Auckland Council Removes Over 250 Storm-Damaged Homes as Buyout Program Progresses
Auckland Council Removes Over 250 Storm-Damaged Homes as Buyout Program Progresses
Auckland Council’s recovery office has removed more than 250 storm-damaged or high-risk homes across the region as it continues its ambitious buyout program aimed at reducing flood risks and improving community safety. The initiative, backed by a $1.2 billion joint effort with the government, is expected to see over 1,200 homes bought out by the end of this year.
The council has set a deadline of 19 December for homeowners to finalize sale-and-purchase agreements, with settlements continuing into early 2026. So far, 843 buyouts have been completed, offering affected families the chance to move forward with their lives. However, the remaining cases are proving to be more complex, with shared ownership arrangements and emotional challenges for homeowners who feel they have missed out on the opportunity.
Group recovery manager Mace Ward emphasized that the council is now focusing on the more intricate cases, including shared ownership, which present unique legal and emotional hurdles. “We’re dealing with people who feel like they’ve missed out, and the next step is helping them adapt in a time of climate instability,” he said.
Of the 1,189 homes deemed eligible for buyout, 145 are considered high-risk and may be reduced through safety measures such as building retaining walls or relocating homes. Council officials are also working with affected homeowners to make their properties safer, allowing them to remain in their communities if possible.
Over a third of the 250 removed homes have been relocated, with the suburb of Milford housing the highest number of eligible high-risk homes at 140. Council plans to remove around 30 storm-damaged homes per month until November 2027.
Ward noted that the focus of the next phase of the project will be on determining the future use of land purchased through the buyouts. “Safety remains our top priority, but we also need to deliver value for Aucklanders, especially given the high cost of this recovery effort,” he said.
In addition, the council has confirmed four major flood resilience projects in collaboration with the government, including two in Mangere and two in Wairau Park and Ranui, aimed at reducing future flood risks and enhancing infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
As the city moves forward, the buyout program highlights the growing challenges of living in flood-prone areas and the need for long-term planning in the face of climate change. The council’s efforts are not only about removing homes but also about building a more resilient and safer future for all Aucklanders.
