Welcome to our Economic Development Newsletter - June 2026
Published on 26 June 2026
It’s been a busy and exciting few months across the Coromandel Peninsula.
From sold-out workshops, Business after 5 events, to big conversations about the future of aquaculture, there’s been a real sense of momentum building across the district. Behind the scenes, we’ve also been gathering insights from our local business community to better understand what’s working and what’s not.
With the local Claymark Hauraki-Coromandel Business Award Entries now open, we invite businesses to celebrate the successes, resilience and contribution they make to our local communities.
This newsletter is a snapshot of what’s been happening and what’s ahead.
Got an idea, a project, or something you think we should know about? Get in touch with one of the team, we’d love to hear from you.
Local economy showing signs of recovery - Infometrics Report
Latest Infometrics data shows the Thames-Coromandel economy grew by 0.6% over the year to March 2026. While some sectors are still feeling the pressure, particularly construction and seafood processing, others, like real estate services, are starting to lift.
On top of the Fonterra capital return, the Thames-Coromandel dairy sector is expected to receive a $83m pay-out in the current season, just slightly lower than last year’s record. The primary sector is facing higher input costs due to the Iran War, with fuel prices still at substantially elevated levels, and other inputs, like plastics, packaging and fertilizer, all set to rise too.
Read the full report here
Celebrate success, inspire growth, showcase excellence
Do you know a business that deserves recognition? Or is your own business achieving great things?
The Claymark Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards shines a spotlight on the outstanding businesses, leaders and innovators helping the Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel region thrive.
There are two types of awards – entry awards and nomination-based awards.
Entry awards
Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to enter, with a range of categories available. Entry is free, and businesses can enter up to two categories.
Entry award categories – decided by the judging panel
Nomination-based awards
Community members can nominate businesses and individuals for the People's Choice Award and Service to Business Award. The People’s Choice public voting will open in August.
The Coromandel Cure is rolling out – Don’t miss your spot
The Coromandel Cure is officially rolling out for winter, and operators across the region are already jumping on board with packages, products and experiences designed to help visitors relax, reconnect and recharge.
With a major regional marketing push about to launch across digital, social, PR, print and outdoor channels, now is the time to make sure your business is part of the story.
Running June–August 2026, The Coromandel Cure builds on the hugely successful campaign launched following the storms, celebrating the restorative experiences our region naturally delivers, from coastal escapes and wellness retreats to great food, dark skies and nature-based adventures.
How to get involved
We’d love operators to create their own 'cure' and be part of the wider campaign story.
This could be:
• a winter special or package
• a limited-edition menu item or product
• a wellness, nature or stargazing experience
• a collaboration with other local businesses
• anything that’s genuinely “good for your soul”.
Easy ways to leverage the campaign:
• Upload your package or offer. This can be loaded via either Tourism New Zealand or Destination Hauraki Coromandel
• Use our ready-made social templates and creative assets.
• Tag @thecoromandel and use #coromandelcure #goodforyoursoul
• Add Coromandel Cure branding to your website, socials and marketing
• Request campaign stickers for products or displays
Aquaculture Forum
Key players from the aquaculture industry, iwi, research organisations and local and central government gathered in Thames last month to map out the future of the sector in the Waikato region.
The Waikato Aquaculture Forum held in Thames on 9 May was organised by the Waikato Regional Aquaculture Group (WRAG). Thames-Coromandel District Council and Waikato Regional Council played key roles in bringing the event together. WRAG Chair Rebecca Clarkson led the day's proceedings, which focused on turning the Waikato Regional Aquaculture Strategy into concrete actions.
The strategy sets an ambitious target: doubling the value of aquaculture exports to $180 million by 2044.
“Aquaculture matters to the Waikato," Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher said. "Our coastal and marine environment offers significant opportunity to grow a thriving blue economy, and if we get it right, aquaculture can be a cornerstone of regional prosperity for generations to come."
Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Peter Revell welcomed attendees, emphasising the district's deep connection to the industry.
"Here in Thames and across the Coromandel, we have a strong connection to the aquaculture industry; it's part of our history, our identity, and our future," Mayor Revell said. "For our communities, this is about jobs, resilience and keeping our towns thriving year-round."
