February 2023

Mill Flat Road Accessible Again!

Six days after construction started Mill Flat Road's Bailey bridge was built, and by the afternoon on Waitangi Day residents were again able to travel over the Rangitopuni stream. The Bailey bridge was driven up from Hawke's Bay and arrived on Tuesday, 31 January. A team of workers immediately set to work assembling the bridge and extending it out over the stream. The project was a collaboration of AT, Downer and Waka Kotahi with more than 35 people from the three organisations helping to make it happen.

The new bridge has the same weight restrictions as its predecessor; 70% of Class 1, and the installation cost is estimated to be $350K, covered by emergency funding.

Auckland Transport's Stakeholder Manager North/West, John Swanepol says, "The old bridge was up for replacement next year so we will now bring that forward and work on a permanent replacement."

Around 200 residents were cut off after the flood on 27 January. Some homes were left without power when storm damage to a power pole meant it needed to be replaced. Long-time Mill Flat Road resident Cate Haigh was one of

the locals who stepped-up to help, part of an impressive community response. "Accurate communication became essential after the bridge collapsed," says Cate. "Louise Johnston and Chris Penk were amazing and did everything they could to help. Louise knew who to talk to at all the organisations we needed like AT and Auckland Council, so she could find out exactly what was going on then the information was shared to the community via Facebook and group emails. We also have to say thank you to Rayonier (Matariki Forests) who run the Riverhead Forest. They opened their forestry road for us on Saturday and let residents use it, giving us a way in and out."

For those without 4WD vehicles part of the road proved challenging but Cate says the community pulled together. "Some people did grocery shopping for others or gave people a lift into the shops. It brought our community closer together," she says.

When Rural Delivery post's red van was unable to make the journey through the forest road, Bayleys' Coatesville office acted as a local depot. Mail, courier parcels and even My Food Bag deliveries were left at the office. "Glenn Trafford

then delivered the mail for us, so a huge thank you to Glenn and Shona Jurlina, too," says Cate.

Keeping community services running included managing the rubbish collection and once again communityspirited volunteers had it covered.

"Brent Cooper became our garbologist. He organised Econowaste to get a couple of jumbo bins so there were drop-off spots for people to leave their rubbish and a couple of guys took the rubbish bags up to the jumbo bins." Security was also provided by the community. Riverhead's Community Patrol led by Russell Brown kept a watchful eye on drivers using the forestry road to keep road users safe. And finally, Mill Flat Road has been reported as being part of Riverhead, but as Cate points out, it is zoned for Coatesville School and Albany Senior High School so it's also part of Coatesville.

Mill Flat Road's Bailey bridge opened to traffic on Waitaingi Day.

The forestry road got a bit gnarley in places but no problem if you had a 4WD vehicle.

The year has started with a roar. A one in 200-year weather event is something experts warn will become more common, so we need to adapt the way we respond. (Check out Louise Johnston's column on page 4 for more.)

For Coatesville, the worst damage was the flooding in Sunnyside Road and Mill Flat Road, which took out the bridge. But, in record time we're back in business. Other people in Auckland haven't been so lucky.

Our local community's response has been heartwarming. People have gone out of their way to help others. In the next column are thank-you letters from two residents grateful for the support they received, not just from friends and neighbours, but from complete strangers who came to help them.

As well as these acts of kindness, Coatesville has received fantastic support from Auckland Transport and its contractors. Slips were cleared off the Highway almost as quickly as they appeared. Some were even taken care of by local businesses before the state of emergency was declared.

And in spite of the huge amount of repair work needed in places like the Coromandel, the repair to the Highway slip is still scheduled to go ahead. See the item on page 7 for more information. While you're there, check out the photos on page 6 that chronicle Coatesville's flood journey. Thanks to the people who shared their pics and stories and to those who have shown their support and given generously, you're all legends.

Thank you

I am so grateful to all those people who came to my aid, known and unknown, on the night of the flood. I was rescued from my home by police after flood waters breached the banks of the Rangitopuni stream. But so many people helped me before and after that. Simon and Sheryl, my dear friends from O'Brien Road, the lovely couple who managed to get me into their vehicle, Tracey, Hans and Kim as well as a number of other people I don't know.

Thanks also to all the people who are selflessly assisting me to move through the next process of picking up the bits of my life. You may never know what a support and comfort you have been. I offer my heartfelt thanks to you all.

