Media releases archived
This is an archive of media releases issued by Waikato Regional Council since the development of this website. It does not include the current month's releases which are listed on the media release index page.
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Council urges caution to hunters using dogs
April 18, 2012
Waikato Regional Council is urging hunters not to use dogs in the Whareorino–Herangi Ranges, and surrounding land in the western King Country, once a large possum control operation gets underway.
Waste to resource strategy to cut waste and boost Waikato’s economy
April 17, 2012
A new strategy due to be adopted later this month sets out how the Waikato will reduce 700,000 tonnes of waste going to the region’s landfills each year and turn the remainder into a valuable resource capable of returning millions of dollars to the region’s economy.
Waikato road safety ‘truck legends’ campaign launched
April 17, 2012
A heavy vehicle road safety campaign recognising legendary Waikato trucks has been launched in the Waikato today.
Regional council passes dam consents audit with flying colours
April 12, 2012
Waikato Regional Council has passed its latest building consent authority assessment with flying colours, the council’s resource use and environmental monitoring committee heard yesterday.
Tsunami strategy being extended to Pauanui and Tairua
April 12, 2012
The roll out of the Eastern Coromandel Tsunami Strategy is to be extended to Pauanui and Tairua, Waikato Regional Council’s catchment services committee heard today.
BUSIT for free during the Hamilton ITM400
April 12, 2012
Waikato Regional Council’s BUSIT services operating in the Hamilton city boundary will be free for three days during the city’s final ITM400 event next week.
Eighty clean heat appliances to be installed in region’s homes
April 12, 2012
Up to 80 homes are expected to have clean heat appliances by the end of this financial year as part of a Waikato Regional Council programme to improve air quality.
Large number of dairy consents expected to be “relatively simple”
April 11, 2012
A large proportion of dairy water take consents required under the new Variation 6 water allocation policy should only need to go through a “relatively simple” process, the regional council’s resource use and environmental monitoring committee heard today.
Debris comes ashore at Tairua
April 05, 2012
Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) staff are this morning cleaning up scores of packets of dried noodles and a scattering of milk powder bags that have come ashore at Tairua and Sailor’s Grave north of Tairua.
Headlights on day and night reduces the crash risk
March 30, 2012
Motorists are being urged to drive with their headlights on at all times over the coming winter months to help reduce the risk of crashes.
Hikuai wetland restoration underway
March 27, 2012
A joint council and community project has begun to restore an ecologically important Tairua River wetland at Hikuai on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Council to work further with Kawhia community after spill
March 26, 2012
Waikato Regional Council is planning to work closely with the Kawhia community on oil spill response arrangements following the recent incident which saw about 100 litres of diesel spilled into the harbour.
Prudent plan to deliver regional environmental and economic benefits
March 21, 2012
Waikato Regional Council today adopted the 2012-2022 Draft Long Term Plan featuring proposals for improving water quality, coastal area planning, civil defence capability and river catchment and drainage services.
Lagoon fish deaths may have been result of overheating
March 16, 2012
The deaths of masses of little fish in a lagoon at Otama Beach on the Coromandel coast last month are thought to have been the result of overheating, Waikato Regional Council has concluded.
US expert joins discussion on Waikato’s future
March 16, 2012
Waikato Regional Council is next week hosting a visit from a Californian local government specialist in sustainable development at a time when the council is working with others to boost regional development and innovation.
More safety courses available for boaties
March 15, 2012
Further opportunities for Waikato boaties to learn about important safety skills are being offered over the next few weeks.
Hamilton Halo model ‘could be replicated’
March 14, 2012
Waikato Regional Council staff are looking at whether lessons learned during the successful and highly popular Hamilton Halo project to protect tui can be applied to other parts of the region.
Possum control targets high value native forest
March 14, 2012
A major possum and goat control operation is next month set to get underway covering a high value native forest near the Waikato region’s south-west coast just north of Awakino.
Major possum control savings mooted
March 14, 2012
Possible ways of making multi-million dollar savings on possum control are outlined in a draft Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) discussion document received yesterday by the regional pest management committee.
Tui Mine water quality testing show promising results
March 14, 2012
Water quality results from the first round of testing at the contaminated Tui Mine have just been received and look promising, says Waikato Regional Council.
New Waikato local government alliance to drive regional development
March 13, 2012
Waikato local authority leaders have today formed a new group to strengthen opportunities for collaboration and drive regional initiatives.
Kawhia diesel spill investigation
March 09, 2012
Waikato Regional Council staff investigating the cause of yesterday’s diesel spill around Kawhia wharf say the source remains a mystery and they want public help to track it down.
