The 2016 Hamilton City mayoral election is part of the New Zealand local elections and held to determine the next mayor of the Hamilton City Council. The incumbent Julie Hardaker, who was first elected in the 2010 mayoral election did not stand for re-election. Confirmed candidates included current Waikato Regional Council chair Paula Southgate, East Ward Councillor Rob Pascoe, West Ward Councillor Andrew King, and former business manager at Hamilton City Council Chris Simpson. Andrew King won with a nine-vote margin, amended to 6 votes in a recount.

Paula Anne Southgate is a New Zealand politician. She has held several positions in local government since 2001. In October 2019 she was elected the Mayor of Hamilton and was re-elected in October 2022.