In this issue, a busy time for our libraries and museum, plan change updates and the latest on the Speed around Schools project
Community services
A busy time for Te Awamutu Library
Te Awamutu Library has welcomed many tamariki through its doors in the first quarter of 2025. Following outreach to local schools last year, 150 children and over 50 adults from Ōhaupō, Ngāhinapouri and Montessori Little Hands have already visited, with a further 141 tamariki from Paterangi and Cambridge Primary Schools booked for May and June. Activities include library tours, storytelling, puzzles, and learning to use the Online Public Access Catalogue.
The library supervisor also presented to 40 people at a Continuing Education group, where attendees were pleased to learn about spaces for small businesses, all-day study areas, and public computer access. Several have since booked 'Book a Librarian' sessions or enquired about the Homebound Library service.
With strong interest from the homeschooling community, the team is also looking at ways to increase capacity for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, maths) sessions, which currently have long waiting lists.
Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum
Following Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum's recognition as a Qualmark Gold facility, the museum has been invited to take part in the Hamilton Waikato Tourism May famil - an exclusive event for Waikato tourism businesses. The museum will host a group of 15 tourism providers from across the region.
The famil series is designed to strengthen connections between operators, support cross-promotion and collaborative packaging, and ultimately create a more seamless experience for visitors exploring the Waikato region.
The museum also recently hosted 46 people from Waikato-Tainui Group Holdings on a history induction tour of the Waipā rohe, with the group finding real value in connecting with the taonga and stories that brought their experiences at significant sites to life.
Reserves planning
This week, Council staff, Sport Waikato and lead consultant Visitor Solutions held a well-attended hui with existing and potential users and sports clubs of the north-western Cambridge town belt. The evening brought all stakeholders together - including organisations not currently based on the town belt but who play an important role in Cambridge's wider sport and recreation network - along with funders interested in this strategic piece of work which will lead to the development of the North-western Cambridge Town Belt Masterplan.
Andy Adams from Visitor Solutions will now meet individually with each organisation to understand their current and future needs and aspirations, drawing on data and evidence from previous studies and engagement. Once that's complete, Andy will join staff to present initial findings and seek Elected Member feedback at a Council workshop.
Recovery
Waipā continues in the Recovery phase from the severe weather event in February.
Both Kakepuku Mountain track and 205 Sainsbury Road Reserve remain closed.
Sainsbury Road Reserve is expected to reopen within the next couple of weeks. Initial stabilisation works have been completed, with one remaining area of soil overhang to be removed before the reserve can safely reopen.
Kakepuku is a more complex situation. After initial track clearing and remediation, further potential land instability was identified. Geotech specialists carried out a site assessment last week and have determined that more in-depth investigation is needed before any mitigation work can be scoped and the track reopened to the public. We will provide a further update as that work progresses.
You can view the dashboard below or download it here.
Service delivery
Recycling contamination
Recycling contamination is costing Waipā District Council around $600,000 each year. While most residents are doing the right thing, and correct recycling has improved from 93 percent to 96 percent over the past year, a small number of people are still causing the majority of contamination and driving up costs for ratepayers.
When rubbish or non-recyclable items are placed in recycling bins, they can contaminate an entire truckload, resulting in it going to landfill. We have had ongoing issues with repeat non-compliance, even after warnings and the current three-month suspension period.
An update was provided to elected members at a Council workshop last August outlining recycling contamination and proposing a stronger approach - replacing the three-month suspension with bin removal.
We are planning to roll out this new approach over the coming months.
This approach is expected to deliver:
- Lower costs for ratepayers
- Reduced contamination, meaning less recycling sent to landfill
- Greater accountability from residents
- Improved safety for recycling sorting staff
- A stronger commitment to effective waste management
To roll out this change, we have developed a full communications approach. Council will continue education campaigns over the coming months to help residents understand what can and can’t be recycled, while also recognising and celebrating those who are doing it right.
