Waikato Regional Council
The Waikato Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 14 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). four councillors will be elected from the Hamilton constituency. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Waikato Regional Council election.
Waikato Regional Council candidates
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Ben Dunbar-Smith
Why I'm standing
Times are tough for people – so rates need to come down. I believe the regional council is wrong to collect surpluses of ratepayer money and then refuse to return it to them. That's why I support returning $2.5 million surplus to ratepayers if elected. It's time to run a strict value-for-money review over council expenditure. The average person, especially pensioners or low-income families, cannot afford rates to keep going up!
About me
Raised and educated in Hamilton, I've got strong ties to the city. My father, Campbell Smith, was a well-known director of the Waikato Art Museum. After attending Waikato University I trained as a journalist. Subsequently I've spent many years working in management roles for central or local government, including serving as a Waikato regional councillor. So I understand the system. As part of the Rates Control Team, I'm keen to serve the people of Hamilton.
My priorities
- Control rates. In the current cost of living crisis, council rates need to come down.
- Return $2.5 million surplus to ratepayers. This money belongs to ratepayers.
- Cut the $16.9 million spent on consultancy services by regional council. It's time for belt-tightening.
Get across the policies, candidates and parties
Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.
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