Waikato’s mayors and the Waikato Regional Council Chair are committed to working together to respond to major local government reform proposals, with a clear focus on securing the best possible outcomes for their communities.

The Waikato Mayoral Forum represents councils across the wider region and provides a platform for mayors to work together on shared challenges and opportunities, such as the significant local government reforms ahead.

At the first meeting of the new triennium, Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe was elected as Chair of the Waikato Mayoral Forum. He says the Forum is united in its approach to ensure regional perspectives are well-informed, balanced and focused on long-term outcomes.

As part of this strategy, the Forum will develop a shared regional vision and set of guiding principles to underpin collective feedback on key legislative reforms. Councils will each contribute their expertise, while retaining the ability to submit their own council-specific views to Central Government. 

“This is about collaboration, not uniformity. By working together as a region, we strengthen our collective local voice, while respecting the diversity and priorities of all our communities,” Mr Macindoe said.

“Ultimately, our aim is to ensure these reforms deliver practical and positive outcomes for the people we serve, across the wider region.” 

Deputy Forum Chair and Mayor of Waikato District Council, Aksel Bech, noted that the Forum had proposed a dedicated workshop with Co-Lab and the Department of Internal Affairs in late January, to ensure the Forum is well-briefed and can engage meaningfully ahead of key submission deadlines. The next formal meeting of the Waikato Mayoral Forum is scheduled on Monday 23 February.

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