Smarter ways to deliver

13 Nov 2025 • By Liz Stolwyk

Liz Stolwyk

Landowners across the Waikato have once again stepped up to protect and enhance our environment, partnering with Waikato Regional Council to complete 347 voluntary environmental projects in 2024/25.

Liz Stolwyk

Together, these efforts have retired 1140 hectares of unproductive land and resulted in nearly 570,000 trees planted across the region.

In Waipā/King Country alone, landowners planted more than 100,000 native trees and shrubs, protected 14,815 metres of streambank, and retired around 90 hectares of erosion-prone land.

These community-driven projects show that real progress can be made when councils and landowners work side by side.

Our focus as a council remains clear: finding smarter and more efficient ways to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes. We know the challenges are complex, but the success of these projects shows that practical, local action works.

Warren Maher

Meanwhile Warren Maher has been unanimously elected as the new Waikato Regional Council chair. Warren brings three years of valuable experience from his previous term and a steady, pragmatic approach to decision-making.

We also extend our thanks to retiring councillor Stu Kneebone, who has completed an impressive 15 years of service. Stu’s knowledge and commitment to rural communities and environmental policy have left a lasting mark.

A new committee structure is being established, there’s already lively debate around the number of committees! I’m optimistic that the experienced voices around the table will help shape a constructive start to this triennium.

Plan Change One continues its progress through the Environment Court and one of the first decisions council made was to request a two to three month extension of this decision to enable an economic impact analysis to take place.

Stu Kneebone

I understand the anxiety among rural communities – it is very much the “hot potato” of the moment. Be assured, extensive discussions are underway to find a balanced path that protects our environment while sustaining a strong rural economy.

The other “hot potato” is our commitment to rates control and efficiency. Ratepayers can expect a strong focus on delivering better outcomes for every dollar spent.

Did you know that nearly 43 per cent of Waikato’s landscape is at high risk of soil erosion?

Our region’s steep slopes, high rainfall, and weathered geology make it especially vulnerable – and the challenge is even greater in our hill-country farming areas.

Targeted funding remains available, and we’re encouraging hill-country landowners in the Waipā/King Country to get in touch with the council. Whether it’s fencing off a stream, planting natives, or restoring a hillside, every project makes a difference.

A final congratulations to all elected members of the Waikato Region – I look forward to meeting and working with you all. To all ratepayers – my phone is always on and I’m always happy to meet.