Transition to recovery updates
Published on 28 January 2026
Thames-Coromandel’s State of Emergency ends today as our district transitions into Recovery.
Transition to Recovery is a 28-day period in which our Council actively works to manage risks brought about by the January 2026 storm. Our focus during this time is on restoring our communities – our teams are already working hard to clear slips, reopen roads where it’s safe, and support residents whose homes have been damaged.
We thank our community for its patience and care as we manage the ongoing effects of this extreme weather.
Government disaster relief funding announced, call for donations continues
The Government has announced initial funding of $2.2 million to storm-affected regions, supporting residents, ratepayers, small business owners, marae and not-for-profit organisations affected by last week’s storm. $1.2 million has been reserved for mayoral disaster relief funds in five districts, and $1 million earmarked for marae. What portion of this funding will be earmarked for our district has not yet been confirmed.
We thank the Government for its support, and particularly Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who visited the district to see the impact of the storm firsthand and demonstrate his commitment to helping our communities recover. Mayor Peter Revell notes that this funding is crucial for residents and businesses take the first steps toward recovery, providing vital support during this challenging time.
On Saturday, our Council opened the Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund to collect donations and provide additional financial help to affected residents.
“We’re extremely grateful to Suncorp, the owner of Vero Insurance, which has stepped forward with a generous $50,000 donation to the fund,” says Mayor Revell. “This kind of leadership and commitment to our communities makes a real difference, and we encourage other organisations to consider how they might also support people doing it tough.”
Local generosity is already also making an impact, with 13 community donors contributing to the Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund so far.
The fund is available to residents, ratepayers, small business owners, marae and community organisations affected by the storm. At this stage, the focus is on donations so the fund can provide meaningful support once applications are open and assessed.
Visit www.tcdc.govt.nz/MDRF for information on the fund, how to donate and how to apply for relief funding.
Rates not charged for red-placarded properties
Council is not charging rates for properties that have been issued a red placard and deemed unsafe to live in following the recent weather event. This helps ease the financial burden on residents whose homes have been most heavily affected.
“For people whose homes are currently unsafe to live in, rates are one less thing they should have to worry about right now. This pause in rates is about easing some of the immediate pressure while families focus on safety and recovery,” says our Chief Executive Aileen Lawrie.
This does not apply to houses with white or yellow placards because they are still habitable.
Red placard properties will automatically have rates paused for the period they are deemed uninhabitable. Homeowners do not need to apply.
Roading updates
Closed:
- Dundas Street, Whitianga
- SH25 Kūaotunu to Kūaotunu West – significant slip, NZTA working on clearing; check their website for updates.
- SH25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa remains closed.
Limited access:
Waikawau Beach Road, Kennedy Bay Road, Port Jackson Road, Port Charles, Tuateawa Road, Mangatu Road, Stoney Bay Road, Carey Road, Fletcher Bay Road, Blackjack Road, Matapaua Bay Road, Pumpkin Hill Road, Sailors Grave Road, Opoutere Road.
Health and safety reminder
After heavy rainfall, unknown debris and wastewater may enter the ocean. Avoid swimming or fishing in estuaries and harbour areas for up to several days, or until our Council confirms it’s safe.
Please avoid collecting shellfish until further notice.
Mautohe Cathedral Cove remains closed
DOC is carrying out further safety assessments following recent extreme weather. Independent geotechnical experts will be on site this week, with no reopening date yet. Public safety remains the priority.