NZTA Cambridge expressway resurfacing – Stage 3
Staff are working closely with NZTA Waka Kotahi to minimise the significant delays and congestion expected around Cambridge as asphalt works continue on the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway.
This work is to help ensure the expressway remains safe, resilient and ready for future growth.
Stage 3 is starting Sunday, May 17 and is expected to be completed by early July (weather dependent).
This work will be between the Victoria Road interchange at Hautapu and the Northern Cambridge interchange.
To complete this safely, the southbound on and off ramps at the Victoria Road, Hautapu interchange will be closed.
A detour will be in place for southbound traffic leaving Cambridge from Hautapu. Southbound traffic on the expressway can access Cambridge by exiting at the Northern interchange and using Cambridge Road/Hamilton Road.
Motorists should expect delays and congestion, particularly at the:
- Victoria Road/Cambridge Road roundabout beside St Andrews Church
- Albert Street/Achillies Street intersection
- Shakespeare Street/Tīrau Road intersection.
To minimise disruption Council is avoiding scheduling other major road works in central Cambridge and on these key routes during this time.
There is a moratorium on the work during Fieldays and public holidays.
NZTA will have electronic sign boards on display, have sent letters to nearby residents and stakeholders, and are publicising the ramp closures through radio, local newspapers, media release and their digital channels.
Read NZTA’s media release - Waikato Expressway asphalt renewals move to Hautapu as Cambridge programme continues | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Speed limits near schools - what we heard and what's next
Following consultation with schools across the district, we've gathered valuable feedback to inform the next stage of implementing the Government's mandatory Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.
Schools strongly support safer speed limits, and appreciated the opportunity to have their say. The key themes from their feedback were:
- Safety is the top priority, particularly for schools currently located on high-speed roads (60–100 km/h), where speeding vehicles and high traffic volumes are the greatest concern.
- Consistent signage matters - schools want a district-wide approach so drivers know what to expect. Clear, visible, and well-maintained signs are essential, with a number of schools preferring electronic or variable signs.
- Infrastructure improvements would make a real difference. Schools highlighted the value of safe crossings (including raised safety platforms), clear road markings such as parking and bus bays, and safer drop-off and pick-up areas. Funding for these improvements is not currently available, but suggestions have been noted.
- Local context counts. Each school has its own challenges, and feedback reflected those individual circumstances.
What happens next
Staff are now working through the following steps:
- Finalising proposals for appropriate signage at each school
- Recording infrastructure improvement suggestions (noting these are unfunded at this stage)
- Applying to NZTA for funding
- Reporting back to Council with costings
- Moving to installation once approved
A reminder that the Government's deadline for councils to make reasonable efforts to comply is July 1.
We will keep you updated as this work progresses.
Strategy
Legislation tracker
We actively monitor legislation changes and wider central government reform – and the impact on Council. We aim to keep Elected Members across these changes, their progress, and Council submissions.
The tables below provide updates from the last two weeks.
