The trust which owns the land at the settlement of Little Waihi in Bay of Plenty sees evicting residents as a last resort.
Toby Curtis of Te Arawa Management, the commercial arm of Te Arawa Lakes Trust, says many of the buildings in the settlement are un-permitted and sub-standard, and their existence is a threat to the neighbouring estuary.
He says while the eviction notices issued to 29 lessees do seem harsh, the trust is prepared to be flexible.
Mr Curtis told Waatea News the trust will be sitting down, as in the past, with each family to see how they can come to an arrangement.
He also said it would be a major exercise to upgrade many of the homes to acceptable building standards.
