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, only getting one millimetre of rainfall.

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

He said everyone will have a chance to participate 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.