# Question 155: We own a home on the Heretaunga Plains in Hawke's Bay and have school-age children. Flood risk, insurance and the cost of protecting our home are major concerns for us. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. Which Hawke's Bay flood-protection works are already funded or underway, and which are still future options or election promises? Who is responsible for delivering each? Collected 31 October 2026 [NZ Election 2026 · Edition 7 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/7) ## ChatGPT Answer ID: 940d929c-6430-41eb-ab87-3234ad53798c # Hawke’s Bay flood protection: what is funded, what is being built, and what is still a proposal? As at 30 October 2026, there is an important distinction for Heretaunga Plains homeowners: Hawke’s Bay has a substantial government-funded flood-protection programme already under construction, but that does not mean every part of the Plains will receive the same level of protection, or that all longer-term flood-risk solutions have been funded. The central programme is the North Island Weather Events (NIWE) flood-resilience programme, established following Cyclone Gabrielle. The headline funding # $256.5 million Total Hawke’s Bay programme investment. Central government $209 million Hawke’s Bay Regional Council $47.5 million Central government funding is managed through National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFF). These are programme-wide figures, not money available for individual homeowners. [Restoring Flood Resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/)[Ōmāhu flood project reaches the finish line | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/2038/mhu-flood-resilience-project-reaches-the-finish) The Regional Council says all construction works in its community flood-resilience programme are intended to have begun by the end of 2026, with completion planned by mid-2027. [Restoring Flood Resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/) ## 1. Funded or already completed works on and around the Heretaunga Plains These are the projects I would pay particular attention to as a Heretaunga Plains homeowner. Completed Ōhiti Road | Ōmāhu flood-resilience project - Main construction completed in August 2026. - Cost: approximately $10 million. - Built 2.1 km of new and upgraded stopbanks and bunds beside Ohiwia Stream. - Raised approximately 800 metres of Ōhiti and Taihape roads. - Includes drainage, culvert and erosion-protection improvements. - Designed for a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability flood, with additional freeboard. - Funding: 75% central government, 25% HBRC. - Responsible: Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, with central government funding and local construction contractors. This is a particularly significant example because 11 previously Category 2C homes had their classifications removed following the completed protection works. [Ōmāhu flood project reaches the finish line](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/article/2038/mhu-flood-project-reaches-the-finish-line)[Ōmāhu flood project reaches the finish line | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/2038/mhu-flood-resilience-project-reaches-the-finish) Completed Waiohiki stopbank - A new one-kilometre stopbank along the Tūtaekurī River, from Napier Golf Course towards Redclyffe Bridge. - Completed in May 2026. - Designed to the 1% AEP standard. - 45 properties previously classified Category 2C were moved to Category 1. - Responsible: Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, working with landowners, mana whenua and contractors. [Waiohiki stopbank complete in major flood resilience milestone | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/1989/waiohiki-stopbank-complete-in-major-flood-resilience-milestone) Under construction Pākōwhai flood-protection project This is one of the more substantial projects for the Plains. Pākōwhai sits between the Ngaruroro and Tūtaekurī river systems. The project is intended to provide an additional line of defence if existing river stopbanks are overwhelmed. The planned works include: - Approximately 5.5 km of stopbank and flood wall along the Tūtaekurī-Waimate Stream. - Another approximately 3 km of stopbank and flood wall between Links Road and State Highway 2. - Realignment of approximately 500 metres of the stream. - A spillway to help manage excess water in a controlled manner. - Additional 500 mm freeboard in the design. The design uses the post-Cyclone Gabrielle flood modelling and targets a 1% AEP standard. In July 2026, HBRC confirmed that 73 properties had their Category 2C classifications removed as construction advanced. Funding and delivery: - Funded through the NIWE programme. - 75% central government and 25% HBRC. - HBRC awarded the construction contract to Hick Bros Civil Construction in May 2026, with a contract value of approximately $18.23 million. Responsible: HBRC is the project owner and delivery authority; Hick Bros is the construction contractor. [Pākōwhai](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/pakowhai/)[Progress for Pākōwhai: Homes cleared from Category 2C as protection works advance | Whirinaki](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/whirinaki/article/2021/progress-for-pkwhai-homes-cleared-from-category-2c-as-protection-works-advance?s=5&t=featured)[GETS | Hawke's Bay Regional Council - HBRC Pākōwhai Southern Stopbank Flood Mitigation Tender](https://www.gets.govt.nz/HBRC/ExternalTenderDetails.htm?id=32904437) Under construction Ōmāhu (Chesterhope Upper) stopbank upgrade This is separate from the completed Ōhiti Road | Ōmāhu project. - Construction commenced in September 2026. - Approximately 3 km of stopbank on the true-left bank of the Ngaruroro River will be raised and widened. - The work runs from the Ohiwia/Okawa Stream downstream towards the State Highway 2 Ngaruroro River bridge. - Designed against the post-cyclone 1% AEP flood standard. - The Council expected completion by Christmas 2026. Responsible: HBRC, through the NIWE-funded flood-protection programme. [Construction underway on Ōmāhu stopbank upgrade | Ōmāhu stopbank upgrade](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/omahu-upgrade/article/2055/construction-underway-on-mhu-stopbank-upgrade?s=14&t=featured)[Restoring Flood Resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/) Enabling works underway Brookfields Lower stopbank upgrade This is important for the lower Heretaunga Plains, particularly around Meeanee and Awatoto. - Approximately 3.6 km of stopbank along the Tūtaekurī River. - Raising and strengthening existing sections. - Reshaping the river-facing slope. - Reviewing access ramps to reduce erosion and overtopping risks. - Enabling works began in September 2026. - Main construction was expected to begin in October 2026, with completion targeted for April 2027. The upgrade responds to revised flood modelling following Cyclone Gabrielle, which identified that the existing stopbank was no longer meeting the required regional standard. Responsible: HBRC, with Goodmans as the construction contractor. [Brookfields Lower stopbank upgrade](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/brookfields-lower/) ## 2. Other funded regional projects These are not all directly on the Heretaunga Plains, but they matter when assessing the wider regional flood-protection investment. | Project | Position at October 2026 | Responsible | | --- | --- | --- | | Havelock North | Construction underway | Hastings District Council | | Whirinaki | Construction underway | HBRC | | Pōrangahau | Construction underway in stages | HBRC | | Waipawa stopbank | Construction about to begin | HBRC | | Wairoa flood mitigation | Separate Crown-funded programme | HBRC | | Pump station upgrades | Part of NIWE programme | HBRC | | Regional telemetry improvements | Funded programme | HBRC | A few important distinctions: - Havelock North: This is delivered by Hastings District Council, rather than directly by HBRC, although it sits within the wider regional programme. - Pōrangahau: Its northern flood-protection works are progressing, with additional southern-side protection being developed for the marae, urupā, Kaumātua Flats and private homes. The project has a stated budget of $13 million. - Wairoa: Has a separate $70 million Crown funding allocation, rather than the normal 75:25 NIWE arrangement. - Pump stations and telemetry: These are particularly important because flood protection depends on more than stopbank height. Drainage capacity, pumping and timely river-level information also matter. [Restoring Flood Resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/)[Pōrangahau](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/porangahau/)[Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s flood resilience programme on track as construction momentum builds | Waiohiki](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/waiohiki/article/1931/hawkes-bay-regional-councils-flood-resilience-programme-on-track-as-construction-momentum-builds?s=4&t=featured)[Cyclone Recovery Funding Hawke's Bay](https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/cyclone-recovery-funding-hawkes-bay/) The important point is that this is not simply a collection of election announcements. There are actual government funding commitments, awarded construction contracts, completed works and projects with machinery already on site. ## 3. What is still a future option rather than funded construction? This is arguably the most important part of the picture for someone considering their 2026 vote. ### Reimagining the Heretaunga Plains flood-protection scheme Future investment decisions HBRC has been reviewing the long-term future of its two major