Mayor Julie Hardaker Meets With Prime Minister

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker today met with Prime Minister John Key in a meeting involving discussion of a broad range of city and national issues.

Mayor Hardaker said her meeting with Mr Key was a good demonstration of how local and central government can share information and work together, and the Prime Minister was very positive about the region and its potential for economic growth.

Mr Key told Mayor Hardaker there was no reason Hamilton could not continue to grow, and he viewed the city as an important contributor l to New Zealand’s continued economic development.

“The Prime Minister was very positive about the region,” Mayor Hardaker said.

Mr Key and Mayor Hardaker talked about preparations for Rugby World Cup 2011 and the city’s hosting of the Welsh team, as well as local government issues and the government’s continued financial support of the Waikato Expressway and its value to Hamilton.

Mayor Hardaker said her discussions with Mr Key were business-like and fruitful, and she was pleased he accepted her invitation to meet with her during his busy day in the region.

The meeting was also attended by Hamilton’s two National MPs, David Bennett and Tim Macindoe.