Category 3 buyouts
The New Zealand Government confirmed on 1 June 2023 that it will support a buyout programme for Risk Category 3 properties.
To read more on the government announcement, see Government to support councils with buyout and better protection of cyclone and flood affected properties.
Why we need to buy Category 3 properties
As a result of two extreme weather events in January and February 2023, an intolerable level of risk now exists for some residential households.
If we do not step in, these households are highly likely to become stuck in a disaster-rebuild-disaster cycle, where loss of life is possible.
As part of the proposed cost-share arrangement with the government, local councils in storm-affected areas will buy the properties from the owners so people do not continue to live in high-risk homes.
This is a voluntary process for property owners to take part in.
See Property risk categories for more information on risk classification.
Timeframe for Category 3 buyouts
There are a lot of details to work through before we can confirm how long it will take for us to purchase a property.
Some things that affect the timeline, such as the valuation methodology depend on the decisions our mayor and councillors make in October 2023.
Our public consultation on Funding Auckland's Storm Recovery and Resilience is open from 11 to 24 September 2023.
We will analyse the feedback from this consultation which will form part of the decision-making by the
Governing Body in early October.
We recognise that property owners want certainty as quickly as possible.
We are looking to start individual conversations with confirmed Category 3 property owners at the end of October.
Insurance payouts
This risk categorisation process will have no impact on your insurance claim – your claim will continue to progress as normal.
Your insurance contractual rights under your claim are between you and your insurer, and we recommend you contact them with any concerns or questions you have.
We will not discuss payouts with insurers or apply for payouts on behalf of individuals. However, we may share property classification data, if necessary.
See the Insurance Council of New Zealand website for more information.
If you have questions about how your insurance claim relates to a possible property risk categorisation, contact your insurance company.
