Throughout November and December, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council sought community views on the proposed Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy 2120. The Council will continue this conversation in the New Year.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Deputy Chair Jerf van Beek, "People told us this matters - not just for beachfront homes, but for the roads, services, and businesses we all rely on. While views differ on how costs should be shared, the overall message is clear: decisions need to be grounded, practical and cost effective."

Through surveys, drop-ins at Westshore and Haumoana, webinars, and focus groups, people shared diverse and sometimes conflicting views on coastal protection. These include:

· Some support stronger structures and more gravel, while others prefer a lighter approach or managed retreat in high-risk areas. Several stressed that early steps should not be presented as permanent fixes.

· Views on long-term approaches ranged widely. Some want to protect the coast at all costs, while others see retreat or natural processes as more viable.

· People want the coast to stay accessible and safe. A successful future means clean beaches, safe access, thriving habitats, and communities that understand the risks they live with.

· Many people expressed concern about intervention costs and how we might share them.

Early next year, the Regional Council will ask the community to explore funding options in more depth, so decisions on preferred approaches can be grounded in what is equitable and feels achievable for our region.

The Community Reference Group will consider all views gathered before providing recommendations to councils. These will inform decisions developing the 2027 Long Term Plan for formal consultation with the community.

"Every voice adds to the picture. By listening now, we can move into formal decision-making with a clearer sense of what our communities want, what feels practical, and what will stand the test of time," says Cr. van Beek.

A summary of engagement findings will be published on www.hbcoast.co.nz in the New Year.

About the Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy 2120:

The Strategy provides a framework for assessing coastal hazards risks and identifying options for managing these risks over the next 100 years addressing coastal erosion, and storm surge inundation between Clifton and Tangoio.

The Strategy brings together representatives from Tamatea Pōkai Whenua, Hastings District Council, Mana Ahuriri Trust, Napier City Council, Maungaharuru-Tangitu Trust, and Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

The joint committee from the previous local government term recommended that Hawke's Bay Regional Council be the lead organisation to implement the strategy.

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