Hopes that effects of Kawhia diesel spill will be limited
March 08, 2012
Issued at 1900hrs
Waikato Regional Council’s oil spill response team is tonight hoping there will be minimal environmental impacts from a diesel spill at Kawhia wharf.
Reported diesel spill at Kawhia
March 08, 2012
Waikato Regional Council’s oil spill response team is reacting to reports of a diesel spill at Kawhia wharf.
ETS reminder to hundreds of forest owners
March 06, 2012
Waikato Regional Council is writing to hundreds of forest owners in the region reminding them they need to register their forests by 31 March if they want to qualify for and claim Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) New Zealand units under the first five-year sequestration period of the Kyoto Protocol.
Rail investment boost
March 06, 2012
Statement from KiwiRail, Waikato Regional Council and South Waikato District Council (issued 5 March 2012)
Further investment is to be made in the busy East Coast Main Trunk (ECMT) rail line between Hamilton and Tauranga to ensure it can continue to meet increasing customer demand for additional rail freight services.
Public transport governance review
March 05, 2012
The regional public transport committee has asked Waikato Regional Council staff to review governance arrangements for public transport in the region.
Sailing down the river
March 01, 2012
Rotokauri School, Waikato Regional Council and Water Safety New Zealand are partnering up in a water safety awareness event for almost 200 pupils.
Another strong turnout at Effluent Expo
February 29, 2012
More than 500 farmers have again attended this year’s Effluent Expo, held at Mystery Creek yesterday, maintaining the very solid interest shown at last year’s inaugural expo.
Finance committee chair says staff increases justified
February 28, 2012
Planned Waikato Regional Council staff increases next year are in line with the council’s flagship goals and justified by demand, says the chair of the council’s finance committee Cr Phillip Legg.
Get batty in Hamilton’s Hammond Park
February 28, 2012
More homes for Hamilton’s local bats are soon to be installed at Hammond Park and the public are invited to watch the installation as part of a bat fun day hosted by Project Echo and the Riverlea Environment Society.
Free heating still available in Te Kuiti
February 28, 2012
Waikato Regional Council is looking for homeowners in Te Kuiti to have a new clean heating appliance installed, as part of its Waikato Clean Heat Retrofit Programme.
Beefed up committee takes on environmental and monitoring role
February 27, 2012
Waikato Regional Council has merged two of its standing committees to drive a greater focus on environmental monitoring and reporting of its policy effectiveness.
Council makes it easy for ratepayers to reduce rates and avoid penalties
February 24, 2012
Waikato Regional Council yesterday approved a new rates remission policy that will give some landowners a rates reduction in return for protecting significant natural areas (SNAs).
New building lease option saves $1 million over 10 years
February 24, 2012
Waikato Regional Council has decided to lease, rather than own, new office space which will save a further $1 million over and above the savings and efficiencies expected to be gained through moving into a new building.
Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel districts pay fair share
February 22, 2012
Waikato Regional Council says ratepayers in Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel Districts are generally paying a fair share of regional council rates.
Course to help boaties cross the Raglan bar
February 20, 2012
Another course aimed at saving the lives of boaties crossing the notorious Raglan bar is being held next month by Coastguard Raglan, with support from Waikato Regional Council.
Capsizing shows even experienced skippers can get caught out
February 16, 2012
A boat capsizing in heavy seas at Manu Bay on the Waikato’s wild west coast is a classic example of how even the most experienced pleasure craft skippers can get caught out by rough conditions, says Waikato Regional Council.
Regional council gives assurances over ONFLs and SNAs
February 15, 2012
Waikato Regional Council is acting to clear up misinformation and misconceptions around the identification of proposed outstanding natural features and landscapes (ONFLs) and significant natural areas (SNAs) in the region.
Council pleased with Opus settlement
February 15, 2012
Waikato Regional Council says it is very pleased a settlement has been reached with consultants Opus over independent advice the firm provided regarding a building contractor’s liability to repair leaky cladding on the council’s Hamilton headquarters in Grey Street.
Stock truck effluent disposal site to open at Morrinsville
February 14, 2012
The Morrinsville sale yards will officially open their stock truck effluent disposal site in a ceremony on 21 February.
Fish farming effects will be managed through consenting process
February 09, 2012
Waikato Regional Council will manage and monitor possible effects of fish farming on the environment through consenting and tender processes.
Students with passion for the environment win awards
February 09, 2012
Two university students with a passion for improving the environment have been presented with special awards during a ceremony at the Waikato Regional Council.
Planning underway for farming water take consents
February 09, 2012
Planning is underway to work with farmers as they apply for necessary water take consents required under Waikato Regional Council’s Variation 6 policy on water allocation.
