Lynnette’s home struggle 12 months on from floods

“I had a couple of bad weeks. One second, they would say it’s right to go ahead and fix the home. And then, the next second, I ask them, what about my stumps?” Ms Brown said.

“I was then told by the same insurance company that that decision is with another department.”

In a later phone conversation, Ms Brown said the policy had since been sold to several insurance companies, with no-one willing to accept responsibility.

Two insurance companies are trying to settle who is responsible for the damage from two separate floods.

The first flood was in 2011, damaging several of the home’s stumps.

The flood water was not high enough to enter the building on that occasion.

Last year’s floods were much higher and entered the home, causing damage to the wooden floorboards and plastered walls.

“They said they are trying to work it out between them or try to come to terms with who will pay for the stumps that were damaged during the 2011 floods,” Ms Brown said.

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by Ms Brown, she has employed additional help that will hopefully find a suitable resolution.

“I currently have a mediator working with the two insurers on my behalf to see if they can find an acceptable conclusion,” she said.

“I’ve had phone calls this week about the house, and I’ve also rang several times, and the only response I get is a voice recording saying that they’ll get back to me.

“I thought if I were a bug or a thorn in their side and rang them every day, perhaps they would be quicker in responding to my calls and making a final decision on repairing my home.”

Fortunately for Ms Brown, her temporary accommodation in town has been extended for another six months.

“I’ve been here all my life in Rochester, and all of my friends are here,” Ms Brown said.

“But after 12 months of waiting, I feel like giving up.”