Community advisory group making a difference

Communications on recovery progress include through the community group, newsletters and on-site drop-in days

In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle’s impact on Havelock North, to ensure local people are actively involved in shaping decisions on the management of the village’s dams and streams, a dedicated community advisory group was set up to work with Hastings District Council.

More than 30 homes were flooded during the cyclone and as part of the recovery a powerful local collaboration has evolved - one that is already making a tangible difference.

Under the leadership of Hastings-Havelock North ward councillor Malcolm Dixon, the group has provided invaluable community insight, acting as a key liaison between residents and Council, and influencing critical remediation and management efforts. The group has met bi-monthly since August 2024.

“I’m really pleased with how well this group has worked with Council, to incorporate community views, understand the challenges of the work underway while making sure residents are kept informed of progress,” said Mr Dixon.

“The group has also been effective as a sounding board for Council as we develop and finalise remediation and management tools – like guidelines for streambank management and remediation including planting guidance and clarifying responsibilities of Council and stream-side residents. This is important given 90 per cent of stream banks are on private property.

“It is essential for Council to hear, understand and appropriately incorporate our community’s views, knowledge and experience into our management processes,” he said.

Mr Dixon said the cyclone significantly impacted several properties in the streams’ catchment, with a number of residents still in Category 2C bordering the Mangarau Stream, so it was essential Council worked through the programme of work with a community focus.

Since March 2023, Council had implemented numerous practical improvements to the dams and streams network. One of the most significant changes had been the appointment of a dedicated maintenance contractor, overseen by a Council contract manager, to carry out both routine and reactive dam and stream maintenance.

Council had also enhanced its monitoring capabilities. A drone survey of the five Havelock North streams and dams was complete, providing valuable data for planning and modelling activities.

The community meetings, along with regular newsletters, helped ensure residents could stay informed of progress and upcoming works.

Over the next 12 months several more significant initiatives will be completed including the installation of a further 10 to 12 stream monitors along each stream, following a trial that is underway.

Mr Dixon said he was confident the community focus and input would help reassure and build confidence in the resilience and management of the Havelock North waterways.

A dedicated webpage contains key information and updates: https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/services/water/stormwater/hndamsstreams/

For a comprehensive list of actions to date and plans see: http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/Havelock-North-Dams-and-Streams-Actions-List

26 February 2025

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