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Published on 21 October 2026
Thames-Coromandel District Council is preparing for the likelihood of hotter, drier and windier conditions this summer, and encouraging residents, ratepayers and visitors to plan ahead too.
El Niño is expected to increase the likelihood of drought, vegetation fires, pressure on water supplies and water restrictions.
Our Council is busy monitoring weather, environmental conditions and water supplies across the district. Planning is also under way across our water services, emergency management, parks and open spaces teams, alongside coordination with contractors and other partners to prepare for El Niño.
Council emergency management manager Brian Carter says El Niño isn’t a guarantee of what summer will bring, “but it is a useful reminder to get ready”.
“Council is planning for possible pressure on water supplies and increased fire risk, and households and landowners can take practical steps now too.”
Council’s water teams are reviewing supply levels and preparing for restrictions if they become necessary. Parks staff are planning how reserves, sports fields, gardens and newly planted trees can be maintained responsibly during dry periods, balancing water conservation with protecting important community assets.
Parks and open spaces manager Derek Thompson says people may still see some careful watering, especially around newly planted trees and valued community spaces.
“We’ll use water, which is mostly sourced from non-potable supplies, wisely while doing what we can to look after these assets.”
Water services manager Brett Houston says small actions can make a meaningful difference, not just with Council but with communities also.
“Checking your tanks, fixing any leaks and finding simple ways to use less water now can put households in a much better position if dry conditions continue through summer. Also, if you find a possible water leak out on Council land, please report it as soon as possible.”
People can prepare by:
Council will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as the seasonal outlook develops. More information and practical preparedness advice is available on Council’s El Niño webpage.