Happy holidays, SH25A opens, summer info and travel tips
Published on 22 December 2023
The latest from Mayor Len
As we come to the close of another year, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on what 2023 has brought us and how we have managed through a challenging period. For some people, the recent events have been life changing. Homes, families and businesses have been affected. People have lost jobs and incomes. This has not been an ordinary year, but it has been a year when we have seen the true value of community. Being there for each other in times of need. For me that reflects the true spirit of Christmas.
We are all looking forward to a brighter 2024. The hard work is done for now to get our district’s roads and our communities ready for a busy Christmas and New Year. There is more to do, and we still have many years of mahi ahead of us to get our roading and our infrastructure ready and resilient to deal with future weather events and the impacts of climate change. But for now, it's time to say thank you to everyone; to all our communities who have been there for our friends, our neighbours, our whānau and even for strangers when we needed you most. You are our true heroes.
So, from me and from Svargo, and on behalf of our Councillors, our Community Board members, Council staff, our workers and our contractors, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Christmas and New Year's Office Hours
Our Council offices will be closed from 12 noon Friday, 22 December 2023 re-opening to normal hours Wednesday 3 January 2024.
Customers can still contact us over this period 24/7 on 07 868 0200, email customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz or use our online request for service form at tcdc.govt.nz/rts.
SH25A opens under traffic management
Christmas came early for the Coromandel, with State Highway 25A re-opening on Wednesday morning.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi would like to thank you for your patience and support over the past few months and give an especially big thanks to the many workers onsite and offsite.
The area around the new bridge is still a worksite — the speed limit through the site is reduced and traffic management is in place. Please don’t stop and sightsee as you’re approaching or travelling over the bridge. Waka Kotahi has published some great drone footage which shows the new bridge and the land around it in detail. Click here to have a look.
As you can guess, traffic will be heavy over the holidays. Waka Kotahi is asking drivers to do your bit to keep everyone moving smoothly through the site—don't stop, stick to the speed limit, and travel safely through the site. Have a happy and safe holiday and enjoy the restored road.
SH25A mobile blackspot covered
A mobile tower built by the Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) under the government’s Rural Connectivity Programme is live, breaking up a significant mobile blackspot on SH25A (Kōpū-Hikuai Road).
This will provide 2.5km of cell phone coverage, providing travellers with access to the emergency 111 network no matter what mobile network they are on.
The RCG was set up in 2017 and operates under a contract with Crown Infrastructure Partners to deliver the 4G wireless networks across rural New Zealand.
Opportunities at our Council
We have an exciting range of opportunities currently being advertised:
• Strategic & District Planning Team Leader
• Senior Resource Consent Planner
• District Planner
• Principal Policy Advisor
• Policy Advisor
At our Council we ensure work-life balance is not just a dream but a reality.
We offer an array of staff benefits including flexible work arrangements, relocation allowance, free parking, sick leave on commencement of employment and more.
Peak summer kerbside collections
Additional summer kerbside rubbish and recycling collections start from Boxing Day until early February for areas with high visitor volumes over summer - the entire east coast, as well as Coromandel Town & Te Kōuma and Coromandel Rural North.
If you’re not sure which collection zone you’re in, please go to our Smart Maps system. Enter your address in the address bar in the top left of the page. Click your property on the mapto get your collection area and then your collection day.
To download your summer collection calendar visit www.tcdc.govt.nz/summerkerbside or pick up a printed calendar at any Council office, Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station, information centre or from a local dairy and some petrol stations.
Alternatively, phone us on our 24-hour service 07 868 0200 or email us at customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz
For Thames Coast & Manaia, Thames Rural South and Thames & Surrounds, collections continue to alternate between red weeks (red-lidded rubbish bin and food scraps) and yellow weeks (yellow-lidded mixed recycling bin, glass crate and food scraps).
Reusable items drop-off at Pāuanui RTS
A new drop-off centre to divert reusable and recyclable and products from going to landfill opens at our Pāuanui Refuse & Recycling Transfer Station on Friday 5 January.
This facility is established and operated by the Seagull Centre which also offers drop-off facilities at Tairua and Thames Refuse and Recycling Centres. The products collected will be transported to the Seagull Centre in Thames where they will be processed and either sold through its retail channels or recycled through established outlets.
