This election was the first election when the region had Māori constituencies, with two being contested.[1] Incumbents Will Foley (Central Hawke’s Bay) and Jerf van Beek (Ngaruroro) ran unopposed and thus were re-elected; the same was true of Thompson Hokianga who ran in one of the new Māori constituencies.[1] Across the election there were 16 candidates for the 7 constituencies.[1]
The Wairoa race was contested between Di Roadley and Apiata Tapine. As characterised by Bay Buzz, Roadley was a "rural-rooted female Pakeha political novice" and Tapine was a "returning-home Napier councillor and Māori advocate".[1]
Hastings saw five candidates. With only one incumbent councillor running for re-election, the city was guaranteed two new faces at the council table.[1] Bay Buzz described two of the candidates, Jock Mackintosh and Steve Gibson, as "clean slates" with regards to environmental issues. Sophe Siers and Xan Harding were said to have "environmental nous", but whether this would hold when tested was yet to be seen. Craig Foss, the incumbent, ran with the slogan "The Right Balance".[1]
There were five new faces on the council, though incumbents were generally returned in the 2022 elections.[2] One exception was Hastings councillor Craig Foss who lost to three new candidates.[3]
The following results were announced on 14 October 2022:[4]
Following the election, councillors had to elect a new chairperson. Two contenders were reported to be up for the role: Hinewai Ormsby (representing Napier) and Will Foley (representing Central Hawke's Bay).[5] The council chose Ormsby, who would be the region's first female Māori chairperson and also the youngest.[6] Foley was elected deputy chairperson.[6]
