What to expect for New Year’s Eve on the Coromandel
Published on 29 December 2023
The latest from Mayor Len
With 2023 closing out in a matter of days - it's uplifting to see the Coromandel ending this challenging year with some real optimism.
There's a real bustle of activity in the towns and villages as families and friends spend time out on the water, on the beaches, and in our town centres and villages - walking, biking, shopping and eating.
I was in Tairua and Whitianga yesterday and Hot Water Beach today and they were pumping - and all the retailers I spoke to very happy indeed - everyone's support is giving our businesses a much needed boost. And the icing on the cake is the roads are holding up to the increased traffic too.
I'm attending a few Resident and Ratepayer Association meetings over this peak period, as this is a really good opportunity to connect up with those of you who don't get to spend as much time here on the Coromandel as you would like. It's important for me, and our elected members to hear as many and as wide range of views as possible, on how we can all work together to look after this wonderful place.
I'll close out the year wishing you all a safe and happy New Year's Eve weekend and a prosperous, positive 2024.
New Year's Eve and beyond
Events, markets and family activities are all go as we head into the New Year long weekend. And while New Year’s Eve on Sunday in the Coromandel may be a little damp, a week of fine, settled weather is set to follow.
MetService is forecasting that once this patchy front passes, conditions should be great for holiday visitors through until 5 or 6 January.
The Coromandel is having a busy summer so far, as expected, especially in the southern communities along the east coast of the Coromandel. Whangamatā is full to overflowing with hundreds of boaties enjoying conditions.
Police have reported a quiet start to the peak season with few arrests and issues. There will be a large Police presence in the district’s popular spots leading up to and including New Year’s Eve.
“Medical centres have told us they're busy treating people who have injured themselves doing things they normally wouldn't, like middle-aged men riding a skateboard," says our Council’s Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler. “Please take care out there – being laid out when you could be chilling out is no fun.”
Follow the advice of the Safer Coromandel campaign and ‘have a hmmm’ before getting out on the water or doing anything that could result in a bush fire, injury or worse if it goes wrong. For example, power tools and alcohol don’t mix well.
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 our 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.
Water restrictions now in place
Increased visitor numbers have been putting pressure on water supply in some smaller communities, resulting in water restrictions in some areas.
Hāhei: has been moved from No Restriction to Level 3 – Alternate days (see definition below) due to the increased demand and the pressure that this is putting onto the bores supply as shown by our monitoring of bore levels. This will remain in place till after the New Year when we will review it based on demand and bore levels.
Onemana: has been moved from No Restriction to Level 3 – Alternate days (see definition below) due to the very high demand being close to the consent limits. This will remain in place till after the New Year when we will review it based on demand.
Adhering to our water restrictions helps to ensure enough water is available for everyone. It also helps ensure an adequate supply is available to fight any bush fires, if needed.
What does Water Restriction Level 3 - ALTERNATE DAYS mean?
Hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems can only be used on alternate days. If your address is an even number you can use your hose on even-numbered days of the month, and vice versa for odd-numbered houses.
Stay up to date with water restrictions through the summer, and find out more about why they are needed on our website: www.tcdc.govt.nz/waterrestrictions
No Kerbside collections and transfer stations closed on New Year’s Day
On Monday 1 January there are no kerbside rubbish and recycling collections. Instead, collections are a day later across the district for the rest of the week. Check the schedule for your area at www.tcdc.govt.nz/summerkerbside. Please don't put out your bins and crates until the morning of your scheduled collection.
Our seven Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations are also closed on Monday 1 January. However, there are 24/7 drop-off facilities at the Matarangi, Tairua, Pāuanui and Whangamatā transfer stations. From Tuesday 2 January, our transfer stations are open as usual from 8:30am-5:30pm. Check locations at www.tcdc.govt.nz/rts.
Having trouble attaching your rubbish tag to your bin?
If you're having a bit of trouble attaching your Pay As You Throw (PAYT) tag to your wheelie bin for rubbish, watch this short video. It'll show you exactly how to attach it so it won't fall off or become detached if it's windy.
Need a ride?
Thames-Coromandel Town: A new free service is running on a trial basis 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. If you don't have a mobile phone, please ask a relative, friend or neighbour to help.
Beach Bus - Ferry Landing to Hot Water Beach, including Hāhei: Go Kiwi is operating a shuttle service from Ferry Landing to Hot Water Beach. Details and booking information on the Go Kiwi website.
Walking alternatives in Hāhei to Cathedral Cove
With the Department of Conservation (DOC) having closed the walking track to Cathedral Cove for the summer, DOC in conjunction with Ngāti Hei and other stakeholders has created new walking experiences for visitors to explore new locations and understand the history of the area. Catch great views of the area's rugged shoreline from vantage points that also take in heritage sites and their stories.
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.
Find out more
No plans? Here are some ideas:
What better way to kick off the New Year than the World’s First Car and Bike Show for 2024?
The team from Beach Hop are hosting the annual show, held at the Whangamatā Club car park on Monday 1 January from 10am.
Some very special cars on show that haven’t been seen by many people in NZ. Come along and check them out.
Galas and fundraising events
Keltic Fair – Tuesday 2 January 9am-4pm, Coromandel Area School – annual fundraiser for Coromandel Area School
Pāuanui Market Day – Wednesday 3 January, Kotare Reserve, Pāuanui
Cooks Beach Summer Gala – Thursday 4 January, Cooks Beach Main Reserve – annual fundraiser for Whenuakite School
Hāhei Market Day – Friday 5 January, Kotare Reserve, Hahei – annual fundraiser for the Hahei Library
Gig Guide
NYE23 – Fri 29 – Sun 31 December, Coroglen Tavern
Wed 3 January – Sir Dave Dobbyn and Elemeno P, Coroglen Tavern
Fri 5 January –The Feelers, Coroglen Tavern
Fri 5 January – Beach Break, Williamson Park, Whangamata
Wed 6 January – Coro Classic – Matarangi
Sat 28 January – Blue Skies – Coroglen Tavern
Alcohol Bans in place
A reminder that our main towns and many of our seaside reserves have either year-round alcohol bans or temporary alcohol bans in place over the peak summer period and long weekends.
Where alcohol bans are in place, you must not consume, carry, or possess alcohol in these areas unless an exemption or special licence applies.
These rules also apply if you are in a vehicle within the ban area. There are some exceptions in certain circumstances, for example, transporting unopened alcohol from a supermarket to your home. Retain your shop receipt as proof of purchase if Police request it otherwise it may be confiscated.
Our Alcohol Control Bylaw aims to reduce the instance of crime or disorder related to alcohol consumption by controlling where and when people can possess or consume alcohol in public places. Find out more about alcohol bans: www.tcdc.govt.nz/alcoholbans.
Other summer information from our Council
Find out about dog control rules, freedom camping, our holiday office hours and services at our facilities: www.tcdc.govt.nz/summerinfo.