News

South Waikato District Council Adopts 2026-27 Annual Plan

SWDC adopts the Annual Plan for the 2026-2027 financial year.

South Waikato Mayor disappointed by “irresponsible” visitor behaviour

SWDC Mayor Gary Petley has expressed his disappointment at the irresponsible behaviour of some visitors at Te Waihou Walkway, while urging visitors to respect the environment and mana whenua.

Council Facilities – Festive Season Opening Hours

Heading away or staying local this summer? Make sure you're up to date with our festive season hours for Council facilities across Tokoroa, Putāruru, and Tīrau.

Enjoy the Blue Springs safely this summer

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), South Waikato District Council (SWDC) and NZ Police have issued a joint advisory to travellers visiting the Blue Spring this summer.

33 South Waikato students granted scholarships for 2026

The South Waikato District Council and the South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT) are celebrating the announcement of 33 scholarship recipients for 2026 following an impressive 48 applications...

Council completes first full meeting of the new triennium

​South Waikato voter turnout surges past national average

South Waikato residents turned out in force for the 2025 Local Elections, with 7,596 votes cast - a 45.83% turnout. This marks an increase from 42.05% in 2022...

Update on the works at Colson's Hill in Tokoroa

​Air quality campaign delivers big results in Tokoroa

Winter 2025 marked a turning point for air quality in Tokoroa, thanks to a community-focused education campaign led by Waikato Regional Council.

Council awards tender for Library-turned-Community Hub project

Special Voting: What you need to know

​If you’ve enrolled or updated your details after 1 August 2025, or if you haven’t received your voting papers in the mail by 22 September, you may need to cast a special vote.

​Meet the Candidates Standing for South Waikato District Council

Voters across the South Waikato District will soon have their say in the upcoming local elections. A range of candidates have put their names forward to represent their communities...

Taskforce formed in response to uncertainty surrounding Toi-Ohomai

A taskforce aimed at working towards a positive solution for the community has been formed following a meeting of key stakeholders on Monday, 4 August.

​Funding the Future: Where Council Gets Its Money

South Waikato District Council provides services to more than 25,000 people. Providing and maintaining essential services for our community requires substantial funding.

​Last chance to Stand

Nominations for the upcoming local elections close at 12 noon on Friday 1 August. Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate in the South Waikato should get their nominations in now.

Where Your Rates Are Going in 2025-26: SWDC’s Annual Plan in Focus

​The South Waikato District Council’s 2025-26 Annual Plan outlines an average rates increase of 8.9%. This increase supports essential services, infrastructure upgrades...

Kāinga Ora Development Officially Opened and Blessed in Tokoroa

​A sense of community pride filled the air on Friday 11 July 2025 as Kāinga Ora and South Waikato District Council officially opened and blessed a new housing development in Clyde Street, Tokoroa.

Candidate Information Evening

South Waikato District Council will host a Candidate Information Session on Wednesday 9 July at 7pm.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch for our District

​South Waikato District Council Adopts 2025-26 Annual Plan

South Waikato District Council on Wednesday 25 June formally adopted its 2025-26 Annual Plan, confirming an average rates increase of 8.9%,