Hastings District Council
The Hastings District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 15 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). seven councillors will be elected from the Hastings-Havelock North ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Hastings District Council election.
Hastings District Council candidates
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Bernard Hickey
Independent
Steve Gibson
Keeping rate rises to inflation (CPI)
Callum Ross
Independent
Michael Fowler
Independent
Rizwaana (Riz) Latiff
Independent
Simon J H Nixon
Independent
Sayeed Ahmed
Nick Ratcliffe
Lucie-Jane McElwee
Fair rate rises = inflation rate
Jacqueline Supra
Darrin Wilson
Kevin Watkins
Yvonne Lorkin
Your Eyes, Ears and Energy in Council
Gareth (Gus) Freeman
Keeping rate rises to inflation (CPI)
Debbie Ward
Listen. Learn. Advocate.
Rion Roben
John Bennett
Darrin Wilson
Why I'm standing
I have lived in Hawke’s Bay my entire life and have travelled the world more than 30 times. Along the way, I raced motorcycles and became a champion in three different countries. I am fortunate to have a wonderful life surrounded by the best friends anyone could ask for, and now I want to give back to my community by serving on council.
About me
I’m standing because I believe the current council has failed in its responsibility to manage money wisely. Spending beyond income by such large amounts puts unnecessary debt on our community. I want to bring accountability, common sense, and financial responsibility back into local government.
My priorities
- Stop wasteful spending - council must focus on essentials and end projects that are not priorities.
- Restore responsible money management - it is unacceptable to spend $100 million more a year than what is earned
- Protect ratepayers - debt should not be passed onto the community because of inadequate decision-making.
Get across the policies, candidates and parties
Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.
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