Weekly wrap up: Welcoming new elected members & reflecting on 2024/25

Published on 31 October 2025

Thames-Coromandel welcomes new term's Elected Members

Thames-Coromandel’s new Mayor, Councillors and Community Board members have been formally welcomed to their roles at a swearing-in ceremony at Thames War Memorial Civic Centre. 

After a mihi whakatau (ceremonial welcome) led by Ngāti Maru’s Wāti Ngamene and Korohere Ngapo, Mayor Peter Revell, our 10 Councillors and 20 Community Board members were celebrated in today’s ceremony shortly before the new Council held its inaugural meeting. 

The event formalises the finality of this year’s local election, which resulted in seven fresh faces elected to the Council and four returning. 

Mayor Peter Revell was presented with the mayoral chains and sworn in to the role after having served Council last term as a Councillor and before that as a Thames Community Board member.  

Shortly after election results were announced, Mayor Peter said he wanted our Council to serve with integrity, transparency, and a shared focus on delivering the outcomes our residents and ratepayers expect and deserve.   

At today’s ceremony, Mayor Peter said: 

“My hope – and indeed my strong belief – is that as we work together, remembering why we stood and why we have been chosen by the voters in our District, that we will deliver on a better future and a unified future for the Thames-Coromandel district.” 

New Councillors Michael Barlow, Robert Ashman, Tony Brljevich, Flemming Rasmussen, John Freer, Alison Smith and Greg Hampton were also sworn in.  

They join re-elected Councillors Robyn Sinclair, Martin Rodley and John Grant, who Mayor Peter has already appointed Deputy Mayor. 

Mayor Peter added a special welcome to Cllr Barlow, our district’s first Māori ward Councillor. 

“I want us all to fully embrace the chance to learn, to share, to foster and to grow from our partnership.” 

Mayor Peter said keeping rates increases as low as possible was his, and Council’s, immediate priority and he would work towards “making, smarter, sometimes harder to live with, decisions over the next year”. 

“I appeal to every resident and ratepayer to understand that Council will be needing to say ‘no’ to projects and initiatives as we strive to bring these increases under control. Of course, we will be saying ‘yes’ as well but our priority is to control rate increases.” 

Mayor Peter said he was convinced of a brighter future and hopeful of building a Council that our communities can trust to keep things moving forward in the right direction. 

All Councillors, except Barlow who represents Te Tara o Te Ika Māori Ward, also serve on their local Community Board. 

Community Board members were sworn in following Mayor Peter and our district Councillors. 

Once formalities were over, our Elected Members enjoyed a break and refreshments before Mayor Peter and Councillors met for their first Council meeting. 

The meeting agenda included an overview of the main legislation that our elected officials must be aware of and follow; the confirmation of Councillor John Grant as Deputy Mayor; a note that the new committee structure will be formally adopted at the next Council meeting on 25 November; adoption of the Council and Community Board meeting schedule for the rest of 2025; the appointment of representatives to external committees such as the Waikato Land Transport Committee; and the appointment of representatives to portfolios of some Council activities. The portfolios are designed to align with Council’s strategic priorities and reflect the diverse needs of our communities. 

Our Council will next meet on 25 November and Community Boards will meet the week of 10 November. 

All our Council and Community Board meetings are recorded and available to watch on our website. Agendas are published at least two working days before meetings here here, where you can also find video links to watch meetings remotely.  

The last item was the adoption of the 2024/25 Annual Report. See more on the report below. 

Our 2024/25 year in review: What did we deliver?

The 2024/25 financial year brought challenging economic conditions for our district’s businesses and communities, while also driving cost increases for Thames-Coromandel District Council. Despite the challenges, our Council had a year of relative stability after several years of disruption.

That’s a big part of the picture the Council’s Annual Report for 2024/25 paints. Council adopted the independently audited report today in its inaugural meeting.

Every local government in New Zealand must prepare and adopt an audited annual report every year. Our Annual Report details how we did on delivering the services and projects for the year – and whether we kept to budget - compared to what we set out to achieve as stated in the Long Term Plan 2024-2034.

“We’ve had the time and space to complete much of our 2023 cyclone recovery work, and to focus on getting back to delivering our business as usual,” says our Council’s Chief Executive Aileen Lawrie. “This, at its heart, is about looking after our communities – providing the leadership, infrastructure, facilities and services that help our communities thrive and adapt to changing circumstances.”

