Newsline 5 March 2026
New Lower Waihao watermain
Work is well underway on the new 4.3km raw watermain between Bells Pond and the Ferry Road bore site – a key project to secure a safer, more reliable water source for the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme.
Fresh new look for playgrounds
You may have noticed that two of our playgrounds are sporting bright new colours. That’s thanks to a specialist team from Oamaru‑based company Creo who have been hard at work upgrading and resurfacing key play areas at Boland Park and Victoria Park.
New sewer bursts into life
Council has completed an upgrade of the main sewer in Augustine Street. The project began in mid-August 2025 and was completed by the end of December. Disruption to traffic was minimalised because, instead of an open trench, contractor Hadlee & Brunton was able to use a pipe-bursting method using manhole access points.
RMA reform explained
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) has long been criticised for its complexity, its difficulty in supporting development, and its failure to deliver improved environmental outcomes. Local government, which carries much of the responsibility for implementing the RMA, has widely acknowledged the need for reform.
Congratulations to our new citizens
Tuesday 24 February marked a special milestone for 13 people from our district who became New Zealand citizens during a special ceremony at the Waimate Event Centre. Five countries were represented – Brazil, India, United Kingdom, the Philippines and the United States.
Creative Communities Scheme – open
Council invites applications for financial assistance from the Creative Communities Scheme. Clubs, groups, organisations and individuals can apply for the grants, which are funded by Creative NZ. To be eligible, your creative arts project must take place within the Waimate District, and it must be completed within a year of the funding being approved.
