Conrad Waitoa for Heretaunga-Hastings and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Campaign Priorities: Part 1, Water Safety, Quality and Supply
Over the coming weeks, I will outline four key priorities that I believe are essential to securing the future of Heretaunga-Hastings and the wider Hawke’s Bay region. These priorities stem from community conversations, my lived experience as a local, and my enduring commitment to service.
The four priorities are:
- Water Safety, Quality and Supply
- Flood Risk and Land Management
- Fair Rates and Smart Spending
- Parks, Inclusion and Community Wellbeing
These focus areas reflect both the challenges our communities face and the aspirations we share for a thriving, resilient region. They will guide my work as your elected representative.
Ko Conrad Waitoa tōku ingoa. My name is Conrad Waitoa, and my roots run deep in Hawkes Bay, where I was schooled and lived for 50 years. My wife, Verena Bagwell, and I were married 25 years ago at the Woodford Chapel. She is the daughter of Hugh and Claire Bagwell and the niece of my mentor, the Hon. Sir Rodney Gallen. For the past two decades, we have called Thompson Road, Havelock North, our home. Before that, we lived on Guthrie Road and Tokomaru Drive and have also spent time living and working in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Throughout my life, I have served our community in many capacities. I have been a board member at Te Mata School and Havelock North High School, and served as Chair at Havelock North Intermediate, providing a total of 15 years of service to local schools. I continue to advise local school and health boards. My business is based in Hawke’s Bay and, for more than 15 years, I have delivered educational and cultural programmes at Iona College, Woodford House, Havelock North Primary, Lucknow, Haumoana, Bridge Pa School, Flaxmere Primary, Irongate, and Lindisfarne College, as well as schools in Ahuriri, Napier.
I was honoured to be named Hawke’s Bay Person of the Year runner-up for my contributions to education and the wider community. I also own another business that services clients across Aotearoa, operating in both the private and public sectors. My background encompasses experience in FMCG, banking, insurance, and corporate advisory services, and I hold a Master’s degree.
Priority One: Water Safety, Quality and Supply
Water is our region’s most precious resource, but it is under increasing pressure. As your representative, my top priority will be to ensure the availability of safe and reliable drinking water, protect our vulnerable aquifers, and restore the health of our rivers. The challenges are significant: falling aquifer levels, nitrate contamination, and the degradation of rivers like the Tūtaekurī and Karamū all require prompt, informed action.
I will champion the Regional Water Security Programme, considering the feasibility of the Heretaunga Water Storage site at Whanawhana. This proposed reservoir, with a capacity of 27 million cubic metres, would capture excess winter flows and release water during dry periods, supporting urban supply, primary production, and the wellbeing of our waterways. The project enjoys strong regional leadership and is being shaped with community input.
Forecasts show that water demand across Hawke’s Bay will exceed supply by 20 per cent in the coming decades. That is why I am committed to finding long-term solutions, including increased storage, aquifer recharge, and water efficiency measures. I will also push for stronger oversight of land use near aquifers to minimise contamination risks. While guarantees are impossible, I believe the Council must lead with care, consistency, and a clear, transparent plan to safeguard these resources.
This is the first part of my campaign series. To close part 1, my parents, affectionately known in the community as Pāpā Togi and Nanny Mary. My dad left a legacy of service and respect in Hawke’s Bay. He would be proud of this next step: continuing to serve the people, protecting our home, and preparing us for the future.
Next week, I will share my focus for Priority Two: Flood Risk and Land Management.
Vote for Conrad Waitoa for Heretaunga Hastings, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Your vote is a vote for courage, integrity, and dedication to the place we all call home.
