2025 Hamilton mayoral election


The 2025 'Hamilton mayoral election' was a local election held from 9 September to 11 October in Hamilton, New Zealand, as part of that year's [2025 Hamilton City Council (New Zealand)|Hamilton City Council election|city council election] and nation-wide local elections. Voters elected the [Mayor of Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton, New Zealand|mayor of Hamilton] for the 2025–2028 term of the Hamilton City Council. Postal voting and the single transferable vote system were used.
The incumbent mayor Paula Southgate did not run for a second term.
Candidate names were provisionally released by the City Council on 1 August identifying 12 candidates.
Tim Macindoe was elected mayor, receiving 18,275 votes to Sarah Thomson’s 10,183.

Key dates

  • 4 July 2025: Nominations for candidates opened
  • 1 August 2025: Nominations for candidates closed at 12 pm
  • 9 September 2025: Voting documents were posted and voting opened
  • 11 October 2025: Voting closed at 12 pm and progress/preliminary results will be published
  • 16–19 October 2025: Final results will be declared.

Campaign

During the Hamilton mayoral election, Macindoe ran on a conservative platform of "cost reductions" including lower rates and "slimming down" the Hamilton City Council. His main competitor Sarah Thomson ran on a progressive platform of opposing cuts to Council services, improving housing and bus services, and keeping rates "affordable."

Results

Tim Macindoe won the mayoral election, with Sarah Thomson coming second.