The coastal hazards project shared by three Hawke’s Bay councils and local iwi continues to gather momentum.

An OECD report issued in March 2019 drew attention to the Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy 2120 for its proactive, locally led approach to coastal hazards in the face of climate change and sea level rise.

“This is still new and complex work, however we want to take action on the solutions that have been identified as quickly as possible,” says Peter Beaven, Hawke’s Bay Regional Councillor and Chair of the Coastal Hazards Joint Committee.

The Joint Committee met this week to review the project timing and resource commitments. They also discussed how best to fund recommended solutions, such as groynes, shingle renourishment and sea walls, so that they will be affordable to the communities they serve and the costs fairly allocated according to who benefits from the proposed solutions.

The partner councils and iwi also discussed the concept of a contributory fund to cover the public good elements of future coastal hazard solutions. Napier City, Hastings District and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council would each make payments into the contributory fund to offset the future cost of responding to coastal hazards. The funding model, individual designs, costs and other elements will be the focus of public consultation before any final decisions are made.

The Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy 2120 is a joined-up approach between Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and iwi groups Mana Ahuriri, He Toa Takitini and Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust with a focus on long-term workable solutions. For more information, go to: hbcoast.co.nz.

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