The suburbs surrounding the Wairau Creek on the North Shore were some of the hardest hit during the 2023 floods, with the tragic loss of two lives and millions of dollars of damage to homes and businesses. Surf lifesaving volunteers rescued 69 people from the area, and more than 250 homes in Milford, the Wairau Valley and surrounding suburbs received red (significant damage) or yellow (moderate damage) placards.

Milford has the highest number of Category 3 homes (that pose a risk to life that can’t be mitigated) of any suburb in Auckland.

Major flood resilience projects

After exploring a range of options to reduce serious flood risk in the Wairau area, Auckland Council has approved the plan for Stage 1 of flood resilience works. This stage includes transforming AF Thomas Park into a multi-purpose space that supports both flood resilience and recreation.  

From 2027, these flood resilience works will begin on a section of the park. This work will restore wetlands designed to temporarily hold larger volumes of rainfall, while also creating walking tracks, planting, and seating areas for the community to enjoy. 

The Kaipātiki Local Board will be seeking feedback on what recreation activities should be included in the remaining area of the park, outside the flood protection zone. This space could continue to focus on golf, or offer a wider mix of community activities — guided by technical advice on what’s practical and affordable. 

Any new facilities would be developed over time and funded through future budgets or other sources. Have your say from 20 October - 23 November 2025 at akhaveyoursay.nz.

Stage 2 plans to integrate a blue-green network are in development, but are unfunded at this stage. 

Ongoing stormwater work and preparedness

The council has increased stormwater maintenance and monitoring in the area. Stormwater network improvements include:

• 36 Hotspots inspected monthly and before storms
• 5 hotspot monitoring cameras installed to identify blockages for faster removal by operations teams
• Increased catch-pit cleaning of 2,500 locations
• New water quality treatment device installed
• Watercourse at Bryan Byrnes Reserve dredged, desilting of Link Drive pond
• Upgrading to 'back-entry' catchpits that still take in water if the top grate is blocked.

Alongside this we are working with the community to help reduce dumping around streams and increase storm preparedness. In Milford we have partnered with Pupuke Birdsong to improve local flood knowledge, expand stream restoration efforts, and support stormwater management. For more information get in touch with Pupuke Birdsong or keep an eye out for local events! 

Flood risk at homes

The council has assessed homes affected in the 2023 storms that registered for a future risk category, offering buy-out or construction grant support depending on the risk. 

Visit our Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office website for more information, or these pages on the council website for detailed information about each category: 

• Category 1: 62 homes in Milford were cleared of having an 'intolerable risk to life' from future flooding and landslides

• Category 2P: 4 homes in Milford were identified as having an 'intolerable risk to life', but are receiving support to implement solutions at their home that will reduce this risk to a reasonable level.
• Category 3 : 138 homes in Milford were identified as having an 'intolerable risk to life' but there is no viable solution to reduce the risk to a reasonable level. These homeowners have been offered a buy-out to help them move out of harm's way.

As of 02 October 2025, across the Wairau catchment over 130 buy-outs have been completed, with 19 pending settlement and the rest at various stages of the buy-out process. 

Wellbeing support

Various community and wellbeing support is available for storm-affected residents, including free help with processing home insurance claims, rates relief, temporary accommodation assistance, and wider financial and mental health support. Check out the available wellbeing resources on OurAuckland.  

As many of the whānau affected by the 2023 severe weather events have moved forward, and no longer require the support of the Storm Recovery Navigation Service, the service is winding down toward closure in December 2025. While the team continue working with their current whānau, they are no longer accepting any new referrals. Check out the available wellbeing resources on OurAuckland.

Removal of high-risk homes

Auckland Council is removing high-risk Category 3 homes that were part of the voluntary buy-out programme (and continuing to look at how we make Category 3 units within multi-unit complexes safe). But with more than 130 Category 3 homes set to be removed in the area, we know this will bring significant change to the neighbourhood — and we’ll ensure it’s managed with care. 

Getting to the point of being able to remove a home requires working alongside neighbouring homeowners, some of which have shared ownership situations with our Category 3 properties. We thank these homeowners very much for their cooperation.  

How homes will be removed 

As we confirm detailed plans for each cluster of homes for removal, we’ll inform direct neighbours and previous homeowners, while keeping the wider community updated about the general programme of work. In unit-titles and cross-lease situations we’ll notify other owners once a sale is agreed, keep them updated of our plans, and seek approval where required for any activities.  

Most homes will be removed or deconstructed, with around a third relocated for use elsewhere. Salvageable materials will be sent to recycling partners for reuse.  

The current contractors working in this area are McMahon Services and Green Way. Active work areas will be fenced-off and clearly signposted - so keep an eye out for our signs. Please contact RecoveryOffice@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz if you require more information. 

Woodbridge area updates 

From early October, we’ll start removal works in a cluster of Category 3 homes on Nile Road close to the Woodbridge bridge. Ahead of this, locals may see the sub-contractors set up site and making it safe to start work.  

This will provide much-needed space required for the planned bridge removal, including the crane and other machinery. Until this space is ready, we won’t have a specific date for the bridge removal - but expect to have a clearer picture in November.    

We are carefully progressing our plans for Category 3 home removals on Woodbridge Lane. Given there are a few remaining residents in shared ownership situations, we have additional considerations to work through with these residents and their body corporates.    

Read more on the home removal programme. 

