Message from the Mayor

There is so much happening to make Hastings district an even greater place and we are proud to soon be presenting this year’s draft Annual Plan, delivering on our community’s priorities.

It is exciting this year to see the completion of one of Hastings’ most ambitious ever projects – the upgrade of all of our drinking water networks to provide Hastings residents with a safe, resilient drinking water supply. We will celebrate the completion of the Frimley and central city water storage and treatment plants (Waiaroha), and the completion of the small communities water supply upgrades. 

We are committed to our focus on housing, while protecting our valuable growing lands. Through our Hastings Place-Based housing plan and working with our partners, we are well on the way to delivering more than 1600 homes for our people: papakainga, social housing, homes for first home buyers, and private development.

One of the significant projects in our plan, provided it has community support, is the proposed purchase the Tōmoana Showgrounds.  The A&P Society, which has owned the property for more than 100 years, is preparing the sell the property. If Council purchases the showgrounds, it will be protected as a park for all time.

We will continue to invest in our existing parks and reserves, with new and refurbished playgrounds in the plan. Our city’s vibrancy is a priority, with the continuation of projects that make our urban shopping areas bright, beautiful and vibrant. The grand re-opening of the redeveloped Municipal Buildings and the new Quest Hotel will be particular highlights this year. 

There is no doubt the impact of COVID restrictions are being felt by many in our community, but there is reason for optimism. Despite the challenges, our economy is performing well, particularly our primary sector and our tourism sector. People from across New Zealand are finding out just how wonderful Hastings is and flocking here to visit!

To support our economy, the region’s councils are proposing to establish a Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development entity. This agency would work with industry to develop training and job initiatives, attract skilled workers to our region, and support both start-up and existing businesses.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our team of committed, visionary councillors, our hardworking staff, and our community partners. 

We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Annual Plan, which will be open for consultation from April 2 to May 16. Have your say at www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz from April 2.

Ngā mihi

Sandra Hazlehurst

1 April 2022

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