02-07-2025
Waikato To Forge Ahead Despite Regional Deals Knockback
The Waikato will forge ahead with work to drive economic growth and housing in the region, despite missing out on funding and resources through the Government's regional deals scheme.
The Government has announced memoranda of understanding have been signed with Auckland, Western Bay of Plenty and Otago Central Lakes regions.
'While it's disappointing the Waikato region has not received central government support for its Regional Deals proposal, it will not stop the work going ahead. It was already planned; collaboration with central government would have enabled it to happen quicker,' said Waikato Mayoral Forum Chair and Hauraki District Mayor, Toby Adams.
'Furthermore, we are immensely supportive of those who've been told they'll be receiving a regional deal, in particular Auckland and Western Bay of Plenty. With the Waikato region positioned in the heart of the golden triangle and central North Island, what's good for them is good for us,' he said.
'We remain interested in continuing discussions with central government and are optimistic that our proposal – demonstrating a cohesive and aligned package of investment in the region's economic growth – will be considered favourably for a future regional deal.'
Waikato Regional Council Chair Pamela Storey agreed, saying the region's leaders would work together to maintain a strong and open relationship with the Government.
'As a region we have been able to present a united voice to central government and demonstrate that we are a powerhouse in Aotearoa New Zealand.
'Our communities should not lose heart. Regional Deals was one avenue available to us, but there are others and we will continue to advocate for collaboration with central government on behalf of the Waikato region,' she said.
The Waikato region proposal lodged in February was developed by Waikato Regional Council under guidance from a Chief Executive Working Group and on behalf of the Waikato Mayoral Forum. The forum comprises the mayors and chair of the city, district and regional councils in the Waikato.
The existing and planned projects in the proposal will bring a range of benefits for the Waikato region, such as well functioning urban developments, significant job growth and housing supply, improved resilience on key transport corridors, more resilient communities, efficient freight networks, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved tourist experiences, increased electricity generation, economic diversification and certainty of water supply.
Key projects include, but are not limited to:
network improvements to support the Roads of National Significance (RONS), including Hamilton Southern Links, Cambridge to Piarere expressway extension, and SH29 Tauriko West project
support for the golden triangle road and rail investment programme
delivery of the Future Proof priority development areas package, with a suite of initiatives including the Huntly wastewater plant, Ruakura, north Waipā/southern Hamilton, Hamilton central city,)
support for our growing rural centres programme, for example in Paeroa, Putāruru, Thames-Coromandel, Matamata
construction of resilient transport corridors for our rural communities through the Thames-Coromandel Resilience Programme, on SH3 to Taranaki and SH1 Taupō to Desert Road
infrastructure that supports tourism destinations
investment in our region's solar, wind and bioenergy
water security.
Regional Deals is the Government's initiative for establishing long-term agreements between central and local government. The programme unlocks funding and resource opportunities to support councils to make improvements in their region, for example to roads, infrastructure and the supply of quality housing.
