Our weekly wrap-up: Community catch-ups on key issues and other update
Published on 11 April 2025
Help shape the future of our rating system
Following Council’s decision to go ahead with a Rating Review at their Tuesday 8 May Council meeting, we’re ready to hear your feedback on some proposed changes.
We’re reviewing our rating system to ensure it is fair, transparent and best reflects the needs of our district. This is an important opportunity to address inequities, make the system more adaptable, and ensure rates are calculated in a way that is in line with our community’s evolving demographics and economy.
Now is the time to have your say.
Feedback is welcome until Monday 12 May.
The review proposes moving from the current land value-based rating system to one based on capital value, which considers both land and improvements like buildings.
You can provide feedback on three options:
- Option one: No change (status quo)
- Option two: Change from Land Value to Capital Value rating
- Option three: Change to Capital Value rating with Targeted Rate adjustments
Our Council is also seeking input on proposed changes to how second dwellings are rated.
To help residents understand the proposed changes, the Council has launched the FairShare Calculator, an online tool that shows how your rates would have been affected this year under each of these options.
Feedback can be shared online, via email, or in person at Council service centres and libraries.
We’re also holding some community catch-up sessions (also attended by representatives from our two other important consultations and the upcoming local elections) where our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions, show you our FairShare calculator, and help you share your feedback. You can find dates and times for these sessions here.
Learn more, read our Proposal Document, and have your say
Let's talk rubbish
We’re reviewing peak summer rubbish and glass collections on the East Coast as part of the 2025/26 Annual Plan. The proposal: reduce collections from twice a week to once a week between Christmas and Waitangi, cutting costs, emissions, and road traffic.
We're asking for feedback through to Tuesday 29 April. We’ve made it easy to respond with a simple online survey, a printable form, and opportunities to speak at meetings and a public forum.
Want to chat with us about this change? Join a community catch-up session on next week and kōrero in person with our elected members and our waste and recycling team. You can find dates and times for these catch-ups here.
Share your feedback now
Local Water Done Well
At our Council meeting on Tuesday 8 April, our Council approved our consultation on options for the future of water services in the district as part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.
Feedback opens on Tuesday 15 April.
We’re also holding some community catch-up sessions (also attended by representatives from our two other important consultations and the upcoming local elections) where our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions, and help you share your feedback. You can find dates and times for these sessions here.
Find out more about Local Water Done Well
Community catch-up sessions: let’s kōrero on these key issues
Join us at a community catch-up session in your ward for an informal chat about all the consultations above as well as the upcoming local elections. We’ll even give you a bikkie and a cup of tea while you’re here.
There’s no formal presentation—just an opportunity to drop in at a time that suits you, ask questions and be part of the conversation.
Your voice matters. Come and have your say.
Find out more now
Easter and Anzac rubbish & recycling
On the week of Easter Monday most areas have their yellow week kerbside collections a day later due to the public holiday.
The following areas differ:
Pāuanui
• Red week collections take place on Saturday 19 April
• Yellow week collections take place on Saturday 26 April
Tairua, Thames Rural South and Thames & Surrounds
• Yellow week collections take place on Saturday 26 April (two days later due to both the Easter Monday holiday and then Anzac Day on Friday).
Check out your collection calendar at tcdc.govt.nz/bindays
RTS hours
With the end of daylight saving, our Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations reverted to their non-daylight saving opening hours of 8.30am-4.30pm.
The only days they’ll be closed in April are Good Friday 18 April and until 1pm on ANZAC Day, Friday 25 April.
Check out details here: tcdc.govt.nz/rts
Growing food, growing communities
As we wrap up our Tupu Kai and Fruit Tree Initiative, we reflect on the positive impact this project has had on our communities.
The Tupu Kai project was developed in response to the challenges many of our communities faced during Cyclone Gabrielle. Some areas, such as Kōpūtauākī, were completely cut off—slips on either side of the community and a dam forming in the river behind meant there was no way in or out. Recognising the vulnerability of these isolated areas, we identified eight communities where access to food during emergencies was a priority.
