Hawke's Bay Regional Council best placed to lead coastal strategy, report finds

The Tangoio coastline. Photo / Warren Buckland

Hawke's Bay Regional Council has been identified as the council best placed to collect rates and lead work on the next phase of a coastal hazards strategy.

The Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy 2120 aims to understand coastal hazard risks and the management options for the Hawke's Bay coastline, as well as the effects of climate change.

The strategy will identify areas that may be affected by coastal hazards and the risks to public and private property, cultural sites and areas, recreational use and infrastructure services.

A report undertaken by Raynor Asher QC recommended an advisory committee includes members of Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and HBRC, but stated HBRC should take charge of all aspects of the prevention and mitigation of coastal hazards on the Clifton to Tangoio coast.

These include organisation and collection of rates, mitigating or remedial works and control over the supervising work and maintenance.

Asher said HBRC is the only authority with jurisdiction over the whole stretch of coast between Clifton and Tangoio, while also currently actively monitoring the extent of the coastline.

Joint Committee chairman Jerf van Beek says the report findings give the committee clear guidance on their next steps.

"The strategy is a collaboration between councils, mana whenua and communities along the Clifton and Tangoio coastal area, and we needed to work out who is best placed to lead the next important phase of this work," he said.

"We asked Raynor Asher QC to review what we are trying to achieve, what we know - like the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act, and council functions and - and what the options are to achieve a successful outcome."

The advisory committee will provide support and feedback on ongoing work under the strategy.

HBRC group manager asset management Chris Dolley said the findings were received and considered by the strategy Joint Committee at its meeting on June 4.

"Based on this report, the Joint Committee will develop recommendations for all three councils to consider," he said.

"The councils would need to consult with the community before making a final decision because this is a significant decision about our service delivery and funding.

"The first step is to consider the report's findings and come to an informed position to take out for community feedback."

The strategy is currently tracking towards a wider public consultation process in the form of a proposed Long Term Plan amendment in the first half of 2022.