Latest fromHastings District Council

How two tiny at risk geckos paused a roading repair project
Works have been on hold since early November after the discovery of a protected species.

'Whole different scale': Piles for new Puketapu bridge driven 41 metres into the ground
Engineering ‘legacy’ being created in Hawke's Bay to replace bridge swept away by floods.

Revealed: The independent grocery operation taking a punt on vacant Flaxmere supermarket
'We are happy to have someone who believes in the people and community of Flaxmere.'

‘At this rate, we will reach capacity’: Water-restriction head-scratcher in Napier and Hastings
'We have a culture of believing the aquifer is limitless,' Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says.

Awatoto and Te Awanga littered with rubbish, locals call for more bins
Coastal rubbish piles frustrate locals and fishermen.

Neil Kirton: Hawke's Bay councils 'gamble' on urban development
OPINION: Napier's vote is 'akin to a high-stakes game of poker'.

Should over 65s get free parking? Petition presented to Hastings council
Hastings council to consider free parking for Super Gold cardholders after one man's push.

Councils say buyouts of homes destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle almost completed
More than 300 properties across Hastings and Napier were deemed Category 3.

'If it's yellow, let it mellow': Advice as water restrictions arrive in Hawke's Bay
Councils have imposed restrictions to help conserve water due to dry weather.

The last house on the street: Cyclone survivors who didn’t take buyout stuck as looters loom
Mike and Sue Brown say they have to stay 'forever' now, even as looters keep circling.

Pākōwhai Memorial Hall restored for $300k – only to find out it may have to move
The cyclone-battered community hall may now have to make way for flood protection.

Still standing after 100 years: Celebrating Tutira's hall
The heart of the Tutira community gears up for a special birthday this November.

Leaders work towards ensuring region 'fit' to handle projected expansion
The region's population will grow – housing, roading and infrastructure are the priority.

Less power for councils, more for builders: report recommends change
'Current system is suboptimal in terms of its consistency, responsiveness.' - David Kelly

Dinosaurs Unleashed: Free exhibition roars into Hastings libraries
There is plenty to entertain the kids these school holidays in Hawke's Bay.

Inclusive or undemocratic? Council gives youth decision-making powers
One councillor said the move 'breaches the very basis of our democracy'.

'Hide point': Hastings alleyway closing due to anti-social, criminal activity
Alleyway provided offenders a link for 'decamping from police'.

'Very sad': Hastings pool to remain shut for summer and likely never reopen
Frimley Pool will likely never reopen after serving the Hastings community for 57 years.

'Part of the old network': Road damaged as Hastings water main bursts
Repairs are under way to return water to homes.

A question of safety in Oak Ave: 'I just see the tree and I just want to cut it down'
Peleti Oli's brother died when an SUV hit a tree in 2021.

Damon Harvey: Hastings council debt spirals: $711 million forecast by 2030
OPINION: The district council is spending more on daily operations than it takes in.