Local government reform feedback, dog registration, new water plant
Published on 26 June 2026
Council to submit on Conservation Amendment Bill
At its meeting on 26 June 2026, our Council considered making a submission to the Environment Select Committee on the Conservation Amendment Bill.
A draft submission was prepared by staff ahead of the meeting but following impassioned presentations from speakers in the Public Forum and discussion among Councillors, Council requested a number of additional matters be included in the submission. These additions will reflect the strong concerns raised in the Public Forum - particularly around the potential sale or exchange of Crown-owned conservation land in the District.
As currently drafted, the Bill could allow some Crown-owned conservation land in our District to be sold or exchanged. If this land is no longer in Crown ownership, existing conservation protections - including restrictions on activities such as mining - may no longer apply.
The Council will consider an amended draft submission for approval at its next meeting on Tuesday 30 June 2026.
Public submissions on the Conservation Amendment Bill are open until Thursday 2 July 2026.
We're almost halfway through dog registration
Dog registration for the 2026/2027 year is open, and with the registration period already nearing the halfway mark, dog owners are encouraged to act now to avoid last-minute pressure.
Residents can register a new dog or renew an existing registration. Renewals are quick and easy to complete online, allowing owners to update their details and make payment from home.
First-time registrations must be completed in person, with staff available at Council offices to assist new dog owners through the process.
Dog owners are reminded to register before 1 August to avoid late payment penalties.
Get more information now
New online boat ramp launch system goes live next week
Getting out on the water will soon be easier and more convenient. From Wednesday 1 July, our Council is introducing a new online boat ramp launch system in partnership with Stellar, a trusted provider of boat ramp and parking solutions across New Zealand.
Designed with users in mind, the new system will make launching simpler and more efficient, while ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption for regular boat ramp users.
✅ Your launching vehicle licence plate is your permit.
✅ No physical permits required
✅ Manage everything online, anytime
Find out more
Matarangi Water Treatment Plant opens
We celebrated the opening of the Matarangi Water Treatment Plant this week.
Heavy rain didn't dampen spirits among the Council staff, contractors, iwi representatives, elected members and media who gathered to mark the occasion.
The opening was among the last of a series of major upgrades to Council's water infrastructure in recent years as part of the Drinking Water Standards Upgrades Project. It signals an improved and reliable delivery of safe, clean water for more homes in Matarangi and reduces the need for restrictions.
Mayor Revell calls for feedback on local government reforms
With the Central Government planning the biggest shake up to councils in nearly 40 years, Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor Peter Revell is calling on the community to make its voice heard.
A week ago, the Council released three options for potential local government amalgamations, with an outline of opportunities and challenges for each.
The options are:
- Greater Waikato – this would bring together all councils currently in the Waikato Regional Council area
- North Bay of Plenty – this would bring together TCDC with Tauranga, Western Bay and part of Hauraki
- East Waikato – this would bring together TCDC with Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and South Waikato
TCDC is asking residents and ratepayers to rank these options in order of preference and provide any comments they would like to make about their reasons, or to suggest alternatives if they would like.
Council’s Simplifying Local Government Working Group, set up to investigate options for addressing the Government’s reform programme, is also holding informal discussions with other councils. This to ensure TCDC has all the necessary information to make informed decisions and is engaged with potential partners.
Mayor Revell stressed that no decisions have yet been made. “There is plenty of further analysis and many more conversations to be had, along with considering what the Thames-Coromandel community thinks, before we will know which way to go.”
More information and a feedback form can be found on the TCDC website and at council service centres and district libraries.
Get more information and have your say
Projects and Roading Updates
Wharf Road, Colville, partial closure
Wharf Road in Colville is closed for large parts of the day between Tuesday 26 May and Saturday 25 July in order to carry out vital road works. From 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday, the road will be closed for up to 50 minutes every hour, with it reopening for 10 minutes on the hour. Traffic management contractors will be on the site during the working day to guide motorists. Outside of the working hours (from 6pm, overnight until 7am) the road will be open to traffic. Thank you for your understanding.
For more information
What really goes on behind an LGOIMA request?
It’s more than just pulling documents together. Every request must be assessed, coordinated across teams, and carefully reviewed under legal and privacy obligations—all within strict timeframes. It’s a process grounded in transparency, balanced with protecting personal information, and guided by expert judgement every step of the way.
Read more about what’s involved