Initial results of our local election are expected to be released on the afternoon of Saturday 11 October.
People have until midday to cast their votes via our ballot boxes at any of our Council offices in Thames, Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Whangamatā and also Tairua Library.
Progress results will be provided later that afternoon and our Council will be publishing those results on our website, as well as letting our media partners know.
Progress results are all votes received except for votes hand-delivered on election day morning and special votes.
Results will only be made public after candidates have been contacted and informed.
Preliminary results are expected on the afternoon of Sunday 12 October. These are all votes received except for special votes.
Special Licences Christmas — New Year
Are you planning an event over the Christmas — New Year period that will require a Special Licence for alcohol?
Check out our web pages for your handy guide on when you need a licence and how to go about it.
If you do need a Special Licence, there are some things you need to know:
- We must receive your application(s) by 13 November 2025.
- Special Licence applications must be received at least 20 working days (preferably more) before your event date.
- For large events it's recommended you apply well in advance of the 20 working days.
Late applications won’t be accepted
Click here for a Special Licence application
Win a ShakeOut 'grab bag'
There’s less than two weeks before our national earthquake and tsunami drill ShakeOut hits on Thursday 16 October — when we all need to 'Drop, Cover and Hold'. Are you signed up? If so, we've got some great goodies for you, up for grabs – literally.
Find us on our Facebook page and comment on our giveaway. Post the three-word phrase that you should do an earthquake. You will go in the draw to win one of three emergency 'grab bag' start-up kits with enough goodies to keep you safe for at least two days. (Tip, the answer is in this blurb!)
Goodies include:
- Water bottle
- Pack of cards - for when the powers out!
- Thermal emergency blanket x 2Dry bag (which doubles as a pillow really well)
- Transistor radio/LED flashlight/powerbank and SOS audio alarm
- First aid kit
- Water purification system
- Collapsable water bladder
- Food for two days
- Civil Defence guides for emergency planning
- Emergency contact cards
- Notebook + pen
- Chilly bag
- Shakeout bucket hat
- Keyring floater
Not signed up to ShakeOut yet? Head to www.getready.govt.nz/involved/shakeout to join the rest of us.
Remember, don't be scared - be prepared!
Temporary phone disruption – Tuesday 7 October 2025
Our Council is moving to a new phone system on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
During the short changeover, you may experience longer wait times or dropped calls when trying to reach us.
If you can’t get through, you can:
We appreciate your patience as we make this transition.
Matarangi tennis court conversion survey
Our Council is exploring a proposal to convert one of its Matarangi tennis courts into a multi-use sports facility, providing predominantly for netball and basketball.
The proposal to help reduce barriers to being active has come from the local community following a survey of more than 30 local residents reflecting strong support for the idea. It also has the backing of Sport Waikato, Mercury Bay Netball and Matarangi Residents and Ratepayers Association.
We want to hear from the wider community about what it thinks. People have a week left to have their say via an online survey which closes at 5pm Friday October 10.
Find out more and access the survey here
Holidays on the horizon
Get ahead of the summer and plan your activities with some useful information to help you have a safe and enjoyable summer in our district.
Projects that benefit our community
Hetherington Road stormwater
Work on the Hetherington Road stormwater upgrade in Whangamatā has been paused because a sub-surface power cable needs to be relocated away from our stormwater pipes before our contractor can safely continue.
Powerco’s contractor is scheduled to carry out the cable relocation on Saturday 11 October. Once this is complete, our contractor will remobilize and resume work.
Traffic management will remain in place and a 30 km/h speed restriction will continue to ensure safety in areas with loose gravel.
This stormwater upgrade is part of our Council’s commitment to improving local infrastructure and building long-term resilience in the area.
Find out more about the project on our website
Road improvements and access
Council and our contractors are working hard to make your travel safer and smoother. With the end of winter, our contractors are taking advantage of 'dryer' (or less rain-prone) weather so that they can complete vital road work before the roads get even busier in the summer holidays.
We’re doing our best to avoid disruptions while improving or maintaining parts of the roading network that need attention. We’d be grateful for your patience while this works takes place. Please spread the word to your visitors about taking care on our roads during roads works.
