Back to Blog

Local Democracy and Why Your Vote Matters as Much as a National Election

We’re often told that national elections are the “big ones.” They shape Parliament, the economy, and foreign policy. But here in the Waikato, the elections that will have the greatest impact on your everyday life are happening right now via your letterbox.Roading, rates, water, parks, reserves, and community planning - these are all decided by the Waikato District Council. This year you get one mayoral vote and two council votes for the Tamahere–Woodlands Ward. These choices matter. They...

Tamahere Community Committee Meeting Minutes Summary 2nd September, 2025

Tamahere Community Committee — Key Outcomes (September 2025) Tamahere’s September TCC meeting covered new walkway standards and costs, safer streets around schools, a Reserve concept plan, CCTV roll-out, election dates, and a proposal for a local charitable trust. Tracks & Toilets: Cost, design, and common sense Community members reiterated concern parts of the TMRT Bilsthorpe Lane trail and bridges are being “over-engineered” for a gully that floods periodically. TMRT noted Council...

Tamahere Community Committee – September Meeting Highlights

The Tamahere Community Committee (TCC) meets this Tuesday, 2 September at 7.30pm in the Tamahere Community Centre. While the full agenda is packed with updates, several items will be of special interest to residents.Local Council ElectionsWith voting opening on 9 September and running through to 11 October, the TCC is encouraging all residents to get engaged. As part of the election process, there will be a Meet the Candidate meeting for the Tamahere–Woodlands Ward on Wednesday 10 September, 4...

Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust Opens Public Walkway at Bilsthorpe Lane

Image shows aerial of the Bilsthorpe Gully, Matangi...

WDC Council Candidate Profile - Mike Keir

Mike KeirStatement of Intent: (As received) A vote for me, and for Aksel Bech for Mayor, means doing things better. If you want change (and you should!) – vote for both of us.Having completed one term at Council, I’m frustrated at the red tape and reluctance to fix something that’s broken. I was the only Councillor to vote against massive rates rises for the next eight years. I’ve lived in Tamahere for 25+ years, raising a family and planting thousands of trees. I’m a qualifi...

WDC Council Candidate Profile - Mark Manson

Candidate StatementHaving been a resident in Tamahere for over 16 years I have seen substantial change in the area, and can see considerable opportunities. I have been married for 41 years, with 2 sons and 3 grandchildren.I have held executive positions in the Dairy and Food industries, both locally and internationally. I have been a member of NZ Institute of Directors, where I've held a number of Directorships.Giving back to my community is an important part of my core values. I am a natural co...

WDC Council Candidate Profile -Anne Cao-Oulton

Each candidate has provided their information which is posted without alteration - as is.Anne Cao-OultonStatement of Intent:I’m standing for Waikato District Council because I care deeply about our community’s future. I will act on your concerns. As a resident of Matangi for nine years I’ve actively served on both the Tamahere and Matangi Community Committees, and have experience as a board member and company director.  I’m as passionate about good governance as any local backi...

WDC Council Candidate Profile - Peter Mayall

Statement of Intent:Time and again, ratepayers have been let down by Waikato District Council with out-of-control rates hikes, neglected public services, and wasteful spending on ideological projects like the Birchwood Lane and Telephone Road fiascos. It is time to give Council a wake-up call and focus on what actually matters to Tamahere-Woodland residents.As an Associate Chartered Accountant and business leader, I understand the importance of financial discipline, transparency, and accountabil...

WDC Council Candidate Profile Crystal Beavis

I’m seeking re-election to serve your interests on Council. I bring the experience, energy and commitment you need in a fast-changing environment, with more local government reform ahead.I’ve lived in Tamahere-Woodlands for 24 years, raised a family here, and I’m keen to continue using my business experience and advocacy skills to provide you with strong, effective representation.As a business communications professional I stand for transparent decision-making, prudent financial management...

WDC Mayoral Candidate Profile -Jacqui Church

Each candidate has provided their information which is posted without alteration - as is.Jacqui ChurchCandidate StatementIt has been an honour serving as your Mayor this term and Councillor since 2013. I'm proud of what we’ve achieved together, but there’s more to do. Fervently people and community-focused, I offer authentic, commonsense, and collaborative leadership that’s stable, practical, business-orientated, and innovative.  Despite economic pressures, co...

WDC Mayoral Candidate Profile - Aksel Bech

Each candidate has provided their information which is posted without alteration - as is.AKSEL BECHStatement of Intent:For rates sake, vote to empower communities with voice, choice and control over things that matter.Vote to end three years of the current Mayor’s debt blowout from $178.7m to projected $347m and near doubling numbers of senior staff with $150K+ salaries.Time for real change and leadership, not more photo-ops.As WDC councillor (2016-2022) and your previous Deputy Mayor, my prov...

Big Resident Turnout at August TCC Meeting - WDC Candidates Present

A strong turnout of 26 people – including residents, councilors, and community group representatives – filled the Tamahere Community Centre for this month’s meeting. All WDC Council candidates, bar one were present. Mayoral Candidates - Aksel Bech, Jacqui Church (Incumbant) - Council Candidates - Anne CaoOulton, Mike Keir (Incumbant), Crystal Beavis (Incumbant), Peter Mayall (ACT) and Gurpreet Bassan. Key points:Local Elections – Voting runs from 9 September to 11 October, with the ...