flood-protection schemes: - Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme. - Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme. The project is called Reimagining Flood Resilience. It considers whether the existing approach to flood protection should change, including: - Whether stopbanks need to be raised, strengthened or extended. - Whether additional floodways or other flood-management infrastructure are needed. - How river management and drainage should be improved. - How much protection communities should pay for. - How to balance the cost of protection against the remaining flood risk. The findings were presented to HBRC councillors on 29 July 2026, following an almost year-long community engagement process. The Council says these findings will inform future decisions, including its 2027–2037 Long Term Plan. This distinction matters: the review has happened, and recommendations have been developed, but that does not mean every recommended engineering project has an approved budget or construction timetable. Responsible: HBRC, which owns and manages the regional flood-protection schemes. [Community feedback helps shape the future of region's flood resilience | Home](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/home/article/2030/community-feedback-helps-shape-the-future-of-regions-flood-resilience?s=1&t=featured)[Reducing Flood Risk](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/community-conversations/reducing-flood-risk-in-hawkes-bay/) ### Future strengthening of existing flood defences The existing Heretaunga Plains scheme covers the low-lying areas associated with the Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro and lower Tukituki rivers. Much of the existing scheme is designed around the 1% AEP standard. Some densely populated areas have higher standards, including the Taradale stopbank upgrade, which has a 0.2% AEP design standard. The Council's review recognises that the existing system needs to be reassessed against: - Climate change. - Changing river channels and riverbed levels. - The consequences of extreme rainfall. - The affordability of maintaining and improving protection. The future level of investment is therefore a decision still to be made, rather than an automatic commitment to upgrade every part of the Plains. [August 2025](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/ReducingFloodRisk-Discussiondoc-0825.pdf)[Reducing Flood Risk](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/community-conversations/reducing-flood-risk-in-hawkes-bay/) ### Further flood-scheme reviews and smaller infrastructure projects HBRC is also reviewing 23 smaller flood-protection, drainage and river/stream schemes across Hawke’s Bay. These reviews may identify further works, but they should not be confused with projects that already have committed construction funding. Potential areas of improvement include: - Drainage and pump capacity. - Stopbank maintenance and strengthening. - River-channel and gravel management. - Vegetation management. - Flood forecasting and warning systems. The Council has also been working through 47 recommendations from the Hawke’s Bay Independent Flood Review, commissioned after Cyclone Gabrielle. Six initial priority projects were approved in December 2024. Responsible: HBRC, working with district councils, mana whenua and central government where appropriate. [Reducing Flood Risk](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/community-conversations/reducing-flood-risk-in-hawkes-bay/) ## 4. Who actually pays, and what does this mean for homeowners? This deserves particular attention because a government-funded construction project does not necessarily mean homeowners escape the ongoing costs. The existing Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme had annual operating costs of approximately $5.5 million (excluding GST) in 2024–25. Its funding arrangement was: - 70% from targeted rates paid by scheme ratepayers. - 30% from general rates and reserves. The Regional Council has also indicated that some individual new flood-protection projects will have their own ongoing maintenance costs and rating arrangements. For example, the Pōrangahau project is expected to cost approximately $63,000 annually to operate and maintain, with 70% coming from targeted rates and 30% from general rates. [August 2025](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/ReducingFloodRisk-Discussiondoc-0825.pdf)[Pōrangahau](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/porangahau/) For your household, there are three separate financial questions: 1. Construction costs: Is the government paying for the initial infrastructure, or will local ratepayers have to contribute more? 2. Ongoing costs: Who pays for inspection, repairs, pumping, stopbank maintenance and future upgrades? 3. Residual property risk: Even after the works, will insurers consider the property insurable at reasonable premiums and excesses? The third question is particularly important. A 1% AEP design standard does not mean a property is guaranteed protection from flooding. It describes the probability of a flood event of the design magnitude occurring in any given year. It also does not automatically establish that every property behind the stopbank has the same flood exposure. Local drainage, groundwater, overland flow paths and the possibility of infrastructure failure all matter. ## 5. Who is accountable for delivery? It helps to separate political funding decisions from the organisations actually responsible for the work. | Organisation | Main responsibility | | --- | --- | | Central government | National funding commitments and policy | | National Infrastructure Funding and Financing | Administration of the NIWE funding arrangements | | Hawke’s Bay Regional Council | Regional flood schemes, engineering, project delivery, river management and maintenance | | Hastings District Council | Delivery of the Havelock North project and local district responsibilities | | Napier City Council | Local infrastructure and district responsibilities | | Construction contractors | Physical construction under council contracts | | Insurance companies | Individual property underwriting, premiums, exclusions and excesses | An important accountability point: the Regional Council bears the cost of projects exceeding their allocated NIWE budgets under the programme arrangements described by HBRC. [Restoring Flood Resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/)[Cyclone Recovery Funding Hawke's Bay](https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/cyclone-recovery-funding-hawkes-bay/) ## 6. What should you look for in the 2026 general election? I would distinguish between three things when assessing political claims. - Existing commitments: Money already allocated, contracts awarded and work underway. These should not be presented as entirely new election promises. - Future investment commitments: Additional funding for the 2027–2037 flood-protection programme, including the outcome of HBRC's Reimagining Flood Resilience work. - New political promises: Any additional national funding, changes to insurance arrangements, household protection subsidies or new flood infrastructure that a party proposes. I would particularly look for clear answers to the following questions. | Issue | Question worth putting to candidates | | --- | --- | | Future flood protection | Will you fund additional Heretaunga Plains stopbank upgrades beyond the current NIWE programme? | | Long-term funding | Will central government contribute to future major flood-protection improvements, or will local ratepayers carry the cost? | | Insurance | What will you do about insurance affordability and availability in flood-exposed communities? | | Household protection | Will there be assistance for property-level flood protection, such as barriers, drainage improvements and raising vulnerable infrastructure? | | River management | What investment will be made in gravel management, river maintenance and flood capacity? | | Climate resilience | Will you fund protection based on future climate conditions rather than simply restoring historical standards? | | Accountability | Will you publish independent assessments of whether completed projects deliver their intended protection? | These are questions about policy commitments, not assumptions about what any particular party will do. ## 7. The most useful documents to examine before voting I would concentrate on these original sources rather than relying on campaign advertising. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council The most important source for actual construction progress and future regional plans. - [Restoring Flood Resilience – project register](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - [Reducing Flood Risk in Hawke’s Bay](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/community-conversations/reducing-flood-risk-in-hawkes-bay/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - [July 2026 Reimagining Flood Resilience outcomes](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/home/article/2030/community-feedback-helps-shape-the-future-of-regions-flood-resilience?s=1&t=featured&utm_source=chatgpt.com) Central government - [Hawke’s Bay cyclone recovery funding arrangements](https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/cyclone-recovery-funding-hawkes-bay/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - [Hawke’s Bay Flood Protection Works – legislation](https://environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/orders-in-council/hawkes-bay-flood-works/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Hastings District Council - [Cyclone recovery funding and council responsibilities](https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/cyclone-recovery-funding-hawkes-bay/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) ## My overall assessment There is a meaningful amount of flood infrastructure being delivered across Hawke’s Bay, and the distinction between promises and actual construction is important. For Heretaunga Plains residents, I would focus particularly on: 1. The completed Ōhiti Road | Ōmāhu and Waiohiki works. 