Get involved and share your feedback
It's been a busy time for opportunities to help shape the future of the Coromandel and wider Waikato region. Our Council's Simplifying Local Government Working Group is reviewing the considerable community feedback submitted on local government reform ahead of full Council deliberation. Plus, we're inviting the community to get involved in shaping the long-term vision for the Coromandel as part of our district-wide spatial plan. Also open for feedback: coastal protection options for the Tairua area, proposed speed limit changes on key state highways, the future of the Hauraki Rail Trail, and Sport Waikato's regional facilities planning project. Whether you're a resident, business owner, ratepayer or community group, your feedback will help inform important decisions and future planning:
Local Government Reform
With more than 1300 residents, visitors and ratepayers responding to the survey on Thames-Coromandel local government reform, 54 per cent have indicated support for an East Waikato option.
In addition, over 280 people have attended Community Board meetings to have their say and many more have been sending in comments via emails.
Thames-Coromandel district councillors had previously agreed to three options which also included a North Bay of Plenty option and a Greater Waikato option.
The North Bay of Plenty option which involves Thames-Coromandel joining with the Tauranga and Western Bay councils, received 34 per cent support. The single Greater Waikato option attracted 12 per cent support.
The East Waikato option includes the Hauraki and Matamata-Piako districts. South Waikato was originally indicating support for this option but has since signalled it's moving in a different direction.
The next step is for our full Council to consider the feedback and make a final decision on “Which way to go?” happening at the 6 August meeting.
Local government proposals must be made to Government by 9 August.
More information
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.
We've held in-person sessions held in Colville, Tairua and with Te Korowai's Whānau Day in Thames, and we’re ready for our main Thames event at the Civic Centre this Saturday. It's great to hear directly from locals about the places they love, the challenges they see, and their aspirations for future generations.
And we're just getting started.
There are plenty more opportunities to get involved over the coming weeks, with events continuing to happen across the district.
Thames catch-up
Thames War Memorial Civic Centre
Saturday 25 July
11:00am - 1:00pm
Every conversation, comment and pin on the map helps build a clearer picture of what our communities want for the future.
Find out more, share your ideas and see upcoming events at
www.tcdc.govt.nz/imagine.
Tairua coastal protection survey
Be part of creating Tairua’s future. 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 is affecting your daily life, health, wellbeing, working life or business.
Alongside technical and scientific investigations, your feedback will build a clearer picture of what’s happening on the ground in Tairua. This 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.
Many thanks for your help in informing future planning.
Take the survey now
NZTA speed review on State Highway 25
State Highway 25 at Te Rerenga, Whenuakite, and Moewai Road/South Highway West are among locations being considered for slower speed limits.
NZ Transport Agency has opened a consultation on proposals to change speed limits throughout the Waikato, including these three Coromandel locations:
- SH25 Te Rerenga (east of Quarry Road to south of the Whangapoua Road intersection) – proposal to permanently change the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h
- SH25 Whenuakite (west of Hot Water Beach Road to east of Hot Water Beach Road) – proposal to permanently change the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h
- SH25/South Highway West/Moewai Road (Whitianga) – proposal to install an Intersection Speed Zone to take the speed limit from 80km/h to 60km/h when the electronic sign is activated for a short time.
The proposed changes are expected to have little effect on overall travel times while also improving safety.
The consultation is open until 27 August.
Find out more and contribute your views
Have your say on the future of the Hauraki Rail Trail
We’re seeking feedback from residents, businesses and community members to better understand how the Hauraki Rail Trail is used, the benefits it provides, opportunities for improvement and priorities for the future.
The trail is one of the region's most significant recreation and tourism assets. Together with neighbouring Hauraki District and Matamata-Piako District Councils, we’re working together on a review of the trail and its future direction.
We invite you to take part in this short online survey that takes approximately eight minutes to complete. The survey will be open until Sunday 26 July.
Take part in the Hauraki Rail Trail community survey
Help Sport Waikato support your club
Community sport clubs are at the heart of active Waikato regional communities — bringing people together through sport, recreation, connection and belonging.
As demand for quality spaces to be active continues to grow, Sport Waikato is undertaking a region-wide ‘Spaces and Places’ project to better understand how clubs, schools, councils and communities can work together to make smarter use of existing facilities and unlock new partnership opportunities.
This short 5–7 minute survey will help identify:
- where facilities and partnerships are working well
- where untapped opportunities exist
- what challenges clubs are facing
- and what support could help strengthen the future of community sport and recreation across the greater Waikato region
The insights gathered will help inform future advocacy, funding conversations, regional planning and partnership opportunities - ensuring clubs are part of shaping the future of sport and recreation in the greater Waikato region.
Before you start the survey, you'll need to have available:
- Membership numbers (last five years if possible)
Take the survey
Don't miss the dog registration deadline
Time is running out to register your dog for the 2026/27 year, with all dogs needing to be registered by 31 July.
Renewing is quick and easy online, including payment. If you're registering a new dog, you'll need to visit one of our customer service centres and our team will be happy to help.
