The Insurance Council of New Zealand is pleased with the decision of Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones to provide funding through the Provincial Growth Fund for expanded LiDAR data mapping in the regions.

LiDAR uses lasers to create precise measurements of the earth’s surface. From those, sophisticated 3D models and maps can be developed that accurately depict an area’s topography.

ICNZ said it was an important tool in helping councils and regional authorities understand the impacts of severe weather, climate change, erosion, flooding and sea level rise. 

With it, authorities are able to make better decisions about land use and risk management, which allows them to be more resilient and better protect people and assets.

Open access to this data will have benefits for insurers and customers.

"Access to this data will provide insurers with tools to better understand the risks a property they’re insuring faces," said ICNZ chief executive, Tim Grafton. "It will also help homeowners understand the sorts of risks any property they’re looking to purchase faces, be it from erosion, flood or sea level rise, so they can make more informed decisions."