructure Plan takes a well-reasoned, long-term view of New Zealand’s infrastructure needs and funding arrangements, including the road and rail networks.
“The Plan emphasises the importance of maintaining existing assets, the need for road revenue reform, and the importance of ensuring that party politics don’t disrupt the delivery of good infrastructure maintenance and improvements:
“Not every major project will attract consensus, but that need not prevent progress. Political contestability is normal, and priorities will shift over time. What matters is staying focused on the fundamentals – looking after existing assets, delivering projects well, planning efficiently, and being transparent about costs and outcomes.” ( National Infrastructure Plan, page 33) (ref. https://tewaihanga.govt.nz/national-infrastructure-plan )
“Transporting New Zealand is a strong advocate of these three pillars, and we’re looking forward to seeing the Government’s formal response to the plan later this year. We encourage all opposition parties to do the same.”
Kalasih says that the severe weather and travel disruptions affecting the country this year demonstrate the importance of prioritising asset maintenance and renewals, that the Infrastructure Commission says should account for 60 per cent of total infrastructure spending. Total infrastructure spending is currently $20 billion per year.
“A strong message we hear from our road freight members is the importance of maintaining the existing road network. That has been historically underfunded by successive governments.”
Kalasih says he is looking forward to discussing the Plan and feedback from Transporting New Zealand members with the Infrastructure Commission and elected officials.
Arts – Global exhibitions coming to Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Museum announces 2026/2027 international exhibition programme
Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum
Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum announces an exciting line-up of international touring exhibitions, including an exclusive new Triceratops exhibition, coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland over 2026 and 2027.
Auckland Museum Director of Audience Engagement Victoria Travers says the upcoming programme brings a diverse range of exhibitions from around the world.
“The next two years of our international exhibition programme reflects Auckland Museum’s commitment to presenting world-class touring exhibitions, with March of the Triceratops set to be a major highlight.”
“As the only Australasian venue on the exhibition’s international tour, Auckland Museum will give visitors the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with the world’s only known Triceratops herd, alongside other exceptional international exhibitions arriving in Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Travers.
Due to strong public interest, Sharks, created by the Australian Museum, has been extended through to Monday 1 June 2026. This exhibition explores the diversity and evolution of sharks, their significance within First Nations and Pasifika knowledge systems, and the latest global research into shark conservation, offering visitors a deeper understanding of these ancient and often misunderstood ocean predators.
Opening on Saturday 27 June 2026, Wildlife Photographer of the Year returns to Auckland Museum in its 61st year, presenting a breathtaking selection of images from the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition. The exhibition celebrates the beauty, complexity and fragility of the natural world, captured by photographers from across the globe.
Coming September 2026, families and dinosaur enthusiasts can step back into the prehistoric past with March of the Triceratops. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition showcases the world’s only Triceratops herd, with a rare group of five recently excavated fossils. Through immersive displays, life-size models, animatronics and augmented reality, this exhibition brings the story of Triceratops to life, exploring their behaviour, biology, and the ancient environments they once roamed.
Opening in June 2027, Ming: The Golden Empire showcases the brilliance of China’s Ming dynasty. This exhibition explores revolutionary social change, artistic achievement, and cultural richness through treasures from the Nanjing Museum that rarely leave China.
Auckland Museum Membership, with three options to select from, provides unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, as well as discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events. Find out more at: aucklandmuseum.com/membership
Further details, and public programmes and events to be announced; sign up to our What’s On email for updates.
Auckland Museum exhibition programme for 2026/2027:
SHARKS
EXTENDED UNTIL MON 1 JUN 2026
ADULT $22, CHILD (5-15 YRS) $11, UNDER 5 YRS FREE, FAMILY (2 ADULT, 2 CHILD) $59, CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $20
FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS
Created by the Australian Museum, Sharks invites you to explore the fascinating, and often misunderstood, world of sharks. Come face-to-face with life-sized, scientifically accurate shark models, including one of the most famous and feared species of shark, the Great White Shark. Learn through artefacts and tactile displays; be immersed in a digital oceanarium; and see the world in a 360-degree view through the eyes of a Hammerhead Shark.
