Author: Katherine

There has been a lot in the news and online lately about insurance companies refusing insurance for certain areas in New Zealand.  On 3 February 2026, Stuff reported that AA Insurance will no longer issue policies in Woodend due to maximum exposure to seismic risk.  For the same reason last year, AA Insurance ceased offering new policies in Lincoln and Rolleston, also due to its maximum exposure to seismic risk.  In addition, in Westport insurance was halted for new home, business and landlords due to the high flood risk to Westport.  The halt was extended to new insurance policies in Blenheim, Renwick and Seddon.  Even though this might be temporary, there are repercussions.

So how is this going to affect the purchaser of a property in these areas?  Is insurance really that important?

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You have found the house of your dreams, signed the Contract, opened the champagne, but hang on, you have changed your mind.  You contact your lawyer, “how can I get out of the Contract?”

A Signed Contract is Binding

When you sign a Contract, it becomes binding on all parties from the time it is signed and dated.  If you change your mind, you cannot necessarily get out of the Contract.  You have an obligation to try and satisfy the conditions you have requested in the Contract. Read more