The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is launching a region-wide conversation with communities about how we protect ourselves better from flooding – a challenge that’s growing with our changing climate.

Regional Council Chair Hinewai Ormsby says the the devastation caused by recent flood events like Cyclone Gabrielle, has shown just how exposed the region is to flooding, whether it comes from rivers, stormwater, or the sea.

“Flooding is one of the most pressing climate risks we face in Hawke’s Bay,” says Chair Ormsby. “The protections that once worked for us are no longer enough. We need to talk openly, and as a region, about where we go from here.”

From now through to 2027 when the next Long Term Plan is decided, the Regional Council will work closely with communities to explore engineering solutions – such as spillways, drains, stopbanks, and seawalls – and consider what’s needed in different areas to manage growing flood risk.

“This work will help us understand what solutions make the most sense for each community. We’ll be looking at the big questions together: what needs to be done, where, when, and how we pay for it.

“It will also take partnerships with Central Government and a strong financial strategy. Our relationship with Central Government is important. This was demonstrated before Cyclone Gabrielle, when Kanoa - the Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, which manages the Provincial Growth Fund, partnered with the Regional Council on flood resilience projects including upgrades to the Taradale stopbank.”

Chair Ormsby says the scale of the challenge ahead is significant. Early estimates suggest that if all possible engineering solutions were implemented today, it could require doubling what the Council currently collects in rates - from $50 million to $100 million per year.

“Deciding which engineering solutions to invest in is the job at hand and, in the end, it comes down to how much we are all prepared to pay. This is a long-term challenge, and there’s no quick fix, but we aim to make substantial decisions at the 2027 Long Term Plan deliberations” says Chair Ormsby.

The Regional Council will soon launch a dedicated online hub with a range of information about potential flood protection options for areas across the region. The first of the information, including an explainer animation, handout and discussion document were received today by councillors, and further information will be added over time. The hub will soon enable people to get involved in the conversation.

“We are prepared to have these conversations openly because we know how essential they are for the safety of our Hawke’s Bay communities” says Chair Ormsby.

More information is available in the latest Council meeting agenda at https://hawkesbay.infocouncil.biz/Open/2025/06/RC_25062025_AGN_AT.PDF

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