Nicola F, Coatesville-Riverhead Highway

We live in a great little community – I witnessed so much kindness and help being given over the traumatic days of the floods by neighbours and residents. Our issues were pretty minor compared to others but our drive from the road had major damage to plants and trees and about 8 dead sheep.

Residents unknown to us just called in to help – I have to say a big thanks to Rob and his wife Lesley and son from upper Glenmore Rd and also Laura and her daughter from Donaldson Drive for their generous help in tidying up the mess left by the floods and dealing with the dead sheep most of which were in the Rangitopuni. Your assistance over the Saturday after the floods was very much appreciated – a BIG thank you.

And of course a huge thanks to our neighbour Owen Aspden for his help to us and many more.

Diary Dates

Remember to check that the events listed below are still taking place on the organisers' websites and social media pages.

∞ 11 & 12 February, Franklin Farm's in Waimauku opens its sunflower fields to the public from 8am till sunset. Go to Franklinfarm.nz to book.

∞ 12 February, Sunday Coatesville Half Marathon. Go to coatesvillehalfmarathon. co.nz to find out the details and for road closure information, see page 4.

∞ 14 February, Tuesday, St Valentine's Day, however you do it, get romantic today!

∞ 22 February, Wednesday CRRA Monthly Meeting at the Settlers Hall. All welcome.

∞ 5 March, Sunday, International Children's Day

∞ 5 March, Sunday, Coatesville Market 10am till 2pm. Cross your fingers for a fine day and firm ground conditions so we can have the first Market in Coatesville since last October.

Email: coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com, Phone: 021 724 001

Barry Kirk-Burnnand Sunnyside Rd

The Coatesville Chronicle is distributed free to homes in the RD3 postal area. Deadline for content is 20th of the month prior to publication. The opinions published herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, Cradle Publications Limited. © 2023 All rights reserved.

∞ 7 March, Tuesday, Census Day. Check out the story on page 8 for more information and look out for your access code in the post. You can visit www.census.govt.nz to read more and to find out why participating in this 5-yearly data capture event will benefit our community.

∞ 8 March, Wednesday, International Women's Day.

∞ 17 March, Friday, St Patrick's Day.

Do you have children going into Year 7 or Year 9 in 2024 or beyond?

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Thursday 16 March 2023, from 5pm

Register to attend at kristin.school.nz or call our Admissions Manager on 09 415 9566 ext 2324.

Scholarships are available to enable new students to join Kristin in Year 9, 2024.

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It’s learning evolved.

Local Board member Louise Johnston speaks from the heart

The last three days have felt like a rollercoaster. From the terrifying events that unfolded on Friday, to the local heroes that have emerged, to the community spirit and lastly the rebuild. We have seen red tape being cut across both the Council and AT. Projects that would have taken years to plan are being implemented within a week.

As a local board member for the area of six years I have become emotionally invested in local concerns be it flooding issues, traffic safety or slips. On a personal level, I was caught in the flood waters early while driving at 4.20pm. From that time on I was making desperate calls, sending emails and texts trying to get this ‘severe weather event’ escalated and get assistance.

Our local Facebook page became the source of information and it was frightening to see the calls for help as people became trapped and roads became impassable. There were local heroes that saved people's lives from flooded cars, and rescued people trapped in their homes with rising water levels. Many farm animals

have been lost, homes destroyed and communities cut off, but in our area we are very lucky that nobody died.

I have only just found out that many local civil engineering companies kicked into gear and proactively provided traffic management and cleared slips as events unfolded.

AT contractors worked around the clock, Vector and the emergency services were battling the elements and saving lives. And I want to publicly thank these groups from the bottom of my heart.

Going forward we need to move away from a centralised central defence of the super city. For roads that are prone to flooding, locals need to be empowered to close them in an emergency situation.

We need to do a review of communication within Council and prioritise the clearing of streams and roadside culverts. Ironically, my article pre-flood detailed notes from a meeting that Chris Penk organised with AT and NZTA that said ’pothole repairs are only a temporary fix and are a sign that the road is failing, and water/rain is the real enemy.

But now we come to the rebuild. It will take time, but the red tape is being cut and projects that would have taken years to plan are happening in a matter of days. The collaboration between Council, Auckland Transport, our local MPs, Government and elected members makes me proud.

The installation of the temporary Bailey bridge at Mill Flat Road is a great example of this.

