This Supplementary Order Paper amends the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill to insert a reference to climate change resilience into the purpose of the Act.

Recovery from the severe weather events of Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary weekend storm will take decades. Considerable funds will be spent by individuals, insurance companies, iwi and hapū, and central and local government on repairing damage and rebuilding homes, marae, community facilities and infrastructure. While improving the resilience of land, infrastructure, or other property is part of the purpose, a more explicit focus on climate adaptation and improving climate resilience will help ensure that investment is as future proof as possible, is not located in areas at risk of natural hazards such as flooding and is much less vulnerable to damage from future climate related severe weather events.