Majority of New Zealanders want govt, councils to share flood protection costs, poll finds

A majority of New Zealanders want flood protection funded by central government as well as councils, a poll commissioned by Local Government NZ shows.

Released exclusively to RNZ, the Curia poll asks 1000 New Zealanders how things like stopbanks should be paid for.

• 58 percent said costs should be shared between central and local government
• 18 percent said funding should come from councils alone
• 14 percent said funding should come from central government alone
• 10 percent were unsure

Local Government NZ regional sector chairperson Deon Swiggs said the growing cost of flooding must be confronted in a cost-of-living election.

"It makes sense for regional councils to deliver and manage flood schemes, but many people would be surprised to learn there's no enduring central government funding for them.

"Ratepayers carry the baseline cost and government support arrives case by case, usually after a disaster."

Greater Wellington chairperson Daran Ponter said there was clear evidence investment before disasters would save money in the long run and help keep people safe.

The Curia Market Research poll was commissioned by LGNZ and conducted from 1-5 October 2026. It surveyed 1000 New Zealand adults eligible and likely to vote: 700 by phone and 300 through an online panel. Results were weighted by gender, age and area. The reported maximum margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.