Check out this video to understand what deconstruction means for our communities. Watch our second video to see where the materials end up, here.
The first storm-affected homes in Auckland have been deconstructed with the salvaged materials finding new homes across the community.
After the severe weather events in early 2023, we’re now removing the first Category 3 homes that have been bought out by Auckland Council – starting in Muriwai.
Deputy Group Recovery Manager Mace Ward says these properties have been assessed to have intolerable risk to life.
“Getting to this stage is an important milestone in Auckland’s recovery of allowing people to move forward. We’ll take any lessons we learn here in Muriwai as we rollout the removal of homes across Auckland.”
Buildings on Category 3 properties are assessed to determine if they can be relocated, or deconstructed so the salvaged materials can be recycled or if the only option is demolition due to damage to the property.
Ward says sustainability is at the core of the deconstruction process.
“We’ll deconstruct buildings to divert as much waste away from landfill as we can. We estimate at least 600 storm-damaged homes will be deconstructed over the next two years.”
An expert removal company will be on the ground to deconstruct the buildings, working closely with the community to deliver the work in a respectful way.
Muriwai Stickered Residents Group Chair Mike Hibbert says it’s been comforting for the Muriwai community to get to this stage.
“Getting to the buy-out and seeing that conclude is an incredible release so that you can make plans and move on."
“For other communities when deconstruction comes into their neighbourhoods - embrace it and work with the teams that are doing it. Our experience of the contractors working in Muriwai has been really good,” says Hibbert.
The salvaged materials from Muriwai are being delivered to the Helensville Community Recycling Centre which ensures they find a new home in the community.
Ward says the council is working on a policy for the future use of storm-impacted land, to ensure that decisions about the future of these sites are appropriate. He adds that it may be some time to work through that process with communities.
For any queries about the Muriwai deconstruction please email Erik Lopeti.
Support
While the deconstruction of properties is a significant and positive milestone in a community’s recovery journey, it can also bring up feelings of grief and worry. This is a normal reaction, but there are things you can do to feel better. Check out the All Sorts website for resources, coping tips and further support.
Finding new homes for salvaged materials
The salvaged materials from Muriwai are being delivered to the Helensville Community Recycling Centre (HCRC) which is looking at innovative ways to ensure the materials find new homes across the community.
HCRC Site Manager Treena Gowthorpe says the centre, which currently diverts 78% of materials away from landfill, is focused on recovering the maximum amount of recycled materials from the Muriwai homes.
“To take the material that’s come out of that disaster to create something special or even just make sure it stays in the community is really important to us. We’re really inspired by this project to make sure that from a disaster something comes that actually benefits the community.”
Gowthorpe says the centre has been supported by the Rodney Local Board to explore adding value to the recycled materials.
“We’ve got some ideas of value adding … maybe in the way of tiny builds or garden sheds with some of the materials … turning them into some things that can be used again in the community.”
FAQs
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 deconstruct 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 deconstruction?
Auckland Council is using a panel of companies with expertise in this field to deliver the programme of deconstruction. The council’s Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office and Waste Solutions teams will manage the process to ensure the companies adhere to a set of agreed principles.
How will a property be maintained until it is removed?
We intend to commence the deconstruction of a property as quickly as possible following the buyout process, however as an interim measure if required, the council will secure the property and regularly monitor it.
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 buyout 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.
What will happen to the land when properties are bought out?
Auckland Council is working on a policy for the future use of storm-impacted land, to ensure that decisions about the future of these sites are appropriate.
The land we buy through the Category 3 Scheme has been assessed as unsafe for its current residential use, so much of it is likely to be kept for other uses that are considered safe. Some land could possibly be repurposed or redeveloped, but only if a risk assessment identifies that this is a safe option. Confirming the future land use may take years in some cases.