| What’s new? A list of new, relevant legislation | ||
| Item | Description | Stage |
| Proposed changes to transport rules to improve fuel resilience | The Government is proposing changes to remove or suspend some regulatory barriers to respond to fuel shocks. The proposed changes include:
| Upcoming Bill introduced First Reading Select Committee (including submission period) Second Reading Committee of the Whole House Third Reading Royal Assent |
| Estimate of when Bill will receive Royal Assent | ||
| Members bill – unsure of progress timing | ||
| Impact on Council | ||
| Changes being made through National Fuel Response Plan. Potential for impact on roads and residents. | ||
| Open for submissions Relevant items that are currently open for submission or coming up | |||
| Item | Description | Submission status | Closing date |
| Simplifying Local Government / Proposed changes to regional councils and local government structure | The Government is proposing reforms to the local government system. Council’s have been given a three-month deadline (from 5 May 2026) for reorganisation plans to be delivered, with those that fail to use the ‘Head Start’ approach being forced into change. Proposals should focus on creating "larger, more efficient unitary authorities that streamline functions, reduce duplication, and improve decision-making". The proposals would be considered by officials from the new Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport ministry (MCERT) against criteria including practicality, simplicity, value for money, effective representation, timeliness and how it works with the new resource management system. Decisions would be made this year, then developed in detail and signed off in 2027 to be implemented ahead of the 2028 local elections. | TBC | August |
| Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill | The Government is proposing changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act to simplify licensing, modernise and clarify rules (including digital ID and delivery), changing who can serve and sell alcohol (such as hairdressers and takeaways), updating rules for events and changing licence requirements for community clubs. | TBC | Closing date for submissions May 14 |
| Strengthen and coordinate New Zealand’s response to modern slavery through reporting requirements, publishing of modern slavery statements, increased fines and changes to the Public Finance Act to prevent Crown funding being paid to entities convicted or penalised under the Bill. | Not submitting | Closing date for submissions May 28 | |
| Progress tracker Status updates on relevant items as they progress past submissions | |||
| Item name | Description | Council response | Status |
| The Bill amends the Local Government Act to refocus councils on delivering core infrastructure and services, while removing references to the four aspects of community well-being. It also introduces new financial management and performance frameworks, reduces regulatory requirements, and gives the Secretary for Local Government authority to issue codes of conduct and standing orders for elected members. | Submitted on 27 August 2025. | No progress expected until after ANZAC day. There will be no public release of information on the new groups of activity regulations until passage of the Bill. Not expected to become law until June/July. 29 April 2026 - Amendment paper released and proposes to:
| |
| Proposals to control rate rises and introduce rate capping | The Government will introduce a rates cap limiting most council rate increases to 2–4% per capita annually, covering general and targeted rates but excluding water and non-rates revenue, with any increases above the cap requiring central Government approval. | Submitted |
|
| This Bill will strengthen community and iwi Māori involvement, makes mayors primarily responsible for local emergency declarations, requires better identification of high-risk communities, and allows the Minister to set national rules and minimum standards for emergency management. | Submitting as part of Waikato CDEM | 15 February 2026 - Submissions closed | |
| Together, these Bills will replace the Resource Management Act and establish a new planning and natural environment framework governing land use, development, and environmental protection. They introduce simplified activity categories and a permit system, combined regional plans with environmental limits, clearer roles for regional and territorial authorities, and requirements to balance environmental regulation with landowners’ reasonable use of land. | Submitted | Select Committee report due 26 June 2026. Enactment expected 2-3 weeks after that. | |
| This Bill will amend the Building Act and Building (Dam Safety) Regulations by replacing earthquake ratings with tiered risk-based mitigation requirements, narrowing the earthquake-prone building system to high-risk buildings in medium and high seismic zones, removing low-risk areas and building types from the regime, allowing longer compliance extensions, and reclassifying parts of Otago and Stewart Island as medium seismic zones. | Did not submit | 16 February 2026 - Submissions closed Select Committee Report due 16 June 2026 | |
| Simplifying Local Government / Proposed changes to regional councils and local government structure | The Government is proposing reforms to the local government system. Council’s have been given a three-month deadline (from 5 May 2026) for reorganisation plans to be delivered, with those that fail to use the ‘Head Start’ approach being forced into change. Proposals should focus on creating "larger, more efficient unitary authorities that streamline functions, reduce duplication, and improve decision-making". The proposals would be considered by officials from the new Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport ministry (MCERT) against criteria including practicality, simplicity, value for money, effective representation, timeliness and how it works with the new resource management system. Decisions would be made this year, then developed in detail and signed off in 2027 to be implemented ahead of the 2028 local elections. |
