From mayoral forums and debates kicking off, to Power Consumers’ dividend, to HB Cancer Society fundraising, to Kaweka Hospital pou, to Havelock North streams, to EIT’s outpost in China, to Chantal Organics ‘closing the loop’, to CHB community awards, here are some notable news items you might have missed.
HDC mayoral candidates’ forum – 18 August
Sponsored by Rotary and Lions Clubs of Havelock North, but open to the public. At the HN Function Centre, 7pm.
Some questions prepared in advance for candidates address council’s “lack of adequate fiscal responsibility”, dropping the council voting age to 16, HN village parking, and “your first 100 days” agenda.
HB Power Consumers’ dividend
With Unison providing a $17.8 million dividend to the Hawke’s Bay Power Consumers’ Trust for its latest financial year, HBPCT in turn has announced a $270 dividend to power consumers connected in Napier and Hastings.
This is up $10 from last year. The dividend will be paid to consumers in late November.
To receive this year’s dividend, power consumers must be connected to the Unison network as of 30 September 2025. After that date, all qualifying Hawke’s Bay power consumers will receive a unique 6-digit pin number allowing them to check their direct credit registration details, or register for the first time at www.HBPCT.co.nz.
The process will be widely advertised from October.
HB Cancer Society fundraising
The Cancer Society of Hawke’s Bay proudly announces Kaweka Hospital as the naming rights sponsor for the inaugural Kaweka Hospital Daffodil Day Colour Run, taking place on Sunday 24 August at Mitre 10 Park in Hastings.
This vibrant, family-friendly event will bring the Hawke’s Bay community together in a celebration of fun, movement and togetherness – all in support of raising vital funds for people living with cancer in our region. With exciting colour zones, uplifting music, and plenty of laughs, this promises to be a feel-good afternoon for people of all ages and abilities.
Nick Pullan, General Manager of Kaweka Hospital says: “As a healthcare facility, we understand firsthand the impact cancer has on individuals and families. This Colour Run represents everything we believe in – bringing joy, hope and community spirit together for a cause that truly matters. We’re honoured to put the Kaweka Hospital name behind such an important initiative that will make a real difference in people’s lives.”
To register for the Kaweka Hospital Daffodil Day Colour Run, head to Humanitix (https://events.humanitix.com/daffodildayfamilycolourrun25/tickets) or visit the Facebook event page by searching “Kaweka Hospital Daffodil Day Colour Run”.
Can’t join the run? You can certainly give you support by buying a ticket or two for HB’s Daffodil day $1000 Raffle. Tickets here.
For more info, contact: [email protected]
Life-giving pou blessed at Kaweka Hospital
And more from Kaweka Hospital … A striking new pou, built from recycled fishing nets and plastic waste, has been blessed at Kaweka Hospital, uniting art, sustainability, and the spirit of healing.
Standing 4.5 metres tall and glowing with an emerald greenstone finish, Ngā Riu o te Oranga – The Channels of Life was designed and carved by local artists Jacob Scott and Jason Kendrick of Te Ara Hihiko Ltd.
The pou is made from Cleanstone panels supplied by Māori-owned company Critical, founded by Auckland-based innovator Rui Peng. The panels are created entirely from reclaimed commercial fishing nets and other recycled plastics gathered from across New Zealand.
Kaweka Hospital Chair of the Board, Stephen Toynton, says the pou is a powerful symbol of the hospital’s vision and reflects the seriousness with which the organisation takes its cultural responsibilities. “This taonga captures the journey every patient takes toward better health outcomes, guided by skill, compassion, and care. It’s also a continuation of a very special partnership with Jacob and Jason, whose designs for Stage One helped define the look and feel of Kaweka Hospital.”
More here on the pou, its crafting and significance.
Progress on HN streams
Here’s a noteworthy newsletter from Hastings District Council updating impressive progress with stream clean-up, community planting days and other local waterway improvements. Includes some interesting ‘before and after’ photos and other visuals.
EIT’s outpost in China
Last week EIT and Zhejiang Yuexiu University (ZYU) signed an expanded cooperation agreement to grow their Joint International College in China.
The EIT Data Science and Communication College, a joint institute established by EIT and Zhejiang Yuexiu University has been operating since 2021. More than 900 students have enrolled since the College’s establishment.
The College has delivered two EIT degrees (Computing Systems and Creative Practice) with three majors to Chinese students in China, and this will now expand to five majors. It is a four-year programme, with EIT degree courses taught in years two, three and four.
Teaching is shared between EIT and ZYU staff. EIT lecturers travel to China to deliver a third of the programme through in two eight-week teaching blocks. ZYU lecturers, trained and mentored by EIT, deliver a third of the EIT courses using EIT’s curriculum. The remaining third of courses are taught by ZYU and cross-credited into the EIT degree.
The signing took place during a formal visit from a senior ZYU delegation led by President Zhenhua Xu. President Xu said the delegation had been impressed by EIT’s warm welcome and campus facilities.
EIT Operations Lead Glen Harkness said the visit reflected the strength of the partnership.
“We are delighted to host our colleagues from ZYU in Aotearoa. This visit highlights the significance of our partnership and the achievements we have made together.”
Chantal Organics branch returns to HB
Reconnecting with its Hawke’s Bay roots, NZ owned-and-operated (since 1978) Chantal Organics has relocated its Fresh Produce operations from Auckland back to Napier – where the small-business originally started as a local co-op back in 1978.
Chantal Organics’ Fresh Produce division works with certified organic growers across Aotearoa to offer a wide range of seasonal organic fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed to order and supplied to organic retailers, supermarkets, food box services, and hospitality businesses nationwide. Chantal Organics proudly works closely with growers to ensure consistent quality and freshness, while supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices.
“For us this was more than a logistical move – it’s a return to our roots,” says Pablo Kraus, Chantal Organics CEO. “We’re thrilled to bring our Fresh Produce business back to Napier and continue growing in a way that honours both Chantal Organics’ beginnings and our future.”
CHB Community Service Awards
Once a year the CHB community gets to nominate and celebrate some of its outstanding residents. At this year’s Civic Honours Awards the top accolades went to Dr Roger Maaka (iwi well-being), Pat Gallagher(education, sport, local governance) and Dennis Schaw (sport, heritage, youth development).
Individual honours also went to Marian Campbell, Roy Fraser, Glenda Houston, Jackie Lowrie and Phillip Morris.
Group Community Service Awards went to the Porangahau Catchment Group, Ruahine Animal Rescue, Surfing for Farmers CHB and the Winter Olympics Charitable Trust. Organisations of the Year were the Ongaonga Historical Society and the Rotary Rivers Pathways Trust.
