The Tamahere Community Committee (TCC) met on 7 October 2025 with Waikato District Councillors Crystal Beavis and Mike Keir present. Discussion opened with confirmation that the local body elections were under way and that voter participation remained disappointingly low, despite Tamahere ratepayers contributing around $40 million over the next three years. Suggestions included stronger pre-election visibility at the Tamahere Market and an online Q&A format to encourage engagement.
A number of community infrastructure updates followed. Remedial work on the Tamahere Reserve boardwalk was approved, while the Bilsthorpe Walkway project has been placed on hold pending review of track standards and costs. CCTV cameras are now installed and operational, the Hall has its own fibre connection, and the Playground Shade project has $30 000 of Council funding confirmed. The Lions are seeking extra sponsors. Meanwhile, the Tamahere Piazza remains under review after concerns that current Council event rules are too restrictive for spontaneous community use.
Committee members also discussed future planning and governance. The upcoming TCC elections will be held on 4 November 2025, supervised by WDC, with nominations accepted on the night. A sub-committee is progressing a 50-year Tamahere Community Plan aligned with NZTA’s Southern Links proposals, expected to reshape parts of the district in the decades ahead. Work continues with Boffa Miskell on the Tamahere Reserve Concept Plan, involving iwi and local stakeholder consultation.
Other updates included WDC structural changes, ongoing Civil Defence readiness, Predator Free Tamahere’s successful planting season, and a note that the Tamahere Forum remains the key communication hub for residents. Charles Fletcher also raised the potential formation of a Tamahere Community Charitable Trust to channel future funding into local projects. The next TCC meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 November 2025 at 7.30 pm at the Tamahere Community Centre.
