The 309 Road has now reopened. Our teams remain onsite monitoring and a 30km/hr speed limit is in place for now. Flooding signs will stay up as there is still some water on the surface but the road is passable to all cars.
Published on 13 August 2026
Key buildings throughout the Coromandel Peninsula are being fitted with solar panels and battery storage as part of an initiative to strengthen community resilience during emergencies.
Thames-Coromandel District Council received $567,820 through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) Community Resilience Programme to co-fund solar and battery installations at nine community sites.
The upgrades will help ensure essential buildings can continue operating during extended power outages caused by severe weather events and other emergencies.
Installations have already been completed at Harataunga Marae in Kennedy Bay, Whitianga Community Services Trust, Tairua Hall and the Jack McLean Community Recreation Centre in Thames.
Work is now underway at Coromandel Area School, and Whangamatā Hall. Installation will also be carried out at Te Paea Marae near Kennedy Bay, Te Wharekura o Manaia, and Matai Whetu Marae at Kōpū.
Council Community Partnerships Coordinator Helen Flynn says the nine buildings were selected to ensure a spread of resilient facilities across the district, supporting both main population centres and communities that can become easily isolated during an emergency.
"These facilities play a vital role in supporting communities during emergency events. Already this year, we have experienced two severe weather events where some of these buildings were utilised. It is very rewarding for Council to be involved in a project that will strengthen community resilience and provide lasting benefits for those who use these buildings," says Helen.
Harataunga Marae also received a $30,000 contribution from Powerco towards the project.
Harataunga Marae with new solar panels.
Harataunga Marae Trust Chairman Hamuera Maika says the solar panels help provide their hapu with resilience and autonomy to care for their community.
“Particularly in emergency situations whilst aligning with our tikanga and our world view of our internal connection to the environment.”
Council and marae sites were prioritised for nomination before being reviewed by a selection panel for suitability. Assessment criteria included the site's ability to function as a community-led resilience hub, its level of isolation risk, the population served, and its importance to the local community.
The selection panel included representatives from the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, Te Puni Kōkiri, and Kānoa - Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.