Published: 2 March 2026
FENZ levy changes coming 1 July 2026
The Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) levy helps fund emergency services across the country. From 1 July 2026, new legislation is expected to change how this levy is calculated for home, contents, and vehicle insurance.
- Homes (residential buildings): The levy rate is set to reduce from 11.95c to 10.74c per $100 of sum insured. The maximum levy also drops from $119.50 to $107.40.
- Contents: The maximum levy decreases from $23.90 to $21.48.
- Vehicles: The levy increases from $9.53 to a flat $25 per vehicle.
- Mixed-use buildings: If your home is part of a property that includes commercial space, new rules are proposed for how the levy is calculated.
- Newly included items: Aircraft, forests, and livestock (if applicable) are expected to attract a levy.
Many households may see small decreases for home and contents, but an increase for private vehicles. The new rules only apply to policies that start on or after 1 July 2026.
An updated draft FENZ Levy Guide was released in December 2025, with further guidance likely as the levy regulations are operationalised and insurers finalise implementation ahead of 1 July 2026.
We’ll be emailing you later this month with a clearer breakdown of what these changes may mean for you, including what to look out for ahead of renewal.
How Rothbury can help
Your Rothbury broker can guide you through the changes at renewal, including:
Reviewing your sums insured.
Understanding how the levy applies to your home, contents and vehicle cover.
Clarifying how mixed-use properties are treated.
This article provides general information only and is not financial advice. Please speak to your broker for guidance specific to your situation.