Residents of South Dunedin, Gareth and Dyan O’Malley, are dealing with the aftermath of recent floods. They are cleaning up their damaged home, which has been affected by floods multiple times since 2015. After last week’s heavy rain, many homes have yellow stickers indicating they are unsafe to live in. Residents may have to stay away from their homes for months while repairs are made.
Gareth expressed concern about living in an area with repeated flooding. Their family, including their two dogs, will need to find a rental temporarily, but it might not accommodate their pets. The couple is considering their long-term options now.
Earlier this year, Dunedin City Council requested $130 million from the government to help buy flood-prone properties in South Dunedin. This request was denied, but Gareth believes the idea should still be explored. He feels stuck because property values have dropped due to flooding.
During a visit from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, questions were raised about why the funding request was rejected. Local leaders, including councillor Jim O’Malley, believe the council should revisit the buyout option, as buying homes gradually would help manage costs and avoid forced buyouts.
However, not all homeowners agree with this approach. Resident Brendon Hollander works hard to maintain his home and wishes to stay, as he loves the area. He believes it can be safe if proper infrastructure is in place.
The city council has made some improvements in the last decade, reducing flooding compared to past events, but more work is needed according to the mayor and other residents. The council is exploring options like pumping water onto the former Forbury Park to help manage future flooding, but evaluations are still being conducted to ensure it is a suitable solution.
