Simeon Brown Proposes Crown Manager for Wairoa Flood Protection

The Crown Manager's role will focus on advancing the delivery of a comprehensive flood management catchment plan and overseeing flood protection projects.

Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced plans to appoint a Crown Manager to oversee flood protection efforts in both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils. This decision aims to accelerate the delivery of crucial flood protection work in Wairoa, particularly in light of recent severe weather events and the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.

Minister Brown stated, "Recent severe weather events in Wairoa, combined with the damage from Cyclone Gabrielle, have underscored the township’s high risk of flooding. Both councils have expressed concerns about the progress of Crown-funded flood protection works following June’s weather event and its implications for the Wairoa community."

The Crown Manager's role will focus on advancing the delivery of a comprehensive flood management catchment plan and overseeing flood protection projects. This includes managing the $70 million in Crown funding allocated for these efforts and addressing the Wairoa River bar management. The objective is to ensure that the councils collaborate efficiently and effectively, implementing the necessary systems to address flood risks.

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell emphasized the importance of this intervention, noting that failure to deliver timely flood protection could render parts of Wairoa uninhabitable in the face of future weather events. "The recent flooding in Wairoa has been extremely challenging, especially after the impacts of other severe weather events over the past few years," Mr. Mitchell said. "The Government acknowledges the critical need for flood protection and is committed to supporting the councils in this endeavor."

The Local Government Minister has formally notified the councils of his intention to appoint a Crown Manager, exercising his powers under Part 10 of the Local Government Act 2002. The councils have 10 working days to provide feedback on the proposed intervention. Following this feedback, the Minister will review potential candidates and make a final decision before officially appointing the Crown Manager to both councils.