Last call for feedback on water services reforms and our rates review
Published on 09 May 2025
Final chance for feedback on Rating Review and Local Water Done Well
There are still a few days for people to have their say on two big topics before our Council makes a decision.
Our Rating Review proposes to shift rating based on land value to rating based on capital value of property. This is considered to be a fairer approach which is used by about two-thirds of New Zealand councils, but our Council wants to hear what people think.
Local Water Done Well is a Government-mandated reform of our water services. Our Council has to make changes and has researched what changes would best benefit our community. It is asking for feedback on which of two proposed changes our community most prefers.
Each of these are big decisions and will directly impact our communities, which is why our Council is keen to hear from people on what they think it should do.
The opportunity for people to have their say on the Rating Review and Local Water Done Well closes on Monday 12 May and Thursday 15 May, respectively.
People can find lots of information, including video information and Q&A sessions, on the Rating Review and Local Water Done Well on our Council’s website.
More information can also be found at our Council’s libraries and service centres.
Click the picture below to find out more.
Annual Plan feedback
A total of 255 people and organisations have shared their views on whether our Council should reduce its summer kerbside service on the eastern seaboard from twice weekly to once weekly.
The proposal was a key question put to the community as part of preparations for the Annual Plan 2025/26.
Our Council wanted to hear from people whether it should continue with the twice-weekly kerbside collection on the East Coast during peak summer or reduce this service and save money.
Our Council is now going through the feedback before reporting the findings to Councillors and the Mayor when they next meet on 20 May.
The Annual Plan is scheduled to be adopted on 24 June.
The Annual Plan contains budgets and project priorities for the coming year, highlighting any changes from what was in the Council’s 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.
Community Board meetings
Tairua - Pāuanui - Monday 28 April
The Board recommended Council approve a new lease with Experience Pāuanui Incorporated for part of the premises at 21 and 23 Centreway, Pāuanui.
Pāuanui Wastewater Treatment Plant Odour Control
Most work on odour control is complete and operational. The remote-control feature is pending, with contractor invoices awaited for final payment. Renovations for the existing unit were also included.
Paku Footbridge Critical Renewals
Engineering reviews for the Paku Footbridge are complete. Staff are now planning the next phase, which may involve extensive work beyond maintenance.
Tairua Heritage Centre Feasibility Study
The Board is revisiting plans for a heritage centre. A community survey may be used to assess its need and potential location. Staff highlighted the importance of a clear needs assessment and community input.
Whangamatā - Tuesday 29 April
Discretionary Fund Requests
The Whangamatā Community Board reviewed and approved funding requests as follows:
- Ōpoutere Hall United Inc.: $3,000 approved for hall heating.
- Whangamatā Resource Recovery Trust: $628 approved for printing business cards and financial software subscription.
- Whangamatā Arts Collective: $3,710 approved for purchasing a storage container.
Hetherington Road works to proceed for the rising main upgrade. Works for Harbour View Road have been deferred until a later date.
Port Road Public Convenience Update
Staff advised that there were no tenders received for construction of the Port Road Public Convenience, stating the project has been slightly delayed. Staff are currently sourcing a local contractor to commence work on this project.
Dump Station Update:
- An odour complaint was investigated, and no further complaints have been reported.
- The Board raised concerns about the one-way entry to the dump station, which creates difficulties for campervans with discharge ports on the opposite side.
- Staff will investigate the directional layout and any changes made.
Thames - Wednesday 30 April
Thames Community Board voted to allocate the remainder of its discretionary fund to the following initiatives, prioiritising activities for community safety, those benefiting young people and children, and tourism for the town.
- $9,650 for Thames Rangatahi Advisory Panel’s (T-RAP) Rangatahi Summit on 15 August 2025
- $6,130 for construction and installation of a visitor information sign in the shape of a Kauri dam at Thames War Memorial Civic Centre
- $2,755.27 to Thames Air Training Corp to buy a marquee for outdoor training, fundraising and community service events
- $1,792 for Thames Pickleball Club hire of the Jack MacLean Community Recreation Centre
- $1,667 for two Grey Power members to attend a national AGM
- $450 contribution towards a Volunteer Week event on 19 June at Thames Civic Centre.
Coromandel-Colville - Tuesday 6 May
The Coromandel-Colville Community Board meeting was cancelled due to a lack of business.
Mercury Bay - Wednesday 7 May
Plans to progress a new public pier and separate dedicated commercial fishing hub with better parking at Whitianga’s waterfront have been approved by the Board and will go to Council for final approval.
Mercury Bay Community Board met on Wednesday this week to discuss whether or not to go ahead with stages 3 and 4 of the Whitianga Esplanade Redevelopment Project.
Stage 3 includes detailed investigations and specialist assessments of the waterfront and development of a business case. Once that’s completed, the community board would decide whether to proceed to stage 4 – applying for resource consents and drawing up the detailed designs and construction documentation. Stage 5 would be construction.
The plans are:
- New public pier with dedicated commercial fishing hub at the existing wharf
- Retention of the playground, better parking
- Robinson Road Boat Ramp upgrades and overflow parking – do nothing, plans deferred due to funding limitations
The need to develop the Esplanade to cater for growth and address health and safety concerns was noted at the meeting as a long-standing issue for various user groups within the same area.
Cash boost for Whitianga Bike Club
Whitianga Bike Club has been successful in its bid for extra funding.
Mercury Bay Community Board approved the club’s request for $778.76 (plus GST) to cover the costs of roof ventilators for the sites two Portaloos. The Board also approved $138 for servicing the two Portaloos.
