By Susan Edmunds of RNZConsumer NZ says New Zealand is facing a "really serious" situation with insurance becoming increasingly unaffordable and potentially inaccessible - and a new review needs to urgently tackle the problem. The first stage of the insurance review is expected to take six months and will be followed by a second phase, of policy development. "New Zealand's higher risk profile is likely a contributing factor, with investors demanding higher returns for the higher risk. Consumer NZ said New Zealand is facing a "really serious" situation with insurance becoming increasingly unaffordable and potentially inaccessible - and a new review needs to urgently tackle the problem. "New Zealand's higher risk profile is likely a contributing factor, with investors demanding higher returns for the higher risk.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 05, 2026 04:56 UTC