Rachel Karalus
Official Candidate Statement
Head For Detail. Heart For Hamilton. Hamilton deserves decisive leadership. I’m ready to deliver - grounded in integrity, driven by pragmatism, focused on purpose. As a CEO, former lawyer, and longtime governor, I’ve led major commercial developments that empowered communities. I stood with ratepayers at the height of the leaky building crisis and turned complex challenges into real-world solutions.
I know risk. I know regulation. And I know how to turn vision into action.
My priorities for council are clear: Strengthen the foundation and unlock growth; Advance through technology and embrace innovation; Plan boldly for generations we’ll never meet.
Hamilton sits at the heart of the North Island - strategic, innovative, full of promise. But potential alone won’t drive progress. Now is the time to rebuild trust, rein in spending, reduce debt, and bring council back to basics. Leadership isn’t just about vision. It’s about delivery. That’s what I offer.
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News Stories about Rachel Karalus
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Who wants to be the next mayor of Hamilton?
The Spinoff — August 6, 2025There’s a wide-open race to lead the city of the future. With incumbent mayor Paula Southgate headed for the door, it’s anyone’s game for the Hamilton mayoralty. Nominations for the race are now closed and 12 candidates are in the running.
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