Departing Hastings councillors farewelled at final meeting for triennium
Memories were shared and tears were shed as five departing Hastings councillors were farewelled during the last full council meeting of the term.
Councillors Henare O’Keefe, Bayden Barber, Geraldine Travers, Peleti Oli and Sophie Siers attended their last meeting today.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said all five had made a huge contribution to the council and Hastings as a whole during their time, adding to the efforts of the others around the table from 2019-2022.
“My thanks go to all who have served the council and community over the past three years, including our councillors, staff, Rural Community Board, Heretaunga Takato Noa Māori standing committee, and our iwi and government partners.
“We have achieved a lot in what’s been an exciting time for Heretaunga Hastings.”
First elected in 2007, Mr O’Keefe is the longest-standing of the five councillors, and Hazlehurst said that over the past 15 years he had cared for others and given devoted, loyal service to the Flaxmere
community and the wider Hastings district.
“Henare’s passion and dedication has significantly enhanced the wellbeing of his beloved Flaxmere whānau – all with the unwavering support of his beloved Pam. He has championed the ‘It’s Flaxmere’s
Time’ project, bringing new houses, a new supermarket and a fabulous new skate park to Flaxmere.
“As Hastings ambassador, he has hosted many civic and citizenship events in his true all-embracing, full of fun, and ever-loving style.”
Recently appointed Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc chair Bayden Barber is standing down after six years on council, prior to that serving as an elected member of the Rural Community Board.
Hazlehurst said he had made a strong contribution and held key leadership roles for council’s priority projects, including safe drinking water, homes for our people and district growth management.
“Bayden’s drive to include strong Māori representation across council and the community has resulted in Hastings/Heretaunga’s first Māori ward, Takitimu, and he has passionately contributed to council’s
cultural awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its growing inclusion of te reo Māori throughout the organisation.”
Geraldine Travers has also served six years, and demonstrated a strong advocacy for community projects and plans, as well as contributing to preserving the district’s history, Hazlehurst said.
“Her committee leadership and governance across council’s services, projects and programmes has been invaluable. She has advocated passionately for the needs and aspirations of a Mahora Community Plan and led the development of council’s Multicultural Strategy – her dedicated service is appreciated.”
Elected in 2019, Flaxmere councillor Peleti Oli was a true community champion, particularly in being avoice for the Pasifika community, Hazlehurst said.
“As council’s first Pasifika Samoan councillor, Peleti has strengthened the relationship between our Pasifika community and council by introducing new Pasifika and multicultural celebrations to the council
chamber.
“He’s also championed ‘It’s Fabulous Flaxmere’s Time’ and shown his love for his people through many community events including the first Fia Fia Day, and at times giving free haircuts to raise money for his
community. We are grateful for the difference he’s made.”
Sophie Siers is leaving after one term, to run for election on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
Hazlehurst acknowledged her contribution to improving the district’s environmental health through the Eco Districts committee, and strong support for community initiatives.
“Sophie has led Kahuranaki’s aspirational community plans and championed the Waimārama Pou and Gateway project. She’s a committed conserver and protector of our natural resources and has also been a valued member of the Rural Community Board.”
Voting for the next triennium closes on October 8. It is now past the date when people can post their voting papers, but they can still drop them off at the big orange voting bins at the Hastings District Council building on Lyndon Rd, and the Hastings, Havelock North or Flaxmere libraries.
Go to the council website www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/our-council/elections/ for other locations for special voting.
