Watch the online Candidates Information Briefing session
With one week left to file election candidate nomination paperwork, it's important to understand what the role of being an elected official involves.
We've produced an online candidate briefing session for those who couldn't make the in-person ones we held in Tairua/Pāuanui, Whangamatā, Whitianga, Coromandel Town and Thames last weekend. The online session was aimed at providing important information to people regardless of their location.
Our Electoral Officer Dale Ofsoske presented, as did our Chief Executive Aileen Lawrie, in a similar format to what was done for our Local Water Done Well and Rates Rebate consultations earlier this year.
A recording of the online session is also available on our website.
Watch the recording here
Citycare Water awarded Council’s three waters contract
Following a very robust and competitive tender process, Citycare Water has been awarded our Council’s three waters operations and maintenance contract for a four-year term beginning 1 April 2026, and for a sum of approximately $60 million.
Citycare Water is a council-controlled organisation (CCO) owned by Christchurch City Council.
The contract covers all operations and maintenance activities involving water, wastewater and stormwater services. The contract has a provision for extending the initial term of four years by two further three-year terms consecutively.
“We’re pleased to welcome Citycare Water to Thames-Coromandel District to join our support team of contractors helping to provide essential services to our residents, holiday home owners, business community and visitors,” says Acting Mayor Terry Walker.
“I also want to acknowledge and thank Veolia Water NZ for the very good work they have done over the last 10 years in delivering our current services,” said Acting Mayor Walker. “The Coromandel is a difficult district to serve, with lots of communities separated by hilly terrain, road closures from bad weather, and large numbers of visitors over summer and long weekends. In addition, there have been several legislative changes in relation to water services over the past 10 years, for example the changes to the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards – it’s been challenging and they’ve done a good job. I wish them well going forward.”
Citycare Water Chief Executive Officer Tim Gibson said they had the experience and expertise needed to service the Coromandel community’s water needs.
“We are thrilled to be awarded this contract and are looking forward to partnering with the Thames-Coromandel District Council in bringing the best of Citycare Water to the district — delivering smart, data-driven solutions for sustainable water services that protect the environment and support community wellbeing,” Mr Gibson said.
“Our team is known for going the extra mile, and this new contract will be no exception,” he said. “We bring the expertise, strong three waters delivery and a commitment to excellence — all of which will benefit the Thames-Coromandel community and Council.”
Find out more about our district’s water services
Need a hand with your rates rebate?
Find out more about the process
Acting Mayor Terry Walker
Mayor Len has been on leave since 4 July. Deputy Mayor Terry Walker continues as Acting Mayor until further notice. Enquiries about his leave should be directed to Len.
Whangamatā’s Hetherington Road stormwater improvements
The stormwater improvement works on Hetherington Road in Whangamatā are on track to begin early next week after a short delay.
There have been many months of planning and investigation leading up to this point to make sure power lines in the vicinity of the stormwater pipes have been correctly located and to develop a construction methodology to work safely around the power lines. Our project team has been working with Powerco to ensure the end result provides a long-lasting benefit to the community. Construction is expected to be completed this coming summer.
For more information on the project, Click the link below.
Find out more
Great news for Coromandel locals and visitors this summer
The Coromandel is a great place to visit and now is a great time to start making your summer plans.
Just this week the Coromandel Shelly Beach Holiday Park was awarded the Supreme Industry Award at this year’s Holiday Park awards. The park, located just north of Coromandel Town, also took out the Community Engagement Award and Park Improvement Award (Medium Park).
The awards come as the Department of Conservation confirms it will repair the track to one of the peninsula’s most picturesque bays - Waimata Gemstone Bay near Hāhei.
Tracks to Gemstone and Stingray bays were damaged in the same February 2023 extreme weather events that results in the extended closure of walking access to Mautohe Cathedral Cove.
The Mautohe Cathedral Cove track was reopened in December 2024.
Repairing the Waimata Gemstone Bay track, located near Mautohe Cathedral Cove, is expected to restore land access to a popular snorkelling destination within Te Whanganui-O-Hei Marine Reserve.
Read more about the Waimata Gemstone Bay track repair here.
Read more about Coromandel Shelly Beach Holiday Park’s win here.
Red-gister now!
Just a little under a week to go before late penalties apply for dog registration on Thursday 31 July.
Make it easy, head to tcdc.govt.nz/dogs, or visit one of our offices in Coromandel Town, Thames, Whitianga and Whangamatā.
Note: If you’re having problems registering on your cell phone, please try again using a PC or laptop. We’ve got our computer company working on solving the problem. Thanks for your patience.
Caring for Our Coast
Coastcare planting events are underway and we would love to see you there. These easy and fun mornings are all about infill planting native spinifex on the dunes - no digging required, as the holes will be pre-dug with an auger. Come get your hands sandy and enjoy a hot cuppa, a sausage sizzle and some great company.
Whangamatā Pipi Road dunes – Meet at Beach Access 11, 9:30am on Friday 1 August (postponement day - Friday 8 August). RSVP to samantha.telfar@tcdc.govt.nz or info@whangadunes.org.nz
Please bring covered footwear, warm/rain-appropriate clothing, your own water bottle and your favourite gloves if you have them. Planting equipment and refreshments will be provided. Bring a friend or the whānau and help protect and restore our beautiful coastline - we look forward to seeing you on the dunes.
Creative Communities Scheme
Get ready! Creative Communities Scheme funding opens Friday 1 August. Stay tuned for details on how to apply.
Find out more
Opportunities at our Council
We offer a diverse range of career opportunities.
Our current job vacancies are:
If you are interested in working for us and there are no current vacancies that fit your skill set and knowledge, please head to our website and register an expression of interest.
Te Kooti Whenua Māori information seminars
The Māori Land Court Seminar and appointments originally scheduled for Friday 25 July have been moved to Wednesday 6 August (same times).
Calling all artist for this year's Artbeat Spring Festival
If you’re an artist or event organiser, make your mark this year and enter your event into this year's Artbeat Spring Festival!It’s easy and free. Just click on the link below and follow the prompts.
Find out more
Adoptable dog of the week
The dog pictured below is named "Taken", a beautiful male Huntaway-cross. Taken is a very sweet and playful fella, and we think he would make a wonderful family pet.