As Waikato District Council faces budget constraints, the future of community grants, which support volunteer-driven initiatives and local projects, is under scrutiny. Morning Show host Aaron raised concerns that these grants might be slashed as part of the council’s cost-cutting efforts in the LTP.
Mayor Church, a passionate advocate for volunteering, strongly supports the role of council grants in community development. “It’s smart money,” she affirmed. Every dollar spent on community grants saves the council the equivalent of 20 times that amount in staff costs. She pointed to the work done by volunteer groups, like Raglan Community Radio, which operates on a shoestring budget yet delivers invaluable services.
“It’s about wellbeing and building community,” Church added, noting that local trusts like WEL Energy have been adjusting their funding strategies to focus more on community grants after hearing from advocates like herself.
Land-Based Wastewater Proposal in Raglan
Raglan’s proposed land-based wastewater discharge system was up for discussion at a recent council meeting (November 19th, 6pm at the Raglan Club), with rising concerns about its financial burden on local ratepayers and the wider Waikato District.
With estimated costs to be in the $35 million range, Mayor Jacqui Church shed light on how the project would be funded and its potential impact on ratepayers. With budget constraints tightening, the Waikato District Council faces tough decisions on which services to reduce or cut in the upcoming long-term plan (LTP).
The current upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant, which includes a major Membrane Bio-reactor (MBR) installation, will significantly improve the quality of the treated wastewater, bringing it to near-potable standards. While some may advocate for a more cost-effective solution for wastewater discharge, like a pipe into the sea, others have long supported the land-based system for environmental reasons.
Church explained that the costs of large infrastructure projects like this are shared across the district’s ratepayers. “If we only allocated costs to local users, it would be unaffordable for some and much cheaper for others,” she said. With the pressure of rising costs and limited funding, the council is grappling with how to balance financial responsibilities while addressing the urgent need for upgrades to ageing infrastructure.
Housing Density Policy: Local Concerns and Central Government Mandates
A new housing density policy, Variation Three, will allow up to three tenancies per property and buildings up to three storeys in designated areas of the Waikato District.
Church clarified that this policy stems from central government, not the local council. “This is a government initiative, not ours,” she said, acknowledging that while the policy aims to address housing shortages, it has sparked mixed reactions in Waikato communities. Many residents have voiced concerns about its impact on local amenities, aesthetics and infrastructure.
Church reaffirmed the council’s commitment to creating “livable, connected communities” but stressed that while the policy could help ease housing pressures, its implementation must prioritise the wellbeing of residents.
Rural Transport and Infrastructure Funding Needs More Local Control
With central government focusing on housing density, rural and provincial councils are also facing mounting challenges around parking, public transport and infrastructure – issues that aren’t adequately addressed under current funding systems.
In response to criticism of central government’s austerity measures, Church called for more financial autonomy at the local level, pointing out that while reducing car dependence is feasible in urban centres, rural towns like Raglan rely heavily on cars due to limited public transport options.
She noted that local councils are left with limited resources to meet infrastructure needs, as central government controls 89% of New Zealand’s revenue—making it one of the most centralised revenue systems among OECD countries. This has been a long-standing frustration for the past 14 years. Mayor Church also highlighted drastic cuts to local transport budgets, including an 88% reduction in Waikato District’s road infrastructure capital budget, equating to approximately $34 million.
Land Sales, Affordable Housing, and Council Transparency
The council has come under scrutiny recently over land sales and its approach to affordable housing. Mayor Church addressed these concerns, outlining the council’s long-term growth strategy through its "2070 Growth Strategy," which anticipates regional needs for the next 50 years. The strategy involves selling unused assets and reinvesting in areas with high demand, but this has raised questions about recent land sales in lower-income areas and acquisitions in wealthier regions.
Church stressed that these decisions are driven by data, not political motives. “We aim for transparency and consistency,” she said, emphasising that the goal is to align resources with areas like Raglan, where demand is growing, while ensuring a fair distribution of green spaces and recreational areas.
Regarding affordable housing, Church highlighted the ongoing housing strategy, which includes exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs) to support affordable housing initiatives. The council is actively working with developers and the Waikato Housing Initiative to explore options for low-cost housing solutions.
Traffic Light Proposal for Raglan Bridge Scrapped After Strong Public Opposition
A proposal for a traffic light trial at Raglan’s one-way bridge has been shelved after 88% of respondents opposed the plan. Church said the council is committed to listening to local voices, and this decision reflects the council's respect for public opinion on key infrastructure projects.