Statement of Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst

I am honoured and privileged to have served our Heretaunga Hastings community as a councillor and Mayor for the past 15 years. It is with mixed emotions I announce that I will not be re-standing in the upcoming Elections.

Throughout my three terms as Mayor, I have been immensely privileged to work alongside a team of passionate, hardworking and dedicated councillors and staff. Everyone I have worked with has made a meaningful difference for our people.  Together, we have faced challenges, embraced new opportunities and turned shared visions into reality.

I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. We have worked in close partnership with mana whenua, central government, and the private sector to deliver what matters for our community.  From investing in safe and sustainable water infrastructure following the Havelock North Water Crisis, including the creation of Waiaroha, the world’s first Water Discovery Centre, to opening the doors of Toi Toi, our world-class arts and events centre in 2020.

We have made real progress on tackling the housing crisis, bringing new homes to our people, including in ‘Fabulous Flaxmere,’ where new housing, a new supermarket, and an exciting town centre redevelopment are well underway.

As the self-appointed ‘Queen of Infrastructure’, with Council we have prioritised significant investment in new infrastructure for industrial development to support the creation of hundreds of new jobs. Supporting our young people to reach their potential through career pathways has been an important goal of mine.

Our focus on the city centre has resulted in the establishment of new businesses, hospitality venues, pocket parks, a hotel, a museum arts storage facility, and soon, our first inner-city apartment complex. 

We have built award winning new skate parks and playgrounds in Flaxmere Park, Havelock North Village Green, Cornwall Park and St Leonards Park.

Our purchase of the Tomōana Showgrounds transferred the park from private ownership into the hands of our people, opening up exciting opportunities for the future. 

The introducing of our Takitimu Māori Ward was a highlight for me. Māori representation at the council table has made a huge impact on the well-being and cohesiveness of our community. Working with our multi-cultural community to develop the first Multi-Cultural Strategy in the North Island, is also a something I am very proud of.

The road has not always been easy. Cyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on our people’s lives, their livelihoods and their property. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has played a part in our ongoing recovery – rebuilding lives, reconnecting communities, and restoring vital infrastructure.

To our councillors past and present, Chief Executive Nigel Bickle, and our Executive Team: thank you for your dedication, leadership, and tireless service. Your commitment has enabled us to overcome challenges and work together to realise our vision.

It is now time to hand over the chains. While my time as Hastings’ Mayor will end in October, I am excited to continue to serve our community in other ways. I am a loud and proud Heretaunga Hastings Champion and will continue to passionately support all festivals and events! 

In the meantime, there is much to do as we consider the future of delivering drinking water, wastewater and storm water through the Local Waters Done Well Reform and continue rebuilding our infrastructure after Cyclone Gabrielle.

To the people of Heretaunga Hastings: thank you for your support, trust and aroha over the years for which I am very grateful.  It has been a privilege to serve you.