Founder of Waikato Pacific Business network to stand for Hamilton City Council

Candidate for the Hamilton City Council elections in 2019, Meleane Burgess. Photo / Supplied

The founder of the Waikato Pacific Business Network, Meleane Burgess, has announced her candidacy for Hamilton City Council.

Ms Burgess is one of the first candidates, who does not sit on council, to announce her candidacy for the 2019 elections.

Running unsuccessfully in the 2018 by-election, Ms Burgess is standing again for council, with hopes of bringing better representation to different cultures in Hamilton.

She came fourth in the 2018 by-election, with 1,071 votes, losing to councillor Ryan Hamilton who won 1,944 votes.

"Hamilton City Council needs to do better to represent the different cultures and people that live and work in Hamilton, so I'm throwing my hat into the ring," Ms Burgess said in a statement.

Samoan born Burgess has been a resident of Hamilton for over 20 years and owns a consultancy and accounting business in the CBD.

"I will be focused on applying my skills and experience, and my passion for the community to the role" she said.

"I'm excited about the growth our city is seeing and will ensure that sensible and prudent decisions are made in the future that support that".

Ms Burgess is an accountant, sits on the Ministry of Social Development Pacific Steering Group and holds various local governance roles. She is also a sought-after speaker on the local circuit.

Her campaign priorities will be prudent financial management and accountability for ratepayers, commitment to the development and maintenance of community spaces including sports grounds, parks and gardens, support of key infrastructure projects and focus on our environment including water and waste.

Candidate nominations for the 2019 local body elections open on July 19, and polls close on October 12. The new council will be inaugrated on October 24.