Following the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, the Government launched the Future of Severely Affected Land (FOSAL) programme—an initiative developed in partnership with affected local councils to manage long-term risks to impacted properties.
As part of the programme, Council assessed properties based on risk and identified suitable next steps—such as property buyouts, risk reduction works, or infrastructure improvements.
Property categorisation is now complete. Two years on, Council remains committed to supporting property owners through the next phase of FOSAL.
FOSAL land categories
To learn more about land categories 2P, 2C and 3 under the Future of Severely Affected Land (FOSAL) programme - including what each category means and the timeline for progress - visit our Land Categorisation FOSAL webpage
Future use of Category 3 land
Following Council’s purchase of Category 3 land, we’re now moving into the next phase - deciding how this land will be used.
As a first step, we've adopted the Policy Framework for Decisions on Storm-Affected Land to guide decisions in a structured and responsible way.
How decisions will be made
The land will first be assessed for its role in reducing natural hazard risk. If not needed for that purpose, other potential uses will be considered - in this order:
- Council services
- Community spaces
- Transfer to Mana Whenua
- Sale to neighbours
- Redevelopment
- Other public or private uses
If none of these apply, the land will remain under Council ownership and be managed accordingly.
Sale of Category 3 land
Selling land may be considered in limited circumstances and would be subject to conditions that manage future risks. This could include:
- neighbouring landowners purchasing for non-residential use
- safe, non-residential redevelopment opportunities
All decisions will be case-by-case, based on risk assessments and community engagement.
Timeframes
Council is in the final stages of voluntary buyouts of Category 3 properties.
At the same time, we're beginning to assess future land use options. This process is expected to take at least 2 years, though some decisions may be made sooner.
Register your interest in Category 3 land
If you would like to express interest in a Category 3 property, please complete this form.
Map of Tairāwhiti FOSAL land
This map shows properties currently categorised under the FOSAL framework. The number of properties will decrease over time as risks are mitigated and sites are reassessed or removed from the programme.