Michael Fowler's 150 word Candidate Statement

The Hastings District has faced many challenges over the past three years such as high inflation,

providing for asset maintenance, and the biggest impact on local government since 1989 – Local

Water Done Well.

The biggest challenge was Cyclone Gabrielle, which required a billion dollar infrastructure

restoration, and Hastings District Council’s share is approximately $230 million.

As a Fellow Chartered Accountant, and my finance skills, I have been entrusted to chair the Mayoral

Finance Working Group, Local Water Done Well and Annual Plan workshops. I also chair a main

standing committee, Performance and Monitoring.

I believe the Hastings District Council’s financial performance and improvement in financial

reporting has improved because of my involvement.

There is still work to be done, especially to reduce the impact of projected further rate increases –

and I believe I am best suited to lead this to lock in cost savings for you ‒ the ratepayer.