Home removal programme for 2023 storm-affected properties

Last updated: 21 May 2025

Land purchased in the Category 3 property buy-out process belongs to Auckland Council.

Removing damaged buildings

Once the buy-out process for a property is complete and ownership is transferred, building removal can take place. The options include:

• relocation
• deconstruction
• demolition.

First, contractors need to complete asbestos surveys and disconnect services.

Each property is assessed to find the best removal option to reduce future risk. The Recovery Office and Waste Solutions team will work with a number of different companies to deliver the home removal programme.

Our waste policy commits us to ensure the home removal process generates the least possible amount of landfill waste. Where possible, we will remove homes in clusters to minimise disruption.

Our community partners from Waste Solutions will help us to recycle and reuse building materials where possible.

Home removal process steps

Future land use

We are planning to buy more than 1200 high-risk properties in Auckland before the end of 2025. This will be one of the largest land acquisition programmes in New Zealand.

Storm Affected Land Use Policy and implementation approach

Our Policy and Planning Committee approved the 'Storm Affected Land Use Policy and implementation approach' on 10 April 2025. This document sets guidelines for appropriate use of the purchased land.

You can download the document to learn more.

Visit Future use of storm-affected land on OurAuckland for more information.  

Deconstruction process in Muriwai

Our video highlights the process of deconstructing Category 3 homes in Muriwai.

Read the full transcript of the video.

What happens to deconstruction material

This video highlights the process of reusing deconstruction material from storm-affected homes.

Read the full transcript of the video.