2. The Pākōwhai flood-protection project. 3. The Ōmāhu and Brookfields Lower stopbank upgrades. 4. The outcome of the longer-term Heretaunga Plains flood-scheme review. 5. Who will fund the next generation of improvements after the current government funding programme finishes. One issue I would not overlook is the future cost of protection. Your children may live in the same house for decades. The important question is not just whether the current government has funded improvements, but whether there is a credible, affordable plan to maintain and progressively improve protection over the next 20–30 years. And no flood scheme, however well engineered, eliminates the need for effective warnings and household evacuation planning. A useful next step: I can also examine the Heretaunga Plains scheme in more depth, particularly the Ngaruroro, Tūtaekurī and Tukituki catchments, and separate the specific future engineering options from the projects already funded. That would help establish what protection your part of the Plains might realistically expect, rather than relying on region-wide announcements. ## ChatGPT Answer ID: 74e7b5f2-fdb6-4f3d-9b0b-c8b786bed9e4 # Hawke’s Bay flood protection: what is funded, what is being built, and what remains undecided? Research position: 31 October 2026 For a homeowner on the Heretaunga Plains, there are two quite different questions to consider when assessing the 2026 election: 1. What flood protection has already been funded and is being delivered? 2. What happens to the much larger flood-control system protecting Hastings, Havelock North, Napier and the surrounding plains over the next 10–30 years? The distinction matters. Hawke's Bay has secured a substantial government-funded construction programme following Cyclone Gabrielle. However, that does not mean the long-term future of the Heretaunga Plains flood-control scheme has been decided or funded. My central finding is that the immediate recovery projects are substantially committed, but the next generation of large-scale flood protection remains undecided. I'll distinguish between government commitments, council-funded work, projects under construction and proposals that have not yet received final investment approval. ## 1. The money already committed # $256.5 million Hawke's Bay North Island Weather Events (NIWE) flood resilience programme # $209m Central government # $47.5m Hawke's Bay Regional Council Approximately 81.3% central government and 18.7% regional council. Source: HBRC's published programme figures. Individual project funding arrangements are generally approximately 75% Crown and 25% HBRC. This programme is part of the Government's wider North Island Weather Events recovery programme. The funding is administered through National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFF). HBRC is responsible for delivering most of the regional projects. Hastings District Council delivers the Havelock North project. An important financial qualification: HBRC says funding is time-sensitive and it bears the cost of projects exceeding their allocated budgets. This means a funded project does not automatically mean unlimited funding for future improvements. Sources: [Restoring Flood Resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/)[Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s flood resilience programme on track as construction momentum builds | Waiohiki](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/waiohiki/article/1931/hawkes-bay-regional-councils-flood-resilience-programme-on-track-as-construction-momentum-builds?s=4&t=featured)[Hawke’s Bay Regional Council adopts Annual Report for 2025-26 | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/2066/-hawkes-bay-regional-council-adopts-annual-report-for-2025-26) ## 2. Funded projects: completed or under construction These are the projects I would distinguish from general political announcements. They have identifiable funding, defined scopes and responsible delivery organisations. | Project | Position at October 2026 | Delivery responsibility | | --- | --- | --- | | Ōhiti Road / Ōmāhu | Main construction complete | HBRC | | Waiohiki | Complete | HBRC | | Pākōwhai | Under construction | HBRC | | Pōrangahau | Under construction | HBRC | | Whirinaki | Final works / next phase | HBRC | | Havelock North | Under construction | Hastings District Council | | Waipawa | Construction commencing | HBRC | | Ōmāhu Upper and Lower stopbanks | Construction underway | HBRC | | Brookfields Lower stopbank | Funded programme | HBRC | | Pump station upgrades | Planning and enabling | HBRC | | River telemetry upgrades | Underway | HBRC | Sources: [Restoring Flood Resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/)[Construction to start on Waipawa stopbank upgrade | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/2065/construction-to-start-on-waipawa-stopbank-upgrade)[Hawke’s Bay Regional Council adopts Annual Report for 2025-26 | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/2066/-hawkes-bay-regional-council-adopts-annual-report-for-2025-26)[Telemetry Upgrades](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/telemetry-upgrade/) ### The individual projects ![Flood risk category lifted for Ōhiti Road homes as project nears completion | News & Media | Hawke's Bay Regional Council](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/P5W8SQXtCfjiHSdyBMPecYnCS3UsPc0exeqPy9SvHyNgc8cEzofs6qSok_6ibm5E7pmnGvOWsrd6iA-HpN5b4FVQOudvTE4TPd2Dp11q9lwzlkpGqH217uGruu1-otRvxr8Os6R7HzdW1XwaqaIC5cvlVACthlX0jsxPCBY3pbs?purpose=inline) 1. Ōhiti Road / Ōmāhu Main construction complete - Approximately $10 million. - 2.1 km of new and upgraded stopbanks and bunds. - Approximately 800 metres of road raising, drainage and erosion protection. - Designed around a 1% annual exceedance probability flood, with additional freeboard. - Eleven previously Category 2C properties had their risk category removed. Delivery: HBRC, with CHB Earthmovers and Fulton Hogan involved in construction. [Ōmāhu flood project reaches the finish line | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/2038/mhu-flood-resilience-project-reaches-the-finish)[Ōhiti Road | Ōmāhu](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/ohiti-road-omahu/) ![Waiohiki stopbank complete in major flood resilience milestone | Waiohiki | Hawke's Bay Regional Council](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/OYy9xgwBIXNMSECF0_D7c5tJNypCosKm-Et_qdz3lfn43pj8P5FyYbwy5eCD8MzJPlzQxBYOqzlA2RTjRnbnvPczBVl_rrHpF1zSW8akLPVzxeafnwgY2uRu_6SRygkCtmFkkhmKAC4iuuqAr8VnLPgXA7SWCsL3FNfFIsm3Kbg?purpose=inline) 2. Waiohiki Complete – May 2026 - One-kilometre new stopbank along the Tūtaekurī River. - Runs from Napier Golf Course to Redclyffe Bridge. - Designed to the 1% AEP standard. - 45 previously Category 2C properties had their risk category removed. Delivery: HBRC. [Waiohiki stopbank complete in major flood resilience milestone | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/1989/waiohiki-stopbank-complete-in-major-flood-resilience-milestone)[Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s flood resilience programme on track as construction momentum builds | Waiohiki](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/waiohiki/article/1931/hawkes-bay-regional-councils-flood-resilience-programme-on-track-as-construction-momentum-builds?s=4&t=featured) ![Pākōwhai | Hawke's Bay Regional Council](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/v-nU68DQwQ7z5jltj7sUK9DTFGawdNOUtwz5krQ_1a5BShb9TL8KN0PNMKepa-uLm_ecK-15nX6lZEiXK3jUxnCc2FB3xVEozQhjq3er1QBZc1nvh0ssuEtZt_iC4cH7_-K6BXnzCVfxu35jxx1xvjPSNxw8PsvxqVRrySatNZg?purpose=inline) 3. Pākōwhai Construction underway - An 8.5 km flood resilience network. - Upgrades to existing stopbanks. - New stopbanks and flood walls along the Tūtaekurī-Waimate Stream. - Approximately 500 metres of stream realignment. - Designed to the 1% AEP standard, with 500 mm additional freeboard and a controlled spillway. - Construction is scheduled through to the second quarter of 2027. Delivery: HBRC. This is particularly relevant to the plains because it creates an additional line of defence if the existing Tūtaekurī and Ngaruroro stopbanks are overwhelmed. [Pākōwhai](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/pakowhai/)[Pākōwhai](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/pakowhai/) ![Pōrangahau | Hawke's Bay Regional Council](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/1-8QyHmiLChil9A1bvAAfxLrxiu9HnzT5LQpofaKJq63CoEWj-MsM676fr5C_7NxF2jRmbhZcH9I5RcvCoamebkFTngDwBP4l36rQQRnfvAnylofKS5Vm4cgthDOtPIk4nK4kMKVgtVKD_v8Ej4JiFNs-FyxjXLUsKGrH_SwQVs?purpose=inline) 4. Pōrangahau Construction underway - Approximately $13 million. - 1.7 km of stopbanks and flood walls. - Phase one covers the northern side of the river. - A second phase addresses the marae, urupā, Kaumātua Flats and nearby homes. Funding for the second phase is in place, although designs and land-access arrangements are still being worked through. Delivery: HBRC, with Galbraith Earthmovers as contractor. [Pōrangahau](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/porangahau/)[Pōrangahau](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/porangahau/) ![Whirinaki | Hawke's Bay Regional