Incumbent Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams was the only Mayoral candidate who showed up at an election event at Paeroa Rugby& Sports Club. Conspicuous by their absence were the two other declared candidates Levi Phoenix (Burton) and Roman Jackson.
Adams, who is seeking re-election, used the Paeroa candidate meeting to defend the council’s record on rates, explain cost pressures, and outline his position on local governance reforms.
On rates and council costs
Adams said rates were one of the most discussed issues in the community but stressed that Hauraki District Council had worked hard to keep increases as low as possible despite major cost pressures. He noted that 97 percent of rates go to core services such as water, wastewater, roading, parks, libraries, pools, and infrastructure, with just 3 percent allocated to economic development.
He highlighted that between water, wastewater, and roading, 67 percent of rates are already committed. Rising operational costs—including energy bills, insurance, bridge inspections, water testing, and software licensing—have put further pressure on council budgets. “Last year we stared down the barrel of a 25 percent rate increase. Through hard decisions we got it down to 7.5 percent,” Adams said. “We’ve had to push some projects out, but we’re proud we’ve kept services going.”
He also stressed that local councils face different inflation pressures than households. “CPI doesn’t reflect council costs. Our roading went up 30 percent, bridges 40 percent, water testing 37 percent, insurance more than 100 percent, and software 140 percent. Those are the realities that drive rates up.”
On central government and funding pressures
Adams was critical of central government, saying councils were being “hammered” with unfunded mandates. He argued that while central government taxes had increased significantly, local government’s share of GDP through rates had remained stable at around 2 percent.
On unitary authorities and Waikato governance
When asked about proposals for a Waikato-wide unitary authority, Adams said he believed local and regional councils still had distinct and important roles. “There will be changes, but there’s still a role for both governments. Partnership is the way forward, but we must ensure the voices of smaller communities like Paeroa and Morrinsville aren’t drowned out by Hamilton.”
On the Wharf Street project
Adams also defended the controversial Wharf Street project in Paeroa, which received $200,000 in ratepayer funding to support connections with the Maritime Park. Critics labelled it a “nice-to-have,” but Adams argued that council followed public consultation and responded to community demand. “Not everyone uses the library, or the pools, or the reserves, but everyone pays for them,” he said. “The wharf is an asset for today and the future.”
On his approach as mayor
Adams described himself as a leader with strong recall of council decisions and finances, stressing his experience and ability to make tough calls under pressure. “If you ask me about a figure or decision from the last 15 years, I can recite it. I don’t forget. That’s the experience I bring,” he said.
