Council merger proposals – tell us your view by 10 July

You are likely to be voting for a different, much larger, unitary council at the next local body elections in 2028. The Government has signalled major changes to local government and has invited councils to help shape what comes next through a voluntary process called “Head Start”.

There’s a final chance to meet Mayor Aksel Bech and your ward councillors at the Eureka Hall, cnr Hunter Rd and SH26, on Sunday 5 July at 2pm to discuss the current proposals face-to-face before the opportunity for public feedback closes on 10 July.  The proposals are still subject to change and include a:

• Waikato regional approach combining all, or a majority of councils in the Waikato region
• Hamilton-Waikato-Waipa grouping, based on the original Future Proof group of councils
• Hamilton ‘metro’ approach providing a growth area for Hamilton, with the rural Waikato in a different council
• ‘Do nothing’ option, and let the Government decide for us under its “Simplifying Local Government” programme.

An emerging option is one based on the Waikato-Waipā river catchment in the western Waikato alongside one based on the Waihou-Piako catchment in the east.

The Government wants proposals that are deliverable, support the new planning system replacing the RMA, simplify local government (combining both regional and district councils), provide economies of scale and maintain local voice.

If you want to discuss these options face-to-face with your Mayor and local councillors come to:

• Eureka – Sunday 5 July, 2-3pm, Eureka Hall, cnr Hunter Rd and SH26.

We need your feedback by 10 July to help shape a final proposal to be made to Government by 9 August. Go to www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it.

Proposal to reclassify the Tamahere Piazza:

The Council is calling for submissions on the proposal to reclassify the Tamahere Piazza from Local Purpose (Sewage) Reserve to Local Purpose Reserve (Community Use) to better align with current and intended use of the space. The current classification of the area was originally designed to accommodate sewage disposal from local shops, but as no wastewater infrastructure was installed under the piazza area, a new classification was identified as being more appropriate.  Submissions close on 22 July – please go to www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it.

Reminders for noting:

• Dog registration due by 31 July – Waikato District Council is issuing a lifetime metal dog registration tag from 1 July and moving to a paperless system to record payment of your annual registration fees. The purpose is to make dog registration easier and more efficient (providing administrative savings of about $51,000 each year after the initial set-up). Dog registrations can now be paid through Afterpay at a Council office or library providing a practical alternative for customers who cannot pay upfront.  If you submit a recent dog desexing certificate when renewing your dog’s registration you are eligible for one free year of registration. Owners with a community services or gold card can apply to the Council’s PUP fund programme to limit the cost of desexing to $80. Penalty dog registration fees apply after 31 July.
• Annual Plan adopted – Council has formally adopted its Annual Plan for 2026/27 confirming a general rates rise of 2.8% and an average overall rates increase of 3.79% (depending on the services you get.)
• IAWAI – From 1 July the new Waters CCO jointly owned by Waikato District and Hamilton City will be responsible for delivering drinking water and wastewater services. Water charges will be itemised separately alongside your council rates and you will continue to get water meter bills twice a year. You can continue to use the same payment options and can contact the Council if you have any water issues.

Contact your Tamahere-Woodlands Councillors:

Crystal Beavis, mob 0275 957 927, email crystal.beavis@waidc.govt.nz  

Mike Keir, mob 027 449 3012, email mike.keir@waidc.govt.nz