Overview

This paper highlights the critical contribution of Registered Valuers during the unprecedented flooding caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, the largest flood on record at 13 of 20 measurement sites. Communities across Auckland, Gisborne, Hastings, Napier, Masterton and beyond suffered significant loss. It was in the weeks and months that followed that the importance of Registered Valuers in guiding recovery decisions was most evident.

Author John Reid, a Registered Valuer, provides a unique professional perspective on the complex responsibilities valuers faced in the aftermath. From conducting assessments that informed voluntary buy-out processes, to advising councils, lenders, and affected homeowners. His account demonstrates how Registered Valuers deliver critical expertise in times of crisis. Ensuring decisions are fair, evidence based, and grounded in a deep understanding of land and property.

This work is the first formal record of Registered Valuer involvement in a disaster of this scale in New Zealand. It both documents the immediate response and establishes a valuable reference point for the profession, policymakers, and the wider public, strengthening understanding of how Registered Valuers contribute to recovery and resilience in times of national emergency.