In 2024 we consulted on our plans for the next 10 years, through our 2024-34 Long Term Plan.

In between Long Term Plans, we produce an Annual Plan, where we check progress against what we set out to do in the Long Term Plan, and make any changes or additions for the year ahead. We've already shared a look back at the last 12 months - now here's an update on what we're planning for the year ahead. 

Over the next year, we'll continue delivering the services our community relies on, while responding to rising costs and changes in how local government operates.

Like households and businesses across the district, we're facing increasing costs. This year's Annual Plan balances ongoing investment in essential services, infrastructure and community facilities with the need to carefully manage affordability for our community.

This year’s rates increase remains similar to what was signalled through the Long Term Plan.

Keeping services running

This year is largely about keeping things running well.

We’ll keep delivering everyday services like libraries, parks, pools and community spaces. We’ll continue maintaining our roads, stormwater network and wider infrastructure, while processing consents and licences and supporting community programmes, events and emergency management.

A year of change 

One of the biggest changes this year is the move to Waikato Waters Limited, which will take over drinking water and wastewater services from 1 October 2026.

From that date, Council will no longer be responsible for delivering drinking water and wastewater services. We will continue to manage stormwater services. This is a significant shift in how these services are delivered in our district and will shape how we operate moving forward.

We're keeping things simple in year one. While Waikato Waters establishes its services across the region, people will continue to contact us for enquiries such as billing, faults and new connections. Waikato Waters will begin setting water and wastewater charges from 1 July 2027.

Making careful choices

We’ve made some deliberate decisions this year to manage costs and focus on what matters most.

Some larger projects have been deferred or scaled back. The proposed Te Aroha Library upgrade and Te Aroha spa improvements have been deferred while we review priorities, costs and options. The proposed resource recovery centre will also be worked through further before any decisions are made. These choices give us time to reassess priorities and come back with clearer options through the next Long Term Plan. 

Continuing investment in key community projects

Across the district, we’re continuing to invest in key projects that support our communities.

Work continues on the Te Aroha destination playground, alongside upgrades to parks, buildings and public spaces. On our transport network, we’ll carry out road renewals and maintenance, along with safety improvements and streetlighting upgrades aligned with available New Zealand Transport Agency funding.

In waste and recycling, we’ll continue delivering kerbside collections and waste minimisation programmes, while progressing investigation work for a future resource recovery centre. Stormwater upgrades will also continue, including improvements to reduce flooding risk.

For water and wastewater, work will continue until 1 October 2026, including major investment in the Matamata wastewater treatment plant and other upgrades to meet compliance requirements and support growth. After that, these services will transfer to Waikato Waters Limited.

Investing in our infrastructure

Much of the work this year won’t always be visible day-to-day, but it’s essential to keeping the district running.

We’re continuing to renew ageing infrastructure, meet increasing regulatory requirements and maintain reliable services for the future. This includes ongoing investment across roads, stormwater and community facilities.

Looking forward

This year also sets us up for what’s next.

We’ll begin preparing for the next Long Term Plan, where we’ll work with our community on future priorities, investment and the role Council should play.

There are some big conversations ahead, and we’ll keep our community informed as they progress.

Here's what's coming up

Here are some of the projects we are focusing on this year. While the Matamata Domain playground upgrade has been budgeted in an earlier year, we look forward to seeing it come to life this year.