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Welcome
Nau mai. Haere mai.
TO OUR COROMANDEL 2024-2025
A warm welcome to you. With summer on the horizon, we’re looking forward to businesses getting a vital boost from increased visitors. We also get to show off our wonderful district to the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our Coromandel is produced with the primary intention of reaching the approximately half of our district’s property owners who do not live here. We post it directly to more than 11,000 addresses outside the Coromandel. The feedback we get is almost entirely positive, with people telling us they read it over the summer at their leisure, and those fortunate enough to own a second home here leave it on the coffee table for their guests to read.
There’s no doubt the past year has been tough economically. And that’s coming off the back of our storm ‘season’ of 2023 and Covid disruption before. Our Long Term Plan, outlining Council’s budget and spending for the next 10 years up until 2034, recognised the challenging economy and focused on delivering essential projects and services. You can read about it on p92.
While recognising that many people have been doing it ‘hard’, we’re taking our cue from the grit and resilience we see in the people around our district. As our article on our Community Resilience Project says on p49: “The Coromandel just gets on and fixes it.” We’re known for our resourcefulness and determination.
We’re doing everything we can to promote a positive climate for people to thrive – whether through our Economic Development team’s support to local businesses, our Infrastructure team keeping vital services running, our Planning team looking at creating conditions where businesses and communities prosper, as well as all the other teams that make up our Council. We’re also working hard to access funding from central government to do vital work such as ensuring our roads and infrastructure are fit for purpose and durable.
We hope, that like us, you’ll be inspired by the stories in this magazine. On p90-91 young cadets on the Mayors Taskforce for
Jobs offer a refreshing perspective on how the scheme has turned their lives around. “I no longer dread getting up in the morning,” says 23-year-old Cairo, who’s working in Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team. And on p84-85 we see how our Careers Roadshows are opening up the world of work choices to young people in isolated areas.
Nowhere is the Coromandel’s spirit more evident than in the success of the Tairua Skatepark. We interview remarkable community activist Jacqui Gage-Brown on p24 where the power of community organisation is evidenced. On p68-70 we cover the outstanding work of community organisations building and maintaining walking and cycling routes.
The huge potential of our aquaculture sector is covered on p42-43, with developments that could be game-changing for our entire district. On p44 we highlight the innovative work of a Whangamatā tech company whose point-of-sales system has launched internationally. Our houses section on p32-33 looks at the pioneering architecture of a Tairua company, BuildGood, leading the field in energy-efficient passive housing. The company’s one of 20 recipients of business mentorships we brokered through the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Business Mentors NZ and local business associations.
Articles on our Shoreline Management Pathways project (p98-99) and our dune improvement projects (p100-101) demonstrate the evidenced-based planning, community consultation and volunteer effort that mean we are ahead of the game in Aotearoa NZ in mitigating the effects of climate change.
We’re also delighted to be able to give space to young people’s voices – through the amazing Thames Rangatahi Advisory Panel (T-RAP p88-89) developing young people’s capacity to be active citizens. Listening to these youth, we can be reassured our future’s in good hands – and it’s looking bright.
Don’t just take our word for it, dip into our magazine and learn more about our communities. Here’s to a brilliant year ahead.
Our Coromandel Magazine is produced by Thames-Coromandel District Council
• Design and creative: Melissa McGregor, Modo Design mododesign.co.nz
• Printed by Webstar webstar.co.nz
• Advertising: Warren Male warren@emale.me
• Editorial: communications@tcdc.govt.nz
A huge thank you to all our advertisers and contributors.
All advertisers signed a contract stating that advertising in Our Coromandel did not divert them from planned or budgeted advertising in other local media.
Photo: Craig Brown
Front cover photo: Tamariki | children and their kaiako | teacher from Whenuakite Country Kids taking part in coastal restoration planting at Cooks Beach.
/Real Peninsula-wide. Since 1960.
At Richardsons Real Estate we pride ourselves on being the real deal.
Our teams are made up of real locals who know the ins and outs of our local property market, which means you’ll receive first-hand insights and real expertise when it comes to buying or selling property.
We have ten offices across Hauraki-Coromandel and each of our team members have extensive knowledge of their local real estate market. They understand what marketing works best for here, and how different the market is to Auckland.
Our teams live and work in the local community, and are deeply involved and invested in their hometown. It’s not just one or two causes. We get behind a wide range: Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving, St John, FENZ and KSAR, Sports Clubs, Schools and ECE’s all benefit from Richardson’s community values.
