Uncertainty remains the word in Muriwai, with no information on when those with cyclone-ravaged homes could receive potential payouts promised by the Crown and Council.
There were expectations it would happen this week, but Minister for Auckland Michael Wood was unable to provide them with the answers they were looking for.
Then there's the issue of money - some people are having to pay mortgages and rents, and it's having grave impacts on some.
Five months after Cyclone Gabrielle ripped through Muriwai, 105 dwellings are red-stickered and can't be lived in.
"We know that five months into this event it remains extraordinarily challenging for you," Wood said.
On Thursday, the Minister for Auckland promised they wouldn't be abandoned. But timelines for council buyouts remain up in the air.
"Couldn't put my hand on my heart and tell you that," Auckland Council group recovery manager Mat Tucker said.
And then there are locals still paying for mortgages on written-off homes while also paying rent somewhere else.
But, even five months after the cyclone, the Minister for Auckland wasn't able to offer many answers on Thursday.
"There's a role here for Government and a role here for the banks as well," Wood said.
"Some people have had success and support - and some people haven't. Our expectation is we have some reasonable support from banks."
Muriwai Stickered Residents Group chairperson Mike Hibbert said: "The one thing the community doesn't want to keep hearing is finger-pointing."
That uncertainty is having a very serious impact on some.
"There are people in our community suffering heart attacks," Hibbert said.
Muriwai is different to much of the country. The geotech problems there are complex - but there is hope they'll be resolved by the end of August.
Intertwined, houses need to be categorised - written-off versus salvageable and then there are buyouts.
The cyclone is gone but the fallout is far from over.
