Whangamata Ratepayers Association
Welcome to the Whangamata Ratepayers Association — where community matters.
We’re here to keep our voices strong and united on the issues that shape our town. Whether it’s local development, environmental protection, or community wellbeing, we’re working for a better Whangamata for everyone who calls it home (or holiday home).
Our Mission
We're here to help protect what makes Whangamatā special – its natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, and strong community – so it can be enjoyed by everyone now and in the future.
We work on behalf of Whangamatā’s residents and ratepayers, teaming up with groups like the Whangamatā Community Board, Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC), Waikato Regional Council (WRC), and local community organisations to make sure your voice is heard.
VOTE
Local Elections 2025
Voting closes: Midday, Saturday 11 October 2025
Over recent weeks, candidates have been actively campaigning—travelling, meeting residents, and sharing their vision in the hope of earning a place on Council.
This election is an important one. Our community deserves to know what each candidate is prepared to deliver over the next three years.
On 27 September, WRA hosted a Meet the Candidates event, where candidates presented their values and responded to questions submitted in advance by the community.
The meeting was recorded, and the video will be available here shortly. We encourage all residents and ratepayers—whether living locally or elsewhere—to watch the recording and use it to make an informed voting decision.
LTP
Long Term Plan 2024-2034
Every three years, councils are required to update their Long Term Plan (LTP) – a 10-year roadmap for how rates will be spent, which projects will take priority, and what services will look like across our communities. The Thames-Coromandel District Council’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034 is the latest version, setting the direction for the next decade. Although the plan runs for 10 years, it’s reviewed and reset every three years to reflect changing needs, costs, and community feedback.
Find out exactly what priorities we’ve put to Council in our submission on the Long Term Plan 2024–2034 — these are the issues that will shape Whangamatā’s future. Is Council listening?
What we're working on
Current Surveys, Feedback Forms
Whangamata Bus Service
Whangamatā residents — we’re paying for a bus service, but still don’t have one. Waikato Regional Council is reviewing future routes. This is your chance to speak up. Complete the survey and help bring regular, reliable public transport to our town.
Complete it before 13th July.
Other Ways to Help
There are many ways to get involved—and lending a hand gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling of belonging to a vibrant, special community we all call home (or our bach).
With little to no funding, we are a group of passionate community members dedicating our spare time to help our community. Pitch in with $20 a year to help cover admin and advocacy costs.
Got something on your mind? Get in touch—we’ll see how we can help. Bonus brownie points if you sign up as a member first!
We’re always on the lookout for members who want to make a difference. Whether you’re keen to join the committee, share your expertise, or just bring the scones to our meetings—there’s a place for you to help make our community even better!