Raglan locals were among those recognised at this year’s Waikato District Council Mayoral Awards, which celebrate individuals and groups who make outstanding contributions to their communities, whether through voluntary service or dedicated public roles.
Whāingaroa ward councillor Lisa Thomson praised the recipients, saying, “It’s a fantastic reminder of the work people do serving out of the love and passion they have for our community.”
This year’s honourees from Raglan included Raglan Community House manager Mike Rarere, RSA secretary Noelene McCathie, the volunteer crew at Hato Hone St John Raglan, and long-serving Justices of the Peace Roy Haar and Wayne Morris.
Mike Rarere
As manager of Raglan Community House since 2016, Mike Rarere has become a cornerstone of compassion and resilience in the Raglan community. His mahi focuses on supporting youth and those facing poverty, disengagement or hardship.
Mike’s work is deeply grounded in aroha, manaakitanga and a belief in the potential of every person, regardless of their circumstances. His humility and relentless dedication have created ripples of hope and support across the community.
This award recognises not only Mike’s individual impact, but also the enduring strength of his values-led approach to community work.
Noelene McCathie
Described as a “volunteer powerhouse”, Noelene McCathie has given decades of service to the Raglan community. Currently the secretary of the Raglan RSA, a role she’s held since 2011, she is the organisational force behind the town’s Anzac Day commemorations.
Prior to this, Noelene worked part-time at the Raglan Information Centre, but her contribution extended far beyond her paid hours. For ten years, she volunteered additional time, often working six or seven days a week to ensure the centre remained open and welcoming for both visitors and locals.
On top of that, she is president of the Raglan Light Exercise Group and treasurer of the Raglan Horticultural Society. Her dedication and energy are a true inspiration.
Hato Hone St John Raglan
The volunteer team at Hato Hone St John Raglan were recognised for their critical role in ensuring health and safety in the community. Operating 12-hour shifts from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, each shift is covered entirely by volunteers.
Their commitment means that in times of emergency, Raglan can count on trained, local support. Their contribution is a lifeline and a testament to community service at its finest.
Roy Haar & Wayne Morris
Roy Haar and Wayne Morris were acknowledged for their long-standing service as Justices of the Peace, 25 years and 30 years respectively.
Raglan Transport Report Finally Released
After months of asking, the Raglan Community Board will finally receive a long-awaited transport assessment that explores future road and transport needs for Whāingaroa.
Peter Henderson, Transportation Development Lead at Waikato District Council, will attend the upcoming Board meeting to speak to the report and answer wider Long Term Plan (LTP) roading questions.
The report, produced by engineering consultants Gray Matter, assesses current and projected transport impacts in Raglan. Commissioned by the Council’s Growth Team, the work was partly driven by District Plan appeals relating to residential zoning in Raglan West. It also outlines potential future infrastructure needs, including a possible inland route around the harbour to the east and south.
The report is now publicly available as part of the Board’s June meeting agenda. Board members, who contributed during the investigation phase last year, have been requesting to see the findings for several months.
John Lawson will discuss the report in depth on Raglan Community Radio’s Morning Show next Tuesday at 9am.
New Wastewater Plant Almost Fully Operational
The upgraded wastewater treatment plant for Raglan is nearing full operation, with early testing phases reportedly going well. Once fully online, expected in the next month, the plant will produce treated water to such a high standard that it will be clean enough to safely wash your hands in.
Technically, the core capacity increase and membrane upgrade mark a major leap forward from the old oxidation ponds, producing clear, odourless, near-potable-quality water.
“This is more than just an upgrade, it’s a completely new treatment plant,” said Lisa in a recent interview. The facility is part of a major infrastructure overhaul designed to meet modern environmental standards and long-term population growth.
Meanwhile, soil testing has been completed on the Wainui Reserve site as part of ongoing plans for land-based discharge of the treated water. “They’re now hoping to get the consent application in later this year to allow for use of that gully to pump the treated water,” says John Lawson.
Both mana whenua and the wider Raglan community have shown strong preference for a land-based discharge method. Following extensive research, the preferred option involves redirecting treated wastewater into a gully at Wainui Reserve. This scheme features subsurface discharge through engineered rock filters and native plantings to safely reintegrate water into groundwater and, eventually, the harbour.
Watercare has modelled how the discharged water will behave in different environmental conditions:
- During heavy rain or storms, the new discharge will be insignificant compared to naturally occurring stormwater flows that already reach the beach.
- In dry periods with no groundwater saturation (such as during large high tides), the new water is expected to be fully absorbed into the dunes and sand.
- If the groundwater table is high or the sand is saturated (due to previous rainfall or high tides), a small overland flow path (OLFP) may occur. This might appear as a wet patch or faint trickle across the beach.
The work is part of a long-term move away from discharging treated wastewater directly into the harbour, aligning with Raglan’s environmental values and long-standing community advocacy for cleaner water systems, says Lisa.
Council to Discuss Stance on Seabed Mining
Cr Lisa Thomson has asked her fellow elected members to consider taking a formal position on seabed mining following concerns raised by residents, iwi and environmental advocates.
She raised the issue at the conclusion of the latest Infrastructure Committee meeting, with support from Mayor Jacqui Church to bring it back for further discussion at a future full council meeting.
Public opposition to seabed mining has surged in recent months, including a coordinated series of paddle-outs along the west coast and a growing chorus of voices calling for local and international action.
Putoetoe Walkway Reopens in Time for Matariki Weekend
The coastal walkway in Raglan, stretching from the Fire Station to the walking bridge, is expected to reopen this weekend following remedial engineering work to stabilise the southern end, which had been at risk of collapse.
The reopening is welcome news ahead of next Friday’s Matariki public holiday, when Raglan typically sees an influx of visitors for the long weekend.
The restoration ensures safe access for locals and visitors alike, preserving a well-loved part of the town’s coastal trail network. The works were completed just in time, following careful assessment of erosion risks and an urgent response by Council contractors.
The next Raglan Community Board Meeting will be held in the Supper Rooms, Wednesday, 19 June, Town Hall, Bow Street, Raglan, with the public forum starting at 1.30pm.