PHOTO: The Weather Channel
Residents in Auckland, who have coped with storm-related challenges throughout the year, are receiving relief as the Auckland Council’s property buyout initiative kicks off.
Collaborating with insurers and homeowners, the council has established a buyout program, with over 60 owners of category 3 properties currently engaged in the voluntary buyout process. The initiative follows severe storms that impacted the region earlier in the year, categorizing more than 500 homes. The acquisition of the first four homes within the scheme is set to be finalized today.
However, a significant number of homeowners remain in a state of uncertainty. Caroline Bell-Booth, a resident of Muriwai, expressed surprise at the buyout occurring just before Christmas. Her home, along with others in the vicinity, suffered substantial damage during Cyclone Gabrielle, including a landslip from the council reserve behind her house. The initial four-home purchases mark a positive step, but many affected residents are still awaiting resolution.
Damage to Muriwai properties in the wake of the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
Bell-Booth urged fellow Aucklanders to support their storm-affected friends during the summer break, recognizing the emotional and financial strain they are facing. She highlighted the importance of community solidarity and suggested small gestures, such as delivering a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.
Mace Ward, Auckland Council’s deputy recovery manager, acknowledged the significance of reaching this milestone, emphasizing its impact on families affected by the severe weather events of early 2023. The process leading to this point involved extensive property-level survey work and investigations across the city, engaging with over 2200 property owners.
A cliffside at Princes Street, Northcote, which collapsed after heavy rain in Auckland. Photo: Supplied / Caleb Bird
Ward outlined the council’s plan to complete 80 percent of property categorizations by March. However, some residents, like Louise Bint in Northcote, expressed frustration with the prolonged process. Bint, whose home was damaged in a landslide, stressed the urgency of expediting the procedures to prevent individuals from returning to unsafe properties or facing potential homelessness. She emphasized the financial challenges many Aucklanders face, making it difficult to afford two properties simultaneously.
SOURCE: RNZ