UPDATE: Sunday 23 August - there is no visible sign of diesel fuel this afternoon following a discharge yesterday from a private property at Ngarimu Bay that entered the Firth of Thames via the stormwater system. Waikato Regional Council had expected the forecast rain as well as wave action to dissipate the diesel with minimal environmental effect.
Published on 13 July 2026
Over the next two weeks people in Whangamatā may notice teams working to repair streetlights damaged during a recent lightning storm.
The 5 July lightning strike damaged the main power grid and several streetlights. Since then, Council teams and contractors have been busy working to repair faults to the grid.
Now work begins to identify damaged streetlights in Achilles Avenue, Graham Street, Bellona Road, Ocean Road, Otahu Road, Tamaki Road, Leander Road and Philomel Road.
There may be some minor traffic management in place as work is carried out but no power outages or road closures are expected during this time.
The work is expected to take about two weeks, subject to replacement part availability.