2024

Media releases

Training the trainers on NZ's first-of-its-kind desalination unit

It can deal with water sources that may be filled with sediment from rivers and treat seawater.

Demolition works begin at the Olympic Pool Complex

The demolition of the old Olympic pool complex and administration building at Centennial Marine Drive has started.

One week of community conversations to go

If you’d like to attend one of the community conversations in person have a look at the calendar of events still to come.

Changes coming to Grey Street soon

“These installations will be in place for two years to give our community the look and feel of them before permanent decisions are made," Council Community Lifelines Director Tim Barry.

Drivers asked to be courteous at the raised table crossings

Council Road Safety Coordinator Lauriel Edwards says raised tables are courtesy crossings under the road code and drivers are asked to be courteous.

Monuments clean ahead of annual remembrance

The Pātūtahi Returned Services Monument, the Te Karaka War Memorial and the Cenotaph in Gisborne have all been cleaned ahead of ANZAC Day 2024.

Te Karaka community invited to validate Flood modelling

"On Saturday April 13, from 9am until 12noon at the school, we're asking the Te Karaka community to share details about flood heights and speed of flood waters at their properties," Regional River Manager Joss Ruifrok.

Tairāwhiti acknowledged in a joint win for Cyclone Gabrielle volunteers

“Their work is ongoing as our volunteers still serve us every day on our journey to recovery,” Mayor Rehette Stoltz.

Waste-Ed team gives out reusable period products

Funded by Council, Waste-Ed gave the schools 300 reusable products including menstrual cups and pads to distribute. They last around four years and can save around 2400 single-use pads or tampons over that time.

No place for hate or bigotry in Tairāwhiti

“We accept that people hold different views however there is no place for hate or bigotry in Tairāwhiti. The rainbow crossing will be reinstated as soon as possible," Mayor Rehette Stoltz

Spotlight on Tairāwhiti for local government meeting

Today and tomorrow leaders from 18 local government authorities are here for the biannual Local Government Zone 3 meeting being hosted in Tairāwhiti.

Community Conversations have started

To find out where a Community Conversation is near you, check the calendar of events.

Council adopts house lifting policy

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says the adoption of this policy will give eligible property owners the certainty they have been looking for and enable Council to move forward with the planned programme of work

Opportunity to manage freshwater better

“We need to plan now for water resilience – taking into account climate change and economic and population growth demands,” Director of Sustainable Futures Joanna Noble

Time to engage community on Council's 2024-2027 Three Year Plan (3YP)

The plan outlines the challenges facing Council and how it intends to pay for the enormous recovery bill we face following cyclones Hale and Gabrielle last year.

Millions to secure Tokomaru Bay's landfill

This will be a two-year project that will start mid-2024 following engagement to work through details with hapū and residents of Tokomaru Bay.

Council purchases first Category 3 property

"The past year has been exceptionally challenging for our Category 3 property owners, and I am pleased that we are now in a position where they can begin to look to the future,” - Mayor Rehette Stoltz

Work underway to repair local road dropouts

Over 600 dropouts were caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and a further 300 from other weather events.

Workshop on how to reduce waste

“Come along to this community workshop where you’ll get some life hacks to help you deal with/manage your waste better,” - Council Waste Minimisation lead Charlotte Phelps.

Great vibe at Saturday's community event

Event organiser Merle Walker described the day as a positive way for everyone to band together after the weather events of last year.

New signs for Enviroschools early childhood education centres

Earlier this week, Enviroschools facilitators delivered six new signs to early childhood education centres around Tairāwhiti.

Community event to acknowledge Cyclone Gabrielle impacts

Council is excited to invite Tairāwhiti to ‘Tū Whitia – Stand & Shine’, a free community event happening Saturday 2 March from 3pm to 8.30pm at the Gisborne Soundshell.

Stopbanks being raised at a great pace

“The focus is now on the western side of the river, with about 17kms already completed downstream of the Patutahi township," Regional River Manager Joss Ruifrok.

Hui kicks off pilot for more sustainable Ūawa Catchment

Council is holding a hui for residents of the Ūawa catchment on 14 March to work towards a more sustainable future for the catchment.