Rates revaluations & other news - Councillor update Nov 2026

Rates revaluation notices are on their way:

The Council must reassess the rating valuation of every property in the district every three years, and the latest rates revaluation notices are being posted out now in mid-November.

Revaluations are also now available on the QV website, and on the Council's rating information database at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/rid. These valuations are used as a guide for setting your rates. However, an increase in property value does not necessarily result in increased rates. Rates increases are based on how your property value increase or decrease compares to the average increase or decrease across the Waikato district. More information is available on the Council website.

You will have until Wednesday 23 December to object to the valuation.  Any objections must be lodged with Quotable Value (QV) which is undertaking the revaluation for the Council.

New Acting CEO

Waikato District Council (WDC) welcomed its new Acting Chief Executive, Susan Law, at a mihi whakatau at the council offices last week following her appointment for a fixed term finishing on 31 May 2027. She is CE of South Waikato District Council and will hold both roles for the period with South Waikato’s agreement. Costs will be shared. Susan Law will oversee the rollout of WDC’s organisational change and technology programme. Her appointment will allow both councils to do early discovery work on possible operating efficiencies and shared-service opportunities. The permanent CE role is expected to be advertised in the New Year.

Dog control policy and bylaw review

Please help the Council to identify whether there are any issues in how we manage dogs in our district.  We are reviewing the Council’s dog control policy and bylaw  to ensure these meet the needs of our growing communities – and we want to hear from you before we develop any proposed changes for future consideration. We’re interested to hear your experiences and thoughts on dog registration, dog exercise areas, dog walking and the management of dogs in public places. Please get your feedback in by Monday 16 November.  For more info go to waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it

IAWAI public survey

IAWAI is running a public survey until 24 November to help shape its Water Services Strategy with regards water charges and charging methodology. Formal consultation on a final draft strategy is expected in March next year. Please find the survey here https://haveyoursay.hamilton.govt.nz/iawaifuturewaters

Long Term Plan development

Thank you to all who turned up to ‘early engagement’ sessions at the Gordonton Hall and at the Tamahere Community Centre or who have separately put their thoughts through to the council on what matters most to your community as the Council develops its next Long Term Plan 2027-37. Formal consultation is expected to be held in March next year once there is a formal draft plan to share.

Matangi recreation reserve redevelopment

Another thank you to all those who provided input to consultation on the draft Matangi recreation reserve masterplan. A local steering group has been working with Council staff on the proposal that includes the addition of hard multi-courts, upgraded car parking, modern lighting for the rugby fields, and other improvements. Development will need to be staged as and when funding becomes available. Currently funding is available for the enabling works (site levelling and primary sports field development) and the construction of multi-purpose courts. Further funding will need to be sought through the long term plan process or developed through community-led projects. 

Annual Report

The Council’s latest Annual Report for 2025-26 is now available online. It reflects on key achievements through a year of significant change, including the establishment of IAWAI the Council’s CCO for water and wastewater operations, with 91% of annual performance targets achieved – an improvement from 74% the previous year. The report recorded a $26.7m operating surplus against a budgeted deficit of $5.8m, with rates revenue $5m above budget and other revenue $20m above budget. A $500m higher than budgeted increase in asset values – mainly reflecting higher replacement costs for water and roading infrastructure – will put pressure on rates as a result of increasing depreciation costs.  These costs will need to be funded within the Government’s 4% rates cap. In June the council confirmed a 3.79% average rates increase for the 2026/27 year.

Contact your Tamahere-Woodlands Councillors:

Crystal Beavis, mob 0275 957 927, email 

Mike Keir, mob 027 449 3012, email 

First published 4 November, updated 13 November