The owners of flood-damaged Tinui properties are in discussions with Masterton District Council [MDC] over their future.
When Cyclone Gabrielle tore through parts of the district in February, it caused serious flooding in the small community of Tinui.
Some in the small township east of Masterton had to evacuate their homes at the time. The local school was badly flooded, with mud through the classrooms, and operated from a community hall while the cleanup was underway.
A MDC spokesperson has confirmed confidential discussions are underway with the property owners.
“Conversations are ongoing with the owners of properties affected by the severe weather events earlier in the year,” they said.
“We are not in a position to specify the number of impacted property owners at this stage. Any decisions made by the council following these conversations will be made public.
“We are not at the same stage as Auckland and Hawke’s Bay councils, where damage has been a focus for the Government,” they said.
“MDC is continuing to communicate directly, and confidentially, with affected property owners.”
It is understood MDC itself will be discussing the issue at a private meeting next Wednesday [October 25].
The number of affected properties in the Masterton district is significantly lower than in Hawke’s Bay and Auckland.
Earlier this month, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council confirmed there were 287 red-zoned category three properties in the region.
In Hawke’s Bay, the buyout process for those affected in Hawke’s Bay is expected to begin by the end of this month, as is the next stage of voluntary buyouts for unsafe category three homes.
Auckland Council reportedly plans to buy out about 700 flood-damaged properties as part of a $2 billion cost-sharing storm package with the government.
– NZLDR
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