Council](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/8iD3W-7KmHIhVXWC8FeMZItAgi7pR1FzBe7u9iAR6ketmx8krgTk6YOwKRKwpclndFEnVYgNXJ7cj0abzd5bS8KGtId4iC_PH-qG2zTnJqEcP5MF8_JO1eudzDga4T4TLzvTlaksFJe2WUcJuyar1BTFs0gwD6nFcLlxe7aSBBg?purpose=inline) 5. Whirinaki Final works and second phase - New residential and industrial stopbanks. - Improved drainage and road raising. - Intended to reduce risk to 38 previously Category 2C households as well as Pan Pac's industrial facilities. - The main residential works were substantially advanced by August 2026. - A further industrial-area phase around Pan Pac's log yard is planned for completion by April 2027. Delivery: HBRC, with contractors including Fulton Hogan. [Whirinaki](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/whirinaki/) ![Waiohiki | Hawke's Bay Regional Council](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/F7M2qgwr5YrnU1jqqn2myNw734lsiurnRmhUShPD9292XXscpVM7nouraVr81bgVp9_jgPsIoNF07xftW7hWmzGOkt0h1_RvRAB9CyOWI1YaJP8_2ZjlXzHK4AteT0A2KONsNJfPT-Mcmq9mouwllpO3tHfuvvv-U_XJhc2G7Z4?purpose=inline) 6. Havelock North Under construction - One of the seven major post-Gabrielle community resilience projects. - Intended to reduce flood risk to properties affected by the cyclone. - This project is the exception to the regional council delivery model. Delivery: Hastings District Council, rather than HBRC. [Restoring Flood Resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/)[Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s flood resilience programme on track as construction momentum builds | Waiohiki](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/waiohiki/article/1931/hawkes-bay-regional-councils-flood-resilience-programme-on-track-as-construction-momentum-builds?s=4&t=featured)[Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s flood resilience programme on track as construction momentum builds | Waiohiki](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/waiohiki/article/1931/hawkes-bay-regional-councils-flood-resilience-programme-on-track-as-construction-momentum-builds?s=4&t=featured) ### Existing stopbank upgrades on the plains These are important because protecting the plains is not just about constructing new stopbanks around individual communities. Existing infrastructure also needs to be brought up to date. - Ōmāhu Upper and Lower: Approximately 2.8 km of existing stopbank along the Ngaruroro River is being upgraded. The project includes additional freeboard and improvements to the river-facing slope. Enabling construction began in September 2026, with Galbraith Earthmovers undertaking the work. The main construction phase is expected to finish around Christmas 2026. - Waipawa: A further stopbank upgrade has been approved within the programme. HBRC announced construction commencement in October 2026, with HES Earthmoving appointed. - Brookfields Lower: An upgrade near Meeanee and Awatoto is included in the funded programme. It is intended to bring the existing stopbank up to the regional standard. Delivery responsibility for all three: HBRC. Sources: [Ōmāhu stopbank upgrade](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/omahu-upgrade/)[Construction to start on Waipawa stopbank upgrade | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/2065/construction-to-start-on-waipawa-stopbank-upgrade)[Construction underway on Ōmāhu stopbank upgrade | Ōmāhu stopbank upgrade](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/omahu-upgrade/article/2055/construction-underway-on-mhu-stopbank-upgrade?s=14&t=featured)[Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s flood resilience programme on track as construction momentum builds | Waiohiki](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/waiohiki/article/1931/hawkes-bay-regional-councils-flood-resilience-programme-on-track-as-construction-momentum-builds?s=4&t=featured) ### Pump stations and flood-warning systems These are less visible than stopbanks but potentially very important to homeowners. ![Regional Council launches pump station upgrade programme | News & Media | Hawke's Bay Regional Council](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/CWy_naZ8tZbO6R6QaSr90pVkSewC8xNT9ur1ez2VGyyot61GAi_MnBLCofovXBvfHR00MS0W9YOk0jd5MzKCL6Z-gApF0bG2tBRlNb_PLW-RwY2RtXoQpT6KCn7OfOBnUX25tj0U8s-uThyk1f4R0swHUQ2ZnXmLEsedKtDalWQ?purpose=inline) Pump station upgrades HBRC is upgrading the Awatoto and Pākōwhai pump stations. These installations move water out of low-lying drainage areas and back into rivers. Planned improvements include: - Greater pumping capacity and reliability. - Backup generators. - Seismic strengthening. - Better remote monitoring. - Reduced fish mortality. By May 2026, preliminary designs were being reviewed and consent preparation was underway. Unison was also upgrading electricity connections. Delivery: HBRC, with specialist contractors. [Pump Stations](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/pump-stations/)[Regional Council launches pump station upgrade programme | News & Media](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/article/1733/regional-council-launches-pump-station-upgrade-programme) ![Strengthening Hawke’s Bay’s Telemetry Network To Keep Data Flowing | Scoop News](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/qH8974NA4RQWl6KDu4OHNDnEZ8CgZ_4t80IDXeq0Yxwco_PFp4zOA397IvXC_zf4q1aDxPTVcXKq6DV_qGZE9KKS_8ICcTo1jZTEmnLx5g3ZcZ004RD_uT65o8zJVFRIYQ1E3064mH5mrqOR8MPdjig7bkNpdJWBvmUWFY8q-xo?purpose=inline) River telemetry upgrades The regional council is upgrading monitoring equipment and communications across the region. By September 2026: - 47 sites were included in the upgraded programme. - 31 site upgrades were complete. - Eleven more were at least 80% complete. The aim is better rainfall and river-level information, more reliable warnings and faster responses. Delivery: HBRC. [Telemetry Upgrades](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/telemetry-upgrade/) ## 3. What is not yet funded or decided? This is arguably the most important part of the question for someone voting in 2026. The existing Heretaunga Plains Flood Control and Drainage Scheme is a much larger system than the individual post-Gabrielle projects. It covers approximately 39,000 hectares and provides flood-control and drainage benefits to a population of around 127,000–138,000 people, depending on the council's published scheme description. It includes: - 155 km of stopbanks and deflection banks. - 577 km of rivers, streams and drainage channels. - 18 permanent pump stations. - Floodgates, culverts, control gates and other hydraulic structures. - Riverbank planting and erosion protection. HBRC has managed this scheme since 1989. [Major Schemes](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/services/flood-control/major-schemes/)[Resilient River Communities](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/services/flood-control/resilient-river-communities/) ![Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme - Hawke's Bay | Resilient River Communities](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/xcI_lhlLaHvS3diGpS56f3bG_c7Dyp0CVKuoE1JQmV7xF2Dvb3ewdorJG1oKdBgB3Q5R00eeIVKc3IdJHzXMXugSGgVn8OvMe0GGrDHRKpZkaiHDbyYeJYC5HfdWrWIuhRqfN5gC4GZpSY8ZyUNMjh3phEMzVtyKciJkJWLu-VU?purpose=inline) ![Waiohiki stopbank complete in major flood resilience milestone | Waiohiki | Hawke's Bay Regional Council](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/OYy9xgwBIXNMSECF0_D7c5tJNypCosKm-Et_qdz3lfn43pj8P5FyYbwy5eCD8MzJPlzQxBYOqzlA2RTjRnbnvPczBVl_rrHpF1zSW8akLPVzxeafnwgY2uRu_6SRygkCtmFkkhmKAC4iuuqAr8VnLPgXA7SWCsL3FNfFIsm3Kbg?purpose=inline) ![Making Room for Rivers | Forest and Bird](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/trbQtxhyGlu7zPqpAKLp7tkZmrGF7WQyTY3P_k9MfvnFcIfDJsRI9B_Wkb8Cx7hTIl89ZdQlEp7owu-F2-_9oP8JVxDB8PrYVMcG4hfRBVICCPfgxj385ex6wFkVV_yDchtXLMTDBW8B9LfkIsvqDtUYlVoYMHBvhp7JgeTD8I4?purpose=inline) 8 ### The Reimagining Flood Resilience project This is the major future planning exercise. Following Cyclone Gabrielle and the independent flood review, HBRC began reconsidering how the Heretaunga Plains and Upper Tukituki schemes should operate over coming decades. The council's work considers questions such as: - Should existing stopbanks be raised or strengthened? - Should parts of the system be designed to withstand larger floods? - Should there be more room for rivers to spread safely? - Should additional floodways and water-storage areas be developed? - How should flooding be managed when water exceeds stopbank capacity? - How much should ratepayers contribute to higher protection standards? - Could natural infrastructure, wetlands and land-use changes help reduce flood risk? The discussion includes potential improvements to existing stopbanks and more substantial changes to the way rivers are managed. Crucially, these are not all approved construction projects. On 7 August 2026, HBRC confirmed that the Reimagining Flood Resilience project's findings had been presented to councillors, but that no decisions had yet been made on the future flood-protection options. [Community feedback helps shape the future of region's flood resilience | Home](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/home/article/2030/community-feedback-helps-shape-the-future-of-regions-flood-resilience?s=1&t=featured)[August 2025](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/ReducingFloodRisk-Discussiondoc-0825.pdf) What happens next? 1. 2026 – Options development HBRC considers community feedback, engineering advice and potential improvements. 2. 2027 – Long Term Plan consultation The council intends to put future options, costs and trade-offs to the public. 3. 