As Auckland Council’s storm recovery office wraps up assessing 3500 homes affected by the 2023 storms, the focus now shifts to delivering solutions — including completing a programme of 1200 voluntary buy-outs for those in high-risk homes.

Of the 3,500 properties assessed, nearly 60% have been cleared of serious risk. The remaining homes have been assessed as facing an intolerable risk to life from future storm events. Of these, 1,200 are eligible for a buy-out, while 180 will have their risk reduced through targeted property or community infrastructure solutions.

“Now that we have a detailed understanding of future risk across storm-affected areas, we can focus on delivering the best solutions for those at risk,” says Mace Ward, Group Recovery Manager for the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office.

Funding for recovery from 2023 storms is supported by a major cost sharing agreement between Auckland Council and the Government, worth over $2 billion. 

This month, councillors will consider a new policy to guide future use of Category 3 land.  

More here (including a link to a video of house removals)

Image: Auckland Council