Hamilton is a city facing a major housing shortage, a spike in smash-and-grabs and big debt.
The people vying to become the city's mayor have diverse views on how to tackle the issues Hamilton faces - and equally diverse backgrounds.
Hamilton has it all: the river, the gardens - even a revitalised main drag. And its mayoral candidates, they're colourful too.
"I'm calling for a clean sweep of the council, two I'm calling this is my Jubilee trumpet... freedom, justice and equality for all," said mayoral candidate Jack Gielen.
Pastor Gielen wants to be Kirikiriroa's Father - he's eager to address the city's $460 million debt, something journalist and mayoral candidate Horiana Henderson is worried about too.
"I can ask hard questions, I want to relate to people, I want to fairly and accurately represent them. I can also smell BS a mile away."
Grandmother and former condom factory worker Donna Pokere-Phillips now co-leads the Outdoors and Freedom party. She's an anti-vaxer who proudly posts her stance.
"The beauty of living in this beautiful country is it's a democracy, and I’m entitled to my view."
She wants to be a mayor who puts local assets into local hands.
"I think Hamilton needs a fearless leader, the housing problem, we have over 1000 whanau that are homeless."
The incumbent Paula Southgate said she's front-footing that crisis, opening up large blocks with 20,000 homes planned. The city's spike in crime is a priority too.
"I've asked the Minister for urgent support for Hamilton. I need to understand where resources are coming from, extra policing, we have not seen any of the money that's been put out for ram-raids thus far."
Southgate's current deputy is hot on her heels and wants the top job. Geoff Taylor's not a fan of Three Waters, voted against a 4.9 percent rate rise this year and wants a Hamilton that embraces its river.
"You can expect a line of cafes etc facing the river and also an iconic cycle bridge heading to Hamilton east, with a design so cool the whole country is talking about it."
University student 20-year-old Lachlan Colman has got people talking.
"I will bring something entirely new, like new views."
Colman wants a Hamilton that's easier to get around.
"One of the big ones is speed bumps and traffic lights, in some areas speed bumps are unnecessary and actually even unsafe."
The only Pasifika candidate comes from a policy and by-laws background. Riki Manarangi is after more intensification in the CBD with up to four families living on one section.
"Enable more houses, enable us to go up in those spaces, most of those old houses are close to the central city I think it makes sense we actually build them up and get people out of cars as well."
A lofty goal for any city, and Hamiltonians have just a few more days to choose the mayor who'll drive this city forward.
