Yule would look at identifying suitable solutions, community engagement and implementation.
”Recent events have highlighted the vulnerability of the Wairoa township to future flood damage. There is an increasingly urgent need to progress these protection efforts. The Crown Manager’s role will be crucial to make this happen,” Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell says.
“Wairoa has experienced two severe weather events in the last couple of years. Being Chair of Wairoa’s Flood Protection Stakeholder Group, Mr Yule understands the weather-related challenges the township is facing.
“The Government is delivering on its commitment to support this community by increasing its flood resilience. Failure to act is not an option.”
Yule’s role will begin on August 15. The term of the role is one and a half years until February 13 2026.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council said they welcomed the appointment of Yule.
Regional Council Chair Hinewai Ormsby said they were glad to have Mr Yule’s expertise on board, to ensure the effective use of Crown and local funding in a timely manner and to progress flood mitigations solutions faster for Wairoa.
“The Crown is a critical partner for the project, not just as funder, but also to help with the complex decisions ahead.
“I conveyed the importance of the Crown’s involvement to Ministers in recent weeks. Mr Yule is well connected in the region and like us, well aware of the critical need for the right solution for the people of Wairoa. We are encouraged by his appointment by Minister Brown.
“Good progress has been made on flood mitigation options for Wairoa but there is more still to do. Significant technical work has been developed under the tripartite agreement between Regional Council, Wairoa District Council and Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa, and a Wairoa Stakeholder Group has reviewed flood mitigation options.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Wairoa community around solutions to reduce the risk of future flooding. Our changing climate means these mitigations are critically important and need to be done with urgency.”
