ChatGPT · New Zealand
A landslip damaged our retaining wall in Nelson. Is that covered by our home insurance or the Natural Hazards Commission?
In New Zealand, a landslip that damages a retaining wall may be covered by your home insurance, the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC), or a combination of both. The key question is whether the landslip caused damage to your insured home or another insured structure, and whether the retaining wall itself qualifies for cover.
A retaining wall is not automatically covered just because it is on your property. The cause of the slip, the wall's location, and your insurance policy's wording all matter.
What is likely to be covered?
According to the NHC's current guidance, these are the main possibilities. Cover for storm, flood, and landslide damage :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeAbout natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake
- Damage to your home
If a natural landslip damages your insured home, NHCover generally provides the first layer of building cover, up to $300,000 plus GST. Your private home insurer generally covers eligible damage above that amount, subject to your policy.
- Damage to your retaining wall
The NHC may cover a retaining wall if it:
- Supports or protects your home, insured related buildings or insured land.
- Is within 60 metres of your home.
- Meets the other applicable eligibility requirements.
For natural hazard damage first occurring on or after 1 July 2024, NHCover has a combined limit of $50,000 plus GST for all eligible retaining walls. This is part of the land cover calculation, not an automatic payment of that amount. About natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeNatural Hazards Insurance Act :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake
- Damage to landscaping or a garden wall
A wall used mainly for decorative landscaping, rather than to support or protect insured land or buildings, generally isn't covered by the NHC. Your private insurer may offer additional retaining-wall cover, depending on your policy. About natural hazards cover :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeSlopes and retaining walls :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake
What you should do now
- Contact your home insurer first. Tell them a landslip has damaged your retaining wall in Nelson and ask them to assess both the wall and any affected land or buildings. Your insurer will generally coordinate the NHC claim.
- Photograph the damage and keep records of when the slip happened, any rainfall or earthquake associated with it, and any quotes or engineering reports.
- Make the site safe. If the wall is moving or could collapse, keep people away and seek professional advice. Contact your insurer before incurring significant emergency repair costs where possible. Making urgent repairs :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū AkeClaims process :: Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake
Official guidance: NHC — Cover for storm, flood and landslide damage.
Can I narrow down whether your wall is covered?
Two details would help me give you a more specific answer:
- What caused the landslip? For example, heavy rain, flooding, an earthquake, or gradual ground movement over time.
- What does the retaining wall support? For example, the house itself, a driveway or accessway, a bank of soil elsewhere in the garden, or a boundary with a neighbour.
These details can make a significant difference to whether the NHC, your private insurer, or neither will cover the repair.
ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.
Captured 11 October 2026