Over the next couple of weeks emotions will be running high and with the slips, our roads will be chaotic. So please take care, it is going to take longer to commute. ∞

Road Closures

12 February

Running Events - organisers of the Coatesville Half Marathon - are exteremely grateful to Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and particularly the residents of Coatesville for permitting the following road closure to proceed from 5am till noon on Sunday 12 February to ensure the safety of all participants.

∞ Mahoenui Valley Rd

∞ Ridge Road (From Mahoenui Valley Rd to Coatesville Riverhead Highway)

∞ Glenmore Rd

∞ Wake Rd (East of Oak Ln)

∞ Collings Dr

∞ The Promenade

∞ Lynton Masters Ln

∞ McGivern Pl

∞ Diamond Ln

∞ Fernielea Park Dr

∞ Donaldson Dr

∞ Coatesville Heights

The following roads will be closed to non-resident traffic from 4am till 9am.

∞ Elmore Rd - at Paremoremo Rd

∞ Brookdale Rd – at Iona Ave

∞ Wake Rd at C-R Hway

Louise Johnston

Garden Club Looking Forward

Since the last Chronicle, the gardening team has travelled twice to Mansion House, Kawau and worked to maintain the plots. The lawns this last time were the shaggiest we had ever seen them, and the warmth and rain had certainly encouraged every weed there ever was, it seemed. However our diligent team were determined to leave the site in very good condition. And we did.

The recent rain storms and the accompanying winds have have had their effect on some of the older trees in the reserve. Sadly some pohutukawa have had to be felled as their split trunks have revealed they were hollow and rotten – so the reserve is looking different over near the café. Some of the timber is rather special and has been saved.

We are all looking forward to an exciting 2023 - with a good variety of trips, and Hall activities for the winter. Our AGM is held each February and this year will be followed by a BBQ lunch. Plans are underway and it would be an encouraging start to the year if the weather helped us out. The wonderful hardworking committee are staying on to provide friendship, support and a year full of well planned activities. See you there!

By Jenny Hunter

Helpful Hints

Civil Defence

An excellent guide to quake safe your home. Check it out atwww.eqc.govt.nz/be-prepared

We are your local dedicated specialists for water tank cleaning, filtration installation and servicing, water tank repairs, water deliveries and advice. Talk to us, we love to help!

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Skilled Migrant Specialist

Licensed Immigration Adviser IAA # 200900880

+64 21 533 687

cherie@clockworkvisa.co.nz

www.clockworkvisa.co.nz

One of the felled pohutakawa on the Kawau Island reserve.

January's Flood In Pictures

1, 2, &3: Chris Rutter's photos show the height of the flood water in Sunnyside Rd.

4, Dean Blake from Blake Civil Construction took this photo on 27 January while his team helped to clear a slip on the Highway, 7.

5, The Mill Flat Road bridge site attracted plenty of visitors on 28 January. 6, The remains of the bridge structure with a tree embedded in it, lying in the Rangitopuni stream.

8 & 9, The Bailey bridge arrived from the Hawke's Bay on 31 January and stopped traffic for 6 days. 10, After building the bridge, the road level had to be raised to meet the height of the new bridge.

11, Michael Woods Minister of Immigration, Transport, Workplace Relations & Safety and Auckland, visited the site.

Highway Repair Scheduled for March

The slip on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway that began as a crack in the road before Christmas was the result of unusually high rainfall that began in July last year, says Johan Swanepol, Auckland Transport's Stakeholder Manager, North/West.

"Most slips have water accumulating under the shear. The ground becomes saturated and just can't take any more water so it gives way," he says.

Since the crack first appeared, residents and motorists have witnessed the rapid decline of the 50-metre section of the east-bound lane. By mid-January it was one of 37 slips interfering with road use in Auckland thanks to rainfall dating back to July. After the unprecedented weather event in January, that number soared to more than 82.

"Once a crack appears we try to stop it but if it becomes a slip, there is nothing we can do except monitor it for safety and wait for it to stop moving," says Mr Swanepol.

Initially AT attempted to fix the crack but the slip was already on the move and couldn't be stopped. The slip area was then covered in black polythene to reduce the amount of water ingress from accelerating its deterioration.

"Now that it has stopped moving, we're in the process of finishing the designs for three repair options. After the design, drawings and

specifications are completed contractors will have two weeks to submit prices and AT's quantity surveyors will have a a week to review the price. We're aiming to have construction start in late March."

