The tracker also indicates a shift in the seasonal distribution of storms. “In this tracked period, 61% of storms occurred in spring and summer, rather than in the cooler months where we’ve previously seen more storm claims. This shift highlights the volatile nature of New Zealand’s weather and the need for year‑round preparedness,” Gibson said. Within the 12‑month window, three storms recorded the highest claim counts. A windstorm on Oct. 22, 2025, affected Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, and large parts of the South Island, including Southland, and generated 5,289 claims. A storm system on Feb. 16, 2026, impacted the lower and central North Island and parts of the South Island, resulting in 3,354 claims. Ex‑Tropical Cyclone Tam, which moved into the upper North Island over Easter 2025, led to 3,281 claims and widespread power outages.