That’s just how we do things around here - keeping it real every step of the way - and we’ve been keeping it real since 1960.
WE CAUGHT UP WITH MAYOR LEN SALT TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE PERSON BEHIND THE MAYORAL ROLE.
How’s your time as Mayor been?
Quite a journey – a big learning experience with lots of challenges. It’s been fantastic; I wouldn’t change it for the world, but it’s been quite a challenge. The storm events of 2023 have been a significant part of the experience. I’m fortunate to have a very strong and capable team around the council table and the council staff have been extremely professional and supportive.
As a musician, is there a piece of music that reflects this journey?
Music that really appeals to me has light and shade and a lot of different dynamics in it. I’d say Telegraph Road by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits is one that reflects my personal tastes.
How are you personally suited to this job?
All mayors I’ve met have very different personalities. Some are very analytical, focused on numbers and operationally driven. I fall somewhere in the middle. Getting the financial decisions that councillors have to make is vital. Nothing works if the economic wellbeing of
council isn’t healthy. But I absolutely love getting out into the community and engaging with people – it’s the best part of the job. Sometimes I’m perceived as being too empathetic, of not being tough enough. I’m firm and resilient on critical matters of policy that I believe will benefit our communities. You have to take the criticism on the chin. It’s part of the job. But I wouldn’t want to be anybody apart from who I am, and it’s important to hear what people are saying. I’ll always do my best to deliver what they need.
What in your past prepared you for this big role?
The early part of my life was formative. I had a pretty tough childhood. I was the eldest of five children. I was cooking meals and doing the housekeeping for the family at 10-years-old. My mum was working fulltime. My dad worked on the wharves and wasn’t home much. I learnt at a very young age to step up and take responsibility. I learnt about how people live when they don’t have a lot. Those lessons stay with you for the rest of your life.
The middle part of my life was in business. Our businesses were hurt badly in the 2008 global financial crisis that took down banks and countries. I’m now very conscious of risk analysis. You learn to be really cautious about how you’re making decisions about other people’s –ratepayers’ – money.
What are your three best qualities that come into play as mayor?
The number one thing every mayor has to do is listen to people. If you stop listening, you’ve stopped representing people; you
“I’m proud of leading a Council where I’ve sent a very clear message about the culture that I’d like to see: a culture of empathy, equity and equality, where we work on the basis of kindness, courtesy and respect.”
would be no longer doing the job you’ve been elected to do.
You also need to be able to do your homework: find out information and analyse it. There’s an enormous amount of reading – hundreds and hundreds of pages ahead of every meeting. All councillors have to do it, and strangely enough I enjoy it.
THE NUMBER ONE THING EVERY MAYOR HAS TO DO IS LISTEN TO PEOPLE. IF YOU STOP LISTENING, YOU’VE STOPPED REPRESENTING PEOPLE; YOU WOULD BE NO LONGER DOING THE JOB YOU’VE BEEN ELECTED TO DO.
Q&A
Mayor Len and his wife Svargo are a partnership in covering Mayoral duties.
Showing leadership to make the decisions for the whole of the community is one of the things I have to be mindful of all the time. Quite often the people you hear from don’t have the greatest need but are quite focused on their desires for a particular segment of their community. There’s nothing wrong with that. But elected members need to find the balance that works for everybody.
What are you most proud of in your time as Mayor?
I’m proud of leading a Council where I’ve sent a very clear message about the culture that I’d like to see: a culture of empathy, equity and equality, where we
work on the basis of kindness, courtesy and respect.
How do you deal with stress?
Some people are able to go through a stressful situation, such as dealing with emergencies, come home, close the door, put their head on the pillow and let it go. Unfortunately, I’m one of those people who takes it home with me. I think about things and what I could have done better all the time. My way of relieving stress is …
… continues on p104 where you can find out more about Mayor Len’s vision for the future and ‘Lady Mayoress’ Svargo’s insights.
Pauanui’s Final Splash
Grand finale for Pauanui Canal Chronicles.
As the final 12 waterfront allotments hit the market for sale in New Zealand’s premier canal community, visionary residential developer and maritime devotee Leigh Hopper reflects on nearly 35 years of work to realise the full potential of Hopper Development’s Pauanui Waterways.
A look across the Tairua-Pauanui Harbour on the scenic Coromandel Coastline this summer assured Leigh Hopper that he had not just reached his father’s original ambitions for the sleepy sandspit but now surpassed them with the near completion of the adjoining Pauanui Waterways.
