Hamilton 2025 Local Elections: Complete Candidate Guide
The Hamilton 2025 Local Elections are more than just a vote; they are an opportunity for change in the city.
Participation in the Hamilton 2025 Local Elections is essential for ensuring all voices are heard.
Historic Election Signals Major Change for the City
Hamilton is set for one of its most significant local elections in recent memory. With 52 candidates stepping forward across all races, the 2025 local body elections will reshape the city’s leadership. Most notably, the mayoral race is wide open following the departure of two-term incumbent Mayor Paula Southgate, attracting a crowded field of 12 contenders vying for the city’s top job.
The Hamilton 2025 Local Elections promise to be a watershed moment for the community, as residents engage in shaping their future.
The decision made in the Hamilton 2025 Local Elections regarding the Māori ward will reflect the city’s dedication to inclusivity and representation.
But there’s more on your ballot than just choosing councillors. All Hamilton voters will also participate in a binding poll on the future of the Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward. This critical vote will determine whether the city’s Māori ward continues beyond 2028 or is removed from Hamilton’s democratic structure. The outcome will have lasting consequences for representation and the city’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
Key Voting Information
Voting Period:
- Opens: Tuesday, 9 September 2025
- Closes: Saturday, 11 October 2025 at 12:00 PM (midday)
Expect a turnout that reflects the strong sentiments leading up to the Hamilton 2025 Local Elections.
Important Deadline: To ensure your vote is counted, post your ballot by Tuesday, 7 October 2025.
Voting Method: Postal voting using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.
How STV Works: Rank candidates in your order of preference. Write ‘1’ next to your most preferred candidate, ‘2’ next to your second choice, and so on. You don’t need to rank all candidates, but never use the same number twice or skip numbers in your ranking.
Maaori Ward Poll: This is a simple tick-box vote. You’ll choose either “I vote to KEEP Maaori wards” or “I vote to REMOVE Maaori wards.”
For complete information and updates, visit hamilton.govt.nz/elections2025
For insights and news related to the Hamilton 2025 Local Elections, be sure to follow local updates.
Pooti – Vote: Ngaa Kaitono – The Candidates
Mayor of Hamilton (1 position)
12 candidates are contesting the mayoralty:
- CARRINGTON, Lily
- DU PLOOY, Rudi
- GIELEN, Jack
- HUATA, Maria
- KARALUS, Rachel
- MACINDOE, Tim
- MCDONALD, John
- STRATFORD, Roger
- TAYLOR, Dave
- TEMONI-SYME, Guy Wayne
- THOMSON, Sarah
- TUPAEA-WARREN, Roma
Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward (2 councillors to be elected)
6 candidates are standing:
- GALLAGHER, Jarrad
- HUATA, Maria
- JENSEN, Lawrence
- NEHA, Robbie
- POPE, Andrew Lewis
- WHEKI, Jahvaya Watene
Note: Incumbent councillor Moko Tauariki is not seeking re-election, guaranteeing at least one new voice on the council from this ward.
East General Ward (6 councillors to be elected)
27 candidates are competing for six seats:
- DHALIWAL, Preet Raj Singh
- HASSAN, Suhair Sabah
- HENDERSON, Horiana Adrienne
- MCCONNOCHIE, Alexander Bruce
- MCDONALD, John
- VAN OOSTEN, Maxine Joy
- BROWN, Angela
- BUNTING, Ryan
- CARRINGTON, Lily
- CLARKE, Melanie
- GIELEN, Jack
- GRAY, Mark
- HUATA, Maria
- KARALUS, Rachel
- MACINDOE, Tim
- STRATFORD, Roger
- TAYLOR, Dave
- TAYLOR, Geoff
- TEMONI-SYME, Guy Wayne
- THOMSON, Sarah
- TUPAEA-WARREN, Roma
- WALKER, Toni
- WEST, Michael
- WILSON, Ewan
- YOUNG, Roderick John
- SINGH, Amardeep
- PATEL, Raj
Note: Incumbent councillor Kesh Naidoo-Rauf is not seeking re-election.
West General Ward (6 councillors to be elected)
15 candidates are standing for six positions:
- ALFORQUE, Paul
- BEVERIDGE, Matthew James Peter
- FLYGER, Mark Alexander
- GOSAI, Nidhita
- HUTT, Louise
- MACDONALD, Mesh
- MCKIE, Allan James
- MEAD, Graeme
- O’LEARY, Angela
- PIKE, Emma
- TAYLOR, Dave
- TAYLOR, Geoff
- THOMSON, Sarah
- WEST, Michael
- YOUNG, Roderick John
Note: Incumbent councillor Ewan Wilson is not seeking re-election.
What This Election Means for Hamilton
The 2025 elections represent a turning point for Hamilton. With the mayor’s office open and several experienced councillors stepping down, voters face genuine choices about the city’s future direction. The concurrent binding poll on Māori ward representation adds another layer of significance, making this one of the most consequential local elections in Hamilton’s recent history.
Make sure your voice is heard. Complete your ballot carefully, post it by 7 October, and participate in shaping Hamilton’s future.
For official candidate information, voting guides, and election updates, visit the Hamilton City Council elections website at hamilton.govt.nz/elections2025
With the countdown to the 2025 Hamilton City Council elections underway, the city is buzzing with anticipation. A total of 52 candidates have thrown their hats into the ring, each hoping to shape the future of one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing urban centres. From seasoned councillors to passionate newcomers, the field spans four key races: Mayor, Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward, East General Ward, and West General Ward.
All candidate profiles, including photos and campaign statements, are available on the Hamilton City Council Elections 2025 page.