Sharks is produced and toured by the Australian Museum and proudly supported by Earth Sciences NZ.
WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 61
SAT 27 JUN – SUN 23 AUG 2026
FREE WITH MUSEUM ENTRY
Now in its sixty-first year, and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, Wildlife Photographer of the Year features some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.
The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography's unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a future of advocating for the planet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.
MARCH OF THE TRICERATOPS
SEPT 2026 – APR 2027
ADULT $29.90, CHILD (5-15 YRS) $19.90, UNDER 5 YRS FREE, FAMILY (2 ADULT, 2 CHILD) $90, CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $27.90, FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS
March of the Triceratops brings to life one of the world’s most iconic dinosaurs, revealing how these extraordinary creatures lived, moved, and survived millions of years ago.
The exhibition features the only known Triceratops herd ever discovered, with a rare group of five recently excavated fossils. Alongside the fossils are life-size Triceratops models and animatronics, created using the latest scientific research, and hands-on interactives and animated experiences that offer fascinating insight into a prehistoric world.
Explore how fossils are formed, learn what palaeontologists do, and use augmented reality to step into the Triceratops’ natural environment and imagine a landscape shaped by dinosaurs.
March of the Triceratops is a collaboration between Naturalis Biodiversity Center, and MuseumsPartner, both based in Europe.
MING: THE GOLDEN EMPIRE
JUN 2027 – OCT 2027
ADULT $25, CHILD (5-15 YRS) $15, UNDER 5 YRS FREE, FAMILY (2 ADULT, 2 CHILD) $72, CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $23, FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS
Discover the brilliance of the Ming dynasty in Ming: The Golden Empire. This stunning exhibition explores revolutionary social change, artistic achievement, and cultural richness through treasures from Nanjing Museum that rarely leave China. From imperial luxuries to everyday objects, journey through China’s Great Ming era, which spanned 1368-1644, all brought to life with striking visuals, films, and interactive displays.
Ming: The Golden Empire is produced by Nomad Exhibitions in association with Nanjing Museum.
IHC – New Zealanders with intellectual disability marginalised and forgotten
Source: IHC New Zealand
Once again, new research delivers a stark reality check on the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders with intellectual disability.
IHC’s latest report From Data to Dignity 2026: Health and Wellbeing Indicators for New Zealanders with Intellectual Disability uses government data to show how inequities for New Zealanders with intellectual disability remain largely unchanged or in some cases, worse.
IHC Director of Advocacy Tania Thomas says the latest research paints a shocking picture of people with intellectual disabilities being forgotten in government policy.
“The numbers are distressing, but sadly not new,” Tania says. “We began this work in 2023 to show how government data could and should be used to track outcomes for people with intellectual disability. IHC continues to provide government with evidence that shows they need to do better.”
The report commissioned by IHC was produced with research organisation Kōtātā Insight. It builds on IHC’s groundbreaking 2023 report, which was the first to use the government’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) to track outcomes for people with intellectual disability.
“This update is a reality check. The government’s Disability Strategy can be enhanced by including urgent action to address these persistent inequities,” Tania says.
Key issues emerging include:
- Increasing injury rates, diabetes, and dementia
- High emergency department use and injury-related hospitalisations particularly among women with intellectual disability
- Evidence of barriers to ACC access, with lower claim rates despite higher injury prevalence
- A concerning rise in young people leaving school without qualifications
- Greater exposure to housing pressure with rising placement on social housing waiting lists, particularly for Māori and Pacific children with intellectual disability.
Alongside these trends, the data also highlights longstanding disparities that continue to persist. People with intellectual disability live on average 17 years less than the general population and are still significantly more likely to experience poor health, justice system involvement, and economic exclusion.
