Homeowners planning to build a granny flat now have two options: applying under the newly introduced Granny Flat Building Consent Exemption or following the standard building consent process.
Certain conditions must be met to use the exemption pathway. These include the use of licensed building professionals, and you must first obtain a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) so you’re aware of relevant site information.
Resource consent may still be required, and other approvals may be needed such as network utility connections or vehicle crossings.
The school holiday programme is underway at our Mercury Bay, Thames and Tairua libraries. Join us for free craft sessions at 10.30am every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - no bookings needed.
Thames Library’s brand-new escape room is open for bookings. You and your team have 30 minutes to solve clues, find hidden gems, and make your way out. Free event, bookings essential.
Thames Library's Justice of the Peace service desk returned for the new year and will continue once a week on Thursdays at the usual time of 12.30pm-2.30pm. Our Tuesday sessions will resume in February.
A new mural is now greeting visitors to Kōpū boat ramp. Designed by Ngāti Maru artist, Rick Fisher, the mural is on the new visitors toilet.
The toilet, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Tourism Infrastructure Funding, has been connected to town supply water and wastewater system.
Whitianga pontoon to be replaced
Our Council is renewing Whitianga’s existing pontoon which, due to its condition, has deteriorated to a point where it needs to be replaced.
Resource consent has been granted to replace the pontoon with a safer, more accessible version.
Initial plans, studies and concept designs have been shared with primary pontoon users. Now resource consent has been granted, our Council will approach the market for a suitable contractor to carry out the work. Construction on the new pontoon is expected to be completed mostly off-site, minimising disruption to pontoon users as much as possible.
The actual site works, once started, will likely take four to six weeks subject to stable sea and weather conditions.
Work is expected to start in June 2026, pending market availability of a contractor. Our Council is working with Whitianga Ferry to arrange a temporary ferry berth to maintain transport links during construction.
Find out more here
Resealing at Hauraki House
The car park at Coromandel Town’s historic Hauraki House is about to be resealed.
Work will start Monday 19 January and is expected to take up to three weeks. This has been timed to avoid a theatre production that starts Wednesday 4 March. During this time there will be no vehicle access but marked pedestrian access to the gallery, youth group area and Scout Hall will be provided.
The resealing follows conversations with Hauraki House users who are looking forward to the work being completed.
Temporary parking will be available at the south of the building, as will the regular parking at the nearby toilets and street area.
Sunday 25 January: Help find a home for Tairua's heritage
The Tairua Heritage Society is hosting an Antiques & Collectables Appraisal Day Fair, raising funds towards the purchase of a permanent home for a local Heritage Centre.
Our Council supports community-led efforts that celebrate and protect our unique heritage, and we encourage people to get along and support this worthwhile event.
Find out more here