Waikato District Council adopted its Annual Plan today, confirming an average rates increase of 3.79% for 2026/27, and staying within central government’s 2–4% rates cap ahead of its January 2027 start.
Council also confirmed a drop in the general rate increase from 3% in the Long Term Plan 2025–2034 to 2.8%. This follows a series of cost-saving initiatives, including pausing and stopping certain technology upgrades, managing staff vacancies and numbers, and major savings through procurement initiatives.
Rates increases will vary for ratepayers due to the capital value of properties, and the specific services properties receive such as rubbish and recycling collection, water services, and community halls.
Mayor Aksel said Council understands any rates increase will be challenging for households and businesses already under pressure from the rising cost of living.
“We know many households and businesses are feeling the strain, and affordability remains front of mind for Council. That’s why we’re focused on finding sustainable savings across Council to keep rates as low as possible.
"We’ll continue to look for savings in how we operate, while also exploring opportunities to work closely with other Waikato councils. Reform will reshape the region, and while we’re focused on achieving cost savings to address affordability, we’re equally committed to maintaining local decision-making and local voices,” Mayor Aksel said.
Access the rates overview for 2026/27 here.
Water Services through IAWAI – Flowing Waters
From 1 July 2026, IAWAI, the new publicly owned water company formed by Waikato District and Hamilton City councils and working in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, will be responsible for delivering reticulated (drinking) water and wastewater services. Stormwater services will remain with Council but will be managed under contract by IAWAI.
34 Community Halls
As part of the 2026/27 Annual Plan process, hall committees had the opportunity to review their targeted rates. Several committees requested increases to help cover maintenance costs, and these are:
- Mangatangi Hall: increase of $19 from $35 to $54
- Maramarua Hall: increase of $19 from $37 to $56
- Meremere Hall: increase of $16 from $24 to $40
- Opuatia Hall: increase of $19 from $35 to $54
- Pukekawa Hall: increase of $5 from $55 to $60
- Raglan Hall: increase of $9 from $25 to $34
- Te Akau Complex: increase of $17 from $33 to $50
- Te Kowhai Hall: increase of $9 from $51 to $60
Here are a few examples of how our halls are used.
Raglan Town Hall
Raglan Town Hall has been home to Whaaingaroa Youth Movement for 23 years. The academy teaches dance to 65 young people aged six to 18. The Youth Movement describes its kaupapa as “being together, dancing, creating, and exploring ideas collectively. Our performance work is about who we are, where we live, and how we see the world.”
Kariaotahi Hall
The 95-year-old building, formerly a school, continues to be used for education. For the past 10 years, it has been hired up to four times a week to teach high school students about agriculture. The hall recently added a basketball hoop for students to use during break times.
The 2026/27 Annual Plan will be published in full on our website on Friday, 12 June.
