New Whitianga transfer station marks milestone for Mercury Bay
Published on 20 October 2026
The completion of a long-awaited piece of community infrastructure in Whitianga has been celebrated today, marking a major milestone for Mercury Bay and its growing community.
Whitianga’s new Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station at 48 Moewai Road replaces the former facility on South Highway West, which had been outgrown as demand increased from Mercury Bay’s growing population.
The facility will open to the community on Tuesday 10 November, with the existing transfer station closing for a day on Monday 9 November to allow for equipment and operations to move over.
Speaking at today’s opening ceremony, Mayor Peter Revell (pictured above the Mercury Bay Community Board Chair Richard Shelford-Woodcock) says the occasion was a chance to celebrate what has been achieved and recognise the many people and organisations involved.
“This is a significant milestone for Whitianga and Mercury Bay. It has been a long journey to get here and today is about celebrating a modern facility that will serve this community well for many years to come.”
Above: The main building at the new Whitianga Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station.
The need for a modern facility was recognised through successive Council Long Term Plans. The project was ultimately funded through the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan, with a budget of $11.5 million.
The project also received up to $5.9m from the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport’s Waste Minimisation Fund, significantly reducing the cost to Thames-Coromandel ratepayers.
The facility was purpose-designed to meet the area’s growing needs, providing safer and more efficient refuse and recycling services. It includes improved traffic circulation, dedicated entry and exit weighbridges, an enclosed refuse drop-off area and separate areas for recyclable and recoverable materials.
“This facility gives us the space and infrastructure to meet the increased demand, while making it safer and easier for customers and creating more opportunities to keep valuable materials out of landfill," Mayor Revell says.
The site also provides a foundation for Wāhi Tukurua to develop a community resource recovery facility. Mayor Revell acknowledges Ngāti Hei for its guidance and support, along with the central government funding partnership and the many contractors, project partners, Council staff and community representatives involved.
“This is more than the completion of a construction project. It’s an investment in the future of Mercury Bay and something our community can be proud of.”
The facility will operate from 10.30am when it opens on 10 November and resume its usual opening hours of 8.30am to 5.30pm from Wednesday 11 November.
Above: Thames-Coromandel District Council Group Infrastructure Manager Mo Imtiaz speaks to attendants including the Mercury Bay Community Board and contractors to celebrate the opening of the new Whitianga Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station.
Above and below: Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor Peter Revell and Group Manager Infrastructure Mo Imtiaz unveil the plaque to commemorate the opening of the transfer station.