Our year focussed on:

• Repairing and maintaining roads
• Upgrading water services in line with new government requirements
• Collecting rubbish and recycling
• Maintaining our well-loved parks and reserves
• Building capacity within our communities to cope with adverse events

We also ran three major and overlapping consultations, each with their own legal requirements around the timing and the process that added time and cost. We asked for community input to help Council make decisions on:

• Summer waste collection services on the east coast (as part of the 2025/26 Annual Plan process)
• Our rating system
• The future delivery of our three waters services (part of the government’s Local Water Done Well reforms)

“The past year has seen many reforms coming through from central government that will have lasting impact on communities. We’re calling this the Reform Storm,” says our Chief Executive Aileen. “Many of these processes have been on tight timetables and we have done our best to engage constructively with the government via submissions and various forums.” Besides the Local Water Done Well, the reforms include changes to:

• Resource Management Act
• Building Act
• Local Government Act

These are our Council’s main guiding legislation, directly affecting what we do and how we do it.

A focus on cost control and delivering within budgets contributed to our strong financial performance. Our Council maintained a relatively balanced budget, despite the drop in our development-related revenue due to challenging economic conditions.

And the focus on our project management processes has shown marked improvement in our project delivery from previous years. At the year’s end on 30 June 2025, we had delivered a higher percentage of projects than previous years and have several multi-year projects contracted for delivery.

For more information on the Annual Report, go to www.tcdc.govt.nz/annualreport2025

Ferry service makes a splash in Coromandel

The first weekend of the Auckland-to-Coromandel ferry trial had Coromandel Town humming over Labour Weekend. Departing from Auckland’s Viaduct and arriving at Hannaford’s Wharf near Coromandel Town, the service drew a great mix of overseas tourists and local visitors to the peninsula.

Jennifer Ashman, Chair of the Coromandel-Colville Business Association (CCBA), said the town and surrounding areas were “filled with visitors,” and the ferry’s return was a welcome boost. Both locals and visitors are enthusiastic about the service, and there’s strong support to keep the momentum going.

About the service:
Explore Group is running the ferry as a summer trial through until April. The initial schedule includes:

• Friday evening express service
• Saturday and Sunday departures

A shuttle bus, included in the ticket price, connects Hannaford’s Wharf with Coromandel Town, and an onward service to Whitianga is also available. Passengers are encouraged to use the shuttle as parking at Hannaford’s is very limited. The inaugural sailings were busy, and demand is expected to grow as summer approaches - book early to avoid disappointment. The scenic ride connecting Auckland and Coromandel by sea is an experience not to be missed!

Find out more

Support for Matarangi multi-sport facility proposal

A proposal to convert one of three Council-owned Matarangi tennis courts into a multi-use sports facility, providing predominantly for netball and basketball, has received significant support.

The proposal 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.

From 22 September to 10 October our Council carried out its own survey and received 234 responses.  

Of these, 197 were in support of the proposal compared to 25 who were not and 12 who were unsure. 

Our Council would like to thank all of those people who took part in the survey. We will now aim to work with the local community in their quest to fundraise and support them with grant applications. 

Matarangi has six tennis court facilities. This includes three Council sites that offer five tennis courts and one pickleball court. The other three tennis court facilities are not Council-owned. 

Find out more

Hetherington Road Stormwater update

 

State Highway temporary closures

Short, temporary closures of parts of State Highways 25 and 25A have started and with another starting 10 November to allow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to carry out vital work to improve these key roads. Neither of the road closure periods will overlap. Waka Kotahi has worked hard in its planning to ensure there will be minimum disruption possible. Both sets of road upgrades will be finished well ahead of the peak holiday period.

SH25 Boundary Creek replacement progressing well

Works being carried out at Boundary Creek, north of Te Mata, to replace the bridge are progressing well. The old concrete bridge deck has been demolished and removed from site with help from a 400 tonne crane set up straddling the road. 

SH25 is closed at Boundary Creek Bridge, north of Te Mata, for seven days from 5am on Wednesday 29 October as NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi contractors demolish the old deck and install the new one.    

They are using a prefabricated bridge deck and work extended hours to keep the closure to the shortest possible time. Access will be maintained for all businesses and properties along SH25 up to the bridge from the north and the south, but no through traffic will be possible during this time.  

To get to locations north of the bridge, including the Waikawau boat ramp, use SH25A and the eastern section of SH25 via Tairua and Whitianga. For those heading south from northern Coromandel, it will be the reverse.     

Please avoid the 309 and Tapu-Coroglen Roads if you’re towing or driving a heavy vehicle.  

Find out more

Please note: Kerbside collections in the areas affected by the SH25 closure – the Thames Coast, Coromandel Town and the Rural North - will take place on the usual days. However, the time of the day of collections may vary. Please put your bins out by 7.30am and be patient while our contractors service your area.  

