Recovery FAQs

Contents

• Property categorisation
• Category 1
• Category 2
• Category 3
• Disputes
• Home removal
• Future land use
• Wellbeing and financial support
• Healthy Waters
• Other

UPDATE: 1 October 2024

Registrations for property risk assessments closed on 30 September 2024, and we are no longer accepting new homeowners into the programme.

How do I stay up to date with the recovery process?  

For the latest news and information on Auckland’s storm recovery, make sure you sign up for our regular recovery newsletter and keep an eye on the OurAuckland recovery webpage.

Property Categorisation

• Updates and timeframes
• Included and excluded properties
• Work on neighbouring properties/shared issues
• Multi-unit properties
• Opting out of categorisation
• Risk assessments
• Geotechnical risk assessments
• Property visits
• Intolerable risk to life

We are uncertain about whether a property category will impact our property value if we are not Category 3. This makes us nervous about registering to get a category – are our concerns justified?

When it comes to the impact natural hazards information may have on property value, it’s important to remember that this information will be available to future potential buyers, even if there is no property risk category on the LIM or property file. This is because the council is legally obligated to disclose hazard information it holds about properties.

You should also be aware that if your property is in a flood prone area, or on a flood plain or overland flowpath, this information is publicly available via the Flood Viewer.

If your home was badly affected by the 2023 Auckland Anniversary storm and/or Cyclone Gabrielle, registering for a category will provide a free risk assessment that will confirm either your eligibility for financial support, or that the risk to life is at an acceptable level.

You may also find our guide to property records and categorisation useful.

What are the property risk categories? 

The risk categories are different from the coloured placards that were assigned to damaged homes after the storms last year. 

Do we need to get a category decision on our property? 

The categorisation process is voluntary, but if your home was severely affected by the storm events and/or you had to evacuate your home due to flooding, we recommend you register for an assessment.

You can find out more about whether you should apply on this OurAuckland story.

Is categorisation different to the placarding process?

Yes, the risk categorisation process is different to the placarding (RBA – rapid building assessment) process. Categorisation is focused on future risk to life, whereas placards determine immediate risk. Registrations for categorisation closed on 30 September 2024.

Updates and timeframes

Was there an end date for registering for categorisation?

Yes. With the scheme opening in June 2023 and closing on 30 September 2024, property owners had 15 months to consider registering for Auckland Council’s property categorisation programme and have their home assessed for future flood or landslide risk.

The council’s Governing Body confirmed the registration deadline to enable council to complete risk assessments ahead of Crown partnership funding for Category 3 buy-outs ending in 2025.

Please note, while registrations for the scheme ended on 30 September 2024, the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office will continue operating with tasks including processing risk assessments, deconstructing category 3 properties and supporting storm-affected Aucklanders with our navigation service.

Why have registrations closed?

Auckland Council’s flood and landslide recovery assistance is part of a one-off, limited response to the exceptional circumstances of the severe weather events in 2023, agreed in partnership with the Crown to implement the Government’s categorisation framework.

With the scheme opening in June 2023 and closing 30 September 2024, property owners had 15 months to consider registering. In line with funding agreements, the scheme end date was established to ensure that those impacted have had ample opportunity to register, while balancing the financial limitations and ongoing burden on ratepayers.

What does this mean if I didn’t register?

Please be assured that Auckland Council is still committed to supporting you and your whānau prepare for future weather events. You can read more about preparing your home for future weather events via the likes of Auckland Emergency Management’s website here, as well as the resources available in our Document Library.

Alternatively, please contact us by emailing recoveryoffice@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz so we can understand your individual circumstances and advise on next steps – particularly if you have recently received notification from us that you are in a high-risk area.

If the scheme was designed to address the intolerable risk to life, and that risk still remains for me, why am I not able to still register?

Auckland Council’s flood and landslide recovery assistance is part of a one-off, limited response to the exceptional circumstances of the severe weather events in 2023, agreed in partnership with the Government to implement the Government’s categorisation framework.

With the scheme opening in June 2023 and closing 30 September 2024, property owners had 15 months to consider registering. In line with funding agreements, the scheme end date was established to ensure that those impacted have had ample opportunity to register, while balancing the financial limitations and ongoing burden on ratepayers.

If you are concerned about the risk to your property from ongoing flooding or landslide issues, you can find information on how to report this via the links below:

Flooding: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/looking-after-aucklands-water/flooding-blockages/Pages/how-to-report-flooding.aspx

Landslides: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/what-you-can-do-for-environment/Pages/Geological-hazards.aspx

I had circumstances that prevented me from registering before the deadline, what can I do?

Please contact us by emailing recoveryoffice@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz so we can understand your individual circumstances and advise on next steps.

I haven’t received my final category yet, does registrations closing affect this?

The categorisation scheme is now closed for new registrations. For those already in the process, we are continuing to work through the large of volume of risk assessments and communicate property category decisions to those homeowners as soon as possible. We expect the communication of categories to continue into 2025.

Does this mean the Recovery Office and its services will be closing soon?

While the categorisation scheme is now closed for new registrations, the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office will continue operating with tasks including processing risk assessments, deconstructing category 3 properties and supporting storm-affected Aucklanders with our Storm Recovery Navigation Service into 2025.

Am I going to be disadvantaged for entering the process late?

The purpose of the risk assessment is to enable the property to be categorised in line with the Government’s risk framework, the date of registration will not affect this process.

Please note however the current timeframe for new registrations to complete the categorisation process is between 4-6 months.

I’ve been told my property category has been delayed due to ‘resourcing constraints’. Can you further explain? 

While our teams are working as quickly as possible to process property categorisations, we are experiencing some resourcing challenges.  

Like all workplaces, we too have people away for a range of reasons such as winter illnesses, bereavement and planned leave. 

We’ve tapped into all available experts we can lay our hands on (we’re working with over 20 different engineering firms and are utilising remote engineers all over NZ to do work that doesn’t require a site visit), but we still have a finite number of technical specialists. This means when people are absent or individual cases take longer than expected because of complications, it has a knock-on effect for the whole programme and affects our ability to meet timeframes. 

It’s worth noting that our assessment team is involved in every aspect of a homeowner’s categorisation process – from desktop assessment and site visits, to writing property risk reports and doing category dispute reviews.  

We appreciate that none of this makes it any easier if you are waiting to receive a category, but we are working as fast as possible and appreciate your patience. 

When are we getting final property categories?

We have published estimated timeframes. We are unable to provide exact timeframes due to the large volume of properties we are assessing, the diversity of issues and complexity of the work.

How does the council prioritise different areas for categorisation? 

We are currently assessing properties right across Auckland. Where possible, we try to schedule site visits in an area at the same time, but we are not working suburb-by-suburb.  

The order in which we assess individual properties varies depending on a range of factors, including:  

• whether the property was affected by flood, landslide or both 
• where the property is and whether there are potential catchment/community level interventions available in that area 
• whether the occupants have been displaced from their home 
• the complexity of the engineering assessment 
• when the homeowner submitted their assessment request form.   

Does the level of storm damage affect what properties get prioritised? 

The extent of storm damage may also influence which properties get prioritised and treated with urgency. 

Why can't you provide an indicative category response to some areas so that homeowners can plan now?

We are unable to provide indicative categories. We are focused on finalising and communicating categories as quickly as possible. The exception is potential Category 2P and 2C properties that require further assessment/more information before we can decide on the final category. These properties may be given a Category 2A. Once we have the information we need, the property category will change to either 2C or 2P.

Are all previously placarded homes (including white stickered homes) to be given a category 1, 2 or 3?

Homes will only be assigned a category if the homeowner applied for an assessment and categorisation before the 30 September 2024 deadline. With the scheme opening in June 2023 and closing on 30 September 2024, property owners had 15 months to consider registering.

If my property is placarded red/yellow, why can’t you tell me it’s Category 2 or 3?  

The placarding process and the risk categorisation are two different and independent processes – the colour of a placard doesn’t determine a property’s risk category.  

Rapid building assessments were used to assign placards. These assessments determine whether a building is safe to occupy and if it poses a safety risk to others based on the current state of the building and / or land. Following a rapid building assessment, a building will receive a placard.  

Placards (or ‘stickers’) indicate a building’s level of safety and whether people can be in it. Only authorised officials can place, change or remove them. A white placard means there are no access restrictions, a yellow placard means access is restricted, and a red placard means access is prohibited. 

As part of the property risk categorisation process – your property is being assessed based on the likelihood of impacts and risk to life during future severe weather events. This is the key difference between this process and placarding – this process is looking at future risk whereas placarding looked at immediate safety risks and whether your property was safe to be in now. 

This site assessment looks at whether there are changes that can be made on the property or surrounding area to reduce the future risk of serious flooding or landslides to the home. This includes considering Auckland Council’s proposed “Making Space for Water” initiatives for flood affected properties. If there aren’t any practical and financially viable solutions and there is an intolerable risk to life, then it’s likely the property will be Category 3. 

I’m still waiting for my category, but I’ve decided to sell my home. What should I tell buyers?

When preparing to sell your home it’s important to share information that potential buyers will need to make an informed decision. You will need to seek your own legal advice about disclosure obligations for your property sale.

Included and excluded properties

My vacant land/section was damaged by the storms – am I eligible for the Category 3 buy-out?

No. If your property is vacant land and does not contain a “legally established residential dwelling”, your property is not eligible for categorisation, or for the council’s buy-out scheme for Category 3 homes. This is because the Scheme agreement with the Crown is focused on homes where there is an intolerable risk to life.

Are Kāinga Ora properties eligible for Category 2P financial support?

Crown-owned property is not eligible for the Category 2P or Category 3 schemes. Kāinga Ora is running its own process to assess and repair or remove homes.  

My home is a duplex and the attached is government owned and they're not part of the categorisation process, how does this impact my categorisation if at all?

This doesn’t impact your eligibility or categorisation – we will assess and categorise your property regardless. Kāinga Ora is running its own process to assess and repair or remove homes.

Are mixed use residential/business properties included in the categorisation framework? 

Businesses are not included in the risk category framework. If your property is mixed-use (combines a business and living space) then only the residential part is eligible for Category 2P grants or Category 3 buy-out. We will assess mixed use properties in consultation with the owner(s). 

Will retirement villages affected by the storms also be included if they registered? 

Retirement villages are generally businesses so they are not covered by the Voluntary Buy-out Support Scheme as the scheme only relates to residential property. However we understand there are different ownership structures so we will assess properties such as retirement villages on a case-by-case basis.

Work on neighbouring properties/shared issues

If the work needed to safeguard my home must be done on neighbouring land, does that mean my home will be Category 3 unless my neighbour consents to have the work done?

In circumstances where the mitigations for a property need to be done on a neighbouring property, your property will be changed from a Category 2P to a Category 3 if you can’t get the neighbouring owner’s permission for the mitigations on their land.

For Category 1 homes, the owner will need to work with their neighbour(s) to agree a way forward.

For properties in an overland flow path where fencing between neighbours may obstruct water flow, will council set general guidelines and rules to support neighbours to negotiate appropriate fencing?

Council has recently published a guide for homeowners that includes advice on how neighbours can work together to resolve issues on private property such as fences. Our advice includes placing fences and buildings away from overland flow paths and ensuring fences have a gap at the bottom to allow water to travel underneath. For more information, please read the preparing your property for flooding guide.

Multi-unit properties

[NEW – 7/11] - What happens once a multi-unit property has been assigned a Category 3?

The table in the link below outlines the steps for multi-unit property buy-outs.

Multi-unit property buy-out pathway [PDF 74KB]

[NEW – 7/11] - I have just been informed that some of my neighbours in our multi-unit dwelling have been given a Category 3. Can I still register for categorisation?

Registrations for a risk assessment/categorisation closed on 30 September 2024. A comprehensive four-month campaign, including directly reaching out to high-risk owners, was undertaken to encourage owners to register before the deadline.

If one unit in a multi-unit dwelling is Category 3, would the council automatically assign Category 3 to all units in the dwelling? Or could there be a situation where another unit is 2P?

All units in a multi-unit dwelling are assessed individually, not as a single block. This means that the owner of each unit would have to have registered for categorisation (before 30 September 2024) if they wanted to receive a category for their property.

