Media Release

10 April 2012

Consent granted for Haumoana seawall

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has granted conditional resource consent to a Haumoana resident wanting to construct a seawall to protect his property from coastal erosion.

A hearing was held before three commissioners in February to consider the resource consent from Mr. John Bridgeman.

Mr Bridgeman has an existing wall, which is approaching the end of its design life. Finalising options for a long term solution for management of the coastal hazard affecting Haumoana is still likely to be some time away. Given the timeframe and uncertainty around any alternative community solution being adopted, Mr Bridgeman sought consent for the new seawall to provide a level of additional ongoing protection over the short term, pending the outcome of a potential longer term solution.

The hearing panel agreed to grant a 10 year consent, subject to a range of conditions relating to the construction of the seawall, removal of debris from previous failed seawalls, depositing gravel to mitigate erosion effects and management of stormwater and storm overtopping, as well as keeping HBRC informed on the state of the seawall after major storm events.

A report from the Hearing Panel said the adverse effects of the activity when managed with conditions will be no more than minor, and the seawall is a sustainable use of natural and physical resources within the proposed term of the consent.

The report said the 10 year period for the consent reflects the interim nature of the seawall and recognises that a more enduring, sustainable, longer term community proposal is being considered for implementation by Hastings District Council. It also said there is insufficient certainty that the proposed mitigation will be effective for a period beyond 10 years.

Resource consent was sought from both the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Hastings District Council, the Councils held a joint hearing, and consent has also been granted by HDC on the same terms

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