Auckland Council’s Recovery Office will begin community drop-in sessions this week for storm-affected property owners as part of the property categorisation process.
The council is currently engaging with homeowners as part of property risk assessment process that are required under central government’s risk framework for storm affected regions announced by Minister Grant Robertson in May. This is the first stage of the process to identify areas where homes should not be rebuilt due to unacceptable risk, and those where work can be done to protect homes.
Auckland Council’s Group Recovery Manager, Mat Tucker, says the drop-in sessions are designed to help people understand the process of what’s needed to reach a final categorisation of their home.
“We know not everyone’s situation is straightforward so we’re creating a space where people can come and have a bit of extra support and guidance when it comes to submitting their property information for a risk assessment.
“Having a face-to-face connection and conversation can really help people in difficult situations, which is why we’re holding these sessions in our most affected communities.
“We’ll also be able to help homeowners with welfare needs. Our teams are already supporting people and linking them to organisations like MSD, the Claims Resolution Service, and the Temporary Accommodation Service, and the sessions will be an opportunity to access this kind of support through referrals.
“The weather events have had a huge toll on communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, and this is part of the council’s continued support for those affected."
The council has been providing community wellbeing support since the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods. The extent of the floods and subsequent extreme weather events has seen at least 1200 households displaced.
Tucker emphasises that the scale of the impact of the weather events is reflected in the complexity of the process to restore homes.
“We know people want certainty and to be able to move on with their lives, and we’re working as fast as we can to provide this. But it’s also important to get this right, particularly as this involves people’s homes, which in many cases is also their most significant investment.”
Drop in sessions
25 July – Rānui Action Project, 476 Swanson Road, Rānui, 1pm – 7pm
Additional sessions may be added.
