Last chance to have your say on Waikato district’s future

There are just a few days left to share your thoughts on Waikato District Council’s draft 2025–2034 Long Term Plan. Feedback closes this Sunday 11 May 2025. 

This is your chance to help shape the future of our district’s roads, water services, rubbish and recycling, and what happens with some community halls and other issues facing our district.  

This Long Term Plan sets out what the Council is planning to spend over the next nine years and how it plans to pay for it. That includes some big decisions about where to invest and how to keep services affordable as our district continues to grow. 

Waikato District Council’s Chief Executive Craig Hobbs says, “We’ve been out talking with people who really understand what’s going on in their communities and want to know what it means for them. There are a few more days to speak up and have your say about what’s important to you and your community now and for the future.” 

As part of the plan, some changes to rates are being proposed. From 1 July 2025, general rates would increase by 4.25%. Depending on where you live and the services you receive, your total rates bill could go up by between 4.25% and 11% when targeted rates are taken into account. 

To see what this might mean for your property, check out the online rates calculator at waikatodistrict.govt.nz/rid. 

You can watch a presentation, read the consultation document and share your feedback online at waikatodistrict.govt.nz/ltp, or pick up a printed copy from any Waikato District Council office or library. 

All feedback will be reviewed by Councillors with in-person hearings scheduled for 20 – 21 May, before the final plan is adopted on 30 June 2025.