Crystal Beavis - Waikato District Councillor

19/08/2026

A strong local voice is vital as the Government progresses local government reform.

With a Head Start proposal submitted for a Western Waikato unitary authority including Waikato District, we await the Government's response in September.

We'll welcome more local input early next year if the proposal is accepted for more detailed design for a Government decision in May.

Read your Councillors' latest monthly round-up of district news with a focus on the Tamahere-Woodlands Ward - including a hearty congratulations and thanks to local 2026 Mayoral Award recipients for their contribution to our community - Russell Gibbs of Tamahere-Mangaone Restoration Trust (Tamahere Walkways), Richard and Sally-Ann Riddell of Gordonton, and Predator Free Tamahere.

A strong local voice is vital as New Zealand undertakes local government reforms.Thank you to all those who turned up to discuss Council amalgamation options with your Mayor and local councillors at local meetings across the Tamahere-Woodlands Ward in Matangi, Tamahere, Newstead, Tauwhare, Puketaha,...

14/08/2026

Tamahere Country Market is open now! Come and enjoy the vibe!

We're highlighting Tamahere Country Market where creativity, community, and connection have come together for more than 20 years.

More than a monthly market, it’s a place where visitors can meet the makers behind the stalls, local creatives can grow their businesses, volunteers give back, and friends and neighbours come together.

Whether you're discovering something handmade or catching up over a coffee, it's the people who make the market what it is.

This is part of the Creativity Lives in Waikato project with Creative Waikato.

Read the full story at https://ow.ly/cAlO50Zz6vu

11/07/2026

Waikato District Council has extended the time for public feedback on its merger proposals to Tuesday 14 July.

Please find out more about the biggest changes to local government in NZ in nearly 40 years and let us know what you think.

Go to the Council website here: www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/slg

Waikato District Council has extended the time for public feedback on its merger proposals until Tuesday 14 July.You are likely to be voting for a different, much larger, unitary council at the next local body elections in 2028. The Government has signalled major changes to local government and has....

01/07/2026

Congratulations to Zealong Tea on reaching your 30th anniversary - I felt honoured to attend.

What a journey it's been - from 130 plants to 1.2 million, producing 20 tonnes of organic tea annually to win awards across the world.

Zealong has pioneered New Zealand tea excellence from 48 ha in Gordonton, just outside Hamilton, in the Tamahere-Woodlands Ward I am proud to represent on Waikato District Council.

23/06/2026

The Government is changing how councils are organised across New Zealand. We want to talk with you early about what this could mean for the Waikato District.

15/06/2026

Local government reform is coming. How will it affect you and what choice do we have?

Do you want a merger with Hamilton City or a wider group of Waikato councils or do nothing and let the Government decide?

Come to hear your Mayor and discuss the issues with your local councillors at a meeting near you. Then let us know what you think by 10 July - see more information on the Council website here: https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/your-council/simplifying-local-government

Final meetings in Tamahere-Woodlands (updated 29 June) are:
* Tauwhare - Tauwhare Hall, 7.30pm, Wednesday 1 July
* Gordonton - Gordonton Hall, 7pm, Thursday 2 July
* Eureka - Eureka Hall, 2pm, Sunday 5 July (bring a plate to 'Meet the Mayor' over afternoon tea).

Thank you to all those interested who have already attended meetings in Tamahere, Matangi, Puketaha and Newstead.

13/06/2026

How will local government reform affect you and what choice do we have? Do you want a merger with Hamilton City or a wider group of Waikato councils or do nothing and let the Government decide?

Come to hear your Mayor and discuss the issues with your local councillors at a meeting near you. Then let us know what you think by 10 July - see more information on the Council website here: https://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/your-council/simplifying-local-government

Upcoming meetings in Tamahere-Woodlands are:
* Tamahere - Tamahere Community Centre, 2-5pm, Sunday 14 June (Q&A with the Mayor and CEO at 3pm)
* Puketaha - Puketaha Hall, 7.30pm, Wednesday 17 June
* Newstead - Hamilton Car Club, 116 Vaile Rd, 11am, Sunday 28 June
* Tauwhare - Tauwhare Hall, 7.30pm, Wednesday 1 July
* Gordonton - Gordonton Hall, 7pm, Thursday 2 July
* Eureka - Eureka Hall, 2pm, Sunday 5 July (bring a plate to 'Meet the Mayor' over afternoon tea).

01/06/2026

Congratulations to Jane Manson for her King's Birthday honour for her work for the Tamahere and wider community - for leading the Tamahere Country Market for more than 21 years and being on the leadership team (and now chairing) Mahi Mihinare Anglican Action for 19 years.

Recognised in the Waikato District Mayoral Awards in 2024 and now KSM - well deserved!

Congratulations also to other Tamahere residents recognised in this year's King's Birthday honours with MNZMs:
* Colin Groves, President of Waikato Rugby and Chair of Seddon Cricket Club and
* Dr Udaya Samarakkody, paediatric surgeon and urologist at Waikato Hospital who has also served the Sri Lanka Friendship Society in Waikato in so many ways.

Read more about them all in the Cambridge News today here: https://www.cambridgenews.nz/2026/06/a-surgeons-true-calling/

30/05/2026

You could be voting for a new, larger Council at the next local body elections in 2028.

Councils are under time pressure to come up with an amalgamation plan by 9 August or have one imposed on them.

Read more about this and a round-up of other Waikato District Council news from the last month.

* Amalgamation options include a Waikato region-wide unitary council

* Rates to rise 3.7% on average across the District from 1 July depending on the services you get

* Long term planning underway to manage district growth

* District Plan review nearly complete, final changes on earthworks and minor technical corrections are expected to be publicly notified later this year.

(Attn: Gordonton District Community)

The Government has given Councils three months to submit amalgamation proposals or the decision will be made for them.Under the ‘Simplifying Local Government’ initiative, the Government has announced a voluntary 'Head Start Pathway' allowing Councils until August 9 to submit proposals to amalgam...

24/05/2026

Congratulations Jenny Scown for the great interview on Radio NZ's Culture 101 this afternoon on your Inspirit Studio & Gallery in Tamahere, a highlight on this weekend's Waipa Creative Trail.

LIsten to the radio interview here:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/culture-101/audio/2019036389/jenny-scown-built-inspirit-gallery-on-her-family-farm-nineteen-years-later-it-s-going-strong

Thanks to Waipa Creative Trail for the photos!