Weekly wrap-up: In-house water unit approved, plus survey results
Published on 29 August 2025
Council approves in-house water unit while exploring partnership
This week our Council approved a Water Services Delivery Plan for submission by the 3 September deadline for government approval, to meet legislative requirements. The plan details how Thames-Coromandel District Council will deliver future water services through an internal water services delivery unit while exploring a joint Water Services Organisation (WSO) with other councils.
On 24 June this year, our Council voted in favour of working with Tauranga City Council (TCC) and Western Bay of Plent District Council (WBOPDC) as partners for a joint WSO. An in-house water services unit was identified as the next viable option that Council considered at that meeting. In the short and medium term, an in-house water services unit is a viable option that meets the legislative requirements. Our debt is relatively low and our assets are in good condition. But over the longer term a joint WSO that includes a metropolitan area can deliver greater efficiencies of scale, particularly in procurement and securing skilled staff.
Our detailed analysis and financial modelling carried out over many months identified a joint WSO as the best long-term option in terms of future affordability for local ratepayers. This modelling clearly demonstrates a saving of $500 per annum per ratepayer by 2034 through progressing with a WSO with TCC and WBOPDC, whose ratepayers would also see savings. Affordability was identified as the number one concern by a clear majority of submitters in our public consultation earlier this year. A joint WSO option was favoured by 51% of submitters and 46% said they preferred an internal water services unit.
In mid-August, TCC voted in favour of forming a WSO with WBOPDC and our Council, with TCDC’s involvement subject to WBOPDC’s approval. However, WBOPDC decided in favour of forming a WSO with Tauranga but not TCDC. Their decision reflects concerns about ongoing Treaty of Waitangi matters involving iwi and hapū local to each area.
Council’s decision this week reinforced our willingness to continue to work with TCC and WBOPDC on forming a joint WSO in the future. In support of this direction, Council resolved to request a Crown facilitator through the Minister for Local Government to help find a pathway to navigate the iwi/hapū matters that have been raised. If succesful, then TCDC will look to join TCC and WBOPDC in the development of a joint WSO. If a suitable pathway cannot be identified through a Crown facilitator, TCDC’s fallback position is to proceed with an in-house business unit approach.
If our Council decides to change to a multi-council WSO in the future, the Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) can be updated and re-submitted by 3 September 2026.
See the report to today’s Council meeting, including the draft WSDP.
Thames identity up for award
Ka mau te wehi! Great work on the Explore Thames brand which has been chosen as a finalist in in New Zealand’s top design awards, run by the Design Institute of New Zealand, in the ‘large brand identity’ category.
Huge congratulations to Brent Courtney of Brand Matter and the steering group who worked with him to develop the new brand identity, which includes a Facebook page, website, maps, street signs around the town and the branding of the new Information Centre.
The design, based on research into people’s ideas and perceptions of Thames, uses four themes and historic fonts to promote Thames as an interesting place to explore – including interesting shops, natural adventures, history and relaxation – to stop in the town, rather than just driving through on their way up the coast.
The initial work was funded by a $50,000 grant from the Ministry of Social Development, secured by Thames Community Board and Thames Business Association, with further promotional work funded by the Community Board.
The winners will be announced at an event in Auckland on 10 October.
If you use Facebook, please ‘Like’ Explore Thames NZ and share it with friends, family and networks outside the region. The more it’s shared, the more you’ll raise awareness about Thames and attract visitors to our town.
Find out more about the Explore Thames promotion.
Economic Development Survey results 
In May 2025, our Economic Development team surveyed local businesses to better understand business sentiment, how supported businesses feel by Council, and identify ways to improve long term support. A massive thank you to everyone who completed the survey. More than 100 businesses responded, providing detailed feedback that is already shaping our work.
What we heard
Our survey found a mix of experiences across local businesses:
- Some businesses are growing, while others are facing challenges.
- Calls for more housing and commercial development to help businesses thrive.
- Some businesses feel supported by council, others do not, and some don’t see it as council’s role to support them.
Want to see the full breakdown, including graphs and detailed insights? View the survey summary and find out more at the links below.
View the summary of results Find out more
Planned water shutdown - Whangamatā 
As part of planned work in your area, a temporary water shutdown will be required on Monday 1 September from 9am to 1pm: Hetherington Road and parts of Beach Road, Whangamatā.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Slower SH25 speeds outside Coromandel schools 
NZTA is getting very close to getting the Variable Speed Limits (VSLs) outside schools implemented on State Highway 25, bringing a variety of speeds down to 30km/h during drop off and pick up times.
The schools involved are Tapu, Te Rerenga, Tairua, Whangamatā, Te Puru, Whenuakite and Ōpoutere schools. It is expected that most of these VSLs will be in place in late August/early September 2025.
Have your say on State Highway speeds
Find out more Have your say
Thames Water Main Upgrades 
The Thames Water main replacementS on Parawai road and Pollen Street are now complete.
The Ngāti Maru Highway (SH25) water main replacement is scheduled to begin on Monday 8 September.
Any required water shutdowns will be planned in advanced and affected residents and businesses will be notified.
Thank you for your patience while we carry out this work.
Find out more
Hauraki Māori Business Awards 2025 
Nau mai, haere mai ki te Hauraki Māori Business Awards. There’s only 1 week left to enter your business — make sure you don’t miss out!
Where: Silver Fern Farms Events Centre, 44 Stanley Avenue, Te Aroha
When: Friday 17 October 2025 | Doors open 5.30pm
Enter now or come along and celebrate!
Find out more
Te Kooti Whenua Māori – last Information Seminar
Our Council is working with Te Kooti Whenua Māori (Māori Land Court) to deliver a series of information seminars presented by Pae Manawa Maria Graham. These sessions are designed to help you better understand Māori Land Court processes, review application pathways and requirements, and learn how to complete your application correctly.
This will be the final workshops and will guide you through Trust Applications & Trustee Duties.
When: Friday 26 September 2025, (9:30am – 12:30pm)
Where: Council Chambers, 515 Mackay Street, Thames.
The Artbeat Spring Festival is back for 2025 
The Artbeat Spring Festival is launching on Friday 5 September, at 12:15pm at St George's Church, with ukelele legends The Nukes kicking it off.
The Coromandel Artbeat Spring Festival is a lineup of creative events all over the Coromandel and runs for 3 months each year from September to December.
Find out more Check out other events in our district
Kiwi SA Expo 
Celebrate the shared heritage of New Zealand and South Africa at the KiwiSA Expo in Thames on 6 September 2025. Explore all five main heritage sites, enjoy South African and Kiwi food and music at the Saturday Morning Market, and catch the Springboks vs All Blacks Test Match live!
Find out more Check out other events in our district
Join our team
We offer a diverse range of career opportunities.
Our current job vacancies are:
If you are interested in working for us and there are no current vacancies that fit your skill set and knowledge, please head to our website and register an expression of interest.
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