Wellington, May 27 NZPA - The Auckland City Council has voted tonight to accept the Government's leaky homes package.

The council unanimously decided to go with the Government scheme, and joined the North Shore, Waitakere, Rodney, Manukau, Wellington and Christchurch city councils, which had already voted to back the package.

Auckland city accounts for 40 percent of active watertight claims, while the others account for about 45 percent.

Auckland deputy mayor David Hay told NZPA the agreement was a long time coming.

"The Government has come to the party and we appreciate that. I am sure the home owners will appreciate it too."

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said he supported the package as it presented a way forward and was an viable alternative option for home owners to litigation.

Home owners pursuing litigation found legal costs swallowed up any funds granted through the legal process, he said.

"This way, they still have the option for litigation, but should they choose the proposed option they would have a much greater element of certainty."

Under its terms the Government and councils will each pay 25 percent of the cost of repairing leaky homes, with the owners paying the rest.

All councils must vote on the proposal by the end of this month.