The candidates

Matthew Small

As a 23-year-old disability support worker, I think it’s vital that any new policies our council votes for, they need to be focused on the future. We need to review how council operates day to day, cut unnecessary spending so in the future we don’t have a huge amount of debt to pay back. I will not vote for the proposed 16 per cent rate increase, $3.9 million dollar Garden Place upgrade or the $18 million City River Park proposal. Peter Humphreys

Hamilton needs social workers just as much as business owners, lawyers, accountants and celebrities to run the city. Governance decisions about cities need to take into account the social issues, environmental issues and most importantly the financial effects on citizens. I have managed the Hamilton Christian Nightshelter Trust for nine years. I was bestowed a Civic Award recently – something I’m proud of. I’ve earned my stripes. Your vote for me will count, because leadership starts with character and integrity.

Mano Manoharan

Mano Manoharan, the community leader standing to provide service to community. President of UN Association Waikato organises Model UN Assembly for students, past chairman Hamilton East and South East Kirikiriroa Community Associations which was registered at his home address, signed contracts and set up Hamilton East Community House. Mano has been working for the largest printers for 28 years. Actively engaged with council on behalf of residents, writes the truth and facts. The city has to develop but there is limit people can afford by way of rate increases.

Ross MacLeod

I feel our council looks down at the field but overlooks the grass. They suffer from narrow thinking and disconnection from the community. This issue influences how council deals with many different areas, from the fixation on big budget vanity projects to maintenance of community facilities and assets. I want to engage directly with the community and find creative solutions to support them. Hamilton is a field with 165,000 grass roots. They deserve to be heard.

Sarkaw Mohammad

I am 31 years old, practising chiropractor and owner of Hillcrest Spinal Centre. I am running for council to put my community’s voice at the table where the decisions are made for the city. The council needs to get its priorities right. I hope to stand against high rates which is being increased to cover a few untimely developments – such as Garden Place, Central City Park and Peacocke. Hamilton City Council should fill the gaps in its teeth before it makes cosmetic changes. Diversity will bring a fresh approach – council should be a mixture of age, gender, culture and background.

Maxine van Oosten

I want Hamilton to be a great city where people can raise their families here, as I did, and proudly call it their own. That means having fair and affordable rates, public spaces that are free for families to use (parks, gardens, cycle ways etc), comprehensive public transport that is accessible for all especially our senior citizens and the disabled including a commuter train to Auckland.

But most of all it’s important that council gives communities a genuine say in decision making. I will listen before I make decisions.

Garrick Laing

As a long-time Hamilton resident and ratepayer, the spiralling debt the city is rapidly accumulating is of massive concern to me. We have existing facilities like Claudelands losing millions of dollars each year and lack of maintenance of Founders Theatre has hastened the development of a brand new multimillion dollar replacement. Then there’s projects like Victoria on the River and the Peacocke development. Hamilton is a great city but it has to be an affordable, and liveable, city too.

Horiana Henderson

I am standing for council because Hamilton is home to my family and I have become increasingly aware of the impact that city council decisions have on families. The proposed rates increases of 15.5 per cent and regional petrol tax of 11.5c per litre are two obvious examples of this. If elected my number one priority will be to make sure family concerns are fiercely represented in all council discussions. I am not satisfied that rates increases, regional petrol taxes, the redevelopment of Garden Place and the Peacocke subdivision have been investigated thoroughly enough.

Ryan Hamilton

We are faced with positive challenges with both new growth and infrastructure as well as maintaining existing infrastructure some of which has lapsed so budgets could appear stronger than perhaps they were. With rates in the headlines again this needs to be balanced across the limited resources of ratepayers whilst providing as much value as we can to ensure we are a city to be proud of, maximum efficiencies are met operationally, and the fundamental infrastructure and basic needs of the city are met first and foremost.

Michael West

There’s one over-arching issue – the rate increases. Six years ago council increased rates by 8 per cent and then annually by 3.8 per cent. This was supposed to balance the books by 2017 – but it didn’t work. Council kept on spending and now, after six years of increases, council’s asking for another two years of 9.5 per cent annual increases followed by annual 3.8 per cent increases. This is simply not just. A vote for Michael West sends a message that ratepayers have had enough of continual rates rises.

Deborah Fisher

If elected I want council to reduce capital expenses, seek a reduced growth plan and continue the promised transition to CV rating rather than introducing it immediately. Community funding should prioritise those projects already approved through public consultation, a process which the Central City Park and Garden Place revamp have not undergone. Rates increases affect everyone, if rates go up so do rents. I want to ensure that council listen to the people, those that elected them.

Possum Allen

Born and raised in Hamilton, I’m managing director of a successful local business. I’m Rotary Community Services Director and Paul Harris Award recipient. I regularly fundraise for numerous organisations; including Salvation Army, Hospice, Daffodil Day, Blind Foundation, Autism and Heart Foundation. I’m involved with annual Anzac Day commemorations and environmental projects such as tree planting. I advocate transparent governance and good financial management.

Meleane Burgess

I am 39 years old and an accountant in Hamilton. It is important to me that there is sensible and prudent financial management of council spending and better accountability for ratepayers. I am focused on doing better in looking after the city’s key infrastructure and community spaces. A high preforming transportation network, the development and protection of free public spaces including sports grounds, parks and gardens, and a focus on our environment including water and waste are key priorities for me.