Whangamata mangrove appeal backed
February 07, 2012
Waikato Regional Council’s catchment services committee has backed a legal appeal against a hearing committee’s decision restricting the amount of mangroves that can be cleared at Whangamata to 16 hectares of new removal and 6.5 hectares of tidy up work.
‘Good clean dairying’ promotion to feature at expo
February 07, 2012
A new “good clean dairying” promotion will feature at this month’s Effluent Expo at Mystery Creek, being organised by Waikato Regional Council and sponsored by DairyNZ.
More regional services to boost environmental and economic bottom line
February 03, 2012
Waikato Regional Council yesterday finalised the budget for the Draft 2012-2022 Long Term Plan, with a particular focus on improving water quality, marine planning, improving civil defence capability, and increasing river catchment and drainage services.
New building tipped to be solid investment - but what do ratepayers want?
February 02, 2012
Waikato ratepayers are to be given the option of whether the regional council should lease or own a new purpose-built office block on prime Hamilton East land.
Two charged following jet boats collision
February 01, 2012
The skippers of two jet boats involved in a collision which injured three people have both been charged with operating a vessel in a dangerous manner on a Waihou River tributary.
Enjoy the thrills but know the rules
January 27, 2012
Boaties towing others on Waikato waterways are being reminded to follow basic navigation rules to help ensure they keep themselves, friends and family safe while biscuiting, waterskiing or wakeboarding.
HCC to be prosecuted over Pukete sewage spill
January 23, 2012
Hamilton City Council and one of its staff are being prosecuted over a sewage sludge spill at the Pukete wastewater treatment plant last July.
BUSIT free for a day on 8 Frankton route
January 19, 2012
Passengers on the 8 Frankton bus will travel for free one day next month to celebrate service improvements to the route.
Expo exhibitor numbers well up on last year
January 17, 2012
Release from DairyNZ and Waikato Regional Council
More than 40 exhibitors will be attending this year’s Effluent Expo at Mystery Creek, organised by Waikato Regional Council and sponsored by DairyNZ.
Staff make recommendations over proposed regional policy
January 16, 2012
Regional council staff recommendations on submissions over the proposed new Waikato Regional Policy Statement (RPS) are now publicly available.
Purple loosestrife in Tokoroa
January 13, 2012
The highly invasive pest plant known as purple loosestrife has been discovered in Waikato for the first time at Lake Moananui, near Tokoroa.
Giant knotweed discovered in Waihi
January 13, 2012
A new Waikato outbreak of the highly invasive Asian pest plant giant knotweed has been confirmed on four adjoining properties in Waihi recently.
Waikato farmer faces $73,000 fine for “not stopping for anyone”
January 10, 2012
A Piopio farming couple have been convicted of offences under the Resource Management Act and face fines of over $73,000 for draining an internationally recognised wetland to gain further pasture land and increase farm production.
Waikato’s east coast being closely monitored for signs of Rena oil, debris
January 08, 2012
Waikato Regional Council is working closely with Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) to monitor the movement of debris and oil from the broken cargo ship, Rena.
Diesel spills prompt reminder for extra care from boaties
January 06, 2012
Waikato Regional Council is calling for boaties to take extra care when refuelling vessels on or near the water, following small diesel spills detected on the Coromandel Peninsula earlier today.
Extra vigilance needed on Waikato waterways following serious incidents
January 03, 2012
Waikato Regional Council’s harbourmasters are urging inland and coastal water users to take extra care following a number of incidents over the past two days.
Top ten tips for safe boating this summer
December 23, 2011
With the summer holiday season on the cusp of kick off, Waikato Regional Council’s navigation safety team is wishing all water users safe and enjoyable boating.
Discover more with the City Explorer
December 23, 2011
BUSIT is launching a new ticket next month that will give people unlimited daily travel on buses within the Hamilton city boundary.
Boat naming a must
December 22, 2011
Boaties heading out on the Waikato region’s waters this summer are being reminded to display a name on their boats.
Variation 5 funding deadline looms for larger land owners
December 21, 2011
Owners of farms larger than 20 hectares now have until 31 January next year to qualify for funding of their nitrogen discharge allowance assessments and nutrient management plans (NMPs) which are required for their resource consent applications.
BUSIT festive season changes include free Christmas Day buses
December 20, 2011
The region’s public transport users are being urged to check bus timetables online for temporary service changes being introduced for the festive season.
Coromandel’s summer shuttle services make day trips hassle free
December 20, 2011
Buses from Ferry Landing to Hot Water Beach are back, making it a hassle free summer for holidaymakers and locals on the Coromandel.
Council responds to third diesel spill, public help requested
December 19, 2011
Waikato Regional Council is appealing for help to locate the source of diesel which has today spilled into the Waikato River for the third time in the past three months.
