Original team member farewells City Assist after 10 years’ service

After 10 years’ service to the community, one of the original members of the Hastings City Assist team is retiring next month.

Senior City Assist ambassador Herman Godinet is a familiar face to many people and businesses across the Hastings City Centre, where for the past 10 years he and the team members who have joined him have been a popular and reassuring presence.

From helping tourists and visitors to dealing with unsociable behaviour, no two days are the same for the team, and at the heart of the role is being able to care for other people, Herman said.

“Being able to genuinely care for people has allowed me to share knowledge with them.

“History doesn't remember what you thought, history remembers what you did and I like to think we've made a difference in the last 10 years."

Among many good memories over the past decade, he said a highlight was sneaking into the Council Chambers with the team and recording a version of the waiata He Papa.

“It was around the time the Police were doing videos of themselves singing and dancing. That was so much fun, if I remember correctly we got about 6000 views."

Council security manager Clint Adamson said that if there was one person synonymous with City Assist it was Herman.

“He is a very big part of the reason that a six-month trial period for the group has turned into a Hastings institution that is coming up to its 10-year anniversary.

“Herman is someone who can honestly say they have made a noticeable difference to his community over these last 10 years.

“He is the face of City Assist and fostered great relationships with retailers across our CBD areas and with the Police and other agencies.

“He has also mentored a new generation of staff that now have the challenge of stepping into those big shoes to take the team into the future. We will miss him but also congratulate him on his service.”

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said Herman had shown great integrity and leadership throughout his time.

“His efforts have been much appreciated by council, the community and our retailers – we wish him all the best for his retirement.”

While Herman’s plans for retirement are open-ended, they will be underpinned by a core philosophy.

"Ultimately, it's not the number of days in your life that count but the quality of life in your days. and as I head into retiring, this is my goal."

30 August 2023

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