Waipā’s future starts now: Pre-election report sets the scene

The future for Waipā is packed with opportunity – and the decisions made over the next three years will shape the district for decades to come.

With local body elections fast approaching, now is the time for residents and candidates to get informed. Waipā District Council Chief Executive Steph O’Sullivan has released her Pre-election Report, providing a clear view of the district’s financial position and upcoming priorities and challenges.

Prepared without input from current elected members, the report is a vital tool to help voters and aspiring elected members alike understand the issues and make informed decisions.

“This isn’t just a box-ticking document,” says O’Sullivan. “It’s a reality check. It lays out exactly where we’re at as a district — and what’s coming. If you care about Waipā’s future, you need to read it.”

The report outlines:

• Council’s current financial position and the pressure on infrastructure and services
• The impact of Central Government reform, including Local Water Done Well
• Growth-related challenges, including housing, transport and environmental resilience
• The need for strong, future-focused local leadership.

With a $159 million annual operating budget and over $2.5 billion in community assets, Council is responsible for services that touch every part of daily life in Waipā — from clean drinking water and roads, to parks, planning, and emergency response.

“The people elected this year will need to make high-impact decisions that balance affordability, resilience, growth, and strong community outcomes,” O’Sullivan said. “It’s a big job — and voters need to know what they’re voting people into.”

The current environment demands leaders who are well-informed, collaborative, and committed to the long-term success of Waipā, she said.

“We’re operating in a fast-moving, high-pressure space. Good governance matters more than ever — and we need people who are ready to step up and serve.”

Nominations are now open for Waipā’s Mayor and 11 Councillors, closing at midday, Friday 1 August. Alongside the election, residents will also vote in a binding Māori Ward Poll to decide whether to retain or remove the ward introduced in 2022.

The Pre-Election Report is available in digital form on our website. Hard copies will be available to view at either of our Council offices or libraries from Friday, July 18. Learn more about how to stand or vote at www.waipadc.govt.nz/elections