The Cape Coast Flood Protection Group
The Cape Coast Flood Protection Group is on the case, up to speed with local concerns, represented on the Coastal Hazards Strategy focus groups and all the major high level discussions with local councils and engineers.
Any successful plan for a cohesive flood water and coastal protection needs to recognise the two are inextricably connected. The quick dispersion of high levels of rain and surface water is imperative to avoid properties being flooded but we also need mitigation from the impact of inundation from high seas and erosion. The pump station at Haumoana Domain for example needs to be fit for purpose as does the accompanying expansion and maintenance of the coastal bund and drainage scheme to prevent overtopping by the sea. The Haumoana groyne, the rock revetment walls at Clifton and Cape View corner and the ecoreef at Te Awanga are part of ongoing protection plans.
Keep up to date through our Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/366646881293/
Cape Coast Flood Protection Group
From left to right: Keith Newman (Hau), Arlo Armstrong (Hau), Dean Ferguson, HDC strategic project manager, Maurice Smith (TA), Alwyn Corban, HDC councilor, Roy Boonen chairman (TA), Ann Redstone (Hau), Hana Montaperto-Hendry, HDC councilor, Marcel van Hooijdonk (Hau), Trent Mabbet (Hau). Out of shot Jonathan Smith, HBRC senior design engineer.
The Cape Coast did not escape the horrors of Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. Around 30 homes in lower Haumoana were impacted by a combination of high volumes of water spilling down from the high country, and high seas pushing in from the coast. The pump station in the Haumoana Domain could not cope getting the water away quick enough and many were forced from their homes. The power went out for up to a week and for many it would be months before they could return to their homes. The Flood Protection Group has been working closely with both councils to improve pump station resilience and drainage maintenance and ensure the area is more resilient to such events. The Emergency Resilience Group has been developing plans with the community to ensure we are well equipped with a plan including generators and supplies and safe places to be for all such emergencies.
How The Flood Protection Group Began
The decision to refresh and broaden advocacy for protection and prevention saw WOW (Walking on Water Inc) merge with a revitalised Cape Coast Community Group (CCCG) in mid-2023.
A Timeline Of Coastal Erosion & Flooding Events
A summary of coastal erosion, inundation and flooding events since the 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake dramatically impacted the coastline's topography. Land lifted north of Napier around 2.7m and dropped along the Cape Coast up to a metre. Locals and the coast are still battling to find a balance.
​
How you can help
The coast is not just real estate it is a Hawke's Bay asset increasingly valued by locals and visitors alike. Become informed and aware of what has been, what is, and what is being done. While there's been decades of discussion and reports it takes a community to make a difference. Our voice matters. Doing nothing was never an option but doing something always comes at a cost. Subscribe, read the reports stay tuned.