Tough Choices decisions, Govt roading boost, project updates and more
Published on 29 May 2026
Decisions made on Tough Choices consultation
Council has now made decisions following community feedback on the Tough Choices for Lower Rates consultation — and your input has helped shape the outcome.
More than 900 submissions were received, with strong support for balancing affordability while maintaining essential services. Key decisions include keeping current mowing and gardening services, changes to transfer station hours, and adjustments to fees, charges and rates remissions.
These decisions will help inform the final 2026/27 Annual Plan, with a few elements still to be confirmed.
Read the full summary of decisions
Kings’ Birthday kerbside services and transfer station hours
Due to the King's Birthday weekend holiday, kerbside collections will take place a day later next week. You can check
Check out your kerbside recycling services and your refuse and recycling transfer station hours.
Full list of bin days here
Dog registration opens Monday
Dog registration for the 2026/27 year opens this Monday, and we’re encouraging all dog owners to get in early.
From Monday, you’ll be able to register your dog for the first time or renew your existing registration. Renewals can be completed online, making the process quick and easy, including payment.
Please note Council offices will be closed on Monday for the public holiday. If you’re registering a dog for the first time, you can visit one of our offices from Tuesday, and our team will be happy to help.
Make sure you complete your registration before 1 August to avoid late payment penalties.
Find out more and register from Monday
Whangamatā Stormwater Improvement Project: Hetherington Road update
Our contractor, Schick Civil Construction, continues to make solid progress on the Hetherington Road stormwater upgrade despite a number of challenges, including unexpected underground utility conflicts.
The stormwater upgrade works have been largely completed up to the Rutherford Road intersection. Crews are currently waiting on suitable conditions to complete surfacing works (anticipated around now, subject to weather and timing).
On Monday 11 May, unmarked services were discovered at the edge of the Rutherford Road intersection, crossing the stormwater alignment. Due to its depth, these services must be relocated before the stormwater pipe installation can proceed. The relocation process is expected to take some time.
To minimise delays, Schick has adapted its approach by “leap-frogging” this section and continuing work toward Port Road. As a result:
We’d like to acknowledge the Schick team for their proactive, safe and solutions-focused approach in keeping this project moving forward under challenging conditions.
Find out more about this project
Entries open soon: Claymark Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards 2026
Excitement is building as entries open on Monday 1 June for the Claymark Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards, recognising outstanding local businesses across the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki districts.
Entries close Friday 31 July.
The 2026 awards will celebrate a wide range of businesses - from start-ups and family-run enterprises to established employers, growers, retailers, tourism operators, service providers, and Māori-led organisations - highlighting those driving innovation, supporting communities, and contributing to a strong regional future.
Delivered biennially by Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel District Councils, and supported by an exceptional group of sponsors, the awards showcase the best of what our districts have to offer.
Find out more
Project and roading updates
Wharf Road Colville partial closure: Tuesday 26 May to Saturday 25 July
Wharf Road, 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.
Whitianga Run Fest traffic management: Saturday 30 May
Parts of Whitianga will be under traffic management (stop/go or footpath closures or caution alerts) while Whitianga Run Fest takes place from 8.30am to 1.30pm.
Joan Gaskell Drive roundabout works underway: Friday 22 May to Thursday 30 July
Work is underway on a new roundabout and road upgrades on Joan Gaskell Drive in Whitianga, with construction running from until 30 July 2026.
The project includes a new roundabout, kerb and channel upgrades, resurfacing, stormwater improvements, as well as footpath and lighting works to improve safety and traffic flow in the area.
Most of the work will take place under night‑time road closures (Sunday to Thursday, 9:30pm–6:30am), with detours in place for traffic travelling to and from the Whitianga CBD. During the day, the road will remain open under shoulder closures.
If you’re driving this route, please plan ahead and allow extra travel time while the work is underway.
11,000 native plants enhance Pāuanui dunes in community effort
More than 80 volunteers came together over two days to plant 11,000 native dune plants at Pāuanui - a powerful show of community spirit and care for the coast.
This planting marks a major milestone, with Council’s Coastcare programme working in partnership with the Pāuanui Dune Protection Society to rebuild over 1.3km of dunes damaged by recent storms and restore nearly 900m of coastline. Years of erosion have been turned into an opportunity to strengthen the dunes using natural processes, helping create a resilient system that protects homes and infrastructure, supports native wildlife, and enhances the beach for everyone to enjoy.
The work also signals the completion of the final major dune rebuild currently planned, alongside significant progress at the north end where weed-infested areas have been reshaped and replanted. Council has supported this through funding, technical expertise, and coordination, working alongside a passionate and committed local community.
With only one small section remaining, the focus now shifts to ongoing care: from infill planting and fencing to weed control and access improvements - ensuring these restored dunes continue to thrive.
A huge thank you to the Pāuanui community and all involved - this is what partnership and collective action can achieve.
Last chance, local businesses - tell us how you're going and be in to win
If you own or manage a business, we want to hear from you. Our 2026 Business Survey closes this Sunday 31 May.
If you haven’t filled it out yet, there’s still time to make your voice count.
In just 5–10 minutes, you can tell us what’s happening in your business - what’s working, what’s not, and where support could help.
Complete the survey before midnight this Sunday and you’ll also go in the draw to win:
- A fantastic 3-month advertising package on CFM radio
- $150 petrol vouchers (two available)
Your feedback means a lot to us. It helps to shape the planning and support that impact local businesses across Thames-Coromandel.
We'd love to hear from you, so don't leave it too late.
Take the survey now