Driven to shop? BUSIT will get you to the bargains
December 19, 2011
Avoid the parking hassle and get driven to go shopping for Christmas presents and the holiday season bargains in Hamilton this summer.
Alligator weed found at Ruapuke Beach
December 15, 2011
A new Waikato outbreak of one of the world’s worst weeds has been discovered at Ruapuke Beach.
Rigorous process to be applied to Coromandel fish farm tenders
December 14, 2011
Prospective Coromandel fish farmers will undergo a rigorous selection process when the Waikato Regional Council calls for tenders next year.
Council funds new Aotea Beach walkway
December 14, 2011
A new 1.6 kilometre walking track aimed at protecting dunes at the west coast’s Aotea Beach will receive $5000 from the Waikato Regional Council’s environmental initiatives fund.
Waikato schools granted funds for environmental projects
December 14, 2011
Waikato Regional Council has awarded about $5400 for environmental projects at three of the region’s schools.
Help needed over dead eels
December 13, 2011
Waikato Regional Council investigators are appealing for public help in establishing what has killed hundreds of eels in the headwaters of the Piako River near Richmond Downs at Walton.
Council spells out conditions for cycling centre funding
December 13, 2011
Waikato Regional Council today approved the funding deed setting out conditions that must be met before it will grant $6 million to the national cycling centre of excellence.
Don't have false sense of security on lakes
December 13, 2011
Boaties using the Waikato region’s lakes this summer are being urged not to be lulled into a false sense of security.
Action over central plateau volcanic threats
December 12, 2011
The ever present threat of volcanic eruption in the North Island’s central plateau region has prompted a new focus on public education and risk management by the multi-agency Central Plateau Volcanic Advisory Group.
New tsunami preparedness and response recommendations
December 12, 2011
Release from Thames-Coromandel District Council and Waikato Regional Council
Significant improvements to tsunami preparedness and response arrangements at Whitianga are being recommended by the Whitianga Tsunami Working Group.
Feedback sought on Waikato’s funding priorities for transport
December 12, 2011
Feedback is being sought from the community on a draft programme which identifies the funding priorities for Waikato’s transport projects over the next three years.
Changes to Raglan bus services
December 09, 2011
Raglan students travelling to Hamilton schools will have the choice of another bus next year, with the Te Uku to Hamilton service being extended to begin in the west coast town.
Green schools celebrated at Hamilton ceremony
December 06, 2011
A ceremony has been held in Hamilton today to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Enviroschools Foundation, which has its roots in the Waikato.
Regional council satisfied with Variation 6 decision
December 01, 2011
Waikato Regional Council says it is pleased an Environment Court ruling has confirmed the final shape of the council’s Variation 6 policy aimed at protecting and maintaining water resources in the region.
Consent for mangrove removal at Whangamata
November 29, 2011
Independent resource consent hearing commissioners have agreed to the staged removal of approximately 22.5 hectares of mangroves at Whangamata Harbour by a combination of hand and mechanical removal methods, subject to a range of conditions. The approved area includes 6.5 hectares of mangrove remnants from previously cleared areas.
Award over major information systems savings
November 29, 2011
A Waikato Regional Council information technology manager who has helped generate “very significant” cost savings for councils nationally has won this year’s Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) leadership award.
New Waikato Civil Defence draft plan adopted
November 28, 2011
A new five-year plan to enhance the capability of the Waikato region to respond to disasters has been formally adopted today by the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group.
Direction for cleaner, healthier air adopted
November 28, 2011
The Waikato Regional Council has adopted an organisational strategy that provides guidance to staff on the actions required to improve air quality in the Waikato region.
Route changes for Orbiter and 9 Nawton bus services
November 25, 2011
A section of Tasman Rd will be closed shortly for construction of the Waikato Expressway, resulting in route changes to the Orbiter and Nawton BUSIT! services.
Waikato River Authority and council sign partnership agreement
November 24, 2011
The Waikato River Authority (WRA) and Waikato Regional Council have today signed a new partnership agreement on how they will work together on cleaning up the Waikato River.
Committee agrees to end role in prosecutions
November 24, 2011
Waikato Regional Council’s regulatory committee has agreed to a staff recommendation to end its role in deciding what cases will be prosecuted in court.
Council declines to fund passenger rail but keeps option alive
November 23, 2011
Waikato Regional Council has decided against rating for Hamilton-Auckland passenger rail in its 2012-22 Long Term Plan but is keeping its options open for the future should circumstances change.
Young leaders win Dame Te Atairangikaahu Scholarships
November 23, 2011
Two emerging young Maori leaders are this year’s recipients of Waikato Regional Council’s Dame Te Atairangikaahu Scholarships, designed to help promote education of rangatahi (youth) in the region.