Cyclone-hit homes buyout: Hawke's Bay mayor expects 'some concerns' from community

Caption:Flooding in Wairoa after the river burst its banks due to heavy rain from Cyclone Gabrielle.Photo credit:Wairoa District Council’s Emergency ControllerWairoa mayor Craig Little.Supplied/ Wairoa District CouncilCentral Hawke’s Bay mayor Alex Walker.RNZ / Tom KitchinFloodwaters in Napier, days after Cyclone GabrielleRNZ/ Tess BruntonNapier mayor Kirsten Wise.RNZ / Tom KitchinFinance Minister Grant Robertson.RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Esk Valley on 20 February following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Puketapu bridge in Hawke’s Bay - swept away in Cyclone Gabrielle.

Flood damage in the Esk Valley in Hawke’s Bay.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s investment asset, Quayside Holdings, owns a majority share of Port of Tauranga. Photo supplied

A major upgrade at the East Clive Wastewater Treatment Plant includes replacing ageing equipment to ensure wastewater services continue to run in Hastings.

Kopu Road and flooding damage at The Limery on Kopu Road

France’s forward #10 Kylian Mbappe celebrates after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Paraguay and France at the Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP)