Our Annual Plan 2025-26 has a key focus on the critical issues for our region

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How we respond to major flood events — where does the water go in massive events and how much should we invest in further flood resilience? At a practical level this means a continued focus on enhanced flood forecasting and monitoring, delivery of flood resilience projects across the region from Wairoa to Pōrangahau, and a community-based review of our Heretaunga and Upper Tukituki flood schemes.

To explore water security for our environment, people, and industry we are completing a full feasibility study of water storage on a tributary in the upper Ngaruroro catchment.

Tough decisions to reduce rate increases

Our Three-Year Plan 2024-2027 forecast an 18.3% average rates increase for 2025-26 and additional costs including implementing independent flood review recommendations would have pushed rates up even further. We know this is unaffordable for our ratepayers.

We are pleased to have reduced proposed average rates down to 9.9%, nearly half of what was initially forecast. Some Hastings district ratepayers will also be paying an additional targeted rate for Mangarau Stream flood resilience.

For more information, see page 5 of our full Consultation Document

Hinewai OrmsbyHinewai Ormsby
Chair Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Dr Nic PeetDr Nic Peet
Chief Executive Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

what we are consulting on

What we're consulting on

More information

Find more information about what the proposed plan means for you.

Consultation timeline

Tell us what you think

31 March - 2 May 2025
You tell us what you think. You can submit your feedback to us during this time to consider when making decisions.

Speak directly to the Regional Transport Committee

16 May 2025
You can speak directly to the Regional Transport Committee about your feedback on the Regional Public Transport Plan in person at a public meeting called a hearing.

Speak directly to councillors about your feedback

20 - 21 May 2025
You can speak directly to councillors about your feedback on our Annual Plan in person at a public hearing.

Council meet to consider all feedback

28 May & 4 June 2025
Council meet to consider all feedback on our Annual Plan and make decisions about proposed changes. This is called deliberations.

Regional Public Transport Plan deliberations

6 June 2025
Regional Transport Committee meet on the Regional Public Transport Plan and deliberate on proposed changes.

We adopt our Annual Plan

25 June 2025
Council formally adopts its Annual Plan 2025-26, Regional Public Transport Plan, and amended policies. Your rates are then set for 2025-26 and the plans and policies are implemented.

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