Climate change action in Hastings district

Taking practical action now means our community will be better protected from the impacts of climate change in the future. We are delivering a programme of work focused on two key areas: adaptation (preparing for the physical impacts of climate change) and mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions). This page outlines the specific projects and initiatives underway in each area.

Climate adaptation

Our adaptation work is designed to make our core infrastructure more resilient, guide development away from areas exposed to natural hazards, and strengthen community preparedness.

We are supported by strong partnerships with local, regional, and national organisations, including mana whenua, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Flood risk management and land use planning

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  Flood damage following Cyclone Gabrielle

  We have completed a Category 3 Voluntary Buy-out Programme, in partnership with central government and Napier City Council, to relocate residents from areas severely affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Find out more about the buy-out programme here.
• We have proposed changes to the District Plan (Plan Change 6) to help displaced households resettle locally on safer land. View Plan Change 6 here.
• In Havelock North, we have increased maintenance of dams and streams, and introduced real-time monitoring with depth sensors to better manage stormwater. Read more about stream management here.
• We are rebuilding culverts, bridges, roads, and stormwater systems damaged or destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle to support emergency management and community resilience. Find out more about the roading recovery here.
• We are rolling out forty-four community emergency hubs across the Hastings district to support community-level emergency response. Find out about emergency hubs here.
• We are delivering a three-year emergency management transformation strategy in partnership with Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management. View the Review the cyclone response here.

Climate-aware growth planning and water resilience

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  Waiaroha water treatment plant

  We carefully consider natural hazards, particularly flood and erosion risks, when selecting areas for future development. View the Hastings and Napier Future Development Strategy here.
• We ensure engineering designs incorporate future climate scenarios, including NIWA’s RCP8.5 projections. View the technical appendices under hearing documents on the FDS page here.
• Each summer, we run seasonal water conservation campaigns to help reduce water demand. Learn about water use here.
• Major infrastructure projects such as the Frimley and Waiaroha reservoirs are improving the resilience of our drinking water supply. Find out more about Waiaroha here.
• We are continuing native planting projects in parks and road reserves to enhance biodiversity, reduce erosion, and limit the urban heat island effect. Find out more about the Landmarks Trust projects here.

Coastal protection projects

• Since 2019, we have invested over $3 million into coastal resilience projects at Haumoana, Te Awanga, and Waimārama.
• Our work includes dune planting, reinforcing existing seawalls, and constructing an eco-reef at Te Awanga to help reduce wave energy.
• We are also a partner in the Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazard Strategy, working alongside Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Napier City Council, and mana whenua. Visit hbcoast.co.nz for more information.

Climate change mitigation

Our mitigation work focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable transport, energy efficiency, waste reduction, leadership, and collaboration. These actions help improve air quality, lower costs, and support Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy

Low-emission transport and mobility 

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  Heretaunga Arakura – Pathways to School programme

  We continue to expand the iWay walking and cycling network, making it easier for residents in Hastings, Havelock North, Flaxmere, and Clive to choose active, low-emission travel. Learn more about iWay here.
• Through the Heretaunga Arakura – Pathways to School programme, we are working with local schools to improve walking and cycling routes, upgrade crossings, and provide cycle skills training. Read about Heretaunga Arakura here.
• We have installed public electric vehicle charging stations in partnership with Unison and Napier City Council. Find out about EV charging locations on the Unison website here.
• Council is transitioning to a low-emission vehicle fleet, with hybrid electric vehicles now the default choice for new purchases where practicable.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency

• The Ōmarunui landfill gas-to-electricity plant captures methane from waste and generates enough electricity to power around 1,000 homes. Learn more about the Ōmarunui Landfill here.
• We have upgraded streetlights across the district to energy-efficient LEDs, significantly reducing power use and emissions.
• An energy audit of Council’s central administration building has identified further opportunities to lower energy use, costs, and emissions.
• We are investigating renewable energy options for Council facilities, including replacing the gas boiler at the Havelock North Village Pool with an efficient electric heat pump

Waste minimisation and circular economy

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  Kerbside recycling collection

  The Hastings and Napier Waste Management and Minimisation Plan outlines actions to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling rates. View the plan here.
• Kerbside recycling, green waste collection, and composting education programmes are helping households to reduce their waste and carbon footprint. Learn more about recycling and green waste here.
• The Waste Minimisation Fund supports community-led initiatives that promote reuse and recycling, such as repair cafés and recycling schemes. Apply to the fund here.

Organisational leadership and planning

• We have completed and verified Council’s organisational carbon inventories for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years.
• We are developing a climate policy framework to guide Council’s future decision-making on climate action.
• Council is represented on both the Technical Advisory Group and the Climate Action Joint Committee, helping to strengthen regional collaboration.
• A regional emissions reduction working group is being established to better align efforts and minimise duplication across councils.
• We maintain ongoing collaboration with local authorities, mana whenua, and regional partners to deliver effective, consistent action on climate change.