New Zealand’s flood-prone areas not ready to cope with climate crisis, Ardern says

Touring flood-hit region of Nelson, prime minister says country must do all we can' to deal with damaging events triggered by a warming climate

New Zealand's flood- and slip-prone regions do not have the mechanisms in place to cope with rapid environmental changes brought about by the climate crisis, Jacinda Ardern has said after visiting the aftermath of a monster storm.

The prime minister was touring the site of devastating flooding and landslips around Nelson, at the top of the South Island, when she was asked if she was satisfied that New Zealand had the framework and investment to cope with weather events that are becoming more frequent.