Media Briefs
16 December 2015
Briefs from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Meeting
Napier-Gisborne Rail Line Update
An alternative proposal from the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to reopen the Napier-Gisborne Rail Line is being
considered by KiwiRail has Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Text
The line was mothballed three years ago, after storms caused severe damage, which is expected to cost close to $4
million to repair.
KiwiRail is evaluating the proposal from HBRC, which would see the council taking responsibility for the line and
KiwiRail contracted to provide and operate the rail services, initially based on carrying logs from Wairoa to Napier
Port. It is envisaged some of the revenue from such activity would help council maintain the line.
KiwiRail hopes to make a decision on the proposal by the end of February next year.
Independent Peer Review of Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme Business case
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has commissioned Deloitte to undertake a final peer review of the business case for the
Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme. The review will be completed and presented to council at the same time as the adoption
of the final two conditions for the scheme, which are water uptake and confirmation of investors.
New Mountain Bike Park for Central Hawke’s Bay
Central Hawke’s Bay is to get a new mountain bike park after HBRC agreed to lease a forestry block to the Rotary Rivers
Pathways Trust for 10 years. The trust expects to invest up to $300,000 on the design and development of the park, which
will include routes for riders of various skills.
Section 36 Charges
A consultation process around the fees charged to those holding HBRC resource consents has shown a better understanding
of the charging methodology is a key to people being more comfortable with the current charging model. Following further
consultation, there was no clear preference for changing the model for charging, however, staff will continue to
communicate with stakeholders and signal any changes through the annual planning process.