Economy

Hastings is the economic engine of the Bay. We have some of the largest primary sector businesses in New Zealand and we have some innovative businesses that support this sector.

It’s time we maximised our position as the economic engine room of the region!
  • Council needs to take full advantage of the economic climate at the pace of other regions
  • We need to ensure we have land for industrial, commercial and residential development
  • Lets support local businesses and sectors such as the primary sector to innovate and create meaningful careers for youth
  • Lets promote Hastings district as a great place to live, work and play

I have championed businesses in Hastings and across Hawke's Bay for over 25 years, as a marketer and as the editor of the region's only business magazine The Profit.

Hastings is the economic engine room of the Bay. We have some of the largest primary sector businesses in New Zealand and we have some innovative businesses that support this sector. We are the Food Bowl of our country and we need to capitalise on this unique point of difference.

We now have a food innovation hub in Hastings - Foodeast and we need to ensure that it is the platform for success for our food innovators. We need an incubator to create added value from the fruit, produce and proteins (beef, sheep meat, goat) we grow.

Our CBD's need to have a strong mix of professional service businesses that have access to smart technology that fosters the growth of our economy. The Hastings CBD is undergoing a major transformation, a project I led as the Economic Development portfolio leader during my first and 2nd terms on council.

We all want an exciting, vibrant and  safe CBD where people visit, live, work and play.

Lastly - we need a council that is open for business and ensures its dealings with the business community are open, transparent and enabling. As chair of Performance & Monitoring in 2022/23 I pushed for a review of the building consenting department. This has now been undertaken and we are now driving the CE to ensure the actions to improve this function are done.

It’s time to accelerate Hastings and position it as the most liveable district in New Zealand

We need to create career opportunities for our young people. We don’t want to provide them just with a job, but a pathway to a rewarding career that improves their wellbeing, but also that of their future whanau.

We need to set a target of new jobs created - an aspirational but achievable target and work with local business and businesses relocating to provide rewarding career opportunities.

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