RNZ
12 September 2023, 8:19 PM
Flood-affected Aucklanders are being urged to speak up about the $2 billion flood recovery funding agreement.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson said the consultation was an important next step in Auckland's recovery.
"The proposed package goes beyond just buying out high-risk homes and supports a longer-term pathway for our region's resilience," she said.
"All the evidence tells us that we will experience more frequent and extreme storms in the future, so it's vital we increase our resilience now so we're not leaving our communities exposed to the ongoing risk of these extreme weather events."
Aucklanders have until 24 September to have their say on the agreement.
Auckland Council and the government will share the costs of the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery plan, including a $774 million buyout package for 700 uninhabitable properties.
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board chairperson Tauanu'u Nanai Nick Bakulich urged his community to make their voices heard.
"We've had significant flood damage and we keep hearing Kāinga Ora have been taken care of, but we also have homeowners who have been badly affected."
He was frustrated with rhetoric that stereotyped Māngere as a predominantly social housing area, reminding officials that homeowners in his community needed support too.
"I've resigned myself to being the squeaky wheel, I used to think I didn't want to rock the boat but when I hear where resources are being prioritised, I've been forced to speak out," said the board chair.
How to participate in the consultation
Aucklanders can have their say by completing an online feedback form, emailing or visiting their local library or service centre to complete a paper feedback form.
About the deal
The cost-share agreement includes:
By Kim Meredith, Local Democracy Reporting
Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
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