Just minutes after the formal election of the new Tamahere Community Committee, the freshly elected Tamahere Community Committee got down to bsuiness, signalling a clear intent to get moving quickly on local priorities which include Tamahere Reserve planning to community transport issues and the long-awaited Southern Links update.
Mayor Aksel Bech and WDC CEO Craig Hobbs remained for the full meeting, emphasising their commitment to devolved decision-making and a more empowered role for Community Committees in the new triennium.
New Leadership in Place — and Straight to Work
Charles Fletcher was unanimously elected Chair, with Lyn Harris and Sue Robertson jointly taking on a streamlined co-secretary model. After acknowledging long-serving outgoing members, including Bevin Coley, Janis Swan and Buddy Annals, the committee moved rapidly into substantive agenda items.
Council reported that voter turnout in the Tamahere–Woodlands ward climbed to 40%, the second-highest in the district and a positive sign for local engagement.
Tamahere Reserve: Consultation Plan Underway
One of the evening’s central updates was progress on the Tamahere Reserve Use and Management Plan, now being shaped with Boffa Miskell. The consultation framework is under development, and the Matangi Community Committee has confirmed participation, with representatives now joining the working group.
This marks the first major step toward a unified community-guided plan for the reserve, a key priority long requested by residents.
Service Delivery, Procurement & Key Projects
The committee received the latest WDC service delivery report, which included:
A revised approach to procurement, with Council moving away from strict reliance on preferred suppliers, a change that may benefit local project delivery.
Progress toward installing CCTV and fibre at the Tamahere Community Centre, bringing the facility into line with other Council sites.
Updates on the Bilsthorpe walkway, now paused while lower-cost alternatives are assessed with TMRT.
Ongoing work to secure competitive pricing for the planned second toilet block at Tamahere Park.
Invoices for Tamahere Forum website maintenance and the annual site builder subscription were approved for payment from the Committee’s discretionary fund.
Councillors' Update: Big Shifts Ahead
Councillors Crystal Beavis and Mike Keir delivered their first report of the new term. Both take on significant roles under the revised governance structure:
Mike Keir — Chair, Roading Committee
Crystal Beavis — Chair, Policy & Regulations Committee
Key consultations now open include the Reserves & Beaches Bylaw, the Morrinsville Road upgrades, and the HCC Southern Wastewater Project. Traffic impacts, speed-limit reductions, heavy-vehicle behaviour and construction disruption were all raised as concerns for Tamahere residents.
Blueprint & Southern Links: Subcommittee Re-formed
With the Government signalling a 2–3 year horizon for initiating works on the Southern Links connection between SH1 and SH3, the committee has re-established a dedicated subcommittee to update both the local Community Plan and the larger District Blueprint.
Members include Charles Fletcher, Maggie Wilcock, Peter Nation, Lauren McLean, Anne Cao-Oulton and others, with fortnightly meetings planned.
Community Reports: Predators Down, Markets Coming Up
The Predator Free Tamahere report noted a milestone kill count of 9,517 pests, with 523 removed in the last month alone and new traps already in circulation thanks to fresh funding.
Local groups provided additional updates:
St Stephens: Market Day on 15 November; Twilight Market on 6 December
Tamahere Lions: Final market at Christmas before a break
Tamahere Forum: Strong readership and still seeking more personal-interest stories
Transport, Buses & the Airport Gap
The committee also discussed the future of the local bus service and the notable absence of public transport links to and from Hamilton Airport, despite the return of international flights. Members will continue exploring whether Tamahere can be part of an eventual route.
Charter Refresh + Next Steps
A review of the TCC Charter (2022–2025) is underway, with updates required ahead of adopting a new 2025–2028 version.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 2 December at 7.30pm, with the committee returning to its usual monthly rhythm (no January meeting).
Download Minutes from the 4th November meeting below.