Goods that can be dropped off include: reusable household goods, electronics, whiteware in working order, building products (any items that can be reused or recycled), clothes (must be clean), beds and furniture (in good order – no stains, rips etc.)
Most items are free to drop off, but there may be a charge for selected items such as TVs, printers and some whiteware. EFTPOS only operates for paying charges.
Some items cannot be dropped off: damaged MDF/chipboard furniture, electric blankets, items that cannot be sold or recycled. Operating hours for the Pāuanui and Tairua drop-off points are: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 8.30am–4pm.
It’s a collaboration between our Council’s Refuse and Recycling Centres, Thames’ Seagull Centre and contractors Waste Management. For more information: Please contact the Seagull Centre
• Email: info@seagullcentre.co.nz
• Website: seagullcentre.co.nz/contact
• Facebook: @SeagullCentre
Kerbside rubbish and recycling summer info roadshow
We’re out on the road from 8 January, touring holiday beach areas from 9-11 January, to answer your questions about kerbside rubbish and recycling.
Our fun, friendly team of our Council’s Solid Waste representatives and ‘Waste-Ed Kate’ waste reduction educators will visiting Matarangi, Hāhei, Whitianga, Tairua, Pāuanui and Whangamata to answer your questions, provide information brochures and get the kids involved in fun recycling activities.
Alternate walking tracks near Cathedral Cove in Hāhei
Summer visitors to Hāhei and Cathedral Cove can enjoy the cultural history of several significant sites and other coastal locations with the opening of new and improved walking tracks, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has announced.
DOC, working with mana whenua Ngāti Hei and other stakeholders, has created new walking experiences for visitors to explore new locations and understand the history of the area.
Tinaka Mearns, DOC’s Regional Director for Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki, says the alternative visitor options have been created near Cathedral Cove to ensure visitors to Coromandel can experience the beauty of the coastline and reflect on its cultural heritage.
Tiaki Rangers employed by DOC will be stationed at various access points to the Cathedral Cove track network ready to share information with visitors on other nearby locations they can visit – including the heritage sites and their stories.
These include the public conservation land at the top of Grange Rd, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Mercury Bay and seating and picnic spots. Visitors will need to park vehicles in Hahei and walk up Grange Road to the viewing locations. Grange Rd is a Council road and there are no restrictions on its use by the public, it is not a residents' only road.
Work has also been completed to add a loop track to McHand’s Lookout. The loop track crosses private property and connects to Lees Road and DOC land to the north of Cathedral Cove. This look-out – also giving expansive views over Mercury Bay - forms part of a 90-minute walk from the Lees Rd carpark.
Kaumatua Joe Davis says Ngāti Hei are aware of the significance of many taonga sites within the area – and emphasised the iwi understand and appreciate the tourism value the sites have for the wider Coromandel community and district economy.
“Ngāti Hei are wanting to share our stories of our whenua and share the burden on our taonga sites. There are other beautiful sites that can help with this for this summer. We as an iwi are in total support of DOC’s strategy and we are working closely with them for the benefit of all.
DOC and Ngāti Hei urge people not to use the walking track to Cathedral Cove – it is not safe and will not be reinstated for summer 2023-24. Visitors should not progress past barriers restricting access.
Visiting Cathedral Cove will continue to be a marine-based experience this summer, with several commercial operators offering services including brief stays on the beach. International marketing of the site has focussed on the marine-based experience, which has been well-received.
Anyone visiting the cove is strongly urged to familiarise themselves with the risk of rockfall and debris – including from the cove’s rock arch.
New branding, website, maps and signage launched to promote Thames
The opportunity to “explore interesting” is the theme behind the new Thames town brand and promotional campaign underway this week.
Thames is often seen as a gateway, rather than a destination, yet Thames has really interesting shops, natural adventures and history – it's just that most visitors are unaware of them.
The website, managed by Thames Business Association, showcases our history, sets out adventures to be had, places to set up camp, highlights events of interest and features business directories of where to eat, shop, stay and what to do.
