Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Weekend flood events. We’ve lodged more than 11,000 claims and are making progress – we’ve paid $224.14m in claims so far and closed more than 80% of claims received. Please be assured FMG is in a strong position to help our communities recover from this disaster.
Monitoring and updating your claim
Please know that if we have received your claim, we are working on it. As our phone lines are understandably busy you'll find it much faster to monitor your claim's progress in FMG Connect, anytime, anywhere. You can also upload any supporting documents such as photos and receipts. If you do need to call us – we're here on 0800 366 466.
Why is it taking time?
Facing the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary Weekend flooding is the biggest job we’ve undertaken in our 118-year history.
We are managing more claims from this three-week period than from the Kaikōura and Canterbury earthquakes combined - and we’re meeting this challenge head-on. Our teams are working many hours, we’ve brought in additional Claims and Assessing resource, we’ve streamlined processes, and we’re making progress.
Severe weather events
FMG is seeing an increase in the incidence of severe weather-related events impacting our clients. Check out the cost of severe weather events for FMG in recent years.
Assessment of cyclone and flood affected properties
From the 1 June, residents in cyclone and flood affected properties will be notified of the preliminary future land use assessment of their properties. The three categories are:
- Low Risk Repair to previous state is all that is required to manage future severe weather event risk. This means that once any flood protection near the property is repaired, the home can be rebuilt at the same site.
- Managed Risk Community or property-level interventions will manage future severe weather event risk. This could include the raising of nearby stop banks, improving drainage or raising the property.
- High Risk Areas in the high risk category are not safe to live in because of the unacceptable risk of future flooding and loss of life. Homes in these areas should not be rebuilt on their current sites.
The Cyclone Taskforce has committed to consultation with communities before final decisions are made. Categories will be considered preliminary until the conclusion of engagement. FMG will continue working with the Cyclone Taskforce and advocating for the best interests of our clients.
Whatever the outcome of a land categorisation, insurance entitlements for a related claim can be put towards client recovery.
FMG is happy to proceed with claims, however we understand that clients may want to understand the key details about their personal land categorisation fully before accepting a settlement. FMG is happy to proceed either way.
Dealing with silt and debris on your property?
- Assume its contaminated with sewage or chemicals – check with your local Council that it is safe to remove it.
- Check with your local Council about any co-ordinated removal or dumping arrangements.
- Keep any receipts for removal or disposal to support any insurance claim you are able to make.
Helpful information
Insurance cover
Livestock Cover
If you have Livestock cover, both specified and unspecified livestock are covered for accidental death directly caused from flood.
Business Interruption Cover
For our impacted clients with Business Interruption insurance there is cover for financial loss as a result of damage to buildings, contents or stock. There may also be cover for loss of utilities, prevention of access issues or public authority action.
Each person’s circumstances are different, so If your farming or business operation is currently affected due to major storms or flooding, please give us a call to discuss what cover you have in place.
Farm Fencing Cover
If you have taken out cover for your farm fencing, you are covered for flood damage up to $20,000 (or the sum insured, whichever is lower).
Temporary Accommodation Support
If your home cannot be lived in because of storm or flood damage and you need financial support with your temporary accommodation, please call us on 0800 366 466 to see if we can help.
This support falls under your FMG Household Contents insurance. Additionally, if you have tenanted and employee houses with us, there may be support options available for you with these too. Each person’s circumstances are different so please give us a call so we can discuss what’s best for you.
Industry support and wellbeing
Feed Coordinators
Wherever you are in New Zealand, farmers and lifestylers can use a new feed planning service to help understand what options and further support is needed.
MPI and partner agencies DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, AgFirst and Federated Farmers, are offering remote feed planning support to farmers and livestock owners.
Rural Support Trust
Sometimes you can do with a chat with someone who gets your issues because they've been there before. Rural Support Trust have local, rural people who know from experience what challenges farmers and growers face - especially during the current weather event challenge.
Call 0800 787 254 for a confidential chat about you, your business, the weather, your finances, or a neighbour, partner, friend, family member, or worker.