Elizabeth Fletcher
Two women with long careers in the public sector feature on the covers of Good Local Media’s business publications this month.
Waikato Business News February 2026
Former Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate appears in the Waikato Business News, while Lake Tarawera advocate Libby Fletcher graces the Bay of Plenty Business News.
Southgate spent 24 years in local government, beginning at Waikato Regional Council and then serving six years as Hamilton mayor.
She has recently taken up a part‑time role as a senior fellow at the Helen Clark Foundation, where she is encouraging discussion about the future of local government.
Speaking to senior writer Mary Anne Gill, Southgate said she wants to promote debate around council structures.
Bay of Plenty Business News February 2026
“Do we really need more than 60 councils?” she asks.
Fletcher, who was awarded a King’s Service Medal in the New Year Honours for her environmental work, led efforts to improve the health of Lake Tarawera. She rallied residents, supported scientific research and helped build momentum for a new reticulated sewage system to reduce pollution in the lake.
The two business publications – sister titles to Cambridge News, Te Awamutu News, King Country News and King Country Farmer – also examine housing and commercial real estate trends, signs of an economic upturn, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in forestry, and provide an update on the Iawai water company.
Both editions are available online at goodlocal.nz.
