ED wrapping up 2025: A year of ideas, collaboration and progress

Published on 28 November 2025

As the countdown to summer kicks in and everyone gears up for a well-earned break, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate what’s been achieved and set the scene for an even brighter year ahead.

Looking to start a business? Run a workshop? Or have an event to host? Our team are here to help you make it happen:

• Mitch King - Economic Development Lead
• Lisa Church - Economic Development Advisor
• Kirstin Scarrott - District Events and Experiences Coordinator
• Ally Davey – District Tracks and Trails Coordinator

Infometrics Quarterly Economic Monitor – September 2025

The Thames-Coromandel economy is beginning to show early signs of recovery following the recent economic downturn. Infometrics’ provisional estimates indicate modest growth of 0.2% in the year to September 2025, suggesting the district may be through the worst of the contraction. Business confidence appears resilient, with the number of businesses increasing by 0.8% over the same period.

However, challenges remain. Employment among Thames-Coromandel residents declined by 1.8%, and concerns about job security are likely contributing to subdued consumer spending, which fell 0.3% over the year to September. Population trends also reflect ongoing pressures, with the district’s population decreasing by 0.3% in the year to June 2025.

While these indicators point to a cautious recovery, addressing workforce and population decline will be critical to sustaining long-term economic growth.

Read the full report here

TCDC commended for inclusive development 

Thames-Coromandel District Council has earned a Highly Commended Award for Excellence in Inclusive Development and Wellbeing at this year’s Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) Awards, celebrating its pivotal role in bringing back the Auckland–Coromandel ferry service.

Hosted at Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter recently, the EDNZ Awards shine a spotlight on the people, councils, iwi and organisations driving real, measurable change through projects that boost local economies, create jobs and strengthen communities.

EDNZ praised the ferry reinstatement as “a great example of purpose-driven collaboration”, noting the impact that’s possible when community, Council and business move together with a shared goal.

Read the full article here

Kōpū Wharf promotional campaign

In response to the State Highway 25 temporary road closure on the west coast, our Economic Development Team partnered with the Waikawau Boat Club Society to provide free access to the Kōpū Boat Ramp from 28 October to 10 November.

This initiative ensured continued coastal access for boating enthusiasts while boosting awareness of the Kōpū facility.

The pre-summer free access period proved highly successful, with the boat ramp operating near capacity on weekends, and a noticeable increase in activity around the recreational area.

Waikato University Community Clinical Learning Centre proposal

The University of Waikato is currently seeking proposals from regions interested in hosting a Community Clinical Learning Centre as part of its new Graduate School of Medicine. Only one proposal can be submitted per district, and we’re keen to hear from local groups, landowners, organisations, iwi, health providers and community partners who may be interested in being involved.

We are particularly looking to connect with groups who may be able to offer:

• commercial land or buildings suitable for a learning centre
• spaces that could support student placements
• accommodation options for students and their whānau
• community support or cultural connection for students
• interest in co-designing a model that benefits our region.

This initiative creates a long-term economic opportunity for our region, bringing in students and skilled professionals who will stimulate local business activity, increase demand for housing and services, and support ongoing investment in infrastructure and innovation. It positions our district as a place where young professionals will come, not only to study, but also to establish careers and settle with their families.

If you or your organisation would like to be part of this, please reach out. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of regional healthcare and education.

If you are interested in being involved, please reach out to Jade Aroha at jade.aroha@hauoracultivatecollective.co.nz.

SODA Women’s start-up programme

Powered by Deloitte, SODA’s first Growth Lab cohort has been created especially for wāhine founders and women-led startups or small businesses. Ten women will be selected to participate in the programme which combines online learning with expert-led sessions and peer connection, giving you practical tools to accelerate growth. The programme concludes with a pitch night and the opportunity to win a $2000 cash prize.

Key dates:

• Applications open: 3 November 2025
• Applications close: 28 November 2025
• Programme starts: 11 February 2026
• Programme ends: 1 April 2026

Apply here

Hauraki Māori Business Awards

The inaugural Hauraki Māori Business Awards 2025, held at the Silver Fern Farms Events Centre in Te Aroha, brought together more than 300 guests to honour Māori enterprise, innovation and leadership across the Hauraki rohe | area.

