More than three years on from the 2023 storms, the recovery journey for Rānui and Henderson is moving to renewal and resilience. At risk whānau have moved to safer ground, a major flood resilience project is taking shape, and communities have come together to map out what they want their neighbourhoods to be like for years to come.
Moving out of harm's way
One of the most tangible signs of progress is the voluntary Category 3 buy-out programme, which has helped 112 whānau in high-risk homes across Rānui and Henderson move out of harm's way. So far, 95 of these dwellings have been removed from the land, supporting the recovery process for those remaining. For many families, this has been a long and emotional process. But the programme has given people a pathway forward.
Reducing flood risk
Progress is being made setting the foundations for the Manawa aa Whenua / Clover Drive, Ranui project, which will reduce flooding risk for homes and roads by giving stormwater space to flow. The project is now in detailed design phase, with work continuing on acquiring the additional properties needed for the project.
Category 3 land uses
We will soon be able to confirm the Category 3 properties in Rānui that will be used for the project. But for most other Category 3 properties across the area, future land use decisions are still being carefully worked through, and not many are expected to be confirmed this year.
In the meantime, we are working to find the right balance with maintenance on Category 3 properties, keeping neighbours informed of upcoming home removal activity, and considering proposals for appropriate uses of the land.
Community outcomes shaped locally
Alongside the physical recovery work, something equally important has been taking shape. Community-led recovery plans have now been completed for Rānui and Henderson, setting out the priorities that will guide recovery initiatives and how dedicated funding is spent in each area. They are the result of genuine community input, with residents, schools and organisations giving their time to events, street conversations and surveys to shape what comes next for their neighbourhoods.
Henderson priorities
Te Kawerau ā Maki gifted the name Mau te Rongo to the Henderson Recovery Plan, anchoring its kaupapa in peace, connection and resilience. Developed by MPHS Community Trust alongside the wider community, the plan sets out five key priorities including strenghtening local connections and belonging, stronger shared identity and partnership with mana whenua, spaces driven by care for people, alongside some wider aspirations.
Rānui priorities
The Rānui Accord-supported community-led recovery plan, Whiti Te Rā, takes its name from the whakataukī "Ka tō he rā, ka rere he rā" - when one sun sets, another rises. An apt name for a community ready to look forward. Alongside this is Whiti Mai Rānui, a new overarching community movement providing a unifying kaupapa to align aspirations and recovery mahi across Rānui. Together they give shape and direction to 14 priorities across themes including local identity and connections, whānau wellbeing, and environmental resilience.
The next phase is an exciting one. Both plans are now moving from aspiration to action, with residents, neighbourhood groups and local organisations invited to develop initiatives that bring the priorities to life. The community will be at the heart of it every step of the way, with funding support from Auckland Council.
Hear more! Rānui community event coming soon
Details are being finalised for an event where Rānui locals can hear more about the Manawa aa Whenua / Clover Drive flood resilience project, find out about their local flood risk, learn how to get their household prepared, and connect with their neighbours. Sign up for updates and ongoing flood resilience news.
A huge thank you to MPHS Community Trust, the Rānui Accord, Te Kawerau ā Maki, the Community Action Group for the Manawa aa Whenua project, and every community member and organisation who has given their time and energy to this mahi. Your contribution is making a real difference.