Whāingaroa Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson says Raglan has once again demonstrated its unique character – both politically and civically – as the community overwhelmingly backed Māori wards and pressed for solutions on freedom camping, school traffic, stormwater and summer pressure points.
Speaking on Raglan Community Radio, Lisa described a fast-moving period of change across local government. “There’s lots going on,” she said, noting that reforms across resource management, water infrastructure, emergency management and regional governance are arriving “hard and fast,” adding significant pressure on councils.
First Local Hearing Recommends a James Street Freedom Camping Ban
In a milestone for local engagement, council held its first community-based hearing and deliberation in Raglan under the new Mayor, bringing decision-makers directly into the township to hear submissions on whether freedom camping should be prohibited on James Street.
Lisa called it “a great day where we were able to have our community members come in and speak to their submissions.” Residents described years of disruption, while several submitters who generally support freedom camping said James Street was simply not the right location.
After hearing from all sides, the panel recommended prohibition. “The decision that will be going to council is that freedom camping on James Street will be prohibited,” Lisa confirmed. The final decision will be voted on 16 December.
She reminded listeners that under national law, “freedom camping is a permitted activity unless it’s not permitted,” meaning most areas in Raglan remain open. She also stressed that enforcement should never target those forced to live in their vehicles: “Our monitoring staff are very aware of that… So it isn’t to go out and be the policing around those who are genuinely living in their vehicles.”
Raglan the Only General Ward to Back Māori Wards
The Māori Ward poll results underscored Raglan’s distinct political culture. “I can proudly say that Whaingaroa Raglan Ward voted yes… to retain the Māori wards,” Lisa said. “We were the only community – a general ward – that voted in support… We had more yeses quite significantly than nos.”
The final breakdown – 1,005 in favour and 596 against – stood in sharp contrast to other wards, which leaned toward removal.
Lisa interpreted the result as a reflection of Raglan’s longstanding civic values: “We always talk about Raglan being different… We actually are, and I’m incredibly proud that our community has done that.”
School Traffic Fix: New Parking Layout, Later Finishing Times, and Road Safety Upgrades
One of the most immediate local issues is the congestion at Raglan Area School.
“It’s chaos up at the school,” Lisa said, describing cars arriving as early as 2.30pm to secure parking.
A new traffic system planned for 2026 will restructure the entire pick-up and drop-off process, with the proposal including:
- “Allocating parking for staff,” parents and students
- Trialling “the kiss and drop off and the kiss and pick up”
- A system to adjust junior finish times so “two of the buses… have gone before parents come and pick up their children” is also being considered.
Council, meanwhile, will deliver safety upgrades: “A better crossing on main road” and speed signage “like we have at Whatawhata… that shows drivers how fast they’re going.”
Lisa acknowledged the change will take time: “We know that it will take some education for parents to get used to the new system.”
Stormwater, Water Supply and Harbour Health
With Raglan’s wastewater treatment plant now performing to a far higher standard, attention has turned to stormwater – a more complex and diffuse source of harbour contamination.
Lisa was clear about the scale of the issue: “It is a big challenge,” she said, especially as stormwater responsibilities may shift under Government restructuring. The Stormwater Liaison Group has now been formally re-established after inconsistent operation in past years.
On water supply, a second reservoir is planned near the existing reservoir tank on Te Hutewai Rd. Once cultural assessment is complete and the site confirmed, Lisa said, “we will start the build of another big water reservoir that will increase the capacity of our freshwater out to the community.”
Recent public concern about a harbour smell was also addressed. Testing confirmed, Lisa said, “that it wasn’t a sewage spill,” and was instead “highly likely algae bloom at this time of year.”
Summer Waste, Cell Coverage and Other Local Pressures
As summer ramps up, even holiday waste patterns are shifting. Lisa said Xtreme Zero Waste reported that “it was Boxing Day… that they were absolutely slammed,” with a waste ambassador to be stationed at Papahua over peak months.
Meanwhile, 2degrees is still “genuinely looking at the alternatives” for a proposed cell tower after earlier sites drew community concern.
In a major shift, council is also preparing to meet directly in Raglan. “There is a real desire… to get out into the community and provide those opportunities to engage,” Lisa said, as full council meetings begin rotating through local towns.
As she prepares to take leave from 14 December, Lisa reflected on Raglan’s strong role in shaping its own future – a sentiment that echoed through every issue discussed.