Waikato District Council adopts future-focused Long Term Plan

On Monday 30 June 2025 Waikato District Council officially adopted its 2025–2034 Long Term Plan (LTP), setting a clear direction for the next nine years. The plan outlines how Council will continue to invest in essential services and infrastructure to support our growing communities while keeping rates as affordable as possible.  

Mayor Jacqui says the LTP is grounded in community feedback and focuses on prioritising what matters most. Budgets are firmly focused on core infrastructure deliverables and ensuring an effective Council to deliver them. 

“To ensure we had the right strategic direction and service levels our ratepayers expect the first step in developing this LTP was to check in with our residents. Over 550 people shared their opinions with us,” she says. “We have listened carefully, made some tough calls, and created a plan that focuses on what matters most; like roads, water, libraries, and parks while being realistic about what we can afford.” 

The LTP includes a general property rate increase of 4.25% from 1 July 2025, alongside changes to some targeted rates to better reflect the cost of delivering local services. Depending on where you live and the services you receive, total rates bill could go up by between 4.25% and 11% when targeted rates are taken into account.   The targeted rate increases will mean urban properties experience increases closer to 9% to 11% because of significant water and wastewater costs.  

“This plan is about doing what is needed now and preparing for what is to come,” says Mayor Jacqui. “We are not trying to do everything at once.  This LTP is focused on lowering costs, increasing efficiencies, and ensuring prudent financial and asset management of over $2 billion in Council assets. We are laying the groundwork for smart, innovative and sustainable growth.” 

Key changes and initiatives include: 

• IAWAI Flowing Waters, a new Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) with Hamilton City Council, to deliver water and wastewater services from 1 July 2026, helping keep future costs down.  

• Reprioritised our roading maintenance programme to make the $46 million in NZTA subsides work efficiently over the next two years.  

• A refreshed approach to rubbish and recycling, with price updates and a new monthly drop-off service for Te Aakau starting in the next couple of months. 

• Continued support for community assets, including updated targeted rates for some community halls, an expanded catchment for Whatawhata Hall and plans to repurpose the Ruawaro Hall into a war memorial and recreational space. 

• More targeted investment in growth infrastructure with over $160 million planned to support development, partly funded by developers. 

“We are committed to delivering what our communities need now, and in the future,” says Mayor Jacqui. “This plan reflects your priorities, and we are grateful for your feedback to help shape it.”  

To find out what’s happening in your area, visit www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/ltp to read the plan.