Feedback on reform options still coming in – “Which way should TCDC go?”
With more than 1300 residents, visitors and ratepayers responding to the survey on Thames-Coromandel local government reform, 54 per cent have indicated support for an East Waikato option.
In addition, over 280 people have attended Community Board meetings to have their say and many more have been sending in comments via emails.
Thames-Coromandel district councillors had previously agreed to three options which also included a North Bay of Plenty option and a Greater Waikato option.
The North Bay of Plenty option which involves Thames-Coromandel joining with the Tauranga and Western Bay councils, received 34 per cent support. The single Greater Waikato option attracted 12 per cent support.
The East Waikato option includes the Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and South Waikato districts.
Under its Simplifying Local Government work programme Thames-Coromandel District Council initially considered nine potential options – shortlisted to three for engagement with the community.
Acting Mayor John Grant acknowledged that more than 1600 people had taken the opportunity to have input in what represents the potential biggest change in local government for nearly 40 years and noted that feedback was still coming in.
“Council is very pleased with the numbers to date and will happily continue to listen to all views that are shared during the next few weeks.
“The proposed changes to local government continue to generate a significant amount of interest and conversations in our communities and we are thrilled so many people are ensuring they have their say,” he said.
The major themes to emerge have been protection of local voice, financial considerations and questions around aligning the variable communities of interest. Also noted is the importance of catchment and watershed management.
Concerns included how to overcome the rural versus urban divide, the potential metropolitan dominance over smaller regions, management of respective debt positions and a perception of the process being rushed.
“In terms of the process from this point, we will continue to meet with other councils and stakeholders as we formulate a final recommendation for Thames-Coromandel,” said Acting Mayor Grant.
Thames-Coromandel District Councillors will next consider reform at their meeting on 28 July, with a final decision on “Which way to go?” happening at the 6 August meeting.
Local government proposals for Head Start must be made to Government by 9 August.
We are coming to speak with you
Over the next month Thames‑Coromandel District Council is heading across the district to hear from communities about what matters most for the future of your towns and the wider Coromandel Peninsula.
As someone who lives, works and plays on the peninsula, we would like to invite you to join us at your local event.
What are we asking?
From 15 July to 12 August, we’re asking people to tell us:
- Whether the vision and outcomes set out in the Coromandel Blueprint still reflect what you think is important for the future of the peninsula (you can read these here)
- What the peninsula has today that needs to be kept, changed or removed, and
- The biggest challenges and opportunities you see ahead.
We’re here to listen. Your local knowledge will help shape the first stage of our district‑wide spatial plan which will guide growth, outline future development and infrastructure needs, identify and protect valued cultural, agricultural and ecological areas, and provide long‑term certainty through a clear, shared community vision.
Come along, have a chat with the team, ask questions, and be part of the kōrero.
Where you'll find us:
Colville
Colville Hall
Wednesday 22 July
10am – 12pm |
Thames
Thames Civic Centre
Saturday 25 July
11am – 1pm |
Pāuanui
Pāuanui Hub
Monday 27 July
10am – 11:30am |
Whitianga
Whitianga Town Hall
Saturday 1 August
11am – 12:30pm |
Coromandel Town
Coromandel Town Hall
Tuesday 4 August
11am – 12:30pm |
Whangamatā
Whangamatā Hall
Wednesday 5 August
4pm – 5:30pm |
Thank you to everyone who came along to our event in Tairua this Wednesday to share their views.
You'll also find us ‘popping up’ at your favorite local spots across the district. If you see our team out and about, make sure you take five minutes to have your say.
Have your say online
If you can’t make it to an event, you can still share your views at tcdc.govt.nz/imagine or by picking up a hardcopy survey from any Council library or service centre.
Have your say now
Rates rebate support
Check out whether you might be be eligible to apply for a rates rebate up to $830 from Te Tari Taiwhenua | the Department of Internal Affairs for this financial year.
Rebates depend on your income, your dependants and the amount of your rates. To apply you need to be the legal ratepayer and the property has to be your residence (not used mainly for business or farming purposes).
