Hastings mayoral hopefuls enlighten crowd on their vision

Hastings mayoral candidates Allister Tosh, left, Waitawhara Tupaea, Stuart Perry, Sandra Hazlehurst, Simon Nixon, and Bayden Barber at last night's debate at Karamu High School. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

Six candidates in this month's byelection presented their vision for Hastings at the mayoral debate last night, all clear on what they wanted to achieve.

Close to 400 people gathered at the Karamu High School hall, while thousands tuned in to the Hawke's Bay Today Facebook livestream, to hear from Sandra Hazlehurst, Simon Nixon, Bayden Barber, Stuart Perry, Allister Tosh and Waitawhara Tupaea who were contesting the mayoral byelection.

Asked for their reason for standing, Bayden Barber was clear that he had a vision of Hastings being the best place to live and do business.

He wanted to do this by making it one of the easiest councils to deal with, which would attract more business and local jobs, and make house building fair, fast and efficient, he said.

"I will ensure there are smart measurable goals for ease of doing business, providing safe water, home ownership and a vibrant CBD."

Current acting mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said a busy, dynamic CBD was also her goal, along with safe water, affordable quality housing, and enabling Hastings to be an economic power house.

"I will create a can-do culture and simplify processes and partner with the newly elected government for investment in the region."

Acting deputy mayor Simon Nixon said the district needed a mayor who lived in Hastings, not in Napier, and someone who brought meaningful skills, experience and useful knowledge.

"They must have the will, confidence and know-how to match the staff who control everything, must not be beholden to undeclared benefactors and must have a clear sense of direction."

Stuart Perry said he had experience in many different fields, from business to tourism to community and brought a fresh perspective.

He wanted chlorine-free water, to get rid of red tape, and to bring back free parking in the CBD.

"I have the skills and experience to make tough decisions and stand by them - when you elect me I will do what I said I would do."

Allister Tosh said he wanted a luge to be built up Te Mata Peak, chlorine-free water, tighter dog controls and soft plastic recycling.

"I'm not one of those people who think they have the answers to everything but I have the determination, passion and experience to move Hastings into the future."

Waitawhara Tuapea, who was also standing as a councillor candidate in the Havelock North/Hastings ward said he chose to run because he wanted a more loving and fairer society.

"If you have any sincerity you will be talking about how we treat our people, our land and water - how we cultivate an economy not for big corporates that treat people like cannon-fodder but rather treats people with dignity and respect."

Individualised questions were also directed at the candidates.

Asked what she would do differently to former mayor Lawrence Yule, under whom she had been a councillor for seven years, Mrs Hazlehurst said Mr Yule was a mentor but she was setting her own pathway.

"Lawrence and I did not always agree - I have my own way and it's all about being in touch with our people."

Mr Nixon was asked why people should choose him given he had unsuccessfully run for mayor several times before.

"Standing time and again shows I am committed to try and do a better job for Hastings and I think I can do that for sure."

Mr Barber was asked to confirm that controversial campaign manager Simon Lusk was part of his team, and why he had brought him on board.

He said he had met Mr Lusk in 2015 when he ran a workshop for people interested in standing for local body elections.

"When I stood in 2016 I did not know much about politics - I asked him to help me - he's a strategist and makes sure the issues are on point."

Previously Mr Tosh had said he saw local government as a stepping stone for central government and yet when he stood in the national election for Tukituki had refused to reveal his policies.

Last night he again said he wasn't willing to discuss those but said "My dream is to stand in parliament and have my say before my time is through on this planet."

Mr Tupaea was asked what he could contribute considering it was not that important to him to be elected mayor.

He replied that he was doing it to "protest the status quo".

Voting papers for the byelection started being sent out yesterday, due in letterboxes by this weekend or early next week.

People who had not received their voting papers by November 9 should phone the Hastings Electoral Officer on 871 5000 to discuss making a special vote or go into the polling booth at Hastings District Council, open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays, from November 2 until noon on November 24, when voting closed.

Being a postal vote residents need to place a tick by the name of their preferred candidate, put the completed ballot paper in the Freepost envelope provided, and then either put them into a post box no later than November 21, or drop them by hand into the ballot box at Hastings District Council, in Lyndon Rd, Hastings, by noon on November 24.