Auckland Council’s Governing Body has today approved interim guidance for decisions on the future use of storm-impacted land acquired by council under the categorisation process. This interim guidance will provide direction for managing acquired land until a full policy is developed.
The main objective of the council’s interim guidance is that storm-impacted land is managed responsibly, efficiently and effectively. The council expects to have purchased more than 700 high-risk properties by the end of 2026.
Auckland Council’s Chief of Strategy Megan Tyler said communities were understandably interested and concerned about the future use of this land.
“We want to give confidence to impacted communities that we’re putting in place a process to manage the land and make responsible decisions about its future.”
“Storm-affected communities are telling us they want the land to be managed according to the risks that are present, and in a way that considers the impact of vacant land for those that remain in the neighbourhood. This means maintaining land so it’s not attracting pests, illegal dumping and other anti-social behaviour.”
Tyler said some of the options for the future use of acquired land, subject to a risk assessment, include stormwater management, parkland and retaining it to help manage flood and land instability. Limited opportunities to sell land for redevelopment or to adjacent landowners, in situations where hazards can be mitigated, may also be explored.
“Alongside managing the hazard risk associated with this land, we want to ensure communities are part of the process to determine the future use of the land, where possible, and that we’re exploring opportunities for partnerships with mana whenua.”
“This is the most significant land acquisition programme we’ve undertaken in Auckland and the nature of it means that it doesn’t fit our standard policy approach for acquiring and disposing of land. Completing the required policy and making decisions on the land use will take time and we ask that communities are patient while this work is undertaken.”
A budget of $39.4 million over 10 years is allocated in the draft Long-term Plan for the ongoing maintenance of storm-impacted land beyond the deconstruction phase. This includes fencing, mowing, tree trimming and any other work to ensure the land is kept in safe and tidy condition for neighbouring residents.
Any decisions on the use of a specific site that is required before the council’s policy is finalised will be made by the Chief Executive, with feedback from the Storm Recovery Political Advisory Group.
