Road to Recovery: Spending data and recovery support and funding

Published on 06 July 2023

Spending in the Coromandel in May was down 22 per cent compared to May 2022, according to the latest data from economics consultancy Infometrics.

$11.09 million was spent using credit and debit cards in our district. In May 2022, the figure was $14.22 million. The number of card transactions and their average value was also down.

Spending in most other visitor regions, such as Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown rose in the same period, by as much as 36 per cent in the case of Queenstown.

“This is no surprise,” says our Mayor Len Salt. “These figures provide a sobering fact-check to what we all knew: that our economy is continuing to suffer as a result of the cyclones earlier this year and the long-term damage to SH25A as well as local roads like the Tapu-Coroglen. This is why we’re continuing to push the government for support to get us through until SH25A is reopened next year.”

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency announced last week that the bridge to replace the collapsed section of the road should be completed by the end of March 2024.

Temporary State Highway signage being installed

Temporary signage is being installed on roads approaching the Coromandel to show travellers the best routes and distances around the peninsula while SH25A is closed.

While locals are aware of the SH25A closure and the best alternative routes, the changes are needed for visitors to the peninsula who are less familiar with the roads. This is particularly important for electric vehicle drivers.

The changed directions are based on minimising the extra distance of the detour for travellers. For example, for traffic travelling from Auckland to Whitianga, the signage will show it is better to go via SH25 Thames Coast Road, and for traffic travelling from Auckland to Whangamata, it is better to head to Paeroa, Waihi and up SH25.

The signs will be put up on SH2 and SH26 at Kōpū, Paeroa and Waihi.  Similar changes are also being made for signage heading out of the Coromandel.

All changes are temporary and will be changed back once SH25A reopens – which is expected to be March 2024.

Funding and other support available

Regional Events Fund

The new Hauraki-Coromandel 2023/2024 Regional Event Fund (REF) opens 11 July, with the aim of helping attract visitors from out of our region to boost visitor spending. 

Event organisers can apply. They will need to show that they have a clear plan and pathway to attract out-of-region visitors and not simply leverage this audience while already in the region. They must also make a commitment to local environmental protection actions. 

Our regional tourism organisation Destination Hauraki Coromandel is aiming to build a stronger calendar of events to showcase the essence of the Coromandel and stimulate economic wellbeing.  

The new fund will also provide significant flow-on benefits to tourism businesses, including the Coromandel’s retail and hospitality sectors. 

Click here for more information or contact megan@thecoromandel.com 

Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant deadline extended

If your marae, iwi or community organisation incurred costs or used resources helping people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, you have more time to apply for reimbursement funding.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has extended the deadline for applications to 31 August.

Eligibility criteria and conditions apply – find out more and apply at: civildefence.govt.nz.

Primary Producer Finance Scheme

Support package for growers, farmers and businesses affected by North Island weather events | Beehive.govt.nz

North Island Weather Events Primary Producer Finance Scheme | Grow Regions

Business Assocations Support

Our Economic Development team is supporting business associations from around the district to deliver business support services and events that will promote business recovery and support local economies.  

Online resource for trauma and abuse healing

A mobile app designed to support men in healing from the profound impacts of intergenerational trauma and abuse is available.

Check it out here: innerBoy - She Is Not Your Rehab