Our weekly wrap-up: Elections, ShakeOut and slow down
Published on 10 October 2025
Election Day results
Voting closes midday tomorrow, Saturday 11 October.
Initial results of our local election are expected to be released later in the afternoon of Saturday 11 October.
People have until midday to cast their votes via our ballot boxes at any of our Council offices in Thames, Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Whangamatā and also Tairua Library (rear entrance).
Progress results will be provided later that afternoon and our Council will be publishing those results on our website as well as letting our media partners know.
Progress results are all votes received except for votes hand-delivered on election day morning and special votes.
Results will only be made public after candidates have been contacted and informed.
Preliminary results are expected on the afternoon of Sunday 12 October. These are all votes received except for special votes.
Final results will be announced on Friday 17 October.
Tairua Library closed until further notice
Due to a major leak in the hot water cylinder, Tairua Library is currently closed and all regular events and services are cancelled until further notice.
We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding while we work to resolve the issue.
Still need to vote in the local elections? You can still cast your vote at the Tairua Library. Head to the back door by the car park, where our ballot box and voting services will remain available until 12pm tomorrow, Saturday 11 October.
Thank you for your patience and support.
Check for updates here
Get ready to ShakeOut
Our national earthquake and tsunami drill ShakeOut hits next week, Thursday 16 October — we all need to 'Drop, Cover, Hold'. Are you signed up? If so, we've got some great goodies for you, up for grabs – literally.
Check out our Facebook page and comment on our giveaway. Post the three-word phrase that describes what you should do an earthquake. You will go in the draw to win one of three emergency 'grab bag' start-up kits with enough goodies to keep you safe for at least two days. (Tip, the answer is in this blurb)
Sign up now
Remember, don't be scared - be prepared!
Celebrating our elders
Community events in Whitianga and Thames marked the International Day of the Older Person last week with celebration, connection, and cultural flair.
In Whitianga, Grey Power hosted around 120 people at the Mercury Bay Club. The event featured breakout sessions with alternative health practitioners, catered refreshments, and cultural performances including dances from the Philippines community and a Pasifika dance by children from Crossroads Encounter Fellowship. James Whitaker from Resonate Health gave a keynote address on hearing loss and practical solutions.
In Thames, Age Concern Hauraki-Coromandel held the “Flowers for Friendship” event at the War Memorial Civic Centre. Around 150 people attended, enjoying free health checks from Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki and St John, Te Puru dance group performances, and a vibrant display of handmade flowers donated by schools and community groups. The flowers were shared with attendees and distributed to local rest homes.
Support is available for seniors
Grey Power is part of the national Grey Power Federation and has groups around the Coromandel. It works to advance, support, and protect the welfare of older New Zealanders.
Age Concern Hauraki-Coromandel offers support, advocacy and services that promote the wellbeing, independence and social connection of older people in the community.
Age Concern currently receives an annual Thames Community Board grant to assist in the provision of their services
The Whitianga Grey Power group received funding from the Mercury Bay Community Board as a contribution towards catering for their event.
Let's stay connected
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A reminder to slow down around road works
Our Chief Executive, Aileen, joined our contractors Hydra-Care on-site this week where crews are upgrading the water main pipes along Ngāti Maru Highway just south of Thames.
Aileen noted how unsafe it felt standing roadside as vehicles passed at speeds well above the temporary 50km/h limit. With only a few road cones separating workers from traffic, the risks are very real.
We’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone travelling around the Coromandel to slow down and follow temporary speed limits when passing road works. These crews are out there improving vital infrastructure for our communities — and we all want them to get home safely to their families each night.
Road improvements and access
With winter behind us, our Council and our contractors are making the most of the drier weather to carry out essential road maintenance and improvements across the district. These works are timed to get ahead of the busy summer season, helping ensure safer and smoother travel for everyone.
We’re working hard to minimise disruptions while addressing areas of the roading network that need attention. Your patience and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated.
Please take extra care when driving through road work zones.
Thank you for your support as we carry out these important upgrades.
Our Council is responsible for maintaining the local roads in our district. NZTA Waka Kotahi is responsible for work on all State Highways, including SH25, 26 and 25a.
Further details here
SH25 Boundary Creek Bridge works start next week
Work begins on site next week to replace Boundary Creek Bridge on State Highway 25 (SH25) along the Thames Coast.
While the action is just starting at the bridge, there’s already been plenty happening behind the scenes so the work is done in the quickest possible time.
The bridge has been reduced to a single lane since 2023 because of its condition and in the weeks ahead will have a new deck installed and supports strengthened.
The beams that will support the new bridge deck are ready and waiting in Tauranga and new precast concrete deck panels are now being prepped.
From Monday 13 October the site will be controlled with traffic lights and a temporary speed limit so traffic can pass through safely.
From 5am Wednesday 29 October the road at the site will be closed for seven days. Access to all businesses and properties along SH25 up to the bridge from the north and south will be maintained, but there will be no through traffic for this period.
