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Ruakura Project will Unlock Colossal Benefits for our City

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Te Whakakitenga o Waikato Chair Parekawhia McLean and I at the announcement this morning....

Community funds more than 19,000 plants for Waiwhakareke

From left to right: Hamilton City Council Community Planting Coordinator Gerard Kelly, Environment Committee Deputy Chair Sarah Thomson, Wintec Kaumatua Tame Pokaia, Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate, Dr Kiri Wallace of the University of Waikato, Tui 2000 President Lynne Garnham and the Council’s General Manager Community, Lance Vervoort, at the 2020 Arbor Day commemorative planting at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park....

Positive Environmental Outcomes for Hamilton

Hamilton City Council has ensured that sustainability and strong environmental outcomes are front and centre as we push to secure a share of the Government stimulus package aimed at creating jobs and keeping New Zealand's economy moving. One project we are promoting is the fast-tracking of  25 hectares of gully-planting and stormwater improvements at Peacocke.  This would include turning wastewater pipes across gullies into dual-purpose cycling and pedestrian bridges. We’re also aski...

COVID-19 : We are working hard to support Hamilton through lockdown and beyond.

Hamilton City Council recently announced phase one of a two-phase recovery plan for our city so we can support and rebuild Hamilton after COVID-19. Phase one provided $1 million for social services, authorised early payments to suppliers, approved consent fees relief and refunds and signed off on development contributions relief and support for small to medium size businesses. We also agreed to fund an emergency response effort and to waive rent for community groups, sports clubs and other busin...

End of year reflections and Seasons Greetings!

It has certainly been a very busy two months since I was elected as Mayor but also a very productive time. My first focus was on establishing a strong team to represent you. Working alongside my elected colleagues, I established five committees with Chairs and Deputy Chairs who are excited to get stuck into their work alongside you. I am excited about what the 12 community leaders that you elected can achieve, and invite you to contact them with your ideas and issues.  Most of them have fac...

Love & care for our natural environment

I love our natural environment; the river corridor, our gullies, parks and special green spaces. I believe green spaces are vital to the wellbeing of a city. That does not make me a 'greenie', whatever that means. It does make me someone who cares about both the environment and the wellbeing of our city. International studies show that cities that have green spaces are healthier and more liveable cities. I am not asking for lots of money to find extra green space for the city. I am suggesting we...

Hamilton: A cycle city?

Hamilton is a relatively flat city with reasonable weather. On the face of it, ideal for cycling? Interestingly, global studies show that weather is not a key issue in determining the popularity of cycling in a city. In Ubrecht there is a saying: 'you are not made of sugar', meaning you won’t melt, so can ride in the rain. The key factors are infrastructure and safety. Having dedicated cycle lanes is a start, but protected cycle lanes are best practice. Surface, lighting and safe places to loc...

Working hard in Wellington for Hamilton and NZ.

Here is a snap shot of the work I do in Wellington for Local Government NZ and Hamilton.1. Policy advisory group selected by the National Council (including President of Local Government). This group of senior elected members provides guidance and policy on issues such as; water, housing, climate, productivity to both Government and the Local Government across the country. 2. I chaired the organising committee that designs and runs the Local Government Conference. We recently had a very successf...

Hamilton: A great place to work

My vision is to see both Hamilton and the wider Waikato thrive. Hamilton has a huge location advantage. With key transport routes, links to ports and strong access to natural resources we are ideally placed to develop further as a key economic hub for NZ and a great place to work, live, and play.  All three aspects are important to attract and retain the talented workforce we need. Employment, incomes, access to education, housing, transport, technology and natural resources determine ...

"As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life"

Quite simply, the arts are life-enhancing, entertaining and define our personal and local identities. Research shows that cities that emphasise art possess more civic and social engagement and better community wellbeing. The arts create social offerings - openness and places for people to meet each other, creating a feeling that people in the community care about each other. It is part of placemaking. Art gets people talking. It is also good for the economy. Locals support theatres, galleries an...

Encouraging and embracing women for council

As a woman who has been in local government politics for over 18 years, I am 100% behind the movement to get more women in council. This does not diminish the contribution of my male colleagues, it complements it. In my time, I have experienced the good, the bad and the ugly of being a woman in this predominantly male-orientated career. When I began, I had young children and faced the same expressed concerns as I hear on the campaign trail this time: “can you manage your family (children) and ...

Enabling affordable, quality housing for all

Like other fast-growing cities, Hamilton continues to feel the effects of a housing shortage. In July the median house price was $590,000 and 280 sold. None, of course, sold under $300,000. Compared to when I bought my first wee home 28 years ago, it is much harder for people to step into their first home and it is difficult to find rentals. Both my mum and daughter moved houses last weekend. Several times, my daughter has faced the struggles of high-demand rentals and has grappled with the...