Registering your dog by 31 July helps you avoid late payment penalties and ensures your dog's details are up to date if they ever go missing.
Don't leave it until the last minute – get it sorted today.
www.tcdc.govt.nz/dogs
One week to go: Have you entered the Claymark Hauraki-Coromandel Business Awards?
The clock is ticking, with entries and nominations closing on Friday 31 July. Don't miss your chance to put your business in the spotlight and celebrate the people, innovation and achievements that make Hauraki-Coromandel a thriving place to live, work and do business.
Whether you're delivering exceptional customer service, building a great workplace culture, championing sustainability, growing your brand, or creating positive community impact, there's a category that could be the perfect fit.
Businesses can enter up to two categories, giving you the opportunity to showcase your strengths, recognise your team's hard work, and gain valuable recognition.
You can also nominate outstanding local businesses and individuals for the People's Choice Award (one per district) and the Service to Business Award.
Find out more here
Waka Kotahi State Highway 25/SH25A update
Work is progressing well on key SH25 infrastructure projects across the Coromandel. Construction has now moved into its main phase for the Pepe Stream Bridge replacement in Tairua, with demolition of the old footbridge and piling works underway, while traffic on the existing bridge will remain unaffected. Pedestrians and cyclists are using a temporary bridge, and the first lane of the new bridge and shared path are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the full project scheduled for completion in December 2027. A community event was recently held to mark the start of full construction. In other news, stabilisation work on the Kūaotunu Hill underslip has been completed, improving the resilience and safety of this section of SH25 following storm damage earlier this year.
Read NZTA full update here
See other local roading updates here
Hetherington Road, Whangamatā stormwater upgrade project complete
The Hetherington Road Stormwater Upgrade has now been successfully completed, delivering significant improvements to the area's stormwater network and environmental resilience.
As part of the project, approximately 845 metres of stormwater pipe have been upgraded along Hetherington Road, from the marina through to the Port Road intersection. These improvements will help support the network's long-term performance and capacity.
To enhance water quality, a stormwater treatment device has been installed near the marina. This system is designed to capture and remove sediment from stormwater before it enters the estuary, helping to protect the local marine environment.
The project also included the installation of a WaStop non-return valve at the marina outlet. This valve prevents seawater from flowing back into the stormwater network during high tides, reducing the risk of tidal inundation and improving network reliability.
Despite a number of challenges, contractor Schick Civil Construction successfully delivered the project through a proactive and solutions-focused approach, ensuring works were completed efficiently and to a high standard.
Final landscaping works are still to come, with traffic berm replanting scheduled to be undertaken by maintenance contractor Green by Nature in the coming months.
This upgrade represents an important investment in the area's infrastructure, improving stormwater management while helping to protect the surrounding environment. Find out more about this project at www.tcdc.govt.nz/whangastormwater.
Paku Hill, Tairua, water shutdown
Water will be shut down on Paku Hill, Tairua, on the evening of Monday 27 July from 9pm to 12.30am so that essential maintenance can be carried out. The affected properties are on: Paku Dr, Tairua Tce, Pacific Dr, Tirinui Cres, David Mason Ave, Oceana Heights, Margaret Wells Ave, Motuhoa Rd and Fantail Tce. Please plan ahead and store water for drinking and household use if needed. Apologies for the disruption. Our contractors Citycare Water will make every effort to make sure water is restored as soon as possible. If the work cannot be carried out that night, the alternate night will be Tuesday 28 July.
Update on Mautohe Catherdral Cove tracks
The Department of Conservation (DOC) continues to work on the future of tracks at Mautohe Cathedral Cove and released an update on this today. Read it here.
Join us for a Whangamatā dune planting morning
Help restore and strengthen the dunes at the southern end of Whangamatā Beach by joining the Whangamatā Dune Protection Society and Coromandel Coastcare team for a community planting event.
This is the first planting day of the season and a great opportunity to get involved in local coastal restoration, meet like-minded community members, and enjoy a hot cuppa afterwards. Most planting holes will be prepared in advance, making it easy for everyone to lend a hand.
Where: Island View Reserve, Beach Access 14
When: 10.00am, Saturday 25 August 2026
What to bring:
- Covered footwear
- Warm clothing and a rain jacket
- A water bottle
- Your favourite gardening gloves (optional)
Planting equipment and morning tea will be provided. Friends and family are welcome to come along and help out.
In the event of bad weather, postponement details will be shared on the Coastcare and Whangamatā Dune Protection Society Facebook pages. For more information, contact our Coastal Restoration Coordinator Samantha Telfar - samantha.telfar@tcdc.govt.nz.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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.
For more information, visit our web page
Know what to do about bird flu
Bird flu has now been found in NZ. While there’s no threat to human health, it’s important we know when to report suspected sightings. Here on the Coromandel, we love our bush, sea and birdlife that help bring these places alive.
If you see three or more sick or dead birds, report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Learn more about bird flu: visit the MPI website