Cyclone recovery: Central Hawke’s Bay ready to start 30 roading projects in new year

Cyclone Gabrielle caused severe erosion to the area surrounding Taurekaitai Bridge, seen here after comprehensive strengthening work.

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has 30 critical roading recovery projects worth $18.1 million kicking off in February.

The projects, which are all set to be completed by June 2025, are part of the district’s ramped-up land transport focus and recovery work from Cyclone Gabrielle, and include repairs on 16 landslides, four bridges and 10 erosion protection projects.

“The roading network is extremely important to us. We use it to get to work and school, and to connect us socially. Trucks use them to transport the goods we grow and make in the district, and so getting this mahi done is a priority for us,” says CHBDC GM community infrastructure and development Mark Kinvig.

“This work will bring relief and reduced travel times for a lot of our community.”

The 1-in-100-year flood event caused widespread damage across Central Hawke’s Bay: 72 road closures, 679 landslides and 679 bridge faults.

The council has already fixed 647 landslides, 670 bridge faults, nine river protection sites and nearly 1300 drainage faults across Central Hawke’s Bay – totalling $45m worth of repair work completed across its roading network.

Taurekaitai Bridge was damaged in Cyclone Gabrielle.

“We have proven our district’s resilience and determination this year, to stand up against all odds and get the job done,” says Kinvig.

“The roading recovery groundwork has been laid, we’re ready to deliver even more repairs in 2025 to keep our communities connected and thriving.”

The council’s continued recovery efforts will reconnect vital routes, remove the need for lengthy detours, and restore access to the primary sector producers and the rural communities who need it. The majority of the funding for this repair work has come from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

“We’re committed to restoring infrastructure and building a stronger future for all residents – we are on it every day. We won’t stop advocating for support and external funding to provide our community with a roading network they can rely on.”

This repair work will run alongside recovery projects underway at four key sites – Elsthorpe Rd, Wimbledon Rd (two sites) and Fletcher’s Crossing Bridge – worth $11m.