Vote Anna Casey-Cox

My commitment

I’m standing for re-election to keep working for a Kirikiriroa Hamilton where everyone can thrive—across cultures, generations and neighbourhoods.

I’ll continue to advocate for:
✅ Inclusive, safe, connected communities that support wellbeing and belonging
✅ Nature as core infrastructure—restoring and protecting our river, lake, green spaces and biodiversity
✅ Fair funding, so growth costs aren’t unfairly passed on to current ratepayers
✅ Affordable, accessible housing—including for our homeless community
✅ Climate resilience—through better transport, housing, and flood protection
✅ Māori wards, grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi
✅ A values-led local economy, where ethical businesses support equity and sustainability
✅ Ethical procurement, including Living Wage requirements in long-term contracts

💰 Responsible and Transparent
Over the past term, I’ve taken affordability seriously—working through the Long-Term Plan to reduce costs while protecting essential services and looking after what we already have. Together, we:

⚖️ Delayed or scaled back major projects, including citywide transport upgrades

💧 Reallocated funds to core infrastructure, like water upgrades in the CBD

💲 Found savings by reducing reliance on consultants

📉 Took steps to reduce debt, including reviewing our use of surplus land

However, a rates reset was necessary—bringing Hamilton more in line with other major cities. After years of keeping rates low during a time of rapid growth, we’re now investing more wisely to maintain and future-proof essential services.

Looking ahead, I remain committed to spending that reflects our values and delivers long-term public benefit. I’ll continue to:

🔍 Review spending with care — balancing cost, community impact, and long-term value

📊 Benchmark our spending against other councils to support smarter, evidence-based decisions

🧩 Seek clarity from staff and test recommendations to ensure we’re getting good value for money

I won’t support cuts that undermine essential services—or decisions that shift the burden onto future generations to save in the short term.

My skills and experience

Before being elected to Council, I spent many years working at the grassroots level—establishing community gardens, supporting environmental restoration and advocating for a more just and connected city.

I have a PhD in Organisational Studies from the University of Waikato.

I’ve worked for Poverty Action Waikato, researching and advocating on social justice issues for over a decade.

I’ve served on Trust Waikato and continue to contribute as a board member for organisations like Te Ohu Whakaita (Matariki ki Waikato).

🌟 What I’ve Learned

This first term on Council has been a steep learning curve. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how decisions are made and how important it is to work collaboratively to get good outcomes.

🌸 There will always be different views around the table, and that’s healthy. What matters most is how we work together—with honesty, respect, and a focus on what’s best for our city.

🌱 I’ve learned that we can’t meet every need at once—but we must keep planning for what our communities need to thrive.

🏀 Swimming pools and basketball courts are in high demand, especially for youth. While artificial turf has been a recent funding priority, I’m committed to making indoor sport and community spaces part of our future focus.

🏫 One exciting opportunity is a proposed partnership with Mangakōtukutuku College to explore a facility similar to The Peak in Rototuna. It will take time—but it’s the kind of investment that builds community for the long term

📆 Showing up matters. I have one of the highest attendance records at Council meetings and briefings—because informed leadership is vital.

💬 Our community is diverse and generous. I love being out in the community—visiting local events, community groups and networks, seeing the great things happening across our city, and listening directly to you. I’ll continue to be visible, accessible, and connected.

What Working Together Means to Me

Working together for a better tomorrow is more than a slogan — it’s how I approach every decision.
It means listening before speaking, lifting up community voices, and staying focused on the long-term good — not short-term wins.
It means recognising that we don’t all use the same services, but we all benefit from living in a city that supports everyone.
And it means showing up — with courage, compassion, and a belief in what we can achieve, together.

Ko wai ahau?

Ko Loobagh te awa

Ko Romney te repo

Ko Heperi Kootirana te moana

I tupu ake au i Te Oko Horoi

Ko Ngaati Hauaa, rauaa ko Ngaati Korokii-Kahukura ngaa mana whenua o te rohe. 

E mihi ana ki ngaa mana whenua moo too koutou kaitiakitanga

Kei Kirikiriroa e noho ana ahau

Ko Tim tooku hoa rangatira

Tokotoru a maaua tamariki

Ko Anna tooku ingoa

This is my pepeha – it explains my connections. My ancestry is Irish, English and Scottish. These places and cultures, along with deep relationships here in Aotearoa New Zealand, shape who I am.