A significant slip on Whaanga Road, around 5.4km from Whale Bay, is under close watch by council staff following recent heavy rain. The road is down to one lane, with cones marking the unstable edge. More rain is expected, raising the risk of further collapse. “There are smaller cracks showing in the surface, that’s why we’ve had to drop it to one lane,” said Councillor Lisa Thomson. “Repair work is on hold until conditions are safe.”
Lisa, along with Dirk from Cyclery Raglan (co-organiser of the Karioi Classic), plan to visit the site to assess any impact on the event route. “We’re taking a good look to make sure we understand what’s going on out there,” she said.
The steep, bush-lined slope poses major challenges. “When these kinds of slips go, they fall all the way down the hill,” Lisa noted, referencing a similar slip between Whale Bay and Manu Bay. “Fixing it could require major earthworks or rebuilding into the hillside.”
A “bung” may be installed as a temporary drainage or stabilisation measure, though Lisa is awaiting confirmation from engineers.
In the meantime, residents are urged to stay prepared. “This weather could bring more slips, power outages, even flooding,” she warned. “Have candles, water, batteries — and check on your neighbours. Being ready makes all the difference.”
A New Approach to “Softer” Council Work
Lisa also spoke about her role as Chair of Waikato District Council’s Sustainability and Wellbeing Committee, which she described as overseeing “the softer side” of council work — things like Civil Defence, climate change, community development, economic strategy, and wellbeing funding.
Unlike infrastructure projects, these areas are harder to measure, so Lisa has asked staff to develop a “dashboard” to track outcomes and show how the work aligns with the Long Term Plan. “We want to show how we’re delivering value, even when it’s not as visible as a road,” she said.
Past projects include the Tuakau gym upgrade, funded through Three Waters investment, and the council blueprinting process that supported the Raglan water tower project, both seen as examples of positive community impact.
Whether the committee continues under the next council is undecided, but Lisa hopes it will. “It’s important mahi,” she said.
Councillor Pay and Workload
With local elections approaching, Lisa noted that the Remuneration Authority has released updated pay rates for local government. The independent body sets pay for mayors, councillors and community board members based on factors like district size and workload.
In Waikato District, Māori ward councillors receive slightly more due to the larger areas they cover. Lisa acknowledged the pay “isn’t great” for the hours involved. “For many of us, it’s 24/7, you’re always on,” she said. “But we do it because we care.”
Wastewater Discharge to Wainui Reserve Moves Ahead
A major milestone has been reached in the push to stop wastewater discharge into the harbour, with Wainui Reserve confirmed as a technically suitable site for land-based discharge.
Council now has all key technical reports, including ecological, air quality and groundwater assessments, and plans to lodge the resource consent with Waikato Regional Council by October or November.
“They’ve been working alongside us, so while there may be tweaks, we’re confident we’re on the right track,” said Lisa, who called the moment personally significant. “When I first ran for council, I said I wanted the surf to be pumping – not our treated wastewater into the Moana.”
New Wastewater Plant Officially Opens in August
Meanwhile, the new wastewater treatment plant, which has already begun limited operations, will be officially opened on 5 August. The plant represents a major infrastructure upgrade for Raglan and is integral to the shift to land-based discharge.
Stormwater Group Reforms to Address Flooding and Contamination
After a long break, the Raglan stormwater stakeholder group has reconvened. The forum, which includes Watercare, council roading staff, regional council reps and locals, is part of council’s stormwater consent conditions.
Lisa said the group is helping clarify responsibilities, as stormwater infrastructure is shared between Watercare and the roading team. “It’s not just one entity. We need everyone at the table.
Issues raised included flooding at Stewart St–Wainui Rd and Rakaunui St, and high E. coli readings linked to old septic tanks or illegal wastewater connections. “These need urgent attention,” Lisa said, noting work is planned to address them.
The group also discussed wetland and floodgate management at Aroaro Park, and will now meet every 2–3 months.
Community-Led Environmental Work Recognised
Lisa acknowledged the Kirikiripu Catchment Group for their restoration efforts in the wetlands between Greenslade Road and Lorenzen Bay. The group will present at the next infrastructure hui, and future proposals for the area will go through them.
“Groups like this, and Weedbusters, are doing phenomenal mahi,” she said. “They’re not always recognised, but we see you and we want to support you.”
Wainui Reserve Consultation Coming Soon
Council is preparing a 30-year development plan for Wainui Reserve, with community consultation to begin shortly. The plan will cover infrastructure, water management, mana whenua input and recreational use.
“This is about protecting and planning for the future. Wainui Reserve is a taonga – and we need to get it right,” Lisa said.
Raglan Transport: Bypass Back on the Table
A recent report confirms that even a two-lane bridge won’t solve Raglan’s long-term traffic challenges without a bypass. “There’s no natural road through town that could cope with growth,” Lisa said. “If the population doubles or triples, we risk losing the town’s character unless we plan ahead.”
She noted that future councils will need to factor this into 2070 planning and future long-term plans.
Long Term Plan Adopted, Water Reforms Begin
Waikato District Council adopted its 2025–2031 Long Term Plan on 8 July, including updated rates, a waste minimisation strategy, and the new “Local Waters Done Well” model replacing Three Waters.
Lisa, who was at her marae for a kaupapa that day, confirmed the plan passed unanimously. A new council-controlled organisation took over local water services from 1 July.
Local Elections and Māori Ward Referendum
Nominations are open for council, mayoralty and community board roles until 4 August, with forms available at the Raglan Library.
“If you’ve got time and heart for the community, I encourage you to stand,” said Lisa, noting vacancies are expected on the community board.
A referendum on Māori Wards will also be held. “It’s vital we vote yes,” she said. “Representation matters.”