Rates revaluation notices coming mid-November
The Council must reassess the rating valuation of every property in the district every three years. These valuations are used as a guide for setting your rates. However, an increase in property value does not necessarily result in increased rates. Rates increases are based on how your property value increase or decrease compared to the average increase or decrease across the Waikato district. More information is available on the Council website.
The latest rates revaluation notices are expected to be posted out in mid-November. You then have 30 working days from the date of the letter to object to the valuation. Any objections must be lodged with Quotable Value (QV) which is undertaking the revaluation for the Council. If you have moved recently, the Council asks you to update your postal address so your 2026 rating valuation notice reaches you. Revaluations will also be available on the QV website.
New Acting CEO
Waikato District Council (WDC) welcomed its new Acting Chief Executive, Susan Law, at a mihi whakatau at the council offices this week following her appointment on 1 November for a fixed term finishing on 31 May 2027. She is CE of South Waikato District Council and will hold both roles for the period with South Waikato’s agreement. Costs will be shared. Susan Law will oversee the rollout of WDC’s organisational change and technology programme. Her appointment will allow both councils to do early discovery work on possible operating efficiencies and shared-service opportunities. The permanent CE role is expected to be advertised in the New Year.
Matangi recreation reserve redevelopment
A Matangi recreation reserve masterplan has been developed and is open for consultation until Monday 9 November 2026. A local steering group has been working with Council staff on a proposal that includes the addition of hard multi-courts, upgraded car parking, modern lighting for the rugby fields, and other improvements. However, development would need to be staged as and when funding becomes available. Currently funding is available for the enabling works (site levelling and primary sports field development) and the construction of multi-purpose courts. Further funding will need to be sought through the long term plan process or developed through community-led projects. Your thoughts can help shape the future for the Matangi recreation reserve and you can ask to be heard on your submission before a final plan is adopted. For more information go to https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it
Dog control policy and bylaw review
Help the Council to identify whether there are any issues in how we manage dogs in our district. We are reviewing the Council’s dog control policy and bylaw to ensure these meet the needs of our growing communities – and we want to hear from you before we develop any proposed changes for future consideration. We’re interested to hear your experiences and thoughts on dog registration, dog exercise areas, dog walking and the management of dogs in public places. Please get your feedback in by Monday 16 November. For more info go to https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it
Long Term Plan development
Thank you to all who turned up to ‘early engagement’ sessions at the Gordonton Hall and at the Tamahere Community Centre or who have separately put their thoughts through to the council on what matters most to your community as the Council develops its next Long Term Plan 2027-37. Formal consultation is expected to be held in March next year once there is a formal draft plan to share.
Annual Report
The Council’s latest Annual Report for 2025-26 is now available online. It reflects on key achievements through a year of significant change, including the establishment of IAWAI the Council’s CCO for water and wastewater operations, with 91% of annual performance targets achieved – an improvement from 74% the previous year. The report recorded a $26.7m operating surplus against a budgeted deficit of $5.8m, with rates revenue $5m above budget and other revenue $20m above budget. A $500m higher than budgeted increase in asset values – mainly reflecting higher replacement costs for water and roading infrastructure – will put pressure on rates as a result of increasing depreciation costs. These costs will need to be funded within the Government’s 4% rates cap. In June the council confirmed a 3.79% average rates increase for the 2026/27 year.
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
