Eastcliffe faces $12m leaks fix

Ngati Whatua's annual report reveals the extent of the major leaks in the buildings which are home to many elderly residents and which are marketed as "a retirement resort".

Orakei retirement ‘resort’ repairs are expected to take five years, says Ngati Whatua.

Serious weathertightness issues have been found at the popular Eastcliffe Retirement Village in Orakei and repairs to the buildings will cost $12 million and take five years to fix.

Ngati Whatua's annual report just out reveals the extent of the major leaks in the buildings which are home to many elderly residents and which are marketed as "a retirement resort", promoting its extensive facilities.

"Full building surveys were undertaken in early 2015 and have revealed that significant remediation works need to be undertaken to the townhouses and apartments," Ngati Whatua's report says of the village, which it says is 95 per cent occupied.

"This work, which is the result of poor workmanship and inadequate project management at the time of construction, will likely involve a full reclad of these buildings. The cost is currently estimated at $12 million and the proposed programme for these works is spread across to five-year period. This will allow minimisation of the impact on residents and ensure that will allow minimisation of the impact on residents and ensure that to the extent alternative accommodation is required, it is of an appropriate standard," the business said.

Rob Hutchison, Ngati Whatua Whai Rawa chief executive, explained the huge remediation plan.

"We are in the planning stage of significant remediation works at Eastcliffe on Orakei. These works ... will be undertaken over a five-year period. The value of Eastcliffe on Orakei has fallen to reflect the need for these works," he said.

The village, near Mission Bay at 217 Kupe St, faces Ngati Whatua's Bastion Pt and its marketing says it has 25 completed independent townhouses and 33 apartments. It also has studios and hospital rooms.

According to its marketing material, Eastcliffe "is not a retirement home, nor a retirement village. We are a retirement resort. And when you see the facilities ... you'll understand why our residents say 'it's like being on holiday every day'."

Facilities include a 12m heated indoor swimming pool with sea views, heated spa, gym, restaurant with resident chef, indoor bowls, bar facilities/sports lounge, craft room, library, hairdresser and dance floor.