Message from the Mayor
Hamilton is a city with big aspirations, and it’s my responsibility to ensure we pursue them in a way that is practical, fair, and financially responsible. Over recent months, I’ve listened to residents, and worked with councillors and staff to understand what matters most to our community. The result is The Mayor’s Plan 2025–2028 — a clear lens through which we will approach every decision and action. This plan doesn’t replace our existing strategies; it strengthens them by balancing ambition with pragmatism, ensuring transparency and care for every part of our city. It sets out seven guiding themes that reflect your priorities and our commitment as governors. My goal is simple: to give Hamiltonians confidence that we are listening and delivering what our city needs, now and for the future - efficiently, responsibly, and sustainably.
Mayor Tim Macindoe
11 December 2025
Sensible, cost-effective infrastracture
Our infrastructure needs to operate effectively and deliver value for money.
There will be no unnecessary projects, and we will set high standards for the infrastructure we build without ‘gold plating’ anything.
We will…
- Scrutinise projects to make sure they are necessary and fit‑for‑purpose
- Limit unpopular projects such as inlane bus stops and raised platforms
- Look after the assets we already have
- Set clear expectations for IAWAI Flowing Waters
Grow with balance
We need to plan and develop the city pragmatically, leaving no suburb behind.
We are committed to striking the right balance between caring for the current city, planning for the future, and protecting our environment.
We will…
- Enable development where it is most likely to happen – but not at the expense of the environment or existing areas
- Maintain our roads and footpaths
- Invest in older suburbs
- Consider the ‘whole of life’ costs to make sure we can afford to look after new investments
A central city to be proud of
The central city should be the heart of Hamilton Kirikiriroa, connected to the rest of the city and reflecting a city our size.
We are committed to making it an appealing place that attracts people to live, work, and visit.
We will…
- Enable more people to live in the central city
- Make the central city more attractive so people want to spend time there
- Actively support tourism, events, conferences, and recreation activities
- Connect the central city to other key destinations, making it easy to get around
- Reconsider how we manage parking
- Work with businesses that add to a quality central city offering
City places and services that work for people
Our community has invested in and expects public spaces and services that contribute to Hamilton’s attractive lifestyle.
We will make sure these are delivered to meet our city’s needs in a way that is as cost-effective and efficient as possible.
We will…
- Deliver and maintain an efficient network of city facilities that people need and value
- Make sure all parts of Hamilton have appropriate access to the spaces, places and services they need
- Ensure the services people value are cost‑effective and efficient, so we can keep delivering them
- Work closely with our partners to deliver facilities and services
Open for business
We need to maximise opportunities for Hamilton by building on our partnerships with iwi and other investors.
We will continue to champion Hamilton’s economic progress and unlock its potential as a regional leader and national powerhouse.
We will…
- Work closely with the key business sectors that drive Hamilton’s economy
- Champion Hamilton as an economic and visitor destination of choice
- Consider appropriate support for transformative developments, such as the NZ Graduate School of Medicine at Waikato University, Ruakura Superhub and Waikato Regional Theatre
A transparent and efficient organisation
Hamiltonians expect Council to operate transparently and have processes that make it easy to deal with us.
We must find more productive ways of working to meet customer expectations and our regulatory obligations.
We will…
- Review our processes and systems to make them easier and more efficient
- Embrace technology
- Investigate opportunities for shared services with other councils
- Continue to share information openly with the public
Financial responsibility
Ratepayers are looking to Council to keep rates at a reasonable level by only spending on what’s important and getting the best deal.
Council will operate in a financially sustainable way and spend every dollar wisely.
We will…
- Lower the proposed rates rises
- Look at how rates are allocated across the city to make sure this is fair
- Review how Council uses and repays debt
- Look at how much Council spends on consultants and contractors
- Review our procurement processes
- Be financially sustainable