Central Hawke’s Bay

CHB to continue to thrive in 23

Thriving Central Hawke’s Bay was part of the new approach taken by incoming mayor Alex Walker in 2019 and there’s been a major transformation of business activity.

“The last five years have seen rapid growth in population, employment and economic outcomes in Central Hawke’s Bay.

“While the short term economic climate is challenging and growth brings its own challenges, the strong foundations we’ve built has put Central Hawke’s Bay in a resilient position to continue on a strong growth trajectory over the next ten years and beyond.

Alex says there’s a huge programme of projects and activities both at the planning stage and underway to deliver and support a thriving Central Hawke’s Bay. She says council has lifted its visibility as a leader and a facilitator across the business community initiating a range of business network opportunities and matching employers with job seekers via the successful Mayors Taskforce for Jobs.

“You’ll see us continuing to engage with the community and businesses through our BA5

(Business After 5) events, sharing key information with network groups, business network meetings, business breakfasts and employment support for jobseekers and employers through our Mayors Taskforce for Jobs.

Alex highlights some major projects such as the redevelopment of the old Waipukurau Hospital site into housing in partnership with the Government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.

Government has contributed $10.9m for crucial infrastructure work including transport improvements, kilometres of new pipeline for wastewater and water supply, a new water reservoir, and major stormwater upgrades that will enable up to 950 homes to be built on the 50 hectare site.

Other key economic enabling projects include the upgrade of Waipawa’s main road of Waipawa as part of the Waka Kotahi Streets for People project, construction of Hawke’s Bay’s largest solar farm in Onga Onga as well as greater focus on building a strong tourism network to attract and increase visitor spend in the region on the back of the award winning Ngā Ara Tipuna history trail.

“For years we’ve shared the community’s frustration that this prime residential land has sat empty while housing is so scarce,” says Alex.

A mix of housing for whānau, retirees, established residents and people new to Central Hawke’s Bay will become an exciting reality thanks to this Government funding, landowners and our partners.

“Now, truly smart growth – one of our strategic priorities – has become possible in the heart of Waipukurau. “

“Despite the short-term challenges, our optimism and aspirations remain high. Central Hawke’s Bay benefits from a strong agricultural, farming and forestry economy as your backbone, and a united community focussed on achieving a Thriving Central Hawke’s Bay.

She is most excited about the change that will be made possible by council’s Better Off Funding from the government with the cumulative power of these projects unlocking CHB’s vision to its full po-

Business Performance

tential in a unique partnership approach with Mana whenua and community.

Council in partnership has five projects – Thriving Tamatea Places and Spaces – Community and Commercial Proper- ty Needs, Making people our greatest asset – Tamatea Capability and Capacity Programme, Development of a Community Futures Investment Strategy, Driving housing outcomes and Thriving Places and Spaces quick wins.