ABOUT ME
I was born in Havelock North and have lived in Hastings / Havelock North for most of my life. I attended Lucknow Primary, Havelock North Intermediate, and Havelock North High School. I live in Havelock North with my wife Raewyn, our dog Bella, and I have three stepchildren and three step-grandchildren.
I completed my tertiary education at Massey University, earning a Master of Business Studies in Accounting, a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, and a Diploma in Business Studies. I am also a qualified chartered accountant, with fellowship status (FCA) given to me in 2013 by peers
of my accounting professional body (CAANZ) for outstanding professional achievement during my career. Over my working life I have been involved in successful businesses including a tech startup, radio, business consultant, and currently as an historian. I have been an accounting and business lecturer at EIT Hawke’s Bay for 18 years.
My achievements in the non-profit sector includes co-founding Radio Hawke’s Bay in 1995, and being chair of the Art Deco Trust over the difficult Covid-19 period. I currently serve on the Havelock North Function Centre Trust Board.
Why Elect Me as your councillor?
The Hastings District Council has initiated a substantial infrastructure expenditure programme, amounting to $488 million for the 2025/26 year. The management of this programme will require continued meticulous reporting and adherence to value-for-money processes.
The implementation of Local Water Done Well will likely necessitate an operational and financial separation from HDC. I have actively participated in this process and believe my expertise is crucial for ensuring continuity.
Many of us are struggling on fixed incomes, and significant rate rises are hurting. My commitment is to continually seek ways HDC can be operationally and financially efficient.
Many council-owned assets, like senior housing, require significant upkeep. I advocate for reviewing these activities to ensure ratepayer funds are used effectively and exploring other ways to achieve these outcomes.
Hastings Heretaunga has many developers who care deeply about how our city develops and looks. Partnerships between HDC and private developers, like the one at 206 Queen Street West, are, I believe, a way of making your rates money go much further.
I would, of course, use my knowledge of history of Hastings Heretaunga in decision making, and continue to advocate to protect our heritage buildings.
I speak to around 20 groups a year on our region’s history. I have written18 books over 17 years on our region’s history.
I also did throughout 2025 a series of fundraising talks to promote the newHawke’s Bay Museum Research and Archives Centre to be based in Hastings. Raewyn and I also donated money towards a ‘huia feather’ panel for fundraising.
Our dog, Bella, who is rather spoilt.
Using my accountancy training and skills as a councillor at Hastings District Council.
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I am proud of our historical heritage, and in February 2024 I took the first
Art Deco tour of a cruise ship proudly through the streets of Hastings.
I am often called upon to MC events, which I do at no cost, and had a lot of
fun launching Dick Frizell’s memoir “Hastings: A Boy’s Own Adventure” in March 2025.
Michael speaking at one of his fundraising talk events. In 2023 he raised around $10,000 for flood relief victims and the Hawke's Bay Surf Lifesaving Search and Rescue Squad.
"I am pleased that Michael Fowler has seen fit to seek a further term as Hastings District Councillor. Michael has been a trustee of the Havelock North Function Centre for two years and I find him a conscientious and enthusiastic member of the team. The depth of research for his books and historical columns is mirrored in his approach around our table and in his dealings as a councillor. I wish Michael well in his effort to stand as a councillor for a further term."
Graham Linwood, Chair, Havelock North Function Centre
"Michael Fowler, as a Hastings District Councillor, has been a strong supporter of our multicultural community – attending events and serving as a judge for ‘Asians in the Bay.’ He’s also backed my work for the Hawke’s Bay Cancer Society. His dedication to inclusion, support, and community wellbeing has been truly appreciated."
Sukhdeep Singh, JP
"Michael has contributed to the preservation of HB’s cultural heritage as both a district councillor and local historian/writer. In addition to his council role on the Joint Working Group he has generously supported the community-based fundraising for the new regional Research & Archive Centre. His much-appreciated personal effort and financial commitment to the project includes several fundraising community talks and donating profits from his recent book."
Jeanette Kelly, Chair MTG Foundation and Hawkes Bay Museums Trust
"Michael has wisdom, experience and maturity to lead as a councillor. His strong financial background will ensure any money spent has been scrutinised and is for the benefit of our residents. Michael’s ability to build lasting relationships with community and industry leaders will enable Council to remain responsive, connected and accessible, and meet ratepayers needs and expectations."
Tania Kerr, Deputy Mayor and Mohaka Ward Councillor