"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 2015 report said.
"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 last year.
Yesterday, the spokeswoman said a contractor had been picked.
"It is likely that RCC Remediate will be appointed to undertake this first tranche of work," she said.
RCC Remediate says it is working with the body corporate, Peddle Thorp architects and BQH Quantity Surveyors, fixing the 220-unit The Landings On Ronayne apartments off Beach Rd in the Quay Park area.
"Work is proceeding well with completion scheduled for the first quarter of 2017," the business said of The Landings.
The Herald reported in April how the death of an elderly woman at that complex illustrated the stress facing many apartment residents after elderly, partially blind woman Anne Martin was found dead in her apartment at The Landings on Ronayne, near the city's old railway station.
RCC has also fixed the Catholic St Francis Retreat Centre, Hillsborough.
"This project involved careful demolition of the covered walkways which were structurally unsound and seismically deficient. RCC then constructed a new covered walkway which is all respects will visually replicate the historic structure," RCC said.
Kate Healy, Whai Rawa chief operating officer, said the nature of the remedial works were not , "what would be described as a leaky building. The works are remedial in nature to address failings of original builders.
"We are undertaking a rolling programme of work, starting with an initial block of seven dwellings. The programme for these works is approximately six months.
"We anticipate that all remediation works will be undertaken within a five- year programme. Although we are still comfortable with our previous estimate of $12 million plus GST, we will be able to more accurately estimate the cost of the works after completing the first block," Healy said.
"Residents are being temporarily relocated to other dwellings within Eastcliffe on Orakei.
Only certain units within Eastcliffe on Orakei are affected by these works. Appropriate disclosure of the issue is made to parties who are making enquiries about purchasing licences to occupy within the village," Healy said.
Eastcliffe 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.
Places are still being sold there. For example, a one-bedroom top-floor apartment is for sale for $295,000 "offering stunning views of the courtyard and is bring and sunny."
According to 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.
Residents do not own their properties but an occupation right agreements. These are issued under the Retirement Village Act 2003, the 2016 annual report says.
