The victims of a botched housing development in Tauranga whose homes were deemed too dangerous to live in want answers over why the council signed off sloppy construction work.
Defunct Tauranga housing development Bella Vista Housing Development. Photo: RNZ / Eva Corlett
The company in charge of the Bella Vista Housing Development went into receivership late last year, leaving many of the homes unfinished.
Subsequent inspections showed major construction failings within the 21 properties and the Tauranga City Council ordered the residents to evacuate in March this year.
Major defects in the homes' construction has raised questions over how some buildings managed to secure sign-off from the council.
Last night the homeowners met with Paul Heath QC who is overseeing an independent investigation into the council's responsibilities and possible failings while handling the build.
Mr Heath described at length the scope of his investigation, including whether resource and building consents and code compliance certificates should have been granted.
Mr Heath said he would be asking whether the council's handling of the applications for resource consents was competent and adequate and if not, how did it fall short?
Mr Heath's been hired by the council to carry out the assessment.
That has raised eyebrows among some home owners, but Mr Heath said his investigation is independent and he has the skills needed to get to the truth.
"I have a good grasp of governance and responsibilities," he said.
Mr Heath said he is satisfied the council is being transparent and has sent him all the relevant documents - including 38 ring-binders worth of information.
During the meeting, homeowners signalled concerns about the process.
Photo: RNZ / Eva Corlett
There were questions about how deeply technical information will be assessed and whether third parties, including individual council members, will be investigated.
Mr Heath said his sole focus is the council's responsibilities.
"My focus is on what the council did or omitted to do," he said, not on whether the council has any "legal responsibility".
"Nor is it my job to comment on whether any other person breached obligations to owners."
Mr Heath urged homeowners to send him any photos or information documenting the build to add to his investigation.
His report is due to be finished by 1 June.
Questions remain for victims
Hugo Bower, who is based in Christchurch, bought a partially completed house two years ago in preparation for retirement.
His dreams to be near his family and new community in Tauranga are now in limbo. And he isn't taking solace in the investigation just yet.
"I think there are a lot of questions are unanswered ... and we deserve answers to those," he said.
Photo: RNZ / Eva Corlett
Another homeowner, Jenny Coffey, who has been living in a rental since she was forced to evacuate is exhausted by the ordeal and "just wants to move on".
"It affects relationships; it's affecting friendships," she said.
Ms Coffey said she "wanted answers" to come out of the investigations and an assurance that no other homeowners will be put through an experience like this again in both Tauranga and New Zealand.
"I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy," she said.