Communities across the Albert-Eden Local Board area were impacted by major storms in 2023. In the days following the extreme weather, more than 480 rapid building assessments were carried out. Of those, 288 homes were marked with restricted access due to safety concerns. Some of the worst-hit areas included Mt Eden, Epsom, Sandringham, Ōwairaka and Mt Albert.
Since then, roads, parks and public facilities have been repaired. Tonnes of debris have been cleared from stormwater systems, and nearly 400 homes have been assessed to determine if they remain at serious risk from future storms.
Meanwhile, community recovery planning is now underway in Sandringham, Balmoral, Epsom and Mt Eden, with support from local organisations SPiCE and Catalyse. They’ll be running events and engagements that give locals the opportunity to help shape what their neighbourhoods need to recover and thrive again.
“While many people have been able to move forward, there are still families living with uncertainty,” says Albert-Eden Local Board Chair Kendyl Smith.
“So, for some, this has been a long and emotional journey — and it’s good to see more certainty emerging about what the future holds for homes and neighbourhoods.”
Kendyl Smith, Albert-Eden Local Board Chair
Addressing high-risk situations
“Now that we understand where the highest risks are, we can focus on delivering the right solutions,” says Mace Ward, Auckland Council’s Group Recovery Manager.
By the end of 2025, more than 1200 Category 3 homes are expected to be bought out across Auckland — one of the largest land acquisition programmes in New Zealand history. This will help these residents move out of harm’s way.
“In Albert-Eden, around 180 homes are part of this buy-out programme, with more than 80 already purchased. A further 27 homes will receive tailored risk-reduction support, such as lifting or relocating houses or installing retaining walls.”
The council has also been looking into large-scale flood resilience projects. Along Oakley Creek, feasibility testing for Stage 2 of a flood resilience project has been completed, and early design and modelling are underway. In other suburbs like Mt Eden and Epsom, where large infrastructure upgrades weren’t viable, the focus is now on helping people move out of high-risk situations.
Plans for high-risk properties
High-risk homes bought by council will be removed over the next two years and either relocated for use elsewhere, or carefully deconstructed. Most of the salvaged materials will go to local community recycling centres for reuse.
“We’ll be removing homes in clusters to reduce disruption for neighbours,” says Mace. That means we need to wait until several buy-outs are complete in a neighbourhood before we start. While we can’t give exact timelines just yet, we’ll be in close contact with residents as plans come together.”
As homes are bought and removed, many residents are wondering what will happen to the empty land. A new council policy will guide future land use — with safety, long-term resilience, and value for the wider community as key considerations. Those interested can make a suggestion about a vacant property by visiting ourauckland.nz/futureuse.
Preparing for the future
Following recent storms, it’s becoming clear that storm recovery isn’t just about rebuilding — it’s about being better prepared for the future.
After removing tonnes of debris from Oakley Creek and other stormwater locations, Auckland Council has boosted stream and stormwater maintenance across Albert-Eden, including clearing blockages, installing hotspot cameras, and upgrading drains to back-entry catchpits, which continue working even if the surface grate is blocked. In addition, ahead of forecast events, council’s teams check and clear hotspots and key issue areas.
Local partnerships will also make a difference. Council is working with Earth Action Trust, Urban Ark, STEPS and Friends of Oakley Creek to raise awareness about water catchment areas and support stream restoration projects throughout the board area.
“With more intense weather becoming the new normal, it will take a team effort to help make our homes and communities more resilient,” says Kendyl.
“We now have a tailored Emergency Readiness Plan for Albert-Eden, plus simple summary sheets showing where to go in an evacuation and what to have ready. And there’s plenty homeowners can do to reduce their own flood risk — from gutters and drainage to fences, landscaping and entryways."
Local groups like Gribblehirst Hub and Epsom Baptist Church are also stepping up, playing a key role in emergency planning and preparing to lead community hubs and local response efforts when needed.
Visit Auckland Council’s website for English and translated guides on how to reduce flood risks on your property.
