James Shaw's climate change warning

Damage to the Thames Coast Road at Te Puru, which was closed after storm surges hammered the area. Photo / Supplied

The Minister for Climate Change believes New Zealand is right to be addressing weather impacts when looking at NIWA's annual climate summary release.

It shows 2017 as the fifth warmest year since records began in 1909.

Wairoa in Hawke's Bay saw the highest temperature of 35.5 degrees, while Christchurch had its driest November ever, getting only 1mm of rainfall.

James Shaw said climate change patterns are becoming more clear every year and present a responsibility to future generations.

Climate change minister James Shaw said the extreme weather insurance bill for first seven months of 2017 came in at $242 million, five times higher than 2016. Photo / File

He said everyone will have a chance to take part in setting a national plan for climate action this year.

Shaw said New Zealand has a clear warning when looking at its extreme weather insurance bill.

He said the first seven months of 2017 came in at $242 million, five times higher than the bill for 2016.