Officials to Establish Coastal Hazards Contributory Fund

The coastal hazards committee led by three Hawkes’ Bay councils has recommended the establishment of a Coastal Contributory Fund to enable each council to rate for the future cost of implementing actions, such as groynes, shingle renourishment and sea walls.

Photo courtesy of Hawkes’ Bay Council

Joint Committee Chair and Regional Councillor Peter Beaven received the comments of Councillors representing Napier City, Hastings District and Hawke’s Bay who were vocal in their support to move the coastal hazards strategy forward, while seeking finer detail on the allocation of costs before implementation can begin.

There is still much detail to be worked through but we know we face an intergenerational cost. This Committee recognizes that starting now to build a contributory fund is the right thing to do,” said Cr Beaven.

The officials also added that the details associated with the contributory fund will be the focus of a public consultation in 2020.

According to the Hawkes’ Bay, the remaining matters will be further consulted on after 2021, including specific designs for each priority area, the prioritization of works and the triggers for action.

The Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy 2120 is a joined-up approach between Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and iwi groups Mana Ahuriri, He Toa Takitini and Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust with a focus on long-term workable solutions.