Rating Review decision, updated fees, and Volunteer Week celebrations
Published on 13 June 2025
Council opts to switch basis for rates to capital value
Our Council will move from setting rates based on land value, to basing them on a property’s capital value. This change will take effect from 1 July 2026 onwards.
The capital value of a property includes its land value plus the value of improvements such as a house or commercial premises.
At its meeting yesterday, our Council discussed three options around the rating review ahead of making their decision:
- Keep the status quo;
- Change to capital value and change the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) to be a fixed percentage of the general rate; and
- Same as Option 2 with the addition of some changes to a couple of targetted rates for rubbish and recycling, and roading and building control to make rates invoices more accurately represent what those rates are collected to fund.
The overall revenue from rates won’t change, but the amount paid by individual ratepayers will to some extent.
About one-third of property owners will see an increase in their rates of more than 2%; around one-third will see a shift upwards or downwards of less than 2%; and about one-third will see a decrease in their rates of more than 2%.
The deliberations report to Council details the feedback from our March-April consultation, which received about 650 submissions, about 2% of ratepayers. Just under 60% of respondents to our consultation said they lived within the district, and 37.5% said they lived elsewhere. 286 respondents said they lived in or spent most of their time while in the district in Mercury Bay.
56% of respondents were in favour of maintaining the status quo, while a total of 40% preferred either option 2 or 3, which incorporated changing to capital value.
Our Councillors and the Mayor deliberated over not just the numbers of supporters for each option, but the reasoning stated in their submissions. The majority of responses focused on the personal impact of the proposals, with many respondents citing how changes would affect their own rates as the primary reason for their views. Terms such as affordability, fairness, and equity were frequently referenced, often reflecting individual perspectives on what was considered fair based on whether their rates would increase. Broader
considerations, such as social equity and the principles underpinning an equitable rating system, were less commonly addressed in the feedback.
Despite the data and analysis provided in the consultation document, some respondents expressed concerns that one part of the district would end up subsidising another part in a shift to capital value. Respondents from both the east and west sides of the district expressed this contention. Some comments also reflected the misconception that a shift to capital value was primarily intended to increase Council’s rates revenue – which it will not.
After a debate about the principles of fairness, affordability and equity, and to what extent Councillors should rigorously be guided by the feedback numbers as opposed to considering that feedback alongside those principles - the vote fell 6 in favour of Option 3, switching to capital value plus changes to targetted rates, to 4 against.
Also proposed in the Rating Review was rethinking our approach to second dwellings on properties. Our Council opted to change the Rates Remission Policy to increase the automatic remission for the second Separately Used or Inhabited Part (SUIP) from 50% to 100% for properties with two habitable units where the second one meets the criteria of a minor dwelling (like a granny flat). This amounts to a small increase in rates for most ratepayers to offset the increased remission.
The report to Council in the meeting agenda contains an overview of the options Council considered and a summary of the feedback, as well as details of the SUIP proposal.
A recording of the meeting is available on our website at www.tcdc.govt.nz/meetings.
There is now a year for our Council to develop the various policies for these very significant changes starting in 2026/27.
Changes to rubbish collection and transfer station fees
Our Council has decided to increase some of the fees and charges for services we deliver.
From 1 July, the cost of a Pay As You Throw (PAYT) rubbish tag for kerbside collection will go up 25 cents to $8.25. You can continue to use tags bought before 1 July.
In addition, we are introducing a $5 minimum charge to use the weighbridges at the Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations that have them to cover servicing and annual calibration. If you’re dropping general waste or green waste that weighs in at less than $5, you’ll be charged the minimum $5 fee.
We’re also increasing the charge to drop general waste and green waste.
The changes are to keep up with inflation or cost increases in delivering services. The new minimum weighbridge charge and the increased fee to drop waste also aligns our Council with the cost of these services in nearby districts.
Disposal of large 60L bags of rubbish remains unchanged at $5 and small 20L bags (the size of the old plastic supermarket carrier bags) remains unchanged at $2 per bag. Our old blue Council pre-paid bags can still be dropped off at no charge.
There are a few other changes to fees and charges in other service areas, so please stay updated through our website at www.tcdc.govt.nz/fees.
New Spaces and Places Manager wins national recognition
Chris Rutherford has joined our Thames-Coromandel team as Spaces and Places Manager in April 2025. He brings 40 plus years of experience in public sector parks roles across five local authorities in both the UK and New Zealand.
