From Origin Earth rescue, to Napier Deputy Mayor Brosnan super-award, to ‘For Wards Hawke’s Bay’ launch, to safer school speeds, to HB’s winning luxury homes, to new interim CEO for REDA, here are some announcements of note you might have missed.
Origin Earth rescued!
Origin Earth, Havelock North’s beloved dairy company, lives on. Investors Bruce and Kathy Wattie have bought the company, saving it from closure, with founders Joanie and Richard Williams continuing to run the business.
Napier Deputy Mayor honoured
Napier City Council is proud to announce that Deputy Mayor Annette Brosnan has been named the 2025 recipient of Local Government New Zealand’s prestigious SuperHuman Award – the local government sector’s highest individual honour, recognising the person of the year for outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to their community.
Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says the award is a fitting tribute to her 12-year career dedicated to serving the community.
“Annette leads with courage, empathy and authenticity. She’s helped shape Napier’s future and done so in a way that honours partnership and values every voice. This recognition is richly deserved, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Annette’s leadership in key projects has included overseeing governance of Napier’s Civic Precinct Project, the Ahuriri Regional Park, championing climate action and restoring the Napier War Memorial. A passionate advocate for sustainability, Annette played a central role in establishing Napier’s first emissions benchmarking and reduction strategy. Her leadership helped unite cross-agency support for initiatives that prioritise community, long-term resilience and environmental restoration.
Annette says: “To serve a community as vibrant and caring as Napier has been the greatest privilege of my life.” She is not seeking re-election this year and will be stepping down in October.
For Wards Hawke’s Bay
A Hawke’s Bay community coalition – For Wards Hawke’s Bay – has been formed to back Māori wards at referendums in September. The multicultural group of people from across the political spectrum has come together because Māori wards are better for all, organisers say.
The group’s public launch on Wednesday 23 July will be chaired by former Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chairman Rex Graham.
Speakers at Wednesday’s launch at the Clive Hall will include Hastings Presbyterian minister the Rev Jill McDonald, Hastings Takitimu Māori Ward councillor Heather Te Au-Skipworth, President of the Hawke’s Bay Multicultural society Rizwaana Latiff, and Hayley Whittaker from the Public Service Association.
All supporters of Māori wards are welcome to attend the meeting on Wednesday July 23 at the Clive Hall. Doors open at 5pm and the brief speeches are from 5.30 to 6pm.
Safer school speeds
Lower vehicle speed limits outside Hastings schools are being rolled out from this week, aligned with Government’s new Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024. Hastings District Council is leading the country in implementing the new variable speeds around schools over the next three months, a year ahead of the Government’s national deadline.
All schools across Hastings will move to variable speed limits, operating during defined school travel periods during school terms. These periods typically cover 45 minutes before and after school, but up to an hour in areas where multiple schools are located nearby. The goal is to have the school speed limits operating at all Hastings schools by mid-September.
Key features include:
- Electronic variable speed signs for schools on major roads (urban and rural connectors).
- Static variable speed signs for schools on lower-volume neighbourhood roads.
- School zone speed limits extending 150 metres either side of the school gate for schools where the normal speed limit is 50km/h or lower, or extending 300 metres either side of the school gate for schools where the normal speed limit is 60km/h or greater.
For more details, including a full list of affected schools and maps of new school zones, visit: www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/school-speed-limits-plan
Winning luxury homes
A standout Hastings home by Davcon has been awarded the Supreme House of the Year over $1 million at this year’s 2025 Central North Island Master Builders House of the Year Awards. The home took out multiple award wins, including the coveted Mitre 10 Trade Craftsmanship Award, New Home over $4 million category, Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award, Outdoor Living Excellence Award, and a Gold Award.
And for its home in Hastings, Inspired Projects took home the Central North Island Supreme Renovation of the Year, along with the Renovation $1 million – $2 million category, the Interior Design Award, and a Gold Award.
REDA Interim CEO
Richard Briggs has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer of the HB Regional Economic Development Agency (HBREDA).
Chairman John Loughlin says: “Richard brings significant strengths and relevant experience to HBREDA at a very important time. He has a strong background in both local government and the private sector, has served as CEO of Hamilton City Council for seven years.”
“Richard will oversee the continuing operations and projects of HBREDA and contribute to an organisational refresh and transition to a post-cyclone recovery, single regional delivery entity for Te Mātau a Māui, Hawke’s Bay.
Briggs is originally from Hawke’s Bay and has family in the region. He will commence in the role on 21 July.
Ways to cut rates – look at the Conflicts of Interests and hold Councillors and mayors accountable for their more than questionable decision making, even if they are stepping down. Search DOI on the Napier City Council website.
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