Mr Swanepol says the good news is that according to AT's monitoring, the slip hasn't actually 'progressed', meaning it has not deepened to take in more of the road. However, it is now one of hundreds across the North Island that all require attention. Since it was already in AT's system before 27 January, repair on the Highway will occur sooner than more recent slips like the one outside 731 Ridge Road.

Mr Swanepol says the Ridge Road slip will now be part of the total list of slips and fixtures that AT has to attend to. "Our aim is to start asap with repairs on all of them so we already have specialised engineers in to investigate all major slips. The slip on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway is already well down this track.

"We're currently taking stock to see what resources we need. Our contractors can and will get resources from other parts to come and help," he says.

At this stage, the repair design for the Highway has not been finalised so no costs are known, but Mr Swanepol says it should take between

8 and 12 weeks to complete and it will be a complex fix that requires strengthening and replacement of fill that is over 50 years old.

The final repair design will determine how much the roadworks will impact local traffic and for how long.

"Some designs could see work take place 24/7 and if certain large machinery is used, it can't be moved once it's in place. Machines for concrete piling and others that punch anchors into the sub surface must remain in place until the job is completed," he says.

That means locals will need to be patient. Drivers who use the Coatesville-Riverhead Highway during peak traffic times will need to plan ahead. AT will keep the road open in both directions throughout the work, but there will be queues. They suggest drivers take an alternative route when possible to avoid the area and suggest using Google Maps for journey times and options.

The photos above show the Highway slip over three weeks - before and after the January flood. There is a slight difference in angle of the photos and some of the traffic cones have been moved. However the original asphalt repair to the crack is still visible in two places, and the distance between the edge of the slip and the centre line is still roughly the same in photos 1 and 3.

6 February 28 January

Census Day Returns in March C

ensus 2023 is fast approaching. Over the next few weeks you will start to see our census collectors out and about in Coatesville. So what is the census and why should we do it?

The census is held every five years and provides a snapshot of life in New Zealand. The next census is on 7 March 2023. By filling out the census on or before Census Day you and your household are doing your part to ensure that your local community gets the funding and services it needs. That’s because data from the census is used in many ways. It is used, for example, by local community groups to apply for funding, as well as to determine public transport requirements and schooling needs; what healthcare services might be required and how many playgrounds and public sports venues are needed in the area.

Your participation in the census could make all the difference to the funding of local health services. Te Whatu Ora Waitematā (formerly Waitemata District Health Board) gets a lot of its funding from the Government health budget based on population data from the census – who lives in the area and what their needs might be. If you’re one of those people who have been waiting months for an appointment to see a specialist, or waited hours in an Emergency Room to be seen, completing the Census may help make a difference for you and your

whānau’s healthcare in the future. Unfortunately, responses rates in Coatesville were well below the average in the last census. We’re aiming for a much larger response rate in 2023. Census Collectors will be out in the community to provide support and offer help wherever it’s needed. The census can be completed online or by filling out paper forms in English or Bilingual Te Reo/English. Census instructions and information will also be available on the census website in 27 languages, including New Zealand Sign Language. For more information please visit www.census.govt.nz.

By Louise Guernsey, Stats New Zealand

Vector's Build Update

Vector is installing a second power transformer at the Coatesville zone substation. This substation has a single 33 kilovolt (kV) to 11kV transformer that converts electricity to a lower voltage so it can be distributed to homes and businesses in the area via our 11kV to 400V distribution transformers.

With electricity demand forecast to increase, the installation of a second outdoor transformer will improve network resilience and the reliability of power supply to our customers in Coatesville. It will also provide backup electrical supply options to other nearby zone substations.

In addition, new switchboard cubicles will be installed within the existing switchroom to connect the new transformer to the existing switchboard.

We’re also upgrading the switchroom with fire-proofing and a new roof. The works are expected to be completed by the end of June 2023.

Coatesville zone substation

Understanding Relationship Property: Mac and Abi's Journey

Mac and Abi had been going out together for a year before they moved in together, in a home Abi had purchased using her Kiwisaver and an inheritance she had received from her grandmother. She also had a mortgage which she was managing on her own, but it would be nice to receive some rent from Mac to assist with the re-payments.

Abi’s parents were keen for her to protect her house in case she and Mac split up as they had heard horror stories from their friends whose children had moved in with their partners and then had to split assets 50/50 when they separated later. They suggested that Abi go and see their lawyer to set up a trust for her to transfer the property to.

