Damage to Muriwai properties in the wake of the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro
A Muriwai resident is among the first owners of storm-damaged homes in Auckland to receive a buyout offer.
Auckland Council's recovery office has notified 67 homeowners they are eligible for a buyout, starting with 47 in Muriwai, and most are working through the valuation process.
The coastal West Auckland community was hit by land slips during Cyclone Gabrielle which damaged a number of homes.
Muriwai resident Caroline Bell-Booth has today received a buyout offer from council.
She said others in the community have received valuations and were waiting on legal documents to sign.
"All people that I've come across feel satisfied and content with the offer that has been placed. Everybody considers it fair, no-one's rubbing their hands with glee as if they've won a Lotto ticket," she said.
"All we've ever asked for is a realistic price so that we can move on and thus far I'm yet to meet somebody who is disgruntled by the category three buyout valuation from council."
The buyout amount will be the agreed valuation for a property, less the five percent homeowner contribution, less any settled insurance claims.
Bell-Booth expected to settle the buyout for her home in the new year - but has mixed feelings.
"I just felt immense sadness which seems so contrary because the number [of the property valuation] was totally acceptable and so I guess there's relief and assurance but it wasn't as I had imagined my response to be," she said.
"I just felt deep sadness that the house that I love and that chapter of my life is over and that I won't be living at Muriwai anymore."
She said it had been a long journey to get to this point, including advocating for the community through the Muriwai Stickered Residents Group.
Bell-Booth said many families were still waiting for certainty, while others had a complex process ahead determining what mitigation work was needed to future-proof their homes and allow them to continue living in them.
"What you learn is the value of the people because you've lost all your possessions."
Although renting in Muriwai, she and her husband plan to move out of the coastal suburb where housing is limited.
"We would like to heal elsewhere just because it's been a great loss for us. Some new surroundings will bring an invigoration of spirit and start a new chapter," she said.
"It's just a timely closure and we're very grateful to have that level of clarity before going into Christmas."
