Business awards winners, summer rules

Published on 16 October 2026

Winners crowned at the Claymark Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards 2026 

Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park has been named the Supreme Winner at the 2026 Claymark Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards, announced last night in Thames.  

The holiday park stood out among 24 finalists across eight categories, also taking home the Customer Experience Award. 

Congratulations to all winners, finalists and award recipients. 

Find out the full list of winners here

Labour Weekend is coming, and so is summer! 

Warmer days, beach trips, boating, visitors and summer projects are just around the corner. 

As our towns, beaches and boat ramps get busier, you’ll see our teams out and about helping make everyone’s summer safe and hassle-free. 

You'll see our officers around the district:

• checking dogs are on-lead where required and always under control, to help keep people, wildlife and other dogs safe. As a responsible dog owner, please make sure you know our local rules.
• making sure freedom camping rules are followed, so our shared spaces work well for everyone.
• keeping parking flowing so people can shop, explore and support local businesses.

Labour Weekend also tends to kick off the summer DIY season. Some projects may need building or resource consent, so always check what rules apply before you get started. Visit our website or give us a call.

We all have a part to play in keeping the Coromandel safe, accessible and enjoyable this summer. It’s important to know what rules apply and follow them. If you’re unsure, our teams are always here to help. However, people who do not follow the rules can expect a fine.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing reminders to help residents and visitors enjoy the Coromandel and have a great summer.

Thames Centennial Pool repainting 

Vital maintenance work is due to take place over the summer school holidays to repaint the surface of Thames Centennial Pool.   

The painting is needed to meet NZ water quality standards, and to avoid the build-up of black mould. Some users may remember that last Christmas the pool had to be closed from 24 December to 8 January due to an outbreak of black mould. 

The work has to take place in summer so the pool can be emptied and completely dried before the repainting takes place. The pool needs to be washed and waterblasted, and any defects identified and repaired. The surface will then be smoothed out to remove any loose or flaking material. Once the pool is completely dry, a skim coating will be applied followed by an epoxy primer and 2-3 topcoats.  

The school summer holidays are the least disruptive time this work can take place due to a full programme of learn-to-swim classes and school use during term time. We apologise in advance for the disruption in pool provision and look forward to reopening the pool so everyone can swim safely without risks to health. 

Thames Community Board agreed a budget of $35,000 to cover this work at their meeting this week. 

Find out about the pool's regular opening hours

Read about work towards replacing the pool

Kerbside collection changes proposed for Pāuanui and Whangamatā 

Proposed changes to kerbside collection areas and days for Pāuanui and Whangamatā were discussed at the Tairua-Pāuanui and Whangamatā Community Board meetings this week.

The proposals will now go to a full Council meeting on Tuesday 27 October for final consideration and approval.

If approved, the changes would take effect from the week beginning 21 December 2026:

Here’s a summary of the proposals:

Pāuanui

• Pāuanui's kerbside collection day would change from Friday to Tuesday.

Whangamatā

• Properties south of the Hetherington Causeway Bridge, near the marina, would move into the Whangamatā South collection area and have their collections on Mondays.

• Properties north of the bridge would remain in the Whangamatā North collection area and continue to have their collections on Tuesdays.

These changes are being proposed to improve the efficiency of Council's kerbside collection services. They would not affect service levels, collection frequency, or collection costs for residents and property owners.

Remember, they’re still just proposals. If approved by Council, the changes would be introduced in the week beginning 21 December 2026, coinciding with the start of the peak summer kerbside collection period.

If the proposals are passed, we’ll be providing full easy-to-understand calendars and letters to all the properties affected well ahead of the time.

Thank you for your understanding as we strive to make kerbside collections as smooth as they can be for everyone – residents, ratepayers and our collection crews.

Other news from Community Board meetings this week 

Find out Board and Council meeting dates, read reports or watch meetings

We're seeking your feedback on what the future of the peninsula should look like 

Earlier this year, we asked you to tell us what matters most to you about the future of the Coromandel Peninsula, including your aspirations, concerns, and your big ideas.

Using the feedback we received, we’ve now confirmed vision and outcomes for our district-wide spatial plan that will guide how the plan is developed and what the future of the peninsula looks like.

With the direction now set, we’ve developed three options that show different ways the peninsula could change over the next 30+ years. These options are based on what you’ve already told us and what we know about the peninsula today. Each explores a different pathway depending on the choices people, organisations and communities make.

We would like to get your feedback on the options, including what you think the preferred future should look like, and whether there’s anything missing that we need to consider.

Find out more and have your say

Way forward in re-route of Hāhei Beach Short Walk 

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced that its staff met with the Hāhei Residents and Ratepayers Association for a second time to work through next steps for the Hāhei Beach Short Walk. 

