Hawke’s Bay Horticultural Sector: Economic Recovery Update: A Year after Cyclone Gabrielle

In February 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle hit Hawke's Bay. It was the worst storm to hit New Zealand this century. The cyclone caused significant losses to the $1.2 billion horticultural sector, a major employer and contributor of economic activity in the Hawke’s Bay region.

A year ago, BCG undertook a social impact project to assess the cyclone’s initial economic impact on the Hawke’s Bay horticultural sector. We found that despite substantial losses, with targeted support, it is possible for the sector to grow back better and exceed pre-cyclone production levels.

With the impact on the 2023 harvest and government support now clear, this is an update on our initial assessment. It compares the horticultural sector's progress against the target state and provides revised actions to achieve it.