We plan and prioritise our work by balancing our legal responsibilities, environmental risks, community priorities, partnerships, and available resources.
This helps us focus on the mahi that delivers the greatest benefit for the Waikato region — now and into the future.
Who decides what we do?
People in our rohe (region) are represented by 14 elected councillors. Councillors meet in committees to consider staff reports, make decisions, and recommend actions to the full Council, which meets monthly.
Our responsibilities sit within legislation such as the Local Government Act and the Resource Management Act. Councillors set priorities and policies that guide our work programmes. They also monitor performance and manage our financial and infrastructure strategies to ensure we use public resources responsibly.
Our planning framework
Our purpose captures our long‑term outcomes: working together for a Waikato region with a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.
A set of connected documents guides our decisions. These link long‑term goals to strategic priorities and to the on‑the‑ground delivery carried out through our work programmes.
Strategic Direction
Our Strategic Direction describes the long-term outcomes we’re working towards and the strategic priorities that will get us there. Everything we do — from long‑term investments to annual work programmes — aligns with this direction.
We’re clear about the complexity of the challenges we face, the financial impacts on our communities, and our role. Sometimes we lead. Other times we collaborate, partner, fund, convene, or monitor to support the outcomes we’re seeking.
Long-Term Plan (LTP)
Our Long‑Term Plan sets our direction and priorities for the next 10 years. It explains what we aim to achieve, the services we’ll deliver, and how we’ll fund them.
We develop the plan with community input. It reflects the challenges and opportunities ahead, sets realistic expectations, and focuses effort on what matters most for our region’s future.
Annual Plan and Annual Report
Our Annual Plan confirms what we’ll deliver in the year ahead. It updates the Long‑Term Plan with the year’s budgets, activities, and any changes needed in response to new information or circumstances. It gives a clear, year‑by‑year view of what’s planned and how it’s funded — while keeping us aligned with our long‑term direction.
Our Annual Report shows how we performed over the past year. It sets out what we achieved, how we tracked against our targets, and how we used public funds. It’s an open report‑back on progress and areas to improve — and it holds us to account for the commitments in both the Long‑Term Plan and the Annual Plan.