Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate has announced she won't be running for re-election. Photo: Supplied / Paula Southgate
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate, who was first elected in 2019, has announced she won't be running for re-election later this year.
In a post on Facebook, Southgate said it was time for change and that she wanted to reprioritise her time.
"It is now time to make way for younger, emerging leaders and to spend more time with my friends and family.
"I will not be standing for re-election later this year."
However Southgate said there was still work to be done and she was not going anywhere just yet.
"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.
In the three years before becoming mayor Southgate was a city councillor, having previously been 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.
Southgate has not commented on the upcoming election or who should take her place.
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