🗞️ Hamilton 2025 Local Elections: Full Candidate Lineup Revealed
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.
🏛️ Mayoral Race: 12 Candidates Compete for the Top Job
The mayoral contest is one of the most hotly watched races, with 12 candidates vying to lead Hamilton into its next chapter. Several are also standing in ward elections, signaling a deep commitment to public service.
Mayoral Candidates:
- Lily Carrington
- Rudi Du Plooy
- Jack Gielen
- Maria Huata
- Rachel Karalus
- Tim Macindoe
- John McDonald
- Roger Stratford
- Dave Taylor
- Roma Tupaea-Warred
- Sarah Thomson
- Guy Wayne Temoni-Syme
🌿 Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward: Six Voices for Indigenous Representation
The Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward offers a platform for Māori leadership and advocacy. Six candidates are standing to represent tangata whenua interests and bring cultural insight to council decisions.
Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward Candidates:
- Jarrad Gallagher
- Maria Huata
- Lawrence Jensen
- Robbie Neha
- Andrew Lewis Pope
- Jahvaya Watene Wheki
🏘️ East General Ward: A Packed Field of 30 Candidates
Hamilton’s eastern suburbs are seeing a surge of civic engagement, with 30 candidates competing for seats in the East General Ward. The field includes former MPs, current councillors, and community leaders focused on housing, transport, and youth development.
East General Ward Candidates:
- Rudi Du Plooy
- Jack Gielen
- Rachel Karalus
- Tim Macindoe
- John McDonald
- Roger Stratford
- Dave Taylor
- Guy Wayne Temoni-Syme
- Roma Tupaea-Warred
- Sarah Thomson
- Jamie Strange
- Mark Bunting
- Max Coyle
- Peter Bos
- David McPherson
- Tania Temoni-Syme
- Michael West
- Paul Barlow
- David Hallett
- Peter Humphreys
- David McLean
- John-Paul Moss
- Andrew Pope
- Steve Ruru
- David Ryan
- Dave Smith
- John Smith
- Chris Templeton
- John Vickers
- Tony Waddell
🌇 West General Ward: 15 Candidates Aim to Represent the West
The West General Ward features a mix of experienced councillors and new contenders, all focused on issues like urban development, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
West General Ward Candidates:
- Lily Carrington
- Jack Gielen
- Maria Huata
- Rachel Karalus
- Tim Macindoe
- John McDonald
- Roger Stratford
- Dave Taylor
- Roma Tupaea-Warred
- Sarah Thomson
- Angela O’Leary
- Ewan Wilson
- Martin Gallagher
- Rob Pascoe
- Mark Donovan
📍 For full candidate bios, photos, and campaign priorities, visit the official Hamilton City Council elections page.