Application forms are online now. You can start applying as soon as you receive your rates bill.
To support people to apply, we’re offering help clinics:
- Thames: 10—14 August, Thames service centre.
Phone 07 868 0200 to book an appointment.
- Tairua: Tuesday 11 August 9am—4pm, Tairua Library. No appointment needed.
- Pāuanui: Wednesday 12 August, 9am—12noon, Pāuanui Community Hub, 23 Centreway. No appointment needed.
- Coromandel Town, Whitianga and Whangamatā offices – any time during office hours until 30 June 2027.
For more information, visit our web page
Tairua coastal protection survey
Be part of creating Tairua’s future. If you live or own property or a business in the wider Tairua area – from Sailors Grave, Tairua town, down to Pāuanui and Hikuai – we want to hear from you. Take part in our survey to share your experiences of how recent severe weather is affecting your daily life, health, wellbeing, working life or business.
Alongside technical and scientific investigations, your feedback will build a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground in Tairua. This will be important in exploring fair, affordable ways to fund potential coastal protection.
As well as a survey for people who live or own homes in the area, there’s an additional survey for business owners.
The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete, and is open until Thursday 13 August.
Many thanks for your help in informing future planning.
Take the survey now
Know what to do about bird flu
Bird flu has now been found in NZ. While there’s no threat to human health, it’s important we know when to report suspected sightings. Here on the Coromandel, we love our bush, sea and birdlife that helps bring these places alive.
If you see three or more sick or dead birds, report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Learn more about bird flu: visit the MPI website
NZTA announces speed review
State Highway 25 at Te Rerenga, Whenuakite, and Moewai Road/South Highway West are among locations being considered for slower speed limits.
NZ Transport Agency has opened a consultation on proposals to change speed limits throughout the Waikato, including these three Coromandel locations:
- SH25 Te Rerenga (east of Quarry Road to south of the Whangapoua Road intersection) – proposal to permanently change the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h
- SH25 Whenuakite (west of Hot Water Beach Road to east of Hot Water Beach Road) – proposal to permanently change the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h
- SH25/South Highway West/Moewai Road (Whitianga) – proposal to install an Intersection Speed Zone to take the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h when the electronic sign is activated for a short time.
The proposed changes are expected to have little effect on overall travel times while also improving safety.
The consultation is open until 27 August.
Find out more and contribute your views
Have your say on the future of the Hauraki Rail Trail
We’re seeking feedback from residents, businesses and community members to better understand how the Hauraki Rail Trail is used, the benefits it provides, opportunities for improvement and priorities for the future.
The trail is one of the region's most significant recreation and tourism assets. Together with neighbouring Hauraki District and Matamata-Piako District Councils, we’re working together on a review of the trail and its future direction.
We invite you to take part in this short online survey that takes approximately eight minutes to complete. The survey will be open until Sunday 26 July.
Take part in the Hauraki Rail Trail community survey
Don't miss your chance to enter the Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards
With only two weeks left until entries and nominations close for the Claymark Hauraki-Coromandel Business Awards on Friday 31 July, now is the time to showcase your business and celebrate the achievements that make Hauraki-Coromandel such a vibrant place to live, work and do business.
Whether you're delivering exceptional customer experiences, creating an outstanding workplace, embracing sustainability, growing your brand or making a difference in your community, there's a category for you. Businesses can enter up to two categories.
People can also nominate outstanding local businesses and individuals for the People's Choice Award (one for each district) and the Service to Business Award.
Apply or nominate here
Whitianga walkway upgrade
Work to upgrade the Hoggin path between Albert Street and The Esplanade, Whitianga, will begin on Monday 20 July, and is expected to take about two weeks to complete. The existing path will be replaced with a new concrete pathway, improving accessibility, durability and long-term maintenance. As part of the upgrade, the historic storytelling pavers will also be reinstated.
Whitianga Skatepark will remain open throughout the works. However, the pedestrian bridge from Blacksmith Lane will be closed for the duration of construction. Please use alternative access routes while the works are underway.