WDC Launches Official Birchwood Lane Traffic Survey Following Strong Community Feedback

Image shows large turnout at a June meeting of residents concerned the WDC's traffic calming measures were 'over the top'....

Calling Tamahere - Volunteers Needed to Keep Our Community Emergency-Ready

What would you do if Tamahere faced a serious emergency from flooding, a major earthquake, or a long-term power outage?A small group of locals, led by Waikato District Councillor Crystal Beavis, has already started answering that question by drafting a Tamahere Community Response Plan. Now, they’re calling for more volunteers to step forward and be part of a practical, on-the-ground team that would swing into action if the need ever arose.Crystal says volunteers wouldn’t just be part of a lo...

Tamahere Committee to Tackle Elections, Traffic, and Reserve Plans in August Meeting

The Tamahere Community Committee (TCC) will gather for its monthly meeting this Tuesday, 5 August at 7.30pm at the Tamahere Community Centre, with a packed agenda covering everything from local election planning to traffic feedback and long-term park development.Among the key items for discussion is the upcoming Waikato District Council election, with candidate nominations confirmed for the Mayoralty (2 candidates), Tamahere-Woodlands Ward (6 candidates for 2 seats), and the Waikato Regional Cou...

Tamahere – Are You Ready to Vote? Make Sure You’re Enrolled

Local elections are coming up fast, and if you live in the Waikato District, including here in Tamahere, this is your chance to help shape the future of our community.Waikato District Council is urging all eligible residents to enrol to vote ahead of the Friday 1 August deadline for the 2025 local government elections. Voting gives you the power to choose who represents Tamahere and the wider district—on Council, on community boards, and even on key decisions like whether to keep Maori wards.A...

Water Future Secured as Hamilton and Waikato Councils Launch $3.6 Billion Joint Plan

Big changes are flowing our way.Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have become the first in New Zealand to receive formal approval for a joint Water Services Delivery Plan, laying the foundation for major investment in our region’s essential water infrastructure.The green light came from Paul James, Secretary for Local Government, and clears the path for a $3.6 billion investment over the next 10 years across both council areas.This long-term plan will service around 280,000 people th...

Tamahere Residents Speak Up on Traffic as Survey Reveals Strong Community Sentiment

Image showing the WDC's failed attempt to control traffic on Birchwood Lane earlier this year....

Tamahere Country Market – A Community Favourite Since 2004

Rain or shine, the Tamahere Country Market rolls out every third Saturday of the month, welcoming locals and visitors alike to one of the Waikato’s most popular community gatherings.Run by St Stephen’s Church, the Market has been a local staple since 2004, showcasing a wide variety of New Zealand-made, grown, or created goods. From sculptured garden rocks to handmade skincare, children’s wear, doggy treats, and seasonal plants, there’s something for everyone among the 100+ stalls (a few ...

Is Tamahere Getting Its Fair Share? Resetting the Blueprint for Our Future - TCC Meeting

The well attended meeting threw the spotlight on local priorities at the latest meeting, especially when it comes to the stark mismatch between what Tamahere pays and what Tamahere gets.$125 million in rates over 9 years. Just $480,000 allocated.That’s the current forecast for Tamahere alone in the Waikato District Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) 2025–34. Only $480k is tagged for spending in our area during the next two years. In response, the TCC has begun a full-scale refresh of the ...

Waikato District Council Confirms Nine-Year Plan to Support Growth, Services, and Sustainability

Waikato District Council has officially adopted its 2025–2034 Long Term Plan (LTP), setting a course for the next nine years that aims to balance essential investment with affordability for ratepayers.The plan, adopted on Monday 30 June, outlines how the Council will continue to invest in key services, such as roads, water, libraries, and parks—while maintaining a firm focus on financial responsibility. A general rates increase of 4.25% from 1 July 2025 has been confirmed, with additional ta...

Thinking About Standing for Council? Here’s What You Need to Know

Members of the WDC Council 2025 - Image from WDC...

Tamahere: It’s Decision Time — Reserve, Roads, and a 50-Year Vision on the Table

Tamahere’s future is up for debate, and your Community Committee wants every voice in the room. Tuesday, 1 July 2025 at 7 : 30 pm, you are invitred to the Tamahere Community Centre to thrash out the big issues shaping our corner of the Waikato.Top of the agenda is the Tamahere Reserve concept plan. The 43-year-old pines have had their day and should they all come down, just a few, or none at all? Bring your view, because Council staff are listening.Growth is another hot button. Waikato Distric...

Tamahere Community Committee Meeting – Key Outcomes from 3 June 2025

It was a full house at the Tamahere Community Centre for the June TCC meeting, with residents, committee members, and representatives from WDC, Tamahere Lions, and other local organisations coming together to tackle both strategic and on-the-ground issues affecting our growing community.Birchwood Lane Speeding: Community Speaks, TCC RespondsHot on the heels of a public meeting, TCC formally submitted its recommendations to Waikato District Council regarding the controversial traffic calming meas...

Leaders Meeting Tuesday 10th June to Tackle Rural Mail Theft – Tamahere Community Centre, 3PM

A timely and important Leaders Meeting, Tuesday 10 June at 3:00 PM, at the Tamahere Community Centre, bringing together key figures to address the growing issue of mail theft in rural Waikato communities.While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has sent his apologies, he expressed strong support for the kaupapa – an echo of the concern and commitment already voiced by many of you.In attendance will be Waikato MP Tim van de Molen, Minister of Police Mark Mitchell, representatives from NZ Police, ...