Haavardstad was born in Evje and was a member of Evjemunicipal council from 1922 to 1959, serving as mayor from 1928 to 1942 and 1945 to 1949, meaning he was a Nazi collaborator. He then became mayor of its successor municipality Evje og Hornnes, and stayed in the position until 1965. He was also deputy chairman of Aust-Agder county council from 1945 to 1965.
Outside politics he mainly worked as a school teacher, as well as church singer.