Latest news with #Mangawhai
NZ Herald
04-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Northland a region ready for growth
These two major project announcements are part of the bigger picture for increasing Northland's growth and prosperity, all included within the Regional Deal proposed to central Government. Minister Mark Mitchell attended the Northland Civil Defence Forum last week at Semenoff Stadium, and commented on how well Northland councils and communities were working together, especially when disasters happen. This was shown through Cyclone Gabrielle, the Mangawhai tornado, the fires that attacked Waipoua Forest, and then with ex-Cyclone Tam. Northland as a community is great at getting in and working with those who can help, and those who need help. For me, one of the best things about living in Northland is how we just get on with things and work together to make things happen. When we see someone with a need, we go and deal with it. There's a lot of compassion and action up here – that no.8 wire mentality is still alive and kicking! It is now great to have central Government recognise that too. Our three mayors (Kaipara, Far North and Whangārei), and chair of Northland Regional Council started our term by spelling out what we needed for our region to grow, both economically and physically. It all started with agreeing on what our top 5 priorities were: Connecting Northland Northland as an economic hub Housing and associated infrastructure Infrastructure resilience with changing environment Local government as a 'trusted partner' with central Government We next needed to put those priorities to our business and hapū communities and encourage them to take ownership of these aspirations. The Northland Corporate Group and Chamber of Commerce have done just that. Bringing the councils together under one economic roof for Northland, via the Joint Regional Economic Development Group (JREDG) and Northland Inc., cemented the powerhouse that I knew Northland could be. A similar example of a powerhouse that we already have is within our Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group (CDEM), which looks after Northland during emergencies. The next big economic projects that can make huge differences to Northland's economy, which require central Government involvement, is developing a knowledge precinct in Whangārei, expanding Northport, building the drydock at Marsden Point, and setting up some regional economic zones. By attracting future investment, creating jobs, fostering innovation, strengthening infrastructure, and working together, we can build a brighter future for our whole region, and what central Government is enabling now is a great start to the growth of Northland. As mayor, I am committed to supporting these initiatives and ensuring that Northland reaps the full benefits of these projects.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
More Than Half Of New Zealanders Anxious About Storms
Press Release – IAG New Zealand Amanda Whiting, CEO of AMI, State and NZI says the research shows that in the past two years natural hazards have impacted the lives of 54% of New Zealanders, with 41% feeling adversely affected. New research commissioned by AMI, State and NZI shows that over half of all New Zealanders have recently experienced anxiety and concern about storms and heavy rainfall, while 43% are concerned specifically about flooding [1]. The findings, published today in the seventh issue of the AMI, State and NZI Wild Weather Tracker, also show that half of the respondents are concerned about earthquakes. Amanda Whiting, CEO of AMI, State and NZI says the research shows that in the past two years natural hazards have impacted the lives of 54% of New Zealanders, with 41% feeling adversely affected. 'It is troubling that New Zealanders feel worried about going to bed when it's raining, or worry about their homes when storms, high winds and weather watches are issued.' The Wild Weather Tracker shows that New Zealanders had to endure 14 natural hazard events throughout spring and summer, six of which were significant storms causing millions of dollars in damage. 'We supported our customers with a total of 3,536 claims resulting from these events. This includes 908 claims from the Dunedin flood last October and 373 claims from a storm that occurred during Northland Anniversary weekend, almost 200 of which were from the devastating Mangawhai tornado.' Recent weather events, such as elongated periods of rain due to an atmospheric river and two tornadoes in Levin and Waikawa Beach, are stark reminders that these storms are not easing. To date, AMI, State and NZI have received more than 2,000 home, contents, commercial and motor claims due to damage caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam. 'As we respond to these events, our customers often tell us about the psychological and emotional impact of wild weather, and the effect of being displaced or losing their home on their wellbeing. These impacts can last far longer than physical damage, and raise concerns about the ongoing wellbeing of affected communities.' Research from the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand reveals that the most important thing helping people get through extreme weather events is their community [2]. 'While community solidarity and our immediate insurance response aids recovery, we need to be doing more to prevent communities from experiencing these devastating impacts in the first place. 'We will continue to play our part as a sustainable, reliable insurer ready to support our customers when they need us, but strong insurance support alone will not be enough. 'We urgently need the government to take steps that will better manage our natural hazard risks and reduce their impact on vulnerable communities.' 'Through smarter decisions about where we build, better protecting what we have built or moving people out of harm's way, we can help New Zealanders to feel confident that they will be okay when the next storm hits. 'No one should be left to feel anxious about making it through a storm. 52% of New Zealanders feeling this way is simply too many.' Please note: ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam occurred outside of the reporting period of this Wild Weather Tracker, which spans from 1 September 2024 to 28 February 2025. The data from this event will be included in the next issue of the Wild Weather Tracker. About IAG: IAG New Zealand is the largest general insurer in the country, trading under the AMI, State, NZI, NAC, Lumley and Lantern brands, as well as providing the general insurance products sold by ASB, BNZ, Westpac and The Co-operative Bank. IAG New Zealand employs over 4,000 people, holds relationships with one in every two New Zealand households, and insures over NZ$1.07 trillion of commercial and domestic assets.
