I am Rudi du Plooy, a Mayoral Candidate and also a candidate for Hamilton East Ward. I live in Chartwell, Hamilton.

Background

I am a seasoned Councillor with 8 years’ experience in Johannesburg, South Africa. I was leader and chief whip of my party and was intimately involved in formulating new policies and reforms post-Apartheid. I’ve led sales teams for major Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies as well as a pharmaceutical firm. Studied Law at Waikato; and currently chair Hamilton Grey Power and serve as Zone 3 Director for 22 associations, bringing proven leadership to Hamilton City Council.

Hamilton’s Debt Spiral

Finances are Hamilton’s biggest challenge. I’ll cut expenditure by 10%, cap rates as a percentage of CPI, audit projects for cost blowouts, and launch an open tender portal for local businesses, with public forums for input. The finances in Hamilton haven’t been subject to proper financial restraint and financial management; it is a city where the finances have been mismanaged. Every project will therefore be subject to intense scrutiny to ensure that the financial integrity is intact. I will not allow sloppy financial blowouts on projects and will demand accountability all round.

Water Meters

Water meters are a waste of ratepayers’ money due to Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO) setup, meter installation, and billing costs, especially when 22-30% of water is lost to leaks. I’d prioritise leak detection and the harvesting of rainwater over new costly endeavours. The new water entity called IAWAI (Flowing Waters), is no saviour; it’s a bureaucratic cash cow, spiralling our debt and forcing water meters on us. The pilot project of 200 households in Hamilton East has begun, testing the technology. This is a preamble to the roll out city-wide. This isn’t consultation—it’s confirmation of their intent to tax us for every drop of water. Water meters are a scam, wasting ratepayers’ money on setup, installation, and billing while 22–30% of our water leaks away—up to 4 Olympic-sized pools daily (10 million litres), costing $4.38–$7.3 million yearly. Why pour billions into faulty tech when we could fix leaks and harvest rainwater? Rotorua’s 20-year-old meters are now rusted relics, needing $10–$15 million to replace—passed straight to ratepayers. Tauranga’s aging fleet under-reads usage, triggering another $10–$15 million renewal.*

The Climate Change Ghost

Hamilton must prepare for natural catastrophes like flooding by upgrading stormwater systems and protecting vulnerable areas within Hamilton, rather than focusing on global CO2 debates.

Hamilton’s Housing Shortage

Streamline development consents within 30 days and prioritise brownfield sites. Ensure that development contributions (DC’s) fund infrastructure upgrades within new developments. Refine the requirements, and facilitate fast tracking of Granny Flats.

Amalgamation of all Waikato Councils – More is not Better

I am very much opposed to amalgamation with other Councils and rather see cooperation within structured legal contractual agreements clearly defining roles and considerations. For Hamilton to stick its neck into the noose of amalgamation will cost us a fortune, because even funding Waikato Regional Council’s financial burdens will be a challenge. It is more critical to fix our own finances first.

Ten Year Hamilton Lake Plan

I propose a 10-year Hamilton Lake revival plan to restore water quality and add walkways, enhancing recreation. Launch my extensive water plan for the city. Both are detailed at waronwaste.co.nz.

Why should people vote for me?

I have vision for making our Hamilton exciting, vibrant and a place where we will feel safe. I will listen, act, and fight for fairness, safety, and practical solutions that improve everyday life. I get things done.

Vision: “To deliver an exceptional quality of life and unparalleled liveability for Hamilton’s communities, residents, and businesses.”

Mission: “To create a vibrant and inclusive Hamilton by preserving our small-town character and fostering community wellbeing through approachable leadership, fiscal responsibility, and efficient resource management, including a relentless commitment to eliminating wasteful spending.”