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Natural hazards where you live

New Zealand is a place where we all live with some kind of natural hazard risk. It’s a good idea to understand what natural hazards could affect the area you live in and how you can reduce the risk of damage to your property.

What you're covered for

What’s in your area?

  • Regularly check around your property for cracks or movement in slopes and retaining walls.
  • Do what you can to reduce the risk of damage to your home from earthquakes.
  • Are you in a flood risk area? Ask your local council.
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Landslips

Landslips are one of the most common natural hazards to affect New Zealand homes and properties.

 

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Floods

Homes in low-lying areas near waterways are generally more at risk of floods.

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Earthquakes

Earthquakes can happen almost anywhere in New Zealand, although some areas have a higher risk.

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Tsunami

The likelihood of a severe tsunami affecting New Zealand is low, but even a small tsunami can affect properties in low-lying coastal areas.

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Volcanoes

The North Island is an active volcanic region, and while eruptions (and the earthquakes that often come before them) are rare, we can’t predict them.

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Hydrothermal activity

Most of New Zealand’s hydrothermal activity – hot water below the Earth’s crust – happens in the Taupo volcanic zone, from White Island to Mt Ruapehu.