New “places of interest” maps are being distributed by shops, businesses and accommodation providers in Thames, as well as in visitor information centres around the Coromandel and Hauraki. Matching map and information signs are set to be installed outside the War Memorial Civic Centre and Porritt Park playground early in the new year.
A steering group consisting of our Council, the Thames Business Association, Ngāti Maru and other key organisations has overseen the project. Kauaeranga Valley resident and highly experienced brand strategist and designer Brent Courtney was engaged to carry out the work.
The branding and signage planning has been largely funded by a $50,000 grant from the Ministry of Social Development’s North Island Weather Events Recovery Fund, secured by Thames Community Board and Thames Business Association, rather than through ratepayer funding.
In addition, Thames Community Board has contributed $10,000 towards the information signboards and $7,000 for social media marketing to drive potential visitors to the new-look website.
Get help to plan your summer travels
Destination Hauraki Coromandel recently launched its new travel app, designed to make travelling around the Coromandel as stress-free as possible.
It’s perfect to help locals and visitors enjoy all the things they love about our region.
The app updates in real-time so users know that the information on road status, tide times and weather forecasts is current and all in one place.
There's also information on handy things like rubbish collection, boat ramps and permits.
Install the app:
Project updates
Tairua Skatepark
Work on the Tairua Skatepark has paused for the Christmas break and will resume from Monday 15 January.
The site has been secured and signs are up on the perimeter fence asking that people not enter the work site.
Both tennis courts are available to use – please enter the courts from the Hornsea Road side.
The skatepark construction is progressing well and is on track to be open for use in April 2024. Landscaping will be completed in June 2024 when the weather is suitable for planting.
Kōpū Marine and Business Precinct
Another major milestone in the Kōpū project has been met with the commercial slipway concrete ramp poured and all commercial wharf piles installed and concreted.
Contractors take short break from Friday 22 December to 8 January when Heron Construction and Land + Sea Civil start resume work to:
• remove the cofferdam around the slipway
• prepare and pour the wharf’s concrete surface
• install floating pontoons to the wharf and recreational boat ramp
Fulton Hogan will be returning to site on 15 January to:
• complete the formation of King Street
• install ducting, lighting, CCTV, fencing gates, signage
• complete pavement areas
The facility is on track to start operating in May 2024.
No fires without permits, fireworks ban
Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) has declared a Restricted Fire Season for the Coromandel from Wednesday 20 December until Thursday 1 February 2024. FENZ has also banned the use of private fireworks within Thames-Coromandel District during this period. This fireworks ban does not include any already planned and approved public fireworks displays.
These measures are to help keep our communities safe from wildfire, particularly during the Christmas/New Year Holiday period.
You can find more information and a handy fire type fact sheet at tcdc.govt.nz/fire.
For any enquires about Fire Permits and Wildfire Safety, please visit checkitsalright.nz.
Help stop the spread of exotic Caulerpa
There are two species of this pest seaweed which can spread rapidly, forming vast, dense underwater fields. They compete with other species, including our own native Caulerpa species, for space and upset the balance of local ecosystems. This presents a risk to recreational, cultural and commercial marine activities.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has renewed the Controlled Area Notice for Ahuahu Great Mercury Island, with anchoring prohibited in the controlled area. See www.biosecurity.govt.nz/caulerpa for precise boundaries and maps of the zones and actions required.
MPI is asking boaties to check their anchor, anchor chain and any gear that’s been in the water before they move on to a different location.
If any seaweed is found attached to this equipment, they must remove it and securely bag it or contain it and take it ashore for safe disposal on land – for example in a rubbish bin or compost.
The key is ‘securely’ containing it. Any seaweed removed from gear needs to be in a bag or container that stops it getting back into the water at a different location.
If this can’t be done, people are asked to return it to the waters it came from. There will already be exotic Caulerpa below and putting it back in this area will not pose a significant risk of spread.
Free Connector bus launches between Coromandel Town and Thames for summer
Our Council has been granted recovery funding from the Ministry of Social Development to trial a Connector bus service between Thames and Coromandel Town. The aim is to reconnect our communities with healthcare, education, appointments, work opportunities and whānau.