2027–2037 – Long Term Plan The council will make decisions about its future investment programme, subject to consultation and adoption. The 2027–2037 Long Term Plan is the stated decision-making pathway, not an existing commitment to build every proposed improvement. [Community feedback helps shape the future of region's flood resilience | Home](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/home/article/2030/community-feedback-helps-shape-the-future-of-regions-flood-resilience?s=1&t=featured)[Hawke’s Bay community to help shape flood resilience future | News Archive](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/archive/article/1892/hawkes-bay-community-to-help-shape-flood-resilience-future) ### Other future stopbank projects worth watching There is also an important distinction between the immediate NIWE programme and longer-term improvements that HBRC has investigated. HBRC's published Resilient River Communities programme identifies several Heretaunga Plains locations for potential upgrades to a 1-in-500-year standard. | Location | Work identified | Status | | --- | --- | --- | | Moteo | Stopbank upgrade | Detailed design | | Omaranui | Stopbank upgrade | Detailed design | | East Clive | Stopbank upgrade | Consent stage | | Raupare Upper and Lower | Stopbank upgrades | Detailed design | | Chesterhope Upper | Stopbank upgrade | Detailed design | | Brookfields Lower | Stopbank upgrade | Detailed design | | Pākōwhai Park | Stopbank upgrade | Detailed design | These are proposed future works, not seven fully funded construction contracts. HBRC has described them as separate future upgrade works. The fact that a project has reached detailed design or consent preparation does not mean construction funding has been approved. There is also a useful historical example: recommissioning the Maraenui stopbank was considered under an earlier modified scheme programme, but that work did not proceed. [Resilient River Communities](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/services/flood-control/resilient-river-communities/)[Resilient River Communities](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/services/flood-control/resilient-river-communities/) Who decides and pays? - HBRC develops the engineering options, manages the existing flood schemes and decides its investment priorities. - HBRC councillors decide regional spending through the Long Term Plan and annual budgets. - Targeted and general rates are important sources of ongoing funding. - Central government may contribute to particular projects, but additional Crown funding should not be assumed until it is actually committed. ## 4. What does this mean for insurance and household costs? There are several financial issues worth separating. ### A. A stopbank does not guarantee insurance affordability A stopbank designed for a 1% annual exceedance probability event is designed around a flood with a 1% chance of being equalled or exceeded in any given year. It does not mean: - A flood can only happen once every 100 years. - Your property cannot flood. - Surface-water flooding is eliminated. - Your insurance company must offer cover. - Your insurance premium will automatically decrease. HBRC itself acknowledges that no flood-protection system can eliminate flooding risk. ### B. New flood modelling is relevant to insurers In May 2026, Hastings and Napier property owners within the newly modelled 100-year flood hazard area were sent letters. HBRC explains that insurers assess individual properties using a range of information, including their own models and international reinsurance information. The council recommends that homeowners speak directly to their insurers rather than assuming a particular outcome from the council's flood maps. [Flood hazard modelling](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/services/flood-control/flood-hazard-modelling/)[Restoring Flood Resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/) ### C. There is a continuing cost to maintaining flood protection The initial construction funding is only one part of the cost. The Heretaunga Plains scheme has ongoing operating expenses, including: - Stopbank inspections and maintenance. - River and gravel management. - Pump station operation. - Drainage-channel maintenance. - Floodgate and culvert maintenance. - Vegetation and erosion management. HBRC's August 2025 discussion document reported an annual operating cost of approximately $5.5 million excluding GST for the Heretaunga Plains scheme in 2024–25. Approximately 70% was paid through targeted rates, with the remainder funded through general rates and reserves. [August 2025](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/ReducingFloodRisk-Discussiondoc-0825.pdf)[Major Schemes](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/services/flood-control/major-schemes/) This is why the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan matters to household finances. A decision to increase the level of protection across the plains could require substantial additional investment, with consequences for rates. ### D. Who pays if a new flood protection scheme is built? The answer depends on the project and the funding agreement. For example, the Pōrangahau project has a specific maintenance funding arrangement: - 70% through targeted rates paid by property owners. - 30% through the general rate. Its anticipated annual operating and maintenance cost is approximately $63,000. That is an example of how ongoing costs can be distributed, not a universal formula that automatically applies to every Heretaunga Plains property. [Pōrangahau](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/restoring-flood-resilience/porangahau/)[Major Schemes](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/services/flood-control/major-schemes/) ## 5. What should you look for in the 2026 general election? One important qualification: the $256.5 million NIWE programme is an existing government commitment, not a new election promise. I have not found sufficiently substantiated, specific 2026 party commitments to attribute additional Heretaunga Plains flood-protection construction funding to individual parties. It would be misleading to describe HBRC's future options as promises made by the parties contesting the election. For evaluating candidates, I would separate the following issues. | Election issue | What needs to be established | | --- | --- | | Existing NIWE funding | Will the existing programme be completed on time and within budget? | | Further Crown investment | Will central government fund additional plains-wide flood protection? | | Higher protection standards | Will the Government support investment beyond the existing 1-in-100-year standard? | | Insurance affordability | What, if anything, will be done to address growing flood-related insurance costs? | | Local rates | Will additional protection be funded by central government, regional rates or targeted property-owner contributions? | | Flood management | Will government support floodways, river corridors, water storage and nature-based solutions? | | Emergency preparedness | What improvements will be made to forecasting, warnings and evacuation arrangements? | I would also pay attention to whether candidates distinguish between funding the construction of new assets and funding their ongoing maintenance. A promise to build something is not necessarily a commitment to pay for its maintenance over the following 30 years. ## 6. Who is actually accountable? There are several organisations involved, and it is worth knowing which one to approach about which decision. | Organisation | Main responsibility | | --- | --- | | Central government | National funding commitments and recovery policy | | National Infrastructure Funding and Financing | Administration of the Crown's NIWE investment | | Hawke's Bay Regional Council | Regional flood schemes, rivers, stopbanks, drainage, pumps and most new flood infrastructure | | Hastings District Council | Havelock North project, district planning, property information and local emergency responsibilities | | Insurers | Individual property underwriting, premiums, excesses and cover decisions | | Civil Defence Emergency Management | Regional emergency preparedness, warnings and response | The most important organisation for the long-term Heretaunga Plains investment decision is HBRC. Its councillors, rather than the MPs elected in the general election, ultimately decide regional council investment priorities and rates through the Long Term Plan. National MPs can influence central government funding, legislation and national policy, but they do not directly approve HBRC's annual flood-control expenditure. ## 7. The questions I would put to your local election candidates Given your concerns about protecting your home, insurance and the financial future of your children, I would ask candidates to answer these questions in writing. 1. What additional central government funding will you commit to for the Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme beyond the existing $256.5 million programme? 2. Do you support increasing the existing scheme's protection standard from 1-in-100-year events to 1-in-500-year events in strategically important areas? 3. Will you support government contributions towards the cost of upgrading existing stopbanks, rather than leaving most additional costs to regional ratepayers? 4. What will you do to address the effect of flood-risk classifications and flood modelling on household insurance availability, premiums and excesses? 5. Will you support additional investment in drainage, pumping stations, floodways and emergency water storage, as well as stopbanks? 