ESNZ released its report “Nationwide study reveals escalating flood risk”. Regional Council Chair Sophie Siers says the report and national tool reinforces what Hawke’s Bay already knows: that the region sits on the frontline of climate change and flood risk.

“We know that around 84 percent of our population live and work on two major floodplains – the Heretaunga and Upper Tukituki,” says Chair Siers.

“The good news is that the Regional Council has already invested heavily in understanding these hazards, strengthening our flood protection schemes, and planning for long-term resilience.

“Our focus now is on ensuring that our communities, infrastructure, and environment are better protected for the future.”

Regional Council Chief Executive Dr Nic Peet says the Council welcomes ESNZ’s recognition that the national flood hazard viewer is not intended to replace the detailed regional flood maps provided by councils.

“We appreciate ESNZ directing users to regional information where it exists because that’s where the most accurate, locally informed data can be found.”

Chair Siers said we’ve all learned lessons from recent severe weather events, and Regional Council is putting those lessons into action.

“We are investing in infrastructure and preparing for major events to improve flood resilience. While doing this we’re committed to working with central government, iwi and hapū, and our local communities to build a stronger, safer, and more resilient region.”

“For example, in partnership with central Government we are working to bring $250 million in additional flood protection schemes across the region.

“Another project is focused on the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga Plains flood protection schemes, which together provide flood resilience to 84 percent of the region’s population.”

In both instances the Regional Council is partnering with local communities to understand needs and deliver stronger flood resilience that anticipates future major events and the impacts of climate change.

“Flood risk is one of the biggest challenges facing Hawke’s Bay and we’re confronting it head-on,” says Chair Siers.

“We are building the partnerships, science, and community understanding needed to safeguard this region for generations to come.”

“The scale of what we face is large and we would welcome central government to partner with us as we tackle this important issue.”