Mayor of Hastings

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the district and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. 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 mayoral election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Refocus council on core business by reviewing all assets and activities and right-sizing council to deliver these well.

    Utilise referenda to decide very large or contentious issues.

    Ensure council communicates clearly and is transparent in all decisionmaking.

  • Push for amalgamating Napier, Hastings, Regional and Central Hawkes Bay councils. Halve senior management and reduce councillors to 12 and one mayor.

    Push for QR codes to be added to voting papers so people can either vote online instantly or have the option of posting in like normal.

    Spend one morning every week in each of the three libraries in Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere so people can talk.

  • Make council decisions stronger by creating spaces for Māori, youth and community voices – avoiding costly mistakes and reflecting real needs.

    Push for a leaner, more accountable council with fewer around the table for clearer decisions and a stronger focus on community.

    Show ratepayers where their money goes with a yearly mayor's report showing what was delivered, what was cut and why big decisions were made.

  • Build greater engagement with the community.

    Commence a representation review that is modern and fit for purpose.

  • Refocus council on core business by reviewing all assets and activities and right-sizing council to deliver these well.

    Utilise referenda to decide very large or contentious issues.

    Ensure council communicates clearly and is transparent in all decisionmaking.

  • Push for amalgamating Napier, Hastings, Regional and Central Hawkes Bay councils. Halve senior management and reduce councillors to 12 and one mayor.

    Push for QR codes to be added to voting papers so people can either vote online instantly or have the option of posting in like normal.

    Spend one morning every week in each of the three libraries in Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere so people can talk.

  • Make council decisions stronger by creating spaces for Māori, youth and community voices – avoiding costly mistakes and reflecting real needs.

    Push for a leaner, more accountable council with fewer around the table for clearer decisions and a stronger focus on community.

    Show ratepayers where their money goes with a yearly mayor's report showing what was delivered, what was cut and why big decisions were made.

  • Build greater engagement with the community.

    Commence a representation review that is modern and fit for purpose.