First past the post (FPP) was used to elect the twelve members of the HCC—six from each of the East and West Wards.

[5] Parts of southern and western Waikato District are also served by the Hamilton city water supply.

In 2006, a binding referendum was held in which 69.46% of voters supported continuation of public water fluoridation, while 30.54% opposed it.

[6] During the draft of the city council's 2011/12 annual plan in February 2011, the termination of water fluoridation was discussed by councillors, but no decision was made.

[9] From 28 to 31 May 2013, public hearings were held and attended by councillors,[10] and on 5 June 2013, the city council voted 7–1 (with five abstentions) to cease water fluoridation.

[15] The lobby group Safe Water Alternative New Zealand (SWANZ) sought an interim order from the High Court to prevent fluoridation until their application for judicial review could be heard.