From Monday 18 December, the service will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (see the full schedule below). Tickets are free but bookings are essential. The trial will run for 13 weeks, from Monday 18 December 2023, until Monday 18 March 2024.
The vans hold up to 11 passengers, so please book your space ahead of time. To book, please text the correct provider shown on the schedule below. Please include your name, the service time and the town you are being picked up from.
The trial follows a community survey run by our Council, which looked to understand the level of interest in a Connector service between Thames and Coromandel Town. The positive responses showed that there was appetite for a service to help isolated communities to access work, education, events, appointments, and other necessary services.
Next steps will be assessed towards the end of the trial, depending on its use and sustainable funding options.
We understand there are other areas in the Coromandel who also have transport needs, and conversations about wider district public transport service are being held with Waikato Regional Council.
Thames Holiday programme for whānau and tamariki
Our Council is sponsoring a holiday programme in Thames to support whānau and tamariki living in a recovery zone from Cyclone Gabrielle, and coping with the added pressures of the busy holiday period.
Funding for the programme has been provided by Te Huarahi Ministry of Social Development cyclone social recovery funding provided to our Council.
The holiday programme is free for tamariki 5-13 years of age living in Thames, and runs from 9am–3pm daily. Tamariki will be able to enjoy activities, including sports, arts and swimming, and kai will also be provided.
Caregivers of all tamariki registering must complete the online registration form, and parents and caregivers are asked to comply with any rules needed to help make the programme safe and fun. Numbers may be limited for some activities.
A big thank you to the great teams and kaimahi who have stepped up make this happen: Te Huarahi (Ngāti Maru Runanga, Police Bluelight Thames and Te Huarahi) and Te Korowai Hauora O Hauraki – Ngā Wai Tāpara.
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Police Blue Light and Ministry of Social Development Te Huarahi
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Being mindful of water restrictions
As the days heat up and summer visitors start to arrive, water use will increase and restrictions on use may need to put into effect. These help make sure we’ve got an adequate supply for everybody – and have resources to fight bush fires if needed.
Please be mindful of water use and keep an eye out for any restrictions in your area.
Water tank refills – 2023/2024 Summer Period
Forecasts are for a long, hot, dry summer, which could put pressure on your water supply if you are on tank water. We would like to encourage everyone to be prepared and check your water tank levels now.
In the event you need help to fill your water tank should the water level fall dangerously low, you may be eligible for non-recoverable financial help from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
You can apply through MyMSD or by calling 0800 559 009.
Māori Land Court fact sheets
We have some Māori Land Court fact sheets available from the front counter at our Thames Office. Feel free to pop in and ask our team if you would like one. You can find our office hours here.
The information sheets available include the below topics:
• Māori Land Court Land Trusts
• Trustees Duties
• Transferring Māori Land Shares
• Māori Reservations
• Title Improvements
• Applications
• Māori Land Court Successions
• Dispute Resolution Service
MSD opens temporary Thames office at Wintec
Following the closure of Ministry of Social Development's Thames office, they have now opened a temporary site. You can find them in the Wintec Thames Campus Building at 414 Queen Street (next to the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre). It’s about a four-minute walk from the previous site.
They have shared that they understand how important it is to be available for the local community, so are pleased to have secured a new temporary location.
Their building was closed following damage from successive weather events.
All the Council info you need for summer
Our Council has some changes to our services over the summer holiday period, so we've put everything you need to know on one handy page:
From where to walk your dog and and how to save water, to lodging a LIM and keeping track of holiday hours for our Council facilities, it's all there on our website.
Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday season and a relaxing time with friends and whānau.
Adoptable dog of the week
This handsome young chap loves pats and to play with other dogs.
He is a gentle soul and would be well suited to most homes. Very trainable, just needs someone to show him the ropes and get used to being on-lead.
If you are interested in adopting a dog, please contact us on 07 868 0200.
Once your interest is known, a Dog Control Officer will be in contact with you to discuss the adoption and carry out the appropriate checks, this may include a visit to your property.
Please note that some people may not be acceptable for adoptions and that we reserve the right to make decisions on the most suitable homes for any dogs available for adoption.
If your adoption is successful, you will be required to register and microchip the dog prior to taking it home.