6. What financial commitment will you make to ensure flood protection infrastructure is properly maintained after construction? These questions help distinguish an actual financial commitment from a general statement that flood protection is important. ## 8. Where I would concentrate attention as a Heretaunga Plains homeowner Three separate decisions will affect your household 1. The immediate protection programme Is the existing NIWE construction programme being completed, and does it improve the protection of your particular catchment? 2. The 2027–2037 regional investment decision What additional flood protection will HBRC actually fund, what standard will it target, and how much will it cost ratepayers? 3. Your individual property's residual risk What does the latest flood modelling say about your property, including surface water, river flooding, drainage and the possibility of stopbank overtopping? There are two particularly useful council resources: - [HBRC – Community feedback helps shape the future of flood resilience](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/home/article/2030/community-feedback-helps-shape-the-future-of-regions-flood-resilience?s=1&t=featured&utm_source=chatgpt.com). This explains the next stage of the Reimagining project. - [HBRC – Flood hazard modelling](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/services/flood-control/flood-hazard-modelling/?utm_source=chatgpt.com). This provides access to the updated flood-hazard information and guidance for property owners. ## My overall assessment The good news is that Hawke's Bay is not starting from scratch. There is a substantial, identifiable programme of funded infrastructure improvements, with important work already completed at Waiohiki and Ōhiti Road and further construction underway. However, the big question for homeowners on the Heretaunga Plains is what happens after the current recovery programme. The existing flood-control system is extensive, but the council has not yet decided what its long-term protection standard should be, which additional stopbanks should be upgraded, whether more room should be made for rivers, or how the cost should be shared. Those decisions are expected to be worked through the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan. That makes the 2026 election relevant: candidates' positions on central-government contributions, insurance, climate resilience and the division of costs between taxpayers and local ratepayers are worth examining carefully. ## One further thing that could make this much more useful The Heretaunga Plains are not one uniform flood-risk area. Your property's location in relation to the Ngaruroro, Tūtaekurī, Karamū and their tributaries can make a substantial difference to which works actually protect you. If you tell me which part of the plains your home is in (for example, Hastings, Flaxmere, Bridge Pā, Pākōwhai, Twyford, Omahu, Clive or Havelock North), I can narrow this down to: - Which existing stopbanks and pump stations protect your area. - Which funded projects are likely to improve your catchment. - Which proposed 1-in-500-year upgrades could be relevant. - What remains unfunded and potentially exposes your household to future costs. That would provide a much more meaningful basis for assessing the flood-protection commitments being discussed in the 2026 election. ## Gemini Answer ID: 36bfa024-3214-4311-adc9-9ffed7620f9a For homeowners on the Heretaunga Plains with school-age children, balancing flood risk, insurance sustainability, and the rising cost of protection is a central issue. --- ### 1. Flood-Protection Works Funded, Underway, or Completed Major infrastructural and resilience work across the Heretaunga Plains falls under the **Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme (HPFCS)** and post-Cyclone Gabrielle recovery initiatives. * **Pump Station Upgrades (Underway):** A substantial upgrade programme is currently active at key pump stations across the Heretaunga Plains—specifically **Awatoto, Brookfield, and Pākōwhai**—designed to increase performance and drainage resilience. * **Post-Cyclone Gabrielle Infrastructure & Stopbank Planning (Underway):** Key sites identified across the HPFCS for major protection upgrades (targeting higher levels of service) have moved through detailed design and consenting phases. These include specific stopbank and floodway works at: * Moteo, Omaranui, and Chesterhope Upper. * Raupare (Upper and Lower), Brookfields Lower, and Pākōwhai Park. * East Clive (consenting phase). * **Havelock North / Mangarau Stream Resilience (Underway/Funded):** Specific local flood resilience work for the Mangarau Stream in Havelock North has been established via a dedicated targeted rate framework to build back localized protection. * **Resilient River Communities Programme (Completed/Transitioned):** Broader regional river recovery packages—such as infrastructural improvements along regional waterways—have concluded or rolled into ongoing maintenance budgets. --- ### 2. Future Options, Scheme Reviews, and Election-Cycle Context * **The "Reimagining Flood Resilience" Project (Future Option / Ongoing Review):** Hawke's Bay Regional Council initiated a comprehensive review of both the Heretaunga Plains and Upper Tukituki flood protection schemes. This review directly addresses future options for long-term levels of service, climate adaptation, land-use planning controls, and how to sustainably fund rising infrastructure costs. * **The Cost-Sharing Dilemma & Central Government's Role (Election Focus):** While local bodies oversee execution, the financial burden of future-proofing stopbanks against more frequent severe weather events is a major point of discussion in the lead-up to the **2026 General Election**. Regional leadership has repeatedly emphasized that local and regional ratepayers cannot shoulder the soaring costs of major climate adaptation infrastructure alone without sustained, long-term co-funding and cost-sharing models from **Central Government**. --- ### 3. Who is Responsible for Delivery? * **Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC):** HBRC is the primary statutory body responsible for the management, design, delivery, and maintenance of the major flood control and drainage schemes on the Heretaunga Plains (including stopbanks, river channels, and regional pump stations). * **Local Territorial Authorities (Hastings District Council & Napier City Council):** These councils work closely alongside HBRC, particularly regarding local stormwater networks, land-use planning, building controls, and community-level infrastructure integration. * **Central Government:** Through agencies such as Kānoa (Regional Economic Development / Regional Infrastructure Fund) and the Ministry for the Environment, Central Government provides critical capital co-funding, legislative instruments (such as Orders in Council for expedited works), and national policy direction on climate adaptation. --- As you weigh your vote in the 2026 general election, how are you hoping to see central government partner with local councils regarding long-term funding for these flood defences? ## Gemini Answer ID: 423ef962-59ee-47c0-8409-8b3bb7cba707 As a homeowner on the Heretaunga Plains with school-age children, balancing safety, housing costs, and soaring insurance premiums is a heavy and very real concern. As the country navigates the **2026 New Zealand general election**, flood protection, regional resilience funding, and climate adaptation are key political topics. --- ### 1. Major Heretaunga Plains & Regional Flood-Protection Works (Funded & Underway) The bulk of the current resilience infrastructure forms part of the regional **North Island Weather Event (NIWE) Flood Resilience Programme**, backed by a mix of Crown funding and regional rates. * **Waiohiki Stopbank & Upokohino Stream Realignment:** * *Status:* Completed (finished May 2026). * *Details:* A 1 km stopbank running from the Redclyffe Bridge to the Napier Golf Club along the Tūtaekurī River, alongside stream realignments. * **Ōhiti Road / Ōmāhu Stopbanks:** * *Status:* Completed (finished June 2026). * *Details:* A $10 million project building 2.1 km of new and upgraded stopbanks and bunds to protect the Ōmāhu and Heretaunga Plains community. * **Pākōwhai Flood Resilience Project:** * *Status:* Underway (Started May 2026, scheduled to finish mid-2027). * *Details:* A major $50 million 8.5 km network running from the Ngaruroro River to the Napier Golf Club course, including stopbanks, flood walls, a spillway, and a 500m realignment of the Tūtaekuri-Waimate Stream. * **Mangarau Stream Flood Resilience (Havelock North):** * *Status:* Underway. * *Details:* Part of the Hastings District Council’s dams and streams programme, backed by a dedicated targeted rate for Hastings district ratepayers to handle post-Cyclone Gabrielle upgrades. * **Pump Station Replacements (Mission/Awatoto & Pākōwhai):** * *Status:* Underway (Construction started August 2026, targeting mid-2027 completion). * *Details:* Upgrading capacity, reliability, and telemetry systems for remote monitoring. * **Wairoa Flood Mitigation ($70M Crown-ringfenced project):** * *Status:* Detailed design and land access phase (construction targeted through 2026/2027). While outside the Heretaunga Plains, this is the other major Crown-funded regional project frequently tied into Hawke's Bay's election discussions. --- ### 2. Who is Responsible for Delivering Them? Delivery is split across local government authorities, working alongside central government mechanisms: * **Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC):** Holds primary statutory responsibility for regional river management, flood control and drainage schemes (such as the Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme), and major stopbank/pump station construction. * **Hastings District Council (HDC):** Co-leads local locality planning (like the Heretaunga Locality Plan) and manages localized urban