A whanau who erected a seat at the Pukeora Forest of Memories is asking for its return.
The bench seat, which was constructed in 2016 so whanau could sit on it when visiting their family member, recently went missing.
A whanau spokesperson said the theft “breaks their heart”, and they don’t care who took it, they would just like it back.
------------------
Water restrictions have been lifted for Waipawa and Otane residents.
Restrictions were removed yesterday after being in place for over a month following Cyclone Gabrielle.
The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council said water can now be used to clean properties but ask those doing so to not hose silt down drains as it is likely to clog the system.
-------------------
Waka Kotahi has provided a $35.9 million funding package to help repair roads in Central Hawke’s Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle.
More than a month on from the cyclone, 10 roads remain closed, and many that have been reopened require further major repairs so restrictions can be lifted.
Eight bridges in the district are still closed, while 12 have undergone significant repairs, and a total of 69 need more work to restore them to pre-storm condition.
Mayor Alex Walker says the Waka Kotahi funding will be used to ensure temporary access for all communities is secure and to help build more resilience back into the roading network ahead of winter.
Initial estimates to repair damage from the cyclone is around $100 million in total.
Mayor Walker says this does not include existing damage to the roads from 2022, which will cost around $50 million to repair.
