Standing For: Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Ahuriri / Napier

Voter Guide Profile: Neil Kirton has been a very effective voice for Napier. He has been tireless in focusing the council’s attention on the threat of flooding and has demanded urgent action to improve flood protection and civil defence capability for the city.

Cyclone Gabielle proved his concerns well founded. We cannot keep building houses in high flood risk zones.

Neil has a post-graduate science degree. He is a justice of the peace and a former member of parliament, having served as the Minister of Customs and Associate Minister of Health. He was responsible for introducing free healthcare for children under six.

Neil is a director on the council’s investment company HBRIC, with over $400 million of council assets under management, including Napier Port and Foodeast.
As a regional councillor, HB Today described Neil as outspoken and constantly thinking about how the council is spending ratepayers money and its responsibility to the public.