Takapau And Kairakau Are At Level 2 Water Restrictions, Rest Of Central Hawke’s Bay Down To Level 1

16 Mar 2026, 19:48 by Central Hawke's Bay District Council · SCOOP

There’s a steady volume of water flowing through Central Hawke’s Bay’s rivers, allowing us to drop water restriction levels.

There are still limitations to Takapau’s and Kairakau’s water sources, meaning they are on Level 2, while the rest of the district has moved to Level 1.

The combination of more rain and lower temperatures have taken pressure off the district’s water sources, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Chief Executive Doug Tate said.

“We aren’t completely out of the woods. We’re seeing low levels of water flowing through our water sources in Kairakau and Takapau, so we’re keeping them at Level 2,” Tate said.

The Tukipo River, which supplies Takapau’s catchment, has low volumes. The water quality and volume available from the Kairakau water sources are improving, allowing us to reduce the restrictions to Level 2 from Level 4, with the hope of a further reduction soon.

The change in restriction levels comes with a reminder to conserve water – regardless of the restriction level, Tate said.

“We encourage everyone to do what they can regardless of the water restriction level to conserve water, it’s the right thing to do,” Tate said.

NOTES:

Level 2: Kairakau and Takapau

At Level 2 the odds and evens rule applies, so odd numbered houses can use sprinklers and hoses on odd date days of the month and even numbered houses can use sprinklers and hoses on even date days of the month, sprinklers can only be used for one hour before 9am and after 5pm, and only clean hard surfaces, like a driveway, with a hose for health, safety or emergency purposes.

Level 1: the rest of Central Hawke’s Bay

We ask that you conserve water.

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