The Wairoa Flood Mitigation project has reached another significant milestone with Cabinet’s approval of the proposed Order in Council amendment, bringing the community one step closer to the flood mitigation they urgently need.

The Cabinet decision approves the legislative amendment sought by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) to update the Hawke’s Bay Flood Protection Works Order 2024, enabling the streamlined consenting process to cover the full scope of the proposed Option 1C+ flood mitigation solution.

Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule, says the decision demonstrates continued Government commitment to delivering flood mitigation for Wairoa.

“This Cabinet approval is a critical step that removes a key barrier to construction and keeps us on track to begin enabling works in late 2025,” Mr Yule says.

“With the summer construction season fast approaching, this decision helps to maintain critical momentum at a time when every month matters for the people of Wairoa who continue to live with uncertainty and risk.”

The approval comes as land access negotiations continue to make steady progress, with agreements now completed for one property and in the final stages of completion for two more – a significant milestone that enables those homeowners to move forward after more than two years of uncertainty following Cyclone Gabrielle and the June 2024 flooding.

“Each land access agreement completed represents more than just a legal milestone – it's about giving whānau the certainty they need to rebuild their lives," Mr Yule says.

"Property valuations and negotiation discussions are actively underway with several other properties, and we remain committed to working closely with every impacted whānau to try and find solutions that enable them to move forward."

The project procurement strategy, with a targeted focus on the use of local contractors and supply chains from within the Wairoa District, is also advancing, with the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design and preconstruction phase expected to be released to prequalified contractors toward the end of August.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council Chair, Hinewai Ormsby, says the Cabinet decision validates the extensive work undertaken to refine the flood mitigation solution and the collaborative approach taken with the community.

"Option 1C+ was developed specifically in response to community feedback to minimise impacts on homes and whenua Māori while maintaining the technical integrity needed to protect lives and properties," Mrs Ormsby says.

“This approval enables us to move toward construction of a flood mitigation solution that will protect 627 properties, moving them from Category 2C to Category 1, while respecting the cultural values and whenua of the Wairoa community.”

Cultural responsiveness remains at the heart of this much needed community mahi, with additional Cultural Impact Assessment activity nearing completion and expected to be finalised in the first week of September, says Mr Yule.

“We recognise mātauranga Māori exists in many places and forms and remain very open to receiving further cultural input. We appreciate the way mana whenua, including the Trustees and representatives of Takitimu Marae, Ruataniwha Marae and Tawhiti A Maru Marae, continue to engage with us, sharing their perspectives, cultural knowledge and mātauranga Māori.

“This input is critical to ensuring any flood mitigation solution properly respects and protects the cultural values and taonga of Te Wairoa.”

With the legislative pathway now clear and land access negotiations progressing, the project team is advancing detailed design work and construction planning to enable work to begin as soon as late 2025.

Wairoa Mayor, Craig Little, acknowledged the work of Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule.

“This has been a tough time for everyone, and our community remains appreciative of the massive input of Lawrence and his team in achieving another milestone.

“As local Wairoa people, we all know that our town cannot move ahead unless we have flood mitigation in place. We are fortunate to have built strong relationships with Central Government, which recognises our needs and has supported us with the $70 million ring-fenced funding and the legislative requirements needed to secure this project.

“Again, thank you to everyone who has been involved. I really hope we are able to have shovels in the ground and work underway by the end of this year so our community can move forward and live without rain anxiety.”  

25 August 2025

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