Boarded-up stores in central Gisborne. Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
Alexa has been talking to many shop proprietors in Gisborne about the fall off in business.
The region is grappling with a decline in forestry and lower export prices.
Gisborne's Chamber of Commerce says many shops are on the brink of closure.
And in Hawke's Bay the controversial Ruataniwha Dam initiative has been rebranded the Tukituki Water Security Project.
It's part of the government's fast track approvals bill - one of 149 projects selected.
