Floods & Storms: What To Do During and After Severe Weather

We are aware that parts of the Wellington region have been severely impacted by the current storm and flooding.

First and foremost, we hope you, your family, and your team are safe.

This is a difficult and stressful time. Below is a simple guide on what to focus on right now, what to do next, and how to be better prepared going forward.

Right Now – Focus on Safety

Please prioritise:

• Following updates from Wellington Region Emergency Management Office
• Avoiding flooded areas and unnecessary travel
• Staying clear of damaged buildings, downed power lines, and unstable ground

If your property has been affected:

• Turn off electricity and gas if safe to do so
• Do not re-enter until authorities confirm it is safe

Protect What You Can (If Safe)

If you are able:

• Move vehicles, stock, and equipment to higher ground
• Take quick photos/videos of your property and contents
• Ensure access to your cloud systems (e.g. Xero, payroll)

In the Next 24–72 Hours

1. Document Damage

• Take clear photos/videos
• List damaged assets and stock
• Keep receipts for clean-up and urgent repairs

2. Contact Your Insurer

• Notify them as soon as possible
• Follow their instructions before major repairs
• Keep records of all communication

3. Expect Business Disruption

You may experience:

• Loss of income
• Staff shortages
• Property or stock damage

Focus on stabilising first—everything else can follow.

Financial & Tax Support – We Can Help

We can assist with:

• Contacting the Inland Revenue Department for payment relief or extensions
• Reviewing provisional tax and upcoming obligations
• Managing cashflow during disruption

If you are under pressure, reach out early.

Preparation for Future Events (Once Things Settle)

These events are becoming more frequent. A small amount of preparation can make a significant difference next time.

1. Back Up Your Financial Systems

• Ensure your accounting system (e.g. Xero) is cloud-based
• Store key documents (insurance, contracts, IRD info) securely online
• Keep login details accessible off-site

2. Review Your Insurance Cover

• Check sums insured for buildings, plant, and stock
• Understand what is and isn’t covered (especially flooding)
• Confirm business interruption cover

3. Protect Physical Assets

• Store key equipment and stock above ground level where possible
• Keep important records off-site or digitised
• Identify what can be quickly moved if needed

4. Have a Basic Business Continuity Plan

This does not need to be complicated:

• Who do you contact (staff, clients, suppliers)?
• Can you operate remotely?
• What are your priority expenses?

5. Build a Financial Buffer

Where possible:

• Maintain some cash reserves
• Review debt levels and repayment commitments
• Consider access to short-term funding if needed

6. Keep Key Contacts Handy

• Insurer
• Accountant (us)
• Bank
• Key suppliers

7.  Checklist or "Grab List" that might make preparation easier

When you need to leave quickly, don’t overthink it—grab the essentials and go.

👨‍👩‍👧 People & Safety

• All household members
• Pets (with leads, cages, food if possible)
• Essential medications
• Glasses / hearing aids

📄 Important Documents

(Physical copies or easily accessible online)

• Identification (passport, driver licence)
• Insurance policies
• Bank details
• Property documents (if relevant)
• Key business documents

💻 Business & Financial Access

• Laptop / tablet
• Phone + charger / power bank
• Access to:
• Xero / accounting software
• Internet banking
• Payroll systems

💰 Money & Essentials

• Wallet (cards + some cash)
• Keys (home, car, office)
• Basic clothing
• Toiletries

📦 Quick Protection (If Time Allows)

• Move vehicles to higher ground
• Lift stock / equipment off the floor
• Take quick photos of your property and contents

📞 Key Contacts (Save in Your Phone)

• Insurer
• Wellington Region Emergency Management Office
• Inland Revenue Department
• Your accountant (GCOL)

Simple Rule: People first. Documents second. Everything else is replaceable.

A Practical Reminder for right now

• Focus on safety and recovery
• Don’t rush financial decisions
• Don’t worry about compliance deadlines—we can deal with that

We’re Here to Help

If you have been affected—personally or in your business—please get in touch when you can.

We can help with the financial, tax, and practical side of recovery, so you can focus on getting back on your feet.