Progress update and upcoming activity
More than 50% of the 130-plus Category 3 storm-affected properties in Milford have now been removed, representing a significant milestone in the complex home removal programme, following the 2023 severe weather events.
Auckland Council’s Storm-Affected Land team are entering a particularly busy period of deconstruction work in Milford, with contractors preparing to remove a further 26 properties from September to November.
“We recognise that this progress can be disruptive for nearby residents. Our contractors will inform any neighbours impacted by removals as detailed plans are confirmed, and active work areas will be fenced and clearly signposted,” says Nick Seymour, Head of Storm-Affected Land, Auckland Council.
Complex access arrangements, as well as sites where Auckland Council is in shared ownership arrangements with private owners, means that the tail-end of this programme will take longer to complete. All private owners in these shared ownership arrangements have been assigned an Auckland Council Site Resolution Manager who will work through this process with them.
Find out more about the Category 3 home removal programme.
Home removals
So far, 17 Milford houses have been relocated and are providing homes for whānau across the North Island.
When homes cannot be relocated, materials are recovered for reuse wherever possible. Many of these materials find their way to the Wairau Zero Waste Hub, where doors, whiteware, pavers, fittings and other salvaged items are sold at affordable prices, helping keep good-quality materials in use for longer. Stock changes regularly and popular items don't stay on the shelves for long.
“By giving materials from storm-affected properties a second life, the Hub is helping our communities recover and rebuild following a devastating event. This partnership has not only supported local organisations working with those in need, but has also created opportunities for innovative research with Massey University into hard-to-recycle materials,” says Nick.
Open every Saturday from 9am to 4pm, the Wairau Zero Waste Hub at 9 Porana Road, Wairau, is a valued community hub. Pop down, donate your good quality uneeded items, and have a look before buying new.
You might just find what you need for your next project while keeping useful items out of landfill.
Maintenance and security
We carry out basic monthly maintenance at Category 3 properties, focusing on areas visible from roads and footpaths, such as berms and front yards. You can report an issue with council-owned property using the ‘Report a problem’ tool on the council website.
What’s the long-term plan for this land?
Storm-affected land in Milford is being held onto in the short/medium term in case it’s required for Ngā Wairau Stage 2. As this project progresses, we’ll be able to confirm which sites are needed for flood mitigation, and which could be available for other uses.
Ngā Wairau is a three-stage flood mitigation project that would give stormwater space to flow and help to reduce flooding where people live. Stage 2 focuses on building flood resilience in Milford and Tōtara Vale but is yet to undergo detailed design or have funding allocated to it. Currently, the concept designs are expected to be completed by late 2026, then included in a business case to Auckland Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee in early 2027.
Decisions about buying and selling land are made by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, taking into account the views of local boards. It will take several years to carefully decide the future use of each section, because we need to balance flood resilience, community needs, mana whenua input, and financial impacts.
Find out more about Ngā Wairau blue-green network.
Interim use requests
While long-term decisions are being made, community groups and organisations can apply to use some storm-affected land for temporary activities, such as planting, grazing, play equipment or events, where sites are assessed as safe and suitable. To date, approvals have been granted for community gardening on Nile Road, short-term access to support activations, and access to neighbouring properties, with Council continuing to work alongside organisations to assess additional interim use opportunities.
Guidelines for interim storm-affected land use, along with an application form, are available in this OurAuckland story.
“We’d like to thank the Milford community for their patience while we continue the removal of these high-risk Category 3 properties, as well as assess interim use requests and plan for the long-term future of storm-affected land,” adds Nick.