The evening was a powerful celebration of Māori success, showcasing the ingenuity and cultural integrity of Māori businesses leading change. The event was graced by the presence of Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, alongside Hana-Rwhiti Maipi-Clarke MP, Hon. Tama Potaka, mana whenua o Hauraki, local government mayors and councillors, marae representatives, kaumātua, and rangatahi from across the rohe.

Hosted by the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust, the awards recognise the remarkable achievements of Māori businesses that are not only driving economic growth, but also strengthening cultural identity, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing.

“These awards reflect the heartbeat of our people — the creativity, courage, and collaboration that keep Hauraki moving forward,” says Michelle Wilson, CEO of the Ngāti Tamaterā Treaty Settlement Trust. “This is more than business excellence — it’s about celebrating Māori innovation that uplifts whānau, restores our taiao, and builds a stronger future for generations to come,” she adds.

“What we witnessed tonight was more than an awards ceremony, it was a declaration of identity and intent," says Elle Archer, Ōhanga Oranga, Economic Development Lead for Ngāti Tamaterā. "Māori business is not just contributing to the economy; we are reshaping it. Through our values, our innovation, and our collective strength, we’re showing that prosperity and purpose can walk together. The Hauraki Māori Business Awards are proof that when we lead with whakapapa and kaupapa, we don’t just succeed - we transform the landscape for everyone”.

Click here for more information

Save the date and join us in showcasing business brilliance

The Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards are set for 15 October 2026 at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre. This event will bring together 150 local business people from across the Hauraki, Coromandel and the wider Waikato region for an evening of celebration, networking and recognition.

This biennual event is a chance to recognise and celebrate the incredible businesses that make our region thrive.

Our naming rights, media and supporting sponsors are the backbone of this event. Your financial support and commitment to recognising excellence enable us to shine a spotlight on outstanding businesses and foster the future growth of those who enter, become finalists and win.

Celebrating excellence requires backing from equally brilliant businesses.

Sponsorship is an excellent way to:

• gain exposure for your business across the region
• enjoy a night out with industry leaders
• support and celebrate fellow businesses in our community.

Naming rights sponsorship – The ultimate opportunity

This premium package includes:
✔ Extensive media coverage throughout 2026
✔ Logo and name placement on all awards collateral
✔ Tickets to the awards night
✔ Speaking rights at the ceremony
✔ Presentation of the Supreme Award and Service to Business Award

If you are interested in being a sponsor of the 2026 Hauraki-Coromandel Business Awards, please email our Economic Development Advisor Lisa Church to secure your sponsorship or discuss any questions: lisa.church@tcdc.govt.nz.

Help us celebrate the businesses that make our Hauraki-Coromandel thrive!

Find out more

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A 'see you later' to Jessica Black

December marks a happy time with warmer weather and summer holidays just around the corner. This year it also brings a bittersweet moment for our team as we get ready to farewell the fabulous Jessica Black, our Economic Development Advisor.

Jess has left her mark everywhere, from council projects to community partnerships. Her mahi has truly made an impact. One of her final triumphs was the Coromandel ferry project with TCDC taking out the Highly Commended Award for Excellence in Inclusive Development and Wellbeing at this year’s Economic Development New Zealand Awards.

'Excellence in inclusive development and wellbeing award' at the Economic Development New Zealand Conference. This was a massive win and a testament to the determination, strategic thinking and huge heart she brings to everything she does.

It’s not just the professional brilliance we’ll miss. The office just won’t be the same without our favourite sheep-shearing Southlander! (Jess’s favourite 'about me' fun fact)

While we’re sad to see her go, we’re also excited for her adventures ahead. We’re convinced this isn’t goodbye but a see you later. With her talent and sparkle, there’s no doubt we’ll see her doing incredible things.

Watch this space… We’ll be welcoming our newest Economic Development Team member in mid-December.

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And that’s a wrap for 2025! It’s been a year full of ideas, collaboration and forward movement, all made possible by the passionate people in our community.

Here’s to a well-earned break, a joyful festive season, and to hitting the ground running in 2026. We can’t wait to continue working alongside you in the new year!

- TCDC Economic Development Team