Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson has offered a voluntary buyout to homeowners affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Government will help fund council buyouts of about 700 category three properties, where future severe weather event risks can't be sufficiently mitigated.

NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says this announcement was only a 'rough plan' that left a lot of unanswered questions.

"How much is council going to pay? How much is the Government going to pay? The Government have committed to this locally led initiative to be able to recover from a cyclone, I can imagine councils will be right in there in those discussions."

LISTEN ABOVE

• $1b bill for Govt and councils to buy-out cyclone-hit homes
• Buyout of cyclone impacted homes is a "reassurance" for Hastings locals
• Napier Mayor: Cyclone buyout plan a significant milestone, still some unanswered questions