Campaigner steps up for Hastings council

Ann Redstone will vie for a spot on Hastings District Council in this year's local body elections.

Haumoana's Ann Redstone has thrown her hat in the ring to contest the Heretaunga ward seat for the Hastings District Council.

Ms Redstone said she had a "long history of battling for change", most recently challenging the police commander around the "lack of adequate policing" in the area alongside her seven-year campaign to Save the Cape Coast.

She was raised in Hastings and has lived in Haumoana for the past 30 years.

She has been a member of the Haumoana Ratepayers and Residents Association and was co-founder of the Clean Sea Coalition, lobbying local authorities to clean up the ocean from industrial and domestic contaminants.

She is an original convener of WOW (Walking On Water) Inc, a community group of dedicated volunteers working alongside councils to find and implement solutions to coastal erosion, and has been voted chairperson for seven consecutive years.

In 2014 she was a founding member of Watchdog, a small group of concerned animal lovers who called for a review of the Hastings District Council Pound and Animal Control Department.

Last year she began a petition to raise awareness of plans to close local police stations in Havelock North and Clive.

"There are now over 3500 signatures on this petition and meetings have been held with MP Craig Foss and the Police Commander to discuss this ongoing issue," she said.

"I am very concerned about the shortfall in funding for policing which is clearly beginning to impact on our region as crime rates rise. We are already paying taxes and I don't believe the ratepayers should be paying twice for community policing. This is clearly central government's responsibility."

She has a professional background in sales, marketing and business management and has gained a wide range of experience in the construction and horticulture industries.

"My experience discussing issues with local authorities over the past few years is invaluable and I believe fresh faces and strong voices are needed around the council table now," she said.

"My intention is to continue to work towards sustainable solutions which encourage confidence in regional business growth and development, and an increase in tourism."

Revitalising Hastings' inner city was also high on her list of priorities.