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
Rizwaana (Riz) Latiff
Why I'm standing
I am running for Hastings District Council because I care deeply about the future of our community. For over 30 years, I've worked alongside people here – as a nurse, a midwife, a volunteer, and a community leader. I've seen firsthand the challenges families face, from housing pressures to the rising cost of living, and I know how much good governance matters in people's daily lives.
About me
I bring a unique mix of grassroots and governance experience – from supporting families through their most vulnerable moments, to serving on boards and national advisory groups, to working in policy with both local councils and central government. This means I understand how decisions made around the council table affect people on the ground.
My priorities
- Keep rates affordable and manage debt by pushing for financial discipline and smarter spending.
- Provide safe drinking water, resilient infrastructure and effective waste and recycling systems.
- Champion genuine community consultation through citizens' assemblies and youth engagement.
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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