New Zealanders are paying too much for house and contents insurance, according to a new survey. Consumer NZ's price comparison survey shows climate and natural hazard risk is being factored in, and is more expensive than ever. Quotes for a large house differed by more than $3,000 across Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and there's a more than $2,000 difference between the cheapest and most expensive policies on offer for a standard-sized house. If you live somewhere with a higher chance of earthquakes - such as Wellington or Christchurch - you'll be charged more for insurance. The cost of house and contents insurance has risen by 5.6% this year, over the past ten years it's gone up 150%. Kathryn is joined by Consumer NZ's Gemma Rasmussen and Katrina Shanks Chief Executive of Financial Advice New Zealand, which represents independent and professional financial advisors.
It's been one month since the KaikÅura and North Canterbury earthquakes, and you might recall a small place called Ward suffered a devastating direct hit.
A video contributed by Hugh, a participant in the Understanding Place research project. The video has the description "Hugh talks about the damage his old house received during the earthquake and also the New Brighton area".
A video contributed by User1600052835, a participant in the Understanding Place research project. The video has the description "User1600052835 talks about her daughter's house, which was red-zoned."
A photograph contributed by Jennifer, a participant in the Understanding Place research project. The photograph has the description "The ground is covered in little mushrooms when you start looking, but it's hard to tell which are edible". Please note that Jennifer's Red Zone Story was a test-pilot for the Understanding Place project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.
A photograph contributed by Erin Harrington, a participant in the Understanding Place research project.