stormwater networks, streams, and specific local detention/dam works (such as in Havelock North). * **Central Government:** Provides major capital co-funding (via Crown resilience packages and post-cyclone recovery funds) and has used fast-track legislative tools (such as Orders in Council under temporary post-cyclone legislation) to speed up consenting and resource management hurdles for these exact flood works. --- ### 3. Future Options vs. 2026 Election Promises While the projects listed above are funded and actively rolling out, a large portion of long-term climate adaptation remains un-resourced or subject to political debate heading into the 2026 election: * **Wider Heretaunga Plains Scheme Upgrades (Post-1% AEP Reviews):** Reviews of the wider Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme have highlighted additional areas requiring stopbank raises to meet strict 1% AEP (Annual Exceedance Probability) safety standards. Funding future stages of these upgrades beyond current baselines is heavily dependent on future central government co-funding agreements and local council long-term plans. * **Property-Level Adaptation and Managed Retreat Frameworks:** For homes situated in high-risk zones that cannot be practically protected by stopbanks, broad national policy on managed retreat, property buy-out cost-sharing (between central government, councils, and homeowners), and insurance retreat guidelines remain heavily contested political terrain. * **The 2026 Election Context:** Major political parties are facing intense pressure from Hawke's Bay voters to clarify their policies on: * Whether central government will commit to permanent, ongoing co-funding formulas for regional flood infrastructure, rather than one-off post-disaster grants. * Legislative reforms around the Resource Management Act (RMA) replacement, aiming to balance swift infrastructure delivery with environmental safeguards. * Addressing the systemic insurance crisis (skyrocketing premiums or withdrawal of cover), with calls from regions for clearer national risk mapping and risk-reduction commitments. How do the current insurance and flood protection costs impact your family's long-term plans in Hawke's Bay, and would you like to explore what local candidates are proposing regarding insurance market stability? ## Google AI Mode Answer ID: 05f2eb18-6693-47b4-8d28-92fa866b7b0f Managing flood risk, insurance sustainability, and the costs of climate adaptation on the Heretaunga Plains involves a multi-layered approach across local government, regional bodies, and central government policy. * * * 1\. Funded and Underway Flood-Protection Works Significant post-Cyclone Gabrielle recovery and resilience infrastructure projects are actively underway or recently completed across Hawke’s Bay: * **Waiohiki and Ōmāhu Post-Cyclone Works:** Substantial recovery and reconstruction works have been completed in these hard-hit Tūtaekurī and Ngaruroro river environments as part of record regional capital expenditure. * **Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme (HPFCS) Upgrades:** Ongoing programmes targeting the Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro, Clive, and Lower Tukituki rivers focus on raising overall levels of service (improving resilience against higher-magnitude events) alongside targeted erosion protection on the Clive River. * **Upper Tukituki Gravel Extraction Strategy:** Active gravel extraction across five regional river systems, backed by dedicated funding allocations, to maintain design channel capacities and 1-in-100 year flood protections. * **Responsible Delivery Agency:** **Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC)** leads and manages these flood control and drainage schemes operationally, backed by co-funding arrangements via central government agencies (such as Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit) alongside local regional rates and insurance recoveries. * * * 2\. Future Options, Long-Term Planning & Policy Horizons Looking past immediate asset reconstruction, longer-term resilience strategies face systemic choices: * **Property Risk Categorisation & Managed Retreat:** Post-cyclone property categorization reviews (which affect local land-use viability, future rezoning, and long-term insurance availability) continue to evolve. While hundreds of properties have had risk designations lifted following local engineering works, others in extreme hazard zones face ongoing evaluation regarding long-term structural defense versus voluntary buyouts or land-use changes. * **Upgrading to Higher Protection Standards:** Broader regional discussions continue on whether to universally upgrade Heretaunga Plains defenses to withstand 1-in-500 year events, which requires balancing massive capital costs against regional ratepayer affordability. * **Responsible Delivery Agencies:** A shared responsibility between **Hawke's Bay Regional Council** (for regional river engineering and catchment schemes), **Hastings District Council** / **Napier City Council** (for local stormwater network integration, zoning, and land-use consents), and **Central Government** (for national adaptation frameworks, co-funding policy, and support for local government risk exposure). * * * 3\. The 2026 General Election Context: Promises vs. Policy As a voter considering the 2026 general election, political parties approach these issues through distinct lenses, distinguishing between local council execution and central government commitments: * **Central Government's Role & Election Promises:** Central government does not directly build or engineer local stopbanks; rather, political parties campaign on **funding frameworks, climate adaptation legislation (such as a future-focused Resource Management / Adaptation Act), and direct co-funding pools** for local councils. * **Party Stances to Watch:** * _National-led / Centre-Right Parties_ generally emphasize streamlining infrastructure delivery, co-investing in economically critical regional assets through targeted regional development funds, and clarifying property rights/hazard management without imposing unfunded mandates on local authorities. * _Labour / Centre-Left Parties_ typically advocate for dedicated national climate adaptation funds, direct central government financial backstops for vulnerable regional councils, and nationally coordinated managed retreat frameworks to assist local communities with soaring infrastructure costs. * **What to Ask Candidates:** When evaluating local and list candidates in 2026, pressing them on _explicit co-funding commitments_ for Hawke’s Bay’s long-term flood resilience and how they plan to address national insurance retreat/affordability crises will give you the clearest metric for your vote. ## Google AI Mode Answer ID: 6a959c02-d7ad-4529-bd81-09b6f6829286 As a homeowner on the Heretaunga Plains with school-age children, balancing safety, soaring insurance premiums, and rates is a critical reality. For the Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme (HPFCS) and wider Hawke's Bay resilience planning, major funding and delivery lines are mapped out below. 1\. Funded and Underway (In Progress / Completed) The [Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC)](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz) highlights a multi-year, multi-million dollar capital works schedule heavily backed by post-Cyclone Gabrielle central government funding (such as Kānoa–RDU) alongside regional co-funding and the regional investment fund HBRC Annual Report 2025-26. Resilient River Communities | Hawke's Bay Regional Council * Completed Post-Cyclone Works: Major stopbank restorations and resilience upgrades are finished at _Waiohiki_ , _Ōmāhu_ , the Taradale stopbank, and the Waipawa River SH50 erosion control. These works successfully enabled risk-category lifting for over 240 properties in the region. * Heretaunga Plains Stopbank Upgrades & Planning: Active planning, land-access negotiations, and staged construction are underway targeting a shift from 1-in-100-year to higher 1-in-500-year flood event performance standards for vulnerable Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro, and Clive river margins (including Moteo, _Omaranui_ , _East Clive_ , _Raupare_ , _Chesterhope_ , _Brookfields_ , and _Pākōwhai Park_). * Upper Tukituki & Regional Gravel Extraction: An ongoing $8 million aggregate and gravel extraction strategy (targeting hundreds of thousands of cubic metres) is active across major regional riverbeds to maintain baseline channel capacities. 2\. Future Options, Labeled/Unfunded Stages, and Election Context While HBRC’s $256 million multi-year Flood Resilience Programme has a clear line of sight for scheduled works over the next 12 to 18 months, full long-term enhancement to absolute 1-in-500-year protection across every single rural-urban interface, pump station overhaul, and major climate-proofing asset on the Heretaunga Plains depends heavily on future central government co-funding partnerships. * Future Funding Transitions: HBRC has retained specific funds from previous government grants and localized dividends to keep current commitments going without spiking local rates further. However, future major expansions beyond the current multi-year envelope rely on national infrastructure policy and future crown allocations. * Election Context: Nationally, political parties frame regional resilience through different lenses—ranging from direct central-government-backed regional infrastructure funding and climate adaptation co-investment (such as the Resilient River Communities-type funding pipelines) to localized market-led or insurance-tied mitigation models. General election debates heavily influence whether future tranches of stopbank hardening, drainage network expansions, and managed retreat/property-raising co-funding will be underwritten by Wellington. 