Ryan Hamilton | |
|---|---|
.png) Hamilton in 2023 | |
| Member of theNew Zealand Parliament forHamilton East | |
| Assumed office 14 October 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Jamie Strange |
| Hamilton City Councillor for the East Ward | |
| In office 22 February 2018 – October 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Philip Yeung |
| Succeeded by | Tim Macindoe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1979 or 1980 (age 45–46) |
| Political party | National |
| Spouse | Marie |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | University of Waikato |
Ryan Alexander Hamilton[1] (born 1979 or 1980)[2] is a New Zealand politician. He has been theMember of Parliament forHamilton East representing theNational Party since the2023 general election. He was aHamilton city councillor from 2018 until resigning following his election to Parliament.
Hamilton unsuccessfully ran for the Hamilton City Council in 2004, 2010, and 2016.[3][4][5] He also unsuccessfully ran for election to theWEL Energy Trust and theWaikato District Health Board.[6] He was finally elected to the council in a February 2018 by-election following the death of councillor Philip Yeung.[7] He was elected to a full term in 2019 and in 2022 was the highest-polling councillor in the East Ward.[8]
During theCOVID-19 pandemic, he was the only councillor to vote against requiringMy Vaccine Pass to enter council facilities.[9]
He formally resigned from his seat on the Council in October 2023 following his election to Parliament.[10]
| Years | Term | Electorate | List | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–present | 54th | Hamilton East | 66 | National | |
Hamilton expressed interest in being the National candidate for Hamilton East in August 2022 followingDavid Bennett's decision to retire.[11] He was selected as the candidate in February 2023[12] and placed 66th on the2023 party list.[13] During the election campaign there was a media exposé on Hamilton's social media history linking him toconspiracy theories aboutfluoridation in drinking water and others relating toCOVID-19 including calling vaccine mandates illegal. Hamilton did not respond to media interview requests but the National Party released an unsolicited statement in Hamilton's name apologising for his past comments.[14]
On election night, Hamilton won the Hamilton East electorate, defeating Labour's candidate Georgie Dansey by 5,060 votes.[15][16] He delivered his maiden statement on 7 December 2023 and was appointed as a member of thefinance and expenditure committee and as deputy chair of the regulations review committee.[17]
Hamilton is married with three children. His mother, Mavora Hamilton, also served as a Hamilton City Councillor.[18]
| New Zealand Parliament | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of Parliament for Hamilton East 2023–present | Incumbent |
