Hamilton’s Mayor Paula Southgate, first elected in 2019, will not be running for re-election this year.

In a Facebook post, Southgate announced that it was time for a change.

“It is now time to make way for younger, emerging leaders, and to more spend time with my friends and family.

“I will not be standing for re-election later this year.”

However, Southgate said that she remains with the council for now.

“There is important work to complete, and I remain 100% COMMITTED to the Council and the city I love until October. I am fully focused on leading through some of the biggest challenges and changes Councils have faced in over a decade,” she said.

Before becoming mayor in 2019, Southgate was a city councillor and previously the chairperson of the Waikato Regional Council.

She was thankful for the support and partnership over the last 24 years.

“I am grateful. It will be a big year, but I know that through working together, good things happen for our city.

“So let’s make 2025 a good year for our fast growing and fabulous city.”

The 2025 election will be held in October.