IHC is calling for urgent Government action, including:
- Regular, public reporting on the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disability
- Targeted action to address inequities for Māori and Pacific people with intellectual disability
- Improved health literacy, disability-aware health services, and better data collection to track outcomes.
- The full report, interactive web application, and Easy Read version are available at: ihc.org.nz/advocacy.
The report can be found on IHC's website, along with a link to the Visual Insights app, which visualises the data by location, demographics and prevalence. (ref. https://www.ihc.org.nz/get-involved/advocacy/from-data-to-dignity-2026 )
Notes
Report findings include:
People with intellectual disability:
- Live 17 years less on average than the general population, with Māori men most disadvantaged, and this has not improved
- Are 3.3 times more likely to be imprisoned
- Are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes
- Are 3 times more likely to have a mood disorder
- Are almost 7 times more likely to rely on a benefit
- Are increasingly hospitalised for avoidable events and conditions
- Only 21% of adults with intellectual disability in paid employment, compared with 78% of the general population
- Children with intellectual disability are 7 times more likely to be placed in state care
- Parents with intellectual disability are 16 times more likely to have children removed
- School engagement remains low and there are higher suspension rates – 2.8 times more likely than other students
- Young people aged 18-24 remain far more likely to leave school without qualifications.
- Higher rates of crime victimisation and justice system involvement.
Greenpeace – 78% of NZers want bottom trawling banned as Govt pushes to catch more coral in South Pacific
Source: Greenpeace
New polling shows overwhelming support from New Zealanders for a ban on bottom trawling in the South Pacific high seas, says Greenpeace.
The Horizon polling, commissioned at the end of 2025, reveals that 78% of New Zealanders (representative of 3 million adults) want the ban in the high seas area – where New Zealand is the last country operating a bottom trawl fleet.
Juan Parada, an Oceans Campaigner at Greenpeace Aotearoa, says the new polling gives an undeniable mandate for action.
“There is no social license for the industrial fishing companies that profit from bulldozing ancient coral forests and wiping out fragile ecosystems.” says Parada. “New Zealanders want politicians to stop dragging their feet and protect the oceans.”
“Other nations, including those who take part in regional fisheries bodies in the South Pacific, have been advocating for stronger rules against bottom trawlers, but we see New Zealand consistently drag the chain. This polling shows how out of step our government has become with other nations and public sentiment.”
The New Zealand government is heading to the 2026 commission meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, with an official position pushing to increase the amount of coral that can be caught before the area must be closed.
In response to questions on New Zealand’s SPRFMO position in Parliament last week, Prime Minister Luxon denied New Zealand was weakening the rules. Greenpeace and allies have written to Luxon asking that he withdraw New Zealand’s request for more coral destruction.
Other highlights of the Horizon poll included overwhelming support (79%) for a South Pacific ocean sanctuary – where all destructive activities are outlawed to allow for ecosystem recovery.
The Lord Howe Rise, South Tasman Sea region is being considered for one of the world’s first global ocean sanctuaries under the newly in force BBNJ agreement (Global Oceans Treaty.)
Last year the Australian government helped convene a science symposium looking at the environmental and cultural values of this area, helping to build the case for protection.
“What we’re seeing internationally, and here in New Zealand is that people want movement on ocean protection,” says Parada.
“Everyone wants a thriving ocean. The polling shows that whether you vote NZ First, National, Labour, Greens, Te Pāti Māori – people want the oceans better protected now. Internationally we’re seeing nation states step up and try to move things forward.”
Scientists recommend that at least 30% of the global oceans be put in fully protected sanctuaries to allow for recovery. Currently the amount of the global ocean in fully protected areas is less than 3%.
“The public understands the scale of the ocean crisis we face. They are ready for bold action to end bottom trawling and create the sanctuaries the ocean desperately needs. It’s time for the Government to listen to the people and act before it's too late.”
