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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsthe EnvironmentNew Zealand politicsManaged retreatClimate Change AdaptationDisaster Relief Policy•••Started 2mos agoActive 2wks ago

Should the government buy out private homes located in uninsurable flood zones?

Following extreme weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle, New Zealand is grappling with "managed retreat"—moving communities away from risky areas. This creates a massive financial dilemma: who pays for the loss of property value when the land is deemed unlivable? Proponents argue that leaving citizens destitute due to climate events violates the social contract. Opponents argue that bailing out coastal property owners encourages people to keep building in dangerous areas.

Answer Overview

Response rates from 128 New Zealand voters.

38%
Yes
62%
No
32%
Yes
40%
No
5%
Yes, but buyouts must be capped at the property's rateable value, not the market value.
9%
No, private insurers and banks must absorb the risk, not the taxpayer.
2%
Yes, climate change is a collective responsibility, so taxpayers must share the cost of managed retreat.
8%
No, this creates a "moral hazard" where taxpayers subsidize risky lifestyle choices.
5%
No, the government should invest in hard infrastructure, like sea walls, rather than abandoning the land.

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 128 New Zealand voters.

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Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 128 New Zealand voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from New Zealand voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @BD2Y4JRanswered…2wks2W

Yes for land historically zoned as buildable by local government as they signed off on its suitability, but not for future development.

 @BBTRX36answered…2mos2MO

Land management and drainage should be largely improved to mitigate flood risk if places must be built in flood zones, floodplains or low lying areas.

 @BBT27Y8answered…2mos2MO

Yes, but only properties which have been owner occupied for more than ten years.

 @BBM33JGanswered…2mos2MO

People who buy in known flood zones should not expect government support. If people have been living somewhere since before they could reasonably be expected to know about the impacts of climate change on that location then they should qualify.

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