Hamilton Mayor, Tim Macindoe, has welcomed IAWAI’s efforts to ensure water-related charges for Hamiltonians are lower than expected.
From July 2026, drinking water and wastewater services will be removed from Hamilton City Council’s rates and managed by IAWAI Flowing Waters - the separate joint waters entity, established by Waikato District and Hamilton City Councils. Both Hamilton City and Waikato District Councils have instructed IAWAI to set water charges as low as sustainably possible, without compromising services.
IAWAI’s consultation is taking place earlier to meet Central Government timelines.
Hamilton City Council will consider its draft Annual Plan, including the proposed 2026/27 rate, at a Council meeting on Thursday 2 April.
As outlined in The Mayor’s Plan 2025-2028, financial responsibility is a core focus for this Council.
The Mayor said reducing rates pressure has been a priority since the day of his election.
“I remain firmly committed to reducing the rates burden on Hamiltonians, without compromising the services, infrastructure, and attractions that our growing city needs and values. This is what the public have asked for loud and clear, and we are listening.”
For the last few months, the Mayor has been leading work with elected member colleagues, and Council management, to develop a budget for the 26/27 Annual Plan that is consistent with the Mayor’s Plan 2025-2028. This includes instructing staff to deliver a rate increase lower than the original 10.4% set in the 2024-2034 Long-Term-Plan, which was approved by the previous Council.
“I am really pleased with the progress that is being made; however, it would be premature to confirm a specific rates figure, ahead of Council’s formal decision-making process,” said Mr Macindoe.
“Nevertheless, I am confident that we have a plan to bring the Hamilton City Council (HCC) rate increase down, and that the combined HCC rates and IAWAI water charges will be substantially less than forecast in the last Long-Term Plan.”
Council staff have identified several financial levers that can be pulled to provide some immediate relief for ratepayers. Elected Members are working through this now, as a vital part of the Annual Plan process.
“We are focused on finding the right balance between immediate relief for rate payers, and prudent financial management for Hamilton, now and in the future,” said the Mayor.