Neighbourhood Support – Protect Your Most Valuable Asset

As we navigate another year of unpredictable weather on the Hibiscus Coast, staying “Safe, Resilient, and Connected” means being prepared for the unexpected. You may have noticed that the Earthquake Commission (EQC) has rebranded to the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC). The name has changed to better reflect the range of natural hazards they cover including landslides, floods, and storms, the most important thing for homeowners is understanding what this means for your insurance and property.

The insurance reality

Many homeowners assume that full house insurance guarantees full protection for their entire section. It is vital to know that insurance cover for land is different from cover for your house. The NHC scheme provides limited cover for land damage, usually restricted to the area immediately surrounding your home. Repairs for gardens, fences, and large sections of land outside that boundary often fall outside of this protection.

Practical maintenance: a professional perspective

To help bridge this gap, we spoke with Blair Cranston, from Bayleys. Blair emphasises that while insurance is your safety net, maintenance is your first line of defence.

Drawing on his background in quantity surveying and residential construction, Blair recommends the following proactive steps to keep your home in top shape:

Routine exterior inspections: Regularly check your roof, spouting, and cladding. Look for cracks in paintwork or cladding that could allow water ingress.

Clear the path: Ensure shrubs and trees are trimmed well clear of the building to avoid potential damage during storms.

Clean and maintain: Clear debris from gutters and downpipe droppers to ensure efficient water runoff. Additionally, perform regular exterior washing of cladding and joinery.

Follow the schedule: Keep up with repainting in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions – usually every 7 to 10 years – to protect the integrity of your exterior.

“Take the time to look after your most valuable asset,” Blair says.

Take action today:

Check your cover: Don’t wait until an event occurs. Visit knowyourcover.co.nz to check the specific details of your land cover.

Schedule a maintenance check: Do a “walk-around” of your property. Identifying a small crack or a blocked drain now can prevent significant headaches during the next heavy rainfall.

Let’s keep our community resilient by knowing our risks and looking after our homes and sections before the next storm rolls in. Follow us on facebook or join us @HCNS.org.nz