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Stay up to date with what's happening in your community with our fortnightly newsletter - The Waikato District News!
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Celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
It’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, and our staff here at Te Kaunihera aa Takiwaa o Waikato are proud to serve our mighty district.
Our connection to tangata whenua in the Waikato district is strong; with a history rich in te ao Māori, we are home to the Kiingitanga, over 33 hapū, and thousands of our residents are registered as a member of the Waikato-Tainui Iwi.
Not only this week but every week into the future, we challenge you to use more reo in your day-to-day life. Whether that’s simply by using a Māori greeting or making an effort to learn enough to partake in a conversation, where you improve your reo, you improve your connection with tangata whenua and with the motu that is our collective home.
Tōku Reo, Tōku Ohōho. Tōku Reo, Tōku Māpihi Maurea. My language is my awakening. My language is the window to my soul.
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Queen Elizabeth II’s passing
As a Council we are saddened by the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and extend our condolences to the royal family. Our flags were lowered to half-mast on Friday 9 September, and will remain that way for at least ten days, as we mourn her death alongside other members of the Commonwealth nations.
A one-off public holiday will be held on Monday 26 September to acknowledge Her Majesty’s service to the Commonwealth over her seven-decade reign. Please note that our offices and libraries will be closed on this day as we mark this historical event together with our communities.
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Have your say on proposed changes to district planning rules
New Government rules around building more houses, are forcing changes to Waikato District Council’s District Plan.
The changes set out by Government are not optional and we must change our plan to reflect these new rules. We’re aiming though to do this in a managed way and one that respects our environment and the features of our district that are important to us.
It’s important to note that these changes have the potential to increase housing density in the residential zones of Huntly, Ngāruawāhia, Tuakau, and Pōkeno where landowners may be able to extend or build up to three houses, up to three storeys high, without needing a resource consent. Council will be notifying these proposed changes, known as Variation 3, to our District Plan on Monday 19 September 2022. Public submissions will then be open for a period of 30 days and close on Friday 28 October 2022 . To find out more about what is being proposed and how you can have your say when submission open, please visit our website.
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Rubbish and recycling collection
Rubbish and recycling will be collected as normal throughout Waikato District over Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day, Monday 26 September 2022.
For example, those that usually have a pick-up on Mondays, it will be collected as normal on Monday and so on. Read more.
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Landing in your mailbox soon
Residents and ratepayers across the Waikato district can expect to receive their voting papers from tomorrow, Friday 16 September 2022.
Remember, your vote is your voice, your tick is your choice. Make sure you vote in the local body elections before midday, Saturday 8 October 2022.
Not enrolled? It's not too late but you will need to complete a special vote. Find out more about voting on our website.
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Whāingaroa Harbour Strategy
After almost a year in the making, the Whāingaroa Harbour Strategy has now been finalised. A big thank you to everyone who provided feedback and had their say on this project.
The strategy will guide how we manage and care for the Whāingaroa (Raglan) harbour now and over the next 30-50 years and includes practical actions that will bring the strategy to life. Read more.
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Some of our community projects are nearing completion after a wet winter. Here’s a few highlights from around the district.
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DogSmart is back!
Last week saw our first session after a one year absence (thanks Covid) with the amazing kids at Glen Massey School, wacky hair and all. They were joined by Wilson, our pup-in-training, on his first ever education visit with the aim to teach kids how to stay safe and reduce the risk of injury around dogs.
These sessions are fun and interactive. There is no cost for our visit and each session can be tailored to suit different age groups. If you are interested in having us come to your school phone us on 0800 492 452 and ask to speak with Zoe, our Education and Engagement Officer.
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Get to know your candidates for Mayor, Councillor and Community Board
Meet the candidate evenings offer a chance for members of the community to meet the candidates standing to represent them at the upcoming elections and get to know what issues they stand for and ask questions.
See a list of meet the candidate events across the Waikato district here.
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Meremere playground update
The new Meremere playground is nearing completion.
The new equipment is looking good and there’s just some safety work to be finished off. All going well it will be open within the month.
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Te Kowhai – we have a winner!
We’ve tallied up your responses, and here’s what you liked best – a new loo with a monopitch roof and vertical corrugate cladding in sandstone grey.
Take closer look at the results and find out more about next steps here.
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Waikato District Libraries takes top spot in international reading challenge
Waikato District Libraries has won the Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge, competing against seven districts across Australia and New Zealand for the top spot.
The challenge, which asked participants to complete and log over 300 minutes of reading during the month of July, saw 13 of our library members read 21,591 minutes across the month. What are you reading in your home today? Read more.
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Get your nominations in
Celebrate the work you have been doing to keep your community active! ncreased participation, developed connection to your community, worked with a partner to achieve an awesome result, run a programme in an active space - we want to hear from you.
We want to hear from you! Nominations close 30 September 2022. Place your nominations here,
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How safe is your young driver?
Holden Driver Training are hosting driving course suitable for 16-24 year olds. Course includes emergency braking, parallel parking, one-on-one tuition, workshops and more.
Located in Hamilton with a cost of $50, lunch included. Saturday 10 September and Sunday 27 November, 8.15am-4pm. Read more.
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Pick up free garden seeds at your local library – we offer a variety of vegetable, fruit, flower, native and herb seeds
Save some seeds from your plants to donate back to the library for your community.