Council doesn’t automatically assign categories based on what may have already been confirmed for neighbouring units. A detailed risk assessment is required for each unit in order to get a category. It may be that, following individual risk assessments, the same category is assigned to multiple units within a development. It’s also possible that there will be different category outcomes for different properties within a development, and that is why site-by-site assessments are required.

Will cross-lease properties be categorised on a property level, or on an individual dwelling level, and if the latter, how would the buy-out process work? 

Decisions about cross-lease properties will depend on how flooding and/or landslides affected the property and whether all affected owners have registered for the assessment process. We will make category decisions on a case-by-case basis.

My home is a duplex and the attached is government-owned and they're not part of the categorisation process. How does this impact my categorisation if at all?

This doesn’t impact your eligibility or categorisation – we will assess and categorise your property regardless. Kāinga Ora is running its own process to assess and repair or remove homes.

If the owner of a unit in a multi-unit dwelling is Category 3 but decides not to proceed with the buy-out, will that impact the category given to the units around them?

No, it will not. It is up to each individual property owner to make decisions based on their individual situation. One owner’s decision to opt-in (or not) will not affect the categorisation of another property owner.

If one property owner in a multi-unit dwelling is Category 3 but decides to dispute their property, will this impact the category given to the units around them?

No, it will not. One property owner disputing their category will not impact another property owner’s category.

If the council buys a unit/s in a multi-unit dwelling, will the council become a member of the body corporate and pay body corporate fees? 

Yes – the council as an owner will join the body corporate and will be subject to all the requirements of being a body corporate member including any annual fees.

If a number of properties in a multi-unit dwelling are bought out by council, will it become compulsory for the remaining owners to opt-in to the buy-out process?

No – the buy-out scheme is a voluntary process and it was not compulsory for owners to register before the closing date of 30 September 2024. If owners chose not to register, even where there may be an intolerable risk to life, there is no current mechanism for the council to purchase the unit/s.

[NEW - 7/11] - If the council buys a Category 3 property that I share a cross-lease with, will I be given the opportunity to purchase it?

If you are interested in or have suggestions for a specific Category 3 site, we can capture that information in our expressions of interest register to consider as part of the Future Land Use process. Please send ideas to recoveryoffice@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

I live in a multi-unit dwelling and at least one of the units has been given a Category 3 which I understand means it now can’t get insurance? Does this affect our insurance too?

As there is only one insurance policy for all units in a Body Corporate, we would suggest speaking with your Body Corporate Manager to work with brokers and insurers to secure insurance for the Body Corporate.

What will happen to the units the council buys? Will they be left vacant or will they be used for something else like commercial use? Or will they eventually have mitigations put in place so they can be lived in again?

The council is developing a policy for the future use of land purchased under the buy-out scheme, including units and cross-lease properties which we appreciate may be more complicated than freehold land. Interim guidance agreed the general principles that the land will be managed responsibly, efficiently and effectively. 

When the council policy is confirmed we will assess options for each property, which will be site-specific depending on the risk. We will then work with the Body Corporate and cross-lease owners on the identified options.

[NEW - 7/11] - What happens to the ownership of the common property/area in a multi-unit dwelling if Auckland Council buys multiple units?

Council becomes one of the shared owners of this common property just like all other owners.

Opting out of categorisation

Can I opt-out of the assessment/categorisation process?

Property owners can opt out of the risk assessment process at any time before a risk category has been assigned, by putting the request to the council in writing.  If you want to opt out, please send an email to propertycategory@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz as soon as possible to confirm your decision. It’s important to note that once you have opted out, you cannot opt back in to the risk assessment process and Auckland Council’s Flood and Landslide Recovery assistance programme.

Given the risks associated with properties affected by the extreme weather events, there may be long term implications if you decide to opt out of the assessment and categorisation process. We strongly recommend you seek independent legal advice before deciding to opt out. We note that your completed Flooding and Landslide Registration Form and a record of your decision to opt out will be included in your property file.

How can I appeal against this categorisation and become 'Uncategorised'?”

Once your property is given a category it can only be given a different category – it can’t be ‘uncategorised.’ This is because ‘uncategorised’ is not recognised in the Government’s risk assessment framework. You can appeal a category decision through our disputes process.

I completed the Flooding and Landslide Registration form but stated there was no damage to our property – why have you given me a category 1, and can I get this category removed?

Completing the online form to request a storm-affected property risk assessment gave homeowners access to a free risk assessment. (Registrations for Auckland Council’s voluntary property categorisation programme closed on 30 September 2024. See ‘Updates and timeframes’ above for more information about registrations closing.) The purpose of the risk assessment is to enable the property to be categorised in line with the Government’s risk framework. Once storm-affected homeowners had registered online, we complete a desktop risk assessment, and decide if we also need to visit the property to gather more information. This process results in us giving a category to the assessed property.

If a property is assessed as Category 1, this means that no further action is required to manage future severe weather event risk. This is the lowest risk level on the Government’s risk framework – there’s no ‘uncategorised’ category in the framework.

Once we have given a property a category, we can’t remove it. A Category 1 won’t show on your LIM but Categories 2 and 3 will show on the property LIM. All categories will show on the property file held by the council.

You can choose to opt-out of the assessment process at any time before you get a property category by contacting us in writing. The fact that you registered and opted out will still show on your property file. Subject to confirmation by the council’s Governing Body, Category 1s are intended to expire in July 2025.

Risk assessments

What's involved in a flooding assessment?

Check out this step-by-step guide to flood risk assessments, to follow a flood assessor through the process. 

When did the council change from a ‘1/100 flood risk’ model to a ‘1 in 100 chance per year’ model and why?

The council hasn’t changed the flood risk model itself, but we’re changing the way we communicate it. This is because homeowners can mistakenly think that ‘1 in 100’ means that you will experience one storm in 100 years. In fact, it means that there’s a one in 100 chance of a flood of this size occurring or being exceeded each year.

The flood plains and flood prone areas shown on Flood Viewer have a 1% chance of occurring or being exceeded each year – and some areas flood more frequently depending on their location. We calculate this using the Annual Exceedance Probability Method, accounting for climate change and future development for most of the region.

For more information about our data, click on the FAQs button next to the ‘Guide’ button on Flood Viewer.

I completed a Flooding and Landslide Registration Form, when will I hear from you?

Thank you for your patience as we work through a huge number of properties that need to be assessed. We apologise to those who have been waiting a long time and acknowledge how important it is to have certainty from us.

After your form is submitted, one of our engineers will carry out a desktop assessment. They will look at the information you provided in your form as well as anything else we already know about your property and local area to determine whether we can assign a government risk category or if more information is needed.

If the desktop assessment provides enough information, we will contact you to inform you of the government risk category assigned to your property as well as instructions on what to do if you disagree with our assessment.

If we need to collect more information about your property, we will call you to book a time to carry out an on-site assessment. One of our engineers will then visit your property at the agreed time to gather more information so that a detailed, technical risk assessment can take place. If an ongoing risk is identified during this assessment, the engineer will determine if there are any feasible mitigation or remediation options that could reduce or remove that risk.

Once the risk assessment is completed, we will let you know the appropriate government risk category for your property and next steps. The outcome of an on-site assessment and detailed risk assessment could result in a property receiving any of the government’s risk categories (1, 2 or 3).

At this stage, the timeframe to go from an on-site assessment to being provided a category is expected to take several months. Some people will be contacted sooner, others will take longer, depending on the complexity of the case (properties requiring both landslide and flood assessments), the area we are working in, and the number of specialists we have available. Each property’s circumstances are unique, and it takes time to work through the information.   

Please be assured that we are working as quickly as possible. Determining a government risk category for your property has significant implications for you and your future, and it’s not a decision we will make without robust technical evidence.

Guides for flood and landslide risk assessments are available on the Storm recovery documents library, under ‘risk assessment guides’.

What is the methodology, the criteria and the parameters given to the geo-technical and flooding consultants to assess and allocate categories?   

For flood affected properties:   

When determining a property’s risk category, every property is different and needs to be assessed individually. 

Our Healthy Waters team and consultants carry out an in-depth desktop assessment using data held by council on the property file as well as information from the form submitted by the property owner. This includes looking at modelled and actual data of flood hazards on the property, mechanisms of flooding, water level and velocity, and if there is a safe exit point from the property during flooding. If more information is needed, then a site visit is arranged. 

The categorisation process takes into account the level of risk, and if there are feasible solutions to reduce risk on the property. Solutions are assessed to identify if there is a larger community benefit (like a Blue-Green network project) or at a property level where improvements will benefit the individual, or if buy-out is the only option. 

A step-by-step guide to flood risk assessments is available here.

For properties with landslides and instability:  

For properties with landslides and instability, our geotechnical team uses the Australian Geomechanics Society Landslip Risk Management methodology (AGS2007) to form their assessment/report.   

The reports produced will advise us on risk to loss of life and well as risk to loss of property and based on the guidance in the AGS2007 guidelines, the risk will be determined as either ‘acceptable’, ‘tolerable’ or ‘intolerable’. This will feed into the decision of categorisation by the Recovery Office with guidance from subject matter experts from the Engineering Resilience team.  

You can view the report template used by Geotechnical engineers here.  

We recommend that property owners wanting to engage their own geotechnical assessment use this geotechnical engineer report template.   

Geotechnical risk assessments

What information do you collect in the desktop geotechnical assessments?

The desktop assessments involve information collection from property files, photographs, published geological information and LiDAR data to calculate slope angles.

What information do you collect through onsite geotechnical assessments?

The onsite assessments collect information to allow an assessment of the geomorphology (land shape), which informs an assessment of the ground stability at each property. In high-risk locations such as Muriwai there are also below-ground investigations and monitoring to provide detailed information on the locations of geological boundaries that affect slope stability. Where appropriate for the landslide style, engineers have created three-dimensional debris flow modelling for typical scenarios to calculate risk for homeowners.

What is the timeline for a geotechnical assessment when I fill out the landslide and flood registration form?

A guide to recovery timelines is available here. There is also a guide to landslide risk assessments on the storm recovery documents library, under ‘risk assessment guides’.

Is the landslide risk assessment the same as what you would find in other countries?

Yes, the risk assessment follows the procedures outlined in the Australian Geomechanics Society 2007 guidelines, which represent internationally accepted best practice. More information on these procedures is available on the Landslide Risk Management website.

What is the difference between an EQC (now the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake - NHC) vs a Recovery Office geotechnical report?

While both assess landslides, an EQC report typically focuses on damage to the insured property. The Recovery Office geotechnical reports assess long term risk to life.

Does the risk equation in the geotechnical report take weather patterns into account?

Yes, we consider the weather patterns that are likely to occur over the next 100 years. This is based on current, previous and future weather predictions. We also consider the likelihood of drought, as that would affect land stability too.

Where can I find out more information on geotechnical assessments?

For more information on geotechnical assessments, read our story: Recovery office reaches milestone of 1000 landslide assessments.

Do you have any assistance for understanding the geotechnical reports?

Yes, a guide ‘to reading Recovery Office geotechnical risk assessment reports’ is available in our document library, under ‘terms and guidance documents’. 

Property visits

After I’ve had my site assessment how long will it take to find out my category?

The purpose of the on-site visit is to gather more information about your property, so that we can carry out your risk assessment. The categorisation process is then expected to take several months.

The timeframe for each property depends on whether it is a single affected property or in a cluster of affected properties where a community level response may be needed. If a community level response is needed, we will assess the whole area to determine what is feasible.

What can we read into the fact that we have had a surveyor out to look at the property?

A surveyor’s visit does not indicate a category decision.

Intolerable risk to life

If a safe evacuation route is not possible does that mean that there is an intolerable risk to life and that the property will be Category 3?

The ability to safely leave your home is one key factor of our flood risk assessment, but we must complete an expert technical assessment before we make each category decision.

How do you measure flood velocity if no-one from Council was present in the area on the night of the flood?

We use our flood models, any observed information we have available including videos, and the impacts of the flooding e.g. fences knocked over can indicate high velocity flows. 

If the depth of the flood water in a house was more than 0.5m does that automatically mean the property is a Category 2 or a 3?

All properties are assessed based on the thresholds for vulnerable people (Children, the elderly and people who are immobile or with restricted mobility. This does not include infants and very young children as it is assumed they will be with an adult.)

