Central Hawke's Bay District Council — Property Due Diligence Guide
Central Hawke's Bay District Council governs a predominantly rural district south of Hastings, with a population of approximately 15,000. The main towns are Waipukurau and Waipawa, and the district's economy is based on pastoral farming, cropping, and some horticulture.
Quick Facts
Useful Links
How to Order a LIM Report
Contact Central Hawke's Bay District Council directly to order a LIM. Standard processing takes 10 working days.
There is no urgent processing option, and LIMs are requested directly from the council.
LIMs include building and resource consents, rates, zoning, flood risk, and contaminated land. The district's rural character means some older farm buildings may have limited consent records.
Flood risk information is important for properties near the Tukituki and Waipawa rivers, which have experienced flooding events including during Cyclone Gabrielle.
District Plan Zones
Central Hawke's Bay's District Plan includes:
- Residential: Township residential areas in Waipukurau and Waipawa
- Rural Residential: Lifestyle blocks near the townships
- Rural: Pastoral and cropping land covering the majority of the district
- Settlement: Small rural settlement zones at Otane, Tikokino, and Porangahau
- Coastal: Coastal settlement at Porangahau and Blackhead beaches
The district has a new District Plan that provides for modest growth in and around the two main towns.
Natural Hazards
Central Hawke's Bay's natural hazard profile includes:
- Flooding: River flooding from the Tukituki, Waipawa, and smaller rivers. Low-lying areas near waterways are most at risk.
- Earthquakes: The district is within the seismically active Hawke's Bay region, with fault lines and subduction zone risk.
- Land instability: Hill country erosion is common, particularly during heavy rainfall.
- Drought: The district experiences periodic drought, which affects farming and can impact water supply for rural properties.
- Coastal erosion: Affecting the Porangahau coast.
Building Consent & Code Compliance
Building consent is processed by Central Hawke's Bay District Council with a 20 working day target. The small consent volume generally means efficient processing.
Rural properties require on-site wastewater systems and private water supply. Building in the townships is straightforward, with reticulated services generally available in Waipukurau and Waipawa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the property market like in Central Hawke's Bay?
Central Hawke's Bay offers very affordable property compared to Hastings and Napier, with small-town charm and a strong community. Waipukurau and Waipawa have basic services including schools, shops, and medical facilities. The trade-off is limited employment opportunities and a smaller buyer pool for resale. Lifestyle blocks and small farms can offer good value.
How far is Central Hawke's Bay from major centres?
Waipukurau is approximately 50 minutes south of Hastings and Napier. Palmerston North is about 90 minutes to the south via the Saddle Road or Manawatu Gorge alternative route. The district has its own basic services but residents typically travel to Hastings or Napier for larger shopping, hospital services, and airport access.
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