Labour warns East Coast communities under pressure from rising costs, job losses and climate impacts
The Government’s decision not to fund Gisborne District Council’s long-term land use transition strategy for Tairāwhiti is drawing criticism from Labour, with concerns growing over the future resilience of East Coast communities already struggling with economic and climate pressures.
The proposed Transition Programme Business Case – Land Use Transition in Tairāwhiti was designed to help reduce the impact of severe weather events and lessen reliance on costly post-storm cleanups following repeated cyclone and flood damage across the region.
Labour’s Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP says the funding rejection sends the wrong message to communities still recovering from the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle and ongoing infrastructure damage.
The proposal aimed to support long-term planning around land use, forestry practices, erosion control and community resilience as climate-related weather events become more frequent and severe.
At the same time, economic pressures are continuing to mount across the vast Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate, with rising fuel prices, the high cost of diesel and ongoing cost-of-living pressures hitting whānau and businesses hard.
Communities across the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay are also grappling with limited employment opportunities for rangatahi and uncertainty following industrial closures, including the loss of jobs linked to the Wattie’s and Heinz operations.
The MP says despite these challenges, communities remain resilient and continue supporting one another through difficult economic and environmental conditions.
Recent visits across the electorate, including meetings with the Whakakī Lakes Trust and the Wairoa Business Hub, highlighted growing concerns around regional economic development, infrastructure support and the need for long-term investment into local industries and jobs.
Labour says stronger regional investment is needed to support Māori economic development, create sustainable employment opportunities and strengthen resilience against future climate events.
There are also calls for more targeted support for rural communities facing rising transport costs and increasing isolation as infrastructure damage and service pressures continue affecting the region.
The debate comes as political pressure intensifies ahead of the Budget, with East Coast leaders warning regional communities cannot continue carrying the combined burden of climate recovery, economic hardship and reduced government support.
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