Walker will stand again for mayor
Joins three other sitting mayors seeking re-election
It hasn’t even crossed my mind not to. I thrive on the challenge and it is a huge privilege.
Alex Walker
Mayor Alex Walker has renewed her commitment to Central Hawke’s Bay and confirmed that she will be seeking re-election in October 2022.
Walker joins three other mayors in the district seeking re-election: Sandra Hazlehurst (Hastings District) and Tracey Collis (Tararua) confirmed their plans last week, while Napier’s Kirsten Wise confirmed her plans last October. Wairoa Mayor Craig Little, the only man among the five mayors and five deputy mayors in the district, reaffirmed his plan to stand aside, having always intended to serve no more than three terms.
Regarding her plans to stand for re-election, Walker said “It hasn’t even crossed my mind not to. I thrive on the challenge and it is a huge privilege.”
Walker says over the past five years she has led a complete rewrite of the vision, direction, credibility and culture of the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council.
“In 2016, the Central Hawke’s Bay community was certain in its appetite for change. They wanted a leadership approach that was transparent, customer-focused and able to pivot the district into a more positive and pro-active space. I am very proud of the work of two terms of elected councillors, and a dedicated and highperforming staff in turning that vision into reality.”
In that time the council has faced significant challenges.
“I can still feel the knots in my stomach that formed over three issues in particular — the closure of the Waipawa Pool, the failure of the ‘new’ wastewater treatment upgrades in Waipukurau and Waipawa, and the closure of the earthquake-prone Waipukurau Library.
“But it was vital to me that we were open and honest with community about what we were dealing with, and give them the confidence that we could come through the challenges and resolve them properly — no more bandaids allowed.”
And while the pool has been replaced, a strategy put in place for the removal of treated wastewater discharges from rivers for all six treatment facilities in the district, and the new Te Huinga Wai Knowledge and Learning Hub open, the financial impacts of moving the council to a high debt position to achieve infrastructure outcomes is going to put pressure on the district and its households for years yet.
“We are going to need to be financially astute, flexible and dedicated over the next few years. To turn around our Three Waters infrastructure deficit, in particular, is going to take a toll on our rates and their affordability. There is no hiding it and it is going to challenge many households.”
Walker says the Central Hawke’s Bay of 2022 is different to 2016, and the impacts of growth, central government reform and the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that demands on local government are changing.
“I am excited by the changes to local government. I see a move to smaller, more nimble and wellconnected councils bringing decision-making closer to community than ever before. And in Central Hawke’s Bay we are on the front-edge of that movement and have credibility in the national conversations.
“We are having to stand up for our communities in ways that were not traditionally seen as ‘council business’ — and we are vital to how we live in and build our community. From public housing to pandemic welfare response, education and technology — we are having a voice and an influence by being a professional and credible council who can deliver what matters.”
Candidacy and election to local councils is open to ratepayers and residents aged 18 or older by the close of the September 16-October 8 polls. Nominations open on July 15 and close on August 12.