Our wrap-up: Visit for Easter and careers at Council

Published on 06 April 2023

The latest from Mayor Len

This week we’ve been focusing on the Business Recovery Grants Fund that we’re administering on behalf of the government for the Waikato region. 

The first disbursements were paid out this week and this morning our Independent Advisory Panel met and finalised the remaining applications, which will be paid out next week. Those final applicants will be notified early next week.  We appreciate that it’s taken a bit of time for this help to arrive but we’ve needed to be vigilant that the funding is allocated to those most in need and that we had strong checks and balances in place for processing everything. See this page on our website for more information.

I think we’re all ready for the extra long weekend that Easter brings. Our businesses are ready to welcome visitors and could really use the boost. I’ve been speaking to national media this week, repeating our message that the Coromandel is accessible and open for business. This morning I spoke to TVNZ's Simon Mercep (picture), so keep an eye out for his report on the news at six.

I’ve also heard from Destination Hauraki Coromandel, our Regional Tourism Organisation, who’ve been pushing a campaign to come to the Coromandel – they tell me the international visitor market is recovering and there has been an increase in bookings. I’ve noticed some European languages being spoken on the streets and in the shops as I’ve been out and about, so it's good to see those internationals returning.

If you’re travelling this Easter weekend, plan for extra time to get where you’re going, drive with patience and care and keep an eye on the weather forecasts. They’re looking a bit mixed right now and there’s a chance of rain. 

The Coromandel is open for business this Easter weekend

We’ve put together some tips for visitors and residents so you can make the most out of this long weekend.

If you are out and about during this time, please take extra care on our roads. We know you're excited to get to your destination, but be sure to put safety first when behind the wheel. Be kind to your fellow travelers by driving to the conditions and respecting others. 

Kerbside collections

There will be no Kerbside rubbish and recycling collections on Easter Monday 10 April. Collections will be one day later after this public holiday. Check the Kerbside schedule for your area on our website. tcdc.govt.nz/kerbside

Refuse Transfer Stations

Our seven Refuse Transfer Stations (RTS) will be closed Good Friday 7 April and open Sunday hours on Easter Monday. Check our website for any changes to this schedule before you visit. tcdc.govt.nz/rts

Road and Highway Conditions

Most of our roads are open and ready for your weekend road trip, but changes can occur at any time. Make sure to check our website for the latest roading information before you set off. tcdc.govt.nz/roads

State Highways are managed by Waka Kotahi, so head to their website to check for any closures or traffic management that could delay your journey. nzta.govt.nz

Our Council facilities

Our Council offices will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. You can still contact us at customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz and on our 24/7 customer service line at  07 868 0200.

Thames Centennial Pool will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

All district libraries will be closed on Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive.

Alcohol bans

Alcohol bans are in place over Easter weekend from 4pm Thursday 6 April to 4pm Tuesday 11 April. You can find more information on alcohol bans in your area on our website. tcdc.govt.nz/alcoholcontrol

Dog Rules

Dogs are restricted on the beach in some areas from 9am–6pm on holiday weekends and public holidays. Dogs need to be on-lead when walking around our local roads and town centres, and unless specified otherwise. When in doubt, please put your dog on a lead. There are off-leash dog exercise areas across the district on our website. tcdc.govt.nz/dogownerguide

DOC campgrounds closed over Easter

As Easter and the school holidays approach, remember that Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites in the northern Coromandel and iconic site Cathedral Cove are still closed following the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.  This includes Waikawau Bay Campsite, Stony Bay Campsite, Fletcher Bay Campsite, Port Jackson Campsite and Fantail Bay Campsite.  

While DOC assesses and makes decisions on repairs, we are advising people to stay out of conservation areas that have been marked as closed. Check the DOC website for the latest alerts and closures.    

Are you local government material? Start your career at Council

We're looking for people with ability and passion to create sustainable change in our community. As one of the largest employers in our district, we offer a diverse range of career opportunities.

Water Services Field Rep: In this role you will provide solutions and technical expertise in three waters operations. We are looking for someone who is proactive, pragmatic and outcome focused with exceptional people and technical skills.   It is important you are a highly motivated individual as this role is predominantly a field-based role.

People & Capability Manager: The People & Capability Manager actively supports Council's strategic direction through developing and leading high performance people-focused initiatives.  

District Planners: Working in our close-knit team, you will have the opportunity to help drive the district's resource management policy and support the development of its strategic spatial planning framework.

