Our Annual Plan, the latest project updates, and new funding support
Published on 30 June 2023
Annual Plan adopted: Rebuild and recover
Reprioritising budgets and projects to repair our storm-damaged roading network has defined our Council’s Annual Plan for the 2023/24 financial year. We are also working to make our infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather. Like many councils around Aotearoa New Zealand, we’re also grappling with escalating costs for freight, materials, fuel and labour, making our capital works projects more expensive to deliver.
We have therefore set the rates increase for the 2023/24 financial year at 11.6 per cent. To avoid a higher increase, we've cut our operational costs, revised our capital works budget and deferred some of our non-roading projects. We’ve also used retained earnings – which are generated when our operational budgets have been underspent – to soften the rates increase by 3 per cent.
“The road to recovery may seem daunting at times, but we’ll continue to advocate for ongoing central and regional support as we move through the recovery phase,” says our Mayor Len Salt.
“We’ll also prioritise climate change in our long-term planning, with community and iwi input, ensuring that we deliver stronger, more resilient infrastructure so our communities are well placed to adapt to the challenges ahead.”
Find out more and read our full Annual Plan here at tcdc.govt.nz/annualplan2023.
Click here for the Annual Plan document.
Road to Recovery: SH25A to reopen end of March 2024
The bridge to reconnect State Highway 25A (Kōpū-Hikuai Road) should be finished and the road reopened by the end of March 2024, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has announced. Mayor Len attended a small private dawn blessing at the site on Tuesday morning, signalling the formal start of enabling works.
“It was very moving and very encouraging to see things get underway,” says Mayor Len.
Waka Kotahi said that drainage and water management is underway. Earthworks to build all-weather access tracks for heavy machinery is the next job.
Click here to read more in our latest Road to Recovery update.
Application deadline for Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant 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 2023.
Government announces new rural recovery schemes
Support package for growers, farmers and businesses affected by North Island weather events
The Government is further supporting businesses, including growers and farmers affected by the North Island weather events earlier this year, by underwriting bank lending and offering cheaper finance options to ensure the long-term survival of critical regional industries.
“There will be three components for different types of support: a loan guarantee scheme in partnership with banks and other lenders who choose to participate, and a concessionary loan and equity scheme run by Kānoa to help hard-hit businesses get to a position to be able to re-engage with their banks and work toward being cashflow-positive again.
Further details of the scheme will be announced in coming weeks – click here to read this week's announcement.
North Island Weather Events Primary Producer Finance Scheme
If you are a business that has been severely affected by weather events in the North Island, and has a reasonable likelihood of being commercially viable again with further support, but can’t currently access commercial finance from lenders, this scheme may be able to help.
The scheme enables the Government, through Kānoa, to provide concessionary loans and equity finance to help severely-affected businesses get back to a point where they can re-engage with commercial lenders.
Click here to read the full announcement including information on how to apply.
Our District Libraries remove overdue fines to increase membership and access
Our Council’s three District Libraries are removing fines for overdue books to improve access for everyone in our community.
From 1 July, overdue fines will be removed at Thames, Mercury Bay and Tairua Libraries. There will still be a replacement cost for lost or damaged items, and charges for some lending items, as well as services such as printing and scanning.
So far, over half of Aotearoa New Zealand’s public libraries have removed overdue fines, reporting a range of positive outcomes, including an increase in membership and use of their services.
“We are so excited about this positive change,” says our Council’s District Libraries Manager Shana Allan. ”It will mean a lot for our community and library services.”
Click here to read more.
Find out what's on at our libraries for the July school holidays.
Kōpū Marine Precinct – project update
The Kōpū Marine Precinct project is tracking well with the rock revetment being almost completed.
Works are continuing, with the cofferdam around the recreational boat ramp also close to completion. Some piling challenges have caused a delay to the programme.
The recreational Boat Ramp Cofferdam enclosure is finished – meaning the steel sheet piles have been completed. This helps to keep the water out so that construction of the boat ramp – involving poured concrete and piling – can be worked on in a dry area. The pre-cast concrete headstocks and decking panels have been constructed and are currently stored on-site ready for installation.
Our Council wishes to acknowledge the great work of the Heron Group staff working on the Kōpū project, particularly for their amazing work with Health and Safety. The on-site management team are exceptional communicators and have great health and safety processes in place.
You can read more about this project and see progress photos here: www.tcdc.govt.nz/kopu.
Dune Restoration
Kūaotunu
Kūaotunu Dune Care Group completed their restoration project in Kūaotunu last weekend. Twenty-eight volunteers helped plant 2,800 native coastal species, including Wiwi, Pōhuehue, Harakehe, Toetoe and Tātaraheke.
Last year the group of Kūaotunu locals was successfully granted $10,000 from the Waikato Regional Council's Environmental Initiatives Fund, for site preparation and purchase of plants.
The Kūaotunu Dune Care Group's vision is to protect and restore the native flora and fauna in the dunes and back dunes from Cuvier Crescent to Blackjack Reserve.
The group is working closely with Waikato Regional Council, our Council, Mercury Bay Environmental Trust and Coastcare throughout the restoration journey. The group has also started trapping in the dunes to target rats and mice to protect both native plants and wildlife that live in the dunes.
