It’s your money: Waipā asked what matters most

Waipā ratepayers are being asked where their money should go over the next 10 years, as the district weighs up what to keep, change, delay or stop to avoid big rates rises.

Early engagement on the next 10-Year Plan opens today and runs until Sunday, November 22. With the district growing fast, keeping all of today’s services and going ahead with every proposed project would mean big rises in people’s rates over the next few years.

Mayor Mike Pettit said people’s views would help decide where the savings come from.

“We know household budgets are tight, and it’s ratepayers' money we’re spending. People have told us they don't want big rates rises. So, before we make any decisions, we want to hear what matters most to our communities.

“We’re looking hard at our own costs too, with every service being reviewed line by line.”

The survey is open now at waipadc.govt.nz/what-matters. People who’d rather talk face to face can come along to a community drop-in. These are being held in towns and rural areas across the district over the next few weeks, along with library games nights in Cambridge and Te Awamutu. Dates and venues are at waipadc.govt.nz/what-matters.

At the community and rural drop-ins on the eastern side of the district, people can also find out about, and have their say on, the draft Cambridge Connections Transport Plan.

The community’s views will help shape the draft 10-Year Plan, which goes out for formal consultation in April 2027.

How to have your say

• Online at waipadc.govt.nz/what-matters
• On paper: pick up a copy from Customer Service in Te Awamutu or Cambridge, a library or any drop-in, or call 0800 924 723 and we’ll post one out
• In person at a community drop-in or library games night

Also coming up

If approved at tomorrow’s meeting, from Monday, November 2, Council will also be asking whether shops across the district should be able to choose to open on Easter Sunday. Submissions will close at 5pm on Wednesday, December 2.