Status update on property risk categorisation
Two years have passed since the Auckland Anniversary floods, which claimed four lives and inflicted billions in damages across New Zealand’s largest city.
The catastrophic event recorded 307mm of rainfall in just four days, overwhelming the city’s infrastructure with over 2,000 landslides and widespread flooding that disrupted major transport networks and closed Auckland Airport.
Categorising the chaos
In response to the extensive damage, Auckland Council has been actively working to categorise up to 10,000 affected properties into three risk levels according to a newly introduced government framework, 1News reported.
Auckland Council has classified flood-affected properties into three risk categories:
- Category 1: Low risk
- Category 2: Manageable risk with appropriate flood protection or land stabilisation measures
- Category 3: High risk, recommending removal or prohibiting rebuilding
Current status and homeowner concerns
As of now, Auckland Council reports significant progress, with more than 85% of the 3,537 homes registered for assessment having received their final risk category designation.
Homeowner Torben Nielsen shared his ongoing struggle as he waits for his Hillpark home to be categorised. After experiencing repeated flooding, Nielsen expressed a desperate desire to move on: “I just want to get out.”
Recovery efforts and future plans
The council has made considerable advancements in the recovery process, completing more than 80% of the prioritised activities.
Notably, nearly 1,000 homes categorised as Category 3 are now eligible for buyouts, and 123 have qualified for grants aimed at enhancing home safety.
More than 500 buyouts have been finalised, and a program for home removal has been initiated, setting the stage for future decisions on land use.
Mace Ward, the Group Recovery manager, emphasised the council’s commitment to finalising the categorisation by the end of March.
Ward noted the complexity of some cases, particularly those involving late opt-ins or more complicated site conditions.
Looking forward
With the categorisation program set to conclude in the coming months, around 1,200 homes are expected to be eligible for buyouts, marking a critical step towards rebuilding and revitalising flood-hit areas of Auckland, 1News reported.
The council’s ongoing efforts underscore a dedication to not only addressing immediate risks but also ensuring long-term safety and stability for its residents.
