Central Hawke’s Bay District Council on track to complete $45 million worth of roading repairs

After Cyclone Gabrielle, Central Hawke’s Bay was faced with an estimated $170 million of damage across its 1,265 km roading network. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) provided an initial $45.46 million to be spent on the first and second stage of rapid repairs, with strict criteria around the repairs it could fund. These early repairs are nearly complete.  

“I am proud of how the collective voice of Hawke’s Bay has kept our needs front of mind for both NZTA and government.”  

Local MPs Mike Butterick and Catherine Wedd travelled to the district to see the progress made repairing two major bridges – Makaroro and Douglas Cutting – and plans for restoring access to Fletcher’s Crossing Bridge.   

They reiterated their commitment to infrastructure and the primary sector economy but were also pleased to spend time on the ground with the farmers and residents that make it all worth it.   

“It is great to see our rural communities in Central Hawke’s Bay connected again more than 16 months since the cyclone,” said Catherine Wedd.  

“It has been challenging for our rural communities and it was good to be on the ground to see the progress being made on restoring our bridges and local roads. Our government is committed to investing in infrastructure and driving productivity in our region.”