Council inspectors find 142 flood-damaged homes

Builders in Northland will be busy after council inspectors found 142 homes that needed work as a result of last week's floods in the region.

Far North District Council spokeswoman Alison Lees said 75 homes were dangerous or posed a health risk and it would be months until residents could return.

Most of the homes are in and around Kaeo, Whangaroa and Kaitaia where an estimated 150 people are homeless.

- NZHERALD STAFF