A careful balancing act - Cambridge News column May 2026

Recent Waikato District Council decisions to cut rates increases, and to find efficiencies in waters services and parks maintenance, are part of a longer-term effort to balance the cost of growth with ratepayer affordability.

With expectations that Waikato district will more than double in population from about 90,000 now to 220,000 in 2070, the council’s continued focus is on planning for the infrastructure needed to support that growth while keeping long term rates increases within a forecast Government rates cap of 2-4 per cent per year.

This month the council confirmed a below-inflation general rates increase of 2.8 per cent for the year ahead, with the average increase sitting at 3.79 per cent when targeted rates are included. Individual bills will vary depending on capital value and the services received.

The figures represent a careful balancing act. Significant cost savings were required to absorb new cost pressures and a $2.9 million shortfall in waste calculations carried over from the 2025–2034 Long Term Plan.

Water charges increases will be less than half what was forecast. For properties connected to water services, there is a $31.50 fixed charge increase for drinking water and a $110.72 fixed charge increase for wastewater for 2026/27. From 1 July these will be charged on behalf of IAWAI, the new water company owned by Waikato District and Hamilton City councils.

Preparing for its imminent launch, IAWAI has publicly consulted on its draft water services strategy and the responses will be considered at an IAWAI board meeting on 7 May. The strategy includes a $3 billion capital programme over 10 years to support growing communities and to meet environmental standards.

Behind the scenes, the council has been preparing for a significant change in the way parks, cemeteries, sportsfields and playgrounds are maintained. The existing open spaces maintenance contract – held by Citycare Property for the past decade – expires in July. Rather than re-appointing a single provider, the Council went to market earlier this year with an unbundled model to provide opportunities for efficiencies as well as for local suppliers to bid for smaller contracts. A decision is expected soon.

Investment in shared regional assets is part of a wider Waikato growth picture. Local exporters and the regional economy will benefit from developments at Waikato Regional Airport, jointly owned by Hamilton City and Waikato, Waipa, Matamata-Piako and Otorohanga Districts. With a $6.5 million loan from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, plans are underway for a $9.8 million upgrade including a runway extension. And last week’s opening of the inaugural building in the airport’s Titanium Park north precinct marked a major milestone in the 170 ha development.

Closer to home, Tamahere-Woodlands residents will be pleased to hear Hamilton City’s Morrinsville Rd roundabout project is on track for opening around 19 May.

While we still face uncertain economic times, ANZAC Day recently created time for reflection on the life we enjoy today thanks to the courage and sacrifice of over 250,000 New Zealanders who have served in overseas conflicts. It was a privilege to lay wreaths on behalf of the council at local services in Gordonton and Eureka.

Crystal Beavis, Waikato District Councillor, Tamahere-Woodlands Ward

See the article as originally published in May 2026 in the Cambridge News here.