The New Zealand Government has provided a property assessment timeline for homeowners affected by the floods and other severe weather events that struck this recent summer. 
 
Finance Minister Grant Robertson Assessments says low risk properties in North Island’s Hawke’s Bay will be completed and allow local engagement to begin with affected homeowners by May 31. 
 
“This will allow people to settle with their insurance companies and get on with the job of repairing their properties,” he said. 
 
Mr Roberston says engagement with individuals and communities with Category 2 and 3 severely affected properties will begin in early June. It will outline the process ahead and paves the way for consultation on specific outcomes for severely affected locations. 
 
“This will be based on a shared understanding of the data on May 31, subject to further assurance of the risk assessments,” Mr Robertson said. 
 
The Government says local councils have a critical role both in the assessments and in decision making. 
 
Decisions on the future for residential properties affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 flooding events are being made locally, supported by central government to give residents a path forward to recovery.