Regional leadership and local voice critical for Waikato under proposed local government reforms

Waikato Regional Council says the region’s ability to manage growth, climate risk and infrastructure relies on strong regional leadership supported by a clear and accountable local democratic voice.

The statement follows the Government’s proposal to replace regional councillors with a board of mayors responsible for regional level decision-making. The Government is currently undertaking work to determine which regional council functions this new proposed board would oversee. 

Council chair Warren Maher acknowledged that reform is needed but emphasised that any changes must strengthen – not sideline – regional leadership and the democratic representation to take a whole-of-system, catchment-based approach to planning, investment and advocacy.

“The Waikato is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions, home to major urban centres, productive rural communities, nationally significant infrastructure and some of the country’s most important assets,” said Cr Maher. 

“At its heart is the Waikato River Catchment – New Zealand’s largest and most complex – which shows why coordinated, region-wide oversight is essential. Land use, water ways, flood protection, infrastructure and community wellbeing are all interconnected.”

He pointed out effective flood protection, for example, requires decisions that consider whole catchments, from headwaters to coasts, and across the many communities and land uses they support.

“Regional council oversight is essential for coordinating across district boundaries, aligning investment, and ensuring that development remains productive, sustainable and resilient for generations,” said Cr Maher. 

“This strategic function is particularly important in the Waikato, where flood protection, river management, transport networks and growth-related development all intersect across our river systems and catchments.”

Cr Maher also highlighted the strong working relationships between the regional council and territorial authorities, which have enabled aligned planning, delivery and investment. 

“Our work is strongest when regional and territorial authorities operate as complementary partners,” said Cr Maher. “Reforms should build on those relationships, not fragment them.”

At its February Strategy and Policy Committee meeting, councillors expressed concerns that reforms which centralise decision-making or fragment regional responsibilities could weaken the ability to manage complex systems, such as large catchments, and reduce accountability to the communities most affected. 

Committee Chair Ben Dunbar-Smith said councillors engaged deeply with the implications for local voice, regional oversight and its partnerships with territorial authorities and iwi. 

“That discussion reflected our shared commitment to ensuring any changes strengthen outcomes for Waikato communities,” said Cr Dunbar-Smith.  

Councillors noted the importance of governance stability during any reform process. They were elected to serve their communities through to the 2028 local elections and maintaining that mandate provides certainty for long-term planning and delivery, and community representation.

"Continuity matters,” said Cr Dunbar-Smith. “Our communities deserve stable leadership and accountable representation as we navigate growth, climate pressures and future investment decisions.”

Waikato Regional Council remains committed to working with central government, territorial authorities, iwi and communities as the reform process progresses, and contributing regionally informed perspectives that reflect the interconnected nature of the Waikato region’s catchments, infrastructure and communities.