Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has officially unveiled its redesigned bus network that it claims is simpler, direct, and better connected.
Two ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held this morning to launch the new Better Bus routes – at the Dalton Street Bus Interchange in Napier, and on Middle Road in Havelock North.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chair, Sophie Siers joined Hastings Mayor, Wendy Schollum and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s Regional Director, Linda Stewart at the event in Havelock North. Regional Transport Committee Chair, Neil Kirton and Napier Mayor, Richard McGrath, attended the Napier ceremony.
Representatives from mana whenua, and the local community also attended the ceremonies. Following the ribbon-cutting in Napier and Havelock North, attendees took buses to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park, one of the new destinations on the new network for a ceremonial meet-up, before returning to their respective locations.
“This new network is a huge achievement and a moment of pride for everyone in Hawke’s Bay,” said Chair Kirton.
“We’ve built this with our community at heart. Connecting the airport, the hospital, and our sports park isn’t just about transport. It’s about making life easier for families, workers, and students.”
Cr Kirton says part of making life easier is a week of free travel from 25-31 January.
“From January 25 to 31, all GoBay services are free of charge. It’s the perfect time to explore the new stops, test out the new Route 1 between Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, or take the kids on an adventure.”
Chair Siers says the launch reflects years of genuine partnership with the community.
“This network was shaped by the people who live here,” she said.
“Over four years, hundreds of residents, community groups, and partners shared their insights. Every submission and meeting helped refine the design. Today we are celebrating a shared achievement built alongside the people who will use it every day.”
Regional Council Transport Manager, Russell Turnbull said he sees the redesign as a major step forward.
“With better connectivity, catching the bus can now feel like an obvious choice. The redesigned routes mean shorter wait times, and the additional stops bring the service closer to more people. For those who travel on this new network, there’s no stress around traffic or parking anymore, just a simple, legible and affordable way to travel. That’s exactly what this redesign set out to achieve.”
What’s changing?
• Route 1 becomes the backbone of the network, linking Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North with frequent, reliable service.
• A new peak-only Route 1A caters to travellers via Pakowhai Road and St Aubyn Street, while Route 11 continues Napier–Hastings via Clive and now includes Whakatu for weekday travel.
• In Napier, Route 2 connects Taradale, Onekawa, and EIT with added stops at Kmart, Mitre 10, Poraiti, and Guppy Road.
• Route 3 simplifies Maraenui travel with better access to Bupa Willowbank Village, and now extending to Tamatea.
• Route 4 goes to Hawke’s Bay Airport, bringing a direct public transport link to this important regional gateway for the first time.
• Route 8 replaces the MyWay on-demand service and covers Camberley, the Hospital, Mahora, Hastings Library, and Raureka
• Routes 6 and 7 improves coverage across Flaxmere, Akina, and Karamu, which also helps replace MyWay, while Route 21 (Havelock North) is now part of Route 1, serving both Arataki (East) and Bull Hill (West).
