Biodiversity
We have responsibilities to maintain indigenous biodiversity on private land and in coastal areas and freshwater environments, but we also invest in community-led projects that includes public conservation land.
Learn more about this mahiScience and monitoring
We monitor the state of the environment and produce significant science and data on water quality and quantity, soil health, biodiversity, geothermal activity, coastal and marine ecosystem health, coastal hazards, and air quality. We also collect information about our communities and the economy.
Learn more about this mahiMaritime services
We look after the region’s harbours and coastal and inland waterways to ensure they are safely navigable.
Learn more about this mahiBiosecurity
We provide regional leadership in activities that prevent, reduce or eliminate adverse effects from invasive pests and diseases that can significantly damage our environment, economy and native species.
Learn more about this mahiResource use
We are responsible for regulating the use of the region’s natural resources, such as water, soil, air, geothermal areas and the coastal marine area. We also seek ways to sustainably manage the adverse effects of resource use, to people, property and the environment.
Learn more about this mahiFlood protection and land drainage
We plan, fund, build and maintain assets that protect our communities, productive land, the main trunk, state highways, roads and other essential infrastructure from flooding.
Learn more about this mahiRegional transport
We’re responsible for planning and funding land transport initiatives within the Waikato region, including public transport, road infrastructure, and managing regional land transport plans in collaboration with the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
Learn more about this mahiCatchment management
We provide incentives to landowners in priority catchments and sites to carry out erosion prevention and mitigation, fence off native bush, and retire and plant riparian margins, wetlands and steep hill country.
Learn more about this mahiRegional resilience
We work to increase regional resilience to natural hazards and have significant obligations and responsibilities in times of emergency.
Learn more about this mahiIf it matters to you - information for candidates
Every decision made by councillors significantly impacts the lives of Waikato residents, today and for the future. Elected members have the responsibility to represent the interests of all residents and ratepayers in the region, going beyond their immediate constituencies.
Do you have what it takes to sit at the decision-making table of Waikato Regional Council?
Start your elections journeyOur iwi relationships
Waikato Regional Council has co-governance and co-management arrangements with several iwi partners.
Learn about our iwi relationshipsGet ready to participate in local elections 2025 for the Waikato region.
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