The lawyer explained that as she and Mac were already in a de facto relationship, despite the fact it had been less than three years, it was too late to set up a trust. Any transfer of relationship property to a trust during a relationship would not protect the asset. Even if Abi had set up a trust prior to the relationship, she would still recommend that Abi enter into

a Contracting Out Agreement to protect the property. Otherwise, any contribution that Mac made whether financially or other could be considered a contribution to the property and he could have a claim.

Abi was surprised to learn that even though she owned the property before she had even met Mac, it would be considered their family home when he moved in, and he could have a claim even on the bit that she had prior to the relationship. Even the time they hadn’t been living together full time could possibly count as being the three years required to have a qualifying relationship under the law. She had thought that the time would only run from when they started permanently living together. Apparently, many people got caught thinking they weren’t in a proper de facto relationship, when in the eyes of the law, they were.

Abi learned what other assets would also be relationship property, including income, bonuses and any Kiwisaver accumulated during the relationship. Inheritance and gifts from third parties (eg distributions from her parents’

Understanding Relationship Property.

The protection of assets that we have all worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people.

Income, property, Kiwisaver, intermingled inheritances and gifts from third parties are all considered relationship property when in a de facto relationship — unless both parties have entered into a Contracting Out Agreement. Without one, relationship property would be shared equally upon separation, or even the death of one party, regardless of what anyone’s will said.

Know when your relationship is considered a de facto relationship under New Zealand legislation and protect your assets with a Contracting Out Agreement. Contact Tammy McLeod or one of her team for specialist advice.

trust) would be separate property, provided that they were kept separate. Putting those assets into a joint bank account or using inherited funds to pay off relationship debt (eg paying some money off the mortgage on the family home) was enough to mix any separate property with relationship property and it wouldn’t be able to be considered separate anymore without a Contracting Out Agreement.

The other important point was that the right to 50% of relationship property was not only upon separation, but also if one party died. So, without the agreement, if Abi died, Mac would have a claim to 50% of her house, regardless of what her Will said.

The modern reality is that a lot more relationships are potentially de facto relationships under New Zealand legislation. Without a Contracting Out Agreement your assets could be at risk.

CRAFTED LEGAL ADVICE FOR PEACE OF MIND.

Tammy McLeod, Trust Law specialist, Managing Director, Davenports Law.

Tammy McLeod

Contact: Stephen Hudson Tel: 0800 288 636 Stephen@AutoGates.com

A1 Sure Services Tree Care All aspects of tree work, stump grinding and land clearance. Qualified arborists. Full Insurance. Free quotes. 446 1258 or 021 175 8660

Agricultural contractor mulching/ gorse clearing, mowing (& lawns), rotary hoeing/seeding, stump grinding, Graeme 027 533 3114

Bruce Gillespie Fencing For all lifestyle block and farm fencing. Phone 027 273 1793

Clean Queen I'll have your house looking like a castle. References supplied. Ph Angela 021 0832 9352 Coatesville Mulch Mowing 1 to 50 acres, local contractor, affordable rates. Phone Warren and Brenda Mills on 415 6503 or 021 191 4195

Connect Electrics For all your electrical solutions, Phone Kris 022 332 6663 or 412 6066 GET IN SHAPE Local private gym for one-on-one training or small group sessions, specialising in weight loss, general fitness and rehabilitation. Call Debbie 027 441 8769.

Haven Hair Design Need a completely new look or just a trim? Senior hair stylist and salon owner Lisa Cross will help you look and feel your best. Call today to book your next appointment at Haven Hair Design in Albany village. Phone 09 415 4424 or book online www.havenhairdesign.co.nz

LAWN MOWING, You Grow & Joe will mow. Lifestyle, commercial and residential. Ph Joe 021 624 494 / joseph@propertyfit.co.nz

Local Shearer, Kevin Abel, 021 223 5033

Painters & Decorators Marshall Painters can help with all your painting needs; interiors, exteriors, even waterblasting to make sure you get the top quality finish we're famous for. With over 50 years experience in the company, we have the skills you need. Call Marcus on 021 024 86516 or email marshallpainters@gmail.com. Pilates in Coatesville Hall, Thursday

@ 6pm. Special – 2 free lessons for new clients. $12 school term, $15 concession card and $20 casual class. Contact Abraham on 021 122 1530 or abrahampardo@gmail.com

Professional Oven Cleaning

All size ovens, local references and great service from an experienced professional. Text Kiri 021 233 6028 Scout Marquee for hire, 6m x 8m, $250 per day. Call Garth 447 1863 The Blooming Beekeeper fully maintained beehive service. The ideal eco-friendly gift. Bee packages; beekeeping lessons; artisan bee products; swarm catching. Coatesville based. Call Val 021 755 833.

