Napier deputy mayor Faye White standing again for re-election

Faye White will again contest a seat on the Napier City Council at this year's elections.

Napier deputy mayor Faye White is standing again for re-election at this year's local body elections, and says she finds grappling with complex issues "challenging and satisfying".

Ms White said she had the opportunity to "step up" and fill in for the mayor when required.

"I have represented council on a number of committees, including the Joint Councils' Coastal Hazards Group, the Hawke's Bay Museums Trust, Heretaunga Plains Urban Growth Strategy Committee and the Business Associations of Napier and Ahuriri. I'm a hearings commissioner, deputy chair of the Marine Parade Development Committee and co-ordinator of the 1931 Earthquake Survivors' afternoon tea."

She said she saw the completion of work on the Coastal Hazards Strategy, commercial leasehold land, Waste Minimisation Strategy, Aquatic Strategy and the multi-use sports facility detailed business case, Watchman Rd airport roundabout and improved Port road linkages as important tasks for the future.

"I believe it is important for councils to be able to adapt to changes in technology, ethnic composition, our ageing population, retail, and build resilience to coastal hazards and climate change. I support Matariki - Hawke's Bay Regional Economic Development Strategy. It is an ambitious action plan but definitely achievable.

"As Henry Ford said, if everyone is moving forward together then success takes care of itself."

The deputy mayor said she was proud of what the council had achieved in the past three years. "It's certainly ticked a few boxes and created opportunities for economic growth and increased tourism. Our council team is cohesive and proactive rather than reactive and, most importantly, no one has a personal agenda. I would like to continue on with the good work being done by this council.

"In my personal life I have been a resident of Napier for 39 years, raised four children on my own, worked in medical and finance administration, studied finance, accounting and business law at Massey, and worked overseas at the New Zealand High Commission."