Paula Southgate is a senior New Zealand governance leader with over 30 years’ experience across education and local government. After postgraduate studies at the University of Waikato, she built a career spanning counselling, teaching, and ultimately elected office, firstly as Chair of the Waikato Regional Council (from 2013), then as Mayor of Hamilton from 2016.

Alongside her elected roles, Paula has held national leadership positions including Chair of the Upper North Island Strategic Alliance, Chair of the Metro Sector and has served on government and LGNZ advisory groups spanning transport, water services, and local government reform. A trained Ministry for the Environment Commissioner, she brings a rare combination of academic grounding, policy expertise, and practical experience in navigating complex public-interest challenges.

Paula is committed to supporting the steady improvement of Local Government Governance across New Zealand.

Paula is a member of the Institute of Directors and a senior fellow of the Helen Clark Foundation (specialising in local government matters).