Can Do Council

Ensuring council has a ‘CAN DO’ culture putting customers first.

We need to build a ‘CAN DO’ attitude and culture that puts ratepayers and our customers first. Modern in our thinking and transparent in our actions, we will make doing business easier with less red tape.

I've strongly advocated for council to make it easier to deal with when it comes to its regulatory functions such as building consent processes. As chair of performance and monitoring in 2023 I ensured an independent review was undertaken.

The review contained 27 recommendations ranked in order of priority to be implemented. Of highest priority was improving the timeliness of consent processing and improving customer service. This included seeking to process at least 95 per cent of consents within the statutory timeframes - and increasing the frequency of face-to-face meetings with key customers.

Hastings will build housing for all with a high-performance consents team, fast-tracking industrial and commercial zones while protecting fertile land.

 

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