CENTRAL HAWKE'S BAY – [Thursday 29 May] – Will Foley, a dedicated resident and fourth-generation farmer deeply rooted in the Central Hawke's Bay community, today officially announced his candidacy for Mayor in the upcoming 2025 local government elections. Will’s campaign is built on a commitment to fostering stronger connections between the district's vibrant urban centres and its vital rural communities, while proactively tackling the pressing financial challenges faced by all residents.

Will aims to bring a fresh, unified perspective to the Central Hawke's Bay District Council. "Our rural communities are the backbone of our district, contributing immensely to our economy and way of life," Will stated. "Equally, our urban towns are the heart of our services and growth. My vision is to ensure that every voice, whether from our bustling towns or our productive farmlands, is heard, valued, and actively participates in shaping our shared future. We are one Central Hawke's Bay."

A central pillar of Will’s campaign is addressing the escalating cost of living and rising rates that are significantly impacting households across the entire district. He is committed to finding a sustainable and equitable balance between essential infrastructure investment and the financial pressures on ratepayers.

"While we recognise the undeniable importance of robust infrastructure for the progress of Central Hawke's Bay, we must also be acutely mindful of the financial burden placed on our residents," Will emphasised. "It's about smart, responsible investment that serves the needs of both today and tomorrow, without disproportionately impacting our hard-working families and businesses."

Will expressed a clear desire to move forward, focusing on practical, proactive solutions rather than dwelling on past council decisions. He stated, "It's time to focus our energy on developing strategies that will ensure a stable and prosperous future for everyone in Central Hawke's Bay. My goal is to listen and work collaboratively with every part of our community and the council to implement common-sense, forward-thinking solutions. These solutions will address our current infrastructure challenges while supporting residents to bounce back from tough times, helping households stabilise, and creating conditions where families aren't just surviving today but they're able to feel secure, set goals and move forward with confidence, all while contributing to building a strong, connected, and resilient Central Hawke's Bay."

Will Foley invites all residents to engage with his campaign, can’t wait for them to share their views, and join him in creating a united and prosperous future for Central Hawke's Bay.

Residents of Central Hawke’s Bay can share their concerns and feedback by visiting www.willfoley.co.nz

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