- By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air
Auckland Council is urging storm-affected homeowners to register for its categorisation scheme before the end of the month.
Residents have until September 30 to register as they could receive construction funding or a council buy-out.
As of September 10, 3218 property owners have registered out of 7389 known impacted properties.
More than 2200 homes have been categorised and 743 have been deemed eligible for a buy-out with 317 offers accepted.
Council staff have reportedly been door-knocking on high-risk properties and engaging with property owners directly.
Natural and built environment lead Craig Hobbs said many high-risk owners had not been in touch.
“We are making a special effort to reach homeowners we think could be at high risk but haven’t heard back from many of them,” Hobbs said.
He said the programme was voluntary but it may be some Aucklanders last and best option.
“We are strongly urging high risk homeowners to consider registering. These include those that had over half a metre of flooding in their home, received a red or yellow placard (sticker), or were affected by a landslide.”
Deputy mayor Desley Simpson said there was a strong possibility a severe weather event would happen again.
“Signing up for these assessments will give those who live in flood and landslide prone locations a better understanding of the future risk at their home.
“There is also the potential for support, especially where an intolerable risk to life is identified.”
She strongly encouraged affected homeowners to get in touch because if they weren’t in the programme they wouldn’t be eligible for additional support.