Thames-Coromandel District produces 26% of New Zealand’s mussels and 23% of our oysters, both sources of sustainable food protein. The sector directly employs 400 people in the Coromandel.
The forum brought together voices from across the sector, including Under-Secretary for Oceans and Fisheries Jenny Marcroft, representatives from Aquaculture New Zealand, the Coromandel Marine Farming Association, and local operators Gulf Mussels and Moana New Zealand.
Highlights of the forum
Presentations examined barriers to growth, regulatory changes, and how local infrastructure can better support the industry.
Jake Bartrom highlighted the importance of continued investment in marine infrastructure to unlock future industry growth. “Infrastructure like Ariki Tahi Sugarloaf Wharf is critical to the future of aquaculture in the Waikato,” Jake Bartrom said. “If we want to grow the industry, we need infrastructure that can support that growth.”
Researchers from the University of Auckland and University of Waikato also outlined science priorities for the sector, including work on spat supply reliability and new species pathways.
The forum built on momentum from a 2022 event that led to the formation of WRAG and the development of the regional aquaculture strategy. This time, the focus was on delivery: identifying priority actions for the next three years. A key theme that emerged was the need to enable adaptation and growth by reducing water space consenting challenges. With upcoming changes to the Resource Management Act and ongoing local government reform, participants identified the importance of collaborating strategically to ensure the new system supports responsible growth and long‑term industry resilience.
WRAG Chair Rebecca Clarkson set out next steps: "We heard enthusiasm for the future of the industry in Waikato despite a range of challenges and are now collating feedback from participants on priority barriers, opportunities and pragmatic solutions. The WRAG will take this into account in setting out its action plan for the next few years."
"One thing that's clear, no one group can deliver this on their own," Mayor Revell noted. "It's going to take iwi, industry and government all pulling in the same direction."
SODA Adapting to Change workshops
We’re pleased to report that SODA have been delivering workshops called Adapting to Change - designed to support NZ business owners and teams to build resilience, improve agility, and confidently navigate change.
The workshops are free for businesses to attend, thanks to MBIE funding. We've promoted workshop sessions in Whitianga and Hamilton, as well as online sessions. The workshops are being delivered across New Zealand.
Through practical tools, guided reflection, and business planning strategies, participants learnt how to:
Local business survey
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent business survey which ran through the month of May. With 134 responses, the insights gathered provide a valuable picture of the current business environment across the district.
Overall, the results highlight a resilient but under-pressure business community. A total of 80% of respondents reported declining or stagnant profitability over the past year, with business confidence for the year ahead showing uncertainty.
Several clear themes emerged. Businesses identified infrastructure and roading, reducing costs, planning and consents, tourism and events, and town centre safety and vibrancy as key areas that Council could support business growth. Businesses also shared constructive ideas for how both Council and the wider community could work together to support the local business community.
We will share the full insights on our website as soon as these are available.
Business association events
Our Economic Development team support business associations who've been hosting a range of workshops, learning opportunities and meet-ups.
Whitianga & Whangamatā
Supported by SODA, our Whitianga and Whangamatā Business Associations were able to host Mosaic Partners AI workshops.
Both workshops were completely sold out with 63 participants in attendance across the two workshops.
In just two hours, attendees learnt practical AI skills they could implement in their business and everyday lives.
Coromandel-Colville
A breakfast AI training session hosted by the Coromandel-Colville Business Association was a hit.
The session was supported by Council's Economic Development team, was held at Pepper Tree restaurant and featured local tech guru Bob Drummond who has 40 years’ experience in the tech industry.
Twenty-three people took part to learn about the current state of AI, learning differences between chatbots and agents, and a hands-on demonstration on how AI can help in day-to-day business. The session also covered how best to drive AI for the best results.
The session was such a hit with so many learnings, and more to come, a follow-up session is potentially on the cards so watch this space!
Tairua
Tairua Business Association hosted three breakfast workshops.
Each workshop brought together a group of 20–27 local business attendees and who provided fantastic fantastic.
For more Tairua Business Association events keep your eye on their Facebook page
Join your local business association today!
We have an incredible network of business associations across the district. Business associations play a vital role in creating a stronger business community through networking, advocacy, events, promotion, information sharing and capability building.
We recommend joining a business association or making contact with one to help you get a good understanding of the district, and to establish valuable business networks.
Find your local association today: