Strong community interest in Havelock North dams and streams

More than 60 people attended a Hastings District Council update on the Havelock North dams and streams post-cyclone programme on Saturday (May 11).

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst, councillors and the project team were at Keith Sands Grove Reserve to answer questions and share progress on the work to enable 2c properties to be recategorised to 1, and on a strategy being developed to mitigate risk to life during extreme flood events.

“We know it is very important that we fulfil Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s requirements to recategorise the 2c properties as soon as possible. At the same time we are developing a strategy for all five dams and streams ahead of future storms,” said Mrs Hazlehurst.

“Working closely with the community on the work programme and strategy is key to getting the best outcomes we can. As part of that, we’re calling for community members to be part of a programme steering group. This will help ensure we get residents’ feedback as we develop elements of the strategy, including the Emergency Action Plan, design solutions, communications and engagement, and much more.”

Hastings District Council three waters manager Steve Cave said that within the next two months a report would go to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to enable it to consider recategorising the 2c Havelock North properties.

“This report covers the three conditions Regional Council requires: a plan that’s able to achieve consents; a legal interest in favour of HDC around land needed for flood-mitigating projects; and funding for the projects,” said Mr Cave.

The cyclone highlighted the need for a coordinated strategy, plan, and work programme for the five Havelock North streams and dams.

“In order to improve maintenance and to increase the level of flood protection in Havelock North, a strategy is under development with 11 different workstreams,” said Mr Cave.

“Part of the dam safety investigations includes the development of an Emergency Action Plan which is in development and will be tested with the community over the coming months.”

To fund the work $10m has been committed from $203m the region received from the Crown to invest in flood protection, and to move 2c categories to category 1.

Find out more about this mahi, and see information from the drop-in session on our website.

17 May 2024

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