Raglan’s coastal lifestyle continues to attract new residents
That growth brings both opportunities and challenges. From school traffic congestion to stormwater infrastructure and mixed views on road funding, the town is navigating mounting pressure. Whāingaroa Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson shares her perspective on how Raglan is responding as it adjusts to steady growth.
Long Term Plan Submissions and Community Engagement
Lisa said she was pleased with the response to Waikato District Council’s Long Term Plan consultation. While social media buzzed with opinion, engagement through formal channels still lagged. The Council received 555 submissions – a significant jump from previous consultations – but still not reflective of the breadth of local sentiment seen online. Of the total submissions, 103 requested to speak at hearings. Engagement was stronger in urban areas, raising concerns about the representation of rural voices.
Lisa also took part in a submissions writing workshop at Poihakena Marae alongside Councillor Tilly Turner and the Council’s Māori Partnership team. This focused on making the process more accessible, especially for kaumātua and other Māori stakeholders.
Roads on the Edge: Public Divided Over Rate
One of the key proposals consulted on – whether to increase rates to improve road maintenance – split the community. Just 50.5% supported maintaining current funding levels, while 49.4% opted for a modest increase.
“We’ve got some tough calls to make,” Lisa said. Despite the close margin, questions remain about whether Council will stick with the ‘default’ option – and what that means for rural roads where potholes and storm damage are worsening. While it may seem cheaper, maintaining the status quo could lead to compounding infrastructure issues over time.
Tipping Point at the School Gate
School traffic safety has long been a concern. Lisa recently joined Council’s road safety manager Jeanette Underhill and concerned parents to discuss key hotspots. Issues included unsafe crossings near the BP station, congestion around Raglan Area School, the Te Uku School bus stop on Norrie Ave, and shortcut use of Stewart Street during peak times.
Jeanette observed the area during school hours, photographing bottlenecks and timing road crossings. Options discussed ranged from speed-activated signs to the more controversial idea of traffic lights – unfamiliar in Raglan but potentially necessary.
A follow-up workshop is scheduled for Term 3. Lisa emphasised that road safety isn’t just the job of Council or schools – the whole community needs to be involved.
Water CCO Proposal and Regional Partnership
Another issue with clearer consensus was the proposed Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) for water services, in partnership with Hamilton City Council. This Watercare-style model received strong support, with 74.8% of submitters in favour.
“We would’ve been pushed that way regardless,” Lisa said, referencing central government directives. “But it’s heartening to see the community behind it.” Some submitters raised concerns about long-term transparency and entering shared governance with a major urban council like Hamilton.
Climate Adaptation, Wetlands and Stormwater Resilience
As chair of the Sustainability and Wellbeing Committee, Lisa is focused on climate resilience. She recently hosted Waikato Regional Council staff for a presentation on cross-council collaboration, with wetlands high on the agenda.
“Wetlands are critical,” she said. “They help with flood protection and biodiversity.” Torepapa Wetland near Kārewa – at 223 hectares – remains a local priority despite being smaller than Whangamarino Wetland to the north.
Meanwhile, the harbour continues to return poor water quality readings. Council staff met with the Raglan Community Board to address drainage failures, blocked culverts and coastal runoff. Lisa welcomed the face-to-face kōrero. “It’s just more effective than trying to sort things out over email.”
Pools, Public Amenities and Recreational Infrastructure
A number of smaller infrastructure projects are also underway. The Papahua walk bridge will be partially closed for maintenance on 22 May but will remain usable.
In recreation, submissions on parks and reserves are still under review, though Lisa expects them to guide future projects across the district.
Meanwhile, Rangitahi developers have revised their public pool proposal, shifting from a fully enclosed facility to a 25-metre outdoor pool with a smaller indoor hydrotherapy and learners’ pool. While this would lower construction costs, key questions remain around long-term ownership, operational funding, and whether Council will support it.
The Community Board has expressed concern about maintenance costs and the risk of burdening ratepayers. Others have questioned whether the community will have meaningful input into how the pool is run, or if decisions will lie with developers or Council.
Alcohol Bylaw Review and Behaviour Management
A proposal to extend Raglan’s alcohol ban from the wharf through to Raglan Area School raised concerns when early maps appeared to include residential areas. Lisa clarified that was a drafting error.
“The new version is much clearer,” she said. “It focuses on public spaces where there have been issues like smashed bottles and antisocial behaviour.” Consultation is open until mid-June.
Still, Council hasn’t adopted the board’s full recommendation to reduce the ban area – suggesting a top-down approach remains, even after initial feedback.
Education, Youth Safety and Community Service
After nine years, Lisa is stepping down from the Raglan Area School Board of Trustees. She encouraged others to consider governance roles. An information session for prospective candidates will be held on 21 May.
She also praised local emergency volunteers after attending the Raglan Surf Life Saving Club’s annual awards. Fletcher Harnish and Chris “Bugsy” Malone were recognised nationally for life-saving efforts during a high-risk rescue.
Future Planning: Wainui Reserve and Tourism Strategy
Looking further ahead, Lisa said a 30–50-year development strategy for Wainui Reserve is underway. “Wainui is the jewel in the crown,” she said. “It’s really underutilised and it’s time to think seriously about what it looks like for future generations.” Funding from the Department of Internal Affairs has also enabled Raglan Naturally and the Destination Management Organisation to begin shaping a local tourism and events strategy. Lisa credited Jacqueline Anderson and the DMO team. “That’s a major step for Raglan – it’s about tourism shaped by the community for the community.” The challenge, she said, is ensuring these long-term plans don’t get lost in bureaucratic process or sidelined in future budgets – a concern some locals have already raised.
Matariki, Karioi and Community Storytelling
This year’s Matariki celebrations will include a local arts exhibition and the launch of a documentary on Karioi Maunga. Produced by Toitū Whāingaroa, the film weaves together geology, mātauranga Māori and community voices to tell the story of the mountain.
Lisa says to keep an eye out for these events coming up in June.