Ratepayer special update

The content of this page was featured in posted rates notices in September. A link to this page was provided for those who recieve their rates digitally.

It’s been a season of change across local government in New Zealand, with more on its way, and we have been no exception. This is your guide to what’s been happening, recent key decisions, and how you can stay in touch and get involved.

Read on to find out more about local government reforms, our district’s spatial plan, changes to rates and fees, preparing for this summer’s expected super El Niño and our new boat ramp launch system.

Understanding your rates changes

Annual Plan rates increase of 3.97% 

Council adopted an average 3.97% rates increase in June through the 2026/27 Annual Plan. 

This change affects the total amount of rates Council collects to fund services and infrastructure across the district.

After listening to community feedback, Council decided to:

• reduce internal costs
• delay or scale back some work
• increase fees and charges (an average of 13%)
• reduced some rates remissions (subsidies)

Find out more about the 2026/27 Annual Plan

The move from a Land Value (LV) to a Capital Value (CV) rating system

From 1 July 2026, Thames-Coromandel District Council changed the way general rates are calculated, moving from a Land Value (LV) system to a Capital Value (CV) system.

This doesn’t affect the total amount of rates Council collects. That amount is set through the Annual Plan or Long Term Plan. Instead, it changes how those rates are shared across properties.

Land Value (LV) is the value of the land only. This doesn’t consider things like houses, commercial building or other structures.

Capital Value (CV) is the value of the land and any improvements on it, such as houses, commercial buildings and other structures.

Find out more about the change from a LV to CV rating system

If you have questions or are worried about your rates, we are here to help; call our Customer Services team on 07 868 0200.

Fees and charges

Raising fees and charges across the board by approximately 13% helps keep the average rates increase below 4% by reducing the amount funded through rates. It means users will pay a greater share of the costs of the services Council charges to provide.

Explore fees and charges

Every drop counts

Simplifying Local Government reforms

Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and Thames-Coromandel district councils submitted a joint proposal to form a Waihou–Piako–Coromandel unitary authority by the 9 August deadline under the Government’s Head Start process for local government reform.

The reforms require councils to consider amalgamation and forming unitary authorities or enter a backstop process that would allow the Government to determine future council structures.

The Government expects to decide in September whether it can proceed to detailed design.

If our joint proposal is accepted, detailed design with affected councils, iwi and hapū, post settlement governance entities, communities and government agencies would begin. 

Until any new arrangements take legal effect, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and Thames-Coromandel district councils will continue to operate separately and provide their existing services.

Find out more

Imagine Coromandel Peninsula

We’re developing what’s called a spatial plan for the Coromandel that will outline what it should look like in 30+ years and what needs to be done to get there.

In July and August we staged a series of community engagement events to get input about the opportunities and challenges ahead and what matters most to the people of the Coromandel.

Over the next few months we’ll develop potential options to explore what the Coromandel could look like in 30+ years, and we’ll ask for your input here as well.

By early 2027 we’re expecting to confirm the preferred option and identify how to get there.

Find out more

New boat ramp payment system: scan, pay, launch away

We now have a simpler, more convenient way to pay boat ramp and trailer parking fees. Boaties can now buy permits on the spot by scanning a QR code at participating ramps, with no need to display a physical permit.

• One vehicle, one permit: Use the same vehicle to launch multiple vessels.
• You’re in control: Manage your annual permit online, update details anytime.
• Instant confirmation: Receive a confirmation email straight after payment.
• Automatic reminders: Get notified before your permit expires.
• Improved compliance: The new system makes it easier to ensure everyone using the ramps has paid, keeping things fair for all users.
• Already have a permit? No action needed.

This makes using our boat ramps quicker and easier with no hassle of carrying or displaying physical permits at any of Council’s paying boat ramps. Not online? No problem. Just pop into any of our Council offices to buy your permit in person.

Boat ramp fees are reinvested back into maintaining and improving local boat ramp and wharf facilities.

Find out more