Waikato MP Tim van de Molen.
Waikato MP Tim van de Molen is urging councils to look beyond their existing boundaries as they consider forced government reforms that could reshape local government across the region.
Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Resource Management Act Reform Minister Chris Bishop have given councils until August 9 to come up with amalgamation plans or face changes imposed from Wellington.
Local MPs Louise Upston (Taupō), left and Tim van de Molen (Waikato), right with Waikato Chamber chief executive Don Good who is arguing for one Waikato local authority. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Van de Molen’s electorate stretches across parts of Waikato, Waipā, Matamata-Piako and South Waikato districts and skirts Hamilton city.
Councils should not assume whole districts must merge together, he said, pointing to the possibility that different parts of the region may align in different ways.
“It may well be appropriate for parts of Waikato to be in Hamilton, but not necessarily for all of it.”
Towns such as Cambridge, Matamata, Morrinsville, Te Awamutu, Tīrau and Putāruru could all be part of wider discussions, including potential links with Hamilton.
“This should really be seen as a great opportunity to redraw the lines.
“There’s an opportunity here for councils to shape something that works for their communities rather than having that imposed,” van de Molen said.
The process should not simply be about drawing bigger boundaries – there should be a strong focus on communities of interest and how services could be delivered more effectively.
“We’re not looking to amalgamate for the sake of it. It’s about driving efficiency and ensuring that our communities get the services they need.”
The Waikato is a region of contrasts, from fast-growing areas like Cambridge and Tamahere to smaller rural communities and coastal settlements such as Raglan.
Raglan Beach. Photo: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism
Van de Molen said the current structure did not always reflect those differences.
“You’ve got quite different communities in the same district with very different needs.”
He suggested the future could involve multiple groupings rather than a single super council – such as western, eastern and central groupings across the region.
“My biggest concern would be ensuring that our smaller rural communities, like Matamata, Morrinsville, Te Aroha and others, are still well represented in any new council structure.
There is mounting pressure on councils to deliver services efficiently as rates continue to rise and frustration among residents and businesses dealing with inconsistent rules across council boundaries.
“If you’re trying to build something in one council versus another, you get a different interpretation of the rules and that can be really frustrating.”
The government’s reforms are tied to wider changes to resource management and local government, aimed at simplifying what ministers describe as a complex and costly system.
Under the plan, regional councils in their current form will be replaced by new governance structures in place ahead of the 2028 local body elections.
For van de Molen, the direction of travel is clear, even if the final shape is not.
“This is not about protecting existing structures. It’s about making sure we have a system that delivers better for ratepayers and communities into the future.”
Waikato MP Tim van de Molen wants councils to think ‘big picture’. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
