Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) has awarded the multi-million-dollar Waiohiki stopbank construction contract to Hastings-based company Phoenix Contracting.

The awarding of this contract marks a major milestone in the Hawke’s Bay Flood Resilience Programme delivered by HBRC; the first project to kick off construction.

The Waiohiki construction work package includes building a new 1035-metre stopbank from Napier Golf Course to Redclyffe Bridge, realigning Ūpokohina stream, and ecological enhancement.

HBRC Project Manager Mell Anderson says awarding the contract to a local business keeps significant financial investment and jobs in the area and signifies a major step forward for the Waiohiki community.

“We’re thrilled that we’ll be working alongside Phoenix to deliver this important flood resilience solution. Being finally able to get diggers on the ground to get the stopbank underway is a great feeling – a sentiment I’m sure is shared by local residents.”

Local hands shaping local resilience

Phoenix Contracting is one of the most established contracting firms in Hawke's Bay and has had a longstanding connection with Waiohiki. Phoenix Contracts Manager Hamish Dooney says the contract is “good for business”, especially in the current tough economic climate.

“This contract means we are able to keep our staff employed across our business units, which is fantastic. We’re also pleased to be back working with the Waiohiki community – we were there with diggers after the marae burned down and after the cyclone we were heavily involved in the cleanup for about six months. More recently, we were contracted to do the earthworks for both the new marae and the wharekai, so it’s great to be back in the community once again and for such positive work as building the stopbank.”

During the comprehensive procurement process undertaken by HBRC, one of the most important grading criteria was the weighting given to the ability to deliver projects quickly and efficiently, and the ability to manage costs and risks within budget. HBRC’s Mell Anderson says Phoenix’s commitment to putting the community first and creating local opportunities for businesses and employees was a significant factor. “Phoenix scored well on all fronts and we are delighted to be working with such a community-minded local business.”

Construction has begun with Phoenix setting up the site and starting to clear the trees and vegetation along the stopbank path, with building expected to be completed early 2026.

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