Current acting deputy mayor Simon Nixon is in his third term as a Hastings councillor as he makes his bid to be mayor in the upcoming by-election.
Hawke's Bay Today asked all six candidates running for mayor - here is his response.
1. What is your vision for the Hastings district?
Hawke's Bay is a great place to live but statistically we are behind the rest of the country. We need to grow and diversify our economy to provide more jobs and in particular better paying jobs. We need to build more houses by making sure sufficient land is available and by encouraging higher density infill housing. I remain committed to my campaign for better air services. We need to duplicate the gains made on Auckland services by having cheaper flights to Wellington and Christchurch. Longer term we need transtasman flights. To overcome the disadvantage of a comparatively under-qualified workforce we must pressure government to correct the imbalance in tertiary educational opportunities. We are the largest population centre in the country not to have some sort of university campus. The community wants the Opera House to be restored and this must be done.
2. What steps will you take in your first 100 days to turn this vision into reality?
The above are longer-term goals. In the short term I want to see the right decision made on fixing the Manawatu Gorge. HDC must repair all the water leaks in Havelock North and Hastings and make sure there is sufficient water this summer.
3. Name the one main area you would collaborate with other Hawke's Bay councils on.
I am determined to heal the rift between Hastings and the other Hawke's Bay councils that intensified during the amalgamation issue. In particular I want to see our councils speaking with one voice when dealing with government.