The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is urgently reviewing the cause of flooding in southern Wairoa, operating procedures
for the river mouth openings, and timelines associated with the event.
Regional Council Chief Executive Dr Nic Peet says the council understands the levels of frustration in the Wairoa
community and need for answers.
“The reviews are our absolute focus at the moment, and we are also in the process of commissioning an external review of
this work.”
“We will make these review outcomes public – with the review of operating procedures expected this week. The technical
review of flooding causes will be done as fast as possible, but is complex.”
The Regional Council is working closely with Wairoa District Council and Tātau Tātau o te Wairoa to support the
community.
“Our Wairoa staff are supporting the Wairoa Civil Defence team, helping with rubbish collection, assisting with debris
removal and rubbish collection. We are working with Wairoa District Council and supporting their business-as-usual
functions.”
Regional Council Hinewai Ormsby says “our hearts go out to the Wairoa community at this incredibly challenging time."
The Regional Council is working closely with the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell and has
strong and positive connections with Government, she says.
“We will be sharing any learnings from this event with our partners and the community and are advocating for long-term
flood mitigations that ensure better outcomes for Wairoa.”