Meet Louise
I’m running for council this year because Hamilton needs to be represented by people who understand the urgency of the issues facing our city.
Nō England, Ireland, Wales, me Orkney Islands ōku tīpuna
Ko Hutt o Ngāruawāhia tōku hapū
Ko Hodge o Tāmaki Makaurau tōku hapū
He tangata Tiriti au
I tipu ake au ki Whangamatā
Ko Kirikiriroa tōku kāinga ināianei
Ko Louise Hutt tōku ingoa
I’ve spent the past three years working in our communities — on the ground in the charities sector, and in the COVID-19 Directorate of the Waikato DHB.
Last year, I set up and managed many of our vaccination sites, and I co-organised Super Saturday in the Waikato. I’m now a Senior Advisor in the Strategy team.
I’m also Chairperson of Go Eco – the largest community organisation dedicated to climate action, sustainability, and biodiversity in the Waikato, and responsible for our region’s food waste rescue programme, Kaivolution.
My vision for Kirikiriroa
We need collaborative, thoughtful leadership that will help us navigate the challenging times we’re living through - be it climate change, growing inequality, or our pandemic challenges.
Climate Action
Climate action has only become more urgent in the past three years, and the effects of climate change are already being felt. We can future-proof our infrastructure and support our communities and industries as we transition to a carbon-zero society - but we must act now.
- The biggest contributor to carbon emissions in Hamilton is transport - specifically petrol and diesel vehicles - at 64% of our total emissions. We need to give people safe, efficient, and affordable walking, cycling, and public transport options.
- Climate change is causing higher temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events across Aotearoa - we need to make sure our city (and its infrastructure) is equipped to manage these changes.
- Our local ecosystems are also going to be hard-hit by climate change. Cultivating a thriving natural environment protects taonga like our pekapeka-tou-roa (long-tailed bat) and provides green spaces (like parks, walkways, and bush) to absorb carbon and help cool our city.
A City for Everyone
Hamilton City Council have said themselves that conducting business as usual won’t cut it anymore - and for too long we’ve not been investing in the wellbeing of our city. We need to ensure everyone has the opportunity for a high quality of life - whether you’re 8 years old or 80.
- Hamilton is building more homes at the speed of light - we need to make sure they’re well-designed and well-connected: to public transport, walking and cycling routes, amenities, schools, and workplaces.
- One quarter of the Waikato identifies as disabled and our aging population is set to triple by 2050 - making accessibility more important than ever. Building a city where everyone can get around, use local amenities, and find housing that works for them is key to connected, thriving communities.
- Our creative sector brings our city together and makes it a far more beautiful, fun, and interesting place to live - but relies heavily on volunteer labour and insecure funding. We need to work together more with our musicians, artists, directors, and writers to ensure Hamilton is a city where creatives can thrive.
See how my policy stacks up
There are a whole heap of community surveys to help you make informed decisions.
Check out my responses, and compare me with the other candidates for Hamilton City Council.
If you’re not sure where to start on some of this election’s big topics, White Man Behind a Desk has some humour-filled videos for those of you who want a ten-minute summary of issues like Three Waters, or housing density.
If you can’t donate, but still want to support this kaupapa, you can always volunteer!
Watch
Louise spoke on The Project in 2019 about how we need politicians who look like us, sound like us, and who have experienced the inequality that so many of us face.
Authorised by Louise Hutt — vote@louisehutt.com.