Since I was sworn in I have been asked many times "what's it like being a councillor?"
It's been a steep learning curve as well as making sure there is a good balance between my private business and public duties.
I have been overwhelmed by the support of the democratic support team at council and the openness and willingness of all council staff to help me understand complex issues.
There have been several inductions, getting the lay of the land on areas of council business as well as being involved in some challenging decisions around water and also debating free parking in Hastings.
During my election campaign I focused on bringing new energy and positive action to the council table. That wasn't just about what I offered but what all councillors could do by working together as a collective.
Although it's early days some of the old hands say there is a refreshed and vibrant team of councillors sitting around the table. I'm sure the relationships will be tested from time to time but that's democracy. At the end of the day we are all there for the greater good of Hastings.
I have also had a couple of meetings with councillors from CHB, Napier and HBRC. The biggest message that has come from those interactions is that they all have an appetite for working more closely.
This will take leadership, which will either be by the mayors or if that doesn't work, I'm pretty confident that some of the councillors will organise the catch-ups themselves. What is agreed is that we can't work in silos and that there are issues of regional significance such as water.
As the chairman of Economic Development and Urban Affairs, along with deputy chairman Simon Nixon we have met with council staff in this area. They have had a hot run of successes in 2016 providing assistance to businesses that want to relocate or upscale in Hastings.
They are also dedicated to improving the public and businesses interaction with council and making the experience very customer centric.
Although the first Economic Development committee meeting isn't until mid-February we are working on a programme of key actions that will grow the number of people employed in skilled labour in Hastings.
We will also be revisiting the CBD masterplan and looking at ways of making the inner city precinct hum during the day and in the evening.
We need to make some bold decisions about the CBD and these won't draw favour with everyone but we need to create a modern CBD where people can work, live and play.
I have also been excited about the improvements within Te Mata Peak Park and how this will connect with the Havelock North village.
Three years ago I was part of a group of mountain bike enthusiasts that could see untapped tourism potential and local recreation use in a network of walk and bike trails that connect the village to Te Mata Park and beyond.
In 2016 Te Mata Park Trust has developed some stunning trails within the park, while local identity Andy Lowe as well as the Hutton family have opened up some of their land for trails.
We hope that by the end of 2017 a complete trail network of more than 30 kilometres is realised.
This will be a major boost for the bars, cafes and shops in Havelock North, as well as the new Porters Hotel. They say mountain biking is the new golf!
I would like to thank you for your support in getting me elected in 2016 and I look forward to serving you in 2017 and beyond.
• Damon Harvey is a Hastings District councillor.
