About Horiana
Candidate Statement
Hamilton Kirikiriroa is an incredible city. It's my home, and I want to see it thrive. I'm standing for Council because we need leadership that listens to the people and acts with care and integrity.
I bring experience as a multimedia journalist, former Wintec tutor, academic administrator, Voyager Media Awards finalist - and as a mum. For years, I've pushed for stronger financial management to reduce our city's growing debt and reliance on rates increases.
I've spoken with renters, homeowners, business owners, and local experts to understand our city's needs. A message rang clear: Council decisions are causing hardship. That's unacceptable.
We can do better - and we must. If elected, I'll prioritise keeping water accessible by scrutinising the new CCO, review the city's financial direction to keep rates affordable, oppose the endless speedbumps, and push to revitalise our CBD.
Vote Horiana Henderson for East Ward.
Get in touch: HorianaforCouncil.com
Candidate Profile Questions
1. What would be your top three priorities for Council the next three years?
Financial Responsibility
Hamilton families are feeling the pressure of rising rates and council debt. We need smart spending and financial planning that saves. That means cutting waste, focusing on core services, and scrutinising Council’s financial direction—including the new water Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) and any future ones. Financial transparency and accountability must improve.
Smarter Streets, Not More Speedbumps
Our streets should be safe, practical, and easy to navigate. Hamiltonians are frustrated with excessive speedbumps and poorly placed in-lane bus stops that slow traffic, delay emergency response, and add to city debt. Install what’s needed. Stop what’s not.
Revitalising the CBD: 2 Hours Free Parking
The heart of Hamilton city should be vibrant and easy to access and enjoy. Bringing back two hours of free parking to the CBD would encourage people to shop, dine, support local businesses and spend time there.
2. What is your aspiration for Hamilton Kirikiriroa?
My aspiration for Hamilton Kirikiriroa is simple: a city that works for its people. That means keeping rates affordable, delivering the core services we rely on, and making sound financial decisions that safeguard our future.
We need homes built where families want to live, an economy that rewards hard work, and local businesses that have the confidence to grow.
We have huge opportunities with projects like the Inland Port and Medical School—let’s leverage them to attract lasting jobs, investment and innovation to our city.
Most of all, we need a council we can trust—one that is open, accountable, and careful with every dollar.
With the right priorities, Hamilton can remain affordable, support opportunity, and build a strong foundation for the next generation.
3. How do you think Council could best use opportunities to meet the key challenges we are facing?
Our local economy needs support. We should maximise on opportunities like with the Inland Port and the new Medical School and work to attract other industries that will create jobs, investment in Hamilton and boost our economy.
Housing in new our growth suburbs need completing. Council should support developers with competitive but fair and feasible rates, ensuring that they continue to invest in and build here.
Public confidence in Council is also a challenge. The best opportunity to address this is by increasing transparency and accountability, and presenting a clear plan to reduce debt and build surpluses without cutting essential services or imposing unaffordable costs on ratepayers.
4. If there was one thing you could change about Hamilton Kirikiriroa immediately, what would it be?
I would energise the CBD. Thriving local businesses and busy streets signal a city that listens and delivers. Restoring free parking is a simple, practical step to bring people back, support commerce, and create a welcoming heart for Hamiltonians and visitors alike. A strong CBD strengthens the whole city.
5. What qualities would you bring to Council that will help our city thrive?
This is the 6th time I have run for Council, so persistence and resilience are qualities I’ve had to develop! Over the past 7 years my message has remained constant: Council decisions affect the daily lives of Hamiltonians and those that represent us need to understand those impacts. I have also been consistent in calling for responsible financial management and authentic engagement with communities.
My background in multimedia journalism, academic administration, tutoring, and hospitality has equipped me to analyse complex issues and communicate them clearly. I am approachable, listen to diverse voices, and focus on practical solutions.
I am actively involved in volunteer work in the community as well as being on the organising committee for an annual arts event in the city.
With empathy, insight, and determination, I aim to bring transparency, accountability, and cost-conscious decision-making to Council, keeping Hamilton affordable and thriving.
6. Where can voters go to learn more about you?
Website: https://horianaforcouncil.com/
Email: horianaforcouncil@gmail.com
Content supplied by candidate.