Hawke's Bay region

Hawke’s Bay has seven major river systems (mostly fast flowing, gravel bed rivers), two significant aquifers and four major lakes as well as many smaller rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and groundwater systems. However NIWA climate change modelling data predicts that the eastern coast of New Zealand will experience more frequent and prolonged droughts. Managing the rising demand for water, even with more efficient use and monitoring, against the increased dry periods is challenging.  Summer can be particularly stressful when crops for domestic and international markets need the greatest amount of water but rainfall and water levels can be low.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council is currently monitoring about 70% of the water use in Hawke’s Bay through its water metering programme. Nearly 500 sites are using telemetry to gain automated and near-realtime monitoring of their water use to improve efficiency.

Groundwater has been relied on as a dependable and safe water supply for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes.  The two known major groundwater systems in Hawke’s Bay are under the Heretaunga Plain and Ruataniwha Plain. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council continues to investigate the linkages between river and groundwater resources.

The Heretaunga aquifer has been identified by the Ministry for the Environment as a national water body of the highest economic value for existing and potential domestic and industrial use.  The aquifer continues to supply good quality water to the main cities and for agriculture, although during the driest summers, groundwater levels can drop sufficiently to leave shallower wells without access to groundwater. 

The Ruataniwha and Takapau Plains area of Central Hawkes Bay are vulnerable to dry summers and droughts. This has generated interest in options for the future.  A proposed dam and irrigation scheme has been consented and is in the final stages of planning and financing.  The scheme is a long-term sustainable water supply solution for Central Hawke’s Bay and part of a wider programme to better manage water resources (quantity and quality) in the Tukituki catchment.  Associated with this proposal is a plan change (6) to the Regional Resource Management Plan which considers parts of the Tukituki catchment – including the Ruataniwha Basin – to be fully allocated.