The latest from Mayor Len, Connector Bus adding stops and roading news

Published on 19 January 2024

The latest from Mayor Len

First of all, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and all the best for 2024. Then I should address issues that have gained media attention already in this very early start to the year.

Firstly, why did the mayor drop an “F” bomb in a reply to an email from a resident? Simple answer and short version. This happened back in July 2023, and was in response to a demand from an individual with a long history of aggressive engagement with council staff. The individual requested I provide them with council staff personal details and home addresses. I said no, but I used what one correspondent called a “technical term”.

The more important conversation here is one we should all be concerned about, and that is the rise of aggressive, threatening, abusive and bullying behaviour towards council staff and elected members. It comes from a very small number of people, who I personally regard as dangerous, and Police have been called on a number of occasions.

Since that July email was released on social media, by someone connected with this individual, I have been overwhelmed with messages of support for standing up against this behaviour. It needs to stop. That’s the real message here, and the use of one “F” word is a side issue and a distraction.

If folks want to get outraged, then let them stand up in defence of our hardworking staff and community board members and councillors who are subject to this abuse too often. I personally have zero tolerance for that behaviour and make no apology for being firm in my response.

Second media issue two weeks into 2024: an “article” published in a local community paper on our Council meeting on Māori wards contained a large number of inaccurate and factually incorrect statements, along with some inflammatory and offensive rhetoric. I wrote an open letter to the publishers seeking corrections and apologies, which (at the time of writing) they will not be publishing, nor my usual column this month. 

Regardless, I continue to have concerns that the inaccurate and anti-council rhetoric, contributes to the issues described in the topic above and has the potential to ignite into more serious threats and action. Giving people licence to dump on a sector of the community is not the way to build a cohesive society.

Now I’ve raised those two issues, it’s worth reflecting on a heap of the good stuff that’s happened over the last 12 months throughout the Coromandel, and there’s plenty of it. Our roads are in good shape, and SH25A is open and pumping, three months ahead of schedule and $7 million under budget, with another $30 million spent on the rest of the Kōpū-Hikuai road.

Businesses are telling me they’re having a good summer and a much-needed economic boost. We’ve managed to get over $8 million in direct cash support for businesses affected by the roads and weather events. The weather this year is behaving (so far).

Our Council staff and our emergency teams have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe, and our Coromandel-Colville Councillor John Morrissey and I have lobbied hard at the Waikato Regional Land Transport Committee to secure several hundred million dollars over six years to rebuild our roading network for future resilience.

Tairua Skatepark and the Kōpū Marine project are on schedule and due to open in April/May. Our 2024-2034 Long Term Plan process remains on track and we will go out to our communities very soon for consultation. This is important work, and we intend to stay focused on delivering the best outcomes that we can in these challenging times. Heading into the weekend, enjoy everything the Coromandel has to offer – good luck to Whangamatā hosting the Mountain Bike National Downhill series this weekend – this is a great coup for the Mountain Bike Park crew. Click here to find out more, or follow Whangamatā Mountain Bike Park on Instagram.

New en-route stops planned for Coromandel Town-Thames Connector

The free Connector Bus trial service between Coromandel Town and Thames is looking to add up to five pick-up stops at main coastal settlements en-route by the beginning of February. 

Currently the minibus service runs directly between the two towns on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The direct service was introduced on 18 December without stops to get the service up and running quickly before Christmas.  

Locations of five new en-route stops are currently being investigated so that they comply with NZTA guidance which includes pedestrian safety, level of disruption to other traffic and visibility distances.  

The response from the public has been positive, with passengers commenting favourably on it. Numbers for the service are picking up with 130 passengers having used it in total over the first four weeks of operation.  

Sixty-four passengers used the service from Coromandel Town in the first two weeks of this year, with a total of 89 using it from Coromandel Town in the first month. 

A total of 41 passengers have used it from Thames in the first month of operation: 15 before Christmas, and 26 in January so far.  

The service was made possible by recovery funding from the Ministry of Social Development after a community survey showed the need for better transport links between the two towns. Medical appointments, visiting shops, pharmacies and banks, and connecting with family/whānau were the main reasons given for using the service.  

The vans hold up to 11 passengers, so please make sure to book your place ahead of time. To book, please text the correct provider shown on the schedule below. Please include your name, the service time and the town you are being picked up from.  

Join stage two of 'The Coromandel Cure' tourism campaign

The first phase of Destination Hauraki Coromandel's Coromandel Cure has wound up, with their reporting showing some great engagement. We’ve always said the region is good for your soul, and now this can be backed by science.  

The final phase, due to launch in the coming weeks, will focus on pushing further awareness and conversion. They are inviting operators to submit their businesses' offerings to entice people to travel here.

Find out how to participate here (including simple marketing tools). By identifying your Coromandel Cure you will leverage the considerable power of this campaign.

And as always, tag #goodforyoursoul when sharing your take on The Coromandel Cure.

Rolling closures on SH25 Ruamahanga, Monday 22 January

NZTA Waka Kotahi advise that State Highway 25 at Ruamahanga north of Thames will be closed for short periods on Monday 22 January to allow for a helicopter to safely operate over the road.

