Endorsements from those who work alongside Wendy

Portrait of Craig Riddiford. He has a bald head and a full gray beard, wearing a dark blue plaid blazer and a colorful floral shirt, smiling and crossing his arms against a plain light gray background.

Craig Riddiford

Hastings City Business Association chairperson

“As Chair of the Hastings City Business Association, I have worked closely with Wendy in her capacity as an advisor on our board. I am very grateful for Wendy’s support as she is extremely passionate about the Hastings CBD and our business community.

Wendy is extremely hardworking and genuinely cares about everyone in Hastings.

I fully support Wendy’s bid for Mayor to carry on the great work she is doing for our community.”

Eileen Lawson with short brown hair, brown two-tone jacket and white pants seated at a cafe table in the Hastings city centre

Eileen Lawson

Former Hastings District Councillor (worked alongside Wendy 2018 - 2025)

“I had the privilege of working alongside Wendy Schollum on Hastings District Council for two terms. Her business background is evident in the way she approaches complex issues. She’s analytical, focused, and always willing to dig into the detail. She holds the line on unnecessary spending, while never losing sight of the long‑term needs of our community.

Hastings needs leadership that is values‑driven, fiscally responsible, and relentlessly focused on the future. I have no hesitation in endorsing Wendy to be our next Mayor.”

Sukhdeep Singh Khaira wearing a red turban, gray suit jacket with lapel pins, white shirt, black tie with red patterns, smiling outdoors with blurred trees in background.

Sukhdeep Singh Khaira

Justice of the Peace and Multicultural Advisory Group member (alongside Wendy)

“I’m proud to endorse Wendy Schollum for her campaign to become Mayor of Hastings.

Whether it was standing alongside us during the Vape-Free Kids protest or leading as Chair of the Multicultural Advisory Group… she has consistently shown up with purpose and compassion.”

Korrin Barrett with short blonde hair, smiling, sitting at a wooden table with a laptop, mouse, and robotic arm, in a room with abstract art on the wall behind her.

Korrin Barrett

Disability Advocate | Resilience Speaker | President, Amputees Federation of NZ | Board Member, Adaptive Whakauru Tahi Trust | Hastings Disability Reference Group member (alongside Wendy)

“Wendy doesn’t just talk about change, she leads it… She brings a rare blend of strategic thinking and compassion, and I’ve seen first-hand how deeply she cares about building a more accessible and inclusive Hastings for everyone.

Wendy’s vision is bold, her leadership is proven, and her heart is firmly in the right place. I wholeheartedly back her to lead our city forward.”

Ron Wilkins wearing glasses and a grey polo shirt smiling at the camera, indoors with a light-colored room and curtains in the background.

Ron Wilkins

Positive Ageing Trust board member (alongside Wendy since 2018)

“Wendy has my full support to be the next Mayor of Hastings. She truly understands the challenges seniors face, and she cares deeply about ensuring their voices are heard.

I’ve seen her fight for accessible housing, shine a light on elder abuse, and lead the Positive Ageing Trust Hawke's Bay with strength, purpose, and sound judgement about what really matters.”

Peleti Oli

Former Flaxmere Ward Councillor (serving alongside Wendy 2019 - 2022)

“Wendy is what a good leader looks like. She is open to different voices and makes sure they’re heard.

This new council will have more change than ever before. They need someone like Wendy who knows how to lead and bring out the best in others by helping them learn. This is why I think Wendy should be our next Mayor.”

Rohan Pearse wearing a suit and tie smiling outdoors, with blurred background of a building and some greenery.

Rohan Pearse

Frimley School principal

“Wendy cares, she does the mahi, and she achieves great things for all in Heretaunga.

When choosing our next Mayor, we need someone who understands the real-world impact of council decisions, can work effectively with central government, and has the determination to ensure growth benefits everyone. Wendy is that person.”

Keelan Heesterman with short, messy hair wearing glasses and a zip-up jacket, smiling at the camera in an outdoor setting near a house with a backyard.

Keelan Heesterman

Hastings Youth Council chairman 2021

“Wendy has a genuine desire to uplift the voices of youth and was able to expertly guide us through complex council issues, which empowered our involvement in submissions.

Wendy has a clear track record of standing up for young people and working to embed future-focused and youth-led thinking in everything council does.”