Hastings councillor Malcolm Dixon standing again, but not for mayor role

Hastings councillor Malcolm Dixon has announced he will be standing for re-election. Photo / Supplied

Hastings councillor Malcolm Dixon has announced he will be standing for re-election. Photo / Supplied
Hastings councillor Malcolm Dixon has announced he will be standing for re-election in the Hastings-Havelock North Ward, despite receiving requests and offers of funding to stand for Mayor.

Dixon, who was elected in 2013, says he is more than happy with his role serving our community as a councillor.

He says he is enjoying chairing the expansive Community Development portfolio that over the past three years has achieved a number of "positive outcomes".

This includes the new chapel at the crematorium, youth employment, the progress within the Opera House and Municipal Buildings precinct, in addition to a number of initiatives in the areas of both social and economic development.

As a councillor representative on the Te Mata Peak Trust Board, Dixon says he was "delighted with the way the community got in behind the project to purchase additional land".

He said he believed in the principles of democracy and encourages everyone who wishes to stand to put their names forward and everyone who is entitled to vote to do so, saying, "we are all equal".

"If this happens, democracy will be the winner and there will be no need for unelected representatives to be granted voting rights as happened earlier this year."

If elected he would also be advocating for more transparency and better communication with the community.

"You need to tell council what you want and why and just as importantly council needs to tell you regularly what they are doing and why they are doing it. Everyone needs to be on the same journey together," Dixon said.

"There are a number of challenges out there like climate change, coastal hazards, waste management, youth employment, drinking water safety and affordable housing to name just a few where the wider community voice must be listened to.

"Hastings is on a roll and together we all need to ensure that it stays that way. No stone needs to be left unturned to make Hastings the best place it can be."