Construction has begun on new flood mitigation for Ōhiti Road, Ōmāhu, marking another milestone in the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s recovery and resilience efforts.

The new flood mitigation is part of the Government’s North Island Weather Events (NIWE) ~$1.7 billion nationwide programme, which committed $212 million towards major flood resilience projects in Hawke’s Bay, including seven projects to recategorise high-risk areas identified after Cyclone Gabrielle; six of these projects are managed by Regional Council and one is managed by Hastings District Council in Havelock North.

Regional Council Chair Sophie Siers says the start of construction is a major step forward for local property owners whose properties will soon move to the lowest flood risk category. “The Ōhiti Road residents have been waiting for this work to begin so they can move forward with security and confidence.”

Chair Siers adds that with two projects already in construction - a third of the major projects - the NIWE programme is gaining real momentum. “It shows our commitment to seeing these projects completed as soon as possible and we’re now seeing increasingly faster progress toward a safer, more resilient region.”

The Ōhiti Road, Ōmāhu project is delivering benefits for the community’s safety and the local economy with the multi-million-dollar construction contract awarded to Waipukurau-based CHB Earthmovers.

Selecting a local contractor ensures the financial investment remains in Hawke’s Bay, supports regional jobs, and strengthens local industry capability, all while building much-needed flood resilience.

The Ōhiti Road works include:

A 2.1-kilometre network of stopbanks and bunds on both sides of the Ohiwia Stream near Broughton’s Bridge.

Road raising on Ōhiti Road and Taihape Road to match stopbank heights.

Drainage improvements.

Taihape Road and Ōhiti Road users can expect to see single lane traffic control near the construction area for the duration of works.

Stopbank and road raise construction works have begun with expected completion by mid-2026.

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