Policy and planning

Regional councils develop policies and plans to manage natural and physical resources within their regions.

Biosecurity

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.

Resource 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.

Flood 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.

Regional 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.

Catchment 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.

Regional resilience

We work to increase regional resilience to natural hazards and have significant obligations and responsibilities in times of emergency.

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.

Science 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.

Maritime services

We look after the region’s harbours and coastal and inland waterways to ensure they are safely navigable.

If it matters to you - information for candidates

There are not enough New Zealanders voting in local elections. There are many reasons for low levels of engagement – lack of knowledge of the work councils do, a perceived low ability to influence change, lack of competition between candidates, and lack of knowledge about the candidates and their views. Find out what you can do to inform yourself on the matters of the regional council and to get votes.

Our purpose

Working together with for a Waikato region that has a healthy environment, vibrant communities and strong economy.