The New Zealand government will contribute at least $NZ877 million ($A808 million) towards rebuilding the country's largest city after floods in January destroyed infrastructure and made some houses unliveable. Auckland, a city of 1.6 million, was hit by significant flash flooding and landslides in late January that killed four people, damaged roads and destroyed houses. Finance Minister Grant Robertson said the government would contribute up to $NZ387 million ($A357 million) or about 50 per cent of the agreed buyout value less insurance payments for houses deemed unliveable. Auckland Council will pay for the remainder. Mr Robertson said the government would also contribute $NZ380 million ($A350 million) to invest in Auckland flood protection and $NZ110 million ($A101 million) for transport networks affected by weather events. "I am pleased we have reached this agreement so Auckland Council can provide certainty for the people whose properties, or those close to theirs, were severely damaged by landslides or flooding," Mr Robertson said in a statement on Thursday. Auckland Council had also submitted an application for about $NZ200 million ($A184 million) in further funding from the road transport authority to help restore the road network. Australian Associated Press