SH25 Moana Anu Anu, Whangamatā bridge closed

Moana Anu Anu Bridge on State Highway 25 south-west of Whangamatā is closed to all traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists, now until Tuesday 9 December (weather dependant).

The closure runs 24/7. 

The detour through Whangamatā uses Mayfair Avenue and Martyn Road, adding only a few minutes to normal journey times. 

The closure is so that urgent repairs can take place to the bridge, including a full deck replacement, new safety barriers and resurfacing.

SH25A daytime closures: 2 weeks from 10 November

A reminder from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi that SH25A will be closed from Kōpū to near Hikuai for two weeks from 10 November, Monday to Saturday 8am-5pm.

Major rebuilding is needed at two steep and narrow locations, that can't be done safely with traffic flowing.

The 8am closure points will be at each end of SH25A, at Kōpū and near Hikuai. Any vehicles on SH25A by 8am will get through, although there may be delays.

The highway will be open in the evenings after 5pm under stop-go.

The detour using SH25/SH2/SH26 adds about one hour to travel time.

Find out more

Kōpū boat ramp free launch period

While SH25 is closed for bridge deck works at Boundary Creek, we’re making it easier for boaties to get out on the water. The Kōpū Boat Ramp and parking facility are free to use until 10 November.

This initiative, in partnership with the Waikawau Boat Ramp Society, means no passes are needed- just launch your boat and park for free during this period.

The ramp has already been buzzing since the works began, so take advantage of this opportunity while access up the coast is limited.

Our local Council road improvements

A reminder that our Council's contractors are also making the most of the drier weather to carry out essential road maintenance and improvements on the district's other (non-State Highway) roads.

These works are timed to get ahead of the busy summer season, helping ensure safer and smoother travel for everyone. We’re working hard to minimise disruptions while addressing areas of the roading network that need attention.

Check out our road resealing schedule for next week

Get ready to experience the Coromandel like never before with Ridge Runner 2025, a trail event that’s more than just a race. 

Halloween at the Library

It’s that spooky time of year again, and our district libraries are getting into the Halloween spirit with some frightfully fun activities for all ages.

Join our Thames and Tairua libraries for a Cluedo-style scavenger hunt! Can you solve the mystery - who did it, with what, and where?

Take on the Monster Scavenger Hunt at Mercury Bay Library and see if you can find the creatures lurking among the shelves… if you dare.

When: Friday 31 October

• Thames Library: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Tairua Library: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
• Mercury Bay Library: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Mark your calendar—this is one spooky night you won’t want to miss!

Find out more

Crafternoons at our Thames Library is back

Thames Library is excited to bring back Crafternoons for Term 4 — six weeks of fun, creativity, and hands-on learning.

Starting Wednesday 5 November, 3:30pm – 4:30pm.

Each week features a different craft activity.

Bookings are essential.

Contact Thames Library to secure your spot. 

See more

PLNZ Community Impact survey 

What do you love about your local library? Public Libraries New Zealand’s Community Impact survey helps public libraries like ours understand what you value about the services and activities we offer. 

The survey is open until 5 December. 

Take the survey

Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations closures

Pāuanui Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station (RTS) will be closed on Tuesday 4 November to carry out maintenance that unfortunately can’t take place while the site is open. The nearest alternative site is Tairua RTS which will be open all day to its standard hours 8.30am – 5.30pm.  

The Whitianga Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station will be closed to public on Monday 3 November and again on Monday 10 November to conduct some site work. The proposed closures are weather dependent. 

Our other nearby transfer stations at Tairua (Red Bridge Road) and Matarangi (Matarangi Drive) will be open and available to the public. Opening hours of those sites are 8.30am – 5.30pm. 

We apologise for any temporary inconvenience these closures may cause. 

Check RTS hours and locations

Stormwater improvements at Kuranui Bay Reserve

Our Council will be carrying out stormwater improvement works at Kuranui Bay Reserve this November, weather permitting. The project involves minor earthworks to reshape stormwater swales and improve drainage in the area.

While the work zone will be fenced off, the rest of the park will remain accessible to the public. The initial phase is expected to take around three weeks, depending on weather conditions. Once complete, the area will be temporarily re-grassed, with further planting planned for late autumn/winter 2026.

Key improvements include:

• Re-forming stormwater swales to improve flow
• Replacing grated manhole lids with safer scruffy dome lids
• Relocating existing OiOi plants from the base to the sides of the swale near the carpark

These upgrades will help manage stormwater more effectively during heavy rainfall, allowing water to discharge safely to the northern end of the beach and reducing upstream accumulation around road cesspits.

Thank you for your patience while we carry out these important works.

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 receivedat 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

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