The depth of water inside and outside the home is one key factor of our flood risk assessment, but we must complete an expert technical assessment before we make each category decision. If there is a depth of flooded water more than 0.5m in the house for a 1% AEP event (modelled or observed) then the risk is intolerable, leading to a Category of 2 or 3. 

If there is a second floor of a property that did not flood, would that mean there cannot be intolerable risk to life?

The ability to safely leave your home is one key factor of our flood risk assessment. The assessment is made based on the depth of water over the lowest habitable floor as well as the ability to safely leave your home.  The presence of a second story is not considered in the assessment of intolerable risk i.e. if there is a dry second story then the building may still be assessed as having intolerable risk to life.

Is contaminated flood water factored into the intolerable risk to life assessments?

It's important to understand that all flood waters are wastewater contaminated because by the time the water level is above the ground, wastewater networks will be spilling. While this is not considered an immediate risk to life, there is certainly a hygiene risk.

If flood water is in your home, you need to regard everything that’s been touched by floodwater as potentially contaminated by wastewater.

If my risk assessment report says there is moderate danger does that mean there is intolerable risk?

No, the ‘moderate danger’ shown in the risk assessment matrix indicates an acceptable level of risk. Intolerable risk is shown as ‘high danger’.

Why is council now using 1% AEP instead of 1 in 100 for severe weather events?

The council is not changing the flood risk model itself, but we’re changing the way we communicate it. This is because homeowners can mistakenly think that ‘1 in 100’ means that you will experience one storm in 100 years. In fact, it means that there’s a one in 100 chance of a flood of this size occurring or being exceeded each year.  This is why you will see us talking about the ‘1% AEP’ event – an event that has a 1% (one in 100) chance of occurring or being exceeded in a given year.

Does Climate Change affect the risk to life in these risk assessments?

We are assessing risk to life from future severe storm events. The effects of climate change have been considered in our modelling.

The Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Plan sets out specific actions and describes work at a regional level that will contribute to Auckland’s ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

How do you define 'habitable' space?

‘Habitable space’ is a technical term we use to describe the areas of your home that you live in – for example living room, bedroom or kitchen. See question and answer below in Category 1 section for further information.

What is the difference between intolerable risk to property and intolerable risk to life? Is there a chance a slow-moving landslide could be a Category 1?

Categorisation is based on intolerable risk to life, not risk to property. As we are assessing the risk from future severe storm events, the potential impact of an active slip would be considered.

What is the timeframe to determine what mitigation can be completed for intolerable risk?

As each property is individually assessed, timeframes for identifying whether or not there are feasible property-level mitigations will vary.

Do you take other environmental factors into consideration e.g. large trees at the top of the landslide?

Yes, the assessment includes factors such as the location of the home on the site in relation to other structures or environmental features such as trees.

Category 1

How do you define consented or lawfully established 'habitable' space? 

‘Habitable space’ is a technical term we use to describe the areas of your home that you live in – for example living room, bedroom or kitchen. Under Clause A2 of the New Zealand Building Code, ‘habitable space’ is a space used for activities normally associated with domestic living, but excludes any bathroom, laundry, water-closet, pantry, walk-in wardrobe, corridor, hallway, lobby, clothes-drying room, or other space of a specialised nature occupied neither frequently nor for extended periods.

‘Consented’ means there has been a building and/or resource consent approval from Auckland Council for a space to be used for habitable purposes. Please note that equivalent authorisations from legacy council’s and/or previous building and planning legislative controls also apply.  

‘Lawfully established’ means that the works would not have needed a resource consent or building consent at the time of the works. This may require understanding the time the works were undertaken and the relevant Building Act/ Resource Management Act plans and hazard information available at the time. For older works this may require an understanding of historical building and planning controls in place at the time, and relevant local by-laws.

Why is my home a Category 1 when we had absolutely NO damage to our property or the land and we are such a long way from slips and risk?

Council’s flood and landslide recovery assistance is part of a one-off, limited response to the exceptional circumstances of the severe weather events in 2023, agreed with the Government to implement the Government’s categorisation framework. It is an administrative tool for the council to apply to respond to the weather events and is not based on a legislative or regulatory requirement.   

Participation in the programme is voluntary and properties are generally only assessed and categorised if the owner(s) registered by 30 September 2024. (See ‘Updates and timeframes’ above for more information about registrations closing.)  

Once your property is given a category it can only be given a different category – it can’t be ‘uncategorised.’ This is because ‘uncategorised’ is not recognised in the Government’s risk assessment framework.

The Category 1 assessment is not an enduring state attaching to a property and effectively expires in July 2025, which is the duration of the co-funding agreement between Government and the council. The category information will not be on your property’s LIM, but will be recorded in your property file, as required under the Local Government Official Information Act.  

If my property is Category 1 does that mean there is no future risk to my property? 

No, what it means is that the level of future risk does not meet the threshold of "intolerable risk to life" but it is not an assurance that your property will never be impacted by future severe weather events or that there is “no risk”. 

In mathematical terms, ‘tolerable’ in the context of land stability equates to the likelihood of a fatality is less than 1 in 10,000. This is comparable to the risk associated with driving a car.  A higher likelihood of fatality is considered an “intolerable risk to life”. 

However, it is important to note that the level of risk you consider to be acceptable may be different to someone else’s. For example, someone may choose never to drive because the risk is higher than what they are comfortable with.

Category 2

• Category 2P 
• Category 2P funding
• Category 2C
• Category 2A

Category 2P

How will I know what mitigation work is required for my property?

The work required will be outlined in the technical assessment provided to you as part of your risk categorisation. Each property will have different requirements to mitigate the risk for that individual property.

You will receive this assessment and a handbook guiding you on the 2P mitigation scheme when your final risk category is confirmed.

The Category 2P Handbook is available in the storm recovery documents on the Auckland Council website.

Who is responsible for doing the mitigation work?

Homeowners are responsible for the mitigation work on their property. This does not mean that you have to do the mitigations yourself, but you will be responsible for:

• Finding licensed building practitioners to work with
• Submitting applications for the two grants
• Getting any building or resource consents required
• Managing the completion of the works
• Paying the invoices for the professionals doing the work, where required
• Keeping records and documentation as set out in the grant terms.

I have never done renovations and don’t know how to manage this process. How do I get help with this?

We know that some homeowners may not be able to cope with the responsibility of managing a construction project.

You can use part of the construction grant money to pay for a project manager who can help you and ensure the work is completed. We can provide advice on this option during the initial meeting about the 2P process.

Can I apply for the construction grant if my insurer has paid for mitigations?

Yes, you can still apply for the grant, but any insurance or EQC payments that directly relate to the risk mitigation work proposed will be assessed to determine if the grant payment should be reduced. This information will be requested in the grant application form.

Am I still eligible for the grant if I have completed the mitigation work on my property?

You may still be eligible for the grant if you have gone through the risk assessment and are assigned Category 2P.

Will the council guarantee the work being done because they are funding it?

No. The grant agreement will explain that the council doesn’t guarantee or warrant the work you’re having done, and that the council won’t accept any liability relating to the work or the contractors you engage.

Who covers the cost if the construction work over-runs?

Homeowners will need to cover this cost. The grant is a fixed sum and will not be renegotiable in the event of cost over-runs. However, feasibility of construction is reassessed after the detailed design and consent phase is complete and a quote for the work has been obtained. This approach aims to minimise the risk of cost overruns.

Will 2P-related building or resource consent applications be fast-tracked?

The standard consent fees and conditions will be used, but a dedicated team has been set up for processing storm-related applications. If you include the word ‘flood’ or ‘cyclone’ in the subject line, your application will be allocated to this team.

Does the proposed Category 2P mitigation already assume consents will be granted?

Risk categorisation decisions include a review of all information available in council records (such as planning controls under the Unitary Plan), but detailed consenting work is completed in the design and consenting stage.

Category 2P projects will be subject to the usual resource and/or building consent requirements, so where a resource consent is required, homeowners will need additional site-specific planning and/or specialist assessments. The funding provided in the first stage of the 2P grants process covers these costs. In addition, we encourage 2P grant applicants to make use of the pre-application planning meetings with the council to discuss their planning or specialist reports, once these have been commissioned.

If a Category 2 property is unable to receive resource consent, will it be moved to Category 3?

Category 2P mitigations that can’t meet resource or building consent requirements will be considered infeasible and your property will change to a Category 3.

Can I downgrade from Category 3 to Category 2P (or dispute my Category 3) if I pay for the mitigations myself?

This depends on the reason why mitigations are not considered feasible for your property. If the mitigations aren’t feasible because it is not possible to reduce the risk to a tolerable level on your property, then it will remain Category 3. 

If the mitigations aren’t feasible because they will cost more than the maximum the council will pay, but you want to pay the difference, this is something that can be discussed (as a special circumstance).

When are we allowed to move back into our properties if we are 2P?

Whether or not you are allowed to move back into your home depends on the placard status of your property. This is because the risk categorisation process is different to the placarding/rapid building assessment process. Categorisation is focused on future risk to life, whereas placards determine immediate risk following the storm event.

Regardless of which category applies to your property, you will still need to comply with any restrictions on access where a placard remains in place.

What happens if my property is Category 2P but I don’t do the mitigations?

If you don’t wish to undertake the mitigations and don’t want to consider a buy-out offer, you can choose to opt out. This means the mitigation work will not be done and the intolerable future risk remains. There may be long-term implications for you if you choose to opt out and we recommend you seek independent legal advice before making this decision.

If the mitigation work is not completed, a notice will remain on your property LIM.

Can I apply for the Temporary Accommodation Assistance (TAA) payment if I can’t live in my home while doing 2P mitigations?

No. Homeowners who need to move out of their home while their property undergoes 2P mitigation work are not eligible for TAA. MSD have advised this is because homeowners need to have been in their temporary accommodation before July 2023. You can read more about the TAA here.

Are there any other avenues I can pursue for accommodation assistance if I can’t live in my home while doing 2P mitigations?

It's possible your insurer may be able to reactivate any remaining temporary accommodation cover so we recommend you speaking with them about options. If you are concerned about your financial situation, contact your bank as they may have hardship support that you can access.

Can I use part of the grant to pay for temporary accommodation costs?

No. The grants don’t cover temporary accommodation if you need to move out of your home while the construction work is being done. The Category 2P homeowner handbook outlines what the grants do and don’t cover.

Do we have to implement the mitigation measures proposed and recommended by Auckland Council or can we get alternative opinions?

There may be other options that will be effective at reducing the risk to a tolerable level, other than mitigations recommended by Auckland Council. If a different option is identified by your engineer, you can still apply for a grant to design and build those works, provided it meets the feasibility criteria (i.e. will be effective at reducing the risk, is expected to cost no more than 25% of the CV, and can reasonable be delivered within 2 years).

Does “the mitigations need to be able to be completed within two years” mean I have two years to complete the works, or that works that take longer than two years are not considered feasible? 

It means that mitigation that is expected to take longer than two years to complete is not considered feasible. This is because one of the specifications for feasible mitigation is that it can be delivered in a reasonable timeframe.  

If an engineering solution is expected to take longer than two years, it will not be considered feasible within the risk categorisation scheme. The property would therefore be Category 3. Discretion may apply to special circumstances.

What happens if the 2P mitigations are not complete within two years, for example, a weather event delays construction?

We are aware that the delay of construction can be caused by many factors, one of which is the weather. Once a Category 2P project is under construction, minor delays such as those caused by weather will not affect the project's feasibility. It's important to note that the homeowner is responsible for any cost overruns caused by delays.

When does the two-year period actually start? Is this from when we receive the quote or when building commences?

The two-year period starts from the categorisation date. Please note that this is not a hard target. We are flexible with the date and will have a better understanding of the scale of construction when we receive detailed designs.

Does the two-year period include the consents period?

Yes. Please note that construction feasibility is reassessed after the detailed design and consent phase is complete and a quote for the work has been obtained.

I've been given a Category 2P. What are the estimated timings for each of the steps? 

The table in the link below outlines the approximate timings for each stage of the 2P process – from once you are given a category through until the construction being completed.

Whenever feasible, we will endeavour to accelerate our portion of the process to get your project moving faster.

Category 2P timeframe (PDF 42KB)

Can we build annual inflation into the quotes for a multi-year project?

