The May meeting of the Tamahere Community Committee focused on upcoming deadlines, local development projects, and civic engagement opportunities. Below is a summary of the key items discussed:
WDC Long Term Plan (LTP) Submissions Close Soon
The most pressing matter is the Waikato District Council's Long Term Plan (2025–2034). Submissions close this Sunday, 11 May. Residents are urged to have their say via WDC's online portal. While the online tool is quick, it tends to direct submitters along preset Council preferences, so individual email submissions are also encouraged. TCC will also prepare a group submission focusing on local priorities such as upgrades to the Tauwhare/Woodcock Rd intersection. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD HERE
Local Elections – Get Involved
With local body elections approaching (voting from 9 September to 11 October), current Committee members are encouraged to consider standing again. New members are welcome. The Woodlands–Tamahere Ward will need nominees, and a referendum on Māori Ward representation will also take place. Only 30% of eligible voters participated last election—TCC aims to lift that number in 2025. A "Meet the Candidates" event will be hosted closer to election time.
Tamahere Reserve & Gully Restoration
Work to remove pine trees on the Tauwhare Road boundary is nearly complete, with logs to be winched out rather than left on site—making way for a community-led restoration plan. WDC CEO, Craig Hobbs, who was present at this months meeting, will liaise with WDC's Megan May about contributing to this next phase post-LTP. Health and safety improvements to exposed tree stumps are being followed up.
Sports, Seating & Facilities
Planning continues for seating along the Regal Haulage boundary in Tamahere Recreation Park. Early-stage planning for a community hall extension has also begun. A Sports Waikato survey is live now through 30 May to help improve district-wide physical activity and residents are encouraged to take part.
CCTV & Civil Defence Updates
The long-anticipated CCTV upgrade is close to being awarded to a contractor. Meanwhile, the Civil Defence plan has been endorsed at council level, with $3,000 allocated to support awareness in Tamahere. A local coordinator is still needed to lead the initiative.
Forum Website Improvements
Discussion was held on how to make the Tamahere Forum website more user-friendly. Suggestions include better visual presentation, human interest stories, and clearer date displays. A target has been set to grow the email subscriber list from 550 to 2,000 by the September elections.
Other Updates
Tamahere Lions continue work on the playground shade project and upcoming community markets.
TMRT (Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust) will meet with interested parties to streamline gully project oversight.
TMCS (Model Country School) has removed the Kowhai 4 building, replacing it with green space.
Traffic at Fieldays will again be one-way into and out of the site during peak hours. Better communication with locals is being requested.
Next Meeting: Tuesday 3 June 2025 at 7.30pm at Tamahere Community Centre.
Residents are encouraged to make a submission to the WDC Long Term Plan before 11 May and to subscribe to the Forum email list for ongoing updates