The Hāhei Beach Short Walk is part of the popular Mautohe Cathedral Cove Reserve, connecting Hāhei Beach to the track leading to the globally-renowned cove and its famous rock arch. The Hāhei Beach Short Walk was damaged by a landslide in early 2026, thwarting DOC’s earlier re-route project and leading to questions about the track’s ongoing viability. 

The new re-route will offer views across Hāhei Beach to Te Pare Pā and Hereheretaura Pā, particularly on the descent from Grange Road. New infrastructure previously installed at Waimata Gemstone Bay is planned for removal and reuse on the reroute. DOC will build a new barrier across the area where the old stairs were damaged at Waimata, and seating will be installed at the bottom of the bay for visitors to enjoy. Te Karaka Stingray Bay infrastructure will be removed as planned.  Existing bridges on the track are also planned for removal once the rerouted track is completed.

DOC Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly urges the public to respect the current closure and not use the track which will become a work site when contractors begin on 14 November. Both organisations acknowledge the cultural connection Ngāti Hei has to Mautohe, protected through whakapapa and settlement legislation. Working with Ngāti Hei will be critical to future success. 

Meetings were also attended by representatives from the Harsant and Carter families who have an interest in the area through previous and current land ownership, and Thames-Coromandel District Council Mercury Bay Community Board Chair Richard Shelford-Woodcock. 

[Photo credit: the Department of Conservation (DOC)]

Find out more

Roading and project updates

Pāuanui Skate Park reopens after refresh 

Great news for local skaters and families: the Pāuanui Skate Park has reopened this week ahead of schedule following the completion of Stage 1 refurbishment, with the renewed skate bowl now ready to enjoy.

The upgrade has given the bowl a fresh new look and helped extend the life of this much-loved community facility.

With ongoing maintenance, the improvements will help ensure the skate park remains a popular place for young people, families and visitors for years to come.

A big thank you to Weerd Van Skatepark Solutions for their expertise and hard work in restoring the bowl. Stage 2 is expected to begin in early November.

Find out more here

Bluff Road, Kūaotunu West 

Bluff Road will be closed from 9am to 3pm daily from 21-23 October on either side of the bridge just before the intersection with SH25 for bridge repairs.

During this time the road will be closed to all motorists and pedestrians at the point indicated on the aerial photo.

Emergency vehicles will be able to pass when required. 

The road will be open to traffic outside those working hours. The full road closure is needed to repair the bridge abutment, which requires substantial excavation.  

For more information on road changes

Hannaford’s Wharf repairs 

The second stage of repairs to the Hannaford’s Wharf revetment wall is scheduled to begin in the week starting Monday 19 October. Work will focus on the upper section of the wall alongside the public pathway and will include rock placement, concrete repairs, handrail removal and reinstatement, and other restoration works. 

For everyone’s safety, Hannaford’s Wharf will be closed on Tuesday 20 October while machinery is operating in the area and space is limited. Approved wharf users will continue to have access on all other days during the repair period. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we carry out these important improvements to help protect and maintain this valued community asset. 

Smoke testing for Matarangi 

A reminder that Council is carrying out smoke testing until the end of October to maintain and improve the Matarangi wastewater network.  

A non-toxic white smoke is being pumped into sections of the network to help identify unwanted connections or defects. 

People may see white smoke emerging from manholes or from sewer vents, gully traps and potentially cracks in the ground, retaining walls, or other locations where wastewater pipes may be damaged. 

Transfer station weighbridge maintenance 

Three of our refuse and recycling transfer stations (RTS) will either open slightly earlier or close slightly later on one day next week for essential, regular servicing of their weighbridges. 

Other notices

Expressions of interest – lease of 200a Mary Street, Thames 

Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from community groups, and commercial enterprises interested in leasing a two-storey building formerly used as the caretaker's cottage for the Thames Civic Centre. 

The building may be suitable for a range of activities, including office accommodation, community services, or low-impact commercial uses. 

Please note that no on-site parking is provided. 

Viewing can be arranged by contacting the Lease Specialist on 07 868 0200.  

Events 

As the summer season draws closer, it's a great time to gather with friends and whānau.

Discover new experiences, and lock in your plans for some of the region's most anticipated summer events.

Wherever you are across the Coromandel, the next few months are bursting with opportunities to connect, celebrate and make the most of the season.

Our events newsletter contains all the news of the exciting line-up of activities on offer.

Check out our events newsletter

Jobs 

Applications are open until 4 December for our summer Wharf Ambassadors at both the Whitianga and Whangamatā wharves.

Each year, over the summer and busy holiday period, this team of Wharf Ambassadors guides wharf users and helps everyone get the most use out of the designated areas on the wharfs.

Find out about our Wharf Ambassador spots

Check out our regular job listings 

Find out more about adopting one of our dogs