Residents of Auckland who have been dealing with storm-damaged homes are finally getting some relief as the first council property buyouts begin. Auckland Council has been working with insurance companies and homeowners on a buyout plan. Over 60 homeowners with severe damage to their properties are now going through the voluntary buyout process, following storms that hit the area earlier this year.
More than 500 homes have been assessed, and the purchase of the first four homes in the scheme is expected to be completed today. However, many homeowners are still waiting for their turn.
One resident, Caroline Bell-Booth, expressed her relief and delight at having her home bought out just before Christmas. Her home and the surrounding area were severely damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle. A landslide from the council reserve behind her house caused significant damage to her property and those of her neighbors. She is now urging people to support their friends who have been affected by the storms.
Auckland Council’s deputy recovery manager, Mace Ward, called it a significant achievement. He said that this year’s challenge has been to survey and investigate properties across the city for landslides and flooding. This has involved interactions with over 2200 property owners. The council aims to have 80 percent of the assessments completed by March.
However, for some residents like Louise Bint in Northcote, the process is taking too long. Her home was damaged in a landslide, and she believes the process needs to be sped up. She stressed the urgency of the situation, as people cannot afford to maintain two properties and may end up living on the streets if they can’t return to their damaged homes.