No. Subject to meeting the feasibility requirements, the council will offer a grant for the agreed sum of the contract works, as at the date of entry into the grant agreement, up to the maximum value of 25 per cent of the CV of the property. Please note the CV used will be the one as of 26 January 2023 and the total cost of mitigation is inclusive of GST.

The grant is a fixed sum and will not be renegotiable in the event of cost over-runs. However, feasibility of construction is reassessed after the detailed design and consent phase is complete and a quote for the work has been obtained. This approach aims to minimise the risk of cost overruns.

If my property is 2P, will I get help to rebuild the house rather than raising the existing one? 

Category 2P grants are only available for work identified by the council as necessary to reduce the risk to life for people living in the home. Any other renovation or rebuild costs will be the homeowner’s responsibility.

If our property is assessed as 2P or 2C but we do not like the mitigation plan, can we opt into Category 3?

You cannot opt-in to Category 3 if you do not like the Category 2P or 2C mitigation options. However, if the detailed scoping stage finds that Category 2P mitigations are not feasible, the property will be changed to Category 3.

For Category 2P, when does the three-month opt-in apply from?

The three-month opt-in timeframe for Category 2P applies from the date you receive your final category. The 2P handbook and next steps will be included in the email you receive.

I want to lift my house up to repair the floor and protect it from future flooding, but I’m still waiting for my property category. If I pay for the work myself and then find out my property is a Category 2P later, can I get repaid by the council?

This is a tricky question! The good news is that the Category 2P Scheme does allow the council to repay Category 2P property owners for work they’ve done to reduce the risk at their home – we call this ‘mitigation’ work. This is different from home repairs such as replacing the floorboards and fixing walls, which are not funded through the Category 2P scheme.

There are a few important things to consider before deciding to go ahead with mitigation work on your property, such as lifting your house or building a retaining wall.

Firstly, your home needs to be confirmed as a Category 2P property to qualify for the Category 2P grant.

Also, the council will only reimburse Category 2P homeowners for work that it agrees has effectively reduced the risk to life at the property to a tolerable level. If you do work now and council does not agree it will be effective, then you will not be able to get 2P funding to repay you for that work. However, you would still be able to get funding for the work we do think is feasible and effective – and we will explain this to you if we decide your property is a Category 2P.

To apply for a retrospective Category 2P grant, you will also need copies of the technical reports, drawings, and any other specialist advice about your project, and all of the receipts for the work. The other key thing to consider is that your home will still need to be confirmed as a Category 2P property to qualify for the Category 2P grant.

We have published a Category 2P Homeowners’ Handbook to help you understand all the scheme details, such as the cost and time limits for work funded by the council. We proactively send out the handbook to Category 2P property owners and you can find it on the storm recovery documents page on Auckland Council’s website.

In the case of the house and land both damaged by landslip, does the “mitigation” calculation include the cost of repair or rebuild the house OR the cost to only mitigate the land?

The mitigation we will consider will include all solutions available to lower the risk to life to a tolerable level. In the case of landslip damage, the solutions would generally be to the land rather than the house, however solutions will be specific to each property's situation.  For example, one option for flooding could be raising a house, where that is possible.

Category 2P funding 

What decisions did Governing Body make on Category 2P?

Auckland Council’s Governing Body made policy decisions about the affordability of mitigations for properties that may be 2P, and what funding could be made available to support property owners to do the mitigation work on their property. 

Part of the criteria for a property being 2P has been that mitigations on the property need to be feasible. There are two parts to figuring out if something is feasible:

1. Whether an engineering solution is technically possible. For example, whether there’s enough space to construct a retaining wall, or whether the nature of the house means it can be lifted.
2. Whether it’s affordable and if it can be delivered in a reasonable timeframe. While anything is possible if you have enough money, we needed to put a realistic cap on what could be spent on a mitigation.

The policy that’s been agreed is that mitigation affordability is set at 25% of a property’s CV. Please note the CV used will be the one as of 26 January 2023 and the total cost of mitigation is inclusive of GST.

So that means if your home has a CV of $1 million, mitigations that cost up to $250,000 are considered feasible and your home could be assigned a Category 2P. The mitigations also need to be able to be completed within two years. 

Find out more about Category 2P mitigation affordability in our explainer. 

How will financial assistance for 2P work?

The council will offer Category 2P property owners two grants through a Property Risk Mitigation Scheme:

• a design and consenting grant to help homeowners obtain the necessary technical advice, consents and confirm the project feasibility
• a construction grant supporting the homeowner to undertake the consented works.

The total value of the two grants (combined) will be up to 25% of the Capital Value (CV) of the property as at 26 January 2023.

Will 2P mitigations be 100% funded?

Auckland Council will provide two grants to each 2P homeowner, to a maximum value of 25 per cent of the property’s CV. This means if your home is valued at $1 million, you can get up to $250,000 to pay for the total costs of making the changes to your property. Please note the CV used will be the one as of 26 January 2023 and the total cost of mitigation is inclusive of GST.

If the mitigations aren’t feasible because they will cost more than the maximum the council will pay, but you want to pay the difference, this is something that can be discussed (as a special circumstance). If you don’t wish to pay the difference, the property will be reassigned as Category 3 and therefore eligible for the buy-out scheme.

I understand that the Category 2P scheme provides grants for property mitigation work, up to the value of 25 per cent of my home’s capital value (CV). Given contractors charge GST, do you calculate the 25 per cent as including or excluding GST?

We calculate the 25 per cent as inclusive of GST. Please note the CV used will be the one as of 26 January 2023.

Is the 2P grant available to insured and uninsured properties?

Yes, the 2P grants are available for all properties that receive Category 2P, regardless of insurance status.  

Insurance claim payments for home repairs such as replacing the floorboards and fixing walls will not have any impact on your Category 2P grant. This is because the grants are only for funding work to reduce the future risk to life on your property to a tolerable level (mitigations).

Do I have to pay back the grant?

As this is a grant to you, not a loan, you do not have to pay the council back.

If I choose not to go ahead with construction after the works have been scoped, do I need to repay the Design and Consenting grant?

No, even if you have accepted the Design and Consenting Grant, you can still opt out once the scoping phase is complete.

How do I apply for the 2P grants?

Auckland Council use an online system called SmartyGrants to manage the grants. To get started on SmartyGrants you will need to create a free login and a secure password. Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll be able to log into your account at any time and see how your application is progressing.

If you don’t have a computer at home, you can ask a friend or family member to help you, or you can visit a council library to use a computer.

There is a guide to using SmartyGrants in Appendix 3 of the Category 2P homeowner handbook. This handbook will be sent to all Category 2P homeowners when they receive their final property risk category. It is also available on the Auckland Council website.

Does the pathway and/or grant transfer to a new owner if the property is sold before mitigation work is done?

Properties that have changed hands since 26 January 2023 are only eligible at Auckland Council’s discretion and/or on terms that council agrees to. For details, please read Guidance Note A in the Homeowner’s Handbook, available here.

If the mitigation cost is more than 25% of the property CV then will it be a Category 3?

The core policy objective is to remove people from homes that pose an intolerable risk to life. Where risk can’t be reduced to a tolerable level through Category 2P mitigations, the property will be eligible for a Category 3 buy-out.

If the costs of mitigations are above 25% of the CV can I pay the extra amount?

This depends on your specific circumstances. If the mitigations initially appear to be feasible but after scoping turn out to be above 25% of the property’s CV, you (the homeowner) will have the option to pay costs above the 25%. If you don’t want to pay the extra costs the property will be reassigned to Category 3.

What if the construction cost alone is 25% of the CV, but the Design and Consenting Grant makes it more than 25% - is it still Category 2P?

The maximum funding provided for both grants (combined) is 25% of the CV, but there may be opportunities for property owners to pay more than that. If you don’t wish to pay the difference, the property will be reassigned as Category 3 and therefore eligible for the buy-out scheme.

If I think my property is likely to be Category 2P, can I pre-apply for the grants?

No, you will need to wait to hear from us regarding your property’s category decision before applying for the 2P grant scheme.

How much do you fund via Category 2P? Is it co-funding or full funding to do the work?

The Category 2P grants cover all of the mitigation costs, up to 25% of the property’s CV and net of any insurance or EQCover settlements available for the mitigation work. Please note the CV used will be the one as of 26 January 2023 and the total cost of mitigation is inclusive of GST.

If the homeowner is planning to rebuild their home, can the value of the 2P grant be paid out to the homeowner instead?

No. The Category 2P grants can only be used to pay for the work the council agrees is necessary to reduce future risk.

Is the Category 2P grant part of EQC or are they separate?

The Category 2P grants are separate to insurance and EQC settlements.

If a property owner has already received a payout from EQC will that be deducted from the 2P grant?

In some cases, EQCover settlements may be able to be used to complete the mitigation work. For example, for a retaining wall on the property or soil nails to stabilise a bank. These situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and if applicable the amount of grant funding provided may be reduced to take account of the EQCover settlement.

If our property is assessed as 2P or 2C but we do not like the mitigation plan, can we opt into Category 3?

You cannot opt-in to Category 3 if you do not like the Category 2P or 2C mitigation options. However, if the detailed scoping stage finds that Category 2P mitigations are not feasible, the property will be changed to Category 3.

What happens if you can’t secure a fixed price quote?

The property owner is responsible for obtaining a quote for the scope of works and submitting the information to the council for evaluation of feasibility.

Will there be funding available for ongoing maintenance associated with the mitigation work?

No. This is a limited, one-time scheme. Any ongoing costs such as maintenance or upgrades of the mitigations in the future will be the homeowner’s responsibility and no further funding will be available.

Category 2C

What is the time period homeowners should expect for 2C mitigations to be completed? What work will be done for the properties that fall into Category 2C?

We will communicate with Category 2C homeowners directly about timeframes for community infrastructure projects e.g. blue-green networks.

[NEW 8/11] - What support am I eligible for as a 2C homeowner?

Your property has been confirmed as Category 2C because an upcoming stormwater project in your neighbourhood will reduce the future risk to life at your home to a safe level. Because of this, you will be able to continue living in your community and will not need to undertake construction solutions to reduce the risk at your home. Because of this you won’t have access to buy-out or construction grant support. However, you will continue to have access to our Storm Recovery Navigator Service connecting you to wellbeing, financial and accommodation support where relevant.

[NEW 8/11] - What about the risk levels while the 2C project is being completed?

Local stormwater systems are built to international standards, to manage a good amount of rainfall. The categorisation risk assessments we carry out are based on an extreme event with a 1% chance of this happening or being exceeded in any year. While they are uncommon, it is very hard to predict if, or when, another large storm may happen again.

A local stormwater project will reduce the risk to life at Category 2C homes, but the full risk reduction benefits will only be realised when the project is fully completed mid-year 2026.

So, while Auckland Council is working on this major project, it is also prioritising stormwater monitoring, maintenance and catchpits in your neighbourhood. 

At home, there are also important things you can do to reduce your flooding risk and prepare in case one of these extreme storms happens again. We have provided some general information in our 2C homeowner guide about preparing for major storms, and a community-level plan is being finalised for each local board area.

[NEW 8/11] - Will my Category 2C home still be insurable?

We have been working closely with the insurance industry since the floods. They have told us that 2C homeowners will still be able to get insurance cover, but ultimately this is up to individual insurance companies.

Auckland Council has to disclose property categories to the insurance industry because they use official information requests to ask for this information. This means your insurance company will know what your property category is. We recommend you speak to your own insurer to understand if there is an impact on your insurance policy.

If your insurer makes a decision to stop providing flood cover, or they increase your premiums, we recommend you speak to other insurance companies as you may find another company will provide a better policy for you. 

[NEW 8/11] - What are the major projects to reduce flooding?

Auckland Council, alongside the Government, is making significant investments to reduce the flooding risk in Māngere. Māngere is the first community to receive priority funding for flood resilience projects which includes $53 million for the rapid delivery of flood resilience projects at Harania Creek and Te Ararata Creek in Māngere. The projects are expected to start in the first few months of 2025 and be completed by mid-2026.

For more information visit the project pages:

• Harania Creek Project

• Te Ararata Stream Project 

[NEW 8/11] - How will the projects impact me while work is underway?

Information about key impacts is available on the project webpages and you can contact the project team at bluegreen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

• Harania Creek Project

• Te Ararata Stream Project 

Category 2A

Is Category 2A new?

