Better Hamilton

12/03/2026

Great open letter by Geoff Kreegher about Te Huia and just how much it is costing us and how unrealistic nearly all of the goals for it are.

By Geoff Kreegher (Hamilton Ratepayer) [Geoff Kreegher's email to Waikato Regional Councillors on 03 March 2026] Dear Chair and Councillors, The debate surrounding the one‑year extension of the Te Huia passenger rail trial raises questions of governance, accountability, and the responsible use of ...

21/11/2025

Really?
Gee, why didn't anyone voice these concerns during the campaign?
Oh...
https://www.waikatotimes.co.nz/nz-news/360894984/hamilton-among-worst-most-indebted-local-authority-globally

Mesh Macdonald for Hamilton City Council
Graeme Mead Hamilton Councillor
Andrew Bydder for Council
Leo Liu

A new report has placed Hamilton City Council among the most debt-ridden of an international cohort.

20/11/2025

A lot of the true cost of IAWAI is based on very limited information, but are realistic from what we know already.
What is excluded from this is the $490m upgrade to Pukete, the new $500m plant at Peacocke (supposedly 100% government funded and, according to the information day folk, only $50m has been authorised at this stage).
And then there are the two new reservoirs at the lake.
Have a read and listen to Mesh.
HCC has basically zero control over IAWAI.

11/11/2025

Hi Everyone,

We're just updating some links at the moment - which means article links as well - so please bear with us while we complete this process and then we will be "open for business" again!

The website will get a bit of a shuffle around as our focus is no longer on the election, but the problems are still there, so we will still keep our council honest!

We have new councillors who bring real skills and experience to the table, people who are dedicated to making Hamilton a better and more affordable place to live. We are here to support them as well.

We will be doing our usual - providing you with information about everything that is going on at the moment. Particularly with regard to IAWAI (our waters CCO) and roading/transport infrastructure - especially regarding cost and scope of planned projects.

Some of which, as you all know, we've only just heard about recently. But shhhh...don't tell the ratepayers.

Enjoy the rain we're about to get apparently, a nice break from the early heat, but roll on summer!

09/10/2025

06/10/2025

Hamilton’s 2025 local elections are nearing deadline, but missing voting papers don’t stop you.

Special votes are available at council offices, libraries, or the Voting Van until midday October 11.
Hamilton’s future—debt, rates, water, etc, is counting on you

Make your vote count!

Hamilton’s 2025 local elections are nearing the deadline, but missing voting papers don’t stop you. Special votes are available at council offices, libraries, or the Voting Van until midday on October 11. Hamilton’s future—debt, rates, water, etc, is counting on you. Make your vote count!

24/09/2025

Hamilton faces soaring debt, doubling rates, and steep water charges unless voters choose skilled councillors who can enforce fiscal discipline.

Residents are urged to study candidate information carefully, seek proven expertise, and vote wisely to secure responsible city management and spending control.

Hamilton faces soaring debt, doubling rates, and steep water charges unless voters choose skilled councillors who can enforce fiscal discipline. Residents are urged to study candidate information carefully, seek proven expertise, and vote wisely to secure responsible city management and spending con...

15/09/2025

It is time to vote for your favourite people who you know will lead us towards a prosperous, affordable Hamilton. Voting papers have been sent to a large number of households and sometimes mistakes are made, resulting in undelivered voting papers.

There have been unsubstantiated reports of a person acting suspiciously and appearing to remove materials from letterboxes. Please ensure you frequently check your letterbox for any mail, including your voting documents, and report any suspicious behaviour immediately.

If you have not received your voting paper there are a number of options for you to report this and request a replacement set. The options below should assist you to achieve this;

0800 922 822 (Hamilton city council)

[email protected] (Hamilton city council)

Vote.nz/contact-us/ (complete the complaint form)
0800 36 76 56

[email protected]

Regards,

31/08/2025

Hamilton City Council’s choice of Raynes Road for the wastewater plant, made before real consultation, has angered locals. Residents question transparency, odour assurances, and accountability. Critics argue engagement is tokenistic, leaving the community feeling excluded from decisions that will affect their lives.

Hamilton City Council’s choice of Raynes Road for the wastewater plant, made before real consultation, has angered locals. Residents question transparency, odour assurances, and accountability. Critics argue engagement is tokenistic, leaving the community feeling excluded from decisions that will ...

31/08/2025

STORY OF THE WEEK!

A Hamilton couple’s dream of starting a family is slipping away as skyrocketing rates, stagnant services, and council red tape force them to rely on boarders to survive. Their story highlights how rising costs are crushing the futures of ordinary residents.

A Hamilton couple’s dream of starting a family is slipping away as skyrocketing rates, stagnant services, and council red tape force them to rely on boarders to survive. Their story highlights how rising costs are crushing the futures of ordinary residents.