Latest news with #WaikatoDistrictCouncil
Scoop
7 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Business Leader & Associate Chartered Accountant, Peter Mayall, Selected As ACT Candidate For Waikato District Council
ACT Local has selected Peter Mayall – an Associate Chartered Accountant and experienced business leader – as its candidate for the Tamahere–Woodlands Ward of the Waikato District Council in this year's local election. Peter brings extensive experience in strategic planning, financial oversight, and governance, alongside a proven record in communication and community involvement. He has built his career on aligning teams, cutting waste, and delivering results – skills he's ready to bring to council to deliver better value for ratepayers. Peter is standing to restore focus to the essentials: roads, water, and refuse collection. He believes in genuine democracy, where only elected representatives make decisions and every vote carries equal weight. He opposes racebased wards and backroom deals and will fight to ensure local government serves the community rather than pursuing ideological projects. 'Your rates should be spent wisely, not wasted. Council's job is to deliver core services, not frustrate residents with costly experiments like the Birchwood Lane and Telephone Road fiascos. "As an Associate Chartered Accountant and business leader, I'll bring financial discipline, transparency, and accountability to every decision. "I'll protect property rights, cut red tape, and keep council practical – not political. It's time for smarter councils, lower rates, and real representation.' – Peter Mayall Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Lower Rates Cutting the waste Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability Stopping the war on cars ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture." – Cameron Luxton
RNZ News
16-07-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 16th July 2025
conservation education 7 minutes ago In today's episode, the Waikato District Council is investigating a road that locals call the "rollercoaster" after a woman and two children were killed in a crash on Tuesday; New Zealanders are once again among TV's most famous, with two nominations in the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards - television's top honour; The government has put a stop to open plan classrooms - after more than a year of signalling it wasn't interested in this style of build; And A pair of Kiwi singing in the night led to confirmation the Kiwi pukupuku is living in the bush on the West Coast.
RNZ News
16-07-2025
- RNZ News
Waikato District mayor on deadly crash in Waiuku
The Waikato District Council is investigating a road that locals call the "rollercoaster" after a woman and two children were killed in a crash on Tuesday. Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church spoke to Charlotte Cook. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
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 to read the plan.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
ACT Announces Andrew Pickford As ACT Local Candidate For Waikato
ACT Local has selected — a former international airline captain who now runs a family farm and local businesses — as its candidate for the Tamahere-Woodlands Ward of the Waikato District Council in this year's local election. After more than 25 years flying for major airlines, Andrew swapped the skies for the paddocks. These days, he co-manages a sheep and beef farm and helps run two local franchise stores. He's also worked in project development, bringing practical experience in planning, logistics, and getting things done. He knows what it's like to juggle work, business, and family — and he's standing to bring that real-world perspective into council. 'Flying taught me how to plan ahead, stay calm under pressure, and take responsibility. Farming has shown me the daily challenges families face. And running a business reminds me every day how important it is to spend wisely and stay focused on the essentials. I'm standing with ACT to bring common sense and accountability back into local government — so ratepayers get real value, not more waste.' – Andrew Pickford Earlier this year, ACT New Zealand announced it would be standing Common Sense Candidates for local government for the first time — after hearing from New Zealanders across the country who are sick of rising rates, ballooning budgets, and councils that ignore the basics while chasing ideological vanity projects. When you vote ACT Local, you know what you're getting: Fixing the basics Cutting the waste Lower Rates Ending race-based politics Restoring accountability ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says: ' ACT Local candidates are community-minded Kiwis who've had enough of wasteful councils treating ratepayers like ATMs. It's time to take control on behalf of ratepayers — to restore accountability and deliver real value for money. ACT Local is about getting the basics right: maintaining roads, keeping streets clean, and respecting the people who pay the bills. Our candidates won't divide people by race or get distracted by climate vanity projects. They're here to serve, not lecture." – Cameron Luxton
