ACT Local has selected Preet Dhaliwal, a Hospitality Business Owner, and Nidhita Gosai, a Process Safety Engineer, as its candidates for the Eastern and Western Wards of Hamilton City Council in this year’s local election.

Preet Dhaliwal is an IT graduate with over eight years running hospitality businesses. A father of two, he’s passionate about personal responsibility, local growth, and representing the practical concerns of East Ward residents. He’s standing to give Hamilton a strong voice that focuses on what really matters.

"I’m standing to deliver safer streets, better infrastructure, and housing policies that support economic growth. Our community deserves strong, practical leadership that tackles crime, improves public spaces, and puts local residents first, now and for future generations." –  Preet Dhaliwal

Nidhita Gosai holds an Honours degree in Engineering and brings experience across chemical manufacturing, energy, and water governance. She offers a multicultural perspective and a commitment to resilient, community-focused leadership. She’s standing to deliver practical solutions and restore common sense to local government.

"I’m standing to bring a fresh, results-focused voice to Council, one grounded in technical expertise, community values, and a strong commitment to accountability. I understand the importance of smart investment, reducing wasteful spending, and inclusive leadership for all Hamiltonians" – Nidhita Gosai

Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects.

When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting:

• Fixing the basics
• Cutting the waste
• Ending race-based politics
• Restoring accountability

ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says:

“ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who’ve had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It’s time to take back control, restore accountability, and deliver real value for money...ACT Local is about doing the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and treating ratepayers with respect. Our candidates won’t divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They’re here to serve, not lecture." – Cameron Luxton