TCDC plans to aim for net-zero emissions, dog Red-gistrations and more

Thames-Coromandel District Council is a step closer to establishing a goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

On Thursday, our Council’s Sustainability and Community Resilience Committee was presented with a proposed Climate Change Strategy and proposed Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan. Both plans aim at better futureproofing the district. 

The Climate Change Strategy sets a net-zero emissions target for 2050 and includes adopting a greater risk management approach, alongside programmes for climate change adaptation and mitigation. It also recognises the impacts of climate change on the district and on Māori as well as many potential opportunities from working with a collaborative approach. 

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan, which ties in with the Climate Change Strategy, identifies our Council’s emission volumes and how much these need to be reduced to meet long-term reduction goals. 

Some of the most effective ways of doing this are by continuing to move our Council’s vehicle fleet to electric and continuing our Water Conservation Programme of leak detection. This was broken down into three-yearly targets and would achieve zero-net emissions incrementally. 

The interim targets acknowledge the potential upcoming changes to Council’s future water services delivery as part of Local Water Done Well. It was noted that this is a matter that will need to be worked through with relevant parties once there is more clarity around who will be providing future water services for Council. 

The committee approved both documents. 

The Climate Change Strategy and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan will now be recommended to our Council at its 5 August meeting for adoption. 

On Wednesday 4 June, Community Response Groups across Thames-Coromandel District took part in our first district-wide emergency response activation exercise. 
 
The scenario was based on a severe weather event with heavy rain and flooding, giving communities a chance to practice their response plans and skills. 

Nearly half of our 43 community groups took part, with 22 involved in the exercise. It was a great opportunity for teams to practise real-life disaster responses and strengthen coordination. 

Thanks to recovery funding, our Council provided each community with resilience kits to help set up Community-Led Centres in each community and Civil Defence caches in Whangamatā, Coromandel Town, Thames and Whitianga. These kits include essential items like handheld radios, Starlink units and generators – all important for staying connected during an emergency. 

As part of the exercise, each community tested how they would activate on their own and set up communications using Starlink and/or radios, checking they could link back to our Council’s emergency coordination team. 

This hands-on approach builds confidence, capability and capacity, helping communities respond and recover faster in future emergencies. It’s also a great way for our Community Response Group volunteers to connect and learn from each other. 

Participants said they enjoyed the experience and learned valuable lessons, with new members gaining insight and experienced volunteers building on their knowledge. 

Pamela Balt, our Community Resilience Coordinator said, “Our community response groups are incredibly committed. I’m so grateful for the time and effort these volunteers put in.”  

She added, “Their dedication has shown through not only in this exercise, but in real events over the years. We’re more prepared and resilient than ever. If anyone’s keen to join their local CRG, get in touch.” 

Our Council would like to thank everyone who took part. Your contribution is helping make our district safer, better prepared and more resilient.  

If you are interested in joining your local Community Response Group, click the link below. 

Sign up here 

Volunteer Week celebrations 2025

Join us next week in Tairua-Pāuanui or Whangamatā for kai, connection, and a chance to celebrate the amazing mahi volunteers do in our communities.

This year’s theme is Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together, recognising the strength and connection volunteers bring to Aotearoa.

Dog registration for 2025–26 is open. Make sure your dog is registered by 31 July to avoid late penalties.

You can register a new dog or renew your registration online, or pop into one of our service centres.

Head to our website and get it sorted today.

Find out more