Background & Public Service
- Served 15 years as the Flaxmere ward councillor on Hastings District Council, first elected in 2007.
- Stepped down in 2022 and transitioned into the role of Hastings Ambassador, acting as a community connector for the district.
Community Leadership & Recognition
- Known as a legendary community leader in Te Matau‑a‑Māui (Hawke’s Bay), Henare co-founded initiatives like the U‑Turn Trust and Flaxmere Heroes, supporting youth and local role models.
- He and his late wife Pam have fostered over 200 children, showing deep commitment to social care and support.
- Bestowed with national honours, including the Queen’s Service Medal (2011) and the New Zealand Local Hero Award (2012).
- Named “Leader of the Year 2024” by Kiwibank / Pan Pac Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce for outstanding community leadership.
Key Initiatives & Focus Areas
- Champion of violence prevention and youth empowerment, undertaking projects like a mobile BBQ service (“Tunu Tunu”) feeding hundreds, Flaxmere Community Garden, Boxing Academy, and the “Enough is Enough” hikoi to raise awareness about violence.
- Played a central role promoting housing development in Flaxmere, contributing to major new housing and senior living projects in recent years.
- Advocates for pride and care in community spaces, cultural reconnection, and environmental stewardship via schools and local projects like sustainable gardens and litter awareness campaigns.
