Message from the Mayor

Hastings is beautiful, and what a thrill it was to have our amazing community recognised at the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards.

Being named New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Small City is a fitting acknowledgment of the many people across the community who work with Council to care for and improve our environment. Together, we are really focused on sustainability, for our people and our environment.

We live in a beautiful place and I know we will continue to work together on keeping it beautiful. Well done to everyone!

Another high note last month was our two-yearly Landmarks Awards. Unfortunately with COVID restrictions we weren’t able to hold an event as we usually do, but that doesn’t take away from the great achievements of these individuals and groups who share their time and talent to enhance our community.

As we continue to face the challenges of COVID, now more than ever, and our local businesses need our support.

This includes our horticultural sector that’s crying out for workers to pick fruit this harvest. We’re working with the sector to see what assistance we can provide to highlight the opportunities and call on our community to lend a hand during the harvest season.

I have also stood up the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs again to look specifically at the how we can work with and support our hospitality businesses, particularly in terms of the labour shortages. 

We can also help by shopping at our local businesses, especially in the central city, which is incredibly important for our retailers during this tough time.

To give us even more reasons to visit the city we continue to add vibrancy, such as installations like The Flamingos in the city centre fountain, and if you haven’t had a chance yet, take a look at the new mural at the Hastings Sports Centre.

Local artist Dali Susanto has done a wonderful job bringing to life the concepts put forward by multicultural groups across Hastings - a real celebration of our diversity.

Keep safe, and keep well.

1 March 2022

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