The money will come from the Board’s Discretionary Fund.
The Whitianga Bike Park is free to use with the club relying on donations and sponsorship to continue to fund the park’s maintenance and development.
Progress continues at Whitianga’s Refuse and Recycling Transfer Site
Work has started on the site of Whitianga’s new Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station.
Mercury Bay Community Board was updated this week on the project, confirming contractors are establishing themselves on site and starting construction works.
This follows a site blessing ceremony conducted by Ngāti Hei last month.
Construction of the site is on track to be completed by June 2026.
Upgrades progress for local timber tank water reservoirs
The liner at Matarangi was replaced before Christmas and the roof is currently under construction. The roof is expected to be completed and lifted on in the next two weeks.
Whitianga roof repairs will begin in May, it is anticipated that work will be completed by the end of June.
Moanataiari Link Track launched
Thames’ newly reopened Moanataiari Link Track, offering sweeping views over Thames, Tīkapa Moana (the Firth of Thames), and down past the Waihou River to Te Aroha, was launched at the weekend, adding to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for bush walks and nature trails.
The track follows a historic gold mining tramway, passing old mining sheds and relics. Starting at the end of Moanataiari Creek Road end, the track is a 40-minute return walk, or 50-minutes if walkers go over the ridge to connect with the Waiotahi Track.
Officially now part of the Department of Conservation’s network, the track’s restoration was the result of an initiative by local resident Daniel Millar who took the idea to Thames Community Board, who became advocates for the project. A Moanataiari Lookout Group was formed which worked together with the Thames Environmental Alliance to clear the overgrown areas of the old track. Native plants, supplied by Pare Hauraki and The Rewildery, were planted to help restore the area, with Council providing mulch and removing green waste and rubbish.
Explore the Link Track
Dog registration coming up: Make sure your details are correct
Please let us know if your dog has had a:
• Change of ownership
• Change of address (inside or outside our district)
• Change of owner's contact details
• If your dog has passed away
You can do it all online or you can contact our Customer Services team on 07 868 0200, or email customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz.
Stay ahead and keep things hassle-free.
Update your details now
Be a road safety hero
Everyone can be a Road Safety Hero. Road Safety Week (12-18 May) recognises everyone who is working to make our roads safer and support people following crashes - from emergency services to health professionals, transport engineers to school crossing patrols, road workers to community campaigners. It also enables everyone who uses roads to understand how they can take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
During Road Safety Week you can:
- Celebrate the work of people who help to reduce casualties and care for people affected by crashes.
- Speak up for everyone's right to make safe and healthy journeys where they live.
- Join our community of road safety heroes.
How to get involved
Free fatigue awareness sessions
To celebrate Road Safety Week, Eastern Waikato Road Safety Education Advisor Ingrid Le Fevre is raising awareness about driver fatigue and offering free fatigue awareness sessions.
Do your staff drive for work? Businesses can book a free workplace session with Ingrid Le Fevre, Eastern Waikato Road Safety Education Advisor, to learn how to spot fatigue and drive safer. Sessions can be scheduled at a time that works best for your team.
Book now
Call Thames-Coromandel District Council on 07 868 0200.
Projects and updates across the district
Pinnacles Hut and Track closed for upgrades
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is upgrading the popular Pinnacles Hut and Summit Track from 12 May to 21 June.
The hut will be closed while it gets insulation, false ceilings, and double-glazed windows to make it warmer and more comfortable. No public access or bookings during this time.
The summit track will also close 7am Monday to 3pm Friday for boardwalk installation and drainage improvements to help protect against kauri dieback and manage rainwater.
Thanks for your patience while these works are underway.
Find out more
Tairua road closure
Essential road maintenance will take place on Motuhoa Road, Tairua, from Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 May, involving excavation and pavement repairs.
To ensure safety and efficiency, the road will be closed to motorists and pedestrians from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day, reopening outside these times.
Emergency services will retain access throughout, and traffic management personnel will be on-site—please follow their instructions.
These works are weather-dependent and may be subject to change. Thank you for your patience and understanding as Thames-Coromandel District Council and Ventia carry out these necessary improvements.
Road works underway this month
Several roadworks projects are currently underway across the district. Please allow extra time for travel, as traffic management will be in place in the following areas.
Details can be found here
Ruamāhunga Boat Ramp closure
Please be advised that the Ruamāhunga boat ramp is closed for repairs and maintenance until Friday 16 May 2025. During this period, the ramp will be fully inaccessible to the public, with the site fenced off and signage in place for safety.
We encourage you to use the Waiomu boat ramp or the Kōpū boat ramp on the way into town while these works are underway. For more information on alternative locations, please check out our boat ramp locations.
Conserve water notice: Coromandel Town
The conserve water notice for Coromandel Town will remain in place this weekend.
Despite our reservoirs almost recovering from recent storms, forecasted poor weather for the weekend poses another risk to them. We are asking residents in the area to please continue to conserve water during the weekend until this notice can be reviewed on Monday.
Economic Development Survey for Local Businesses
Free day passes for the Kōpū boat ramp
Planning a day on the water? Make the most of the new Kōpū boat ramp with a free day pass, available until 28 May. It’s never been easier to head out for a fish.
Grab your free pass from:
• Early Bird Bait & Tackle
• Hunting and Fishing Thames
• Thames Council reception
Join our team
Our current job vacancies are:
• Group Manager – Corporate Services
• Team Leader – Environmental Health
• Team Leader – Building Inspections
• Library Assistant - Tairua
If you are interested in working for us and there are no current vacancies that fit your skill set and knowledge, please click here to register an expression of interest.