The next Kūaotunu planting on Friday 14 July will be at Grays Beach Reserve on the corner of Bluff Road and SH25. Alongside this there will also be a weed swap, where locals can bring along weeds such as ginger, cotoneaster and others. Some of these are pretty, but they can crowd out native species that work to trap sand and build up the dunes. In return, you can take away a native shrub.
Kūaotunu West: Friday 14 July
Grays Beach Reserve, Corner Bluff Road and SH25 – 8.45am–11am
All you need to bring is covered sturdy footwear, suitable clothing, gardening gloves and your favourite spade.
Dune restoration in Whangamatā
In Whangamatā, work is underway to restore the sand dunes in two stages, by adding over 7,000 native plants. This will start with earthworks and spraying to remove exotic grass and weeds, extending the native dune plant zone further landward to enable a more resilient dune system that self-repairs over time. The project involves working alongside Whangamatā's local community, including iwi Ngāti Pū ki Otairi and hapū Uru Ngawera, the Department of Conservation and Coastcare Waikato.
The next community planting days are Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July (weather dependent). Volunteers will meet at 9am, at access 14 (Island View Carpark).
For more information, join the Facebook Group for volunteers: Save the Dunes Whangamatā.
Or check our website for updates.
Initial spraying schedule
Sites for dune restoration in Whangamatā will get the first of two sprays during July and August (weather dependent) to remove exotic weeds and undesirable vegetation.
Stage 1 – To be sprayed immediately during next available weather window.
Stage 2 – Weather window dependent around late July.
Stage 3 – Weather window dependent around late August.
Upcoming planting dates:
Matarangi Village Green – Thursday 6 July
Village Green Beach access – 8.45am–11am
Rings Beach – Saturday 15 July
West End Car Park – 9am–11am
Whitianga Esplanade – Monday 31 July
With MBAS – Buffalo Beach Esplanade
Learn how to reduce your food waste
Join Kate Meads for a 'Food-lovers masterclass' (supported by our Council) and learn about why Kiwis waste food, and how to stop it.
There will be a few face-palm moments and lots of laughs as Kate takes you through the reasons we waste food and what we can do about it.
This is a fun and informative session, and you will leave inspired with a cool goodie bag full of tools worth $40 to get you started.
As seen on Eat Well for Less, Kate is an expert on waste reduction of over 15+ years and will give you real-world tips and tricks to implement.
Wednesday 19 July, 6pm to 8pm at Jack McLean Community Recreation Centre, Thames. Tickets are $10, and spaces are limited.
Click here for tickets.
See the Facebook event.
Roading update
We are experiencing an increase of slips throughout our roading network, resulting in both new and ongoing closures. Our roading teams are working on Council roads, while updates on State Highways come from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Keep an eye on our Council website and Facebook page for the latest updates on local Council roads.
If you come across an unattended slip, please do not attempt to pass it, as more debris could fall. For State Highways, please call Waka Kotahi on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49). For Council roads please call 07 868 200.
SH25 Thames Coast Road
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency are actively working to clear the Ruamahunga slip on the Thames Coast Road/SH25. It is planned that it will continue opening during daylight hours under Stop/Go Traffic Management. This will run during daylight hours only: 7:30am until 5:30pm. SH25 will be fully closed overnight.
Click here to read the full announcement.
Importantly, there will be periods over the next couple of days where SH25 will need to be closed, which may happen at short notice. If you need to travel from home, make sure you are prepared for unexpected closures.
Click here too see all road and highway updates.
Work with our Council
Why choose Thames-Coromandel?
The Coromandel offers breathtaking scenery, golden beaches and remarkable rainforests. Our district offers a peaceful, restorative atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for adventure. Our district is only 90 minutes from the big cities: Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton. It's close enough for a regular commute, but far enough for a complete change of pace. That sets our district apart.
We have several exciting jobs available at our Council. Click through to the links below to learn more about each role.
Project Delivery Manager
As the Project Delivery Manager, you are a vital and strategic piece in the puzzle for leading the team on a wide range of projects. This role actively supports Council's strategic direction through effective management of all capital projects detailed within the Annual Plan.
Utilities Engineer – Stormwater
This is an exciting opportunity to join our Infrastructure Team and assist with the overall management of Water Services assets and operational service delivery. This is a busy and varied role, and we are looking for someone who thrives working under pressure, has experience with budget management and strong contract management experience.
Property Administration Assistant (Fixed-Term)
We are seeking a Property Administration Assistant to join our small team who are responsible for the management of Council property and facilities. This is a fixed-term position for 6 months based in our Thames office; hours are flexible.
Click here to see the full list of current vacancies.
Or, feel free to submit an expression of interest about working with us.
Lost, found and adoptable dogs
We currently have four male dogs and one female dog up for adoption. If you’re interested in adopting a dog, please phone 07 868 0200 and our team will be in touch. See details about some of them below:
Ziggy
The fun and friendly Ziggy is an energetic Huntaway cross who loves to play fetch, knows some commands, and sits and waits before he eats. He loves attention and would suit an active owner.
Tan and white female
We also have one female dog up for adoption.
This lovely tan and white girl is sweet natured and a little timid. She would be great in a quiet home.
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.
Click here to see all our adoptable dogs.