Re-elected Whāingaroa Councillor Lisa Thomson says she’s ready to hit the ground running for the next three years with community collaboration, local democracy and participatory decision-making front and centre of her focus.
Speaking on Raglan Community Radio after her election victory, Lisa reflected on the 2025 local body elections, the close Māori wards poll and upcoming Council priorities from security cameras to freedom camping.
New Term, New Mayor
Lisa congratulated all elected members across the district and paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Jacqui Church for her 12 years of service.
She said she’s already met with new Mayor Aksel Bech, who previously served alongside her on Council.
“We had a great catch up. Aksel has a real focus on participatory democracy and community assemblies,” she said.
While other councils saw big change, Waikato District Council remains stable with only three new councillors, Fabio Rodrigues, Grant Coombes and Endine Dixon-Harris.
Māori Wards Vote and the Narrow Margin
Waikato District Council was unsuccessful in retaining Māori Wards with fewer than 800 votes separating the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ camps.
Lisa said the result still shows progress.
“Even though we weren’t successful, I see it as a real win. Less than 800 votes between the two sides shows how far the conversation has come.”
She recalled being one of only three councillors supportive of Māori wards in 2017 whereas the 2022-25 council was unanimous in its support.
“Back then it was an absolute no. To see this much change in less than a decade is remarkable.”
However, she criticised the inequity of the process, noting that those on the Māori roll were unable to vote in the general ward election while general roll voters were able to decide on Māori representation.
“That’s not equity.”
Raglan Tops Voter Turnout
The Whāingaroa Ward had the district’s highest voter turnout at 38.5%.
Lisa credited Raglan Community Media for helping boost engagement.
“It’s still not great but better than the 32% or 29% we were tracking. Local democracy matters when people participate – we can make real change.”
Cameras, Road Safety and School Drop-Off
Security cameras across Raglan’s CBD are being reconnected to the police station in a community partnership thanks to sponsorship from PureLink and local IT experts.
“It’s a great example of collaboration in the background,” Lisa said.
At Raglan Area School, road safety upgrades are planned for early 2026 to address congestion and hazards during school pick-up and drop-off times. A new “kiss and drop” system will be trialled encouraging parents to remain in vehicles while staff assist children to and from cars.
Wainui Reserve and Beach Consultations
Community engagement on the Wainui Reserve 30-Year Plan begins in November, meanwhile early consultation on the Reserves and Beaches Bylaw is open now and covers vehicles, horses and commercial activities.
“The previous bylaw was struck down due to errors, so this is our opportunity to get it right,” Lisa said. “We want community input, ideas about seasonal restrictions, concession systems or time-based activities.”
Freedom Camping on James Street
Council is also consulting on freedom camping at James Street after ongoing antisocial behaviour.
Residents have reported littering, late-night noise and even a staged “abduction prank” that triggered a police helicopter response.
The recent Alcohol Control Bylaw now prohibits consumption of alcohol on James Street as an interim measure.
Council staff will explore banning camping near the Bowling Club while allowing limited use elsewhere on the street.
Remembering Malcolm Cox
Lisa paid tribute to Malcolm Cox, long-serving Raglan Area School principal, who passed away this week.
“Malcolm loved young people and believed deeply in education. He was the one who first encouraged me to stand for the Board of Trustees.”
A packed memorial was held at the school on Thursday night, followed by a Requiem Mass on Friday.
Looking Ahead
The new Waikato District Council will be sworn in on 28 October, followed by the Raglan Community Board the next day.
Lisa plans to restart her popular “Councillor Korero” drop-in sessions at Raglan Library on Fridays.
She said Mayor Bech is considering new ways to empower community boards and devolve funding decisions.
“It’s an exciting time. There’s a lot of potential for our communities to have more say and more responsibility. We’re ready to get to work.”
Key Dates
- WDC Swearing-in Ceremony: Monday 28 October
- Raglan Community Board Swearing-in: Wednesday 29 October 1.30 pm
- Reserves & Beaches Consultation & James St Freedom Camping Consultation: Open until 14 November