The highway will be closed in both directions for up to 20 minutes at a time between midday and 3pm.

After each 20-minute closure the road will be reopened for approximately 20 minutes to allow traffic to clear before the next closure.

The helicopter lift needs to happen as equipment and materials are urgently required for the important slope stabilisation work happening at SH25 Ruamahanga. This includes drilling holes to allow the installation of soil nails that will help stabilise the slip face.

LTP gears up for public feedback

Our Council is on track to have our proposals for the draft 2024-2034 Long Term Plan (LTP) ready for public feedback in March. In particular, we’ve prioritised the resilience of our district. We’ve taken another look at some of our services, budgets and who pays for these, to ensure they are fit for purpose.

There’s some tough decisions to make and we’ll be needing your help to choose the most responsible path forward.

We’ll have more information on the feedback process and how you can share your thoughts with us closer to the time.

Kerbside collections

Our contractors Waste Management will be working on Auckland Anniversary Day, Monday 29 January, and Waitangi Day, Tuesday 6 February, doing collections so the service will not be affected by the public holidays.

Download your calendar at tcdc.govt.nz/bindays or pick one up from our Council office, library or the information kiosk at Goldfields Shopping Centre.

Our Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations are open 8.30am–5.30pm during daylight saving. If you’re leaving town before your collection day you can drop off your recycling for free or pay $5 for a large 60L plastic bag of rubbish. Visit tcdc.govt.nz/rts

Major Mountain Biking event kicking off in Whangamatā

This weekend is the first round of the Mountain Biking NZ Downhill National Series, which is being held in Whangamatā. From now until Monday, you may notice an influx of bikes to the area. This is the first time we have had a national series in the Coromandel, which is a huge credit to the Whangamatā team who are working hard to pull this off. 

Practice is on Saturday and race day is Sunday. All the details are on the Whangamatā Mountain Bike Park Instagram page. You're welcome to come and watch: the entry will be by foot and shuttle into the forestry, signposted 4km from Ōpoutere and 7km to Whangamatā. The best time to watch will be from 1.30pm on Sunday when the top riders will be racing until 4pm.

Reducing fire risk

A reminder that until at least the end of January, Fire and Emergency NZ’s Restricted Fire Season is in force for the Coromandel with no outdoor fires allowed without permits.

Private fireworks are banned, except for already planned and approved public fireworks displays.

It always pays to visit Checkitsalright.nz for information regarding fire season status in our district, and ways you can keep your property prepared and protected.

Thames Volunteer Fire Brigade are also currently recruiting for new volunteers. Get in touch if you're interested in making a difference.

CILT moves into their new office

Coromandel Independent Living Trust has officially moved into the new office building, located at 150 Pound Street, Coromandel Town.

All of their services can now be accessed within the new location, including information on health and disability services, and funding to enable people to attend hospital appointments in Thames and Hamilton. They also have rooms for agencies not located in the area to hold regular clinics.

They have a computer with free internet access, a high-quality printer and a friendly team of staff to help you out.

Pop in and check out their new space, they're now open Monday to Friday, 9am till 3pm.

CILT, 150 Pound Street, Coromandel Town.

Keep an eye out for Caulerpa

A reminder from Waikato Regional Council, that if you're heading out on the water this summer, be sure to keep an eye out for exotic Caulerpa. 

These invasive, fast-growing seaweeds can smother native species and habitats.

Exotic Caulerpa can be easily spread as small pieces on vessels (anchors and anchor chains) and other marine equipment, such as dive gear or fishing lines.

You can help stop the spread with these simple steps:

✅ When out at sea – before moving locations, check your vessel’s anchor and anchor chain, and fishing/diving gear for any seaweed.
✅ If you find any seaweed – remove it, bag or contain it securely so it can’t get back into the water, and take it ashore for disposal in a rubbish bin.
✅ If you can’t do this (securely contain it so it does not get back in the ocean in a new location) – put it back into the waters it came from.
✅ If you find you’ve picked up seaweed when you’re back at shore, remove it and put it in the rubbish.

Opportunities at our Council

We have an exciting range of opportunities currently being advertised: 

• Asset Management Systems Engineer
• Project Manager - Agile
• Technical Support Officer - Information Technology

At our Council we ensure work-life balance is not just a dream but a reality. We offer an array of staff benefits including: flexible work arrangements, relocation allowance, free parking, sick leave on commencement of employment and more. 

Adoptable dogs  

Sonic and Kunckes are two fun-loving labrador brothers who are looking for a permanent home.

They're about 7 or 8 months old and love being active. They also love pats and cuddles.

If you are interested in adopting a dog, please contact us on 07 868 0200. Once your interest is known a Dog Control Officer will be in contact with you to discuss the adoption and carry out the appropriate checks, this may include a visit to your property.

Please note that some people may not be acceptable for adoptions and that we reserve the right to make decisions on the most suitable homes for any dogs available for adoption.

If your adoption is successful, you will be required to register and microchip the dog prior to taking it home.