Remembering Chris Lux, last call for People’s Choice vote & arts funds

Published on 21 August 2026

Remembering Former Mayor Chris Lux

The flag at Thames-Coromandel District Council's main administrative building in Thames flew at half-mast on Wednesday, 19 August, as elected members and staff paid their respects to former Mayor Chris Lux.

As his funeral hīkoi made its way through Thames, passing places of significance, many paused to reflect on Chris's contribution to the district. His coffin was carried on a truck from his son James Lux's civil construction company, a fitting tribute from family and community.

Chris served as Mayor of Thames-Coromandel District from 1998 to 2004 and passed away last week at the age of 75.

Current Mayor Peter Revell paid tribute to Chris's leadership, dedication, and service to the district.

"Many will remember Chris's pride in the district and his strong support for local autonomy," Mayor Revell said. "His leadership was characterised by strength and advocacy, guiding the district through significant challenges, including the 2002 Weather Bomb civil defence response."

Beyond local government, Chris was a passionate ambassador for the Coromandel, particularly the beaches, bush and farmland around his beloved Tuateawa. He was also well known through his successful real estate career and continued commitment to governance and community service long after leaving office.

In 2022, Council recognised Chris's longstanding contribution to the district with a Community Service Award.

On behalf of the district, Mayor Revell extended heartfelt sympathies to Chris's family, friends and loved ones, acknowledging a life of dedicated service that touched many in the community.

People's Choice voting closes soon

Time is running out to support your favourite local business in the Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards People's Choice category.

Public voting closes at midnight on Sunday 23 August, so if you haven't cast your vote yet, now is the time!

This year's response has been incredible. We've received a huge number of votes from across our communities, reflecting the outstanding businesses nominated throughout Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel. The level of support has been fantastic to see, and it's clear our communities are passionate about recognising local businesses that go above and beyond.

With so many deserving nominees, selecting a winner won't be easy. However, the People's Choice Awards are exactly that, chosen by the people.

Every vote helps determine who will take home the title of:

People's Choice Thames-Coromandel
People's Choice Hauraki

With one award presented in each district, this is your opportunity to celebrate the businesses that make our communities such great places to live, work and visit.

Whether it's outstanding customer service, community support, innovation, or simply being your favourite local business, make sure your vote counts before voting closes at midnight on Sunday 23 August.

Vote now

Thank you to everyone who has already voted and to the businesses that continue to make Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel thrive.

Calling all local artists and creative groups

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Got a creative idea you’ve been itching to bring to life? Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme are open, with funding available for arts projects across our district.

You can apply for projects taking place between 1 October 2026 and 1 October 2027. Applications close Friday 28 August 2026.

Backed by Creative New Zealand, the scheme supports projects that:

increase access to and participation in the arts
celebrate the diversity of our communities
create opportunities for young people to get involved

Funding can support everything from exhibitions, performances, festivals and workshops to youth arts projects, artist-led community initiatives and projects celebrating local and cultural traditions.

Find out more

Electoral Commission update: Enrol to vote

The Electoral Commission's latest update is now available. Voting in this year's election will be a little different. To vote, you'll need to be enrolled before voting starts.

In August, enrolment update packs are being sent to more than 3.6 million enrolled voters, asking people to check their details are correct. Following recent electorate boundary changes, the pack will also confirm which electorate you're in.

To receive your EasyVote card, make sure you enrol or update your details by 4 October. Your EasyVote card helps make voting quicker and easier.

If you've provided an email address, you'll receive your EasyVote card electronically. If not, it will be posted to you. Don't worry, you can still vote if you don't have your EasyVote card.

Key dates:

4 October: Enrol or update your details to receive an EasyVote card
25 October (midnight): Last day to enrol to vote
26 October: Advance voting begins
7 November: Election Day

Haven't received an enrolment pack? If you didn't receive an enrolment pack in August, you may not be enrolled, or the Electoral Commission may have an old address for you.

You can enrol, check or update your details online at vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56.

Royal Billy Point pontoon, Pāuanui update: A new pontoon should be in place at Pāuanui’s Royal Billy Point boat ramp by Labour Weekend. Funding for the replacement pontoon has been approved, following the damage caused by the storm in January 2026. If all goes to plan, the new pontoon will be manufactured and shipped in time for installing by mid to late October 2026.

Whitianga Wharf pontoon: Construction of the new Whitianga Wharf pontoon is progressing well. From early September, access to the pontoon will be temporarily closed to enable the safe replacement of the existing pontoon and piles. Harbour-based construction work is expected to take approximately two weeks, and we thank users for their patience while these important upgrades are completed. Find out more here >

Waka Kotahi NZTA State Highway update

Transport projects are continuing to progress across the region, with daytime SH2 Karangahake Gorge closures planned from next week, Monday 24 to Friday 28 August and Monday 12 to Friday 16 October to allow rock-scaling work that will improve safety and resilience on this key route. In Tairua, construction of the new SH25 Pepe Stream Bridge is advancing well, with piling underway and the first lane and shared path expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project is also supporting the local economy through accommodation and supplier spending, while improvements are being made to the temporary footbridge following community feedback.

Meanwhile, planned coastal protection work at Kūaotunu has been deferred until next year after an ecological survey identified an active blue penguin nest, ensuring the project can proceed outside the nesting season.