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Cyclone Gabrielle

On February 13 and 14, Cyclone Gabrielle lashed Hawke's Bay with gale-force winds, a large easterly swell and record rainfall causing rivers to burst their banks, having a devastating impact on the region. A National State of Emergency was declared on Tuesday, 14 February and was lifted on Tuesday, 14 March.

Napier's story

February 14 2023 is a date etched in Hawke’s Bay’s history as one of the region’s darkest days. In Napier, Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread damage and flooding and resulted in a period of extreme isolation and vulnerability.

 The Napier urban area was without power, communications and access, the Awatoto wastewater treatment plant inoperable and associated industrial area completely inundated as the stop banks breached. Some of Napier’s residential and commercial areas, along with surrounding rural communities and productive land were decimated.

 Over 70,000 residents were left without lifelines including health services, power, road connectivity (in every direction), wastewater, drinking water, internet, and cellphone networks.

Hawke’s Bay has now formally moved from response to recovery. For many, life has returned largely to normal but for others this is still a period of displacement, response and providing ongoing assistance to those affected by the disaster.

 A regional structure has been established to enable recovery where local agencies work together, to develop and implement a Hawke’s Bay Regional Recovery Plan. Napier City Council is working alongside its mana whenua and tangata whenua partners, other territorial authorities, community groups, business sector, and government agencies to provide support to make Napier a more resilient city and area. 

You will find all the latest information, including media releases and updates from the Hawke's Bay Recovery Agency and Central Government via the links on the right.


Latest news

Designation response to Cyclone Gabrielle

Designation response to Cyclone Gabrielle

The whole of Napier City has been "designated" under the Building Act 2004 to help manage ongoing risks to people f...

Published: 13 February 2024

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Voluntary buy-outs set to commence as nearly 300 Hastings District and Napier City properties confirmed as Category 3

Voluntary buy-outs set to commence as nearly 300 Hastings District and Napier City properties confirmed as Category 3

The voluntary buy-out of Category 3 residential properties across Hawke’s Bay is set to commence by the end of th...

Published: 3 October 2023

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Hawke’s Bay Councils adopt Cyclone Gabrielle Category 3 Voluntary Buy-Out Policy

Hawke’s Bay Councils adopt Cyclone Gabrielle Category 3 Voluntary Buy-Out Policy

Hastings District Council and Napier City Council have today confirmed that both a Cyclone Gabrielle Category 3 Vol...

Published: 15 September 2023

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Hawke’s Bay Councils finalise the terms of a cost-sharing agreement with the Government

Hawke’s Bay Councils finalise the terms of a cost-sharing agreement with the Government

A decision on how some of the most urgent cyclone recovery costs for Hawke’s Bay will be shared between central a...

Published: 3 August 2023

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Negotiations completed with Government – deal to be approved by Hawke’s Bay Councils

Negotiations completed with Government – deal to be approved by Hawke’s Bay Councils

Negotiations between central and local Government to confirm a cost-sharing approach for some of the region’s mos...

Published: 31 July 2023

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Land categorisations continue to provide clarity for Hawke’s Bay communities

Land categorisations continue to provide clarity for Hawke’s Bay communities

More than half of the residents located in provisional Category 2 and Category 3 areas across Hawke’s Bay have be...

Published: 24 July 2023

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Negotiations between Government and Hawke’s Bay councils continue

Negotiations between Government and Hawke’s Bay councils continue

Negotiations around the voluntary buyout of confirmed Category 3 residential properties are ongoing, with the Gover...

Published: 30 June 2023

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Hawke’s Bay Councils appoint Chris Finlayson to lead Cyclone Gabrielle negotiating team

Hawke’s Bay Councils appoint Chris Finlayson to lead Cyclone Gabrielle negotiating team

Hawke’s Bay’s five Councils have appointed former Cabinet Minister Chris Finlayson to lead their negotiating te...

Published: 20 June 2023

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Indicative land categorisations a significant step in building back safer, stronger and smarter

Indicative land categorisations a significant step in building back safer, stronger and smarter

Indicative land categorisations across Te-Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay will be a significant step forward for enabli...

Published: 30 May 2023

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Stickered home owners to receive support payment

Stickered home owners to receive support payment

A recent boost to the Napier Mayoral Relief Fund will be given directly to residential property owners most severel...

Published: 23 May 2023

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