Who are they?
The Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) is a government body that helps cover insurance claims for residential homes and land in the wake of certain types of natural hazard events.
They were established in 1945 and began as the Earthquake and War Damage Commission. Their aim is to reduce the impact on people, property and the community when a natural disaster occurs, by protecting homeowners and helping them recover from natural hazard events.
These natural hazards include earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, hydrothermal activity, tsunamis, and natural hazard fires that occurs because of any of these hazards. The NHC also provides limited cover for your land that has been damaged by a natural hazard listed above as well as by storms and floods.
If your home is damaged by any of these natural hazards, your claim will be lodged, assessed, managed, and settled by your insurer on behalf of the NHC. Your insurer will be your single point of contact during the claim process and can answer any questions you might have.
More information on the cover can be found here.
In 2024, the EQC changed its name to the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) and updated its code of conduct to better support New Zealanders who need to make a claim. Read more here.
How does it work?
Your Natural Hazards Insurance (NHI) levy is included in your Tower House or Landlord insurance premium. Every insurer collects this levy and passes it on to the NHC, so they can make sure we're all prepared in case something major happens.
The Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) is all about Kiwis helping Kiwis. Visit the NHC website for information on what they do for all of us in times of need.
Related blogs
Looking for house insurance?
Save $100 on eligible house insurance policies. Use promo code SAVE100. Ends 20 Sept 2025.*