Photos: Robert Trathen
Paula Southgate never intended to be a politician. Growing up in the seaside town of Portsmouth in the UK, young Paula actually thought she might be a teacher.
“My roots were working class,” says Paula, 61. “My parents both worked for the air force, Grandma on Mum’s side owned a fish ’n’ chip shop in Yorkshire and Grandad on Dad’s side drove black cabs in London. I wasn’t even aware of politics as a career choice for women.”
Then in 1979, driven by a desire to provide greater opportunities for their children, Paula’s parents moved the family to New Zealand when she and her brother Ian were teenagers.
“I’m so grateful to my parents because Hamilton has been a city of opportunities,” she tells. “As a young girl in England, I never would have dreamed I’d become a mayor, let alone mayor of the fastest-growing city in a country on the other side of the world!”
She’s also grateful to her parents for their focus on education.
“Hard work and persistence were core family values, which meant no shirking responsibilities – including homework,” she recalls. “I also did Girl Guides, Sea Cadets and competitive swimming, which helped grow my skills and confidence.”
Lively tea-time discussions were another feature of family life. “Conversations were often passionate. They covered social and political issues, with different views seen as a good thing.”
That ability to see issues from both sides, and to be respectful of other people’s opinions, is partly what’s helped Paula become popular across the political divides. Although her path to politics was somewhat accidental.
“After leaving Hamilton Girls’ High School in 1982, I trained at Waikato University to be a mental health counsellor, then a teacher. For eight years, I worked in various roles. Some of which included in mental health at Waikato Hospital, before teaching English at Hillcrest and Fraser High.”
Paula loved teaching, but when her own children came along – daughters Caitlin and Hannah are now in their thirties – Paula stepped back from full-time work.
“As a young mum, I wanted to support my girls. So, I put my hand up for committees and voluntary work, as many women do,” she tells. “When the girls were at Knighton Normal Primary, I fought Hamilton City Council for a safe school crossing on a dangerous road that families used to get to school.”
This was one of the first times she had her photo in the paper. Little did she know it would one day become a regular occurrence!
Paula’s charisma later saw her elected to the Board of Trustees at Knighton Normal, eventually making chairperson. She was also working part-time as co-ordinator of an environmental business network. Yet in spite of Paula’s wide-ranging abilities, she still thought governance was for men or that politicians needed to be tough or extroverted.
“I didn’t think I had the skills or experience for politics because I used to be shy. But the more I got involved in grassroots community initiatives, one thing led to another.”
Then in 2001, an opportunity arose to run for Waikato Regional Council. Even though feeling trepidation, she “felt the fear and did it anyway”, and was successful.
“When I was first called ‘Councillor Southgate’, I felt petrified, but only briefly, and I quickly came to love the role because I’m one of those people who grasps opportunities,” she smiles.
Once Paula became a councillor, it quickly became apparent to Hamilton’s movers and shakers that the dynamic multitasker had a talent for people and politics.
“Former councillor and friend Lois Livingston played a critical role in helping me become Chair of the Regional Council in 2014, when I was up against a strong-willed group of male colleagues,” she says.
“I’m grateful, too, to councillor Barry O’Connor, who planted the seed that not only could I be leader, but I would be a leader. And he watered that seed with encouragement and kindness right up until his passing. But I never imagined I could lead until I was told I could.”
But no one survives in politics without significant support, and Paula is eternally grateful to her family and friends. Without them, she says none of this would have been possible.
“It’s not always easy for my husband Greg, my daughters or my mother. Politics often takes me away from home and it can be hostile,” she admits. “They have sometimes worn feedback directed at me or tolerated regular interruptions – mostly from kind people – while we’ve been out and about. But Greg, Hannah, Caitlin and Mum have always told me how proud they are of me, and to keep going. That has been fuel for my fire.”
Looking back, Paula laughs at some of the advice she was offered in those early days.
“Like get my wild hair under control and definitely don’t go grey,” she recalls. “Or ditch the cardies for jackets if you want to be taken seriously. But it is authentic leadership that really matters.”
And after 24 years in office, she should know. Paula also believes women bring unique perspectives to leadership roles.
“I’ve learned it’s okay to do things your own way and feel deeply about big issues. It makes you more human,” she explains. “It’s less about perfection and more about passion, perspective and perseverance.”
Now in the final year of her second term as Mayor of Hamilton – having missed out on her first attempt at the mayoralty by just six votes! – Paula has made the difficult decision to stand down, partly to spend more time with whānau, including her granddaughter Emmy, who has just turned two.
But Paula is confident she will leave her beloved city in excellent shape.
“Hamilton is the fastest-growing city in the country for the second year running. It’s a wonderful place to live,” says Paula, arguably its most passionate ambassador. “We have incredible businesses and entrepreneurs here, along with great schools and a fantastic university.”
As for its many treasures, Paula says Hamilton has lots to offer locals and visitors, including the world-class Hamilton Gardens.
“In the past two years, our amazing gardens have been internationally recognised in TripAdvisor’s top one percent of global attractions, and they had record-breaking visitation in 2024.”
The Hamilton Gardens also hosts the Hamilton Arts Festival, Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa. Paula is particularly proud of this annual event, partly because it serves to inspire new generations of creatives.
“I love seeing our community come together to enjoy the creative arts,” the former English teacher enthuses of the festival.
Looking ahead to when she hangs up her mayoral chains in October, Paula welcomes the prospect of a gentler pace of life – even though she’ll be running around after Emmy! – as there’ll be time to reflect, from her early years in Portsmouth to forging a path as an inspirational Waikato leader.
“Personal growth has been an integral part of my journey, as it hasn’t all been plain-sailing. There have certainly been moments of self-doubt,” she admits.
“But over the years, I’ve come to realise politics isn’t about knowing everything. You can’t please everyone all of the time either. It’s about listening, making good relationships and following your heart.”
There is still work to finish and Paula makes it clear she isn’t disappearing either. She’ll continue to support those coming through the ranks.
“I will remain a strong advocate for women and young people. I’ll also help newcomers chase their dreams, so we have more women of diverse ages and ethnicities in political roles.”
Paula is particularly proud that Hamilton has nine women councillors aged between 32 to 60, “including Sarah Thompson and Kesh Naidoo Rauf, who both had children while in office, which rightfully has not held them back”, she adds.
With more female mayors across Aotearoa than ever before – including four in the Waikato region – Paula is living proof that politics is for anyone who is passionate about making a difference in their community.
“My path into politics wasn’t planned. Regardless, it’s been one of the most rewarding and empowering journeys of my life,” she asserts. “My advice? Be brave, be bold, be you. Because if I can be mayor, anyone can!”
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