Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has today endorsed the next stages of the region’s land categorisation framework, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to restore and strengthen flood resilience across the region.

On 1 May 2023, the Government released its initial risk categories and associated definitions to guide local authorities’ decision-making in respect of the risk categorisation of affected properties following Cyclone Gabrielle. Council developed a process and technical framework to assess flood risk across the region and assigned categories 1, 2 or 3 to reflect the appropriate risk threshold.

Council Chair Sophie Siers says today’s decisions reflect the progress the region has made since Cyclone Gabrielle, while keeping momentum behind long-term recovery and resilience work.

“This is the next stage in restoring Hawke’s Bay. It’s a clear signal that our region is moving forward with better information, stronger protections, and a shared commitment to reducing risk for our communities,” Ms Siers says.

Category 1, which applies to properties that were assessed as not facing intolerable risk to life, will be retired in December 2025.

Council has also confirmed that Category 3 maps, which currently reflect the best available post-Gabrielle modelling, will be phased out once updated flood hazard modelling is fully integrated into district plans and the Council’s hazard portal. This means the land categorisation framework will no longer apply to properties previously identified as Category 3.

Ms Siers says today’s decisions give communities greater certainty about the path ahead.

"We’ve always said that land categorisation was a tool for recovery, not a permanent feature. As new flood modelling becomes available and new infrastructure is built, we will keep improving our flood information and planning functions and strengthening resilience for our communities.”

Work continues on the five major Category 2C flood mitigation projects, which will enable those communities to eventually have their categorisations removed.

The Regional Council will provide updated information and community guidance to support residents as these changes progress.

To see some FAQs about this process - https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/land-categorisation-hb/

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