Thanks to the Ministry of Social Development 2023 North Island Weather Event recovery funding, the Tupu Kai project has enabled these communities to build their own gardens, ensuring a sustainable local food source for the future. Raised garden beds, food forests, and traditional communal garden plots have been established.
What impact has Tupu Kai had in the community
Tania from Te Rito, Whitianga, shared, “the community garden has become a positive talking point in the local area, with senior citizens, kuia, and kaumatua sharing memories and providing feedback. It has been especially valuable during difficult times, with fresh kai from the garden being a vital resource.”
Vanya Wilson from Kōpūtauākī Bay added, “the project has meant we have been able to grow and harvest plentiful crops that we have been able to share amongst our whānau and community, and everyone is doing the same.”
Ally Brown from Manaia reflects, “we have also seen an increase in home gardens, it’s so great to see, not sure if its inspiration from the maara or a hand forced by the price of fresh produce, none the less it's great to see.”
The produce grown through the Tupu Kai and Fruit Tree initiatives is not only used to support local communities but is also linked to foodbanks and pātaka kai | community food storage. In addition to being distributed fresh, much of the harvest is preserved through canning or frozen to provide a sustainable food supply during emergency situations, particularly when the community is cut off.
Coromandel Independent Living Trust (CILT) supports their foodbank visitors by taking individuals who come into the foodbank out to the community garden, allowing them to pick fresh produce to take home, connecting them with the local food system and promoting self-sufficiency.
Fruit Tree Initiative
Building on the success of Tupu Kai, we expanded our efforts to strengthen community resilience by launching the Fruit Tree Initiative. Across 23 communities, 30 groups planted 350 fruit trees, creating long-term food sources.
Anne Mountjoy from Colville reflected on the impact, “thanks to TCDC’s support, the Colville community has planted fruit trees that will provide fresh, locally grown food for generations. This initiative has strengthened our resilience, food security, and connection to the land while fostering environmental stewardship and sustainable living.”
These projects have not only helped prepare our communities for future challenges but have also created stronger connections between people and the land.
Te Kura Kaupapa o Harataunga Kumara Harvest
Te kura kaupapa o Harataunga harvested their kumara last Friday, and the kids were absolutely thrilled with their haul—this is just the first lot. Next, the students will be learning how to store their produce for use throughout the year. This process will be showcased during their Matariki celebrations, highlighting both the hard work and the skills they've gained.
ANAZC Day 2025
Learn to swim Term 2
Re-enrolments:
Monday 14 April – Thursday 17 April, 8am – 5pm
New enrolments:
Tuesday 22 April – Thursday 24 April, 12pm – 5pm
All new school-aged enrolments require a short assessment before enrolling to ensure correct class placement. Please come prepared for your child to get into the pool.
Pre-school aged children do not need a water assessment, as their classes are based on age rather than ability.
Please note: Term 2 is a 9-week term. Fees have been adjusted to reflect the shorter term.
Pool timetable:
Monday to Friday: 6am – 6pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Closed on public holidays (Good Friday, Easter Monday and ANZAC Day).
Playground closure notice
Our contractor will be giving the playground equipment at Porritt Park, Thames, a deep clean next Wednesday 16 April between 8:00am and 11:00am.
During this time, the playground will be closed to the public for safety.
Pāuanui Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrations
Last Saturday, the Pāuanui Volunteer Fire Brigade marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration at the Pāuanui Lakes Resort. Around 250 people attended, including community members, FENZ senior managers and MP Scott Simpson.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Fred Crawford was also recognised for 50 years of service to the brigade and the Pāuanui community.
Survey: Help us measure the impact of Repco Beach Hop
Our Council is conducting an economic impact study for the 2025 Repco Beach Hop.
We're gathering input from event participants and spectators to better understand how this iconic shoulder season event affects our local economy and community.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and you could win one of two $100 Repco vouchers.
Complete the survey
New Sport Waikato website: Actively
Sport Waikato has launched Actively — a free online hub where people can find and promote sport and recreation activities across the Waikato.
Groups can register, create an account, and list anything active, from events to classes and competitions.
There are already a few Thames activities listed, and with so many groups locally, it would be great to add more.
Create your account
