Auckland Council is offering crucial support to hundreds of storm-affected homeowners to enhance the safety of their homes or relocate from areas at high risk of landslides and floods. Flood-prone areas with strong Indian and Fiji-Indian communities, such as Māngere, Rānui, Henderson and Mount Roskill, are of particular concern, according to Mace Ward, Group Recovery Manager at Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office.
"In many of these areas we will be undertaking significant infrastructure projects to mitigate the risk of future flooding, but even with this work there will still be a risk to life for some homeowners," said Ward.
Following major storms early last year, the Council has been conducting assessments to determine if properties pose a serious threat to life during future storms. If this risk is identified they also explore possible risk-reduction measures where homeowners could be eligible for grants to build retaining walls, shift, or raise their homes. If no risk-reduction measures are viable, the Council is offering to buy properties at their pre-storm value.
Ward urged Kiwi-Indians from both Indian and Fiji-Indian communities who were seriously affected by 2023 storms to come forward and explore their options. He emphasised the importance of making an informed decision about registering for the programme before the 30 September deadline.
"Some homeowners from the Indian community have already signed up for categorisation, and some have received buyout offers," Ward told The Indian Weekender.
Mace Ward, Group Recovery Manager at Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office/Photo: Supplied
But despite the impending deadline, only 40% of the over 7,000 affected properties in Auckland have registered.
The council was trying a number of avenues to reach at-risk homeowners, however Ward expressed concern that some disengaged homeowners might miss out. He urged those who felt unsafe during the storms, experienced significant flooding, or live alongside landslides to consider their options and register promptly.
"We encourage at-risk homeowners in the Indian and Fiji-Indian communities to get in touch as soon as possible to find out more, rather than waiting for us to initiate contact," he said.
A campaign is underway to raise awareness of the assessments and support available and ensure at-risk homeowners understand their options. This includes translated information and teaming up with community partners to reach a range of networks.
To address individual and diverse needs, Storm Recovery Navigators are available to work one-on-one with homeowners, connecting them to much-needed advice and support. Navigators are available for Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi speakers and support includes help dealing with insurers, temporary accommodation, health and wellbeing, and other agencies.
“People can find out more, register and access our support either online via the Auckland Council website, through Auckland Council libraries, and by phoning the council and requesting a Navigator. Additionally, we are running clinics and events in the community where people can receive in-person support from navigators to sign up.”
Some homeowners worry that categorisation will affect their property value or insurance costs. However, Ward explained that insurers and potential buyers will assess risk independently, and information about a property's risk is already publicly available.
The categorisation programme offers a solution for those at serious risk. Homeowners are encouraged to register if they: received a red or yellow sticker in the 2023 storms, experienced significant flooding (e.g., over half a metre), or were affected by a landslide. These residents are encouraged to visit OurAuckland.nz/storms or their local library for more information. They can also phone 09 884 2070 and ask for a Navigator.
The Council expects to buy around 900 homes at their 26 January 2023 market value, the day before the Auckland Anniversary floods. The three categories assigned by Auckland Council are:
- Category 1: There is no ‘intolerable risk to life’ from future storms.
- Category 2: There is an ‘intolerable risk to life’ from future storms but the risk can be managed with flood protection or land stabilisation at the property, or with public infrastructure. If there is a construction solution at the property to reduce this risk (Category 2P), construction and consenting grants are available
- Category 3: There is an ‘intolerable risk to life’ from future storms that can’t be reasonably reduced. Auckland Council will offer to buy the property at a 26 January 2023 market rate if the homeowner wants to participate.
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