Napier has had more than its share of flooded stormwater systems in recent years. Mixed ownership and responsibilities between Napier City Council and HBRC have not helped matters.

Here’s a step forward. It took the two councils five years to get to this point!

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has approved transferring management and operation of its roughly $10 million in urban stormwater assets inside Napier’s boundaries to Napier City Council, supporting a more efficient and accountable system for local communities.

Roles and responsibilities are currently shared by the two councils with maintenance, management, operations and ownership of land, structures and detention ponds differing depending on area. In some cases one council holds a contract to operate or maintain an asset — e.g., a pump station — owned by the other council.

A report prepared to support planning for a new HB water services agency observed: “There is no contract or formal arrangement in place between the two Councils regarding management of the waterways. There is no single ‘source of truth’ formalised documentation about roles and responsibilities.” So heaps of ‘coordination’ meetings!

Napier City Council will take over management and operations from 1 July 2026, with potential for a second stage ownership transferring from 1 July 2027 subject to public consultation.

Councillor Neil Kirton says the current shared arrangement is complex, inefficient and not cost-effective. “It lacks clear accountability. Moving to a single, geographically aligned model will improve clarity for ratepayers, enable more coordinated decision-making, and support better service delivery.”

Napier Mayor Richard McGrath commented: “This is a logical and long-overdue step. Having one organisation responsible for the stormwater network in Napier means clearer accountability for residents and a more coordinated response when it matters most. We’re confident this will deliver better outcomes for our community.”

This change also aligns with upcoming national reforms, positioning Napier’s stormwater assets within one system ahead of a future regional water services council-controlled organisation.

Implementation costs are estimated at $200,000. Napier City Council will assume around $940,000 in annual operating costs, offset by existing targeted rates, and will ultimately take on HBRC assets valued at just over $10 million.

Given the significance of the asset transfer decision, both councils will undertake joint community engagement with Napier residents. Consultation is planned for September 2026, followed by hearings in October and a final decision in November 2026.