Relief for Tauranga home owners after council decides to purchase 21 condemned homes

June 7, 2018

In March, residents of the Bella Vista development were told to leave after fears their homes wouldn't survive a storm.

Home owners are relieved following Tauranga City Council's announcement that it will purchase 21 condemned properties.

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Andre and Chloe Stewart say the Bella Vista saga has left their dreams in tatters.

In March, residents of the Bella Vista development were told to evacuate after fears their homes wouldn't withstand a storm.

Assessments then exposed structural issues, meaning families haven't been able to return.

Bella Vista home owner Andre Stewart said the council's decision has validated their fight, but there is more to be done to repay the inconvenience.

"We still have a long way to go and we still stand by what we've always believed is the right decision," Mr Steward said.

"We believe tonight the right decision was made - the question still is to at what cost that is but tonight we walk away with a small victory."

This follows a day of tears and high emotions as affected residents told their stories.

Sarsha Tyrrell says the last three months have been "exhausting" for her and her two-year-old daughter.

Tauranga City Council still faces questions around how this could have happened, as a report highlighted some major failings on its part.

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