By the Explore Hastings news desk · Published Thursday 12 November 2026
You won't pay to park in the Hastings city centre on Saturdays from 14 November to 26 December, under a pre-Christmas trial paid for jointly by the council and the Hastings City Business Association.
- When
- Saturdays from 14 November to Saturday 26 December (seven Saturdays)
- Where
- Hastings city centre
- Cost
- Free, but parking time limits still apply
The catch is that time limits stay in place, so you still need to move your car on as usual. The council says that is to keep parks turning over for other shoppers. Councillors approved the trial at their meeting on Wednesday 4 November, after the business association brought them the idea, according to the council’s announcement.
Who is paying for it
The business association is putting in $5,000. Reprogramming the meters will cost the council $1,800, and it estimates it will miss out on about $5,675 in parking fees while the trial runs.
Mayor Wendy Schollum said businesses had asked the council to try it. “This is something practical we can try together, and we’ll look at how well it works,” she said.
Hastings City Business Association general manager Lucinda Perry said the association was pleased to share the cost. “It’s a positive step, and we hope the community gets behind it and takes the opportunity to enjoy everything Hastings CBD has to offer.”
What about Havelock North?
The trial covers the Hastings city centre. Havelock North is handled differently anyway: there, public parking is funded by a targeted rate that residents pay with their rates, instead of through meters.
After Christmas
Once the trial ends, the council will weigh parking use, city centre activity and feedback from businesses against the cost before deciding whether it was worth it.
If you are heading into town for Christmas shopping, the first free Saturday is 14 November and the last is Boxing Day. Check the time limit on the sign where you park. For ideas on where to go once you are there, see our Hastings city centre guide.
- Hastings District Council: Free Saturday parking in Hastings city centre until Boxing Day, released 5 November 2026
Explore Hastings news desk: news@explorehastings.co.nz. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we’ll correct it.
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