About Marie
Candidate Statement
I’m standing for HCC because I care deeply about the future of our city. I’m a mother of three adult children - a soldier, a small business owner and a zoo keeper. I’m married to a former City Councillor and current MP. I bring both personal and political insight with life experience, strong values and a clear vision. With a background in business, I understand the importance of responsible spending. Too much money has been wasted on unnecessary things like speed bumps and ‘traffic calming’. I’m committed to wise investment in infrastructure that supports long term economic growth and job opportunities. We need a council that prioritises outcomes over optics and ensures every decision delivers real benefits for our community. I have the time, energy and drive to be a full-time, hands-on councillor. I’m ready to help build a lean and efficient council. Please vote Marie Number 1.
Candidate Profile Questions
1. What would be your top three priorities for Council the next three years?
Wise Investing - Hamilton’s debt is spiralling at 1.2 billon, this needs urgent attention bringing things back under control. Ratepayers are being stretched and I believe Council needs to live within its means. I’ll stand for wise spending on infrastructure needed for housing and growth and push for clear transparent financial decisions. Unnecessary things like speed bumps and In-lane bus stops show we’ve lost focus.
Growth and Jobs - Hamilton is growing and is the fastest growing city in New Zealand. We need infrastructure to match this growth. I will push for infrastructure upgrades that supports growth, attract businesses and create job opportunities. I can bring this to Hamilton City Council with my practical business experience. I want to build a stronger economy for your future that makes daily life easier not harder. Cut most of the red tape as this costs too much time and money.
2. What is your aspiration for Hamilton Kirikiriroa?
We are the fastest growing city in New Zealand. With this comes a lot of growth challenges but also massive opportunities. We’re in the golden triangle, We’ve got the green light for the medical school at the University. We need to continue to support our hotel developments which augment the great development conference capacity of Claudelands. We are now having international fights between Gold Coast and Sydney. The Hamilton Gardens and our amazing Zoo, these attractions bring people into the city. We are poised for ongoing success but need the right council to see this through. We have got to have the capacity to hold them for a few nights and support the type of vitality and attractiveness that will retain people in the city, boost our visitor and economic spend. This will ensure our city is sought after for business, investment and a place to live and grow old.
3. How do you think Council could best use opportunities to meet the key challenges we are facing?
Hamilton needs to grip up the opportunities around funding, financing and off balance sheet solutions to support the much needed infrastructure deficits and investments we need to make to get the much needed infrastructure we need for housing and commercial growth. We have to do things differently to get different results and we have a government looking reforming our resource management act which has made it too hard to just get something done and built in this country, and has been a hand break on our economy. This will provide new opportunities to unlock growth and development and undergird our economy and prosperity as a growing city. This will mean more opportunities and employment for our people and children.
4. If there was one thing you could change about Hamilton Kirikiriroa immediately, what would it be?
I would want to see the CBD back to being busy, where the shops and business are thriving. That we have some pride for our city, clean, safe footpaths, easier parking. Retail shops taking pride and have the shop fronts painted and restored. Where all people feel safe to walk the streets and it’s a community of economic growth where everyone is thriving.
5. What qualities would you bring to Council that will help our city thrive?
I believe in common-sense leadership, financial responsibility, transparency. I think its time for practical experienced leadership on council that know how to manage money, listen and get things done. As a parent who’s raised my children, built a life rooted in hard work and community, I’m at a stage where I can fully dedicate time, energy and experience to serving Hamilton. With a strong foundation in both life and business, I’m ready to step up and represent our city with focus, and commitment. For the past 16 years I’ve owned and operated local businesses with over 20 staff including a homeware/florist and a cleaning business alongside my husband with franchises in Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland. This has taught me the value of hard work, smart budgeting and the importance of backing your people. I’ll bring that same approach to Council with cutting waste, managing debt and focusing on what matters.
6. Where can voters go to learn more about you?
Social Media:
Phone: 021 389 897
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