HBRC extends 2026 erosion control pole sales following strong demand

Published: 25 May 2026

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) has extended online orders for its poplar and willow pole programme until 22 June, following strong uptake from landowners across the region.

Demand has been high for the locally grown poles, widely used as a practical, long-term erosion control solution. The poles, grown at Regional Council’s nursery, are used to stabilise slopes and reduce erosion on vulnerable land. Once planted, poplars and willows form extensive root systems that bind soil help prevent slips and provide shade and shelter for stock.

Erosion remains a major challenge for Hawke’s Bay with around 252,000 hectares considered high risk. Intense rain and unstable geology mean soil can move quickly, washing into rivers and eventually out to sea. Each year, an estimated 3.27 million tonnes of sediment enter the region’s waterways and that is equivalent of 136,000 truck and trailer loads, or more than 1,090 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

This level of erosion has significant consequences. For farmers, it represents both a loss of current and future productivity, while sedimentation also degrades water quality and impacts the biodiversity that depends on healthy waterways and surrounding environments.

HBRC Chair Sophie Siers says, “Planting poplar and willow poles gives farmers practical tools to tackle erosion at its source. Promoting land and water health remains one of our key strategic priorities, along with reducing flood risk and supporting water security. “Stable soils are our cheapest flood protection asset,” she says. “Every tonne of soil kept on the hill is one we don’t have to remove from a river.”

The pole sale is part of HBRC’s Next Generation Land Management Programme, supporting landowners to reduce erosion, improve water quality and enhance farm productivity.

Soil conservation is a critical component of Hawke’s Bay’s flood resilience system. While often perceived as a land management activity, it functions as essential natural infrastructure across the catchment. By stabilising highly erodible land, maintaining vegetation cover, and supporting wetland systems, soil conservation slows the movement of water, reduces sediment entering waterways, and lowers peak flood flows.

This year, 25,000 poles were available in A and B grades, priced at $8 and $6 respectively, and supplied in bundles of five. More than 10,000 poles remain available, with delivery across Hawke’s Bay in June and July.

Orders can be placed online here. From late July, any remaining poles will be available for purchase directly from the nursery.

For advice or assistance, contact HBRC’s Land Management team on 0800 108 838 or email HBRCLandManagement@hbrc.govt.nz.

Back to News & Media