M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
Flooding in West Auckland has led the Insurance Council of New Zealand to remind customers that insurers are able to support them during the higher Covid-19 alert levels.
The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) has confirmed that insurers are able to support customers despite the current Covid-19 alert level settings.
The announcement has come after flooding affected West Auckland overnight.
“If you have been affected by the rain and floods, don’t hesitate to contact your insurer, who is open and available to support you with processes in place to comply with alert level requirements,” says Tim Grafton, chief executive of ICNZ.
As an essential service, insurers are able to support critical work and make safe repairs. All ICNZ members have confirmed that processes have been established to ensure all necessary steps are taken to limit or eliminate the risk of spreading Covid-19.
“Your first step is to contact your insurer, they will then be able to walk you through what their response will be like at Level 4,” says Grafton.
ICNZ says that after the initial steps to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you, there are some things you can do to help with the necessary recovery and support a smooth claim process.
One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.
The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.

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