Protecting our spaces, preparing for El Niño and more updates
Published on 02 October 2026
Help us protect our public spaces
We're saddened to see recent acts of vandalism affecting public toilets in Cooks Beach and Whangamatā, including an act of arson, and the deliberate cutting down of trees in Cooks Beach. Council is also continuing to address ongoing issues at the Port Road public toilets in Whangamatā, including littering, vandalism and inappropriate use of the facility.
Over the past week, our Parks and Open Spaces Team has been responding to these incidents and assessing the extent of the damage. While the vandalism affects Council assets, the impact is felt across the community. Repairs take time and resources away from other important work, facilities can become temporarily unavailable, and repair costs fall back on ratepayers.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to treat public spaces with care and report any vandalism or suspicious behaviour. Anyone with information relating to these incidents is asked to contact police via the 105 non-emergency reporting service here. If vandalism is witnessed in progress, contact police immediately and then advise Council.
Together, we can help keep our public facilities safe, welcoming and available for everyone to enjoy.
Latest outlook reaffirms likely El Niño impacts for Coromandel
Our friends at Earth Sciences New Zealand are reminding us with their latest seasonal climate report to expect warmer, windier weather as we approach summer.
The report captures anticipated weather from now until December, highlighting the impact of El Niño, which is expected to bring warmer, windier and more changeable weather across the entire country.
Thames-Coromandel is expected to become much drier along with other areas in the north and east of the North Island. The south and west of the South Island is in line for more rain.
Our district could receive big swings in temperatures.
Find out more
Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station hours update
From Monday 5 October, Coromandel Town, Matarangi and Pāuanui RTS will move to new opening hours of: 10am to 3pm, seven days a week.
There will still be extended hours at these sites over the peak period.
The change follows consultation through the Annual Plan process and is intended to improve the cost-efficiency of operating the district's least-used transfer stations.
Tairua, Thames, Whangamatā and Whitianga RTS will continue to operate standard daylight-saving hours of 8.30am to 5.30pm.
All transfer stations will remain open seven days a week, including most public holidays.
Find out more
Pāuanui Skate Park refurbishment update
Great progress is being made on stage one of the Pāuanui Skate Park refurbishment, with the works coming along well and the park already looking great. We appreciate the positive feedback from the community and their patience while the work continues during the holidays as the project was prioritised to address health and safety issues ahead of the busy summer season.
Final concrete works are scheduled for early next week, followed by finishing touches, including the application of colour. The skate park is expected to reopen during the week of 12 October, ready for the community to enjoy once again.
Looking ahead, stage two is planned to begin in early November and will include upgrades to park furniture, pathways and landscaping, completing the wider refresh of the site and helping create an even better space for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Find out more about this project here
Wharekaho and Hāhei poll results in
Results from a poll asking Hāhei and Wharekaho communities for their views on proposed water and wastewater systems are in.
The independent poll was held in September and asked for views on potential extensions to the water and wastewater networks.
The results showed varying levels of support for these projects and will help guide our Council in future decision-making.
A report will be presented to Council’s Infrastructure and Finance Committee when it meets on 22 October 2026, with staff recommendations based on poll results.
Find out more via the projects’ webpages
Hāhei’s Public Park and Ride
Hāhei’s Public Park and Ride bus will be temporarily moved from Monday 5 October to Tuesday 20 October while a helipad is built for FENZ at 94 Hāhei Beach Road. Car park 2 will be closed to the public during this time.
View location details here
Thames community invited to celebrate East of Eden with special free screening
Thames residents are invited to step into the world of East of Eden and celebrate the town's role in the upcoming Netflix series at a special free community screening next month.
East of Eden Day will be held at the Left Bank Theatre, Thames, on Wednesday 7 October, with a screening of the first episode beginning at 6.30pm. The event takes place just one week after the seven-part limited series premieres globally on Netflix.
See more here Find out about more upcoming events here
Get involved in Whangamatā's dune planting day
Help protect and restore Whangamatā's beautiful coastline by joining the local Coastcare dune planting event at 10am on Wednesday 7 October at Beach Access 11, Pipi Road.
The hard work will already be done, with planting holes prepared in advance, so you'll be helping to plant native dune species rather than digging. Just wear covered shoes, bring a drink bottle, and Coastcare will provide all the equipment you need.
Stay afterwards for a complimentary cuppa and a chance to connect with fellow volunteers.
For more information, email info@whangadunes.org.nz.
Every plant makes a difference in helping to protect our dunes and coastline for future generations.