The council is considering a $200,000 trial to install traffic lights at the one-lane bridge. As part of pre-engagement for the Waikato District Council’s 10-year spending plan—known as the Long-Term Plan (LTP)—residents are being asked to provide feedback on this and other proposals.
With over 1,000 submissions already received from around the district, locals have until 20 October to share their views on the traffic-light trial and other essential services, including roading, footpaths, waste management and community halls.
Council’s Financial Strains and Engagement Policy
As part of the LTP pre-engagement process, ratepayers are being asked to identify essential services and suggest areas for possible cuts. Lisa says it’s a huge challenge to determine what services to reduce without compromising important areas, especially core services like roading, rubbish collection and water provision.
“We’re not a wealthy country, and we need to have an honest conversation about what we can realistically afford,” she stated.
The sale of Waikato District Council-owned properties may also be considered to help manage costs over the next nine years. A key factor in these challenges is that Central Government legislation has continuously increased councils' responsibilities (and costs) over decades, particularly regarding water quality and the three waters reforms.
“In just my short time in council, the pressure has been enormous, and it’s hard to keep up. Local authorities are trying to engage with communities while also responding to a massive volume of new regulations from the central government,” Lisa added.
Affordability remains a pressing issue, especially as the government has allowed Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs) managing three waters to increase their debt limits. During the discussion, Lisa acknowledged that many ratepayers can barely afford the services they receive, with the wastewater rate alone exceeding their general rates.
In addition to the LTP, the council is reviewing its Significance and Engagement Policy, which outlines when and how the council consults the public on key decisions. This policy is open for feedback until 11 November. “We want to hear from the community about what they believe is significant enough for consultation. It’s not just about rates increases, but also smaller decisions like changing rubbish collection services or adjusting park maintenance schedules,” Lisa said.
This review follows recent debates about community engagement, with some community board members expressing frustration over the community wanting more of a say in the Greenslade playground decision.
Waste Management
A recent analysis revealed a significant disparity in kerbside rubbish disposal costs between Raglan and the northern part of the district. Residents in Raglan pay nearly $5 per rubbish bag, while those in the northern region only pay $1.50 for a stickered bag. Lisa explained that this difference arises because the rubbish service in the northern area is heavily subsidised by a targeted rate, which includes both a general collection rate and the sticker cost. In contrast, Raglan residents bear the full cost through their bag prices. Ultimately both areas pay a similar amount to dispose of a bag of rubbish with Xtreme Zero Waste absorbing the extra transport costs to landfill.
Lisa also noted that the blue rubbish bags used in Raglan are made from recycled soft plastic, supporting the community’s commitment to sustainability. She also confirmed that the Waikato District Council (WDC) is currently reviewing waste service costs.
Flooding Solutions and Infrastructure Investments
Efforts to resolve persistent flooding issues at the local soccer fields and Papahua Campground are progressing well, with significant drainage works nearing completion. This project, led by GT Civil, is entirely funded by the campground, meaning ratepayers are not bearing the financial burden.
Recent site visits revealed that massive sheet piling—10-metre metal sheets driven deep into the ground—has been installed to house a new pump system. The soccer fields, historically prone to flooding due to their low-lying, near sea-level location, have become even more challenging to manage recently with extreme weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle. These improvements aim to ensure the longevity of both the fields and the adjacent campground.
The work is expected to be completed by December, with the team striving to finish as much as possible before the upcoming long weekend. While there’s no guarantee against future weather events, the improvements are designed to manage floodwaters more efficiently and prevent standing water that has previously turned parts of the area into temporary lakes.
Mayoral Awards
Raglan Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson acknowledged the Mayoral Awards from early October, which celebrate contributions to the community. This year, the Whaingaroa award was presented to Sarah Johnson for her two decades of dedication to Raglan Area School and the local soccer scene. The event also honoured other volunteers, including Fire Chief Frank Turner, who accepted an award on behalf of the Raglan Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Wharf Repairs and Breakwall Challenges
Repairs to the wharf boat ramp have been completed, and community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The Wi Neera Walkway upgrades have also been completed; however, further upgrades at the southern end (near the fire station) are still planned and may be scrapped due to funding shortages.
In other local infrastructure matters, discussions regarding the upgrade of the controversial Manu Bay break wall have led to a stalemate between the boating and surfing communities, leaving the project in limbo. Any further work will require resource consent, which necessitates consensus among all parties involved. Without agreement, the council cannot proceed.
“There’s no easy solution, and it’s unlikely any decision will please everyone,” Lisa said.
For residents concerned about how council funds are spent, now is the time to have your say. For further details, visit the Shape Waikato website before 20 October.