Mr Hayes left this week for a five-week holiday in Europe with his wife after participating in all organised campaign events.
In a statement dated Tuesday, September 21, the former deputy mayor and councillor said he had on August 12 announced he and his wife had earlier booked an overseas holiday.
"Now that campaigning is done, I am taking that holiday and will arrive home refreshed and have no distractions when I take up office," he said.
"Also ... I have made myself available for all organised electoral meetings and to speak with any community groups or individuals throughout the past six weeks."
Mayoral rival Michael Scott, a roading network inspector, said yesterday he was "shocked" when he found out about Mr Hayes' absence on Wednesday."
"If he's organised this trip well before he decided to go in the campaign, it's probably an area where family comes first. I probably agree with him in that regard.
Mr Scott said it was a shame Mr Hayes had begun "throwing stones" by claiming another candidate, Vanessa van Uden, had conflicts of interest and criticising Mr Scott over earlier comments he made in support of selling up to 49.99% of Queenstown Airport shares, during the public candidates' forum in Frankton last Sunday.
However, Cr van Uden said yesterday Mr Hayes had announced at the start of the election campaign he was going overseas, so it was not a shock to her.
But she had not known the specific dates and the length of time he would be away after the election results were due took her by surprise.
"Simon had a commitment - it was up to him to make the decision about the commitment. It's a personal choice."
When asked if Mr Hayes' absence would benefit her campaign, Ms van Uden said people would make up their own minds - she was committed to the job.
When asked if his absence made her response difficult to his allegations of her conflicts of interest, made at the Frankton meeting, Ms van Uden said she did have the privilege of responding at the meeting and had cleared up the matter.
Before he left, Mr Hayes told the Mountain Scene newspaper he had made plans in February for the trip with wife Ngaire, who has battled cancer.
"At the time, I had no intention of standing for the mayoralty. I could have reconsidered but the money that had been pre-paid, that would have been a total loss and I don't think that's financially prudent," he said.
