Your rates, your say - Cambridge News column, 1 Oct 2026

If council news is a switch-off you’re not alone – voter turnout was less than 40% at the last local government elections in 2025.

But if you’re concerned about the cost of rates and what you think your money should be spent on, now is the time to get involved – especially if you’re living in Tamahere, Tauwhare and Matangi and other parts of Waikato district.

All councils, including Waikato and Waipa, are starting to shape their next 10-year Long Term Plan (LTP) and – unlike electricity and insurance companies – councils are legally required to directly consult their customers (residents and ratepayers) on what they’re planning to do and how that will affect your rates.

With legislation bringing in a 4% rates cap and a “return to core services” for local government, there are some difficult decisions to be made about prioritising the projects and services ratepayers want. Waikato district was one of only nine councils to keep average rates increases below 4% this year, but as construction costs keep rising it will be tough to allocate enough to maintain our roads and stormwater infrastructure along with other “core” services (which still include amenities like libraries, parks and playgrounds).

While the Government has paused the Head Start process for council amalgamation, local government reform has been on the agenda for both the National and Labour parties for a number of years, and is therefore likely to remain on the agenda even if it’s on a slower timetable.

That makes this Long Term Plan more important, not less. Whatever restructuring might come, this plan will identify our district’s financial position, service commitments and priorities ahead of the change  – built on a clear record of what our communities say matters most.

So Waikato district is seeking early feedback now to guide us on what matters most to you and to your community.

As part of this Waikato district-wide community conversation, we’re inviting anyone interested to come to the Tamahere Community Centre in Devine Rd on Sunday 18 October, 2-5pm, to share your thoughts with council staff and with your Mayor and local councillors. (Listen to my invitation here.) You are also invited to complete an online survey on the council website.

We’ll also be canvassing opinion on local projects like redevelopment of the sports grounds at the Matangi recreation reserve.

It’s also an opportunity to meet with your Tamahere Community Committee members to find out more about Vision Tamahere, a community-led plan being developed to reflect local aspirations and to help guide current and future councils to manage growth in a way that protects the area's rural-residential character, environment and sense of community.

Other groups leading important local initiatives will be there too, such as the Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust who are leading the Tamahere gully restoration project.

This is the best opportunity for meaningful input at an early stage of the Long Term Plan. Your council will run formal consultation in March next year once there is a formal draft plan to share, but by then there is less opportunity to effect change.

See you in Tamahere on 18 October!

Crystal Beavis, Waikato District Councillor, Tamahere-Woodlands Ward

See the article as originally published on 1 October 2026 in the Cambridge News here.