Responding to Growth

Growth at a glance in Central Hawke's Bay

Central Hawke’s Bay is growing at unprecedented levels and our community is changing, as families and people head to our patch of paradise as a desirable lifestyle location. In 2021 Central Hawke’s Bay’s population hit an all-time high of just over 15,500 residents, reaching levels of growth and optimism not seen since the 1960’s. Read 'Growth at a glance', a summary of updated population and economic indicators for Central Hawke's Bay and Growth at a Glance 2023 -2053.

Our thriving future

Fast forward to 2031 and despite the current economic challenges, that number, if we stay on a similar growth trajectory, could reach over 20,000 people - with some 1,700 homes forecast to be built in that same time. Being prepared for what’s ahead is critical to ensuring future generations of residents in Central Hawke’s Bay continue to Thrive!

Demographic and Economic Growth Projections 2022 Update 

 Previous demographic and economic growth projections were published in 2020 and can be viewed below.

Demographic and Economic Growth Projections 2020 - 2050

To respond to this growth to ensure our infrastructural, cultural, environmental, social and economic wellbeing needs and legislative responsibilities are met, we’ve developed a blueprint for growth of our three main towns for the next 30 years.

We’ve relied heavily on feedback taken from the community in the development of Project Thrive, to build upon our Communities vision and with workshops held with local residents and stakeholders such as Centralines and New Zealand Transport Agency in June to develop the blueprint. This blueprint - called an ‘Integrated Spatial Plan’ (ISP) - is key to informing our Long Term Plan 2021 to 2031.

Both are essential documents in ensuring that our assets – infrastructure and community - meet the needs of our community now and into the future. We are now asking you to take a look at where we have landed in terms of our future growth direction. To let us know, have we got it right, do we need to consider other challenges or opportunities, other responses?

This will help us finalise our direction of growth. We will then use every tool in our box from our Long Term Plan investments, through our District Plan review, through partnerships and programmes to implement this direction and bring Thrive alive!

What is the Integrated Spatial Plan About?

We have big plans for our District. The Central Hawke's Bay Three Towns' Integrated Spatial Plan (ISP) is at the centre of those plans because it is a 30 year blueprint of growth opportunities across Ōtāne, Waipawa and Waipukurau. The ISP will:

• Maximise the achievement of Project Thrive
• Help inform the Central Hawke's Bay District Plan review
• Outline what community and infrastructure investment will be needed to support enhanced community wellbeings, and
• Form the basis for implementation through the Long-Term Plan and coordinated investment from agencies such as NZTA and Centralines.

 Central Hawke's Bay Integrated Spatial Plan 2020 -2050