Speaking on Raglan Community Radio on Friday morning, newly elected Raglan Community Board chair Ross Wallis said his second term feels like “getting back into the heart of the community,” and that he stood for chair to deepen that connection.
“For me, I wanted to put my hand up because I really want to connect even more with our community – and this is a way I can do that.”
Setting Direction and Defining Roles
Ross said he plans to hold a workshop with board members before their first formal meeting on 3 December.
“I want to get together with the board prior to that to sit down… look at areas that each of the members can contribute, and lay them out quite clearly, so that everyone has a role to play and is accountable for that role.”
He described his approach as practical and community-focused rather than bureaucratic:
“It’s really about ensuring that we’re covering the bases. There are a lot of organisations within our community, so it’s about identifying those, splitting them up, being a little more structured in that approach – so that each member has an area they’re involved in and can bring feedback back through.”
Focus on Rural Roads and Infrastructure
A farmer himself, Ross said rural roads remain one of the most pressing issues for local residents.
“We drive up a rural road every day, and it’s about working closely with our councillor, Lisa Thomson, to drive change in that area,” he said. “It’s not just about how the contracts are managed but how the methodology around the roads is looked at. We have a grader that goes up our road every several months – the next day, the potholes are back. That’s not the best way to look after our roads.”
Ongoing Projects: Civil Defence and Wainui Reserve
Ross said the board would continue developing the Civil Defence Response Plan, which has gained “good traction” over the past three years.
“It’s a work in progress because it’s quite big, but we’ve got a number of people signed up now. I’m confident that going forward, we’ll have a good response if the worst should happen.”
He also reaffirmed support for advancing the Wainui Reserve 30-Year Plan, saying, “We’ll continue to press into that.”
Optimism Under New Council Leadership
Ross said the atmosphere in the council chambers had “changed completely” with Mayor Aksel Bech and new Chief Executive Craig Hobbs in place.
“The feeling in the chambers is very different than it was three years ago. There really feels like there is change happening – and behind the scenes the CEO has made some changes in council, really looking at the efficiency of that organisation.”
He welcomed the mayor’s stated intent to devolve more decision-making powers to community boards, including responsibilities for renewing leases, road naming, and managing the “blueprint” budgets established several years ago.
“That’s the thing that probably excites me the most,” he said. “Coming to the end of the last term, I was wondering whether I would actually re-stand, because I wasn’t sure what we were here for.
But the mayor’s brought clarity – and his desire to work with us really puts the onus on us and our community to engage more. We’ll be asked to make some of these decisions, so I want to make sure we hear the community.”
Meeting Times and Accessibility
Ross confirmed that the December meeting will include discussion about changing meeting times, as Raglan remains the only community board in the Waikato District that meets during the day.
“When I first came on, it was just what had always been done – but we’re the only board that meets during the day. All the others meet in the evening, at six o’clock,” he said.
“We’ll discuss what works best for members, but also what works best for the community. We have open sessions for community members to speak – and if the middle of the day isn’t working, we’ll look at evenings to make it more accessible.”
He added that the board would consider continuing outreach meetings in Te Uku and Te Mata, saying:
“They were reasonably popular, and it opens the opportunity for local residents in those areas to come along.”
Consultations: Beaches, Reserves, and Freedom Camping
Ross highlighted that two major consultations are currently open for public submissions until 14 November:
The Beaches and Reserves Bylaw, covering issues such as horses on beaches and reserves, driving on beaches and reserves, and commercial activities on the beach; and
The Freedom Camping Bylaw amendment, focused specifically on James Street near the Raglan Bowling Club.
“The beaches and reserves one – it’s very much beaches people are focused on, particularly horses on beaches,” he said. “The freedom camping one came from quite a bit of concern and lobbying from residents about antisocial behaviour in that area, so it’s good that council has picked that up.”
Cell Tower Proposal Raises Concerns
Ross also discussed a proposed 15-metre 2degrees cell tower planned for Long Street, noting that a public meeting had been postponed to allow more time for community input.
“From what I’ve gleaned so far, they’ve been quite open and wanting to consult with the community,” he said. “It’s a 15-metre tower – the one by the water’s only nine – so it’ll be significantly taller and very noticeable but at least they’re engaging early.”
Looking Ahead
Ross ended on a positive note about the make-up of the new board and the sense of renewed energy from council leadership.
“We’ve got a really good board – it’s diverse, representative of our community, and that’s what you want. You don’t want eight dairy farmers,” he joked. “It’s a positive, eager group. I’ve got high hopes and expectations for the term ahead, and I’m hoping that by the end of it, we’ll have ticked off some good ones for our community.”