Hastings

Hastings sits in the heart of Hawke's Bay, a region known for its orchards, vineyards, and a slower-paced rhythm than the big cities, though that doesn't mean life here is easy if you're doing it rough. The average household income in the area hovers around NZD $95,000 a year, but that figure hides a lot of struggle, especially with housing costs that have climbed steeply since the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery efforts began. Napier and Hastings together recorded over 350 people experiencing severe housing deprivation in the 2023 Point-in-Time count, a number locals believe has only grown since. The Salvation Army in Hastings runs a foodbank and can help connect you to emergency housing options, while Age Concern Hawke's Bay and Hawke's Bay Regional Prevention Services can point you toward support if you're older or dealing with addiction alongside housing instability. Whakatu Marae has also opened its doors during past crises and remains a place where manaakitanga, the practice of caring for others, is taken seriously. Wherever you're sleeping tonight, know that Hastings has people who show up for others, even when the system doesn't. You are not invisible here, and you are not alone.