We're developing a big-picture plan that will shape what the Coromandel Peninsula looks like in 30+ years' time. We can't do it without hearing from you
Published on 15 May 2026
The Government last week gave councils a timeframe of 90 days to consider reform proposals that would deliver “larger, more efficient unitary authorities that streamline functions, reduce duplication and improve decision-making”.
Mayor Revell says while he and his colleagues support the moves toward cost savings and efficiencies in local government, and are willing to positively address this timeline, the Council will still ensure there is adequate opportunity for all voices to contribute to any reform proposal that emerges.
Read more here
Photo sourced from Aukaha News.
Ka rawe! Congratulations to the three Pare Hauraki Collective iwi whose Treaty settlement bills passed their final reading in Parliament this week.
Formal apologies were made by the crown to Ngāti Hei, Ngāti Rāhiri and Ngāti Tara Tokanui, with more than $20 million committed in redress.
Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith said the bills reflected “the commitment, resilience and determination” of the three iwi.
He said the three iwi had entered formal negotiations with the Crown in 2011.
“Through these settlements, the Crown has formally acknowledged the cumulative impacts of its historical breaches of te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi. These breaches contributed to loss of whenua, environmental harm and constrained the ability of these iwi to provide for their present and future generations," Goldsmith said.
“While no settlement can fully compensate for the Crown’s injustices towards Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui and Ngāti Hei, I sincerely hope this redress will support these Hauraki iwi to strengthen their economic, cultural and environmental aspirations, and provides a platform for enduring relationships between the Crown and iwi for generations to come.”
Key players from the aquaculture industry, iwi, research organisations and local and central government gathered in Thames last week to map out the future of the sector in the Waikato region.
The Waikato Aquaculture Forum was held last Friday 9 May at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre and organised by the Waikato Regional Aquaculture Group (WRAG). Thames-Coromandel District Council and Waikato Regional Council played key roles in bringing the event together. WRAG Chair Rebecca Clarkson led the day's proceedings, which focused on turning the Waikato Regional Aquaculture Strategy into concrete actions.
We’ve received feedback that some visitors to our district can feel confused or alarmed when they hear the local fire siren. In some other areas and countries, sirens can signal an evacuation due to tsunami or other emergencies, which is not the case here.
To support our Emergency Management Unit’s work in building informed and resilient communities, we’ve developed new visitor-focused flyers that explain what local sirens mean, where to find trusted information, and what to do in an emergency. These are designed to help visitors feel informed and avoid unnecessary panic.
The flyers are now available on our website for download and printing via tcdc.govt.nz/EMvisitorguide.
The Whangamatā Community Library has a new location.
The library will reopen at a premise on the corner of Port Road and Hunt Road after King’s Birthday Weekend.
The library closed in March 2026 for safety’s sake after black mould was found inside the building.
Our Council will continue to support the library team during the move and reopening.
Find out more or have your say
Our wonderful volunteers from the Mercury Bay Environmental Trust have been doing a great job of hand-weeding the broad leaf weed in the dunes on the Esplanade.
From now until the end of June, Coastcare contractors will follow up on the more tedious weeds taking over the native plants. Spray work will happen between 6am and 9am on mornings when the weather is suitable. Please follow the signage.
This work will support the amazing results from the locals caring for our coast. If you would like to join a volunteer beach care group on the east coast, email Coastcare@tcdc.govt.nz.
SH25 night closures as work to replace Tairua’s Pepe Bridge progresses: A reminder that Pepe Bridge at Tairua is closed overnight for a further four days next week as work to replace the bridge progresses. NZ Transport Agency says piling work for the temporary footbridge means the road bridge (SH25) will be closed from 7pm to 6am from Monday 18 May to Thursday 21 May. Find out more >
Boat Harbour Road, Whenuakite closure: This road will be closed on Monday 18 May and Tuesday 19 May so road repairs can take place. The road will be closed to motorists, residents and pedestrians from 8.30am to 4pm both days. Thank you for your patience while vital repairs are carried out.
Black Jack Road, Otama closure: This road will be closed for two days on Thursday 21 May and Friday 22 May so that repairs can take place on a damaged culvert. The road will close from 8.30am to 4pm both days. On Friday the road will be opened at 12noon and 12.30pm to residents only. Thank you for your patience while we undertake this vital work.
Tapu-Coroglen road closure update: The road will be closed from 8am to 4pm each day, from Monday 25 May to Wednesday 3 June so that urgent maintenance work can be safely carried out on two bridges along the Road. Outside of these hours, the road is expected to reopen to traffic as normal, subject to weather conditions and construction progress.
Port Jackson Road stop/go: Parts of Port Jackson Road will be subject to stop/go with closures up to 50 minutes at a time between 7am and 6pm from Monday 18 May until about mid-June, weather permitting. This is so culvert extensions can be carried out at two sites along the road. The road will be open for about 10 minutes at a time. For after-hours, priority give way will be in place.
Whitianga Run Fest traffic management Saturday 30 May: Parts of Whitianga will be under traffic management (stop/go or footpath closures or caution alerts) while Whitianga Run Fest takes place from 8.30am to 1.30pm. Details here >