Bill Dalton won't seek re-election as Napier mayor

Mayor Bill Dalton has confirmed he will not stand at the next election. Photo / Paul Taylor

Napier will have a new mayor from October, with Bill Dalton confirming he will not be seeking re-election this year.

Dalton said he hoped to see several people running in the race to replace him, as it felt it was important to have a contest of ideas.

"It's healthy to have competition, and it would be nice to see someone from the business community stand up and put their name up."

Dalton, who has been mayor for two terms, said he did not have any big plans after the October election, but was looking forward to spending more time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

When asked what his greatest accomplishments were as mayor, he said he still had nine months as mayor, and there would be time to reflect after the election.

Currently the only councillor to announce a tilt at the mayoralty is Kirsten Wise, who is currently serving her second term.

She decided she was going to run at the 2016 elections, saying it was an aspiration she's had since she was a child.

"I was a rather odd child. I've always had a very keen interest in both local and central politics, and followed it closely."

She said a Napier City Council under her leadership would focus on three areas - improving core infrastructure, focusing on locals and improving regional connections.

Councillor Kirsten Wise says core infrastructure, locals, and regional connections will be a core focus if she becomes mayor. Photo / Paul Taylor

"We've got some challenges at the moment particularly around our core infrastructure, and our water network."

She said there were really fantastic upcoming projects in terms of Napier's tourist offerings, such as the aquarium upgrade, but felt these needed to be balanced with the needs and wants of the local community.

Part of the was improving the relationship between council and the community.

"Our community needs to feel that they are being heard and are actually having input into the decisions we are making."

She felt there were also opportunities for local councils across Hawke's Bay to work together.

She said she was not aware of anyone else running for mayor at this point, but said she was sure someone would put up their hand.

She was aware of four or five new people planning to run for council, and felt this election would lead to a exciting and dynamic council for Napier.

Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says she is seeking re-election at this year's local government elections. Photo / File

In Hastings, mayor Sandra Hazlehurst has announced she will be running again.

She was elected during a byelection in 2017 and felt she was just getting started.

"I'm actually just warming up after my first year as mayor, serving our people.

She had not heard from any other councillors about there intention to run, but planned to meet with them all individually to discuss their aspirations.

She thought water and housing would be the biggest issues in the upcoming election.

Nominations for candidates open on July 19 this year and close on August 16 at 12 noon.

Voting documents will be mailed out between 20-25 September. Votes must be returned to council by 12 noon on October 12.