Waikato District Council’s draft Long-Term Plan is out for consultation, and Whaingaroa Ward councillor Lisa Thomson is urging locals to get involved.
The nine-year plan outlines where the council will spend its money — and how it’ll raise it. With consultation open until 11 May, now’s the time to weigh in on big-ticket items like water infrastructure, roading, waste services, event fees and recreational facilities. For ratepayers, the choices carry serious financial impacts.
Top of the list? Roads.
The council’s biggest funding shortfall is in roading — and the public is being asked whether to plug the gap with rates or settle for the status quo.
“NZTA is expected to contribute around $134 million for road maintenance across the district over the next two years — but that’s $35 million less than we’d hoped for, especially for new roading projects,” Lisa said.
Routine maintenance will continue, but any upgrades — particularly on rural trouble spots — would need to be funded by ratepayers.
In and around Raglan, rural roading issues aren’t new. Te Hutewai and Ruapuke Roads have long been raised as pain points. One especially bad stretch near the Swann’s Beach access continues to draw complaints.
“That particular part there isn’t in the best condition,” Lisa said. “We need to do more work in that area.”
She also pointed to the Te Hutewai–Tuturimu section of Ruapuke Road. “It’s not as bad as it was [last year], but certainly that’s an ongoing issue.”
For rural residents, unreliable road access isn’t just inconvenient — it can be isolating in bad weather and damaging for local businesses, farmers and tourism operators.
Three Waters: Big Projects, Bigger Bills
Raglan’s new wastewater treatment plant is nearly ready — a major infrastructure milestone that comes with a major cost. It’s part of a wider upgrade to water systems across the district, driven by regulatory changes and years of deferred investment.
“We’re lucky here in Raglan [to have] our completely new wastewater treatment plant,” Lisa said. The facility is expected to go live by June.
But wastewater is just one piece of the puzzle. Under the “three waters” banner — drinking water, stormwater and wastewater — residents fund the entire cycle: collection, treatment and safe disposal.
Raglan’s drinking water comes from Riki Springs and is stored in two large reservoirs. A third is now in the plan to future-proof supply.
These upgrades don’t come cheap. Lisa agreed that the wastewater portion of rates could double over the next nine years — and that’s before you factor in increases for roads, waste or general services.
Aging infrastructure, tighter compliance rules and population growth are all driving up the bill.
Waste and Dumping: Rural Sites Overwhelmed
Even Raglan’s high-performing waste system is under strain. Illegal dumping at rural sites like Te Uku and Te Mata is stretching Xtreme Zero Waste’s capacity.
“When your waste management provider is already clearing that out five days a week and there are still calls to do it more — that’s a real concern,” Lisa said.
The sites are being misused by visitors, Hamiltonians, local residents and businesses alike. “It needs to be knocked on the head,” she said. While council will be consulting rural residents about alternative schemes, suggestions from staff are that these sites are closed.
Enforcement remains a challenge, even with proposals like CCTV.
Food Waste Collection: Not Going District-Wide (Yet)
Raglan’s food scraps collection is staying put — but the roll out to the wider district is hitting pause.
“We made the decision just recently in council that we would not go out to other communities… with a food waste option,” Lisa said.
Public understanding remains a barrier. “Even in Raglan, we’re better than everyone else, but we’re still nowhere near where we actually need to be.”
Sports and Recreation: Pool Tops the Wishlist
The community is making itself heard when it comes to sport and rec. A recent meeting at the rugby club drew feedback from all corners — rugby, netball, league, walking and cycling groups.
“There are people who are passionate about sports and recreation in our community, so it’s awesome,” Lisa said.
Clear themes emerged: separate fields for different codes, covered courts, and better walking and biking access. Water sports were another key area, with waka ama now the biggest sporting event in town — attracting over 1,000 competitors.
But the number one request? “Over 70% of those at that stage had wanted a swimming pool,” Lisa said.
Space is a challenge, but the council is reviewing future options for Wainui Reserve as a recreation space for field sports and setting aside funding for land purchases.
Cost-Cutting Only Goes So Far
Council has trimmed around $1 million in staffing costs by leaving roles unfilled. But Lisa says that’s only a drop in the bucket, given the range of services councils are expected to deliver.
“Councils are enormous beasts,” she said. “There’s no other business that does all this — roading, water, parks, reserves, monitoring, animal control, footpaths, safety, sports fields, public toilets… rubbish.”
She acknowledged the pressure on households. “I totally understand that, because many people are struggling. Our dollar just seems to be stretched further and further.”
Event Fees: Big Events to Pay More
Council is proposing to hike fees for large events.
“For events with over 2,000 people… it’s currently $1,000 per day. From 2026–27, that’ll go up to $2,000 per day, plus 1.5% of ticket sales,” Lisa said.
The change applies across the district and is aimed at making sure large events cover their fair share of costs.
Now’s the Time to Speak Up
Local government elections are just around the corner, and Lisa is encouraging everyone to take part in the consultation process while they can.
Residents are invited to attend drop-in sessions to learn more about the Long-Term Plan and share their feedback — including one happening at the Raglan Library. Locals can also make submissions online.
“If you can’t come to a drop-in session, then I really welcome anyone contacting me — either email or phone call — and we can have a discussion,” she said.
“We’re stretched to do all the things we’ve become accustomed to — but I really encourage people to get involved and have their say.”