Relief at being able to 'emerge from limbo'

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton just wants the region to move forward. Photo / File

For Napier Mayor Bill Dalton it was one word which summed up his emotions yesterday - relief.

Not just as a result of what he described as finally emerging from a state of "limbo" after so long, but also for everyone around him.

"We had a breakfast this morning (yesterday) and I had not realised just how much tension there had been in the air," Mr Dalton said.

Amalgamation would have resulted in major staff structuring changes and that uncertainty had impacted on everyone.

"I have been in both the Napier and Hastings council offices and there is a whole different atmosphere in both of them now - there is the feeling of relief that it is all over."

He had also met with Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule yesterday as they attended an educational event.

"We had a good old chat which was very constructive and it is all good."

He had also spoken to Wairoa Mayor Craig Little and Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Peter Butler and they would be meeting on Friday in what Mr Dalton said would likely become more regular get-togethers.

"We all felt that now we can just get on and do things - and that is a good feeling."

For the Napier Council it could now begin to recruit new staff who were required, as until now the uncertainty over what their future roles may have been had been hanging over the process.

"It's back to work, for Napier and Hawke's Bay," Mr Dalton said, adding that for Napier that meant the significant $6 million redevelopment of Marine Parade and the Destination Playground at Anderson Park.

"Now we can move on."