Hundreds of Hawke's Bay properties have had their risk level downgraded, after stopbank repairs were completed, meaning homeowners in Meeanee, Awatoto and Omahu can begin rebuilding their houses.
The council says there's a one percent chance of the repaired stopbanks from being breached again on any given year.
Hawke's Bay Regional Council Chair Hinewai Ormsby spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
