The Foodeast Haumako board and team are deeply saddened by the death of Hastings District Council chief executive To’osavili Nigel Bickle.
Foodeast Haumako chair Nicky Solomon said Nigel had been a firm supporter and a good friend to Foodeast Haumako, a council-controlled organisation established to connect, grow and accelerate food, beverage and agritech innovation in Hawke’s Bay.
“Nigel knew what economic development meant for this region. It was about jobs, growth, investment and vibrancy, but also about people and creating opportunities for our communities. That sits at the heart of Foodeast Haumako’s kaupapa.
“Nigel backed the vision for Foodeast Haumako and saw the benefits of bringing industry, research, government and business together.
“He was one of those people who got things done. He had the relationships, the drive and the ability to get the right people around the table and keep things moving.”
Foodeast Haumako chief executive Michael Bassett-Foss said Nigel’s contribution went well beyond the organisation. “Over his years leading Hastings District Council, Nigel was a champion for economic development and for the infrastructure, partnerships and ideas needed to support jobs and growth across the region.
“He knew the importance of the food, beverage and primary sectors, and the need to keep strengthening capability, encouraging innovation and creating more opportunities here in Hawke’s Bay.”
The Foodeast Haumako board and team extend their deepest sympathies to Nigel’s family, friends and colleagues.