Category 2A is not a new category, it is included in the Government’s risk category framework. Category 2A properties are those that require further assessment/more information before we can decide on the final category. Once we have the information we need, the property category will change to either 2C, 2P or 3.

Can I dispute Category 2A?

If your property is Category 2A, you can only raise a dispute for special circumstances. You cannot dispute 2A for other reasons, as it is not your final category. It means that further assessment or more information is required before the council can provide a final category for your property.

Category 3

• Category 3 buy-outs
• Category 3 valuations

How can I find out addresses of Category 3 properties?

You will need to lodge an official information request via the council's standard process: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/privacy-official-information-requests/Pages/default.aspx

Is Category 3 just for properties with a risk of loss of life from flood or landslide, or does it also apply to properties that are unrealistic to repair due to damage sustained?  

Category 3 is primarily focused on intolerable risk to life for properties directly impacted by the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, however there are potential exceptions where a property has been damaged and is unrealistic to repair. In most cases where a property was damaged and is unrealistic to repair, it is likely that the future risk is intolerable. 

If my property is a Category 3, can I continue to live in it? 

If your property is Category 3, it means we have assessed that there is an intolerable risk of injury or death associated with living in your property and it is not feasible to mitigate that risk to a tolerable level. However, as the risk categorisation process is voluntary you can continue to live in your home instead of opting into the proposed buyout scheme, at your own risk.

If your preference is to remain in your property despite the intolerable risk to life, we recommend that you discuss your situation with your insurance provider.

It is important to remember that the risk categorisation process is different to the placarding (RBA – rapid building assessment) process. Categorisation is focused on future risk to life, whereas placards determine immediate risk. Regardless of which Category applies to your property, you will still need to comply with any restrictions on access where a placard remains in place.

Why does Auckland Council need to buy category 3 properties?

An intolerable level of risk now exists for some residential households as a result of two extreme weather events in January and February 2023. For properties that have been identified as Category 3, the level of risk to life cannot reliably or affordably be mitigated by property level or community level physical works. Without support to move, these households are also highly likely to become entrenched in a disaster-rebuild-disaster cycle, where loss of life is possible.

As part of the cost-share arrangement with the Government, local councils in storm affected areas will buy the properties from the owners so people don’t continue to live in homes that are high risk. This is a voluntary process for property owners to enter into.

Why is rate payer money needed to financially compensate houses in a flood zone if they are insured? 

Even if a Category 3 property is insured, insurance doesn’t account for the land and future risk. So, while insurance helps people to put their home back the way it was before the storm, it doesn’t provide financial support for remediation to prevent the risk to life from storms in the future.  

Without support to move, Category 3 households are highly likely to become entrenched in a disaster-rebuild-disaster cycle, where loss of life is intolerable. 

If a neighbouring property is Cat 3, will council never allow another building to be built on that land?

Auckland Council will assess each Category 3 property purchased to determine what the best future use of the land is. The options we’ll consider include stormwater management, adding to neighbouring parkland, using it for work to improve storm resilience for neighbouring properties, or redevelopment.

Are Category 3 rental properties that are not able to be rented, eligible for any financial support?

Category 3 homes that are rental properties do not qualify for the government’s accommodation assistance as landlords have the option to take out ‘loss of rent cover’ when they buy insurance for their rental properties.

What are council basing the Category 3 flood classification on?

The council makes category decisions based on the process outlined in our ‘How we make category decisions’ guide, in our storm recovery documents page.

Is it logical to say that if my neighbour is categorised as 3, then my property would likely be Category 3?

As assessments are done at the individual property level, your neighbour’s Category 3 does not necessarily mean that your property will be the same category.

Will council services (such as rubbish and recycling collections) continue if Category 3 homeowners choose not to take voluntary buy-out and stay in their homes? 

Yes, services would continue. 

Buy-out support scheme

What decisions did Governing Body make on funding for Category 3?

In October 2023, Auckland Council’s Governing Body agreed to enter a co-funding agreement with Government, which provides almost $2 billion worth of investment in Auckland’s storm recovery and resilience programme. This programme includes a 50/50 split of funding to buy-out Category 3 properties.

As part of this decision, Governing Body made several policy decisions that will inform how Category 3 buy-out offers will work. Governing Body made decisions on:

• what valuation methodology should be used to determine the value of buy-out offers
• whether there should be a “cap” or maximum amount that the council would pay for a buy-out offer
• whether the buy-out offer will incorporate a “Homeowner contribution” (and whether this should differ as between insured and uninsured properties)
• whether secondary properties will be eligible for a buy-out offer
• whether the scheme should include a disputes resolution process (and in principle, what this should involve)

What is the buy-out offer? 

A pre-weather event market valuation as at 26 January 2023 will be used to determine the starting point for the voluntary buyout offer. Auckland Council will offer 95% of the value of an insured property, less any insurance payout (including EQC). This means that the property owner is making a 5% contribution towards the cost of the buyout. 

For properties that are not insured, we will offer at least 80% of the value of the property (up to 95% - the same basis as an insured property). This means that the property owner is making up to a 20% contribution towards the cost of the payout.  

You can make an application for council to consider your individual circumstances related to your insurance status. In some situations, council may offer you up to 95% (the same amount as for an insured property) if the council considers that it is fair to do so based on individual circumstances relating to your insurance status.  

This could be where there was little or no insurance loss, you couldn’t get insurance at the time of the events due to previous weather events, or you can show a history of paying insurance for the property previously. Your property advisor or navigator will explain the application process to you. It’s done via an online form (or paper form), and it will take up to 25 working days to receive a decision about your application.   

To summarise, the buy-out offer will be the market valuation at 26 January 2023, LESS the insurance/EQC settlement LESS the homeowner contribution.  

A Category 3 homeowner handbook provides further information about the scheme. 

Can you confirm if buy-outs will be the valuation minus any insurance payments? 

We will offer 95% of the value of an insured property, less any insurance payout (including EQC). This means that the property owner is making a 5% contribution towards the cost of the buyout. This article provides an explanation of how the Category 3 offer will work.

What is the rationale behind making homeowners responsible for 5% of a Category 3 buy-out? 

The council offers 95% of the insured property’s value less any insurance payouts which includes the EQC.

The 5% homeowner contribution was a decision resolved by Auckland Council’s governing body, who considered the views and preferences of Aucklanders gathered through consultation in September 2023. This scheme involves a significant financial commitment from all Auckland ratepayers for the buy-out of private property. Setting a homeowner contribution at 5% ensures there is enough funding to support everyone that needs it, and that the scheme is equitable for those most in need and those who fund the scheme. It also reflects the risks that come with property ownership, which was again a theme expressed by Aucklanders in the consultation.

How will I know what to do during the buy-out process? 

We know that selling a home is stressful under normal circumstances, and that the buy-out process may be challenging for you. We’ll assign a property advisor to support you throughout the process. They’ll be your point of contact and can answer any questions you have along the way.  

They won’t provide advice on whether to accept the buy-out offer though. As with any property transaction, you should seek your own independent legal advice before you sign a Sale and Purchase Agreement.  

How long will the buy-out process take? 

The timeline will be different for everyone as it depends on your situation. On average it takes about three months from a homeowner opting in to the buy-out process to the sale and purchase agreement being signed, but in some cases it can take up to six months e.g. if there’s a valuation dispute or it takes longer than expected to supply all the required information. Whenever feasible, we will endeavour to accelerate our portion of the process to get your buy-out moving faster.  

You’ll have a month to accept or decline the offer.  

Category 3 buy-out timeframe (PDF 2.7MB)

Is the council flexible with settlement dates?

Auckland Council’s standard settlement is 20 working days following signing the contract.

Auckland Council is supporting you to relocate from a housing situation where there is an intolerable risk to life, so it is our strong preference that this is done without delay.

Where there are unique property owner circumstances (for example, your property is tenanted and you need to give your tenant notice to vacate, or you want to align with the settlement date of another property, with sufficient notice), we will consider extending the settlement period to up to three months or potentially slightly longer in exceptional* circumstances. (*This is because you remain responsible for the risks relating to your property until the sale and purchase agreement is settled. We strongly encourage you to seek independent advice so you understand your continuing risks during an extended settlement period. This includes, for example, the risk of damage caused by further weather events or criminal damage to the property.)

Specifically, you should discuss your decision around an extended settlement with your insurance provider, as indications have been that insurance providers will not continue to cover a property once it has been confirmed as a Category 3.

If you wish to request an extended settlement, please speak to your property advisor.

Can my settlement date be adjusted after signing the unconditional agreement?

Yes, the settlement date can be adjusted after signing the unconditional agreement and does not have to be agreed upon prior to signing the unconditional offer.

Please note that council requires 20 working days’ notice to complete settlement, so if you wish to bring forward your settlement date, it can only be up to 20 working days from when you notify us of the proposed date change.

Longer settlement periods of up to three months, and potentially slightly longer in exceptional* circumstances, can be considered. (*This is because you remain responsible for the risks relating to your property until the sale and purchase agreement is settled. We strongly encourage you to seek independent advice so you understand your continuing risks during an extended settlement period. This includes, for example, the risk of damage caused by further weather events or criminal damage to the property.)

Specifically, you should discuss your decision around an extended settlement with your insurance provider, as indications have been that insurance providers will not continue to cover a property once it has been confirmed as a Category 3.

If you wish to request an adjusted settlement date, please speak to your property advisor.

Will the council contribute any costs for legal fees or other costs? 

A one-off contribution of $5,000 will be given to Category 3 homeowners towards professional fees, such as legal advice or an alternative valuer/valuation. At the initial homeowner meeting, your property advisor will explain how to claim this contribution.  

Will the council cover break fees associated with breaking our mortgage to buy a new house?

No, this is outside of the scheme terms.

Will you consider my special circumstances in the process?  

We know that everyone has very different situations and that in exceptional cases, we may need to depart from our buy-out policy positions where departure in an individual case is consistent with our policy objectives.  

Decisions on Uninsured Individual Circumstances and Special Circumstances are at the discretion of council, and we will provide an outcome to homeowners within 25 working days of an application being received.

There is information about Special Circumstances and for Uninsured Individual Circumstances in the Category 3 Homeowner Handbook. Visit our dedicated disputes and review page on the council website for the special circumstances application form. This form will need to be downloaded, completed, and emailed to recoveryreview@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. 

Do property owners have to make a contribution towards the buy-out of the property?

Yes. For insured properties, homeowners will contribute 5% of the market value. Payouts from insurance (including EQC) will then be deducted from the remaining 95%. The outstanding amount will then be paid to the property owners as the purchase price.

For uninsured properties, homeowners will contribute up to 20% of the market value, which means the offer will be at least 80% (up to 95%) of the market value.

Is there a maximum buy-out cap?

No, there is no cap on the maximum buy-out value, meaning there is no upper limit on how much will be paid to purchase eligible properties.

Will secondary properties be considered for buy-out? 

Yes. Secondary properties (meaning it’s not the property owner’s primary place of residence – e.g. holiday homes and rentals) will be eligible for a buy-out. Many secondary homes are rented out, and since the intent of the policy is to remove people from places where there is a risk to life during extreme weather, any Category 3 homes where people live are in scope.  

If the previous owner of my property registered for the property categorisation scheme and the property is now given a category 3, will the council buy out my property?

Properties that have changed hands since 26 January 2023 are only eligible at Auckland Council’s discretion and/or on terms that council agrees to. For details, please read Guidance Note A in the Homeowner’s Handbook, available here.

What happens if a homeowner has already been paid out by their insurer? 

Homeowners that have accepted settlements from their insurance providers will still be eligible for the buy-out process. The buy-out offer from Auckland Council will be a calculation of the market value, less the homeowner contribution, less insurance settlement. We are considering the details for how to treat insurance money homeowners have spent on repairs to their properties.

What if I have already spent my insurance money to repair my home and now my property is Category 3?

If you have already spent your insurance claim payout on home repairs, Auckland Council will consider this as part of the buy-out offer and may top up the offer made to you to take this into account. You will be asked to provide receipts for the work done and a statutory declaration that the proceeds of your claim have been spent in good faith on repairing your property. If you have spent your claim payout on things other than repairing your home, such as rent or personal items, the council will not top-up this amount.