Learn more about the benefits of a career at Council here. 

Brophy's Beach realignment works

Brophy's Beach coastal footpath was severely damaged after Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. The footpath is currently unusable and is subject to future storm damage in its present location.

Damage to the path required consideration for either reinstatement in its current location or relocation away from the shoreline.

Council staff met with coastal engineers at Tonkin and Taylor and the best option is to realign the top bags perpendicular to the shoreline and move the path landward.

Staff have now engaged contactors to begin the scoping for materials (sand/fill, new geo-textilebags).

Prior to work beginning, Council staff will hold morning drop-in sessions to help explain the project and answer any questions. Keep an eye out for more information regarding these sessions in future editions of our Weekly Wrap-Up. 

Rubbish and recycling changes ahead

ANZAC parades and memorial services in our district

Our Mayor Len extends a warm welcome to the public to attend our district's ANZAC Parades and Memorial Services on Tuesday 25 April 2023, as we remember those who have served on our behalf.

• All descendants of returned service personnel are welcome to participate in the parades.
• Returned service personnel are asked to wear their medals and decorations.
• Descendants of returned service personnel marching in the parades are asked to wear medals on the right upper portion of their apparel.

Find a full list of ANZAC parades and services here.

Last chance to apply for the Creative Communities Scheme  

Applications for the Creative Communities Scheme close at 5pm tomorrow.

Apply now for Commercial Operators Licences

We’re inviting applications for commercial licences for businesses to deliver activites on Council reserves – this is operations such as food trucks, coffee carts, kayak hire and the like.  

Applications close on 21 April. 

tcdc.govt.nz/commercialconcessions

Our Proposed Annual Plan – We want your feedback 

We're putting together our Council's budgets, project and operational priorities for the 2023/24 financial year. We'd love to have your feedback on our proposed Rebuild and Recover Budget for 2023/24 - our Annual Plan for the year.  

As of today, we have 101 submissions to the proposals in our Annual Plan Consultation Document.  

We encourage everyone to visit our website to read the proposed plan and provide feedback before submissions close on Monday 10 March 2023. 

tcdc.govt.nz/annualplan2023 

Kōpū Marine Precinct: The project has entered a new phase with marine contractors Heron Construction moving onto site to start work on the construction of the commercial wharf.

Contractors Fulton Hogan completed the first stage of works at the end of March 2023. These works included forming the base for the recreational parking and commercial areas, installing piles to support crane pads, and connecting the newly formed King Street to the precinct, including installing communications, electrical conduits and water. Fulton Hogan will return in early 2024 to complete the carpark surface, King Street paving and Quay St entrance widening.

The target date for the opening of the whole precinct is May 2024. 

Whitianga Refuse Transfer Station: Construction of water-related services is in progress. Stormwater drainage is nearing completion. 

Rutherford Rd Whangamata Nib Kerb: one side of the road was sealed this week. Earthworks on the other side are in progress this week to make sure we finish remaining sealing before winter starts. 

The old skatepark at Taipari Park next to Thames Centennial Pool has now been removed. Skate park fixtures, concrete pad and foundations have been removed. Filling in with soil is expected to be completed by the end of today. Seeding will take place when we expect some decent rainfall to help the seed germinate. A new site for an aquatic facility is being investigated but the current pool won’t close anytime soon. Read more here.

Brown Street Toilets were repaired within 24 hours and are now back to being fully functional. The cause was a blockage in the drains from inappropriate materials (wet wipes and clothing) being forced down one of the toilets.

Network resealing programme: Here is the programme for next week, please note that Monday is a public holiday and no works will take place. 

Meetings and Community Board updates

The Whangamatā Community Board discussed a submission to the Proposed Annual Plan consultation in which they communicated the following: 

• Acknowledgement that this is a channeling time for the District and the need for Council to carefully consider the financial impact on ratepayers.
• Opposed the 11.8% rates increase and strongly believe that the council should be proactive in seeking external funding to offset ratepayer costs in future AP/LTPs such as tolls.
• Opposed to the 50% reduction in discretionary and contestable grants across the district
• Supported retaining the investigation fees and opposes any reduction in budget for key stormwater related investigations.
• Supported the district retained earnings being reduced but oppose the local ward retained earnings being reduced.
• Supported the implementation of option 3 for funding changes to the solid waste services under the new contract starting 1 September.
• Supported the contractor engaging with the local community with a view to set up a recovery centre for food waste and materials.