When Weather Happens. Are You Claim-Ready?

New Zealand is getting wetter.

Remember the Auckland Anniversary floods in Jan 2023? We had 249mm of rain in 24hrs, breaking every known record and swamping hundreds of construction site. People say, "that was a 1-in-200-year event", then we saw Cyclone Gabrielle came, in Hawke’s Bay recorded 316 mm of rainfall in a single day, contributing to Napier experiencing its third-wettest month on record, with over 600% of normal February rainfall.

During the summer of 2024-2025, rainfall was above normal (120–149%) or well above normal (>149%) in eastern parts of Canterbury, northern Hawke's Bay, and Gisborne.

Our “new normal” is wetter, wilder, and longer than ever.

It’s easy to say, “It’s just the weather.”

But for us in construction — weather isn’t just weather.

It’s time. It’s money. It’s risk.

So, what can we do about it?

Understanding Weather Event Extension Claims

Most standard construction contracts include weather-related provisions. For example, In NZS 3910:2023, Clause 10.3.1 Extension of Time

The independent certifier shall in accordance with 10.3 grant an extension of the time for completion of the contract works or for any separable portion if the contractor is fairly entitled to an extension by reason of: (b) Weather sufficiently inclement to interfere with the progress of the works;

Keep in mind that this only refer to time, not cost (unless there is concurrent entitlement from another source).

Additionally, there is no specific definition for "weather sufficiently inclement to interfere with the progress of the works". Ensure you request a quantifiable definition, like "rainfall volume exceeding xxx mm per hour."

However, remember that this only addresses the event causing the delay; what about the event causing the disruption?

Documenting the Weather Events

Well-organised documentation is your best ally when making a weather event extension claim. Keep a thorough log of weather conditions, detailing dates, times, and specific impacts on your project or follow your contract requirements of how to substantiate the weather event.

In addition to written records, photographic evidence can be invaluable.

Additionally, the majority of the contract suggests or specifies that contractors should promptly address any events that could potentially cause delays, and such actions should also be documented.

Communicate with your Team and Stakeholders

Effective communication with all your project team and stakeholders is key. Let them know about any weather-related disruptions as soon as they happen.

Educate your team to understand what constitutes a claimable event, and what records they need to capture.

Being proactive builds trust and sets realistic expectations. Providing regular updates about the delay reasons and any remedial actions you are taking can help maintain strong relationships amid adversity.

Assessing the Impact

Assessing the overall impact of the weather event on your project schedule and costs is crucial. Compare your original timeline against a revised one that factors in delays. Identify critical tasks that were directly missed.

Identify any tasks that are not yet delayed but have been disrupted as well.

This assessment will help you present a well-supported claim for an extension, clarifying how delays and disruptions affected your project timeline and budget.

Preparing Your Claim

When putting together your weather event extension claim, clarity and strong evidences are essential. Break down the claim into segments that detail:

1. Specific delays incurred

2. Disruptions occurred due to the delay

3. Additional costs accrued

4. Supporting evidence (documentation and photographs)

   
   

Link your weather documentation to the specific tasks that were impacted. Clear claims are easier for decision-makers to understand and approve, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Consulting Professional for Help

Navigating weather event extension claims can be complicated. Engaging professional can offer invaluable support. Construction professionals such as quantity surveyor, can ensure that your claim adheres to all contract requirements.

Don't forget to consult your insurance agents for guidance on applicable coverage options when you suffering from weather event. Reports show that 40% of construction companies do not fully leverage their insurance protections; don't be one of them.

Stay Proactive with Risk Management

Preparing for potential weather-related delays involves proactive risk management. Implement contingency plans and schedule activities around seasonal weather trends.

Reviewing historical weather data for your project location can help anticipate disruptions. If possible, use protective measures on-site, such as installing canopies to shield against rain or implementing heating solutions for cold weather.

The Real Challenge

The true test isn’t whether it rains.

It’s whether your team knows how to respond commercially, contractually, and practically.

And that’s the gap we see most often — great site teams, but little contract literacy.

Being well-prepared for weather event extension claims can greatly reduce stress and potential financial implications when adverse weather disrupts your project timeline. By understanding your contractual obligations, documenting weather events effectively, maintaining open communication, and employing risk management strategies, you can confidently navigate these challenges.

Now, are you ready for the rainy reason?