Local Elections 2025: Malcolm Dixon retires from Hastings council to focus on family
Reopening Hastings' Opera House and the council's response after Cyclone Gabrielle were two highlights for the Hastings and Havelock North ward councillor.
'With the Opera House, the community told us they wanted the complex to be restored – and on reflection, we're all lucky they did.
'What no one knew at the time was the side walls had no footings and the bricks were sitting on riverbed shingle, and the conduit covering the wiring in the Municipal Buildings had perished and needed to be replaced.'
Setbacks have included the Havelock North water crisis in 2016, which led to major investment in water infrastructure and triggered Government-led reform across New Zealand, as well as the impacts of Covid-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle.
'These events have all added to the council's debt, but from adversity comes renewed energy and a stronger community,' Dixon said. 'Our hands were forced to spend, but we are now ahead of other councils in the region, especially in water infrastructure.
'Much of this can be attributed to the hard work of council staff and strong governance, well led by Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst.'
Dixon said he was fitted with a colostomy bag in 2016. 'I have since moved more motions than anyone else around the table,' he said with a laugh.
'It has been a fascinating, informative, challenging and, above all, rewarding journey.'
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1News
a day ago
- 1News
Patterson says foraged mushrooms may have been in fatal lunch
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(Source: 1News) 'I became aware of death cap mushrooms quite early through this period,' she said. 'I looked up to see if they grew in South Gippsland and I remember finding out that they didn't, essentially.' She also told the jury she knew of another toxic species — inocybe mushrooms — growing on her property, which she had learned were dangerous to dogs. May have searched death cap sites Three white Amanita phalloides (deathcap), which are one of the most poisonous of all known mushrooms. (Source: The jury was reminded of earlier prosecution evidence that Patterson's computer had accessed webpages discussing mushroom foraging and known locations of death caps. "I don't specifically remember doing it that day," she told the court, "but it's possible it was me… and possible that's part of the process I went through to see if they grew in South Gippsland." 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Scoop
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- Scoop
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About Valentia Technologies Valentia Technologies maintains a strong New Zealand presence with local experts, has invested millions into digital infrastructure, and powers over 80% of the country's telehealth services with stable, secure platforms. They offer expertise in emergency care, primary care, and aged care services across New Zealand's healthcare sector. In partnership with Whakarongorau, they jointly developed the platform, integrating with Whakarongorau systems, to drive digital health innovation. About the platform running the booking system A cloud-based digital platform that enables seamless integration across multiple health providers, developed in partnership with Whakarongorau Aotearoa, and Valentia Technologies. Key capabilities: - AI-powered engine guiding users to appropriate services
NZ Herald
2 days ago
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Hawke's Bay: Study reveals main cause of lepto outbreak after Gabrielle
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