Read more here
Kerbside collections:
Despite the road closure, we have worked closely with our contractor to ensure all properties up the Thames Coast, into Coromandel Town and Rural North will still receive their scheduled kerbside collection. However, collection times may vary from usual, so please ensure bins are out by 7:30am on your service day.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Other key updates from NZTA Waka Kotahi include:
- SH25A daytime closures in November (between Kōpū and Hikuai)
- Summer road works programme
Stay informed and plan ahead – these improvements are all about keeping our communities connected.
Read NZTA Waka Kotahi's latest newsletter here
Upcoming closures at Whitianga Refuse Transfer Station
The Whitianga Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station at South Highway West will be closed to public on Monday 3 November and again on Monday 10 November to conduct some site work. The proposed closures are weather dependent.
Our other nearby transfer stations at Tairua (Red Bridge Road) and Matarangi (Matarangi Drive) will be open and available to the public. Opening hours of those sites are 8:30am – 5:30pm.
Our Council apologises for any temporary inconvenience these two closures may cause.
Kōpū wharf public access trial continues
Kōpū Commercial Wharf is open to the public from 9am until 5pm on weekends until the end of Labour Day, Monday 27 October. During the trial period the public are able to access the wharf through the pedestrian access gate - next to the recreational ramp parking (via King Street).
Please take extreme care and follow all signage in place. Children must be supervised by adults.
We want to hear from you about your visit!
Submit your feedback here
Ferry Landing gangway set for safety upgrade
Commuters and visitors using the Ferry Landing can expect minor schedule adjustments on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 16 October as essential upgrade works take place.
Contractors Alted Engineering will be replacing the surface of the gangway — including the ramp and top landing — with durable new aluminum sheets and marine-grade carpet. As part of the project, the handrail will also be secured to improve passenger safety.
- To minimise disruption, the work will be carried out during off-peak hours, between 9:30am and 3:00pm each day, weather permitting.
- Ferry turnaround times will be temporarily reduced to 20–30 minutes during the upgrade.
Thanks for your patience and cooperation during this time.
Destination Hauraki Coromandel welcomes Kylie Hawker-Green as new General Manager
Destination Hauraki Coromandel (DHC), the regional tourism organisation for Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki districts, is delighted to announce the appointment of Kylie Hawker-Green as its new General Manager, effective 24 November 2025. Kylie succeeds Hadley Dryden, who concludes a distinguished 14-year tenure leading the organisation on the 24 October.
With more than two decades of leadership in marketing, events, communications, and regional development, Kylie brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in driving growth and innovation. She joins DHC from her current role as Manager of New Zealand Major Events within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, where she led the team responsible for securing and delivering world-class events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Supercars Taupo 440, Sail GP, and World Choir Games.
“I am honoured and thrilled to join Destination Hauraki Coromandel at such an exciting time for the tourism sector,” said Kylie Hawker-Green.
Read the full release here
About Destination Hauraki Coromandel (DHC)
DHC is the regional tourism organisation funded by the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki District Councils. The organisation plays a pivotal role in positioning the region as a sustainable and attractive visitor destination. Tourism contributes over $500 million annually to the local economy and is one of the region’s largest employers. DHC’s current business plan, supported by both councils, continues to drive the “Good for Your Soul” brand and outlines a full programme of activity for the next two years.
Save the date: Greenstone Summer Concert Tour 2026
Greenstone Entertainment has announced the return of its much-loved Summer Concert Tour for 2026, marking its sixteenth year of bringing world-class live music to stunning locations across New Zealand.
Following one of the most successful tours to date, the 2026 edition will feature exciting venue updates — including a brand-new location in Whitianga at the Sherriff Block Arena on Monday 26 January, during Auckland Anniversary Weekend.
Whitianga has long been a favourite stop on the tour, and the move to Sherriff Block Arena promises to elevate the experience for concertgoers with improved facilities and a fresh atmosphere.
While the artist lineup is still under wraps until the official announcement on Thursday 16 October, fans can expect another stellar mix of international acts, continuing Greenstone’s tradition of unforgettable summer concerts.
Greenstone Entertainment CEO Amanda Calvert says, “We’re absolutely delighted to be returning to Whitianga with a fresh new venue that will enhance the Summer Concert experience for all our loyal fans.”
Find out more here
Holidays on the horizon
Get ahead of the summer and plan your activities with some useful information to help you have a safe and enjoyable summer in our district.
Special Licences Christmas — New Year
Are you planning an event over the Christmas — New Year period that will require a Special Licence for alcohol?
Check out our web pages for your handy guide on when you need a licence and how to go about it.
If you do need a Special Licence, there are some things you need to know:
- We must receive your application(s) by 13 November 2025.
- Special Licence applications must be received at least 20 working days (preferably more) before your event date.
- For large events it's recommended you apply well in advance of the 20 working days.
- Late applications won’t be accepted
Click here for a Special Licence application
Blue is still searching for his forever home
Meet Blue — our featured adoptable pup who’s been waiting far too long in the pound for the loving home he deserves.
Blue is a young, entire male, around 8 months old. He’s a little shy at first, but once he gets to know you, he absolutely loves cuddles and affection. He’s playful, sweet-natured and full of energy — the perfect companion for a family, especially one with kids he can play with.
Blue is affectionate, fun and ready to become someone’s best friend. Could that someone be you?
If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your life, don’t wait — get in touch today to find out how you can welcome Blue into your home.
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