Latest from Hastings District Council

From motel owner to mayoral candidate: Steve Gibson vows to curb Hastings rate rises
One woman he visited in Hastings 'burst into tears' over how hard it was to pay.

'An eerie feeling': The jetboater honoured for his daring rescues in Hawke's Bay floods
Phil Bayens rescued more than 100 people and their pets from flooded homes.

Mayor unapologetic in face of backlash at council's Māori ward videos
'It’s no different to having rural wards,' the deputy mayor says to the camera.

Hastings District Council's Māori ward social media videos
Hastings Deputy Mayor Tania Kerr and Takitimu Māori ward councilor Ana Apatu talking about Māori wards. Video / Hastings District Council

'Distasteful': Last-ditch legal bid to stop crematorium beside supermarket
A crematorium in the middle of the village is a burning issue for some in Havelock North.

Staffing costs at Hawke’s Bay councils - are they reasonable?
Economist Brad Olsen says there's a tendency to “vilify” the spending.

Budget: Hawke's Bay and Gisborne get $219m to fix Cyclone Gabrielle-hit roads
The Government has announced a $219 million boost for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery.

'Rewarding journey': Long-serving Hastings councillor steps down
Hastings councillor Malcolm Dixon retires after 12 years to spend more time with family.

Winners and losers: Panel recommends new Hawke's Bay housing projects, casts others aside
Housing growth is a hot topic around Napier-Hastings. An independent panel has weighed in.

'Scary and exciting': Deputy Mayor steps down after long tenure
'I'll be able to spend my evenings talking to my husband instead of reading papers.'

'Stifling microbusinesses': Seymour backs watercress seller facing $600 fee
'Never thought he would support someone like me,' Jake says as Seymour takes up his case.

Second council pulls out of Hawke’s Bay climate committee
'It did not involve a visit to Wairoa, that we are aware of.'

Why Eileen Lawson is leaving her council role to focus on health
Lawson was elected in a 2018 byelection for Hastings/Havelock North.

The cause of the milky stream at Guthrie Park
'The repair was completed on Monday afternoon by a Hastings council contractor.'

On the Up: Dozens come together to preserve a region's history, one click at a time
'Sometimes we just need to stop a little bit and learn from the past.'

Residents protest at rates on cyclone-affected lands
Wairoa residents see property values halved, yet face higher rates.

On The Up: Lower Kingsgate Reserve reopens after repairs from Cyclone Gabrielle
Five footbridges were repaired, and a culvert was replaced during restoration.

Cyclone victim estimates land value dropped $1m - yet rates bill the same
'The land is worth around $300,000 to $400,000, if that, and they are rating us on $1.4m.'

Hawke’s Bay: Kererū Gorge rebuild nears completion while Puketapu Bridge opening extended
Kererū Gorge and Puketapu Bridge rebuild projects are nearing completion.

Kererū Gorge culvert rebuild progress from July 2024 to Mar 2025
The Kererū Gorge culvert official reopening will be celebrated with a community event on April 17, 2025. Video / Hastings District Council

Hastings CBD railway plan: Business says it's time to bring cars back
The total cost of the project will be $3.45m, with $2.8m paid by the council.