The Hawke's Bay Regional Council says it's encouraged by the appointment of Lawrence Yule as a new Crown manager

The former Hastings mayor will work with the Regional Council and the Wairoa District Council to progress flood protection solutions as quickly as possible.

Regional Council Chair Hinewai Ormsby says the Crown is a vital partner in the project and Mr Yule is well connected to the region.

She says the community is critically and urgently in need of mitigations for future flooding because of the changing climate.

Mr Yule's 'role begins on Thursday and runs till early 2026.