Waikato Regional Council

Hamilton General Constituency
The Waikato Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 14 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). Four councillors will be elected from the Hamilton constituency. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Waikato Regional Council election.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

  • Encourage a strong stance by council to get full environmental compliance of Three Waters infrastructure and operational management.

    Encourage a strong stance by council to get full stormwater management compliance, especially with farm and property development.

    Encourage rainwater tank installations for properties to increase water efficiency (less treated water used for gardening, washing car, etc).

  • Collaborate with central and local government to achieve a secure and efficient regional freshwater, wastewater and stormwater system.

    Review flood protection and environmental monitoring services in face of climate change and sea level rise.

    Review consent costs and timings.

  • Regional council's responsibility is as a consenting authority, regulator, monitor and enforcement agency. Ensure we're adequately resourced.

  • Keep water decision-making close to home. Decisions made about our water a long way away are never going to be as good as our own decisions.

    Support businesses to recycle more. Make it as easy for them to recycle, as we have made it for residential homes.

    Evaluate the permits and registrations required of individuals and businesses. Are there things the council can step back from regulating?

  • Encourage a strong stance by council to get full environmental compliance of Three Waters infrastructure and operational management.

    Encourage a strong stance by council to get full stormwater management compliance, especially with farm and property development.

    Encourage rainwater tank installations for properties to increase water efficiency (less treated water used for gardening, washing car, etc).

  • Collaborate with central and local government to achieve a secure and efficient regional freshwater, wastewater and stormwater system.

    Review flood protection and environmental monitoring services in face of climate change and sea level rise.

    Review consent costs and timings.

  • Regional council's responsibility is as a consenting authority, regulator, monitor and enforcement agency. Ensure we're adequately resourced.

  • Keep water decision-making close to home. Decisions made about our water a long way away are never going to be as good as our own decisions.

    Support businesses to recycle more. Make it as easy for them to recycle, as we have made it for residential homes.

    Evaluate the permits and registrations required of individuals and businesses. Are there things the council can step back from regulating?