| |
| Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill – Development levies | The Government is proposing to replace development contributions with a new development levies system through the draft Local Government (Infrastructure Funding) Amendment Bill. The new system would separate levies by infrastructure type, define larger levy areas, allow extra charges in high-cost locations, and require a standardised methodology for calculating growth-related infrastructure costs. | Submitted | 20 February 2026 - Submissions closed Expected in the third quarter of 2026. |
| Hospitality sector review | Review covers regulation affecting, restaurants, bars, cafés, food stalls at markets, food trucks, catering businesses and hotels. Gambling regulations are out of scope. | Early expert feedback provided | Early feedback closed 11 Feb 2026. |
| Proposed changes to lane use and road safety | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is proposing updates to the Land Transport (Road User) Rule to improve lane safety and efficiency, including allowing children under 12 to ride bikes on footpaths, setting a minimum passing gap, permitting e-scooters in cycle lanes, requiring drivers to give way to buses leaving stops, and clarifying berm-parking signage rules. | Submitting under delegated authority. Report to be presented to Service Delivery Committee in April. | 25 March 2026 - Submissions closed |
| Building and Construction Sector (Strengthening Occupational Licensing Regimes) Amendment Bill | The Bill proposes changes to key building and trade legislation to strengthen disciplinary and enforcement powers, introduce codes of ethics, streamline licensing, and reduce oversight for low-risk work. | Staff submitted in their role as subject matter experts. | 19 March 2026 – Select Committee Report. Expected in the third quarter of 2026. |
| Proposed changes to alcohol licensing and sales rules/ The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Participation in Licensing Decisions) Amendment Bill | The Government is proposing changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act to simplify licensing, modernise and clarify rules (including digital ID and delivery), changing who can serve and sell alcohol (such as hairdressers and takeaways), updating rules for events and changing licence requirements for community clubs. | Awaiting further information. | 02 Oct 2026 - Select Committee Report due |
| The Government is ordering a review of the Dog Control Act to address issues with roaming and uncontrolled dogs. The review will:
| Likely to submit | Opportunity to provide feedback on draft guidelines expected before mid-2026. | |
Economic development
Supporting local businesses to succeed
Two pilot programmes led by Joy Mickleson, Economic Development Advisor, and Adele Bird, Procurement Advisor, are showing what's possible when Council uses its purchasing power to strengthen the local economy.
This work strongly demonstrates the impact of our role as an anchor institution in the district.
The first was a Tender Writing Programme, hosted by Waikato-Tainui and held at Hopuhopu to help businesses improve how they apply for contract work. Council supports local procurement because it helps businesses grow and become stronger, keeps money in the local area and helps whānau stay connected to their communities and whenua.
In the second pilot programme Council worked with the Waikato Pacific Business Network to run a workplace health and safety programme (SHE Pre‑Qualification Health & Safety Accreditation). This helped local businesses understand what they need to do to improve safety in their business.
The commitment shown by business owners, who chose to invest their time away from paid work to upskill was great to see. Staff report a high level of engagement and genuine hunger for knowledge which showed us how valuable these initiatives are.
These programmes help us support local businesses to grow and make it easier for them to work with Council. It will also improve the quality of work Council receives.
The plus side for communities is safer work carried out by capable, local businesses.
By partnering with iwi, Pacific business networks, and neighbouring councils, we are able to reach a wider and more diverse group of local businesses, increasing the overall impact.
These pilot programmes show how Council can use its role as an anchor institution, and its valued partnerships, to support positive economic, social and safety outcomes for the wider community.
District Plan and Growth
Plan Change 25 – Shelterbelts and Crop Protection Structures
Staff have now completed a summary of the 18 submissions received. The summary and the call for further submissions will be publicly notified on Thursday, May 14. Staff are looking at assembling the hearing panel and setting a hearing date for PC25 in July or August 2026.
Proposed Private Plan Change 37 – Rider Park Structure Plan Area
Submissions on PC37 closed on Tuesday, 28 April. We received 274 submissions, most of them from Cambridge residents opposing the plan change because of infrastructure concerns. Submissions have also been received from Waikato Regional Council, Heritage New Zealand and Ministry of Education. The next step is to publicly notify a summary of the submissions and call for further submissions. This is likely to take place in June or July.
