My Hastings – Mayor’s message

It’s more than three months since Cyclone Gabrielle hit and we continue to be focused on the district’s recovery.

In May the Cyclone Recovery Minister set a timeline for assessments of properties affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, and those in the lowest-risk areas will start to get some clarity about their future this month.

We welcome this process getting underway, and hearing that those in higher-risk areas will also start to be engaged with from mid-June.

Our residents need certainty and are wanting answers, but it’s important that this process is conducted thoroughly and provides the right answers.

More funding to help residents is being allocated from the Hawke's Bay Disaster Relief Fund, with the owners of red and yellow stickered homes in Hastings set to receive $2000 per property.

There is more information on the Council website, but If Council holds the property owner's bank details, the refund will be automatic. Our team has been contacting those we don't, to get those details.

I was extremely pleased in this year’s budget to see a $6b investment in the reinstatement of critical local and national infrastructure announced –  we are looking into the allocation details, but it is certainly very good news.

Also announced was $65m to fund community connectors to assist with the recovery of our most cyclone-affected residents. This is something we, along with other impacted councils, requested and will be so important as we work with our residents on how they plan for the future.

I wish to acknowledge and thank the amazing volunteers who continue to support those who have been impacted by the cyclone.

As well as responding to our community’s needs post-cyclone our Council has been getting on with other business as usual, including committing to investing in upgrades to our beloved Splash Planet.

We know the opening of Splash Planet is a much anticipated event each summer and we want to make sure it is a fabulous experience.

Although we acknowledge the cost burdens we are experiencing as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, this attraction is very important to our people and our district, and Council is committed to upgrading the facility.

By getting started with these improvements now we have the best chance of re-opening in the middle of November.

31 May 2023

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