Have Your Say: Waikato District Council Proposes 4.25% Rates Increase in New 9-Year Plan

April 11, 2025

Waikato District Council has released its draft 2025–2034 Long Term Plan (LTP) and is now asking for community feedback on what it’s prioritising—and how it plans to pay for it.

The LTP is a key document that shapes the district’s direction for the next nine years, with big-ticket issues like water infrastructure and roading taking centre stage. A 4.25% rates increase is proposed for 2025/26, with increases ranging between 1.5% and 4.5% in the following years.

Public consultation is open and will run to Sunday 11 May 2025.

CLICK HERE TO HAVE YOUR SAY.

What’s in the plan?

$4.2 billion total spend on core services over nine years
$787.1 million proposed for roading
$160.3 million for stormwater
$1.8 billion for other council services
A major shift in water services management, with a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) proposed in partnership with Hamilton City Council—taking on $1.3 billion of Council expenditure from Year 2 onwards

Mayor Jacqui Church says the Council has tried to keep rates increases modest while still funding essential services in a growing region. “We’ve done our best to prioritise responsibly, but now we need to hear from you,” she said.

Growth-related infrastructure is also a major driver of spending. $167.5 million worth of capital projects are earmarked to support new developments, with partial funding from developers. However, 24% will be funded by loans, increasing the district’s debt, which is expected to peak at $347 million in 2025/26.

Ratepayer tools & feedback

Want to know how this will affect your household? The online rates calculator will be live at waikatodistrict.govt.nz/rid from next week until 11 May 2025.

Feedback from residents will help shape the final plan, due for adoption on 30 June 2025. This year’s plan covers nine years (not ten), due to a one-off Government extension last year that allowed more time to plan around critical infrastructure and funding issues.

How to Have Your Say:

Online: Visit waikatodistrict.govt.nz for the full draft plan and submission form
In person: Community drop-in sessions and public meetings will be held across the district (check the website for times and locations)
By email or post: Submission details available on the consultation page

This is your chance to have input on how your rates are spent—and what kind of district Waikato will become in the years ahead.

Have Comments to Make or an Inquiry?

Do you have any concerns or issues you would like to bring before the Committee?

Please complete the form located on the right side of your screen and click 'Submit.' If the matter is urgent, a Committee Member will respond promptly. Otherwise, your correspondence will be presented at the next scheduled Community Committee meeting.