Maintenance/security of Category 3 homes

After settlement of a property, Auckland Council provides a basic level of maintenance on a monthly schedule. The focus is on maintaining areas visible from roads and footpaths i.e. berms and front yards on properties that have road frontages. Regular security patrols will also monitor the properties.

If you have an issue with a Category 3 home that has been purchased by the council, please raise a maintenance request in the ‘Auckland Council Report a Problem tool’. Note that until council takes ownership of a property, we are unable to do any work on it.

Damage from break-ins and vandalism is an ongoing issue, with more and more houses having to be boarded up to prevent this. If you see any suspicious behaviour please report it to the police. 

For questions about maintenance/security of storm-affected homes check out the FAQs.

Unit title and cross-lease situations

We acknowledge how complex and emotional these situations are — particularly for homeowners in shared ownership situations concerned about the future of their own home. So we recognise the importance of ongoing communication in these situations. 

In unit-titles and cross-lease situations we’ll notify other owners on the property after a sale is agreed with council, keep them updated of our plans, and seek written approval where required for any activities. Plans could involve making the site safe, exploring non-residential uses, or other appropriate options. 

For more information see our multi-unit and cross-lease FAQs.

Future use of storm-affected land

We have a region-wide policy that guides what we do with this land. Our top priority is always safety — but we also need to make sure we’re delivering good value for Aucklanders, especially given how expensive these buy-outs have been. You can find the policy online at ourauckland.nz/futureuse.   

Essential use or hazard management  

We're considering how Category 3 land can support essential council services like flood mitigation, which will save Aucklanders money in the long run. We expect around half of the properties to remain with council either because they're useful or need management due to high hazard risks.  

Opportunities for sale  

But holding onto land has ongoing costs. If a property isn’t needed for essential council services or hazard management, we’ll consider selling it where’s it’s safe to do so.  

Some sites may become safe for redevelopment by building on less hazardous areas or having the risk reduced through measures like flood protection upgrades.    

If the land isn’t essential or redevelopable, other sale options will be considered, such as backyard extensions for neighbours or rural grazing. Due to the hazard, there will be limitations on use.  

Community uses  

We’re working with local boards and mana whenua to explore community uses for land where council services or sale aren’t viable. This could include parks or open spaces in areas that lack them – particularly where funding is available to support these initiatives.  

Interim uses  

In the meantime, we’re considering safe temporary uses with supporting guidelines. Community groups and organisations can apply to use this land for low-risk, non-residential activities like planting, grazing, play equipment, or temporary events. Guidelines are available at ourauckland.nz/futureuse.  

Got a land use suggestion?  

After looking at the guidelines you can make suggestions for future or interim uses at ourauckland.nz/futureuse. We’ll only get in touch when we have an update – this will take time.

Looking forward: Community recovery planning

Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office is working alongside the Milford community as it adapts and prepares for any future events. This work is also active across the wider Wairau catchment in Forrest Hill, Sunnynook, Totara Vale and Castor Bay.

With hundreds of affected homes to be removed across Auckland, the changes can lead to feelings of uncertainty. Connecting with friends and neighbours helps to normalise these feelings and reminds us we’re not alone in our experiences. 

Having opportunities to participate in how your community adapts to your new normal and prepares for any future events is also important. To get involved in Recovery Planning for Milford contact the Milford Residents Association chairs@milford.org.nz or the North Shore Community-led Recovery Specialist neesha.bremner@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

A range of support services are available for storm-affected residents. Check out the available wellbeing resources on OurAuckland. Read our story 'Shaping Milford's Future Through Major Change' to find out more about local community recovery planning. 

Community events and engagements

With community recovery planning and flood resilience projects in full swing, there are lots of events happening in our storm-impacted communities. For the latest events and engagement opportunities in your neighbourhood, visit our community events page. 

Flood awareness and preparedness

There is a lot of information available about flood risk in communities and at homes, with a key resource being the Auckland Council Flood Viewer where you can search to find Auckland addresses. Connected to this, there is some fantastic information to help you reduce the flood risk at your home and keep your family prepared. 

An Emergency Readiness Plan has been prepared for the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area based on its unique geographical, social and hazard profile. The plan identifies the local board area’s top hazards and provides tips on reducing risk, preparing for emergencies, and navigating the recovery process. A handy key contacts and information summary sheet for easy access tips. Milford also has its first emergency community hub at the Milford Cruising Club.

Reporting flooding, dumping and stormwater blockage issues to 09 301 01 01 will ensure the council can address issues as soon as possible.

Managing development in hazard areas

Auckland Council has approved new planning rule changes designed to keep people and property safer while enabling new homes in well-connected areas. The rules would restrict development in high-risk flood and erosion zones, including tougher consent requirements, downzoning in the most vulnerable areas, and up-to-date hazard mapping to guide decisions.  

Rather than a blanket approach to development, the draft plan refocuses housing growth around town centres, transit hubs, jobs, and services. It also allows taller buildings (up to 15 storeys) near major train stations and along frequent bus corridors — all while ensuring housing capacity remains at least as high as under current standards.  

Next steps  

• 30 October 2025: Public notification is expected, subject to the minister’s agreement.
• 3 November to 19 December 2025: Public submissions are expected to open, subject to the minister’s agreement.
• Following submissions, public hearings will be held by an Independent Hearings Panel.

For more information, visit the Plan Change 120 page on the council's website.

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