\

Community feedback helps confirm Matamata-Piako’s priorities

We have confirmed the direction of our district’s Vision and Community Outcomes following recent feedback from the community, which showed we’re largely on the right track.

The proposed direction that was tested with the community wasn’t developed in isolation. It built on feedback gathered over several years through previous consultations, projects and community conversations — and this step was designed to sense-check that direction and identify any gaps.

Over February and March, residents shared their views through drop-in sessions across the district and an online survey. The feedback was designed to check whether we were on the right track - and where things could be improved.

That feedback has been reviewed, with a clear message emerging: the overall direction feels right, with community input helping to refine and strengthen the areas that matter most.

While it’s natural for conversations to turn to specific ideas or projects, this stage focused on stepping back and agreeing on the outcomes the district is working towards first - because those outcomes guide the decisions and priorities that follow.

A consistent theme across all feedback was the pressure many households are facing. Affordability came through strongly, with people wanting rates to remain as manageable as possible, alongside clearer visibility of how decisions are made and where money is spent.

“One thing that came through loud and clear is the pressure on households,” says Mayor Ash. “With the economy at the moment we know things are tough out there. We all live and breathe it and we’re well aware of it.”

“We need to be mindful of rates and we need to look at ways of doing things better and more efficiently, which we’re focussing on.”

There was also strong support for focusing on the basics - maintaining core infrastructure such as roads, footpaths, lighting, rubbish services and stormwater - and doing this well. People want to see assets looked after properly, with a long-term approach that avoids short-term fixes and repeated costs.

“There’s a lot of common sense in what people told us,” says Mayor Ash. “Look after what we’ve already got, and focus on the core services before anything else.”

At the same time, the community expects us to be easier to deal with. Feedback highlighted the importance of clear processes, timely responses, and a more enabling, “can-do” approach that supports people, businesses, and community groups to get things done.

Residents also reinforced the value of strong, connected communities. Parks, libraries, pools and shared spaces remain important, alongside safe, clean and welcoming public places - with the understanding that these need to be balanced carefully against affordability and essential services.

Looking ahead, there was support for planning for growth and preparing for challenges such as severe weather, but with a clear expectation that this is done in a practical and financially responsible way.

While views differed on specific priorities, the overall message was clear: there is no shortage of good ideas - but getting the balance right matters most.

Based on this feedback, our elected members have now confirmed their Vision, four Community Outcomes, and the key priorities under each.

The full Vision, Community Outcomes and priorities are available here. These will guide the development of Council’s next Long Term Plan.

The Vision and Community Outcomes - along with the confirmed priorities - will shape where we focus next, as work begins on the next Long Term Plan, which will take effect from mid-2027.

Before then, the community will have another opportunity to provide feedback on the Plan, as we test the proposed focus and direction.

Elected members and staff thank everyone who took the time to contribute. Every comment, conversation and piece of feedback has helped confirm the direction and sharpen the priorities that will guide decisions for the district over the coming years.