I paid for geotechnical work before I was issued a Category 3. Can I be reimbursed for this work?

The buy-out process allows for reimbursement of insurance payments spent on like-for-like repair work undertaken prior to a category being issued. Costs that aren’t related to repair work are not eligible for reimbursement.

If I’m in the buy-out process, can I continue with my home repairs while waiting for the Sale and Purchase Agreement to be signed?

Any repair works undertaken after your property is categorised are not eligible for reimbursement.

I've used insurance money to repair my Category 3 property and want this factored into the buy-out, but I can't find all of the receipts. Are bank statements acceptable?

If you have spent insurance money on repairs in good faith and can provide evidence of this, we will not deduct this amount from the buy-out offer.

If you are unable to provide receipts for the work done we may accept other evidence such as bank statements, before and after photographs, and descriptions of work undertaken including who did the work. If missing receipts are for work undertaken by a contractor, please try and get a replacement copy of the receipt(s). We will also ask you to make a statutory declaration that the proceeds of your claim have been spent in good faith on repairing your property.

How will you ensure the funding pool covers all Category 3 properties? 

We’re very mindful of the need to ensure all Category 3 property owners are treated fairly, regardless of when they receive a buy-out offer, and this was a factor in the policy decisions that have been made.

Within the agreement with the Government, there is an opportunity to seek further funding if Auckland has more Category 3 homes than expected.

If I’m red stickered and my house gets bought out, how can I get my things out?

If access to your home is prohibited or restricted because it is too dangerous to enter, we will work with you on managed access so you can safely remove your belongings where possible.

For properties that generated holiday rentals, will there be compensation for a loss of income or will this be considered in the valuation?

No. The buy-out is focused on removing intolerable risk to life for residential properties and does not compensate for loss of income.

If we accept the buy-out offer, will we be supported in temporary accommodation until we find a new home?

The category schemes do not cover accommodation costs, however you can apply for accommodation support via Work and Income.

If I opt into the buy-out, can I later opt-out and request to be a 2P?

No. By opting into the buy-out process you are accepting the classification of your property as Category 3.

Even if you change your mind and decide to opt-out of the buy-out process after originally opt-ing in, you will not be able to dispute your category.

Valuations

How will the value of Category 3 homes be calculated?

A pre-weather event market valuation as at 26 January 2023 will be used to determine the starting point for the voluntary buy-out offer.

Does a market valuation include the value of the home and land?

Yes, a market valuation will be assessed as if it was prepared for the purposes of selling your home through a normal property sale process. This applies to the residential part of your property which will be the entire property in most cases.

What is the market valuation methodology being used?

Details about the valuation methodology are available in the Valuation Brief for Auckland Council Category 3 Buy-Out Process (Residential Home Property Type). 

Can you please outline the process for property valuations?

Auckland Council will appoint and pay for a registered valuer to visit your property to assess its value. If access to your property is not possible – for example if the home is red placarded or was demolished – the property adviser will explain how the valuation will be arrived at.

The property will be valued as at 26 January 2023, being the day before the first of the 2023 extreme weather events that impacted Tāmaki Makaurau. This means the valuation will not take into account the damage caused to your property by the storms.

More information is available on our Category 3 explainer article.

What happens if I’m not happy with the market valuation?  

If you’re unhappy with the valuation in your offer you can dispute this, and your property advisor will explain how to do this when you get your offer. There’s a simple online form (paper version available) to fill in to raise a dispute.  

The first step of the dispute process will be a review of the valuation that’s been provided by the registered valuer. This review will be done internally, and the outcome of the review will be notified to you.  

If you’re unhappy with the outcome of the internal review, you can seek a further review through an external panel of property and valuation experts.  

A guidance document with information about the disputes process is included in the Category 3 Homeowner Handbook which is provided to property owners at the time of confirming their Category 3 status. It is also available on the storm recovery documents page.

Why are Category 3 properties valued as of 26 January 2023 and not property CV like the Category 2 mitigation?

26 January 2023 is the pre-weather event date for a market valuation which will determine the starting point for the voluntary buy-out offer.

When deciding the Scheme’s scope and rules, the Governing Body had to achieve a balance based on key considerations, including consistency with the policy intent, affordability, and equity for both those people most in need and those who fund the scheme.

Disputes

What can a property owner dispute?

Property owners can dispute:

• the property category they are given
• the market valuation (as at 26 January 2023) to be used in the buy-out offer.

A property owner can also dispute the outcome of an application made under the special circumstances provision or the outcome of a decision relating to the individual circumstance of an uninsured homeowner.

How long does a property owner have to dispute their property categorisation or valuation?

Property owners have three months from receiving their property categorisation to dispute the category. This timeline recognises that property owners will want to thoroughly consider the category given and seek their own advice about it.

Property owners have one month after receiving the market valuation to dispute the valuation.

How do you raise a dispute?

We recognise the importance of having a process by which people can seek review of these decisions.

To raise a category dispute, complete this form and email it to recoveryreview@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. More information on disputes is available on the Auckland Council website.  

Does a property owner need legal advice to raise a dispute?

Not specifically to raise a dispute but we recommend that all property owners should seek independent advice from an expert if required. 

How long will disputes take to be resolved?

The timeline will be different for every dispute as it depends on the situation. A response will be provided as soon as possible but some will be more complex than others.

Is there an option for an independent review if a property owner is not happy with the internal council review of a dispute?

For a categorisation dispute, there is an option to seek a further external review which will be undertaken by an independent expert. You can request an independent review of the dispute decision within 25 working days of receiving it. That independent decision is final.

For a valuation dispute, the homeowner has one month after receiving the outcome of the internal review to apply to have the valuation dispute determined by an independent valuer of their choosing from council’s panel of approved experts subject to availability. That independent decision is final.

How can impacted communities participate in discussions about the set-up of the disputes process?

The dispute resolution framework has been approved by Auckland Council’s Storm Recovery Political Advisory Group and includes an option for a review by an independent expert.

What is the difference between Special Circumstances and disputes? is there a different process and/or criteria? 

We know that everyone has very different situations, so property owners are able to apply to have their special circumstances considered. In exceptional cases, the council may need to depart from the buy-out policy positions where departure in an individual case is consistent with the council’s policy objectives. 

Special circumstances decisions will be made in line with council’s Guidance on the Application of Special Circumstances, which is included in the Category 3 Homeowner Handbook. A copy of this handbook is provided to property owners at the time of confirming their Category 3 status.

A Special Circumstances application can be made at any stage in the process and is different to a dispute where the owner is specifically unhappy with a decision the council has made - for example, the property category they are given and/or the market valuation. The special circumstances form needs to be downloaded, completed and emailed to recoveryreview@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.  The special circumstances form is available on the disputes page of Auckland Council website, under ‘special circumstances’ . 

Can I apply for both a review and a Special Circumstances decision?

Yes you can, but you will need to make separate applications on the appropriate forms because they are circulated to different teams.

Home removal

Are you looking at sustainable options for removing properties?

Buildings will be assessed to determine whether they can be relocated or deconstructed or if the only option is demolition due to damage to the building or risks on the site. Where possible, we will remove buildings to divert as much waste away from landfill as we can, in line with our waste policies. To do this, we’ll work with our existing community partners from our Waste Solutions programmes to recycle and reuse building materials where we can.

Who will actually do the home removal?

Auckland Council is using a panel of companies with expertise in this field to deliver the programme of home removal. The Recovery Office and council’s Waste Solutions team will manage the process to ensure the companies adhere to a set of agreed principles.

How quickly will the council proceed with the removal of Category 3 homes once the buy-out is finalised?

Once the buy-out process has been completed, we will consider the options for the removal of the building. You can find out more about home removals that are already underway here.

NEW 7/11 Who maintains storm-damaged properties that are awaiting a buy-out?

The owners of storm-damaged properties are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the property until it is sold to Auckland Council and settlement is completed.

During the sale and purchase process, the council’s property advisors politely remind homeowners of their responsibilities to keep the property tidy and remove any rubbish before settlement.

Please refer to Page 10 of the Category 3 Homeowner handbook (9MB PDF) for more on what homeowners need to do before settlement.

How will a property be maintained until it is removed?

We intend to commence the removal of a property as quickly as possible following the buy-out process, however as an interim measure if required, council will secure the property and regularly monitor it.

Once properties are clearly identified as being empty ready for removal (fencing goes up etc) what will be done to secure the property and deter opportunist thieves coming into the area?

As soon as council takes ownership of a property there will be regular security patrols to deter thieves and vandals as well as monitoring the condition of the house.

How noisy/dusty will the home removal be and how can that be mitigated?

While we take steps to minimise any disruption, there may be some additional noise and dust during home removal.

It’s important to note that deconstructing or relocating properties generally aren’t as noisy as demolition. The contractors will keep to both the permitted noise levels and the communicated hours of work.

If required, the contractors may use various forms of dust suppression and air quality monitoring depending on the activity. These can range from nebulised water cannons to manual hoses.

What will happen if asbestos is found in a property?

Prior to deconstruction starting, an asbestos demolition survey is completed which identifies if any asbestos is present.

Asbestos removal has very strict quality controls, and immediate neighbours will be notified if any asbestos is identified. Please note there is minimal risk to neighbours or surrounding areas when asbestos is removed from a property.

All the home removal companies are very experienced at dealing with asbestos and other materials if they are present in a house.

Will you be removing exotic trees? And fallen trees? What about Kauri dieback?

Not unless they need to be removed in order to relocate a house. And only fallen trees if there is a health and safety risk. Our work will also be sensitive to any Significant Ecological Area needs, and implement best practice kauri dieback controls.

Will you remove houses in one area at a similar time?

We will aim to remove as many houses as possible in one area at the same time but it will be dependent on the Category 3 buy-out process being completed for each property.

How long will the deconstruction of a property take?

This really depends on the building and any restrictions. For a standard deconstruction we have allocated about 2-3 weeks, whereas demolition could be completed in days.

Future land use

What will happen to the land when properties are bought out?

Auckland Council is currently exploring all possible uses for the land. We need to manage community expectations about what activities are permitted, with safety being our no.1 priority.
Some of the options being considered, subject to a risk assessment, include:

• stormwater management
• adding it to neighbouring parkland
• retaining it to help manage land instability and improve storm resilience for neighbouring properties

Some land could possibly be repurposed or redeveloped, but only if a risk assessment identifies this is a safe option.

Who will decide how the land is used?

Auckland Council is currently working on a policy for the future use of vacant land. The council’s Governing Body approved interim guidance for decisions on the future use of storm-impacted land in late May 2024. This interim guidance will provide direction for managing acquired land until a full policy is developed.

A report on the criteria for assessing land use will go to the Governing Body in February 2025, along with the results of preliminary testing of that criteria. The testing will identify the priority order when considering the future use eg. we consider safety before use as a park, or we don’t explore using it for a park when it’s needed for a stormwater project.

Will the community have a say in what happens to land bought out by Auckland Council?

We want to ensure communities are part of the process to determine the future use of the land, where possible, and we’re also exploring opportunities for partnerships with mana whenua.

Where community members have suggestions for specific Category 3 sites, we can capture that information in our expressions of interest register, to consider as part of the Future Land Use process. Please send ideas to recoveryoffice@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Can the public access Category 3 land purchased by Auckland Council?

Many of these properties are active worksites, where buildings are being demolished, deconstructed or removed. The council considers these properties pose significant health and safety risks for the public, and strongly discourages anyone from entering and accessing them.

What will happen to vacant land while the long-term use is decided?

Vacant land will be maintained by Auckland Council to ensure the area is kept tidy and free of pests, dumped rubbish etc. A budget of $39.4 million has been allocated over 10 years for ongoing maintenance including fencing, mowing and tree trimming.

If you see any issues please report these to the council or if appropriate the police.

Why does it take so long to decide on the future use of these vacant sites?

We want to make the best decisions for the land and the community. The safe use of the site is our no.1 priority.

We have to undertake thorough analysis to explore all possible uses for the vacant land. Making the right long-term decisions takes time and we ask that communities are patient while this work is undertaken.

Will you be selling sites to recoup some of the costs of the buy-outs?

Aucklanders told us in consultation last year they wanted us to minimise the impact on rates. Limited opportunities to sell land for redevelopment or to adjacent landowners, in situations where hazards can be mitigated, will also be explored.