Resource Management Reform
On May 4, the Ministry for the Environment provided an update on national direction changes which were submitted in December 2025. In a new approach, the recommendation and the Minister’s decision report have been released regarding National Environmental Standards for:
- Papakāinga (a new NES)
- Marine Aquaculture
- Commercial Forestry
- Stock Exclusion Regulations
- Electricity Transmission Activities
- Telecommunication Facilities
The final standards have not yet been released.
The NES-Papakāinga will have most impact for Waipā.
The Minister’s decisions on the NES - Papākainga confirm recommendations made by officials and include some changes to what was originally outlined in December 2025. These include:
- Most of the proposed provisions (eg. 10 dwellings on ancestral land as a permitted activity) have been retained.
- Meaning of Treaty of Waitangi settlement land extended to include land owned by a post-settlement governance entity.
- Ancillary activities to papakāinga to include tanks, sheds, decks, shared kitchens and toilets.
- Floor area of non-residential activities to be no more than 50% of total floor area of residential units
- New definition of Māori Cultural Activities to be developed.
- Building setbacks in rural areas increased to 5m
- Building setbacks in residential areas increased to 2m
- Add new provisions relating to stormwater, wetland setbacks, significant infrastructure and port / airport noise
- Clarification that all rules in regional plans will apply to papakāinga
The final version of the NES-Papakāinga is not yet available. It is expected that the NES will come into force in the next few months. This remains in line with what was proposed for PC23.
Media releases
Media releases
- May 7: Six river crossing ideas under discussion
- May 7: Practical solution keeps western Waipā development moving
- May 6: Infrastructure upgrade programme sets Hautapu up for long‑term growth
- May 5: Waipā District Council retains AA- credit rating for ninth year
- May 5: Community transport ideas move forward for Cambridge Connections
- May 4: Tūrātā signage marks restoration of original name in Kihikihi
- May 1: Council responds to challenges, announces transformation plans
Media clippings
April 20 - May 4
Land deal almost done
Cambridge News • Mary Anne Gill • Internet • 30 Apr 2026, 9:01 am
Council is keeping watch
Cambridge News • Michelle Lachmann • Internet • 30 Apr 2026, 6:01 am
Community speak matters
Cambridge News • Charlotte Fitzpatrick • Internet • 30 Apr 2026, 5:05 am
A community remembers
Cambridge News • Mary Anne Gill • Internet • 30 Apr 2026, 4:04 am
‘Trucks and dirt’ fear
Cambridge News • Michelle Lachmann • Internet • 30 Apr 2026, 3:02 am
Waipā District Council to receive over $1m Waikato Times • Waikato Waters Jordan Smith • Newspaper • 30 Apr 2026, 12:00 am
Waipā District Council to receive over $1 million amidst Waikato Waters transition
Waikato Times • Jordan Smith • Internet • 30 Apr 2026, 2:11 am
Better bus services on the cards for Cambridge residents
Waikato Times • Jordan Smith • Internet • 28 Apr 2026, 12:07 pm
More questions than answers as leaks appear in South Waikato water plans
Waikato Times • Matthew Martin • Internet • 28 Apr 2026, 3:29 am
Leaks appear in South Waikato water plans
Waikato Times • Matthew Martin • Newspaper • 28 Apr 2026, 12:00 am
Three-year water connection delay to hit Waikato towns
1News • Internet • 27 Apr 2026, 12:19 pm
Wider call for respect
Cambridge News • Internet • 25 Apr 2026, 11:34 am
Why Te Awamutu Museum matters
Waikato Times • Newspaper • 24 Apr 2026, 12:00 am
Farewell ‘greatest champion’
Cambridge News • Viv Posselt • Internet • 23 Apr 2026, 7:05 am
Water worry for Waipā
Te Awamutu News • Jesse Wood • Internet • 23 Apr 2026, 3:04 am
Big response to recycling fire Cambridge News • Internet • 22 Apr 2026, 11:36 am
Housing may fund new bridge
Waikato Times • Paora Manuel • Newspaper • 21 Apr 2026, 12:00 am
