Buy-out of private properties affected by slips Debate

Community Wellbeing - Health

Option 2

The comments strongly emphasize the mental and emotional toll on residents affected by the slips, highlighting the urgent need for resolution to alleviate stress and uncertainty. Many residents express a sense of prolonged distress and financial instability due to the displacement and ongoing limbo, which has impacted their daily lives and future planning, including retirement preparations. The community's feedback underscores the importance of a fair and timely buy-out process to restore normalcy and ensure the wellbeing of those severely impacted by the 2022 severe weather event.

Table of comments:

Point No	Comment
30.1	This has been a long drawn-out process and I think things should be expediated.  The transparency hasn't been there to the level it should have.  Our position hasn't been made clear where we stand, still, which has caused a lot of stress.I support the option the NCC support to proceed with the buyouts on private property ASAP.
51.1	This option must be carried out as has happened with other Councils throughout NZ. This unfortunate turn of events could not be foreseen. Insurance / Rates have always been paid and to think no recompense in return through no fault of the Owners. If I was in the same position, I would be beside myself thinking everything I have worked for is gone. Please put yourselves in their position and buy-out.
447.2	This needs to be settled. Having close friends whose house, business & land were obliterated in the Esk Vally, the cost of uncertainty takes an insidious toll on those affected. It is now too late to call any settlement 'timely', but working towards a settlement as soon as possible is crucial.
470.2	Absolutely think option 2 is the fairest option for those whose lives have been devasted through no fault of their own, and who have been waiting for far too long for a sensible conclusion and equitable outcome.
591.2	Our house was given a red sticker in the August 2022 weather event.  My husband and I left our home early on the morning of 20th  August 2022.  All night we heard loud banging and the house shaking.   Then the power went out, we had total darkness, pouring rain and our house was breaking up  while we were in it.  We were scared and surprised that no one had come to assist us.  We got out and I ran to the neighbours to warn them that our house was falling down the hill.  They did not answer so i thought that they had already been evacuated.  We got in our car and drove to the evacuation centre at Saxton fields.  We were still in shock, not believing that our home was so damaged.  We never went back to sleep in our house.  The only time we have been back is to get out our belongings while a warden was present.  Fortunately our detached garage is not damaged so we moved our belongings there.  Sometimes I go to the garden there and look at the amazing view.  I am still surprised that our neighbours on both sides received minimal damage.  This weather event has affected me in many ways.  Being out of our home, having to find temporary accommodation and buy new furniture as we did not have access to ours for several months. I had to decrease my hours at my workplace due to stress  and I am still working reduced hours.  This has affected my earning potential at a pivotal time as I am saving for my retirement.  This has affected me as a ratepayer I feel that the council should buy out our section.  This would ensure that this damaged land is not built on again.  My husband and I need to have closure this has been hanging over our heads and weighs heavily on our minds continually since August 2022.
592.2	Nelson City Council options for the Central Government buy out support offerWe support option 2.  Accepting the buy out support offer and apply the draft eligibility buy-out principals We were subject to the high intensity rainfall affecting the Nelson Region 15 -17 August 2022. This causing natural disaster land damage with the deep-seated Tahunanui Slump.  Our location was subject to shallower instability within the Tahuna slump area. Ground movement in the Land damaged areas led to our evacuation on 20th August 2022 (at 5am).  This caused, our house to move on its foundations. Prior to self-evacuation we could feel our house moving.  The floor in several areas dropped; cracks were opening up in the wall boards which sounded like shot guns firing; we were unable to open doors; Window frames had moved; Stair balustrade warped and damaged. When we were in our rental accommodation also on Rocks Road for the first 6 months (or so), when we were sleeping and could sub-consciously hear rain on the roof, this would waken us up, no matter how heavy the rain was. We support Option 2 (Council Proposal) as we are one of the properties impacted by the Tahuna slump.We also support the intended valuation to be completed by Duke and Cooke.EQC have advised us that they will not make any payment to us and we have paid an excess of $20,000.00 to our insurance company We agree with the following points covered in theNelson City Council Eligibility Buy-out PrincipalsEligibility for Buy-out offer point 3A and 3B Content of offerPoint 8 Offer based on an independent pre-weather event valuation and subject to points 9 and 10 We would be very receptive to the buyout criteria and hopefully a proposition presented to us will be to our satisfaction.
614.2	I live in Hawkes Bay which was hit by cyclone Gabriel 6 months after the Nelson Floods. Our land had over 5m of water flood over it. Settlement has alraedy ocurred and restoration. We have movedon. It is hard for anyone unaffected to appreciate the impact such devastation has, so the sooner Nelson Council confirms that they will accept the govenment offer and match payouts, the better for everyone. Peoples wellbeing is affected by the delays and this has gone on too long. Do the right thing and allow people to be compensated as recommened so they too can move on.
619.1	This has gone on for a long time now.These poor people need support and not stress.Time to step up Nelson.
731.1	Over the past almost 2 years I have observed the growing mental and financial distress of my long term business colleague and friend (XXX) as a result of her inability to live in and freely enjoy her home. As a superannuitant she had prepared it well for their possible longterm in-home care needs. The care suite they set up for this purpose is beyond what is reflected in the RV. As a result, and in order to allow them to meet their future health and welfare requirements without becoming a burden on the aged-care sector and the taxpayer, a payout less than 95% of the pre-flood value, as adopted in the North Island, would be totally unconscionable. I would entreat the Council to do the right thing and give her the opportunity to reinstate them in a home which will function well for them in their dotage.
1239.1	this has dragged on for far too long and has been incredibly unfair and  stressful for the owners and family's involved of these properties. The buy out needs to happen as soon as possible without delay.