About Jenny
Candidate Statement
Make me your number one choice for an affordable, vibrant, and future-ready city.
I’m standing for East Ward because I care about our community. I offer leadership that listens and delivers, backed by a plan.
I’ll introduce financial dashboards to make council spending transparent. Every dollar spent or saved will be tracked, with its impact shown in real time.
I’ll use my procurement experience to push for a 10-year debt reduction plan. And a balanced budget. Not by cutting services. But by reducing costs. Using sharper contracts. And teaming up with other councils.
I hold a Master’s in Anthropology and bring 16 years of experience across central and local government. I currently serve as Chair of Community Waikato and Co-Chair of the Waikato Intercultural Fund.
I also run a small family business and know what our city needs.
I’ll deliver, by working with you. Make me your number one choice.
Candidate Profile Questions
1. What would be your top three priorities for Council the next three years?
My three priorities are:
Smart, Strategic Growth
Future-proof Hamilton with practical actions.
- Invest in water infrastructure to prevent water crises.
- Modernise procurement to support local suppliers and improve value.
- Revitalise the CBD to boost business and community vibrancy.
- Leverage our Golden Triangle location to fuel economic growth.
Transparent & Responsible Leadership
Drive financial discipline, and deliver long-term value.
- Push for a 10-year debt-managed strategy. Balance the books, while protecting public services.
- Provide clear, accessible financial dashboards for community oversight.
Inclusive Communities & Sustainable Futures
We thrive when everyone belongs.
- Build partnerships with mana whenua and celebrate cultural diversity.
- Protect our natural environment for future generations.
- Champion secure online voting to make local elections more accessible.
2. What is your aspiration for Hamilton Kirikiriroa?
My aspiration for Hamilton City is to build a liveable, affordable, and well-connected urban city.
Affordable
Hamilton must remain within reach for everyday people. We must ensure we don’t price out young people, families, and retirees who call this city home. Fiscal discipline and smart infrastructure planning will protect ratepayers, keep housing attainable, and support a city that grows without leaving its people behind.
Liveable
A liveable Hamilton means protecting the natural environment, investing in clean drinking water, and maintaining infrastructure that lasts. Our community facilities must be well maintained. Diversity will be celebrated, and mana whenua will help shape decisions that reflect our shared values.
Well-Connected
Hamilton’s place in the Golden Triangle unlocks opportunity. Technology will improve services, strengthen civic engagement, and streamline daily life. Smarter transport and planning will connect people to jobs, education, and each other—building a city that’s practical, inclusive, and bold.
3. How do you think Council could best use opportunities to meet the key challenges we are facing?
Building strong community trust and confidence is a key opportunity for Council today. By rising to the challenge of today’s cost-of-living pressures, Council can strengthen connections with families and businesses through greater transparency and openness. When people clearly understand where their money is going, they feel more engaged and empowered.
The path forward is to make financial and community impact data accessible, user-friendly, and easy to understand. Council can build trust by:
- Introducing clear financial dashboards that show exactly how funding is invested.
- Mapping the impact of every investment across our community.
- Providing transparent, up-to-date information on debt and spending every quarter.
- Communicating in plain language that everyone can follow.
This approach goes beyond a technical upgrade, it represents a cultural shift toward openness, clarity, and shared empowerment, bringing Council and community closer together.
4. If there was one thing you could change about Hamilton Kirikiriroa immediately, what would it be?
Money alone cannot solve all our problems. While adequate funding is essential, true progress often comes from rethinking how we work and deliver services.
In many cases, the key isn’t just spending more, but working smarter and collaborating more effectively.
If I could make a change, I would introduce shared services. Partnering with neighbouring councils to deliver certain functions together. By pooling resources and expertise, we can reduce duplication, negotiate better deals, and provide higher quality services at lower cost. This approach ensures our expenditure delivers real value for ratepayers, protects essential public services, and frees up funds for investing in the things that matter most to our communities. Shared services are about innovation, efficiency, and building stronger, more resilient councils that are prepared for the future.
5. What qualities would you bring to Council that will help our city thrive?
I bring leadership and practical skills to help our city thrive. I work well with others, know how to negotiate, and build consensus. I’m not afraid to have honest and tough conversations when needed. My leadership style listens, learns, and isn’t afraid to say, “I made a mistake.” I lead with integrity, communicate clearly, and stay adaptable in changing situations.
Running a family business and managing procurement and contracts in my day job has given me valuable financial knowledge that will benefit this role. I understand how local government can operate efficiently. My experience in both local and central government provides insight into how public services work and how decisions affect people.
Every decision will be guided by three key questions: Is there a strong business case? Do we have the finances to support it? What is the community impact? Decisions will be balanced, evidence-driven, and focused on long-term benefit.
6. Where can voters go to learn more about you?
Social media www.facebook.com/JennyNand.Communityfocus/
Phone: 021 25 81 589