During Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, 13 bridges and six large culverts were destroyed amid significant damage to the roading network across the Hastings District, including hundreds of slips and a further 160 bridges damaged and needing repair.
Following on from these storms, the first major permanent rebuild of a bridge/culvert was complete and in use, with Chrystal Culvert in Matahorua Road, Tutira, Hastings opened by Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst and mana whenua on 19 July 2024.
| Funding Programme | Cyclone Recovery Programme |
| Project Owner | Hastings District Council |
| Infrastructure Type | Water Infrastructure |
| Government Funding | $3.5 million |
| Total Project Cost | $3.5 million |
| Project Completed | July 2024 |
The Chrystal Twin Culvert was destroyed when flood waters sent a water tank blocking the culvert’s pipes and causing the water to build-up and encroach over the top of the road. The scouring out that followed eventually led to the road being completely washed away, creating a 35-metre gap.
In the immediate aftermath, Hastings District Council’s roading team, together with contractor Downer and project designer Stantec, established four-wheel-drive vehicle access upstream of the culvert site, and by May 2023 a permanent solution was being investigated.
A new single culvert, 3.2 metres in diameter has been built and one of the smaller original culverts has been retained with over nine metres of stone blocks above them, up to the formation of Matahorua Road.
Government funded $3.5 million of the project, which was delivered ahead of schedule and on budget.
