Former MP and current Hamilton City Councillor Tim Macindoe, an avid supporter of NZ Business Connect, has been elected the new Hamilton Mayor.

During his Mayoral campaign Macindoe had told NZ Business Connect that

businesses across the Waikato region were still doing it tough.

"It’s worrying to see many empty premises in our Hamilton CBD, and low sales figures in several industries, despite steady population growth and buoyancy in other areas," Macindoe said.

"That’s why Hamilton City Council must cut our spending and operate more efficiently to lower the burden on our ratepayers. Commercial rates are a particular challenge for many," he said.

"It’s critically important that we unlock the bureaucratic obstacles and delays that are holding back the new housing and industrial development we need in NZ’s fastest-growing city. Developers are deserting Hamilton as a consequence. We must entice them back and get the houses and infrastructure we need going again," he added.

"We need to get on top of some of the antisocial behaviour making our inner city less appealing. I’m advocating for a return of two hours free parking in the CBD to try to encourage more customers back into town and give our city retailers and hospitality providers a boost," Macindoe told voters in his candidacy for Mayor.

Macindoe attended several NZ Business Connect member events during his election campaign.