As Tamahere continues to grow and evolve, Mayor Jacqui Church is urging locals to get involved in shaping the district’s future by giving feedback on Waikato District Council’s 2025–2034 Long Term Plan (LTP). With submissions open until 11 May, now is the time to speak up.
From roads to rubbish, water to wastewater, the LTP lays out how the Council plans to deliver and invest in the everyday services that residents rely on. And while these may sound like the “basics,” Mayor Jacqui says there’s nothing simple about it.
“We’re managing $2 billion worth of assets across one of the largest and fastest-growing districts in the country,” she says. “Essential services are our top priority, but the complexity and cost of maintaining and upgrading them is only increasing.”
Like many households, the Council is feeling the squeeze—facing rising inflation, increasing interest rates, and stricter government regulations. Meanwhile, the rapid growth of communities like Tamahere is adding further pressure to infrastructure already under strain.
Take roading, for example. Waikato District Council maintains nearly 2,000 kilometres of sealed roads and almost 600 kilometres of gravel roads. But with the current funding model, where central government funds just over half and ratepayers cover the rest, something has to give.
“Do we stretch our local rates further to do more roading maintenance now—or do we stick with what we’ve been funded for and keep rates lower? We need to make these decisions together,” Mayor Jacqui says.
And it’s not just roads. Water services, waste management, and stormwater systems all require constant maintenance and investment. The district’s wastewater and drinking water networks serve around 40% of residents, and those numbers are growing fast. At the same time, new developments mean more demand, while environmental standards continue to tighten.
Behind the scenes, Council teams are clearing stormwater drains, upgrading ageing pipes, and keeping water safe—all mostly invisible work, but crucial to public health and environmental wellbeing.
Then there’s the 15,000 tonnes of household rubbish and recycling generated every year, which must be collected, sorted and processed in a sustainable way.
“These services are the lifeblood of our communities,” says Mayor Jacqui. “Yes, we want to get the basics done—and done brilliantly—but it takes real planning, expertise, and investment to make that happen.”
The Long Term Plan is your chance to weigh in on what matters most. Whether you want better roads, more resilient water systems, or smarter ways to manage waste, the Council wants to hear from you.
Submissions are open until 11 May.
Your voice can help shape the future of Tamahere and the wider Waikato District.
