Cyclone recovery minister Grant Robertson has released new updates on timelines for properties affected by the recent weather events. Robertson said that decisions on severely affected flood-prone areas are set to begin in June, with assessment on low risk properties ending by May 31.
“I am encouraged by the work the taskforce, councils and insurance companies are doing in progressing through the initial risk categorisation framework provided by the government. Providing certainty as quickly as possible to those affected has been a priority, but it is [a] complex job and we want to get it right,” Robertson said.
In a news release, he said that Hawke’s Bay assessments will end by May, and local engagement with affected homeowners to follow suit. This will allow affected Kiwis to settle with their respective insurers and get on with repairs for their homes.
“Engagement with individuals and communities with Category 2 and 3 severely affected properties will begin in early June, outlining the process ahead and paving the way for consultation on specific outcomes for severely affected locations,” he said, referring to the new categories created following consultations with insurance companies and local government units.
Robertson reiterated that local councils would have a critical role in both assessments and the decision making for flood prone properties. Decisions on the future of homes affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and the North Island floods are being made locally, while the Hawke’s Bay Recovery Agency will play its own critical role in their region.
“Engagement with Māori between the Crown and local government will take place in parallel in early June with specific consideration of whenua Māori, Treaty Settlement assets and taonga,” Robertson said. He also expected that decisions on the categories for those in Auckland will follow a similar timeline as to that in Hawke’s Bay.
“We know it is stressful for residents waiting to hear about the future of their properties and I want to assure people we are doing all we can to move through this process as quickly and effectively as we can,” he said. “The worse thing would be for us to announce a property or community was in one category, only to change that shortly thereafter. We need to make the right decision, not the quick one.”
What are your thoughts on this story? Please feel free to share your comments below.
