6 August 2026

Westshore Beach Restoration Takes a Big Step Forward

After more than a decade of community advocacy, a plan to restore Westshore and Bay View’s beaches is heading into the regional council’s next Long Term Plan.

Many of us remember Westshore beach as it used to be, and many more have heard the stories. Now there’s a real chance to begin bringing it back.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) has approved the Westshore and Bay View coastal protection recommendation, which importantly includes beach restoration, for consideration in its 2027 Long Term Plan.

Twelve years in the making

This milestone caps a process that began more than 12 years ago. Our association has been directly involved since early 2015. For over 40 years the beach has been protected by a sacrificial gravel wall. Over that time the beach has degraded and lost much of its recreational value, both for Westshore and for the wider city.

Association chair Andy Walker describes the plan as a multi-generational initiative that will affect every Westshore resident. Using international best practice, it is expected to lift the vibrancy of our community and bring real environmental benefits over time.

What happens next

We’re not at the finish line yet. The proposal still needs to be formally included in HBRC’s Long Term Plan, which is expected around May 2027. Community support will matter, and we’ll be in touch in the coming months about how you can get behind it.

Under current plans, HBRC is due to be folded into a new, larger council in 2028, bringing together Central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings and Napier councils. That new council would be responsible for continuing HBRC’s Long Term Plan. So that nothing is taken for granted, the association has been meeting with the mayors and key stakeholders, particularly at Napier City and Hastings District councils, and will keep doing so.

“After 12 years, we have a great deal to celebrate as a community,” says Andy. “Thank you for your continued support.”

Andy Walker, Chairperson | Westshore Community Association