Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, direction for the Coromandel's future and more

Published on 18 September 2026

Wrap up of Te Wiki

Ake ake ake I Te Reo Māori - A forever language.

As Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) comes to an end, it’s a great time to celebrate the kupu (words), kōrero (conversations) and connections shared throughout the week. But the kaupapa doesn’t stop here.

Te reo Māori belongs in our everyday lives, in our homes, workplaces, schools and communities. Every small step helps keep it growing. If you learnt and used a new greeting this week, practised the pronunciation of a local place name, learnt a new phrase, or encouraged someone else to give it a go, you are helping to support the future of te reo Māori.

Let’s keep using te reo Māori beyond this week, in small everyday ways.

He mana tō ia kupu, every word counts.

Community helps set direction for the Coromandel Peninsula’s future

Thames‑Coromandel District Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee has approved the vision and outcomes that will guide how the Coromandel Peninsula grows and develops over the coming decades.

The decision was made at yesterday’s committee meeting after more than 1000 pieces of feedback were received from communities across the Peninsula during the first phase of engagement on the district-wide spatial plan.

The vision reflects a future where the natural environment is valued, towns and rural areas thrive, people can live and work well, and strong infrastructure supports connected, resilient communities.

People also shared their thoughts on what’s working well today, what needs to change, and the biggest challenges and opportunities ahead.

This feedback will inform the next stage of the project, where several future options, describing how the vision and outcomes for the future of the Coromandel Peninsula could be achieved, will be workshopped with the community to develop a 'preferred future'.

Strong engagement signals success for 2026 Business Awards

The 2026 Claymark Hauraki-Coromandel Business Awards are shaping up to be an event not to be missed, with strong engagement from businesses, sponsors, and the wider community.

This year's awards attracted more than 120 applications, showcasing the diversity of businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of our districts.

Community participation has been equally impressive, with more than 5,500 votes cast in the People's Choice Award, with voters eager to celebrate their favourite local business.

Adding to the excitement, tickets for the Awards Night have sold out within the first week and a half of them being on sale, reinforcing the popularity of the event and the community's enthusiasm for celebrating local business success.

The success of the awards would not be possible without the support of our valued sponsors, whose partnership helps make this event possible.

We extend our sincere thanks to the judging panel, who dedicated significant time and expertise to reviewing more than 120 entries and ensuring a fair and robust assessment process.

As we look ahead to the event, the overwhelming support from businesses and the community demonstrates the important role the Business Awards play in recognising and celebrating the people and organisations that contribute to the prosperity of Hauraki and the Coromandel Peninsula.

Find out more here

Whitianga Esplanade Boat Ramp: Closed from Wednesday 23 - Friday 25 September to allow for maintenance dredging. Find out more >

Royal Billy Point Pontoon update: We are pleased to advise that the replacement pontoon for the Royal Billy Point Boat Ramp has officially been ordered, and the manufacturing process is underway. Find out more >

What's on in the Coromandel: Whitianga Oceans Festival

Whitianga is gearing up for a wonderful waterfront celebration of food, music and local flavours at the 2026 Whitianga Oceans Festival tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. A strong line-up includes Brad Cox, The Western Guide, AutoMatic 80s, Vegas Brown and more.

With fresh seafood, low-and-slow barbecue, local wines, Coromandel gin and plenty of community support behind the event, it’s being billed as a perfect recipe for a memorable day out.

Please note that the Whitianga Esplanade Boat Ramp carpark is closed until Sunday 20 September for the festival. If you’re planning to launch your boat during this time, the Robinson Road Boat Ramp will be the best alternative access point.

To enable the event, the following roads will be closed from 6am until 7pm on Saturday 19 September:

The Esplanade: Closed between the intersections of Monk Street and Blacksmith Lane

Blacksmith Lane: Closed between The Esplanade and Victoria Street.

Find out more about the festival

Check out other upcoming events

Reminder: Dune care events coming up

Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors, meet like-minded people, and help protect our beautiful coastline.

Join the Coastcare team and the Whangamatā Dune Protection Society for dune planting and community working bees throughout September and October. Whether you're a long-time volunteer or keen to lend a hand for the first time, everyone is welcome.

Volunteers will help plant native dune species to support coastal restoration, followed by a hot drink and morning tea.