The Reimagining Flood Resilience project

Help shape the future of flood protection in Hawke’s Bay

The Reimagining Flood Resilience project is taking a fresh look at how our two major flood schemes – Heretaunga Plains and Upper Tukituki – perform now and what they’ll need to deliver in the future.

We’re working with our communities to decide what level of flood resilience we want, what it should look like, and what we can realistically afford. Your local knowledge and ideas will help shape flood risk reduction that reflects what matters most to our community.

Thank you for having your say

Our community survey is now closed. We appreciate everyone who contributed their insights and experiences. Your feedback will play an important role in developing a Community Vision for Flood Resilience and informing future planning and investment through the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan.

We’ll share the survey report on this page soon.

Why your input matters

• Both flood schemes are currently designed to manage 1-in-100-year flood events (watch our flood terminology explainers)
• In Taradale, stopbanks were upgraded in 2022 to manage 1-in-500-year flood risk
• Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather
• Fully implementing all possible engineering solutions could cost up to $600 million, with significant impacts on rates

Following Cyclone Gabrielle and the Independent Flood Review, it’s clear that past protection levels may not be sufficient in the future. Decisions from this project will inform the 2027–2037 Long Term Plan, where Council sets service levels, priorities, and how flood protection is funded.

What we’re reimagining

Through this project, we’re exploring important questions, including:

• What do we want our flood schemes to protect — and what level of risk are we willing to live with?
• How do we manage affordability while improving resilience?
• How should we respond when floods exceed scheme capacity?
• How can engineered solutions work alongside nature-based approaches?
• How should Mātauranga Māori inform flood resilience planning?
• How much are communities willing to pay, and how should costs be shared?

Some changes may happen sooner – such as stopbank improvements or gravel management – while others may take longer, including land-use change or creating more space for rivers.

How the community is involved

In September 2025, the community was invited to register interest in joining Stakeholder Reference Groups (SRGs). Two groups were established – one for each flood scheme.

The SRGs are working alongside Council through to April 2026 to help shape visions, values, and future options for flood resilience. Community survey feedback will help these groups test their thinking and ensure the vision they develop reflects the wider community.

Ready to share your thoughts?

• Watch the explainer video below
• Visit our info page with more detail and resources on how we manage flood-risk in Hawke's Bay
• Take the community survey which opens 2 February and closes 20 February 2026.