Mahi Tahi
Working with Councils
As a community group supporting farmers, smallholders and mana whenua, we participate in regular korero with the region's councils.
Overview
Following community issues raised at a meeting at Pukehāmoamoa school in August 2023 were pulled together in a report that we presented to Council heads along with an invitation [Invitation to Regional and District Council leaders to meet September 2023 [Franzi, the link on the Resources page to this document doesn’t work] to meet to discuss them. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chair, Hinewai Ormsby was accompanied by councillor Xan Harding, CEO Nic Peet, Te Kaha Hawaikirangi (Kaihautu Putaiao), Pieri Munro (Pou Whakarae, Group Manager Māori), Anthony Tipene-Matua (Māori Relationship Manager, Southern Hawke’s Bay), Jack Smith-Ballingall (Māori Relationships Advisor) and James Leary (Regional Asset Manager), Hastings District Council deputy mayor, Tania Kerr, was accompanied by councillor Ana Apatu and Hastings District Council Assets Manager Craig Thew. 24 members of the community and Between the Two Rivers attended. At that meeting, the councils agreed to work through and provide a detailed response in a meeting with Between the Two Rivers within 4-6 weeks.
Councils also agreed to:
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A review of esplanade reserves and how they can be managed for flood protection and ecological restoration, with the Shanley Road Esplanade Reserve being a priority
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Easily accessible information portal on road damage in the district (HDC)
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Communicate Council plans for upgrade to floodproof “Dorward’s bridge” (HDC)
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Communicate long-term solution to road flooding (HDC)
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Workshop with Okawa Stream community regarding legal rights and responsibilities for waterways, cleanup
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Appoint a sufficiently senior staff member to represent the CEO in the conversation (HBR)
Since that September meeting, B2R has Zoom calls with regional and district council staff every 6-8 weeks. The records of those meetings are below.