Waikato Regional Council - Latest News [Page 1]
Waikato’s Strengths Drive Economic Development Priorities
Wednesday, 13 May 2026, 1:36 pm | Waikato Regional Council
“Waikato plays a pivotal role in New Zealand’s economy. By focusing on our natural advantages – our people, land, industries and innovation – we can unlock stronger, more resilient growth that benefits both the region and the country,” said Cr Holmes More >>
Regional Unitary Authority Favoured By Council
Thursday, 7 May 2026, 8:40 am | Waikato Regional Council
Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher described the Government’s announcement of the Head Start pathway as “a constructive step forward” in the wider local government reform programme. More >>
Waikato Regional Council To Renew LGNZ Membership
Thursday, 30 April 2026, 3:35 pm | Waikato Regional Council
LGNZ advocates for local government interests and supports councils through policy advocacy, sector-wide collaboration, and the provision of tools and training to uplift governance and performance. More >>
Council Investigating Source And Extent Of Diesel Spill At Thames Wharf
Friday, 17 April 2026, 11:33 am | Waikato Regional Council
Regional On Scene Commander Celeste Davies-Calway said the boat had been monitored closely since it sunk and there had been no indication, or concern, about diesel being discharged from the boat before the discovery. More >>
Council Mourns The Passing Of Former Regional Councillor And Chair
Monday, 13 April 2026, 5:43 pm | Waikato Regional Council
Chief Executive Chris McLay said Mr Livingston’s contribution to council and local governance was significant and enduring. More >>
Tracing Shows Purchased Maize The Likely Source Of First Velvetleaf Find This Season
Friday, 20 March 2026, 11:59 am | Waikato Regional Council
“A big focus of the work we do in velvetleaf control is the tracing of machinery and crop movement, so we can establish and mitigate the source of spread.” More >>
Wallaby Discovery In Hamilton Prompts ‘Pests Are Not Pets’ Reminder
Thursday, 19 March 2026, 9:19 am | Waikato Regional Council
Wallabies are like possums – they destroy native bush by feeding on seedlings, ferns and grasses which ultimately means native birds and animals lose out on food and shelter. More >>
Second Interim Decision Released, Plan Change 1 Moves A Step Closer To Completion
Tuesday, 3 March 2026, 11:56 am | Waikato Regional Council
Waikato Regional Council Chief Executive Chris McLay said, “Our council was successful late last year in advocating to the Government for last minute amendments to the RMA to ensure farming in parts of the region remained permitted activities. More >>
Strategic Direction Sets Waikato Regional Council Up For Future Change
Friday, 27 February 2026, 10:34 am | Waikato Regional Council
One of the five key priorities is to ensure a future-fit organisation. The others are productivity and prosperity; building regional resilience; sustaining natural resources; optimised transport system. More >>
Council Holds The Line On Budget For 2026/27
Thursday, 26 February 2026, 2:02 pm | Waikato Regional Council
Councillors landed on a draft budget of $157.076 million for 2026/27. This is an increase in total rates revenue from existing ratepayers of 1.4 per cent – lower than the projected 3.4 per cent at the start of the meeting. More >>
Te Huia Trial To Continue Another 12 Months
Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 5:41 pm | Waikato Regional Council
The decision was made in an 11-2 vote, with one abstention, during the February council meeting and followed extensive discussion by councillors. More >>
Waikato Regional Council Welcomes Te Huia Trial Extension
Thursday, 19 February 2026, 6:50 pm | Waikato Regional Council
Full engagement on the future of Te Huia would occur as part of the 2027-2037 Long Term Plan process. More >>
Committee Charts Pathway For Stronger, More Resilient Waikato Economy
Thursday, 19 February 2026, 10:33 am | Waikato Regional Council
The council is currently seeking stakeholder feedback on the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, before developing the strategy vision, outcomes and actions. Adoption of the implementation plan is expected in May 2026. More >>
Regional Leadership And Local Voice Critical For Waikato Under Proposed Local Government Reforms
Monday, 16 February 2026, 11:29 am | Waikato Regional Council
Committee Chair Ben Dunbar-Smith said councillors engaged deeply with the implications for local voice, regional oversight and its partnerships with territorial authorities and iwi. More >>
Highly Careless Effluent Discharge Results In Large Fine
Wednesday, 4 February 2026, 11:49 am | Waikato Regional Council
On the day of the inspection, council officers observed significant ponding of dairy effluent on already saturated soils. The ponding resulted from overnight irrigation using a stationary irrigator and was in breach of the Resource Management Act. More >>
National Funding Boost For Waikato-Bay Of Plenty Waste Project
Wednesday, 28 January 2026, 2:52 pm | Waikato Regional Council
“The project aims to address gaps in existing waste systems and infrastructure in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions through coordinated planning and investment,” says Waikato Regional Council Waste Prevention Advisor, Valerie Bianchi. More >>
Extra Vigilance Urged After Boat Overturns Crossing Tairua Bar
Tuesday, 30 December 2025, 9:18 pm | Waikato Regional Council
The situation was attended by Coastguard, the Waikato Regional Council Harbourmaster, Police Search and Rescue, Maritime New Zealand and Surf Life Saving New Zealand. More >>
One-year Extension Of Te Huia Trial Requested
Thursday, 18 December 2025, 5:32 pm | Waikato Regional Council
A report to council said staff from Waikato Regional Council and the NZTA had identified an opportunity for the extension of the trial to the end of June 2027. More >>
Boating Safety Team Out In Force This Summer
Thursday, 18 December 2025, 10:20 am | Waikato Regional Council
Recreational Harbourmaster Hayden Coburn says the council’s annual Operation Neptune programme, from Boxing Day to 11 January 2026, includes boating safety checks and enforcement of the region’s boating bylaws. More >>
Fines And Community Service In Three Waikato Effluent Cases
Wednesday, 17 December 2025, 10:48 am | Waikato Regional Council
Effluent irrigation is a critical part of dairy farm management, but when it’s done incorrectly, it can cause negative impacts on waterways. All farmers have a responsibility to ensure their systems are fit for purpose and operated correctly. More >>
