Tag Archive for: leaky homes

Harbour Lights

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It is believed the 20 residential units known as Harbour Lights (99 Mokoia Road Birkenhead) is the first multi-unit complex to be the recipient of a financial assistance package under the Government’s much touted Weathertight Homes Assistance Scheme.

The package, brought in to affect in mid-2011 is designed to assist home owners in repairing their leaky homes.  The promise was a 25% government contribution with a further 25% from the territorial authority if the authority was responsible for the inspections and code of compliance on failed building works.

Since announcement of the scheme Boutique Body Corporates Limited has been pursuing claims for five Body Corporates, which meet the necessary criteria.  Recent media criticism has highlighted the challenges within the scheme design and surrounding processes.  To date this had seen not a single multi-unit complex receive a payments under the Scheme

Mr Leishman, Director of Boutique commented:  “There has, quite rightly in our opinion, been criticism of the bureaucracy which has wrapped itself around the issue of eligibility and the process involved in satisfying the Department’s stipulations. This has contributed to significant days and added costs as consultants and Quantity Surveyors struggle to fit square pegs into round holes.”
Thanks to the combined efforts of Boutique and the professionals engaged by the Body Corporate Harbour Lights is delighted to report the first payment has been received by Body Corporate.  All involved, including the staff on the ground at the WHRS who assisted in facilitating the processing of the application through what can only be described as a tortuous journey are to be commended for the efforts.  Mr Leishman noted  however “It is difficult to escape the impression that the structure has been designed with a view to making it so difficult that the majority will simply give up.”

Boutique is  now look to deliver a similar outcomes on the four remaining complexes that it is currently working with the Department on.