My priorities

I will push the issues hard and energise the opportunities that will make our district a great place to live for all of us.

My Pledge to you

I will push the issues hard and energise the opportunities that will make our district a great place to live for all of us.

I am fully committed to our residents and rate payers. It's simple we are elected by you, not council staff or other elected councillors. My responsibility is to best represent you and the people of our Hastings - city, rural, suburb, coast.

Here's a bit of a start but more will come. Watch this space!

 

Issues that I will focus on include

  1. Control rate hikes - reduce spending on nice to haves, create competitive tension on council projects
  2. Promoting Hastings as economic powerhouse of Hawke's Bay - assisting local businesses to thrive and attracting new business to our district. Support local businesses
  3. Foster a 'can do' attitude for any individual, business, organisation that interacts with council.
  4. Housing for all
  5. A council governance structure with strong leadership that makes bold decisions
  6. A safe place to live, work and play
  7. Ensure Flaxmere gets its fair share of council investment and focus
  8. Support greater support for our youth to prosper
  9. Deliver a masterplan/spatial plan for Havelock North
  10. Create a visionary Masterplan for the district
  11. Excellence in community engagement – you will know what is going on!

It’s Hastings time to shine!

Opportunities that I will focus on

  1. Promoting the most liveable district in New Zealand
  2. Maximise the revitalisation of our CBD's and promote inner city living
  3. Streamline council operations to make savings for the rate payer
  4. Continue to make progress in housing so that everyone has a roof over their heads
  5. Build up on land, rather than out on land
A Safe Community

Should any resident or visitor feel intimidated in public? No they shouldn't.

Economy

Hastings is the economic engine of the Bay. We have some of the largest primary sector businesses, a strong retail sector and a vibrant professional services community.

CBD Revitalisation

Our CBD's in Hastings, Havelock North and Flaxmere should be desirable places to enjoy.

Housing

The secret is out – Hawke’s Bay is a desirable place to live but the cost of housing is becoming out of reach. Council needs to be an enabler and help reduce the costs associated with developing sections and housing options.

Our well being

I will focus on our four well beings - social, economy, environment and culture for the people of our district.

Endorsements

Over nearly 20 years I have had a range of commercial involvements with Damon. He is a man who commits himself to positive outcomes and has achieved much in these pursuits. His experience crosses working at both operational and governance levels and always shows a passion. Apart from the commercial achievements Damon spreads his efforts into areas of social value. He is well recognised for his leadership in sporting arenas but I recall clearly, his support and care for Jarrod Cunningham during his illness and the efforts to establish and drive the Memorial Trust, after Jarred’s death.
In my view, Damon is a man of high intelligence, proven ability, with strong values and leadership skills.

John Newland

I have known Damon Harvey for several working on marketing projects as a client that has engaged his company Attn! Marketing. At all times Damon has been innovative in his thinking and applying that thinking to solutions that have presented our company well to our industry. I have always thought Damon to be extremely responsive and thoughtful in his approach. .

Bronwyn Douglas - Manuka Farming NZ

I have known Damon Harvey for many years and upon returning to Hawke’s Bay with my family I sought a position on the board of Sport HB of which Damon is Chairman. In the 18 months I have been on the board I have found Damon to be an exceptional Chair. He doesn’t shy away from the difficult decisions or conversations that need to be had and makes sure that all points of view around the table are given an opportunity to be heard.

Damon has been instrumental in recruiting a youth voice for the board, something I see as vital across many areas of governance. Damon has a strong relationship with our very capable CEO and this makes being a member of the board chaired by him both stimulating and rewarding.

Andrew Castles - Sport HB board member

Andrew 'Butch' Castles

I have known Damon Harvey for over 15 years in his role as our Marketing agent for Cottages NZ.

In that time he has provided his skills and guidance to our business, including encouragement to enter the HB Chamber of Commerce Business awards that led our business to success in 2006 and 2007. His ability to listen and then convert our ideas into practice has been a commending attribute to the skills he has.

Damon has always been a supporter of new initiatives and ideas that is pertinent to the potential leader of our community. He is able to converse with all members of the community from business owners through to the Sporting Community and families of all walks in life.

I have seen Damon develop professionally in the various roles he undertakes with community interests such as Sport Hawkes Bay,  Jarrod Cunningham Youth Sports Trust - etc outside of Council.

Within Council he leads the Economic Development portfolio where his experience with the business community is well recognized. Damon has the ability to extract the relevant information from people and then to provide the relevant solutions/ options to be considered when solving a problem.

I have no doubt that Damon has the skills and experience to be Mayor Hastings.

John Roil - Hastings business owner and former Hastings District councillor

John Roil - Hastings business owner