Robyn Edie
Environment Southland is still working to resolve a $322,000 insurance policy it filed following the 2020 floods that occurred on the Mataura River. (File photo)
Environment Southland is still trying settle a claim for damages it suffered during the 2020 flooding.
Paul Hulse was the general manager of integrated catchment management for the regional council. He stated that stop banks which are part Environment Southlands flood protection infrastructure had been damaged by flooding in February 2020.
Environment Southland repaired stop banks to ensure that the integrity of ES flood prevention network was not compromised. He also claimed under its infrastructure policy for the costs of repairs.
Environment Southland has claimed $2 million. However, $322,000 of that amount is being disputed.
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Environment Southlands insurer is in dispute about what constitutes stop banks and how much they are covered by the policy. We believe that the policy covers not only the stop banks earth embankment but also rock armouring, and other design features due to the dynamic river context in NZ.
ES sought legal advice and presented its case to the insurance company. ES is working closely with Aon, its broker and the lawyers to advance negotiations and find a solution. He said that negotiations are ongoing.
Regional council members stated that the issue was not with any one insurer. All the insurance companies that provide coverage for the infrastructure policy are involved in the underwriting of the policy.
Aon has been contacted for comment.
2020’s flood event set a new record in terms of the largest amount water to pass under the Mataura Bridges. Milford Sound and Gore were also declared in a state of emergency.
Environment Southland received $18.5 million in Government shovel-ready funding to improve flood protection schemes at Invercargill, Mataura and to repair flood damage at the Waiau catchment.
