The rural recycling drop-off points at Te Uku and Te Mata may soon be on the chopping block, as Waikato District Council (WDC) grapples with rising service costs from persistent misuse of the facilities.
What were once convenient sites for outlying Whaingaroa residents to responsibly dispose of recycling are now proving more trouble than they’re worth — both financially and environmentally.
Speaking on Raglan Community Radio, Community Board Chair Dennis Amoore revealed that the cost of maintaining the drop-offs has become “several times” higher than the revenue collected through the rural targeted rate — currently set at $63 per household annually.
With around 800 households contributing, the targeted rate brings in roughly $50,000 a year; however, the total reported cost of running the site is $196,612 — nearly four times that amount.
“We have amazing rural residents who use the depots properly,” said Jemma from Xtreme Zero Waste. “But we also know that people who aren't rural residents are using them and abusing the service, dropping illegal dumping there.”
While no decision has been made — and the sites will remain operational — Council is exploring new models for rural waste management under the Annual Plan 2026. One idea under consideration is a monthly recycling “pop-up” station, where Xtreme trucks would visit rural locations like Te Uku and Te Mata to accept recycling and prepaid landfill bags in a controlled setting — much like models already working well in other rural parts of New Zealand.
Jemma says pop-ups are supervised and add a human touch — offering recycling advice, neighbourly interaction and a face to the service.
Another option might be removing the rural service altogether and encouraging residents to use the Te Hutewai site. But that would mean dropping the rural targeted rate — and could place more strain on in-town facilities. Alternatively, if residents want to keep the current depots, the rate may need to rise significantly to cover true costs — potentially doubling or tripling.
There’s also concern about Airbnb hosts directing guests to use the depots for general rubbish, particularly when their departure doesn’t align with kerbside collection days. Jemma urged accommodation providers to reach out to Xtreme for templates or info packs to help guests handle their recycling and waste responsibly.
For now, the message is clear: nothing is changing this year, but discussions are underway.
WDC will lead public consultation with rural residents who currently rely on the drop-off points in early 2026 as part of Annual Plan consultation. “We want to hear from the community before making any final decisions,” Dennis said.
Planning for Growth: Council Seeks Input on Sports Fields, Trails and Swimming Pools
As Raglan’s population continues to surge, the need for more and better recreational facilities is becoming increasingly urgent. WDC is currently seeking feedback through its Raglan Sports Park Survey, which explores how the town can prepare for projected population growth of 40% or more by 2050 — and what that means for fields, courts, trails and other community assets.
Football and basketball are two of the fastest-growing sports in Raglan and both are already putting pressure on existing infrastructure.
“We know football’s booming — it’s probably the fastest growing sport in town,” Dennis said. He acknowledges that basketball is popular too, adding that the survey isn’t just about sport. Walking tracks, swimming pools — there’s a broad set of needs.
Council may be able to allocate land for new recreation spaces, but building actual facilities — clubrooms, courts, changing sheds or storage — will likely fall to local groups, just as it has in the past. “That’s how we got the Surf Club,” Dennis noted.
Residents can complete a short survey online via the WDC’s website or pick up a hard copy at the Raglan Library. “It only takes 10 minutes,” said Dennis.
Wainui Reserve: A Long-Term Vision Finally Moves Forward
Turning from sport to green space, the long-promised development plan for Wainui Reserve is finally gaining traction, with a newly formed steering group now working on a 30- to 50-year vision for the area.
The group — made up of iwi representatives, Council staff, and community board members — is currently drafting a scope document to guide upcoming public consultation. A range of complex and sometimes competing interests are in the mix, from forestry management and ecological restoration to cultural education, recreation and infrastructure.
“There’s a lot going on up there already,” said Dennis. “You’ve got surf schools, paragliders, walking tracks, lifeguards and the star compass.”
The last time Council met with stakeholder groups at the surf club, they committed to holding annual community meetings. That never happened, Dennis acknowledged, but the stakeholders involved then will be consulted going forward along with the public.
Topics up for discussion include the future of pine plantation, potential replanting of native bush, wastewater infrastructure, track networks, grazing, archaeological protection, sports fields, picnic areas and educational uses.
Public consultation is expected to begin before the end of 2025.
Council’s 10-Year Plan: Time to Speak Up
Zooming out, WDCs Long Term Plan (LTP) — the spending and policy blueprint for the next decade — is about to open for public feedback. A general rates rise of 4.25% is proposed, but targeted rates like wastewater may increase by as much as 8% to 16%.
Council staff will host two drop-in sessions in Raglan:
- 11 April at the Raglan Growers Market
- 1 May, 11am–1pm, at the Raglan Library
Residents can also submit feedback online from 11 April. Key issues include water services, growth planning and infrastructure priorities.
Raglan Faces Big Decisions on Future of Three-Waters Services
One of the biggest pieces of the Long Term Plan puzzle is water. WDC is considering significant changes to how potable water and wastewater services are managed. Two options are on the table: continue as-is or join forces with Hamilton City Council to form a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO). An earlier plan for a regional LWDW (Local Waters Done Well) CCO has not been taken up by HCC and WDC.
The proposed CCO promises greater efficiency and borrowing power, but Dennis says the numbers aren’t clear yet, adding that he’s not sure what Raglan gains.
“We’re being told it’s cheaper, but I haven’t seen the numbers to back that up,” he said.
While Mayor Jacqui Church has promised a 50/50 ownership and voting split between Waikato and Hamilton councils it’s unclear whether that balance will extend to iwi representation or expert governance roles — raising questions about whether those roles would be non-voting.
While merging services could lift debt ceilings for infrastructure upgrades, concerns remain around future interest costs and loss of local control. Past issues with council-owned companies ignoring council wishes in Auckland and Waikato add to those fears.
Hamilton is eyeing a $100 million water treatment upgrade, while Waikato District has seven systems already mid-upgrade. Dennis worries that proactive councils like Waikato could end up subsidising others.
Dennis says that while efficiencies in admin might improve, building infrastructure still costs the same and that communities need to be sure our council will still have real oversight.
The Watercare contract ends in two years, and it would seem that the council is under pressure to finalise their decision before all of these issues are resolved.
And Finally… Some Fast Facts and Local Nuggets
Just in case anyone was panicking over rumours of traffic lights on the one-lane bridge — relax. Mayor Jacqui Church personally confirmed it was a workshop clerical error, not a real proposal. Crisis averted.
Some smaller but still spicy topics came up in the conversation too:
- A $6 million roundabout is being considered for the Hills Road/SH23 intersection. Dennis isn’t convinced: “A bit of road marking would probably do the trick.
- Greenslade Road playground is still in limbo, due to a mysterious link to boardwalk strengthening. “I can’t quite see how they’re connected,” Dennis admitted.
- Seawall and walkway repairs by Pūtoetoe Walkway (formerly referred to as Wi Neera walkway) are progressing, with a completion date of the end of May.
- Stormwater upgrades near the campground are nearly done, with re-grassing mostly completed.
- Public Transport: Responsibility has shifted to Waikato Regional Council. Changes will be part of their annual plan.
- Alcohol By-Law Review: A revised draft is expected soon. The wharf area may be excluded from the summer ban.
- The Waikato Regional Council Annual plan for 2025/26 is also out for consultation.
- Community Board Elections: Coming up in October. Dennis encourages members of the community to step up and stand as a member of the Raglan Community Board. “It’s a great opportunity to drive things forward in our town,” he said.