Removal and demolition works are now well under way on College Rd in Edgecumbe, following preparation over the Christmas break.
Last year during ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, a breach in the floodwall of the Rangitaiki River caused the destruction of 15 homes and extensive damage to a further 250.
Twelve properties and part properties were bought by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to make way for the land needed for a permanent stopbank rebuild.
Shane Moore Services (SMS) Ltd have been contracted to complete the works and several other contractors have been on site for specialist activities such as asbestos removal.
Regional council project manager Peter Hay said the contractors had made good progress in the first few weeks of the year.