I am Meshweyla Macdonald

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I am a proud Hamiltonian, Waikato University graduate, business owner, mother of three, and I love
the Waikato.

I was raised on a farm, but have lived in Hamilton City for approximately 20 years. I whakapapa to Waikato-Tainui, Ngati Huarere, Te Rarawa and Ngapuhi. I also have ancestors who
came to Aotearoa from England, Scotland and France.

After graduating from Waikato University, I spent a few years living abroad in Asia.  Upon returning home, I was struck by the beauty and abundance of the Waikato. We truly live in a special part of the world. I recognized that the majority of the world are not blessed with a natural environment like ours and the obligation this creates to look after it for our children and their children.

I have worked at the Waikato Regional Council for the past three years, creating opportunities for and supporting the youth of our region to take positive action to better our community. I have worked among high schools, wharekura, and the youth sector across the region, connecting student learning with experience and awesome career options.

Experience from within the Regional Council has equipped me to understand the mechanics and levers of how the Regional Council works, so I can hit the ground running, not having to spend time learning the ropes.

I am a business owner at Texas Petes, a BBQ restaurant in Hamilton. So I am very aware of how difficult things are economically right now, for those running businesses, or those working in business, regardless of what sector you work in.

And I’m a mother, raising three children to love the Waikato, as I do. My nine year old reminds me
frequently that Hamilton is the best city in the world.

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Why I am standing

As Hamiltonians, we were gifted the abundant Waikato environment from our ancestors, and we borrow it from our children. In a day and age when there are so many unprecedented pressures on our environment,
our economy and our wellbeing, I want to be sure the best decisions are being made that will guarantee the abundance that we enjoy today, remains for future generations.

Decisions the Regional Council make are not always visible or noticed by Hamilton City residents on a daily basis, but they have far-reaching consequences. This is why we need intelligent, experienced and practical people of integrity who will make smart choices on our behalf. Smart choices in terms of how our river is looked after.  Smart choices about how Council monies are spent.  Smart choices that will maximise the wellbeing of all of us who reside in Hamilton City, and sensibility in our approach to climate change.

I’m standing to ensure that our river is looked after properly, that we are practical about how we combat climate change, that Hamilton families are supported by Regional Council activities, and that rates remain stable, so we can afford to live and stay in this great City we enjoy.

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• We have unprecedented pressures on our environment, economy and wellbeing.

• I want to be sure the best decisions are made so our abundance remains for future generations.

• We need intelligent, experienced people of integrity making smart choices on our behalf.

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