
Crews remove debris from Opanuku Stream in Henderson
Auckland Council has made strong and steady progress in its recovery efforts from the 2023 storms, completing more than 80% of priority activities two years on.
Through January 2023 half of Auckland’s average annual rainfall fell - nine times what the region typically gets for the month. Most of this fell on Auckland Anniversary Weekend which was followed closely by Cyclone Gabrielle on 14 February bringing more flooding and triggering further landslides. Both storms led to the tragic loss of life and displacement of thousands of Aucklanders.
After the focus on emergency response following both storms, the recovery phase kicked-in with the rebuild covering more than 2000 local roading slips, over 200 Watercare issues, more than 600 stormwater blockages, damage across 1229 parks and community facilities assets, alongside over 7000 affected homes. Through this, it’s been essential to support the wellbeing needs of those affected.
An Auckland Council-Government co-funding agreement dedicated over $2 billion to Auckland’s recovery covering buyouts, resilience and roading recovery. Mayor Wayne Brown says it’s been a long and tough road covering every area of council business.
“We were hit from the top to the bottom of the region, so this recovery has been a massive, expensive and challenging task,” says Mr Brown.
“But we’ve made strong and steady progress completing over 80% of our recovery programme. That's thanks to a huge effort right across council, our partners and from Government.”
See the full 2-year recovery update here

Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell and Mayor Wayne Brown
To date there are 1005 high-risk homes eligible for a public buy-out to help them move out of harm’s way, with 500 buy-outs completed so far and a programme of work underway to remove the buildings or reduce the risk. But with the number of high-risk homes now overtaking forecasts, and buy-outs expected to reach 1200, Mr Brown says it's a serious reminder of the impact of these events.
“The investment for the public has been substantial - more than $2 billion of council and Government funding - and we are yet to see that number settle. With an eye on future events like this, resilience and preparedness has been top of mind,” adds Mr Brown.
“So, this recovery is not just about fixing what’s broken. We’ve had to rebuild in a way that reduces our risk next time. That means stronger and smarter, paying special attention to issue hot spots, and helping people move away from high-risk situations. And we must ensure our experience in Auckland informs national frameworks and guides how we respond next time.
“The Auckland Future Fund is one example of how we’re investing for all Aucklanders and future generations and enhancing the city’s resilience financially and physically by enabling us to diversify our assets to help cope with any future shocks.”

Storm affected home beneath a landslide
Long tail of recovery
Evidence from similar events, including Queensland floods, signals that recoveries by nature are not straight forward and have a long tail – in excess of five years. Tāmaki Makaurau Group Recovery Manager, Mace Ward, says most of the remaining remedial and categorisation work is at sites and homes with more complex circumstances.
“We are most of the way through, but expect to be recovering for a few years - as common in recoveries like this,” says Mr Ward.
“We know that while most Aucklanders have moved on, there are still families recovering - either working through our categorisation process or trying to come to terms with what’s happened and to move forward with their lives. So, our focus for the next few months will be completing the remaining 15 per cent of home categorisations. Alongside this we’ll be progressing the remaining buy-outs, removing the buildings or addressing the risk and continuing to support those Aucklanders that still need us.
“Next month we'll take the next step in establishing the framework to help us decide how Aucklanders get best value out of the land we have acquired, given the different levels of risk. Work on the remaining transport, parks and facilities projects will continue for two to three years, while those on the wastewater network will be completed by the middle of this year.
“We are on track to get spades in the ground in record time for our first two flood resilience projects in Māngere later this year, and are developing options for the next phase of projects in at-risk communities.”

Placarded homes, stormwater issues, and Fire & Emergency NZ response calls across Auckland 27 Jan - 15 Feb 2023
Do you need support?
The anniversary of a natural disaster can be triggering, not only for those directly impacted but also for those supporting them. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions—sadness, anxiety, or even overwhelm—whether it’s your own feelings or empathy for someone you care about. Be patient with yourself and others, offer understanding, and take time to check in. Small acts of kindness, even for yourself, can make a big difference. Remember, it’s okay to feel, and it’s okay to seek support if you need it too.
Further support:
- If you or someone you know needs some extra support right now, please reach out to a free helpline to chat with a trained counsellor. Free call or text 1737, text Youthline at 234, or look for other options here.
- Ask your GP about free wellbeing support from health coaches or check out wellbeingsupport to find a provider near you..
- Age Concern Auckland provides a counselling service for older adults – call 0800 652 105 to find out more.
- You can download the Groov and Headstrong wellbeing apps for free for Android and Apple phones – you can find them in your Google Play or Apple App Store.
- Find more social and wellbeing supports on OurAukland.