Local organisations are already leading important work to help communities respond to climate challenges and create more inclusive opportunities for people who need it most, says CEO and Managing Director of QBE Pacific Jonathan Groves.
CEO and Managing Director of QBE Pacific Jonathan Groves
“The most meaningful change is being led at a community level by people who understand the challenges because they live them every day,” he says.
“We see firsthand the growing impact of climate risk and the importance of building more inclusive, resilient communities. At the heart of it, our purpose is enabling a more resilient future, and through the QBE Foundation, we have an opportunity to support organisations turning that purpose into action.
“These are the groups creating practical, lasting solutions for their communities, and we’re proud to stand alongside them and help amplify the impact of the work they do.”
On climate resilience, QBE launched Rebuild Resilient in 2025, an innovative optional property extension designed to help customers recover stronger after certain weather-related events.
QBE believes insurers have a clear role to play in both recovery and resilience, and is making that shift real by using recovery to inform better rebuilding, investing in natural infrastructure and directing capital towards prevention.
In direct business support, it is an optional extension to QBE property cover which helps build resilience into recovery after specified weather-related natural catastrophes.
Instead of simply replacing what was lost, it provides additional funding that may be used for practical improvements that help protect your property in the future.
That might include work such as improving drainage around your building, raising electrical systems, lifting or strengthening foundations, building retaining walls and getting professional advice on more resilient design, says QBE.
“It’s about using the rebuild moment to make your business better prepared — so recovery supports long-term confidence, not repeated disruption.
We stand beside the people and industries that keep the Pacific moving – whether it’s small businesses, large corporates or critical infrastructure.
At the heart of it all are people.
Grant applications close 10 July (5pm NZT).
The QBE Foundation’s 2026 Local Grants Programme is inviting charities and community organisations to apply for funding to support initiatives that strengthen communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Applications are open across two categories: Climate Resilience and Inclusion.
For eligibility criteria and details on how to apply, visit the QBE Foundation website.
A total of $75,000 in funding is available via three grants (NZ$20,000, NZ$25,000 and NZ$30,000) to support organisations working to build climate resilience and foster greater inclusion — two areas where the QBE Foundation is focused on driving meaningful, lasting impact.
Last year’s grant recipients included The Salvation Army, BirdCare Aotearoa and CUE Haven, each delivering meaningful impact in their communities across New Zealand.
- The Salvation Army received $30,000 to strengthen its four Early Childhood Education centres, two in Auckland and two in Wellington, which support around 150 to 200 whānau. The grant gave 17 families access to affordable childcare, including 1,100 free days through its fee holiday offering, reducing or covering fees where cost was a barrier.
- BirdCare Aotearoa, Auckland’s main Department of Conservation permitted native bird hospital, takes in around 2000 sick, injured or orphaned birds each year from Northland to the Waikato. The grant supported 171 vulnerable native birds to be raised from fragile hatchlings, some arriving without feathers and unable to regulate their own body temperature, through to release.
- CUE Haven progressed its community-led restoration project, funding enhancement planting, pest and weed control, and repairs to roads, tracks and boardwalks damaged by adverse weather.
About QBE
QBE Insurance is a global company selling insurance products and services in 26 countries. QBE Pacific sells a complete suite of business insurance solutions through a network of brokers and advisers.
For more than 125 years, QBE has been at the heart of supporting businesses with global strength and local expertise.
The QBE Foundation is committed to creating strong, resilient and inclusive communities across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Through partnerships with community organisations, the Foundation supports initiatives that build resilience to climate risks and advance inclusion — helping communities to thrive now and into the future.
Behind every policy, there’s a person, a dream, a future to protect. And when it matters most, our customers know they can count on more than just policies or claims – they can count on people who genuinely support them. That’s the QBE difference – innovative solutions, real support, delivered with heart.