[Editor’s Note: Will Foley, currently serving as a HB Regional Councillor, has announced his campaign for CHB mayor. Here is his announcement.]
Will Foley, a dedicated resident and fourth-generation farmer deeply rooted in the Central Hawke’s Bay community, today officially announced his candidacy for Mayor in the upcoming 2025 local government elections. Will’s campaign is built on a commitment to fostering stronger connections between the district’s vibrant urban centres and its vital rural communities, while proactively tackling the pressing financial challenges faced by all residents.
Will aims to bring a fresh, unified perspective to the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council. “Our rural communities are the backbone of our district, contributing immensely to our economy and way of life,” Will stated. “Equally, our urban towns are the heart of our services and growth. My vision is to ensure that every voice, whether from our bustling towns or our productive farmlands, is heard, valued, and actively participates in shaping our shared future. We are one Central Hawke’s Bay.”
A central pillar of Will’s campaign is addressing the escalating cost of living and rising rates that are significantly impacting households across the entire district. He is committed to finding a sustainable and equitable balance between essential infrastructure investment and the financial pressures on ratepayers.
“While we recognise the undeniable importance of robust infrastructure for the progress of Central Hawke’s Bay, we must also be acutely mindful of the financial burden placed on our residents,” Will emphasised. “It’s about smart, responsible investment that serves the needs of both today and tomorrow, without disproportionately impacting our hard-working families and businesses.”
Will expressed a clear desire to move forward, focusing on practical, proactive solutions rather than dwelling on past council decisions. He stated, “It’s time to focus our energy on developing strategies that will ensure a stable and prosperous future for everyone in Central Hawke’s Bay. My goal is to listen and work collaboratively with every part of our community and the council to implement common-sense, forward-thinking solutions. These solutions will address our current infrastructure challenges while supporting residents to bounce back from tough times, helping households stabilise, and creating conditions where families aren’t just surviving today but they’re able to feel secure, set goals and move forward with confidence, all while contributing to building a strong, connected, and resilient Central Hawke’s Bay.”
Will Foley invites all residents to engage with his campaign, can’t wait for them to share their views, and join him in creating a united and prosperous future for Central Hawke’s Bay.
Residents of Central Hawke’s Bay can share their concerns and feedback by visiting www.willfoley.co.nz
Finally, a serious contender to challenge the status quo. The incumbent has occupied that seat long enough, and despite all the polished soundbites fed to the media, the region simply hasn’t delivered the prosperity and momentum our community deserves. It’s time for real leadership—someone with national-level experience, credibility, and the guts to make the tough calls. And while we’re at it, perhaps it’s also time some of the sleepy councillors clinging to their idealistic notions considered making way for those prepared to do the hard work of real progress
Not in CHB but hope all the fine sounding rhetoric has due attention to sorting out basic infrastructure and especially putting the Dam to rest – but that’s probably too much to hope for – Dam supporters would rather have that than a decent sewerage system for the area, or housing, or anything other than a dam.
All the best for a successful mayoral campaign, Will.
I think you will bring three key qualities to the role… honesty, integrity and a willingness to listen.
Regards
Jessica
Lots of fluffy words , but can we have some honesty for once , like what’s your involvement and view on the dam ?
Kia ora Will,
Just a note to let you know that we are having a residents’ get-together at the Takapau RSA on 5th June. at 6 pm. It is called Takapau Voice. We are getting worried that the council is leaving our town behind, and also, the water deal is going to cost too much. If you want to show your face, you would be very welcome. We hope to form a residence committee. Things that will be covered: LOCAL WATER DONE WELL, WHICH IS GOING TO COST AN ARM AND A LEG. The Burnside Bridge, which, according to the council, will be too dear to fix. Infustruture in Takapau. We hope to form this group to give us a voice.