Mike's Minute: We're overdue to make calls around insurance and building

One of the things that may be revealed out of the weather mess is the fact we are woefully underinsured as a country.

It's these sorts of things that mark you as first world, or otherwise.

One of the most insightful comments made over the summer was from David Seymour who expressed his profound concern that we are dangerously close to losing our first world status.

He is right, but sadly it won't be a discussion we have this election year, despite the fact we should.

Frank Newman: Insurance shake-up

The Canterbury earthquakes are having huge consequences. Not only are the lives of residents in the area directly affected, but it is causing seismic changes to the insurance industry and that affects every property owner in New Zealand. You need to be aware of those changes – your house may depend upon it.