Coastal erosion and rising sea levels could force people from their homes in Hawke’s Bay.
A recently released report says that over 100 coastal properties could be in danger over the next 20 years.
The report, prepared for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, found that if nothing was done over the next 20 years, residents of 43 houses in Whirinaki (just north of Napier) and 21 houses in Haumoana (just south of Napier) – along with those in several other locations – may have to move.
Whirinaki resident Olivia Finlay felt torn about a potential move.
“I’ve got a bit of mixed emotions. We’ve had the sea come quite far up, but it’s never gone anywhere near the other side of the road and ’cause we’re on the opposite side we’re quite far away. But then again, I see the point because we are so close.”
However, she would still rather not move.
“I’d hate it, I love this house, I love living on the beach.”
A committee of local government representatives was still deciding if residents will need to move or if defences against the ocean, such as sea walls, will be built. A spokesperson for the committee said that they could not say when a decision would be made and that there was still further work to do.
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