The Government has announced an extension of accommodation assistance for families displaced by Cyclone Gabrielle and the January 2023 Auckland floods.

This move follows ongoing advocacy by Auckland Council to support affected residents through the lengthy recovery process.

The extended support, which continues through June 2025, includes an additional $28 million in funding for the Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS).

Administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), TAS assists households in finding temporary accommodation when their homes have been damaged by natural disasters.

In addition, the Temporary Accommodation Assistance (TAA) programme, managed by the Ministry of Social Development, will also continue.

TAA provides payments to homeowners unable to live in their homes due to severe weather events.

Despite earlier expansions of the criteria, properties held in trusts remain ineligible for this assistance.

“Extension of this critical support will be a huge relief for family in all affected regions as they move through the stages of recovery. And particularly in Auckland where we will have more joining our programme to the end of September,” said Linda Greenalgh, Group Community and Social Recovery lead for the Auckland Recovery Office.

By June 10, over 1600 properties in Auckland had been categorised, with more than 500 eligible for buy-outs.

Approximately 300 buy-out offers have been made, and 100 buy-outs have been completed.

“Any categorisations continuing into next year will be for later registrations - not those who are already waiting,” Ms Greenalgh explained.

“Homeowners already registered and waiting should have their categories well before the end of the year. Those who registered last year have been given a forecast date for their categorisation - with most expected to be completed in the next few months.”

Affected homeowners have until September 30 to register for the categorisation programme.

While registrations continue to come in weekly, Ms Greenalgh acknowledged that some at-risk homeowners have been hesitant to sign up.

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“For many living in flood plains and repeat flooding areas, this might be the best option they have going forward to move somewhere safer,” she said.

“A common concern is that getting a category will affect their property value and insurance premiums. But insurance providers, banks, tenants, councils, and the property market will make their own decisions about risk with publicly available information. So – it’s about making sure everyone understands the benefits and risks and can make an informed decision.”

Recent research by IAG found that 90% of buyers want flood information when purchasing a house.

Natural hazard risks have become the second most important consideration for house buyers, following price.

Land Information Memorandums (LIMs), public hazard maps, and previous claim history all include information on flooding and landslip hazards, regardless of a property's categorisation status.

This extension of accommodation assistance aims to provide continued relief and support to those still recovering from the significant impacts of these recent severe weather events.