A crowd of about 60 people turned out to listen to some of the candidates vying for a seat at the Hastings District Council. Photo / Paul Taylor
A crowd of about 60 people turned out to listen to some of the candidates vying for a seat at the Hastings District Council. Photo / Paul Taylor
It was a tale of two halves - those fighting to retain their seat on the Hastings District Council, and their challengers.
In front of a crowd of about 60, at the Hastings & Districts Grey Power run event on Friday, 13 of the 26 candidates in this year's localbody election took to the floor.
Current mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst and her opponent, Damon Harvey watched on, having already completed their debate.
The manner in which the candidates delivered their statements were varied, but the fundamental issues were the same.
Each spent four minutes, in what could only be described as a rapid-fire speech. Water, gang activity, and elderly housing were at the forefront.
The hotly contested Hastings-Havelock North ward drew 11 of the 12 candidates, including Harvey, who did not speak, each after the eight vacancies.
Hastings-Havelock North councillors Wendy Schollum and Eileen Lawson. Photo / Paul Taylor
Sitting councillors, Bayden Barber, Malcolm Dixon, Eileen Lawson, Simon Nixon, Wendy Schollum, Geraldine Travers and Kevin Watkins unanimously agreed that chlorine has to stay in the short-term, but could be looked into being removed in the longer-term.
Hastings-Havelock North ward councillor, Malcolm Dixon. Photo / Paul Taylor
Malcolm Dixon, a former Frimley school principal, spoke on the need for pensioner housing, and how the issue of gangs can only be remedied if their "targets" are identified and given a pathway into training and work.
In a change of tact, Nixon said it was the voters' chance to hold them to account for their actions over the last three years.
Current Hastings-Havelock North ward councillor, Simon Nixon. Photo / Paul Taylor
"A lot of costs are buried in projects and dreams that are investigated, in my opinion without costs being attached."
While he doesn't think it is possible to hold rates, he is committed to doing all he can to limiting rates increases.
"I have to say some of the people you are looking at amongst us, are more than happy to spend your money on their dreams. I vote against more things than every other councillor in Hastings, and probably against more things than all of them put together."
He labelled the investigation into who leaked the information on Water Central as a "total waste of time and money".
Two of the four newcomers spoke, including Sayeed Ahmed, who rose to prominence after the March 15 terrorist attack in Christchurch, and Rebecca Burn.
While she couldn't promise anything until she had a seat at the table, Burn said she has aspirations to make a difference.
"I want to make Hastings a destination, a safe, thriving district that people want to come to, to visit, to work and to play in."
Hopefuls Rion Roben, and Rizwaana Latiff were not present.
Current Flaxmere-ward councillor and Hastings ambassador, Henare O'Keefe gave an impassioned plea to the crowd.
Flaxmere ward councillor and Hastings ambassador, Henare O'Keefe. Photo / Paul Taylor
O'Keefe said he wanted people to vote for "humility, honesty and love".
"Look beyond the billboards, look beyond the speeches, look deep within the heart and test that, because relationships are the real currency."
O'Keefe said he had spent more than four decades dedicated to serving his community.
His running mate and fellow councillor, Jacoby Poulain was not present, nor were two of their contenders; Peleti Oli and Melanie Petrowski.
While councillor Rod Heaps will not be standing again for the Heretaunga ward, Ann Redstone is running again, joined by four others vying for this seat; Alwyn Corban, Keith Newman and Jason Whaitiri.
Her contender and the youngest in this year's race, 18-year-old, former Havelock North High School student, Oliver Taylor was the only one to speak at Friday's event.
Heretaunga ward candidate; Oliver Taylor. Photo / Paul Taylor
In the Kahuranaki ward, councillor George Lyons has stepped down and will be replaced by candidate Sophie Siers, who with no other candidates in contention, will automatically get a place at the council table in this ward.
Voting papers must be returned by midday, Saturday October 12.
