'Mixed emotions': Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst not seeking re-election
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Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst has announced she will not seek re-election this year.
The three-term mayor has led the council since 2017 and was a councillor before that, notching up 15 years of service.
Hazlehurst said it was with "mixed emotions" that she decided it was time to hand over the chains.
"I am honoured and privileged to have served our Heretaunga Hastings community as a councillor and mayor for the past 15 years," she said.
"While my time as Hastings' mayor will end in October, I am excited to continue to serve our community in other ways."
She said achievements during her term included investment in water infrastructure following the 2016 Havelock North campylobacter outbreak, tackling the housing crisis, revitalising the city centre, and building close relationships with mana whenua.
"The introducing of our Takitimu Māori Ward was a highlight for me. Māori representation at the council table has made a huge impact on the well-being and cohesiveness of our community."
But she said it had not always been easy.
"Cyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on our people's lives, their livelihoods and their property.
"I am deeply grateful to everyone who has played a part in our ongoing recovery - rebuilding lives, reconnecting communities, and restoring vital infrastructure.
Her term will end after local body elections in October.
So far, current councillor Marcus Buddo has
put his hat in the ring
for the mayoralty, and fellow councillor Damon Harvey was strongly considering it.
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