Standing For: Hastings District Council
Flaxmere Ward
Voter Guide Profile: Henare O’Keefe QSM JP is a respected Flaxmere leader, former Hastings District councillor, and lifelong community servant. With his dearly departed wife Pam, he fostered over 200 children—living examples of their shared commitment to aroha and uplift.
In 2024, Henare was named Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year. He received the Queen’s Service Medal and was honoured as Kiwibank’s New Zealand Community Hero of the Year in 2012, chosen ahead of finalists from the Christchurch earthquake and Pike River dam disaster.
Co-founder of the U-Turn Trust and Flaxmere Heroes, he has led practical initiatives including Tunu Tunu (mobile BBQ outreach), prisoner reintegration, and anti-violence mentoring. As Hastings Ambassador, he has helped guide the community through recovery and reconnection.
Grounded in compassion, action, and lived experience, Henare brings heart and proven leadership to the table.
Latest articles and press releases
- Henare O’Keefe – BayBuzz Questions for Hastings District Council Candidates1. HDC has struggled over allocating land to housing/industrial development versus protecting productive soils in the district. Do you believe… Read more: Henare O’Keefe – BayBuzz Questions for Hastings District Council Candidates
- Henare O’Keefe stands for Flaxmere
Background & Public Service Community Leadership & Recognition Key Initiatives & Focus Areas