Who’s your caterer? Beautifully presented, great tasting food, at competitive prices. Phone Helen Cato 415 7771 or 021 211 8223.

Zumba at the Coatesville Settlers Hall on Mondays at 10am. $15 per session or $12 each if you buy five. For more information, or to book your space at the next class, call Hana 021 02212714.

Properties for sale with Ailsa McArthur

240 Mill Flat Road, Coatesville

Gorgeous setting with generous spaces

This retreat-style residence set on 1.4ha (approx.) comprises many outbuildings including a self-contained guest room, cottage conversion, large barn with mezzanine floor, purpose-built art studio and stables.

Deadline sale 15 March unless sold prior

Bayleys.co.nz/1570102

33

Lifestyle Indulgence

Contemporary near-new home nestled in a picturesque lifestyle setting on an easy care 8094sqm (approx.) section, with seamless flow to the outdoor living and swimming pool showcasing an elevated vista.

Bayleys.co.nz/1570126

221B Mahoenui Valley Road, Coatesville

Bayleys.co.nz/1570072

534 Coatesville-Riverhead Hway, Coatesville

Elegance Overload

This charming brick villa has a north west aspect and sits upon 5.4ha (approx.) with a minor dwelling and barn, allowing you to enjoy as is or subdivide (subject to council consent).

By negotiation

Bayleys.co.nz/1570127

132

Classic made Contemporary

Live a balanced lifestyle in this relaxed setting on an easy care 926sqm (approx.) section, situated in a close knit community and located around the corner from the local boat ramp and wharf.

Deadline sale 22 February unless sold prior

Bayleys.co.nz/1570125

119D Wake Road, Coatesville

Bayleys.co.nz/1570122

5 Waymau Lane, Coatesville

Bayleys.co.nz/1570109

Lot 3, 94 Mahoenui Valley Road, Coatesville

Bayleys.co.nz/1570088

Fernielea Park Drive, Coatesville

Attwood Road, Paremoremo

By negotiation

Isincerely hope you had a gorgeous time with your family and friends over the Christmas holiday break, and to all the people in our community that have suffered damage and loss of stock through the horrendous rain, I wish you a speedy recovery with putting your home and life back together again.

Since back I have now sold three properties and am negotiating on two which is proof that despite factors around us, we want to keep moving forward with our life goals and opportunities. If you are looking to sell or buy this year, I felt it could be useful to give clarity around some of the terminology used in a sale and purchase contract.

“Easement”

A right held by another party to use a property for a particular purpose. Most often used to allow access for a right of way, telecommunications, water pipes and drains.

"Escape

clause"

In a conditional contract, you may see the term "escape clause". A cash-out clause, or escape clause, means the seller can keep marketing their property and receiving offers from other parties once a conditional offer has been made by a potential buyer. If an acceptable offer (in most cases unconditional) is agreed from another potential buyer, the seller can give the first buyer a fixed period of time to confirm the contract. If not confirmed within the time frame, the contract can be cancelled.

“Caveat”

A caveat is a notice that is lodged against the certificate of title for someone else’s property. The person who registers a caveat is known as the “caveator”. A caveat serves as a notice that the caveator claims an interest in the property subject to the caveat, even though the caveator may not be the legal owner of the property. Used in a scenario where money is owed or believed to be owed to the caveator.

“Building Inspection

This is a common condition of a sale and sometimes stipulated by the banks as a condition of finance. Under this clause the buyer must use a suitably qualified Building Inspector and it must be in writing. If the report isn’t satisfactory, and the buyers withdraw their offer on those grounds, the seller can request a copy of the builder's report. The property pre-purchase inspection industry is not regulated in NZ, however the Real Estate Authority (REA) recommends using a qualified building inspector who has professional indemnity insurance, understands the strict legal requirements of their role and carries out their work in accordance with the NZ Property Inspection Standard. Hopefully you find this helpful and of course I look forward to helping you with any Real Estate moving forward!

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