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.”

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.

There is so much that she does behind the scenes that many don't get to see, like working tirelessly to connect new housing developments with local education and health providers – ensuring the future success of whānau.”

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.”

Henare O’Keefe with a big smile, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and a ribbon pin on his lapel, posing against a white background.

Henare O’Keefe

Former Hastings District councillor and Hastings Ambassador

“Wendy’s enthusiasm and ability to articulate her way through, at times, a complex web of council demands, has stood our community in good stead.

This coupled with her care of people is what's needed as we move forward into the future.”

Sacha van den Berg with dark hair tied up, wearing a pink shirt, against a plain white background.

Sacha van den Berg

Creative Communities Assessor (alongside Wendy from 2019 to 2022)

“Wendy shows you what can be expected from and delivered by your councillors.
A passionate advocate for Hastings, she is often out and about working in the community.

Wendy is committed to seeing the arts thrive, she is a wāhine who gets things done while still maintaining a solid moral compass.”

Annie Heast a middle-aged woman with curly blonde hair, pink earrings, wearing a black top, against a plain background.

Annie Heast

Edible Fashion Awards chairperson (working alongside Wendy 2018 - 2021)

“Wendy is a remarkable woman with an excellent understanding of governance and risk.

Her high levels of expertise, enthusiasm and energy inspire her colleagues and it is a delight to hear her managing the trickiest situations with skill, kindness, and business expertise.”

Michal McKay with short brown hair and pearl earrings smiling and leaning on a cream-colored sofa in a warmly lit room with decorative lamps and glass perfume bottles in the background.

Michal McKay

Former Culture & Lifestyle Editor BAYBUZZ and Edible Fashion Awards board member (alongside Wendy 2018 - 2021)

“Wendy’s passion for the arts is strongly apparent. Her contribution to the development of the Edible Awards is invaluable – ensuring its growth assists in that of the cultural elements of Hastings.

She gets answers because she is approachable. And an achiever. Her skills in bringing the best out of a group allow her as a councillor to work closely within the community. And achieve results.”