And — just a reminder — NZTA Waka Kotahi is responsible for work on all State Highways, including SH25 and 25a. Council is responsible for the other local roads around our district.
Safe driving!
Network resealing: ongoing
Our annual road resealing programme is now underway. Next week a few streets in Ōpoutere, Whangamatā, Hāhei and Whitianga will be affected. Residents will receive individual letters with details.
This schedule is weather-dependent and may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Keep an eye on our web page for updates.
|
Week Starting:
|
Monday 6 October 2025
|
|
Area
|
Road Name
|
Date Programmed
|
|
Ōpoutere
|
Ōpoutere Rd
|
06/10/2025
|
|
Whangamatā
|
Allan Dr, Sylvia Rd & Mark St
|
06/10/2025
|
|
Whangamatā
|
Achilles Ave & Exeter Rd
|
07/10/2025
|
|
Hāhei
|
Margot Pl, Pa Rd & Te Puia Pl
|
08/10/2025
|
|
Hāhei
|
Dawn Ave, John Spear, Robyn Cres (Eastbound & Westbound)
|
09/10/2025
|
|
Hāhei
|
Hahei Beach Rd
|
10/10/2025
|
| Whitianga |
Simpson Pl & Wharekaho Cres |
10/10/2025 |
Rolleston St. Thames reseal sweeping: car parks closed 9.30 — mid afternoon Monday 6 October
Reseal sweeping will take place on Rolleston Street, Thames, on Monday 6 October (weather dependent).
Car parks in the area will be closed in the morning, with sweeping beginning after 9.30am once school traffic has eased.
Work is expected to be finished by 2pm the same day.
The map shows the areas where car parks will be unavailable during this time.
Port Charles Road bulk metalling: starts Monday 6 October
A heads-up that our contractors Ventia NZ will be carrying out bulk metalling on unsealed sections of Port Charles Road starting Monday 6 October 2025 (weather permitting).
The work should take about two weeks and is essential to strengthen and maintain the road surface for safer travel.
Ventia will start work at the Port Charles and Waikawau Beach turn-off and will be metalling 3.5km of unsealed road from the turnoff.
Traffic will be managed by stop/stop controls, so expect delays. Multiple trucks and trailers will be using the road — please proceed with caution.
Please drive safely and plan for delays. Thanks for your patience.
Little Bay Road improvements: closures Tuesday 7 October - Tuesday 14 October
There will be some road closures in the Little Bay area of northern Coromandel in early to mid October due to our contractors Ventia installing a new culvert and undertaking improvements, such as footpath repairs, ahead of resurfacing of the roads later this summer.
This current weather-dependent work will involve temporary road closures from 1-2 days from 8.30am to 4pm in the following areas at the following times:
- Site 1 - 21: Little Bay Drive (new culvert) – Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 October
- Site 2 – 52: Little Bay Drive Extn (dig out) – Thursday 9 October
- Site 3: 6: Louise Lane (dig out) – Friday 10 October
- Site 4: 3 Louise Lane (dig out) – Monday 13 October
- Site 5: 18 Kayes Crescent (dig out) – Tuesday 14 October
During the road closure times, if residents would like to leave their vehicle parked on the other side of the work site, traffic controllers on site can escort them on foot through the site. Ventia will make allowances for emergency services’ access if required.
Thank you for your understanding while we complete this vital work. The programme of the work should be completed before Labour Weekend.
Ferry Landing car park technical survey: closed Thursday 9 October
Contractors Downer Utilities will be conducting ground penetrating radar survey work on Thursday 9 October 2025 at Ferry Landing car park between 8am and 2pm.
Ferry Landing car park on Pūrangi Rd will be closed during this time. If you're planning to use the car park on that day, please make alternative arrangements for your parking.
This is non-invasive (no digging) work and part of essential underground services investigation.
Thanks for your understanding and co-operation.
More information about the full range of road improvements going on around the district can be found on our road conditions web page.
For the lowdown check out our web page
We offer a diverse range of career opportunities. Our current job vacancies are:
Check out how to join our team at Thames Coromandel District Council