Waikato leaders are exploring how the region could shape local government reform that would work for all of its diverse communities, and Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe believes the time is right for Waikato to take an active lead.
In his role as Chair of the Waikato Mayoral Forum, Mayor Macindoe says “Change is coming and Waikato is choosing to inform that change rather than respond to decisions made elsewhere. As a region, we are better placed by working through a comprehensive approach rather than piecemeal changes that would add costs and cause delays.”
The Waikato Mayoral Forum comprises the mayors of the 10 local councils within the Waikato region and the chair of the Waikato Regional Council, and focuses on shared economic development and regional planning.
The Waikato Mayoral Forum has identified a four‑stage reform programme, with council leaders now engaging with their respective organisations on how best to participate.
“A staged process would allow us to move forward while ensuring decisions are evidence-based, coordinated and transparent,” Macindoe said. “Clear decision points can give councils and their residents and ratepayers confidence in the integrity of the process and the ability to participate meaningfully.”
The initial focus would be on building a shared understanding of the options available to the region.
“The first step is about gathering the data and evidence we need to understand what is feasible and appropriate for Waikato,” Macindoe said. “Taking part in this stage does not lock councils into a final outcome, but it does ensure they have a voice in shaping the options and are better prepared for future reform.”
A necessary outcome of the work would be ensuring reform delivers tangible benefits for Waikato in a way that retains local identity across the region.
“What we design and deliver must be better for Waikato . Local identity is important, affordability is key, and services must add value and fit the needs of our communities. We also need to strengthen long-term regional resilience for our economy and be better prepared for natural hazards and severe weather events,”Macindoe said.
Waikato is well prepared to contribute meaningfully to central government direction, building on strong collaborative governance already in place.
He confirmed Te Tiriti partnerships will be an important consideration in achieving strong outcomes.
“The Waikato has a proven record of councils, iwi and central government working together through established forums and partnerships,” Mayor Macindoe said. “That collaborative culture gives us both the capability and the credibility to lead this work in a responsible and constructive way.”
Crowd funding is being sought for independent external resource to support the work, with the Mayoral Forum writing to the Minister of Local Government, Simon Watts, last month with a formal request for financial backing. The estimated cost for external resource for stage 1 is $350,000, out of a total of $980,000 being sought across all four stages.
