Our weekly wrap-up: Council budget proposals, roading updates
Published on 27 February 2026
Draft Annual Plan proposals focus on keeping rates rises low
Our Council hit a significant milestone in its preparations for a draft Annual Plan for the 2026/27 financial year by adopting this week a range of budget proposals aimed at holding the average rates increase to no more than 3.8%.
This follows extensive preparatory work, including a dozen meetings of the Mayoral Efficiency Taskforce and four Council workshops, which collectively reduced the opening position from a potential 13.4% rates rise to the targeted level of no more than 3.8%.
Tuesday’s meeting was Council's first formal decision point in shaping the draft Plan and the key proposals for the upcoming public consultation on the proposals, expected to run from late March to late April.
Mayor Peter Revell said he was pleased that Council could present options for a significantly lower rates increase than in previous years to the public for consideration and feedback.
“We have heard loud and clear that there is no appetite for steep increases to rates,” Mayor Revell said. “The councillors and I campaigned in last year’s election on this issue and we have worked with staff to identify workable savings and adjustments. Delivering on these in the 2026/27 financial year will mean visible changes to the services Council delivers. In our public consultation we will spell out in detail what these changes mean and we will listen carefully to the feedback we receive.”
Read more
Council fully focuses on storm recovery
This week our Council fully moves into a ‘recovery’ phase following our 21/22 January storm event.
Initially we operated in a ‘response’ phase, involving urgent measures to protect life and property as much as possible, before we moved into a ‘transition’ phase, readying us for ‘recovery’.
Recovery means our focus has shifted to helping people, whānau and neighbourhoods get back on their feet.
You’ll still see our teams out and about — fixing damage, clearing debris, checking infrastructure and supporting those who need a bit of extra help. But we’re now also focusing on longer term repairs, community wellbeing, and making sure everyone has the information and support they need as we move forward.
There’s still plenty of work ahead of us, and some things may take time, but we’re here with you every step of the way. We’ll keep sharing updates as new information comes in, and we’ll let you know where to find help, advice, and practical support.
Together, we’ve got this — and together, we’ll recover.
Find out more about our recovery work
Arts funding applications close at midnight tonight
Time is running out. Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme close at 12am tonight (midnight), Friday 27 February 2026 - and there are only hours left to apply.
If you’re planning an arts project on the Coromandel Peninsula and need funding support, this is your final opportunity to get your application in.
Backed by Creative New Zealand, the scheme supports projects that increase participation in the arts, broaden the range and diversity of creative opportunities and strengthen the local arts sector.
Apply now
Pepe Bridge information drop-in session
A public information drop-in session took place at the Tairua Community Hall on Thursday 26 February, 2pm–6pm regarding NZTA Waka Kotahi’s bridge replacement.
About 150 people showed up to talk to NZTA staff about the project timeline and construction methodology.
Through the construction period, traffic will still be able to use one lane to cross the stream under traffic management, though there will be occassional stop/stop periods to allow heavy machinery and materials to be moved.
The new two-lane bridge with a footpath on one side and a shared path on the other is expected to be completed by December 2027.
Read more here
State Highway 25 recovery update from NZTA
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has provided an update on storm recovery works along State Highway 25 following January’s severe weather.
There are 14 damaged sites on SH25 requiring further work.
Lane closures remain in place along a 3km stretch at Pumpkin Hill, north of Tairua, where nine underslips are located close together, and at a significant underslip at Kūaotunu Hill. These sites are being prioritised but are complex and will take time to fully repair.
The large slips that previously closed the highway at Whiritoa, Opoutere and Kūaotunu are currently being assessed to determine what further stabilisation work is required.
Several smaller underslips between Whangapoua and Coromandel Town will also need repair, though there are no current traffic impacts at those locations.
Keep up to date on NZTA’s website
Day closure of Whangamatā carpark
On Wednesday 4 March the Council carpark between Lincoln Rd and Aickin Rd (opposite Olivers Bakery) will close. The closure is to allow for pavement repair works, which will take place from 7am until 7pm (weather dependent). There will be no access for car parking in this area during this time.
