Candidates vying for one of the eight positions in the Hastings-Havelock North ward of the Hastings District Council had a public meeting at St Andrews Hall last night.
Of the thirteen potential candidates Bayden Barber, Geraldine Travers, David Mackintosh, Damon Harvey, Christopher Perley, John Porter and Graeme McHattie were all first timers while Adrienne Pierce, Sandra Hazlehurst, Kevin Watkins, Wayne Bradshaw, Simon Nixon and Malcom Dixon were hoping for another term around the table.
Bayden Barber stepped up first and said he wanted to build a place where people can live, work and play. "I want it to be safe so a key goal for me is to fix the water. Once the enquiry is back I will ensure what they suggest is implemented."
Hastings Girls' High School principal Geraldine Travers said she was born to serve and would love to explore the future of Hastings. "I have a key understanding of youth in Hastings and what is at the heart of the issues. I am passionate as the young are the ones that will live in the district long after us."
David Mackintosh said he wanted to join the council as he felt it was disconnected from the public. "Every opportunity we can I want to include the public so the council is no longer apart from the community. We need to take a step back."