Waikato Region
Community outcomes
Sustainable environment - The Waikato region values and protects its diverse, interconnected natural environments.
- The iconic landscapes and natural features of our environment define and sustain us. We respect and celebrate them as taonga.
- Our natural environment is protected and respected. Its ecological balance is restored, its air, soil and water quality is improved and its native biodiversity is enhanced.
- We are aware of what we need to do to look after our environment. Our region is renowned for linking environmental awareness with community action.
- The traditional role of iwi and hapū as kaitiaki is acknowledged, respected and enabled.
- Our coastal and waterway environments are restored and preserved and access to them is maintained.
- Our region’s waterways have consistently high water quality.
- We use land management practices that protect and sustain our soil and land.
- We reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy.
- Waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation and energy efficiency are promoted and are part of how we all live.
Quality of life - The Waikato region is a great place to live, providing the services and opportunities we need to live well.
- We are healthy, with active lifestyles and enjoy a total sense of well-being. Everyone has access to affordable quality health services throughout the Waikato region.
- Education provides opportunities so we can reach our full potential as individuals and contribute to the well-being of the whole region.
- Māori enjoy the same quality of health, education, housing, employment and economic outcomes as non-Māori.
- We have a choice of healthy and affordable housing that we are happy to live in and that is close to places for work, study and recreation.
- Māori have the ability to live on ancestral land in quality, affordable housing.
- Our communities and government work together so that we are safe, feel safe and crime is reduced.
- We can work and participate in the communities where we live, and there are quality work opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels.
- We can participate in recreation and leisure activities that meet our diverse needs and we have opportunities to enjoy the Waikato region’s natural places and open spaces in responsible ways.
- Families are strong and our communities are supportive of them.
- Older people are valued and children are valued and protected. Young people have work, education and leisure opportunities and are included in making decisions that will affect their future.
Sustainable economy -The Waikato region balances a thriving economy with looking after its people, places and environment.
- Our region has economic growth and development that is well-planned and balanced with environmental, cultural and social needs and values.
- Our regional and local economies are robust and diverse, providing opportunities throughout the Waikato region.
- We have reliable, efficient and well-planned infrastructure and services, including transport that is safe, interconnected, and easy to get to and use.
- We take a practical and coordinated approach to planning and providing services, which works effectively across boundaries and sectors and responds to our communities’ needs.
- The growth, wealth and uniqueness of the Māori economy is acknowledged and supported.
- Our economy is built on land-based industries, and we encourage planning and practices that protect and sustain our productive resources.
- We have a tourism industry that recognises the region’s cultural and environmental heritage and values, and supports economic growth.
- Our region has a reputation for entrepreneurship, innovation, research and education, attracting investment and people to work, study and visit.
Culture and identity - The Waikato region identifies with – and values – its land, air, rivers and waterways, mountains, flora, fauna and its people
- We are proud of our region’s distinctive identity, its strong Māoritanga, and its rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage.
- Heritage sites and landscapes of significance to whanau, hapū and iwi are preserved and valued.
- Our historic buildings and places are retained and cared for. New developments are designed to be sensitive to people, places and the environment.
- All our communities have cultural and recreational events and facilities. We identify with and take part in our communities, building good community spirit.
- Art, culture and creativity can be a part of everyone’s life. We all have opportunities for creative expression and our creative industries are supported and promoted
Participation and equity - The Waikato region builds strong informed communities and has a culture that encourages people and communities to play their part.
- All our people and communities can participate in decision-making. We are educated, informed and have the resources we need to take responsibility for our own futures.
- Iwi, hapū and Māori work together with central government, local government and community organisations in mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Our communities understand partnerships under the Treaty of Waitangi and representation and processes for these partnerships have integrity.
- The unique status of tangata whenua is respected and reflected in community processes.
- Māori have the opportunity to participate in community development and decision-making at marae, hapū and iwi levels.
- We are knowledgeable about and show respect for the many and diverse cultures of the people who live here
Sources: 2009-2019 Long Term Council Community Plan Section One (pdf 1.73mb).
These documents are in pdf format. You need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. You can download a free version from the Adobe site.
Community outcomes documents and links
Waikato Regional Council Community Outcomes page
Waikato Regional Community Outcomes - Data Analysis Progress Report 2009 (pdf 1.8mb)
Environment Waikato (Waikato Regional Council) information
Phone:0800 800 401 | E-mail: info@ew.govt.nz | Website: www.ew.govt.nz
Chair: Peter Buckley
Further council information, including key community and financial statistics, is available from www.localcouncils.govt.nz.
Key Environment Waikato (Waikato Regional Council) planning documents
Long-term council community plan: 2009-2019 Long Term Council Community Plan
Click here for more information on long-term council community plans, annual plans and annual reports


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