Extreme weather events have become a reality for many Kiwi homeowners. Recent flooding across parts of New Zealand has shown how quickly heavy rain can cause serious damage. While insurance covers part of the risk, a few smart preventative steps can make a big difference in protecting both your property and your finances.
As a mortgage broker in Tauranga, I often help clients review insurance and property reports when arranging new finance or top-ups. Here are practical ways to reduce your exposure and protect your investment.
1) Understand your home’s flood risk
Start by checking your property’s LIM report and council flood-hazard maps. Tauranga City Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council both have online tools showing flood-prone areas. If you’re buying, ask your solicitor or broker to review these before you make an offer. Some banks flag high-risk zones and may need insurance confirmation before approving a home loan Tauranga purchase.
2) Design for water movement
- Shape the land so rainwater drains naturally toward council systems.
- Leave permeable areas like grass and gardens around the house.
- Avoid fully sealed concrete or paving that traps runoff.
Even small landscaping changes can help divert water away from foundations and garages.
3) Elevate where possible
If your home sits in a known flood area, consider raising the lowest floor level or building key rooms on a platform. It’s easier during new builds but can sometimes be done when replacing piles or decks. A licensed builder or engineer can advise what’s realistic for your property.
4) Upgrade gutters and drainage
Oversized gutters, downpipes, and driveway drains move water off your section faster. Clear leaves and debris before storm season and check that courtyard or side drains flow freely to council connections. A blocked drain is one of the most common causes of flood damage.
5) Choose materials that resist water damage
- Use fibre-cement or brick cladding for external walls.
- Install water-resistant plasterboard and sealant membranes on lower floors.
- Opt for vinyl or tile flooring instead of carpet.
- Use corrosion-resistant hinges and cabinetry in wet areas.
These upgrades limit damage and can help keep your insurance valid in flood-prone zones.
6) Design smart in bathrooms and laundries
- Wall-hung vanities instead of floor-mounted units.
- Freestanding baths and raised washing-machine platforms.
- Ventilation systems that remove moisture quickly.
Good design reduces ongoing water exposure and protects sub-floor framing.
7) Review your insurance and mortgage requirements
Banks now check that homes in flood-prone zones have adequate insurance. Each renewal, confirm that:
- Your policy covers flood and storm damage.
- Sum-insured or replacement values are current.
- Temporary-accommodation cover is included.
If you’re refinancing or funding renovations, your mortgage broker Tauranga can help ensure your lender’s insurance conditions are met smoothly.
8) Build an emergency fund
Keep a small buffer—around $1,000–$2,000—for fast cleanup or repair work before insurance payments arrive. Showing you’ve planned for contingencies also reassures lenders that your finances are resilient.
9) Tauranga’s changing weather patterns
Localised flooding is increasing around Matua, Welcome Bay, and Otumoetai after intense summer rain. Regular drain clearing and roof maintenance go a long way toward preventing water entering homes in these suburbs.
10) When to get professional help
- Ask a building inspector or civil engineer for site-specific flood advice.
- Contact council before making major drainage or earthwork changes.
- Check with your broker before refinancing—some lenders may need extra property reports.
Bottom line
Floods can’t be prevented, but preparation makes all the difference. Understanding your property’s risk, improving drainage, and using resilient materials protect both your home and your finances.
If you’re planning upgrades, refinancing, or exploring a home loan Tauranga for a new build, I can help you structure lending that supports long-term property protection.
Book a free chat today to discuss renovation or refinance options that future-proof your home.
Best Mortgages — Operated by Ewald Biesenbach (FSP 320426) under The Best Limited (FSP 724451 – NZBN 9429043352067). Licensed under the Financial Services Legislation Act 2019.What are the best low-cost ways to flood-proof a house?
Simple upgrades make a big difference — keep gutters clear, install larger downpipes, use water-resistant wall linings and flooring, and slope outdoor surfaces away from the house. Adding a sump pump or small drainage trench can also prevent pooling near foundations.
How can I raise appliances and utilities above flood level?
Keep electrical outlets, heat pumps, and appliances at least 300 mm above predicted flood height. Mount washing machines on raised platforms and consider wall-hung vanities or appliances. This protects wiring and reduces insurance repair costs if flooding occurs.
How do I design yard drainage to stop floodwater entering my home?
Shape your section so water flows toward stormwater drains or soak holes — not back toward the house. Avoid concrete right up to the walls; instead, leave permeable areas of garden or gravel. A landscape contractor can help set correct falls and install discreet drains near patios or driveways.
What insurance cover do I need for flood damage in New Zealand?
Most NZ house policies include flood and storm damage under standard cover, but limits and exclusions vary. Check that your sum insured matches current rebuild costs and that temporary accommodation is included. If you’re refinancing or taking a top-up, your mortgage broker Tauranga can help ensure the policy meets lender requirements.
How can I stop floodwater from entering my house during heavy rain?
Start with simple prevention: seal exterior wall gaps, install door barriers or removable flood boards, and use weather stripping around doors. If water flows from driveways or paths, add small drainage channels to redirect it. In low-lying Tauranga suburbs, temporary sandbags or reusable flood barriers are a practical short-term defence.
