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Mayor of Hamilton, New Zealand facts for kids

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Mayor of Hamilton
Hamilton CoA (shield only).svg
Coat of arms of Hamilton
Paula Southgate in 2015.jpg
Incumbent
Paula Southgate
since 2019
Style His/Her Worship
Term length Three years, renewable
Inaugural holder Isaac Richardson Vialou
Formation 1878
Deputy Angela O'Leary
Salary $180,335
Website Official website: https://hamilton.govt.nz/your-council/about-council/mayor-and-councilors/

The Mayor of Hamilton is the main leader of the city of Hamilton, New Zealand. This person is in charge of the city's government. They also lead the Hamilton City Council, which makes decisions for the city.

The current Mayor of Hamilton is Paula Southgate. She was first chosen by the people in the 2019 local elections.

History of Hamilton's Mayors

Hamilton became a proper city with its own council and mayor in 1877. Before that, it had two smaller groups called Town Boards. The first mayor was Isaac Richardson Vialou.

In the beginning, people voted for a new mayor every year. But since 1935, elections happen every three years. This gives mayors more time to work on their plans for the city.

A big moment in Hamilton's history happened in 1989. That's when Margaret Evans became the first woman to be elected Mayor of Hamilton. She was mayor for nine years.

What Does a Mayor Do?

The Mayor of Hamilton is like the chief executive of the city. They lead the City Council meetings. They also help set the direction for Hamilton's future.

The mayor works with other elected council members. Together, they make important decisions. These decisions affect everything from parks and roads to public services. They make sure the city runs smoothly for everyone.

The mayor also represents Hamilton to other cities and even other countries. They are the public face of the city.

How Mayors Are Chosen

Mayors are chosen by the people of Hamilton through elections. Every three years, citizens get to vote for who they want to lead their city. The person with the most votes becomes the mayor.

This system allows the community to pick their leader. It ensures that the mayor is accountable to the people they serve.

Images for kids

  • Isaac Richardson Vialou

    Isaac Richardson Vialou, Hamilton's first mayor

  • John Blair Whyte, 1882

    John Blair Whyte

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    Thomas Dawson

  • Beale-bernard-charles-wm

    Bernard Charles Beale

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    John Knox

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    Robert Peat

  • William Australia Graham (cropped)

    William Australia Graham

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    Charles Barton

  • Isaac Coates in 1901

    Isaac Coates

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    William Jones

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    John Parr

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    William Dey

  • George Edgecumbe

    George Edgecumbe

  • R W Dyer 1901

    Robert William Dyer

  • James Shiner Bond

    James Shiner Bond

  • James Alexander Young

    Alexander Young

  • Arthur Edwards Manning

    Arthur Edwards Manning

  • John Edwin Hammond

    John Edwin Hammond

  • John Robert Fow

    John Robert Fow

  • John William Ellis 1853–1918

    John William Ellis

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    Percy Harold Watts

  • Frances Dewsbury Pinfold

    Francis Dewsbury Pinfold

  • Harold David Caro

    Harold David Caro

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    Roderick Braithwaite

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    Denis Rogers

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    Mike Minogue

  • Bruce Craig Beetham

    Bruce Beetham

  • Ross Jansen (crop)

    Ross Jansen

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    Margaret Evans, Hamilton's first female mayor

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    Russ Rimmington

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    David Braithwaite

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    Michael Redman

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    Bob Simcock

  • Julie Hardaker (cropped)

    Julie Hardaker

  • Andrew King (crop)

    Andrew King

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