Waikato District Council news
Waikato District Mayor Aksel and Councillors have unanimously voted in favour of adopting a Western Waikato Unitary proposal to put forward to Central Government, as part of the Head Start pathway.
The proposed unitary Council appears to put Raglan in a West Coast strip running from Aotea through Raglan, Te Akau, Waingaro, Onewhero to Port Waikato. It is based on the old Regional Council’s West Coast Catchment.
On opening a swift debate in chambers at their extraordinary council meeting this morning, Mayor Aksel reflected, “Today’s decision is in some ways the most significant milestone since 1989 when the Waikato District Council was formed. No matter the decision we land on, the very nature and shape of Waikato District Council will cease to exist, and something else will come in its place.”
From the outset of the Head Start process in early May, Mayor Aksel and Councillors have led targeted engagement across the district, and garnered feedback from hundreds of voices. “We decided early on to hold the pen and show leadership on behalf of communities,” Mayor Aksel said. “I am pleased that the recommended option is thinking about the region as a whole, and how best to give effect to the things that our communities told us mattered most, while meeting Central Government’s criteria.”
The Western Waikato model is based on all-of river governance, from the head waters of Lake Taupo to the sea at Port Waikato.
Mayor Aksel acknowledged the strong partnership Council has between its own and neighbouring council’s elected members, its staff and communities, especially over the past three months working together to arrive at today’s meeting.
“There should be opportunity for any proposed model to have further community consultation before councils make decisions on the future structure of local government and governance structures,” Mayor Aksel said.
While South Waikato District Council had already voted in support, during this morning’s meeting, news arrived that Waipā District Council had also voted in support of the proposal. With their support, the proposal now meets government’s eligibility criteria in that it comprises agreement from the majority of councils in the proposed area.
Hamilton City and Taupō District are yet to make a decision on their preferred option. All Head Start pathway proposals are due this Sunday, 9 August.