Wellbeing and financial support

• Navigator service
• Rates relief

What immediate support or interim measures is the council offering to homeowner who are still in a state of limbo? How can we mitigate the financial and emotional strain during this extended period of uncertainty?

The Recovery Office provides a Storm Recovery Navigation Service to support people affected by the 2023 storms. Phone 09 884 2070 or email navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you have been impacted by the storm events in any way and want to discuss support option for mental health, finance, insurance or accommodation.

Given the timeline for property risk categorisations is expected to extend to late 2024, how will the council address the financial impacts this may have on homeowners?

The council had provided rates relief for displaced homeowners, and also advocated for storm-affected Aucklanders through ongoing engagement with government stakeholders. Information about accommodation support for people affected by the 2023 extreme storm events is available here. The government has recently announced an extension to the Temporary Accomodation Service. 

Storm Recovery Navigation Service

What support is the Recovery Office providing for storm affected people?

Visit the support page on OurAuckland to discover the support available to you. If you, or your whānau have been impacted and want to discuss support options for mental health, finance, insurance or accommodation, please contact our navigation service by:

• emailing navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
• filling in our online referral form 
• phoning 09 884 2070

Can you phone the navigators?

Yes, you can call our dedicated recovery phone line on 09 884 2070 between 7am-7pm Monday-Friday and 9am-3pm Saturday-Sunday.

What should I do if I’ve emailed the navigators but have not had a response?

If the navigators have not yet replied to your email, we recommend you follow up by phone. Please see the answer above for details on when to call. 

Rates relief

Why is the council offering rates relief?

We are thinking of those whānau who have been uprooted from their homes and continue to face hardship and uncertainty. We recognise it’s been a tough journey, and many households are under financial pressure. Our rates support is targeted at those most severely affected to help ease the financial burden they are facing.

How did the rates relief decision come about?

On 27 July 2023 the Governing Body agreed to provide a 100 per cent rates remission for 2023/2024 for properties that are uninhabitable because of severe weather events in the first half of 2023. This decision was made under the Miscellaneous Remissions Scheme in the Rates Remission and Postponement Policy.

Does council account for exceptional circumstances that may not fit into the eligibility criteria?

Some applications do not strictly meet the eligibility criteria but may be granted by approval of the Group Recovery Manager and a Rates Manager. However, the overarching consideration is still whether the property is unable to be inhabited sufficient to warrant a 100% rates remission.

Which properties automatically get rates relief and which ones need to apply?

Rates relief was automatically granted to properties with red placards. Property owners can apply for rates relief in all other cases, including yellow 1, yellow 2, white placards and non-placarded properties. We need to understand more about their individual situation as these properties include a range of different scenarios depending on the extent/location of damage and stage of remediation.

Why does rates relief appear on the LIM?

Rates relief granted for storm damaged properties are directly relevant to the habitability of the property. For this reason, they are distinct from rates remissions granted for other reasons that commonly are to do with the rate payer’s personal circumstances and ability to pay, rather than any characteristic of the property.

How long does the rates relief data stay on the LIM?

It will only stay on the LIM for the ratings year the relief has been applied. For properties granted rates relief by application, the information may be viewed on the property file.

Once the property is fixed and no longer claiming a rates relief, the notice will be removed from the LIM (e.g. if the property was fixed last year, the rates relief data would be removed from the LIM for the 2024/25 rating year).

When will my property’s rating valuation be reassessed?

The properties’ valuations will be reassessed as part of the next triennial revaluation, which would then apply to rates for the 2025/2026 rating year.

Has rates relief been extended for the 2024/2025 year?

Yes, those properties granted rates remissions for the 2023/2024 rating year could also have their rates remitted for the 2024/2025 rating year, providing the eligibility criteria is still being met as at 30 June 2024.   

Healthy Waters 

• Blue-green networks
• Overland flow paths 

I’ve been given a Category 1, and because I live near a stream and had about 30cm of water through my house, I’m keen to understand what I can do to protect my home during future storms.

Auckland Council’s guide to Preparing your property for flooding is a downloadable resource in the Storm Recovery Documents library and is also available in Simplified Chinese, Hindi, Samoan, Tongan, Korean and Māori. The guide shows how to identify if your property is a flood risk, how to make your property more flood resilient, how to reduce damage in future severe weather events, how to manage streams on your land, and what long-term improvements may reduce the impact of future floods and more.

Creating a flood resilient home is another helpful guide – aimed at homeowners wanting to improve their homes’ resilience to floods. It offers practical advice for those considering structural changes to reduce potential flood damage. It also includes tips on landscaping, selection of materials, and placement of utilities and appliances.

Hard copies of the guide are available at all Auckland libraries, and translations in Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Korean and Hindi are coming soon.

There is also a summary video you can watch. You can find more information about flood resilience on the OurAuckland recovery page (search ‘flood’) and for further advice  email hwcustomerandcommunity@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Why wasn't the stormwater infrastructure upgraded before the floods?

Healthy Waters has a planned upgrade programme that fits within the council’s allocated funds to continually replace and improve our stormwater infrastructure. 

Best practice stormwater management involves a primary network of pipes to convey water from everyday rainfall quickly away, with a secondary network of overland flow paths and flood plains to convey and capture runoff on those heavy rainfall events.

The complete stormwater network (primary and secondary systems) is designed to cope with the majority of rainfall. It is not possible, in any practical sense to design a pipe network to cope with extreme rainfall, these events will always result in some surface flooding. That is why carefully managing development in or near the secondary system is so important, for example, in the provisions in the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Will affected residents get information about community interventions that are being planned for flood mitigation? (e.g. more stormwater drainage, new bore holes etc.)

Yes, the council will share information about community-level mitigation projects. One of the best ways to keep informed is by signing up to the recovery newsletter – you can sign-up here.

Why does council keep approving buildings on floodplains?

The Auckland Unitary Plan (AUP) currently allows buildings to be constructed in floodplains as long as a resource consent approval is obtained. This is one of the rules of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The assessment of the resource consent application focuses on whether flooding risks to people and property can be managed safely.

Since the 2023 storm events, Auckland Council is progressing work on a change to the AUP to increase resilience to natural hazards. This will strengthen the standards that must be met by developers when applying to build in areas that are at a high risk of flooding, land subsidence, coastal erosion and inundation. The change to the AUP is also intended to more clearly map areas at risk from natural hazards.

In advance of this change to the AUP, council has been training resource consenting staff in natural hazard risks and the need to use modelling based on a 3.8-degree temperature rise. This rise is anticipated by NIWA for Auckland by 2120 under a high future climate change pathway – noting that when the air temperature increases, rainfall intensity is also predicted to increase.

This will mean that anyone applying for a resource consent on a floodplain or blocking an overland flow path, will have to provide an improved flood hazard risk assessment.

Blue-green networks

What is a blue-green network?

A blue-green network is a system of waterways (blue) and parks (green) created to give stormwater space to flow and help reduce flooding in populated areas. In dry weather the park can be enjoyed by the community, and during storms the park may flood, diverting water away from and reducing flooding to private property.

Please see the blue-green networks page on Auckland Council's website.

How are blue-green networks related to categorisation?

The number, location and scale of blue-green networks will depend on the available funding and successful buy-outs. Work to identify and scope potential blue-green networks sites has begun, working in tandem with the property categorisation process. The exact locations of the blue-green networks (street and property level) are not likely to be confirmed until after the categorisation process. This is because they are likely to be built around clusters of Category 3 properties where community benefits are greater. 

When will I know if my property is in a blue-green network area?

Exact locations of blue-green projects are still being determined, though the property categorisation process is helping to refine areas to investigate. It will take many months to refine and confirm the blue-green areas. As locations are confirmed and we start to go through the design, consenting and construction process, council will engage with residents and affected stakeholders.

The earliest expected time for construction of a blue-green network to be built is 2026. As the programme is designed to be delivered over six years, most construction will take place in the later years of this programme, to enable discussion and negotiation with affected property owners and then allow for consenting and design processes.

Overland flow paths 

What is an overland flow path?

An overland flow path is the natural course of water across land, during heavy rainfall. When a piped drainage system is unable to cope in extreme weather, overland flow paths can become temporary, fast-flowing streams. Overland flow paths on private property need to be managed by the property owner. Advice is available in these guidelines.

Other

• General
• LIMs and property files
• Negative Equity
• Placards
• Remediation
• Section 74 notice
• Tenancies
• Insurance
• NHC (Natural Hazards Commission - formerly EQC)

General

I want to talk to someone at council but English is not my first language; how can I talk to someone?

Auckland Council recognises the diverse language needs of our Auckland community. For more information on this, in your language, please contact our Recovery Office team on 09 884 2070 and request access to our language line.

LIMs and property files

How are LIMs and property files used?

People considering purchasing a property carry out due diligence to assist in their decision-making process.  Two sources of information are the Land Information Memorandum (LIM) and the property file, both of which are held by council.

What is the difference between a LIM and Property File?

LIM
A LIM contains a summary of certain information that council holds about the property. It includes information about building/resource consents, rates, building plans and whether the property (or a building on it) has a particular status such as an historic place designation. A LIM contains information on zoning issues and utilities. It identifies, for example, flood plains, areas of erosion or subsidence and other hazards. LIMs currently note if a property is Category 2 or 3.  With a few exceptions, documents that can be found on a property file, such as correspondence or reports, are not generally attached to a LIM.

Property File
Property files include information and documents held by the council that relate to a property. The property file includes full copies of resource consents and building consents (and original plans), rather than just the summary found in a LIM. Included is correspondence with the council about the property, including correspondence relating to categorisation. Also included are any reports or site assessments of the property.

How do you order a LIM or property file?

Members of the public can place an order with Auckland Council for a LIM or property file for any Auckland property address. Our website explains the process for ordering a LIM and also ordering a property file.

Why are categories disclosed on LIMs?

Auckland Council will be disclosing Category 2 and Category 3 properties on LIMs for storm damaged properties. We have a legal responsibility to disclose this information, and a moral obligation to provide complete information when property data is requested.

The disclosure is based on the council’s legal responsibility under section s44A(3) of the Local Government (Official Information and Meetings) Act 1987.

How long do categories 2 and 3 stay on the LIM for?

Categorisation would no longer be noted on LIMs once relevant council actions are completed for your property (for example a buy-out), or the scheme otherwise comes to an end. 

Council information on natural hazards will still be disclosed on LIMs.

What type of information shows on the property file for Category 2 and Category 3 properties?

The property file would disclose all relevant information, including:

• the categorisation (the letter to the owner notifying this)
• correspondence or notices relevant to a disputes process for the Category 3 buyout scheme, and/or the allocated property category
• other documents such as technical reports/site assessments.

Why are Category 1 properties not disclosed on the LIM?

Category 1 properties have been identified as not meeting the threshold for intolerable risk to life. This means there will be no council or government intervention or contribution under the  flood and landslide recovery assistance programme.

Where is information about Category 1 properties kept?

Category 1 information will be included in property files. Property files include information and documents held by the council that relate to a property. Property category information in the property files includes records of any communication with the council, the completed online Flooding and Landslide Registration Form and any reports or site assessments of the property.

Do Category 1 properties have a flooding or landslide assessment?

Category 1 properties will have a desktop assessment. If a site assessment is also required, it will be to confirm that the property does not meet the threshold for intolerable risk to life. 

Are there any risks associated with Category 1 properties and if so, how do you find them?

Council information on natural hazards is disclosed on LIMs. Other sources of information include the property file and, where relevant, a s74 notice on the property title.

Once the yellow placard is removed will it still be on the property file and/or LIM? How long does the removal take once we have provided the necessary information on the work done?

When we remove a placard, we will send a letter to the homeowner confirming the change of placard status. We will also update the property file and/or LIM to say, ‘placard closed’.

Negative Equity

Opting in to the categorisation scheme is going to leave me in a position of negative equity. What can be done about this?

We acknowledge that not everyone will get what they need from this scheme. We have had to make some difficult decisions to balance many challenges, including the ongoing burden on ratepayers. We know some low equity owners will be left with a difficult decision.

The government is aware of these challenges as a partner in the scheme, and we have met with the NZ Banking Association to urge that the banks work with people in this situation on a case-by-case basis. We encourage homeowners facing negative equity to talk to their bank about all possible options.