3\. Who is Responsible for Delivering Each? * Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC): Legally and operationally responsible for the design, maintenance, and delivery of regional flood control schemes, major stopbanks, river channels, gravel extraction, and regional hydrological monitoring. * Hastings District Council (and Napier City Council): Responsible for local stormwater networks, land-use zoning, district planning rules, and building consents that interact with regional flood plains and stopbank protection levels. * Central Government (Crown / Kānoa - Regional Development Unit): Responsible for national resilience policy, regulatory frameworks (like the Resource Management Act and future emergency/climate adaptation legislation), and injecting major discretionary capital grants or co-funding packages to assist regional councils with large-scale infrastructure upgrades. * Property Owners / Insurers: Property owners remain responsible for private-property mitigations and managing individual property insurability, while private insurers dictate the risk-reflective pricing and terms that tie directly into these public infrastructure protection levels. If you'd like to narrow this down for your voting decision, I can: Detail **how different political parties' 2026 manifestos** approach regional climate adaptation co-fundingOutline how current **HBRC long-term rate impacts** affect Heretaunga Plains residential ratepayers Let me know how you'd like to proceed. ## AI Overviews Answer ID: 11f6a854-0793-4676-acc6-c617d287a08f Funded and Underway Flood-Protection Works * **Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme (Upgrades & Restoration):** * _Status:_ Underway / Major capital works active following post-Cyclone Gabrielle recovery and the Central Government–Hawke's Bay regional co-funding deal ($203.5 million from the Crown contingent on $44 million from the Regional Council). * _Specific Projects:_ Completed or ongoing works include stopbank rebuilding and enhancements at **Waiohiki** , **Ōmāhu (Ōhiti Road)** , **Pākōwhai** , **Taradale** , **Ngatarawa** , and designs/works for Moteo, Ōmarunui, East Clive, Brookfields, and Raupare. Pōrangahau stopbank phases are also underway. * _Delivery Responsibility:_ Led and managed operationally by the **Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC)** in partnership with local territorial authorities (e.g., Hastings District Council, Napier City Council) and backed by central government funding (Kānoa – Regional Development Unit / Crown recovery packages). * **Urban Drainage & Pump Station Repairs:** * _Status:_ Underway as part of the regional flood resilience and rapid-repair milestones (19 major pump stations and network damage fixed or upgraded). * _Delivery Responsibility:_ **Hawke's Bay Regional Council** (for river/drainage schemes) and local city/district councils (for urban stormwater networks). * **Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme:** * _Status:_ Underway (gravel extraction strategy and asset maintenance across five rivers to preserve 1-in-100-year protection). * _Delivery Responsibility:_ **Hawke's Bay Regional Council**. * * * Future Options, Unresolved Questions, & Election Debates * ** _Awatoto Bridge_ & River-Capacity / Span Extensions:** * _Status:_ Future option / Election debate. Independent engineering reviews (such as Tonkin & Taylor) and regional councillors (e.g., _Neil Kirton_) have argued that rebuilding or raising bridges and widening/clearing channels around Awatoto is critical. However, full funding or design commitment from NZTA (Waka Kotahi) and KiwiRail is not locked in, making it a point of political contention among 2026 election candidates. * _Delivery Responsibility:_ Would require coordination between **Hawke's Bay Regional Council** , **NZTA (Waka Kotahi)** , **KiwiRail** , and local councils. * **Broader Climate Adaptation & Higher-Standard Defences (Beyond 1-in-100 / 1-in-500 year trade-offs):** * _Status:_ Future policy / "Reimagining Flood Resilience" long-term strategy. The HBRC's multi-year project has mapped community feedback on whether to build higher/wider stopbanks, spillways, or relocate/retire vulnerable areas, highlighting a major affordability gap for local ratepayers. * _Delivery Responsibility:_ Joint responsibility of **Central Government** , **Hawke's Bay Regional Council** , and local territorial authorities under evolving national adaptation frameworks. insidegovernment.co.nz * **Water Storage & Security Schemes (e.g., _Tukituki_ and Heretaunga water storage proposals):** * _Status:_ Fast-tracked consent / Election proposal (with political parties pledging or debating concessional loans or funding models for regional water storage). * _Delivery Responsibility:_ Proposed public-private or council-backed entities subject to fast-tracked consenting. If you'd like to narrow this down for your voting decision, tell me: * Which specific **local ward or catchment** (e.g., Napier, Hastings, Clive, Pakowhai) you live in? * Whether you are more concerned with **ratepayer-funded local stopbanks** or **national-level insurance and managed retreat policies**? ## AI Overviews Answer ID: 0aea9625-95cd-49fc-839c-8e4ab99ed590 Hawke’s Bay flood-protection funding and major upgrades are split between active post-Cyclone Gabrielle recovery projects, regional council schemes, and broader policy or funding debates in the general election. * * * Funded and Underway (Delivery Active) * **Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme (HPFCS) Enhancements & Cyclone Rebuilds:** * **What is underway:** A $257 million package of 11 regional flood resilience projects is underway, funded by a $209 million central government contribution and $48 million from the [Hawke's Bay Regional Council](https://www.hbrc.govt.nz). This includes stopbank reconstruction, raising, and widening along the Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro, and Clive rivers (such as active works at Waiohiki, Ōmāhu, Pākōwhai, and Awatoto). * **Who is responsible:** Delivered and managed operationally by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC), backed by Crown recovery funding under Orders in Council. environment.govt.nzHawke's Bay flood protection works | Ministry for the EnvironmentHeretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme - Hawke's Bay | Resilient River CommunitiesHawke's Bay Regional Council - Facebook * **Category Recategorisation & Buyouts:** * **What is underway:** Post-cyclone risk categories have been lifted or adjusted for hundreds of properties (with hundreds more transitioning from Category 2/3 variants through completed local mitigation). Shared 50/50 residential buyout and mitigation agreements between central government and local territorial authorities ([Hastings District Council](https://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz) and [Napier City Council](https://www.napier.govt.nz)) are actively executing. * **Who is responsible:** Jointly delivered by local district/city councils and HBRC with central government co-funding. * * * Future Options and Unfunded Scenarios (Under Review) * **Scheme-Level Standard Upgrades (1% to 0.2% AEP target):** * **Status:** Historically, the HPFCS aimed to upgrade protection levels from a 1% annual exceedance probability (1-in-100-year) to a 0.2% (1-in-500-year) standard. However, comprehensive reviews by external engineering firms (via HBRC's _Reimagining Flood Resilience Project_) are evaluating whether full system-wide rebuilds or higher-capacity designs are financially sustainable and who should pay the remainder. * **Who is responsible:** Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (driving technical strategy and public consultation). submergent.co.nzHawke's Bay Regional Council: Flood Scheme ReviewWe live in a flood-prone region and we know the levels of * **Transport Infrastructure & Bridge Raisings (e.g., Awatoto / Rail / Road Bridges):** * **Status:** Independent engineering reviews (such as by Tonkin & Taylor) indicate that rebuilding local road and rail bridges to higher clearances is necessary for long-term flood resilience, **yet no NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) or KiwiRail capital funding is currently committed** to raise these major crossings. * **Who is responsible:** Split/unresolved between NZTA, KiwiRail, and local councils, leaving a funding gap that local ratepayers cannot cover alone. * * * Election Promises & Political Party Positions (2026 Context) * **National/Coalition Government Approach:** Focuses on executing the existing $205M+ Crown-regional cost-sharing package, fast-tracking consenting via emergency orders, and targeted property buyouts/stopbank rebuilds rather than open-ended national infrastructure funds. * **Opposition / Minor Party Proposals:** Parties running in Napier and Tukituki have spotlighted the burden placed on local regional ratepayers. Proposals from various political contenders include establishing dedicated national climate-resilience funds (e.g., proposals for multi-billion-dollar state infrastructure backing to mandate that roads, rails, and river bridges handle heavier future rainfall) and shifting funding away from a pure "like-for-like" rebuild model. * **Who is responsible (The Core Political Debate):** The central point of contention in the 2026 election for Hawke's Bay voters is whether the central government should legislate and fund a larger share of climate-adaptation and heavy-asset (bridges, major rail, and expanded stopbanks) costs, or keep the primary funding and maintenance liability on regional council rates.