Getting things done through challenging times
We are making positive progress
I am a strong and collaborative leader who knows to get things done, I must build strong teams and work closely with others.
Under my leadership, Hamilton had a positive and unified council that has made impressive progress for our city, despite the challenging times.
We are building more homes, supporting our business community and revitalising our city centre. We are caring for our communities and looking after our city assets. We are tackling climate change and we are making progress towards a safer and more efficient transport system.
I am a positive, and determined, advocate and ambassador for our city locally, nationally, and internationally. Hamilton deserves a stable and professional team that works hard for them.
Click on the headings below to see a few examples of the successes and achievements in the past three years during my time as Mayor.
We are working towards a safer city
• In partnership with the Police, I established the Safest City Taskforce to set the priorities and actions for Council’s contribution to creating a safer city alongside our wider communities.
•My efforts ensured that new city projects or redevelopments incorporate Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. This includes the redevelopment of the Transport Centre.
•We are working with Police and the University of Waikato to determine the best use of tools such as bollards, cameras, steering locks, and community action, to reduce crime.
•We are developing an online digital platform for crime prevention conversations with our wider community.
•I have strongly lobbied the Government for greater funding for crime prevention action in our city, not just Auckland, and more Police resourcing (equipment and personnel) for Hamilton. This work will continue.
•I wrote to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and Minister Tinetti to advocate for much needed resourcing for our fire service in our fast-growing city. This work will continue.
•My efforts ensured that new city projects or redevelopments incorporate Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. This includes the redevelopment of the Transport Centre.
•We are working with Police and the University of Waikato to determine the best use of tools such as bollards, cameras, steering locks, and community action, to reduce crime.
•We are developing an online digital platform for crime prevention conversations with our wider community.
•I have strongly lobbied the Government for greater funding for crime prevention action in our city, not just Auckland, and more Police resourcing (equipment and personnel) for Hamilton. This work will continue.
•I wrote to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and Minister Tinetti to advocate for much needed resourcing for our fire service in our fast-growing city. This work will continue.
We are supporting business and the Economy
• We are supporting our growing and innovative Tech Sector through Cultivate IT, and other initiatives, to grow career opportunities and showcase our talents to the world.
•We secured $40M of Government Covid Stimulus funding to unlock the development of the Ruakura Superhub that has attracted international logistics giants Maersk and Kmart.
•We successfully attracted the Fifa Womens’ World Cup, the ICC Womens’ International Cricket, Te Pukenga Head Office and the national Criminal Convictions Court to come to Hamilton.
•We have begun work on some exciting options for the redevelopment of Council owned property in the inner city and opposite Claudelands Globox Arena. This is creating opportunity for inner city living, hotels and commerce all of which is much needed for our city to thrive.
•We secured $12M Government funding for the Waikato Regional Theatre with construction due to be complete by June 2024.
•Hamilton was placed 21 in the Smart City Governments Rankings by Eden Strategy Institute (2021), reflecting the successful integration of digital technology, knowledge, and assets to improve city services.
•We secured $40M of Government Covid Stimulus funding to unlock the development of the Ruakura Superhub that has attracted international logistics giants Maersk and Kmart.
•We successfully attracted the Fifa Womens’ World Cup, the ICC Womens’ International Cricket, Te Pukenga Head Office and the national Criminal Convictions Court to come to Hamilton.
•We have begun work on some exciting options for the redevelopment of Council owned property in the inner city and opposite Claudelands Globox Arena. This is creating opportunity for inner city living, hotels and commerce all of which is much needed for our city to thrive.
•We secured $12M Government funding for the Waikato Regional Theatre with construction due to be complete by June 2024.
•Hamilton was placed 21 in the Smart City Governments Rankings by Eden Strategy Institute (2021), reflecting the successful integration of digital technology, knowledge, and assets to improve city services.
We are revitalising our City Centre and Riverside Experience
•We refreshed the CBD jetty to a create fabulous new stunning jetty to support river tourism.
•Council approved a 50 per cent reduction to fees for food safety verification to support our hospitality sector though Covid restrictions.
•I successfully pushed the Government to release us from the red covid restrictions earlier than intended.
•I also strongly promoted the “Love Local” campaign to support our local food and goods producers during covid to keep them afloat.
• We also supported the Hamilton Central Business District Association with great work they do, including events.
• Council began collaborating with developers, funders, iwi and the community to create the fabulous riverside water sports and community centre in Grantham Street (Te Aranui).
• Council agreed funding for essential renewals and improvements to our museum including improving our river side entry. This will enable us to have the best quality arts and artifact exhibitions.
• And we have made a bold bid for $300M+ Government Infrastructure Acceleration Funding to unlock affordable housing and community in our Central City, and the good news is the Government is favourable to our bid. We are still in the running!
•Council approved a 50 per cent reduction to fees for food safety verification to support our hospitality sector though Covid restrictions.
•I successfully pushed the Government to release us from the red covid restrictions earlier than intended.
•I also strongly promoted the “Love Local” campaign to support our local food and goods producers during covid to keep them afloat.
• We also supported the Hamilton Central Business District Association with great work they do, including events.
• Council began collaborating with developers, funders, iwi and the community to create the fabulous riverside water sports and community centre in Grantham Street (Te Aranui).
• Council agreed funding for essential renewals and improvements to our museum including improving our river side entry. This will enable us to have the best quality arts and artifact exhibitions.