Rutherford has been recognised many times for his work in the parks and recreation sector. His awards include the Ian Galloway Cup, Certified International Parks Professional, Accredited Recreational Professional, Recreation Aotearoa and in 2024 World Urban Parks Distinguished Individual Award.
In May 2025, Rutherford was awarded Life Membership by Recreation Aotearoa (New Zealand Recreation Association) for his outstanding and long-term contribution to the parks and recreation industry. The honour was voted on by members at the 2024 AGM and presented at the national industry conference.
Rutherford has helped drive sector-wide improvement and innovation, and he’s known for supporting and inspiring a strong network of professionals.
As the founder of Xyst Ltd, which is now the largest public parks consulting company in New Zealand, Rutherford has played a key role in shaping how councils across Aotearoa and overseas manage their parks and community spaces. He led the development of Yardstick, a benchmarking tool used internationally to improve standards and performance in parks management.
Rutherford’s experience also includes leading major projects, developing national maintenance standards, and mentoring parks professionals throughout their careers. His leadership in both technical and people-focused aspects of the industry has made a lasting impact.
We’re lucky to have Chris on board and look forward to the incredible mahi he’ll bring to our district.
Volunteer Week celebrations 2025
We’ve kicked off Volunteer Week with some great events in Tairua-Pāuanui and Whangamatā. It’s been a chance to say a big thank you to all our amazing volunteers.
Next week, we’ll be celebrating in Coromandel Town, Mercury Bay and Thames. Come along to enjoy some kai and connect with others.
Ngā mihi nui to all our volunteers. Your time, energy and heart are truly appreciated.
Find out more Register here
Matariki Whangamatā 2025
Helping people across our district get their license
Since December 2024, our Council has been using Ministry of Social Development (MSD) storm recovery funding to support people across the district to get their driver licence.
The aim is to remove barriers that prevent people from accessing work, training or essential services.
The funding covers driving lessons, test fees and support from mentors, and it's being delivered in partnership with local organisations: Thames Community Services Trust, Coromandel Independent Living Trust, Whangamatā Youth Trust and Whitianga Community Services Trust.
Rebecca received her Restricted Licence through Thames Community Services Trust in January 2025.
“It’s made me far more employable and given me the freedom to get around without relying on others,” she said.
By the end of the programme, this support will have helped:
- 71 people complete a Defensive Driving course
- 98 people get their Restricted Licence
- 21 people get their Full Licence
It’s been great to see the positive impact this programme is having across the district.
Red-gister now
You’ve got until 31 July to register your dog for the upcoming year.
Skip the queue at the counter and register online now via our Thames-Coromandel District Council website! Just click the link below.
Late penalties apply after 31 July, so jump on our website and get it sorted.
You can register a new dog or renew your registration online, or pop into one of our service centres.
Visit www.tcdc.govt.nz/dogs for more info.
Project updates
Tairua Terrace footbridge repair
To carry out planned maintenance, the footbridge connecting The Esplanade to Tairua Terrace in Tairua will be closed on Monday 16 June to Wednesday 18 June.
Please avoid this area while the work is happening.
Thanks for your support as we work to keep our public spaces safe and well-maintained.
Boundary Creek Bridge upgrade
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is replacing the Boundary Creek Bridge on State Highway 25 on the Thames Coast north of Te Mata later this year due to its poor condition and current restrictions. The upgrade will restore two-way traffic and improve safety and traffic flow.
A continuous week-long closure in early November is the preferred option, with all work expected to finish by early December before the holiday season.
NZTA has consulted with emergency services, local businesses and community groups, and will confirm the final construction plan in July. The work is necessary to avoid further restrictions and ensure the long-term resilience of the highway - one of our district's vital lifelines.
Read NZTA's full announcement here
New playground at Hauraki House
The new playground in Coromandel Town officially opened with a community blessing on Thursday 19 June. Construction was completed in less than a month, despite the challenges of the wet winter weather.
Designed for tamariki aged 3 to 12, the new playground brings together fun, creativity, and cultural expression. Highlights include the addition of Matariki stacker logs — ideal for younger children developing their coordination and balance — a striking new Pou climber to test the agility of our more adventurous rangatahi, and an awesome blue spiral slide.
Familiar favourites such as the swings and rockers have been retained, ensuring a mix of new experiences and beloved classics for families to enjoy.
Get involved, give back, enjoy
Opportunities at our Council
We offer a diverse range of career opportunities.
Our current job vacancies are:
If you are interested in working for us and there are no current vacancies that fit your skill set and knowledge, please head to https://www.joinourteam.co.nz/thames-coromandel/home and register an expression of interest.
