In an interview with Raglan Community Radio, Community Board Chair Dennis, Dennis has expressed frustration with Waikato District Council’s responses to community board recommendations on issues such as boat ramp fees, cycle path connectivity and waste management.
Dennis highlighted the board’s proposal to introduce boat ramp fees, which local boaties supported, provided the funds were reinvested into ramp maintenance. The board suggested a $100 annual fee for residents, based on fees at other boat ramps nationwide. "Other councils manage these fees, so it’s not impossible," he said, noting the idea was shelved due to staff reluctance.
Boaties also raised concerns about maintenance, such as rocks accumulating at the bottom of ramps. While Dennis has requested regular clearing, this has not been done.
Dennis also noted broader frustration with the council’s pace. "You have meetings and discussions, but it often feels like everything disappears into a dark hole," he said.
With summer approaching, waste collection remains a critical issue, especially in high-use areas like Papahua Reserve. Dennis said Xtreme Zero Waste would attend the next community board meeting to address Christmas waste collection concerns. "Last summer, collection vehicles couldn’t keep up with demand," he said.
Dennis urged everyone using the Te Uku waste drop-off facility to dispose of their rubbish responsibly. "The community has worked hard to establish that facility. Please respect their efforts," he said.
While critical of council delays, Dennis acknowledged the council’s collaborative culture. "Our councillors work well together, which is something to be proud of," he said.
Progress on Raglan's Wastewater Upgrade Gains Momentum
Dennis also discussed the significant progress on Raglan’s wastewater upgrade, including the construction of a new Membrane Bioreactor at the treatment plant. The high-efficiency facility, set to deliver water quality "visually indistinguishable from drinking tap water," is on track to be operational by mid-2025.
Plans to discharge treated water into a gully at Wainui Reserve were shared with the community on 19th November. Engineers explained that 1.2 million litres of treated water per day will disperse through the soil, a volume considered "fairly insignificant" compared to natural flows. However, public perception remains a concern, especially if damp areas or water pools appear on the beach below. "The treatment ensures the water is clean enough to safely enter the environment," said Dennis.
Studies are ongoing to assess how effectively the water will be absorbed, with results expected by year-end to finalise design and cost estimates. The discharge plan is estimated to cost $8 million, significantly reduced from previous estimates of $40 million (if they had proceeded with the Maungatawhiri option). However, concerns about the cost breakdown remain, with Tamahere-Woodlands Councillor Mike Keir calling for further scrutiny.
The new system will help address overflow issues during heavy rainfall, particularly in older properties where stormwater infiltrates the wastewater network.
Stormwater Project at Local Campground Nears Completion
The stormwater upgrade at the Raglan Holiday Park Papahua, funded by the Papahua Camp Board, is on track for completion before Christmas, with work also affecting the nearby soccer fields to address ongoing flooding issues.
"The civil contractor and project manager have done a great job," said Dennis. "The pumps arrive next week, and once installed, we'll be ready for practical completion. The team is now focused on tidying up and re-grassing the affected areas."
While most of the project will be finished before the holiday season, some additional work, including using topsoil from earlier stages, will be carried out in the new year.
The soccer fields, which have been impacted by vehicle traffic during the construction, may also require further attention. Dennis added they’ll review the state of the soccer fields and consider addressing any issues caused by vehicles and natural settling.
Raglan Community Board Prepares for LTP Discussions
At the last board meeting, the presence of a council manager sparked early signs of a town planning initiative. Dennis clarified that while a costly structure plan is no longer on the table, the focus is now on a more streamlined approach. “We’re looking at four levels of planning, but we’re not going ahead with a structure plan,” Dennis said, confirming that a council representative, James, will attend the upcoming meeting with an update.
Feedback from the community will be crucial to develop the planning and a key part of the discussions will be the Long-Term Plan (LTP), which sets council spending priorities for the next nine years. “Any projects we want to see happen need to be included in the LTP now,” Dennis explained. The draft LTP will be open for public submissions early next year.
Regional Council Representative to Address Issues at Community Board Meeting
Pamela Storey from Waikato Regional Council will discuss key issues including public transport funding and local aquaculture developments at the next board meetings.
Storey will address recent changes to public transport, following the Waikato District Council’s withdrawal from sharing costs with Waka Kotahi NZTA and the Waikato Regional Council. This shift has created an opportunity to revamp the funding system.
A challenge also remains in recruiting and retaining bus drivers, a problem highlighted during the State Highway 23 closure when extra services were needed but were not available because of the driver shortage.
On aquaculture, the Regional Council is preparing a new document on its development in the area. Longtime advocate Angeline Greensill has emphasised the importance of community involvement, rather than allowing external companies to dominate local aquaculture projects.