• And we have made a bold bid for $300M+ Government Infrastructure Acceleration Funding to unlock affordable housing and community in our Central City, and the good news is the Government is favourable to our bid. We are still in the running!
We are restoring and nurturing our special green spaces and environment
• Council has completed the development of the Climate Policy, Strategy and action plan. This was recently adopted. The good news is many actions are already underway.
•Through the Long Term Plan Council made a bigger than ever commitment of 29M over 10 years to the restoration of our gullies and special natural spaces.
•We also secured $2.2M from the Central Government which led to restoration progress and stormwater improvement on our riverside walks and in Mangaiti gully while new providing jobs.
•And we have put a greater focus on the transition to low carbon transport with over $60m committed for walking, cycling and mode shift choices.
And we diverted over 325000kg of food waste and 547000kg of mixed recycling from landfill through kerbside recycling.
•Through the Long Term Plan Council made a bigger than ever commitment of 29M over 10 years to the restoration of our gullies and special natural spaces.
•We also secured $2.2M from the Central Government which led to restoration progress and stormwater improvement on our riverside walks and in Mangaiti gully while new providing jobs.
•And we have put a greater focus on the transition to low carbon transport with over $60m committed for walking, cycling and mode shift choices.
And we diverted over 325000kg of food waste and 547000kg of mixed recycling from landfill through kerbside recycling.
We are building good infrastructure for a strong future
•We completed the Peacocke Wastewater Transfer Station under budget and on time. The project contractors CB Civil were awarded the Supreme Award at the CCNZ (Civil Construction) Waikato Awards.
•We also completed and opened the final stretch of the Hamilton City Ring Road.
•We secured $40m Government Stimulus Funding for the Ruakura Superhub (road and water infrastructure).
•Council invested $1.07M into the redevelopment of the Fairfield Hall. This is under construction and will deliver quality community space for Te Whare o Te Ata (Community House) and wider community.
•I was a strong champion for refreshing our amazing Zoo. We now have a wonderful new entrance, cafe and playground and soon to be completed safer entrance precinct and connection to Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.
• We worked with the local community to design the local Rototuna Village Hub, Library and Community facilities which are currently under construction.
•And we continued to invest in sports facilities, drainage and lighting, changing and toilet facilities across the city.
•We also completed and opened the final stretch of the Hamilton City Ring Road.
•We secured $40m Government Stimulus Funding for the Ruakura Superhub (road and water infrastructure).
•Council invested $1.07M into the redevelopment of the Fairfield Hall. This is under construction and will deliver quality community space for Te Whare o Te Ata (Community House) and wider community.
•I was a strong champion for refreshing our amazing Zoo. We now have a wonderful new entrance, cafe and playground and soon to be completed safer entrance precinct and connection to Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.
• We worked with the local community to design the local Rototuna Village Hub, Library and Community facilities which are currently under construction.
•And we continued to invest in sports facilities, drainage and lighting, changing and toilet facilities across the city.
We are improving how we engage with you
•The engagement of the public on our long-term plan was lifted by 160%.
•We had record engagement numbers through our social media channels and at the “Your Neighbourhood” events.
•A dedicated transformation team was set up to tackle digital and customer service improvements. We improved our website and installed new software to simplify and automate manual and repetitive processes and improved the Antenno App so that you can easily report your concerns.
•We had record engagement numbers through our social media channels and at the “Your Neighbourhood” events.
•A dedicated transformation team was set up to tackle digital and customer service improvements. We improved our website and installed new software to simplify and automate manual and repetitive processes and improved the Antenno App so that you can easily report your concerns.
No Mayor can succeed on their own, they need a good team, to tap into the skills of others and the voices of the community. I’ve supported a great team to get things done and I’ve spent time in our community to listen, understand and support our people.
And there is plenty of other good news in the city, thanks to the efforts of our Council team. I am proud to have been part of that great work.
- The Hamilton Expressway was opened and he final section of Hamilton Ring Road was also completed.
- An award winning wastewater transfer station was built in Peacocke on time and under budget.
- NZ’s first fully inclusive playground for people of ALL abilities was approved for Claudelands.
- The International Womens’ Cricket came to Hamilton and the FIFA Womens' World Cup is on its way here thanks to our strong pitch and hard work.
- The Climate Change Policy and Climate Action Plan was created and adopted.
- Youth engagement was boosted by working with schools which led to more youth voices in our decision making.
- 14,000 Arbor Day trees were planted and significant Government funding secured for our gullies.
- We improved the Chimpanzee enclosure at Zoo, built a brand new entrance, cafe and play space.
- The Pan Pacific Hub got underway and will be complete later this year.
- We renewed the Mahoe and Zoo playgrounds and others.
- 3 new themed gardens were completed at the Hamilton Gardens including NZ's only authentic Egyptian Garden.
- Hamiltonians generously supported our Tongan and Ukrainian people in times of need.
- Hamilton was named "Most Beautiful Big City" by Keep NZ Beautiful
- The International Ambassador study tour was successfully hosted by us in partnership with Te Waka generating positive interest in our economy and opportunities.
- Rabobank head office came to Hamilton in part of just one the exciting commercial developments, Union Square.
- Tech Week successfully showcased the Tech sector in the city and the Cultivate IT website was re-invigorated to attract and support Tech business in during Covid..
- Hamilton City Council has been internationally recognised for an innovative transport project in the 2022 IDC Smart City Asia/Pacific Awards, that maps and monitors our transport system in real time.
