British Expats - Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

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British Expats (https://britishexpats.com/forum/)

- New Zealand (https://britishexpats.com/forum/new-zealand-83/)

- - Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay (https://britishexpats.com/forum/new-zealand-83/living-waipawa-hawkes-bay-912265/)

salbobs

Apr 29th 2018 1:22 pm

Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Hi everyone,

I'm new on here and we're planning emigration in the near future. My (Kiwi) partner's family and friends are mainly based in Napier/Hastings area but I think we've been priced out of that market. What is it like to live in Waipawa and is the commute ok into Hastings?

Thanks in advance.

Princess_Buttercup

Apr 30th 2018 7:53 am

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

I grew up in Hawkes Bay. It's not that far if you're used to commuting - however Waipawa is very much the small town NZ. If you're up for that it's fine.

Timmy Chch

Apr 30th 2018 9:23 am

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Facebook group 'new to chb' will help massively

salbobs

Apr 30th 2018 10:53 am

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Thanks very much, folks. :0)

Princess_Buttercup

Apr 30th 2018 11:53 am

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Should say that you would have to commute by car as I can't imagine the bus service being very frequent and they have long since closed the rail links from Central HB to Napier/Wellington.

salbobs

Apr 30th 2018 6:55 pm

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Thanks Princess_ Buttercup.... I should have said I meant by car. It's still not a bad commute by UK standards, and much nicer roads ! Cheers.

Hokey-pokey

May 1st 2018 7:27 am

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Loads of people commute from Waipawa, Waipukurau into Hastings and Napier. Good road with loads of passing lanes. Scenic. I know this because I grew up in Central Hawkes Bay and have family in Waipawa and Y’puk. In fact I’m heading to Waipawa tomorrow!

There are some quite nice older style villas and some pleasant leafy established streets. Considered a low socio economic area but is beginning to show some signs of rejuvenation, as people from Auckland are quietly moving into the region. Waipawa is a very small farming centred town - nothing flash- but it has the basics and is filled with friendly, unpretentious locals.

salbobs

May 1st 2018 12:36 pm

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hokey-pokey (Post 12492237)

Hi Hokey-pokey,

Thanks very much for that. It will be added to the decision-making portfolio ;).
Some of the villas look lovely too:thumbup:

salbobs

May 8th 2018 4:33 pm

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timmy Chch (Post 12491673)

Facebook group 'new to chb' will help massively

Thanks Timmy Chch. I joined and it's very informative.

salbobs

May 8th 2018 4:43 pm

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Also, is there just a primary school?
Where are the nearest/eligible secondary schools?

Thanks in advance.

Hokey-pokey

May 9th 2018 6:40 am

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Hello again. I’m writing this from Waipawa! ( visiting the family again). There is one primary school in Waipawa and three in Y’Puk. Central Hawke’s Bay College ( secondary school) is in Y’puk. Some locals send their teens to boarding schools in Hastings/Napier/Havelock North. Am here for a few more days so fire ahead with any questions and I’ll ask the relos.

salbobs

May 10th 2018 4:04 pm

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hokey-pokey (Post 12496390)

Thanks again Hokey-pokey, sounds like there are a few options then.

Are there enough supermarkets/stores in Waipawa to avoid going into Hastings or Y'puk for most general items?
Are there many Pommies in Waipawa?
How often does the fire siren thing go off (apologies for the incorrect terminology!!)?

Many thanks for your efforts.

Hokey-pokey

May 11th 2018 7:28 am

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Waipawa has a small but adequate supermarket, pharmacy, a couple of second hand shops, bottle store, fish and chip shop, a butchers, organic veg shop and a cafe. Y’puk is only 5 mins drive away but imo you’d be better off doing your clothes and furniture shopping in Hastings/Napier.
I’m guessing you’re referring to the fire station siren. I haven’t heard it sound in the time I’ve been visiting this week so I don’t think it would be a major issue. It’s only ever used to summon the volunteer fire crew etc but yes I have heard it in the past and it is indeed very loud (in order to rally the troops from the pub/their slumbers etc.).
The relos couldn’t think of any recently arrived Brits to the area. Trust me they’d know cos everyone notices everything and everyone in these small places

salbobs

May 11th 2018 12:03 pm

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hokey-pokey (Post 12497512)

This is a great help, thanks again Hokey-pokey.:thumbup:

cym	May 22nd 2018 8:38 am

Re: Living in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay

we used to live in the Hawkes bay Tararua area and WE LOVED IT.
The summers are long and hot and the east coast, for my money has the best beaches in all of NZ.
Waipawa is small enough for people to know your name so it feels a bit like the 60s were back in the UK. Waipuk, just down the road has countdown and new world so there's a bit of competition and an excellent cinema.
I think it's a lovely part of NZ, expect for one thing. Much like New Plymouth and Gissy, Napier/Hastings is out on it's own. If you want to go to Auckland/Wellington, then you'll find it's always a drive or you have to fly.

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