Report: Options for 2C properties on Mangarau Stream

A report outlining work that will allow the Havelock North properties categorised 2C following Cyclone Gabrielle to be recategorised to 1 has been provided to Hastings District Council.

The Tonkin and Taylor (T+T) Land Categorisation Review Havelock North-Mangarau Stream report was commissioned by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to investigate flood protection measures that would allow the stream to cope with a 1 in 100-year (1% AEP) severe weather event.

“This report is a key step in supporting 2C property owners along the Managarau Stream to be able to move on from Cyclone Gabrielle with confidence,” said Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst.

“In our meeting with the 2C property owners last Wednesday evening where we discussed the report, we heard their concerns around future flooding, the time it’s taking for recategorisation, and how the work will be funded. The information in the report goes a long way to enabling our teams to address many of these issues.”

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council commissioned the T+T report as part of its land categorisation work, and Hastings District Council will now prepare work plans and business cases based on the key recommendations in the report. The business cases are needed to unlock $10 million of Crown funding to deliver projects.

“The key recommendations include stream widening, improved land access and maintenance, upgrading structures, bank stabilisation, improved monitoring, among others,” said Hastings District Council three waters manager Steve Cave.

“The team is carrying out monitoring and maintenance as we are working on a project plan and design for implementing the larger projects in the report to be ready for construction in late 2024, to coincide with drier weather.”

While the upgrades do not need to be in place for the 2C categorisation to be lifted by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, a plan is required to be in place. The plan needs to ensure work can be constructed, is funded, can be consented and have the required property rights.

“This T+T report will also assist with the wider strategy we are developing to manage all five streams and dams,” said Mr Cave.

“The initial part of the strategy – focusing on flooding issues in the short term - will be brought to the community in the first quarter of 2024 for feedback. The second iteration of the strategy focuses on long term objectives and targets for the next 10 years.”

See the T+T report, the presentation given to 2C property owners, and other current and historic reports, technical information, cyclone rainfall and community updates on Council’s website.

20 December 2023

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