ENDS
Notes
- Polling data: https://www.greenpeace.org/static/planet4-aotearoa-stateless/2026/02/55ef9a93-horizon-research-greenpeace-fisheries-poll-november-2025-final.docx.pdf
- Lord Howe Rise Symposium Report 2025: https://highseasalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/3466_WWF_SCI-Scientific-proceedings-Report_v10-LR-1.pdf
- 82% of ACT voters support a ban on bottom trawling in the South Pacific high seas, while 74% of National voters and 73% of NZ First voters are also in favour.
- Support is near-universal among the opposition parties with the Green Party voters at 93%, Te Pāti Māori at 89%, and Labour at 85%.
- 74% of respondents want the Government to pass stronger laws to protect oceans and marine biodiversity.
- Support for establishing ocean sanctuaries in the international waters of the Tasman, South Pacific sits at 79%.
- The poll also shows that 83% of New Zealanders believe the Government should ensure activity-monitoring cameras are on all commercial fishing vessels operating in New Zealand waters. Currently, the government's rollout is limited to only a portion of the fleet.
Insurance premiums soar, but big savings can still be made – Consumer NZ
Source: Consumer NZ
Consumer NZ says significant savings are on the table for some people as house insurance premiums rise sharply in a few cities and drop in others.
Consumer NZ’s latest house and contents premium survey found relief in insurance prices in Auckland, while prices in Wellington and Christchurch continue to rocket.
“Our research found the median premium for a large house in Auckland had dropped by around 11% compared with the previous year. Whereas, in Christchurch and Wellington, the median premium for a large house went up by about 10%,” said Rebecca Styles, Consumer’s research lead.
However, savings are available for those who can shop around.
“When we compared policies with the same excess and sum insured across the 6 centres, we found the median potential saving was about $550.”
“More than 8 in ten people have had the same insurance provider for at least 3 years. When people decide to switch, it’s usually because of price, and with some of the savings available, we can see why.”
How the prices stack up
Wellington continues to be the most expensive city for house insurance. The median cost for house and contents insurance for a standard home was a whopping $3,824 in Consumer’s 2025 house and contents premium survey.
Dunedin has the cheapest home insurance options, with the median cost for house and contents insurance for a standard home coming in at $2,227.
The impact on consumers
According to Consumer’s latest insurance survey, around three-quarters of New Zealanders are at least somewhat concerned about the cost of house insurance. More recently, Consumer’s research has revealed that three in ten New Zealanders list the cost of insurance as a top financial concern.
Insurance retreat has been big news recently, and Consumer expects this will continue to impact more areas around the country because of the increasing number of floods, landslides and sea surges.
“About 1% of over 3,000 survey respondents told us they couldn’t switch because no provider would offer them insurance. “
Insurance savings tips
Shop around – if you are offered a better price by another provider, you could use this offer to haggle with your current provider. Head to Consumer’s house and contents insurance webpage to compare prices and policy details.
If you’re struggling, opt for a higher excess so you can lower your premiums. Don't set the excess so high you couldn’t scrape the money together if you needed to make a claim.
Ask your insurer if your premiums would be cheaper if you installed an alarm or security cameras – the savings might subsidise the installation costs.
If you can afford to, pay your premiums annually – you should get a discount.
If no insurer will cover your home, you can contact the Natural Hazards Commission and ask about its natural hazards cover (known as NHCover). It might be able to provide you with natural hazard insurance directly. You can contact NHCover on NHCover@naturalhazards.govt.nz.
Notes
Consumer gathered quotes for house and contents insurance premiums from nine insurers for homes in the six main centres in Aotearoa. We collected the quotes in November 2025, for policies starting on 1 December 2025.
Consumer NZ requested quotes for:
a couple with a standard-sized house insured for $560,000 (which we increased from $550,000 after using a sum insured calculator) and contents for $90,000
a family of four with a large house insured for $840,000 (which we increased from $800,000 after using a sum insured calculator) and contents for $140,000.