Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has released its 2021 – 2024 State of the Environment (SOE) Report, a three-yearly check on the health of the region’s environment.
Based on data collected before and after Cyclone Gabrielle, the report highlights several major environmental challenges. These include declining wetland health, water quality, and biodiversity. It also outlines areas of progress, such as maintaining improved air quality, riparian planting, and targeted pest control. Post-cyclone, networks have been rebuilt with resilience in mind, and many of the benefits from these efforts are expected to become more visible in the years ahead.
Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee Chair ,Sophie Siers says the report offers a grounded picture of where the region stands.
“This report is the result of a huge team effort from our dedicated staff and the incredible work being led by communities across our region. It’s honest about the pressures we’re facing, on our rivers, our land and our biodiversity,” she said.
“It’s also a reminder of the progress that’s possible when science, community effort and local knowledge come together. For me, it reinforces that protecting our environment isn’t optional – it’s the foundation of our future in Hawke’s Bay.”
Regional Council Science Manager, Haley Ataera says the report makes it clear the region is under pressure.
“Our environment is feeling the strain from climate change, population growth, and how we use land and water. The challenges are serious, but it’s encouraging to see that we’re still making progress. With better tools, stronger science, and committing to better integration of mātauranga Māori, we’re makings smarter, more targeted decisions.”
The SOE report is part of a long-term monitoring framework that tracks changes across Hawke’s Bay’s air, land, and water. It breaks down data down by catchment area, and shows where things are improving, where they’re not, and where action is most needed.The report highlights the impact of human activity and the need for coordinated responses across the region.
Cr Siers says the environment is the foundation of the region’s wellbeing, economy, and our way of life.
“As a farmer, I see every day how deeply our environment underpins our wellbeing and our economy. This work isn’t something council can do in isolation, we need mana whenua, landowners and communities all moving in the same direction. If we focus our energy on the places where it really counts, we can make lasting gains.
“This is a moment for us to work closely together, and to back the health and wellbeing of the land and water that sustain us,” she said.
Read the full State of the Environment 2021 – 2024 report here.
