Items from our newsletter 22 July 2025

Storyboards Survey - LAST WEEK TO COMPLETE OUR SURVEY ON HOW YOU WANT MILFORD TO BE IN THE FUTURE  https://milford.thinkport.nz/get-involved/

Storyboard PROJECT WRAP-UP AND COMMUNITY AFTERNOON TEA, THIS SUNDAY, 27 JULY, 2-4PM, MILFORD SENIOR CITIZENS HALL. Don't miss out. Prize draws. Everyone welcome, especially children

Hi everyone. Right now is the time to spend ten minutes completing our Storyboard survey about how you see Milford going forward after the January 2023 floods. Don't miss out on having your views included in the report to be developed from our community's responses.

To do the survey, go to this link: https://milford.thinkport.nz/get-involved/.  Scroll down to reach the first survey box. OR click here for the QR code: Storyboards A5 QR code.pdf   Talking to passers by during our recent storyboard sessions out in the community has confirmed how much locals love living in Milford. Don't miss the chance to give your ideas on how Milford becomes even stronger as a community in the future.

Removal of Storm-Affected Homes - what's happening in Milford, Sunnynook and Totaravale - update

Attached is a very useful update from Auckland Council on local post-flood activities. This is well worth a click. It includes answers to many common questions and people to contact if you are still unsure about something. Home Removals Milford July 2025.pdf

Beacon artwork in Milford Reserve - graffiti vandalism

MRA has reported the unfortunate vandalism to our notable artwork by artist Lang Ea. The public art team has been informed and will be visiting the site with the artist to discuss the best way of removing the graffiti and restoring the piece.

Takapuna Winter Lights Festival this weekend - this enormously popular free event runs from Thursday 24-Sunday 27 July, 5pm-10pm, at Waiwharariki Anzac Square. If you want to attend one of the light shows, you will need to book quickly. Popular times already sold out: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/jul/takapuna-winter-lights.

Be sure to complete the Milford survey this week. And we look forward to seeing everyone at the Sunday Wrap-Up and afternoon tea.

The Milford Storm Recovery Group STORYBOARDS project has arrived. These charming storyboards were installed around Milford yesterday and tell the story of the floods of 27 January 2023 in the words and pictures of Milford people. Don't just glance at them as you walk by. Spend five minutes reading through and, most important, use the QR code to share your views on how you would like Milford to be in the future. Survey link also here: https://milford.thinkport.nz/get-involved/    

We are holding a series of FAMILY-FRIENDLY STORYBOARD EVENTS over the next few weeks and welcome everyone. A chance to meet and chat to others, and contribute to this great local project. Pick one or all of the events below and come along.

Tuesday, 1 July, outside New World supermarket, 11am-2pm. Storyboard launch and free sausage sizzle.

Saturday, 12 July, inside Milford Shopping Centre, 10am-noon, at the Storyboard between Woolworths supermarket and Muffin Break. 

Sunday, 13 July, Storyboard between Milford Cruising Club and playground, Craig Road. 10am-11am. Free coffee or ice cream from the Cruising Club kiosk.

Sunday, 27 July, Milford Senior Citizens Hall, 2pm-4pm, Wrap-up event, afternoon tea and spot prizes. Please RSVP for catering: chairs@milford.org.nz

We would love to hear from volunteers to help us with these events. Please lend a hand with the meeting and greeting. This is an opportunity to help shape Milford's future. If you can give an hour, please email: chairs@milford.org.nz

Rates Relief for Flood-damaged Homes - ends 30 June 2025

The two-year rates relief scheme established in 2023 to provide financial support for people with uninhabitable homes because of storm damage will conclude at the end of this financial year (30 June 2025). After this date, property rates will become payable again. Council will shortly be emailing homeowners still receiving rates relief to remind that rates relief will be finishing. In cases where a homeowner is actively working with the recovery office in the Category 3 buy-out or 2P mitigation schemes, and they can provide evidence they are still unable to live in their home due to storm damage, Council will consider extending their rates relief on a case-by-case basis. Unfortunately, there is no option to extend rates relief any further for properties that have not been categorised or are Category 1 or 2C. These homeowners should continue to work with their insurers to complete any remaining repairs to their home. Any questions, please contact: electedrepsrecovery@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Valuations for storm-damaged homes. A Storm Recovery Office article on this subject is here: https://aucklandcouncil.uq.co.nz/mail/view/89s78pnzdn24wf0m13gvw8jk780f_t8_8rc37s26rq2jknh7555xw5gjt7d3hr818b88026ymz3_jcw37brtl

Resources to help you prepare your home before an adverse rain event:   Auckland Council Flood Viewer

IAG Insurance are producing this regular newsletter about wild weather events in NZ: https://www.iag.co.nz/content/dam/global/shared/en/documents/nz-wild-weather-tracker-issue-7-may-2025.pdf