Napier Port Ocean Swim
Organisers are excited to announce the return of the Napier Port Ocean Swim on Saturday, 28 February 2026, at Ahuriri Beach. The 21-year event welcomes swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Entries are now open, and organisers are encouraging locals to sign up and be part of this iconic community event – whether as first-time ocean swimmers or seasoned athletes. Swimmers can register online at www.napieroceanswim.co.nz and entries remain open until 26th February at 9pm.
The Napier Port Ocean Swim offers events for all skill levels, including a 200-metre kids’ swim, 500-metre and 1-kilometre races, and the ever-popular 2.5-kilometre challenge.
The swim once again runs alongside the Napier Triathlon Festival, creating a full weekend of energy, excitement, and community pride.
“The Napier Port Ocean Swim isn’t just about competition – it’s about coming together,” said event organiser and Napier Aquahawks Swim Club Chair Kelly Gunson.
“There’s always a great vibe at the beach leading up to event day, inspiring people to step outside their comfort zones – to participate, enjoy the moment, and share the experience with loved ones.”
Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson commented: “We’re delighted to continue our support for the Napier Port Ocean Swim. As open water swimming grows in popularity, events like this play an important role in promoting water safety, building confidence, and inspiring people of all ages to get active and challenge themselves.”
NCC e-newsletter
Napier City Council is publishing an attractive, comprehensive e-newsletter that’s full of info on the city’s latest events, projects and initiatives. Every item includes a link to learn more.
EIT welcomes new chief
A pōwhiri on EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale has marked the start of new chief executive Lucy Laitinen’s leadership, as the institute begins a new era as an independent polytechnic.
The official welcome last Monday followed EIT’s return to independence on January 1 and was attended by staff, council members, iwi representatives, faith and community leaders and whānau.
Appointed chief executive in December last year, Lucy brings extensive leadership experience across international development, social services, local government and regional economic development. Most recently, she led the Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency and previously served as chief executive of Anglican Care Waiapu.
Lucy said the pōwhiri was a meaningful way to begin her time at EIT.
“This appointment is very personal for me. I’m from this place. I grew up in Kererū before my family moved to Ruatoria and then Tokomaru Bay.”
New HB interim water chief
Chris O’Reilly has been appointed to lead the establishment of Hawke’s Bay’s new jointly owned water services organisation, marking another major milestone in the region’s water reform journey.
Establishment Advisory Board Chair, Wendie Harvey commented: “Having a single point of leadership will make a material difference to coordination, prioritisation and momentum, and to achieving strong outcomes for the region.”
A seasoned Chief Executive and company director, Chris has more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across complex, regulated and asset intensive environments.
Chris said the opportunity to help shape a long-term, regional approach to water services attracted him to the role. “This is about taking a genuinely long-term view and building an integrated approach to something that is fundamental to our communities, our environment and our economy.”
Havelock North volunteers wanted
Hastings District Council is inviting expressions of interest from community members to join the Havelock North Streams/Dams Programme Advisory Group (PAG).
The PAG:
- Provides community insight and feedback on the Havelock North Streams / Dams programme.
- Acts as a sounding board for plans, policies, and proposed works.
- Helps improve communication and understanding between Council and the community.
- Offers constructive advice to Council’s project governance and delivery groups.
The PAG is advisory in nature, it does not make decisions, but it plays an important role in shaping thinking and ensuring community perspectives are considered.
Please share your interest with [email protected] by Friday 30 January.
Another Rockit grower fails
Rockit, marketer of perhaps HB’s most iconic apple has suffered another setback as reported by the National Business Review (NBR, paywalled).
In late December, Rockit Orchard Ltd Partnership, which had been growing on seven orchards across 50 hectares of land, was placed in voluntary administration. Locals John Loughlin and Debbie Hewitt sit on the board.
The company’s chair, Stuart Weston, cited 40% loss of productive land during Cyclone Gabrielle, a situation worsened by successive poor grower returns from Rockit Global.
BayBuzz has reported on the Rockit situation in more detail here.