There is $5000 support available for legal and financial advice in the buy-out process and we strongly encourage storm-affected homeowners to use this to support their decision about whether to opt-in or not.

Placards

What do placards mean? 

Placards are used to identify immediate safety risks to a property and to inform members of the public whether their property is safe to be in now. Placards are either white, yellow or red. 

A white placard essentially means that there is light damage or no damage to a property. For example, a small amount of water might have gone into the property causing minimal damage. There are no property access restrictions related to a white placard.

A yellow placard means there is moderate damage. This might mean there is damage to the structure of the property and/or part of the property cannot be used. There might be restrictions in place, for example how long someone can spend on that property. 

A red placard means there was an immediate high risk to the property. This may be due to external factors, such as a large slip, or it could be significant damage to the property itself. 

Can my placard be removed from my home, and in what circumstances?  

Physical placards can be removed once there is evidence that the damage to the property has been fixed/the property has been made safe again. Your placard will remain on your property file, but once remediation is completed the placard will show as ‘closed’. This is the status that will appear on a future LIM.  

Key steps are as follows: 

• After being issued with a placard you need to engage a suitably qualified expert to do a detailed assessment in order to fully understand and fix the damage to your property/ensure it is made safe again. 

• Once the required work to fix/make your property safe has been completed, contact: rbacomms@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. 

• The type of evidence required will vary depending on your property’s situation. For example, it could be an engineering report from a geotechnical engineer showing that there is no problem with slips; a structural engineering report showing that the building is now safe; or it could be proof that a builder has rectified the problem.  

• We’ll review the documentation you’ve supplied along with your placard status and determine whether or not we need to visit the property again. A visit from council inspectors is not always required – it will vary from property to property.  
  
  
• Once the review is complete, and the property is deemed to be safe, we will remove the physical placard. You will receive an email notification and updated letter with a change of placard status for your address, if appropriate. The placard will remain on your property file, but will be updated from ‘open’ to ‘closed’. 

NEW 18/11 - Placard assistance being provided

If your property had geotechnical issues and was subsequently issued with a placard, our geotech teams are currently reaching out to homeowners to provide additional assistance in getting your placard closed (regardless if you opted into the property categorisation programme or not).

From 25 November, the council will provide a 30-minute technical help desk session to provide advice on your approach to placard downgrade/closure and to answer any relevant questions you may have. There will be a maximum of six bookings each week and these will run until 30 June 2025. These sessions will be facilitated by geotechnical specialists who can provided advice on detailed assessments and design. 

If you haven’t heard from our team and would like support, please email recoveryoffice@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Why does the placard status go into the LIM? 

The council has an obligation to disclose the placard information on the LIM report. It's our duty under section 44A of a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act. The information will show up as ‘open’ if the placard is still live, and once the placard has been completed, as in the property has been rectified, the placard will show as ‘closed’. 

What is a LIM report? 

LIM stands for Land Information Memorandum and is a summary of information Auckland Council holds about a property. This includes red, yellow or white placards. Find out more about LIM reports here.

Remediation (repairs)

Can I do repairs to my property while I wait for my property’s category?

You can progress necessary insurance-funded repairs to your home while you wait for your property category without being disadvantaged if your home is later categorised as 2P or 3. The outcome will be different depending on which category you are given, as follows:

If you are given a Category 3:

Homeowners who have received a claim payment from their insurance provider, including any EQC (Earthquake Commission) settlements, are still eligible for the voluntary buy-out.

The buy-out offer from Auckland Council will be the market value as at 26 January 2023, minus the 5% homeowner contribution and insurance and EQC settlements.

If you have spent insurance money on repairs and are later given a Category 3, we will ask you to provide receipts for the work done and to make a statutory declaration that the proceeds of your claim have been spent in good faith on repairing your property. This does not include personal funds spent on repairs.

Any repair works undertaken after the property is categorised are not eligible for reimbursement

If you are given a Category 2P:

Homeowners who have accepted a settlement and received a payment from their insurance provider are still eligible for the Category 2P grants. 

Insurance claim payments for home repairs such as replacing the floorboards and fixing walls will not have any impact on your Category 2P grant. This is because the grants are only for funding work to reduce the future risk to life on your property to a tolerable level (mitigations).

If you use insurance money (or other funds) to complete risk mitigation work, such as lifting and/or moving your home, before receiving a Category 2P for your property, you may still be eligible for a grant to cover some or all of those costs.

To receive a grant for mitigation work already completed, the council will need to agree that the work has reduced the future risk to life from extreme weather events to a tolerable level. You will also need to provide copies of technical reports, drawings and any other specialist advice about your project, and all of the receipts for the work.

If you are given a Category 1:

Category 1 properties are not eligible for a buy-out or grant funding for mitigation work, so the homeowner is responsible for all repairs and mitigation work.

For more guidance on doing repairs while waiting for your property category, please read our guide to ‘progressing work while waiting for a category’ in the document library under ‘other useful information’.

What efforts are the council making to ensure that repairs to land and buildings will be prioritised (in the consent process) so our lives and homes can return to normal?

We recognise that getting repairs made as quickly as possible is a priority for all storm affected people right across Auckland. We have a dedicated team managing building consent and resource consent applications for properties that need repairs due to flood and cyclone damage. This process is available to both insured and uninsured property owners.

You can either speak with your allocated case manager or email regionalplanninghelpdesk@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to discuss your application with our planning team. Please include the word ‘flood’ or ‘cyclone’ in the subject line and include your property address and placard details too.  

It’s important to note that the fast-track process doesn’t relax consenting requirements, all repairs will be subject to relevant building code and resource management requirements.  

To begin your application, follow our resource consent process 10-step guide. 

Will Auckland Council waive fees for resource consent/building consent for flooded affected properties? 

We acknowledge the situation of storm-affected property owners which has meant you have to undertake remedial works, and that this is different to a standard proposal to make improvements to the land.

Auckland Council cannot waive all consenting costs associated with recovery without a substantial burden on ratepayers. Auckland Council’s Governing Body has made decisions to direct specific consenting costs support to the most affected properties, being those properties that are categorised as Category 2P. 

We recover costs for all application processing, based on the specified hourly rate of the staff involved. The review of these consent applications following a severe weather event are important to ensure they meet the necessary statutory requirements and are fit for purpose, and our consent teams perform the same function for these applications as for business-as-usual applications. 

Will Auckland Council allow any remediation on council land?

This would be considered on a case-by-case basis with the Parks and Community Facilities department as the reserve administrator (where applicable) and manager of the park land. Parks and Community Facilities have a land owner approval process that provides a structured approach and advice for any proposed works.

Section 74 notice

Does a property’s category (from the risk categorisation process following the 2023 severe weather events) determine whether a Section 74 notice is issued?

No, a property’s category will not determine where a Section 74 notice is necessary. A Section 74 notice is only issued when undertaking building work and is determined by the location and nature of the natural hazard and the impact of the proposed building work on that natural hazard.

The categorisation process does not affect the council’s decision making under the Building Act (the Act under which Section 74 notices are issued). 

Will the council flag if a property is likely to have a Section 74 notice issued so a homeowner knows in advance of considering to undertake consented works?

No, but your designer and/or your engineer should be able to give you early advice on the likely impact of your property’s natural hazards on the proposed building work. A Section 74 notice is determined by the location and nature of the natural hazard and the impact of the proposed building work on that natural hazard.

Tenancies

Is there support available for tenants?

Both homeowners and tenants who are impacted have access to the Storm Recovery Navigation Service which can connect them to a range of free support services. Help available through a number of partners includes relocation assistance, contents loss and home bundles, temporary accommodation, financial, legal and insurance advice, and free mental, emotional and physical health support. You can find out more in this OurAuckland article: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2024/04/supporting-tenants-through-storm-recovery/  

I wasn’t notified that I was entering into a tenancy agreement of a flood-damaged home. Is there a legal way out of the tenancy agreement?

Tenancy Services advise that the house must be officially deemed uninhabitable. Visit their website to find out what you need to do if your rental property is damaged in a natural disaster: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/maintenance-and-inspections/repairs-and-damages/what-to-do-after-a-natural-disaster/  

How do you end a tenancy once a category has been given?

Auckland Council does not provide advice on whether someone should or shouldn’t continue living in a home with an ‘intolerable risk to life’. If your property is given a category with an intolerable risk to life, we suggest seeking legal advice, talking to your tenants about the risk, and discussing your situation with your insurance provider. Categories are about future risk, rather than immediate risk. However, you must still comply with any restrictions on access where a placard remains in place, as they represent current risks.

In Category 3 situations, where owners will be going through the buy-out process, landlords should proceed as they would in any situation ending a tenancy agreement, with the appropriate legal advice. We are able to work with you to agree a final settlement date to ensure you meet your notice obligations under the Tenancy Act. Further information is available in our Category 3 Homeowner’s Handbook.

Insurance

What categorisation information does Auckland Council provide to the insurance and banking industries?

Information held by councils is subject to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA). We must make official information available on request (unless one of the specific grounds for withholding information under LGOIMA applies, taking into account the public interest).

This means that we are obligated to respond to regular requests from the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) and NZ Banking Association (NZBA) for information relating to Category 2P, 2C and 3 properties (we haven’t been asked for Category 1 information by insurers).

While we do not provide personal homeowner information such as names and contact details, we must provide addresses and the property category when requested. When we provide this information, we include a clear statement that a category is subject to dispute or change.

Why have insurance premiums increased so much, even for Category 1 homes? 

Response from Sean Fullan, Resilience and Recovery Manager, Insurance Council of New Zealand:

It's important to note that categorisation is separate from insurance processes. ‘Category 1’ means that repair or rebuilding to the previous standard is all that is required to mitigate future risk, meaning that category 1 does not, on its own, suggest an increased risk and therefore would not, itself, directly impact a property’s future insurance. However, a Category 1 homeowner may experience a premium increase due to other factors.   

For example, high building construction costs, rising asset values, the impact of last year’s weather events, and higher global reinsurance costs have affected premium levels. Reinsurance is the insurance that insurers buy from companies operating in the global market. This cost is affected by a rise in severe weather events globally and has increased anywhere from 25 to 40%.

Independent of categorisation, insurers conduct their own review of a given property’s risk at a policy’s renewal (every 12 months) and price the risk based on their own, individual risk appetite and methods of risk assessment. This means that pricing can vary across the industry.  

In summary, there are many reasons for increased premiums. Some relate to the weather events last year while others are the result of a number of factors all converging at the same time.

I’ve had an email from my insurance company stating that if I don’t cash settle my claim urgently the council will not give me a category and I will be overlooked until I settle the claim for my house repairs. Is this correct?

No, it is not. We will continue to progress your property through the assessment and categorisation process regardless of whether you are insured or have settled your insurance claim.

Your insurance status only becomes relevant to council if you are found to be Category 3 or Category 2P and you wish to participate in one of the financial support schemes.

If you would like free, independent advice about your insurance claim, you can contact the NZ Claims Resolution Service.

Please see our ‘Guide to progressing work on your home’ (including repairs through insurance) and ‘Guide to how we make category decisions’ in our storm recovery documents library. You can also find our Category 2P and Category 3 homeowner handbooks and other useful resources on this page.

How do we ensure that the 2P mitigation works completed are satisfactory enough to obtain insurance in the future?

Category 2P works must comply with resource and building consent requirements, and consenting costs are covered by the grants. As with any building project, your builder will be responsible for booking council inspections and ensuring the work complies with the relevant building codes. The property owner is responsible for applying for the Code of Compliance once the work is completed.  

Where can I find the questions asked in the insurance webinar?

The first batch of questions from the insurance webinar in June 2024, are available here as a PDF [2.6MB].

Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC) - formerly the Earthquake Commission Toka Tū Ake (EQC)

Can we get extra support from NHC (formerly EQC) or insurance companies?  

Auckland Council has no influence on NHC and insurance companies, however, we are working with these organisations to advocate on your behalf. If you have specific questions, it is best to contact these organisations directly. 

For free and independent support with insurance claims, contact NZ Claims Resolution Service by calling 0508 624 327.  

Questions about NHC need to be directed to NHC. You can contact them via the NHC website where you can also find handy guides, including a Guide to Natural Hazards Cover.

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