Water tower mural project
Raglans’ water reservoir (fondly known as the water tower) sits on a prominent site on the corner of Bow Street and Norrie Road, where the road leads people down to the heart of the township.
Our community came together to reimagine the original water tower mural designed by Marizio Sarzini in 1988, with artist Theo Arraj creating the vibrant new design.
Te Ara ki Tai Pathway to the Sea
The Town2Surf Walkway began in 1992 with local passion and a loaf of bread. From $15 to purchase a metre of concrete to community fundraisers, Raglan built its own link from town to surf.
The campaign to build a walkway to the sea was hatched when the Waikato District Council were preparing to widen Wainui Road.
raglan museum
From treasured taonga and photographs to fascinating exhibitions about our land, sea, and people, the Raglan Museum offers a place where the past is remembered and celebrated.
The museum’s story began in the 1950s with local farmer Harvey Wright, who opened a small private collection at his home on Wrights Road. Many of his items, later gifted by his son Whit, became the foundation of the museum’s collection.
Toitū Whāingaroa
A community-led hub for learning, reflecting, and taking meaningful action on Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Toitū Whāingaroa exists to uphold the Treaty of Waitangi in our rohe, creating opportunities to deepen understanding and strengthen our community’s commitment to Aotearoa’s founding document. The name Toitū te Tiriti means Uphold the Treaty of Waitangi, and the kaupapa is brought to life through gatherings, workshops, and creative projects.
Whāingaroa hapū and iwi
The name Whāingaroa, meaning ‘the long pursuit’, comes from a story deeply rooted in the journeys of the Tainui waka (canoe).
According to tradition, the name refers to the long search undertaken by the Tainui people for their final landing place. That voyage eventually came to rest further south at Kāwhia Harbour.
One account tells of the Tainui priest Rakataura crossing Whāingaroa on his way to Kāwhia. Another story speaks of Kahumatamomoe and his nephew Īhenga – early explorers from the Te Arawa canoe – who visited Whāingaroa during their travels from Maketū. Together, these stories reflect the rich layers of history and exploration woven into this coastal landscape.
Reclaiming Pūtoetoe
Paiherea, kahore e whati; ki te wehea ka whatiwhati noa, e kore e mau, ngakongako kau – Te Awaitaia, Ngāti Māhanga, 1860. United you cannot be broken; divided you will not endure; you will be torn to pieces.
The Reclaiming Pūtoetoe Project is a bold, community-led vision to create a self-funding cultural and community space at the historic Wi Neera/Bow Street site in Raglan. This project honours Ngāti Māhanga rangatira and Waitangi signatory Wiremu Neera Te Awaitaia, whose leadership and legacy continue to inspire unity and resilience today.
This is a reclamation; Reclaiming whakapapa, stories and a visible Māori presence that colonial processes tried to erase – Lisa Thomson, Toitū Whāingaroa Project Team co-ordinator.
Wai ora - Clean water, living future
Raglan’s upgraded wastewater plant delivers high-quality treated wai (water) while respecting cultural and environmental values.
The original plant, based on oxidation pond technology, had reached the end of its effective service life. To address performance and compliance issues, Waikato District Council (WDC) in partnership with Waikato Watercare, initiated a major infrastructure upgrade of the plant.
After seven years of consultation with the community and mana whenua, construction began in January 2024.