World Rally Championship

The Raglan and Te Akau areas will welcome fans from across the country for the biggest motorsport event of the year tomorrow, 30 September. A number of rural roads in those areas are closed on that day.

And don't forget, the drivers will be in the Raglan town centre with their cars on the 30th, and they'll be popping in to Te Akau Sports Complex too.

Read more.

Your vote, your voice | Ko tō pōti, tō reo

Enrolled voters across the Waikato district should have received your voting papers last week.

Voting is your chance to have your say on what's important to you, your whānau, and your community. The people elected get to make decisions about your daily life and the future of your town and community. They set rates, oversee town planning, and make decisions on rubbish collection, roads, parks and libraries.

Not sure if you're enrolled or haven't received your voting papers? You may be able to complete a special vote! Pick up a special voting pack from one of our offices, or contact Council on 0800 492 452 for assistance.

Read more.

Haere mai, welcome to our new Kiwis!

Yesterday, for the first time in 2.5 years, we opened up the Council Chambers for a public citizenship ceremony.

The ceremony welcomed 29 new kiwis, and was the first ceremony where new citizens have been sworn in under King Charles III. 

It was also the last ceremony held by Mayor Allan Sanson, who will be retiring from his capacity as Mayor of the Waikato district following the upcoming election.

Dogs in Libraries is back!

Research shows that reading to dogs helps children's literacy development and improves self-confidence.

This free programme runs at Waikato District Libraries during term time, giving readers a chance to practise reading aloud in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Read more.

We're proposing changes...

We're proposing changes to better protect public wastewater infrastructure and provide clearer information on connections and accountability for damages caused. 

To better protect public wastewater infrastructure, a number of changes within the district have been proposed which set clear guidelines and responsibilities.

Have your say by 5pm, Monday 21 November.

Read more.

Pound Pups Pink Walk and Playdate

Our Waikato Pound Pups team are raising funds for Breast Cancer New Zealand and holding a Pink Walk and Playdate for you and your pups.

Pink Walk: Lake Kainui, Sat 29 October, 10.30am-1.30pm
Pink Playdate: Pōkeno Dog Park, Sun 30 October, 10.30am-1.30pm

Read more about these events.

Reconnect with the people and places that lift you up!

It's Mental Health Awareness Week and this year's theme is reconnection.

To round out the week, we’re asking you to reconnect with the beautiful taonga that is te taiao/the natural environment. Studies show exposure to nature not only makes us feel better emotionally, it contributes to our physical wellbeing, reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and the production of stress hormones. All the more reason to spend at least a small moment today outside - breathing in some fresh air and noticing the world around you.

Why not try one of the amazing walking or hiking tracks we have right here in the Waikato district?

View more.

Congratulations Cushman & Wakefield

The Cushman & Wakefield Waikato team was named Service Provider of the Year at last week’s Facilities Management Association New Zealand awards.

The award was specifically for its partnership with Waikato District Council. Cushman Wakefield is our Repairs and Maintenance Contractor for all Council-owned facilities, whether it be offices, libraries, halls, club rooms etc.

Reminder – have your say by 28 October

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. 

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.

Donations welcomed

Jo donated 14 handmade dog beds, our Animal Control team are very grateful and we know all our pooch's awaiting their furever homes will be too.

If you wish to make a donation our pups always have a need for toys, blankets or bedding but we're happy to take anything you wish to give. You can drop your donations off to any one of our council offices for our team to collect.

Motorbike skills training

Here's your chance to improve your riding skills, no matter what your riding level.

Four safety training days will be held at Kartsport Club, Airport Road, Hamilton, to improve the skills for earner and restricted license holders as well as experienced and returning riders.

Register now! Places strictly limited. Read more.

Project update in Huntly

The crews from Waikato District Alliance are working through the upgrades to 60 sports grounds and car parks across the district.

Recent work has focused on Huntly and the northern part of our district, like Te Kohanga Community Sports Ground.