Storm-affected homeowners have until 30 September to register for Auckland Council’s property categorisation programme, to find out if there is a serious risk to life at their home, and whether they qualify for support. The Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office is carrying out assessments looking for an ‘intolerable risk to life’ from future flooding or landslides.
As of 22 July, more than 3,000 homes across Auckland had registered for an assessment. To date, over 600 high-risk homes are eligible for a voluntary buy-out so they can move out of harm’s way. In addition to this, around 70 homes are so far eligible for construction and consenting grants to reduce the risk with retaining walls, shifting or lifting their home. More than 1,200 homes have been given the all-clear for a serious risk to life.
Mace Ward, Group Recovery Manager, expects 900 high-risk homes to be eligible for buy-outs across the region. He says more high-risk homes around the Wairau catchment will now be eligible for a buy-out rather than having to wait for confirmation of local infrastructure solutions. Given this, the Recovery Office is now progressing risk reports for properties that were awaiting this infrastructure decision.
“With the registration deadline approaching, we are making a special effort to reach potential high-risk homeowners in Milford around the Nile Road area in particular, but also in some affected areas of Totara Vale, Northcote and Birkenhead, among others,” says Mr Ward.
Homeowners are encouraged to consider registering for an assessment if they received a red or yellow placard after the storms, had serious flooding in their home (e.g. over half a metre), or were affected by a landslide.
“Living in flood risk areas will get more challenging, even with improved stormwater maintenance and major infrastructure projects. Support under the categorisation programme might be the best option for people to either make their home safe or move out of harm’s way,” Mr Ward says.
Mr Ward adds that some homeowners worry receiving a category will affect their property valuation or insurance costs.
“Information about a property’s risk is already publicly available on LIMs, hazard maps and in previous insurance claims. That means regardless of our categorisation activities, insurers, tenants, banks and potential buyers will make their own decisions about how risky a home is,” Mr Ward explains.
“Where there is a serious risk to life, the categorisation programme offers these homeowners a reasonable solution. It’s important they seriously consider their options.”
Mr Ward reassures those waiting for categories that new registrations won’t affect their timelines.
To register visit ourauckland.nz/storms or search ‘Auckland Recovery Office’ online. You can also call the Recovery Office team on 09 884 2070.
