Council farewells senior staffer Donna Harvey, plus long weekend news
Published on 30 May 2025
Farewell to Donna Harvey, TCDC’s Group Manager Corporate Services
Our Council bid farewell this week to long-standing senior officer Donna Harvey, moving on after 11 years with Thames-Coromandel District Council.
At her final official meeting, the Risk and Assurance Committee meeting on Thursday, Donna was thanked for her work at TCDC first as Finance Manager and then as Group Manager Corporate Services, a senior leadership role.
“I want to publicly thank Donna for her support of the Executive Leadership Team,” said our Chief Executive Aileen Lawrie.
“Donna is the safe pair of hands and she is the one that pulls us into line when we’re heading off a little bit. She’s been a deputy to me, which has been super important to be able to leave the building and know that it’s still going to be here when I come back. She has the confidence of the elected members and I certainly saw that since I’ve been at Council. She’s been a massive advocate of staff and her direct reports acknowledged that in the staff farewell the other day,” Aileen said.
“It’s sort of bittersweet because it’s a loss of 11 years of corporate knowledge but it is really neat to see Donna looking so happy – and I’m sure that has nothing to do with leaving, that’s about the life choice she’s making.”
The committee’s independent Chair, Bruce Robertson, raised a motion to pass a resolution of thanks, “That the Thames-Coromandel Risk and Assurance Committee formally mark and acknowledge the service given the committee by its Corporate Services Group Manager. Donna has been a constant presence and a support for the work of the committee which has been key to enabling the committee to do its work and develop its role.” The resolution was passed unanimously.
“This week has been quite surreal,” said Donna. “I am really sad to be leaving an organisation where everybody is trying to do the right thing, and everybody’s trying to make a difference. In the public, you do hear people being very negative about councils, it’s not easy. But everybody here does come to work to do a good job. Thank you for the nice things you’ve said about me, but I couldn’t do those things without the people that stand beside me and with me.”
Donna is moving to a different region of New Zealand but will be on hand as we go through the independent audit of Council’s finances and services that goes into the Annual Report for the 2024/25 financial year.
King's Birthday long weekend
As we head into the long weekend, our Council wishes everyone a safe and restful break.
Whether you’re coming here for a visit, heading away or staying close to home, take care on the roads, look out for each other, and enjoy all our beautiful district has to offer.
Drive to the conditions, allow extra time for travel, and if you're out exploring, make the most of the fresh air and stunning scenery.
Stay safe and we’ll see you back next week, ready for whatever’s ahead.
Our Council service centres are closed on Monday (including the AA desk), as are our District Libraries and Thames Centennial Pool.
Our 24/7 call centre is available the full long weekend.
Long weekend Kerbside collection
Kerbside collections: There are no kerbside collections on the King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday 2 June. Collections for that Yellow week (food waste, glass, recycling) will be a day later than usual. Check your local calendar at tcdc.govt.nz/bindays
Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations: will be open as usual on the holiday Monday, from 8.30am-4.30pm. Find out where your nearest station is at tcdc.govt.nz/rts.
For any queries, please contact our friendly Customer Services Team.
Soft plastic recycling
We’re pleased to announce that from 1 June, WM New Zealand will be taking over the collection and management of the soft plastics recycling initiative in our district.
A big thank you to Smart Environmental who were integral in helping Council and the Packaging Forum bring this service to our communities.
There are now 16 collection sites in the district to recycle your soft plastics. For all the details of what, where and how to deposit your soft plastics, visit our web page Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme | TCDC.
For more information on the scheme nationally please visit Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme | Home.
Kōpū Boat Ramp free day passes extended
Fancy a day out at sea over the holiday weekend? It’s easier than ever off Kōpū Recreational Boat Ramp.
Due to popular demand we’ve extended our free day pass offer till 30 June. So far, we’ve had over 200 passes collected from Early Bird Bait & Tackle, Hunting and Fishing Thames or our Thames Council service centre.
Get in quick – passes are valid until 30 June only. Happy boating!
Find out more
Volunteer Week celebrations 2025
Volunteer Week is less than a month away, and our Council would love to invite you to a special celebration near you.
Register here to secure your spot
Coastal restoration and rewilding – Matarangi
Together, we're restoring the Coromandel’s coast – starting in Matarangi – to improve dune health, increase native habitat and build resilience to erosion and climate impacts.
Beginning in June 2025, sections of the dune front will undergo transformation over the coming years through foredune planting and rewilding efforts - this includes halting mowing, planting native species, controlling weeds and pests and reshaping the dunes.
Our restoration programme will:
- Rewild backdunes by reducing mowing to let nature take the lead and by planting native flora
- Increase and improve habitat for native lizards, birds and insects
- Support climate adaptation and community resilience
Find out more about this project
Economic Development Survey for local businesses
The Thames-Coromandel District Council’s Economic Development team wants to hear from local businesses. Complete our short survey by midnight, Saturday 31 May 2025, and go in the draw to win a free CFM advertising package.
This is your last chance to share how supported your business feels, your current outlook, and ideas for how we can better support you. It's quick and only takes 5–10 minutes.
Complete the survey here Find out more
Your history, your voice: Help shape Tairua’s heritage offering
Whether you live in Tairua, own a property, or simply love visiting, we want to hear your thoughts on a potential heritage offering – but be quick, the survey closes midnight, Friday 30 May. Developed with the Tairua Heritage Society, this 10-minute survey explores ideas for a future heritage display or facility that celebrates Tairua’s cultural and historical identity, with a focus on iwi involvement, education, interactivity, and community input. Have your say and help shape the future of heritage in Tairua.
Complete the survey here Find out more
Dog registration coming up: Make sure your details are correct
Roading updates
Morrison Road Bridge maintenance work
Starting Friday 30 May, Ventia NZ will carry out important maintenance work on the Morrison Road Bridge, Hikuai, which spans the Tairua River.
To complete this work safely, the bridge will be closed to vehicles during weekdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm for approximately four weeks.
Key information for our community:
• What: Maintenance work including scaffolding installation and general repairs.
• When: Weekday closures from 8:30am to 5:00pm starting Friday 30 May.
• Where: Morrison Road Bridge, Hikuai (over the Tairua River).
• Detours: Use State Highway 25 and Morrison Road (see image)
• Emergency Access: Emergency services will always have access.
• Duration: 4 weeks, subject to weather or other delays.
Traffic management personnel will guide traffic, so please follow their instructions.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these vital works to ensure the bridge remains safe and reliable for years to come.
309 Road reminder
A reminder re the 309 Road: Vehicles over 12.6m long are prohibited from using the road. Recently, longer vehicles have been breaking this bylaw, causing damage which affects the road width and makes it difficult for other drivers. Please respect the law or there will be penalties. The same restriction applies to Tapu-Coroglen Road.
Find out more
Albert Street, Thames, temporary closure
Albert Street will be closed from Wednesday 3 June until Friday 6 June so the stormwater infrastructure can be upgraded.
Road closure will be in place from 8am to 6pm daily, the road will be opened overnight with speed restrictions in place. During the day residents (only) can access the road.
Ngā mihi | thanks for your understanding.
Dogs available for adoption
Opportunities at our Council
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 recruitment portal and register an expression of interest.
