Suburbs surrounding the Wairau Creek on Auckland’s North Shore were some of the hardest hit during the 2023 floods, with the tragic loss of two lives and millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses. Surf lifesaving volunteers rescued 69 people from the area, cars were washed away, and more than 250 homes in Milford, the Wairau Valley and surrounding suburbs received red or yellow placards with safety issues displacing families.
Since then, recovery work has been underway — roads and public spaces restored, stormwater systems cleared, and more than 200 homes assessed for future risk. Milford has emerged as the most severely affected urban neighbourhood in Auckland, with 139 Category 3 homes now on track to be bought out and removed—or made safe. What happens with that land next will be a key conversation for the community.
Alongside this work, Auckland Council has confirmed a major long-term flood protection project at AF Thomas Park that ensures recreational use and access remains a part of its future. The project will be a major undertaking, paving the way for other flood reduction activity, and everyone will have the chance to shape how the remaining space is used.
Pulling together in the aftermath
In the days after the floods, Milford’s strong community spirit was on full display. Locals quickly opened the Milford Senior Citizens Club for donations, which soon filled to capacity. Volunteers made up care parcels for families and delivered them by truck to the hardest-hit streets. To help keep people informed, the residents association produced newsletters every two days to share recovery updates.
It was a confronting time. Many remember the heartbreak of seeing piles of treasured belongings — including family photo albums — lined up on the kerb.
Later, a group of locals including Pupuke Birdsong, the Milford Mariners and the Milford Residents Association teamed up to remove debris from the creek and mangroves. Around 70 wheelie bins, fridges, a water tank, timber, and toys were pulled from the waterways.
Local experience paving the road ahead
Today the Milford Residents Association is working alongside Auckland Council and other partners to lead community-led recovery planning.
With support from locals, they’ve created the Milford storyboard — a visual display installed in public spaces around the suburb. It shares the community’s experience during the floods, where things stand now, and what could come next. The storyboards are designed to spark conversations and invite everyone to have their say.
“Even some locals don’t realise how serious it was — and still is,” says Norma Bott, who works with the Milford Residents Association as well as the Senior Citizens Club. “Acknowledging that and making it visible is important.”
Debbie Dunsford from the Milford Residents Association agrees that listening has been just as important as planning. “People have been through a lot, and sometimes they just need someone to hear them. It’s also reminded people how much they love Milford,” she adds. “We’ve got the beach, the shops, the schools — and it still feels like a village. People want to protect that.”
Help shape what’s next
There is a lot of change ahead in Milford, not least storm-affected homes being removed, with new uses being decided, and a significant infrastructure project. Norma says the community’s input will be vital in shaping decisions ahead.
“We're also welcoming fresh voices onto our Milford Storm Recovery Group,” says Norma. “We’ve got a great mix of people involved — young and old — and we’re loving the new ideas. It’s a team effort built on shared values.”
“When people share what matters to them, it helps us create something positive out of what’s happened. This is everyone’s chance to help shape Milford’s future.”
The Milford Residents Association has been hosting local events to gather more ideas and hear from as many people as possible. Some events have tempted people to stop and talk with offers of a free coffee or an ice cream or a sizzled sausage. Most people are happy to talk about how the floods affected them and how they see Milford’s future.
One thing people are really interested in is the future of land where Category 3 homes will be removed. People want a say in how that land is used to serve the community — both short-term and long-term.
Debbie adds, “While many are ready to move forward, others are still healing — and that’s okay. Everyone’s journey is different. But one thing is clear — people want to see something good come from this.”
For more information and updates, visit the Milford Recovery Page on OurAuckland.
Upcoming community events:
- Sunday 27 July, 2pm–4pm: Wrap-up event, Milford Senior Citizens Hall, with afternoon tea and spot prizes. Please RSVP for catering: chairs@milford.org.nz.
Artist impression of proposed blue-green network for Wairau in AF Thomas Park working as stormwater detention.
