Information for Category 1 homeowners

Last updated: 30 August 2024

If a property does not meet the 'intolerable risk to life' classification, it will be assigned as Category 1. Category 1 is not determined by the extent of damage to a property. It can be assigned to properties with some damage or no damage at all.

Financial assistance for Category 1 homeowners

There is no financial assistance for Category 1 homeowners in the co-funding agreement between the Governing Body and New Zealand Government.

This means Category 1 properties are not eligible for a Category 3 buy-out 3 or Category 2P mitigation grants.

Support for affected homeowners

You can talk to a trained counsellor or attend a workshop to manage your stress and anxiety related to 2023 weather events. Visit Help with mental health after a natural disaster to learn more.

To find out about latest webinars by the Recovery Office visit Storm-related webinars and consultations.

Future risk to Category 1 properties

Category 1 means there is no intolerable risk to life at the property, but it does not guarantee a property cannot be impacted by weather events in the future.

Categorisation in neighbouring properties

It is possible for neighbouring properties to be given different categories. A property can be a Category 1 while a neighbour is given a Category 2 or 3. This can be due to variety of reasons including:

• shape or slope of the land
• location of the property in relation to water flow.

Categories and placards

If your property has a placard, visit Placards issued to properties after a natural disaster to find out more about different types of placards.

Email rbacomms@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for queries related to removing a placard.

Disputing categorisation

After receiving the categorisation, you have three months to dispute your category. For details, visit Disputing categorisation and buyout decisions.

Information on LIMs and property files

For information on what will be included on LIMs and property files, visit How we use your flooding and landslide information.

Preparing for a flood

Read the document 'Preparing your property for flooding' for information on how to reduce the impact of flooding on your property. You can find this document in the 'Other useful information' section on Storm recovery documents.

More information

Download information for Category 1 homeowners to learn more.