Auckland flood-affected residents have raised concerns about being excluded from their communities.  

Category 3 homeowners presented to the Auckland Council yesterday, telling councillors that buyouts based on rates valuations would be too low for them to buy in their communities.  

Property commentator Ashley Church told Mike Hosking that under normal circumstances the council would negotiate a fair market value, but these houses won't be habitable again.  

He says the council has the choice of negotiating the best deal on behalf of the ratepayers, or sympathise with the residents and find a solution that allows them to get on with their lives. 

LISTEN ABOVE