Auckland Council’s Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee will this week consider solutions for residents affected by landslips on council road reserves following major storms last year.
The Stickered Titirangi Area Residents (STAR) group has been advocating and working with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to find a way forward for affected residents that don’t have any other support options.
“It’s an extremely difficult position these homeowners are in,” says Craig Hobbs, Auckland Council’s Natural, Built and Environment Lead.
“The slips affecting their property fall outside 2023 storm support schemes, insurance and EQC support, and council land-owner responsibility. So, some are still facing issues getting into their homes and have still not been able to move on after last year’s storms.”
A cautious decision
Because the damage was caused by natural events and are not due to the fault of anyone, it is difficult to determine how to address the situation. Further, the fact that people cannot access their own properties makes these situations uniquely challenging and is why council is specifically considering whether it has a role in responding.
The committee will consider what support could be provided to affected property owners to undertake the repairs, such as case management support and prioritisation while they undertake planning, consenting and construction work.
“We have been working hard outside of ordinary business to find options that are fair across the region. A challenge here is that any support to repair slips on public land could have major future implications for Auckland ratepayers. So, we must take a cautious approach to ensure that the outcome is reasonable given the particular circumstances of this group,” says Mr Hobbs.
The Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee will consider these options at its 7 November meeting. You can read the report and recommendations on the Auckland Council website and watch a livestream of the meeting here.
