The 2025 local body elections present an exciting opportunity to begin a national conversation about the future of central and local government services, how they are funded, and how we can best deliver positive outcomes for our environment, our communities and our economy.

That’s the word from Waikato Regional Council Chief Executive Chris McLay, who has released his pre-election report to promote public discussion about the issues facing the council ahead of the local government elections.

“Whether you’re considering standing for regional council or not, you’ll no doubt have heard discussions about the future of regional councils on the back of the Government’s Resource Management Act reforms,” says Mr McLay.

“I say yes, it is time to talk. Let’s have conversations about the public services provided by local and central government, iwi and other stakeholders, and the scales at which each might be delivered more efficiently and effectively.”

Regional councils were established through the 1989 local government reforms to bring together some 600 catchment, rabbit, pest and drainage boards as it was recognised that biosecurity, land management and flood protection services were best managed at a regional scale.

Public transport systems, civil defence and emergency management, maritime safety, and resource use management are also among the portfolio of functions of regional councils.

“By undertaking these services, we shape this country’s future. We create the right conditions for the growth, resilience and prosperity of Aotearoa New Zealand. We’re big enough to deliver services efficiently and effectively, yet we’re small enough to have place-based knowledge of our landscapes and communities,” says Mr McLay.

“However, we do see the need for change. We’re a growing nation and our future demands a smarter, more connected system of national and local government, one that aligns functions with the right scale, empowers local voices, and invests in long-term partnerships.”

Key issues facing Waikato Regional Council include:

• the cost of food, rent, power and interest payments are hitting households hard, and with the Waikato median weekly household below the national average, it is a challenge to fund essential public services
• impacts of the Resource Management Act reform on the council’s responsibilities in managing natural resources and the environment.
• helping communities prepare for and respond to natural hazards and the impacts of severe weather events
• funding of flood protection asset renewals, and implementing sustainable solutions
• maintaining and improving indigenous biodiversity on private land and the coastal marine area
• long term management of invasive species such as freshwater clams (Corbicula) and exotic Caulerpa seaweed
• improving water quality, particularly in the Waikato and Waipā catchments, and safeguarding sustainable access to quality fresh water into the future
• the rapid expansion of urban areas and the impacts on three waters infrastructure, transport infrastructure and land use.

“These are just some of the big issues the new council will need to factor in their decision making,” says Mr McLay.

“Councillors are provided with technical expertise to guide informed decision making, and always with our communities and the environment in mind.”

Mr McLay notes that, in general, participation in local government processes is low.

“It’s important that community views are heard in order to inform the work of the council. This can occur in two ways – by standing as a candidate, or by voting in the elections.

“I really urge all Waikato region residents to be informed on the matters of the regional council and to participate in the local elections, either as a candidate or to vote for the person who you think will best represent your views and interests.”

Local elections information for candidates and voters, including the pre-election report and what the regional council does, can be found online.

The names and contact details of candidates are being added to the council’s website as nominations come in. The council will also be inviting all candidates to film a video profile to go online after nominations close on 1 August.

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