Getting things done through challenging times

• In partnership with the Police, I established the Safest City Taskforce to set the priorities and actions for Council’s contribution to creating a safer city alongside our wider communities.

•My efforts ensured that new city projects or redevelopments incorporate Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. This includes the redevelopment of the Transport Centre.

•We are working with Police and the University of Waikato to determine the best use of tools such as bollards, cameras, steering locks, and community action, to reduce crime.

•We are developing an online digital platform for crime prevention conversations with our wider community.

•I have strongly lobbied the Government for greater funding for crime prevention action in our city, not just Auckland, and more Police resourcing (equipment and personnel) for Hamilton. This work will continue.

•I wrote to Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and Minister Tinetti to advocate for much needed resourcing for our fire service in our fast-growing city. This work will continue.

• We are supporting our growing and innovative Tech Sector through Cultivate IT, and other initiatives, to grow career opportunities and showcase our talents to the world.

•We secured $40M of Government Covid Stimulus funding to unlock the development of the Ruakura Superhub that has attracted international logistics giants Maersk and Kmart.

•We successfully attracted the Fifa Womens’ World Cup, the ICC Womens’ International Cricket, Te Pukenga Head Office and the national Criminal Convictions Court to come to Hamilton.

•We have begun work on some exciting options for the redevelopment of Council owned property in the inner city and opposite Claudelands Globox Arena. This is creating opportunity for inner city living, hotels and commerce all of which is much needed for our city to thrive.

•We secured $12M Government funding for the Waikato Regional Theatre with construction due to be complete by June 2024.

•Hamilton was placed 21 in the Smart City Governments Rankings by Eden Strategy Institute (2021), reflecting the successful integration of digital technology, knowledge, and assets to improve city services.

•We refreshed the CBD jetty to a create fabulous new stunning jetty to support river tourism.

•Council approved a 50 per cent reduction to fees for food safety verification to support our hospitality sector though Covid restrictions.

•I successfully pushed the Government to release us from the red covid restrictions earlier than intended.

•I also strongly promoted the “Love Local” campaign to support our local food and goods producers during covid to keep them afloat.

• We also supported the Hamilton Central Business District Association with great work they do, including events.

• Council began collaborating with developers, funders, iwi and the community to create the fabulous riverside water sports and community centre in Grantham Street (Te Aranui).

• Council agreed funding for essential renewals and improvements to our museum including improving our river side entry. This will enable us to have the best quality arts and artifact exhibitions.

• And we have made a bold bid for $300M+ Government Infrastructure Acceleration Funding to unlock affordable housing and community in our Central City, and the good news is the Government is favourable to our bid. We are still in the running!

• Council has completed the development of the Climate Policy, Strategy and action plan. This was recently adopted. The good news is many actions are already underway.

•Through the Long Term Plan Council made a bigger than ever commitment of 29M over 10 years to the restoration of our gullies and special natural spaces.

•We also secured $2.2M from the Central Government which led to restoration progress and stormwater improvement on our riverside walks and in Mangaiti gully while new providing jobs.

•And we have put a greater focus on the transition to low carbon transport with over $60m committed for walking, cycling and mode shift choices.

And we diverted over 325000kg of food waste and 547000kg of mixed recycling from landfill through kerbside recycling.

•We completed the Peacocke Wastewater Transfer Station under budget and on time. The project contractors CB Civil were awarded the Supreme Award at the CCNZ (Civil Construction) Waikato Awards.

•We also completed and opened the final stretch of the Hamilton City Ring Road.

•We secured $40m Government Stimulus Funding for the Ruakura Superhub (road and water infrastructure).

•Council invested $1.07M into the redevelopment of the Fairfield Hall. This is under construction and will deliver quality community space for Te Whare o Te Ata (Community House) and wider community.

•I was a strong champion for refreshing our amazing Zoo. We now have a wonderful new entrance, cafe and playground and soon to be completed safer entrance precinct and connection to Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.

• We worked with the local community to design the local Rototuna Village Hub, Library and Community facilities which are currently under construction.

•And we continued to invest in sports facilities, drainage and lighting, changing and toilet facilities across the city.

•The engagement of the public on our long-term plan was lifted by 160%.

•We had record engagement numbers through our social media channels and at the “Your Neighbourhood” events.

•A dedicated transformation team was set up to tackle digital and customer service improvements. We improved our website and installed new software to simplify and automate manual and repetitive processes and improved the Antenno App so that you can easily report your concerns.