Cyclone Gabrielle

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.