A shed in Esk Valley Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Uncertainty remains for many North Island residents whose homes were hit hard by Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland floods.
Councils have now begun to categorize storm-hit homes in one of three categories: category one still safe to live in, category two can be lived in providing flood mitigation work is done, or category three too dangerous to live in.
Yesterday, the Government announced a joint initiative with councils to buy out property owners who are unable to rebuild because their land isn't safe - though details on that funding is still yet to be negotiated.
Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson and Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty both declined our invitation for an interview.
For many homeowners in category two, a lengthy process still remains to determine exactly what will need to happen for their properties to be deemed safe to rebuild on.
One area that does have some certainty though is Hawke's Bay's Esk Valley, where a large part of the valley falls in category 3.
Resident Philip Barber's home and business, Petane Wines, were wiped out by the cyclone and the property is still piled high with silt.
He spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss this morning.
