Raglan’s coastal lifestyle continues to attract new residents, bringing both opportunities and challenges. From school traffic congestion to stormwater infrastructure and mixed views on road funding, the town is navigating growing pressures. Whāingaroa Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson shares her perspective on how Raglan is responding to these issues 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. She noted that while social media was buzzing with opinions, 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 participated in a submissions writing workshop at Poihakena Marae alongside Councillor Tilly Turner and the Council’s Māori Partnership team. This workshop focused on making the consultation 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 down the middle. Just 50.5% supported maintaining current levels of funding 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 actually means for road conditions, especially in rural areas where potholes and storm damage are worsening.
While it may seem like the cheaper choice, maintaining the status quo could lead to compounding infrastructure issues over time.
Tipping Point at the School Gate
School traffic safety has been a concern in Raglan for some years now and Lisa recently joined Council’s road safety manager Jeanette Underhill and concerned parents to discuss key safety hotspots. Issues raised included unsafe pedestrian crossings near the BP station, traffic congestion around Raglan Area School and the Te Uku School bus pickup and drop-off point on Norrie Ave, and Stewart Street being used as a shortcut during peak times.
Jeanette observed the area during peak school hours, photographing bottlenecks and tracking how long it took families to cross the road. Ideas discussed ranged from installing speed-activated signs to more controversial options like traffic lights - an unfamiliar concept in Raglan but potentially necessary as the town grows.
A follow-up workshop is scheduled for Term 3. Lisa emphasised that responsibility for road safety cannot fall solely on Council or schools, and that broader community involvement is essential.
Water CCO Proposal and Regional Partnership
Another issue with clearer community consensus was the proposed asset-owning Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) for water services. In partnership with Hamilton City Council, this would formalise a Watercare-style model for delivering water services in the region. The idea received strong support with 74.8% of submitters in favour.
“We would’ve been pushed that way regardless,” Lisa said, referring to directives from the central government. “But it’s heartening to see the community behind it.”
Still, some submitters questioned the level of transparency in the proposal including the long-term implications of entering a shared governance model with one of the country’s largest urban councils.
Climate Adaptation, Wetlands and Stormwater Resilience
As chair of the Sustainability and Wellbeing Committee, Lisa is also focused on building 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.” The 223-hectare Torepapa Wetland near Kārewa, while smaller than the northern Whangamarino Wetland, remains a local priority.
Meanwhile, the harbour continues to return poor water quality readings, Council staff met in person 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 in motion. The Papahua walk bridge will be partially closed for maintenance on 22 May but will remain usable.
In recreational planning, submissions on parks and reserves are still being reviewed though Lisa expects outcomes to guide upcoming projects across the district.
Meanwhile, Rangitahi developers have updated their proposal for a public pool, shifting from a fully enclosed facility to a 25-metre outdoor pool with a smaller indoor hydrotherapy and learners’ pool. While this would reduce construction costs, key questions remain around long-term ownership, operations, and Council support.
Concerns have also been raised about long-term maintenance costs, with the Community Board stating they don’t want ratepayers burdened with ongoing expenses. Questions also remain about how much say the community will have in how the pool is run, and whether decisions will ultimately rest 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 eyebrows when early maps appeared to include residential areas. Lisa clarified this was a drafting issue, not the intent.
“The new version is much clearer,” she said. “It focuses on public spaces where there have been issues like smashed bottles and antisocial behaviour.” The updated bylaw is now out for consultation until mid-June.
Still, Council appears not to have adopted the board’s full recommendation to reduce the size of the ban area, suggesting a top-down approach remained in place even after the initial maps were redrawn.
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 will be held on 21 May for prospective candidates.
She also praised local emergency volunteers after attending the Raglan Surf Life Saving Club’s annual awards night. Fletcher Harnish and Chris “Bugsy” Malone were recognised nationally for their life-saving efforts during a high-risk rescue.
Future Planning: Wainui Reserve and Tourism Strategy
Looking further ahead, Lisa said planning is underway for a 30 to 50-year development strategy for Wainui Reserve. “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.”
Meanwhile, funding from the Department of Internal Affairs has enabled Raglan Naturally and the Destination Management Organisation to develop a local tourism and events strategy. Lisa credited Jacqueline Anderson and the DMO team for their persistence. “That’s a major step for Raglan - it’s about tourism shaped by the community for the community.”
The challenge, she acknowledged, is ensuring these long-term plans don’t get lost in bureaucratic process or shifted out in future budgets - a concern some residents have already raised.
Matariki, Karioi and Community Storytelling
This year’s Matariki celebrations will feature a local arts exhibition and the launch of a documentary on Karioi Maunga. The film, led by Toitū Whāingaroa, weaves together geology, mātauranga Māori and community interviews to tell the story of the mountain.
Lisa says to look out for these events coming up in June.