Council report shows Central Hawke's Bay growing despite economic challenges

CHB Mayor Alex Walker

Central Hawke's Bay District Council formally adopted its demographic and economic growth projections and a blueprint for growth for the next 10 years at last week's council meeting.

"Central Hawke's Bay is growing at unprecedented levels, as families and people join the revolution of a thriving Central Hawke's Bay - where they can balance a desirable lifestyle with positive employment and business opportunities," says council's chief executive Monique Davidson.

"In 2018, the district's population hit an all-time high of just over 14,000 residents, reflecting levels of growth and optimism that haven't been seen since the 1960s. This is on the back of static and declining population levels in 2013."

She says fast forward further to 2031, and despite the current economic challenges brought about by Covid-19 and the drought, that population is projected to increase to over 18,000 people - with some 1500 new homes also forecast to be built in that same time.

"What's also really encouraging is the fact we are seeing more and more businesses invest in the district, despite our current challenges of drought and Covid-19 – giving rise to employment opportunities and further economic growth, which are both very welcomed right now."

Mayor Alex Walker says with 42 per cent of our current residents arriving in the last five years, there is no doubt Central Hawke's Bay is going through a significant surge of positivity and change.

"In 2018 we forecast our growth numbers for the next 10 years at what were considered cautiously optimistic levels, instead achieving this growth forecast for 10 years in less than 18 months."

Ms Walker says while the future of Central Hawke's Bay is undoubtedly bright, the council recognises there is still work to be done.

"As with any great opportunity, we know growth comes with challenges, in particular with regards to funding our ambitious plans for the future.

"While growth is excellent for our economy and local businesses, we are mindful of the impact it can have on local infrastructure, our environment and community, and the role we play as a council to ensure the district is adequately future proofed to cope.

"We are already proactively working hard towards a plan that will support a thriving future for Central Hawke's Bay. To ensure this we have developed a blueprint for growth of our three main towns for the next 30 years."

This blueprint – known as an Integrated Spatial Plan (ISP), has relied heavily on feedback taken from the community in the development of Project Thrive, and is key to informing the council's Long Term Plan 2021 to 2031. It identifies a number of short to immediate term "quick wins" for the district's three main centres, as well as immediate to longer term opportunities to deliver on Project Thrive.

"In developing the blueprint, we have relied heavily on feedback received from our community during Project Thrive, as well as further insights from workshops held with residents and stakeholders such as Centralines and New Zealand Transport Agency."

Further community feedback on the Integrated Spatial Plan, will be sought through council's Long Term Plan Engagement process running between August 3 and 23.

For more information go to www.chbdc.govt.nz/our-council/consultations/our-thriving-future/.