As councillors prepare to read screeds of submissions to the Waikato Regional Council’s Annual Plan, I want to talk about how we’re delivering resilient infrastructure for growth. And the Annual Plan supports that.
The Churchill East pump station
Investment in critical infrastructure remains a cornerstone of Waikato Regional Council’s strategy to ensure our region’s resilience, economic vitality, and intergenerational wellbeing.
Last year, we invested $48 million in transport, flood protection, and environmental restoration projects across the Waikato, supported by $29 million in central government funding. These efforts reflect our commitment to balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s challenges.
But our focus on infrastructure isn’t just about maintaining stopbanks or protecting waterways. It’s about safeguarding the foundations of our economy.
Pamela Storey
For example, we completed critical stopbank reinforcements along the Firth of Thames and Piako River, part of our stopbank and flood protection system that defends over $2.5b in agricultural GDP and vital infrastructure like roads, power networks, and telecommunications.
Take the Churchill East pump station, equipped with two Archimedes screw pumps, now ensures safer fish passage while maintaining flood resilience – a win for both industry and ecosystems.
These projects are part of a broader 10-year infrastructure roadmap that prioritises climate resilience, nature-based solutions, and partnerships with iwi and hapū.
This year’s proposed 5.9% rates increase – down from an initial 8.6% – reflects prudent financial stewardship amid shifting central government policies and cost pressures. A significant portion of this adjustment supports infrastructure, including transitioning to a fairer public transport funding model through targeted rates, ensuring all communities contribute equitably; and Wharekawa Coast catchment works that address erosion and flooding risks with a targeted rate split between affected communities and the wider region.
Nationally, councils spent $12b on transport and water infrastructure in 2023, with 43% directed to capital projects. Waikato’s approach mirrors this trend, prioritising long-term resilience over short-term fixes.
Our ability to deliver these projects hinges on strong partnerships. Central government’s $101 million commitment to flood resilience infrastructure acknowledges the critical role regional councils play in protecting high-value land and communities.
By the time you read this, our consultation period for this year’s Annual Plan will have closed. Councillors will be holding hearings from May 19-22 where those who made a submission can choose to present to councillors in person or via video link.
Then we will deliberate and adopt the final version on 24 June. I do hope you made a submission and had your say.
The Churchill East pump station
