Decision time for local government reform, plus arts funding available

Published on 31 July 2026

Simplifying Local Government reform proposal goes to Council

Our Council’s proposal for local government reforms goes up for consideration, debate and decision on Tuesday 4 August in an extraordinary Council meeting (no public forum). 

After much work by elected members and Council staff, and a great deal of public feedback, our Simplifying Local Government Working group of Councillors and Mayor Peter Revell, supported by staff, identified a draft Waihou-Piako-Coromandel (formerly called "East Waikato") proposal as the preferred option for Council’s consideration, over the Greater Waikato and North Bay of Plenty options that were also put to the community for feedback.

If Council decides on Tuesday to submit this as a proposal under the Central Government’s Head Start reform process, we will continue to work with partner councils (Hauraki and Matamata-Piako district councils) to finalise the Head Start proposal for submission by the Government’s deadline of 9 August. 

The extraordinary Council meeting is:

Tuesday 4 August 9am, Council Chambers, 515 Mackay Street, Thames

Catch the meeting livestream

Read the report to Council & the draft Head Start proposal

Find out more about our community engagement

Calling all local artists and creative groups

Got a creative idea you’ve been itching to bring to life? Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme are open on Monday 3 August, with funding available for arts projects across our district. 

You can apply for projects taking place between 1 October 2026 and 1 October 2027, but don’t wait - 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 here

Is your business award-worthy? Final entries and nominations close tonight

Time is running out! Entries and nominations for the Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards close at midnight, Friday 31 July.

This is your chance to showcase the achievements, innovation and people that make the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki districts such vibrant places to live, work and do business.

If your business has a story worth sharing, now is the time to step into the spotlight. Businesses can enter up to two award categories, providing an excellent opportunity to gain recognition and celebrate the team behind your achievements.

You can also nominate an outstanding business or individual for the People's Choice Award or Service to Business Award.

Find out more here

What could the Coromandel Peninsula look like in 30 years' time?

That's the big question behind Imagine Coromandel Peninsula, Council’s big-picture plan for the future of the Coromandel Peninsula. 

As our communities grow and change, we need to think about the opportunities and challenges ahead. From housing and transport to protecting the environment, preparing for natural hazards and supporting thriving communities, we're asking people what matters most for the future of the place we call home. 

The response so far has been fantastic, with strong engagement through our online feedback form, interactive map and our programme of community conversations. We've already received a wide range of ideas, local insights and community perspectives from people across the district. 

It's great to hear directly from locals about the places they love, the challenges they see, and their aspirations for future generations.  We've held in-person sessions held in Colville, Tairua, Pāuanui and Thames, and we have more coming up:

Every conversation, comment and pin on the map helps build a clearer picture of what our communities want for the future.

Find out more here

Tairua Coastal Protection survey

If you live or own property or a business in the wider Tairua area – from Sailors Grave, Tairua town, down to Pāuanui and Hikuai – we want to hear from you. Take part in our survey to share your experiences of how recent severe weather has affected your daily life, health, wellbeing, working life or business.  

Your feedback will be important in exploring fair, affordable ways to fund potential coastal protection.  

As well as a survey for people who live or own homes in the area, there’s an additional survey for business owners. 

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete, and is open until Thursday 13 August.  Paper copies are available at Tairua Library.   

Many thanks for your help in informing future planning. 

Take the survey now

Join the Onemana planting day

Coastcare and the Onemana Beach Care Group invite you to help restore the dunes at Onemana North End Reserve by planting native spinifex along the coastline.

With planting holes prepared in advance, this will be an easy, hands-on morning focused on getting plants in the ground and supporting the health of our coastal environment. After planting, stay and enjoy a hot drink and a BBQ with fellow volunteers.

Where: Onemana North End Reserve (meet in front of the homestead)

When: 9.30am, Tuesday 4 August 2026

What to bring: Covered footwear, warm clothing, a rain jacket, water bottle, gardening gloves (optional)

All planting equipment will be provided, and lunch, baking, BBQ and refreshments will be available.

RSVP to samantha.telfar@tcdc.govt.nz or les@lesfleming.com.

If weather conditions require postponement, participants will be notified by email and via the Coastcare Waikato Facebook page. The postponement date is Tuesday 11 August.

Come along, get your hands sandy, and help care for our coast. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Speed review on State Highway 25

NZ Transport Agency has opened a consultation on proposals to change speed limits throughout the Waikato.

State Highway 25 at Te Rerenga, Whenuakite, and Moewai Road/South Highway West are among locations being considered for slower speed limits.

Find out more here

See other local roading updates here

Rates rebate support

Check out whether you might be eligible to apply for a rates rebate up to $830 from Te Tari Taiwhenua | the Department of Internal Affairs for this financial year.  

Rebates depend on your income, your dependants and the amount of your rates. To apply you need to be the legal ratepayer and the property has to be your residence (not used mainly for business or farming purposes). 

Application forms are online now. You can start applying as soon as you receive your rates bill.  

To support people to apply, we’re offering help clinics: 

Thames: 10—14 August, Thames service centre. 

Phone 07 868 0200 to book an appointment. 

Tairua: Tuesday 11 August 9am—4pm, Tairua Library. No appointment needed. 

Pāuanui: Wednesday 12 August, 9am—12noon, Pāuanui Community Hub, 23 Centreway. No appointment needed. 

Coromandel Town, Whitianga and Whangamatā offices – any time during office hours until 30 June 2027.

Find out more here