Ombudsman criticises Hastings District Council over dam and stream maintenance

StuffNZ HeraldMonday 3 March 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated

In this story Hastings District Council, John Allen, Peter Boshier

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

The Chief Ombudsman has found that Hastings District Council failed to maintain dams and clear debris from streams despite repeated warnings over a decade. This neglect contributed to devastating flooding in Havelock North during Cyclone Gabrielle, which affected more than 30 homes.

How they headlined it

First reported by Stuff, Mon 3 Mar 2025, 6:04pm · 2 reports from 2 outlets over 17 hours
  1. StuffStuff

    Council’s failure to maintain dams before flooding lambasted in scathing Ombudsman report (opens in new tab)

  2. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Havelock North cyclone flooding: Ombudsman chides Hastings District Council for stream and dam maintenance failures (opens in new tab)