E ngā manukura o te rohe, tēnā koutou
He Raranga weaves together kōrero on the mahi we do at
Waikato Regional Council.Let us know what you think, we would love to hear your whakaaro on our e-pānui as well as comments on how we could make He Raranga more useful for you.
Ngā mahi whaitake
Local authority elections 2025
Local authority elections are being held in October 2025. Whether you’re thinking about becoming a candidate to sit at the decision-making table of Waikato Regional or just want to vote for the person who will best represent your interests and views, this is your chance to get involved.
We’ll keep you updated on our website with all the information you need to participate in local elections for the Waikato region. This means, we’ll provide information on the roles and responsibilities of our council, the requirements and commitments of regional councillors and information on all the candidates who will stand for local election in 2025.
We're consulting this April on our annual plan
In February, councillors confirmed we’ll be consulting on a region-wide public transport rate and on the rating model for important catchment works to boost flood resilience on the Wharekawa Coast (see item below).
We’re also seeking feedback on a new remission policy – a discount – on the primary industry compliance rate. The rate is paid by properties 20ha or greater and the proposed discount would be based on the portion of a property that’s covered in native bush.
The consultation will be open from 1-30 April. If you’d like to receive a reminder by email or text when it opens, please let us know here.
Wharekawa Coast river and catchment scheme establishment
The Wharekawa Coast 2120 Community Plan, adopted in late 2023 after major floods, identified the need for a river management work programme. A joint working party, including local councils, a community panel, Ngāti Pāoa, and Ngaati Whanaunga, developed the plan.
To implement a river and catchment management programme, a new targeted rate is proposed. Options were discussed with the community in November 2024 and formal consultation will take place as part of our annual plan process in April. If adopted, rate collection will start on 1 July 2025, followed by the programme's implementation.
Proposed Waikato Regional Coastal Plan - Hearings update
Hearings for the Proposed Waikato Regional Coastal Plan commenced on 17 February 2025 and will likely run until mid to late April 2025. The Hearings Panel is responsible for hearing and deliberating on submissions to the proposed coastal plan and then making recommendations to the council. The latest information on the hearings, including the hearings schedule, evidence statements and audio recordings are available on our website.
Ngā mahi i te hapori
Rangatahi reconnect with voyaging heritage
“The trick to our approach is that it doesn’t feel like learning. Being out here in nature, connecting with a proud Pacific heritage, sharing the science, history and stories of places that spark the imagination and feed the soul – memories like these last a lifetime,” Captain John-Reid Willison, Te Toki Voyaging Trust.
Waikato Regional Council’s Kura Waitī ki Kura Waitā educational programme seeks to build the confidence of rangatahi and their connection to the taiao.
New council strategy to improve fish passage at pumps
“As part of the strategy, we developed a prioritisation matrix based on fish mortality records, cultural values, catchment size, fish records, lakes/wetlands in the catchment, abundance of tuna, and floodgate presence,” Michelle White, Pathways to the Sea Programme Manager.
Pathways to the Sea is a research and development project, funded by Waikato Regional Council, other councils, iwi and industry, to improve downstream fish passage at the council’s pump stations.
Bowhunters lift pest fish catch over 100 tonne mark
“They do a great job every year of removing koi from our waterways during breeding season when the pest fish can be found congregating in their hundreds,” Danielle Kruger, Waikato Regional Council Biosecurity Marine and Freshwater Lead.
Waikato Regional Council works in partnership with the Department of Conservation, Waikato River Authority and Te Riu o Waikato as part of the Waikato Koi Management Programme to investigate ways to manage koi carp in the future.
Ngā mahi whaihua
Careers
Our people are what makes working at Waikato Regional Council so great, with a wide range of work and roles, competitive salaries and a range of benefits. Learn more about our career opportunities here.
Funding
- Enviroschools Fund
Valued at up to $5000, the Enviroschools Fund provides one-off grants to Enviroschools carrying out environmental projects that directly enhance and/or benefit the environment or provide environmental education. Applications open on 3 March and close on 14 April 2025.
