Following the Raglan Community Board meeting on 4th December, Whaingaroa Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson joined us to discuss the board meeting and the future of Wainui Reserve. The workshop, set for the new year, is part of broader investigations into the need for additional sports fields across the district, with Wainui Reserve considered a key option. The workshop will focus on the reserve’s development over the next 30 years.
The land, already owned by the Council, is seen as a potential hub for future sports facilities, though its location is a bit further out of town. Council staff are working with Sports Waikato and local stakeholders to shape the long-term vision for the site.
At the meeting, concerns were raised about the future of the rugby fields on Cross St, with environmental factors like sea-level rise impacting their viability. Scientific reports will be commissioned to assess these challenges.
The lease of the rugby grounds, including the clubhouse and toilet block, is also up for review.
Lisa is hopeful that the plan will address the growing demand for local sports facilities.
Horses, Vehicles and Cultural Concerns on Beaches
At the meeting, Angeline Greensill raised concerns about the use of horses and vehicles on local beaches, highlighting a procedural oversight in the 2016 bylaw that banned them. The Council had failed to take the issue to the Minister of Conservation, making the ban invalid and unenforceable, although they still advised caution to users. Greensill noted she has been speaking to beach users about respecting the area and most have done this but some are still resistant to this conversation.
Greensill, representing Tainui o Tainui, also raised cultural concerns, particularly regarding the disposal of ashes in areas where Kai Moana is gathered. She stressed that some activities are inappropriate in high-use areas.
Raglan Road Safety Concerns
During the open forum, local resident Mark voiced concerns about cyclist safety on narrow roads like Norrie Ave and Main Rd, which aren’t designed for modern traffic.
Lisa explained that widening these roads isn’t feasible due to their location on ridge lines. She noted that roads like Norrie Rd have become shortcuts for drivers, but are intended for residential use, not high-speed traffic.
Lisa also addressed the government’s reversal on speed limit changes, which would return speeds on arterial roads like Main Road to previous limits, and highlighted the lack of NZTA funding for road safety improvements due to budget cuts.
Raglan Walkway Work Extended
The Wi Neera Walkway in Raglan, connecting the jetty to the bridge and through to the Fire Station, will continue its upgrade through to the Fire Station side of the walkway. The walkway’s first section, completed earlier this year, exceeded expectations, and thanks to budget efficiencies, the second stage will be completed sooner than planned. The new section will extend from the bridge to the Coastguard building, and while it will be narrower at 1.8 metres, it has been designed with environmental and structural considerations in mind.
While it is unclear whether the walkway has an official name, Ngāti Māhanga has proposed renaming the walkway to Pūtoetoe Walkway to honor its cultural and historical significance. The name Wi Neera comes from Wiremu Neera, the Māori phonetic version of the English name William Naylor—a name once adopted by Ngāti Māhanga rangatira and Te Tiriti o Waitangi signatory, Te Awaitaia.
The new name, Pūtoetoe, meaning "many tufts of toetoe," acknowledges the area's previous name, Pūtoetoe Point, and the abundance of native toetoe grass once found there.
Aquaculture Strategy and Potential Farm Applications
A potential spat farm application and changes to the Waikato Regional Council's aquaculture rules have sparked concerns among local iwi and residents, following increasing industry interest in the West Coast. Board members are seeking more time to consult locally before providing input to the regional council. Local hapū, represented by the Whaingaroa Moana Collective, have voiced concerns over the environmental impact of aquaculture developments.
Safety Concerns Persist at Manu Bay Boat Ramp
Safety issues at the Manu Bay boat ramp continue to trouble local boaties, with boulders washed onto the ramp during rough conditions. Efforts to find solutions have stalled, as the council was unable to gain agreement from stakeholders. It's unclear if the local fishing club or other groups are still pursuing options to address the problem.
Papahua Stormwater Works Update
Ongoing stormwater upgrades near Raglan Holiday Park Paphua has sparked discussions on mitigating damage and reusing materials. A stockpile of sand, left over from the stormwater improvements, has been stored at the park for potential use. The RCB and park governance agreed the sand should stay on-site for future projects, including filling holes around the boat ramp and parking areas, as well as addressing erosion near the urupa and harbor-side bridge. Community members also proposed using the sand to repair local soccer fields.
Three Waters Future
Council is moving forward with crucial decisions on its Three Waters strategy, with a key council meeting scheduled for December 13. The decision will focus on whether to proceed with a regional council-controlled organisation (CCO), a standalone CCO, or collaborate with Hamilton City. A community consultation will follow in the new year, offering the public a chance to provide feedback on the preferred option.
Chief Financial Officer Alison Diaz highlighted the impact of these decisions on the district’s long-term planning. Councils across New Zealand have faced challenges due to changes in government policy, forcing delays in long-term budget planning.
Rangatahi Subdivision Green Spaces Concerns have been raised about the future maintenance costs of green spaces in the Rangatahi subdivision. Dennis Amoore, RCB Chair, questioned whether ratepayers would foot the bill for upkeep and if amenities like the tennis courts would be transferred to the council. Alison, the Chief Financial Advisor, will investigate the costs and options moving forward.
Raglan CCTV Raglan's CCTV plans are back at square one after a deal with Hamilton City Council fell through. However, funding for the project is still in place, allowing for further development. The focus has now shifted to creating a district-wide monitoring system independent of Hamilton City.
Wainui Reserve Overflow Parking To ease congestion over summer, additional overflow parking will be opened at Wainui Reserve, Ngarunui Beach and Papahua Domain addressing roadside overflow that has caused access issues for emergency vehicles.
Greenslade Playground Developments The long-awaited playground at Greenslade Road is also set to begin construction in March next year, following a lengthy consultation process. However, the increased research and community consultation led to some budget adjustments, with part of the funding for the playground now allocated to cover those costs, resulting in a smaller budget for playground equipment.
Animal Control Resumes Full Patrols The Animal Control Team is now back to full patrols in Raglan, focusing on loose animals and dog control. Plans for clearer public messaging and public signage are underway, with updates to be shared in the Christmas Chronicle.
Finally, Lisa encourages the community to attend a submission writing workshop, focused on the Treaty Principles Bill, which will be held at Raglan Community House this Sunday, offering residents an opportunity to learn and engage in the submission process.
🗓 When: Sunday, 8th December
📍 Where: Basement Room, Raglan Community House
⏰ Time: 10am–12pm