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Boundary change proposal 

Waikato District Council is working with Hamilton City Council and the Local Government Commission on a proposal to change the boundary between the two councils. 

The proposal is about an area called R2 which is on the northern edge of Hamilton, between Gordonton Road, Pukeroa Road, and the Waikato Expressway. 

The proposal is to move the R2 area from Waikato district into Hamilton’s boundary. 

The goal is to make sure growing communities get the services they need from the council best placed to provide them. It also helps both councils plan for growth across the wider Waikato region. 

What’s happening 

The proposal involved changing part of the boundary between Waikato District and Hamilton City so that the R2 area would become part of Hamilton City. 

This work aligns with existing strategic agreements between both councils and supports a coordinated approach to planning for future growth across the wider region. 

Why was a boundary change being considered? 

The R2 area is expected to experience significant growth over time. 

A boundary change was being considered to help ensure communities receive services from the council best placed to provide them and to support coordinated planning for infrastructure, transport and future development. 

Some developments in the area are also progressing through the Fast-Track Approvals Act 2024 process and are expected to have strong connections to Hamilton's infrastructure and urban area.

What happens next? 

The boundary change process has been paused, not cancelled. 

Both councils will revisit the proposal once there is greater certainty about future local government arrangements and the Government's direction for local government reform. 

In the meantime, Waikato District Council and Hamilton City Council will continue to work together and keep landowners, residents and stakeholders informed. 

What this means for landowners and residents 

There is no immediate change. 

  • Property ownership remains the same. 
  • Rates will continue to be set by Waikato District Council. 
  • Council services remain the same. 
  • Existing planning and consenting processes remain unchanged. 
  • No action is required from you. 

Fast-track development projects and discussions are not affected by this decision and will continue as planned. 

Frequently asked questions

A boundary change is moving the line between two council areas. This can change which council provides services, manages infrastructure, and collects rates. 
The R2 area is next to Hamilton and is connected to fast-track development activity. A boundary change could help services and infrastructure be delivered more efficiently, with better coordination between councils. 
Yes. The most recent boundary change was in 2011, when parts of Te Rapa North (around the Fonterra Dairy Factory) and the Ruakura Inland Port land moved from Waikato District Council to Hamilton City Council. 
The Government's recent Head Start announcement has created uncertainty about future local government structures and responsibilities. Both councils believe it is sensible to pause the boundary change process until there is greater clarity. 
No. The proposal has been paused, not cancelled. Both councils intend to revisit the discussion once there is greater certainty about future local government arrangements. 
No. Rates will continue to be set by Waikato District Council and there are no immediate changes as a result of this decision. 
Yes. Fast-track developments will continue under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 and discussions with developers are not affected by this decision. 
There is no immediate change. Waikato District Council will continue to provide services; rates will remain the same and existing planning and consenting processes will continue as normal. 
Please contact Waikato District Council on 0800 492 452 or info@waidc.govt.nz

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