For nearly 35 years, Leigh and his family have worked methodically through environmental, legislative, economic, and social change, transforming once unproductive farmland into New Zealand’s very first and now iconic residential waterfront community. Leigh has been dreaming of canal developments since the late 1980s, when, inspired by activity in Australia, he sought the perfect land parcel
to launch this new standard in waterfront living.
“Kiwis are a nation of boaties, so we knew that there was inherently a demand for homes with simple access to moorings and a perennial holiday feel.”
He grew up around bulldozers and construction, so understood the scale of the physical undertaking and acknowledged the site’s unique capabilities to sustain such an ambitious project.
“Few geographical locations can accommodate such a comprehensive development, which requires an off-river water system and just the right balance of
sand and soil integrity, seawater diversion, topography, ocean accessibility and natural beauty.”
It was essential to Leigh that both Pauanui and Whitianga Waterways emerge as a premier destination and add value to the broader Coromandel District.
“We’ve taken every measure to maintain a quality environment within the canals, create a high level of amenity and ensure the public retains the right of access so they too can enjoy the beautiful landscaped properties within.”
Pauanui Waterways attracts a high proportion of holidaymakers, with home bases predominantly across the Upper North Island, owing to Pauanui’s ease of access and its location approximately one and a half hours from Auckland and around two hours from Hamilton and Tauranga.
“While the Hammerhead is the final release of waterfront sections, we are committed to the ongoing management and maintenance of the Pauanui Waterways, and we are enormously proud of this flagship development,” Leigh says.
“At our heart, we’re a family business, and this has been a family project, with three generations of the Hopper family involved in various phases of its creation.
“While I call Whitianga Waterways home, Pauanui continues to be one of my favourite places to lark, and I get great satisfaction from watching generations enjoy this environment together. I see that these places and homes are the glue that brings them together, as it has our own family.”
As Leigh and his team prepare for the final splash at Pauanui Waterways, the 12 prime shoreline sites bear the apt moniker ‘Hammerhead’. Positioned along the gracefully curved canal front, these sites evoke the distinction and elegance of their namesake apex predator, offering a fitting finale to this extraordinary development.
Facing north with a vantage that spans the entire lifestyle enclave with private moorings, the sites showcase the essence of the acclaimed coastal community, providing the real last opportunities to secure a legacy property for families and future generations whilst creating a design and building to exacting specifications in New Zealand’s premier waterside paradise.
Starting work as Chief Executive at Thames-Coromandel District Council just months before Cyclone Gabrielle, Aileen Lawrie was thrown in at the deep end, managing a crisis which devastated the district. But in her matter-of-fact way, she rolled up her sleeves and got on with it – swimming rather than sinking.
Six metres of water was shocking,” Aileen Lawrie says. “It wasn’t just Cyclone Gabrielle, it was seven weather ‘events’ in a row.” By events, she means severe storms.
“While it was hard going, we didn’t waste the crisis: we immediately started planning for recovery, where we might find some money to support us.”
Managing a crisis has a positive side. “I got a real insight into the capabilities of the organisation under pressure – in terms of the dedication of the staff.”
A seasoned local government leader, Ōpōtiki District Council’s Chief Executive for 12 years, Aileen relishes a good challenge: “You’ve got to have some stress in your life otherwise life would be boring.” Aileen’s way of dealing with stress is to knuckle down to practical tasks. “I chop wood. Mow lawns. Get my hands into the dirt and play music... And sometimes have a glass of wine.” Propagating and planting native trees is also a de-stresser. “There’s nothing more humbling than having dirt under your fingernails.”
A talented cornet player and bugler at the Anzac Dawn Parade, Aileen is not one to blow her own trumpet. “I don’t really like talking about myself.” With a determined streak, Aileen gets on with things without fuss or fanfare.
What were her first impressions of her new ‘patch’. “The district’s stunning. It’s a beautiful place. It’s got everything in the world to keep you interested. A variety and the extremes.
“My favourite place is Tairua. It’s just beautiful. I spent a number of my childhood years living in Vanuatu and that kind of beachcoast-ocean is kind of ingrained in me. Tairua was the place I really felt connected to. I’ve told my family we’re retiring there. They’re slowly coming around to consider it,” Aileen laughs.
Her partner Rob works for another local authority and their two sons are both at university. “They’re grown-up until they need money,” she chuckles. Like herself, she thinks one of them was “born to be a public servant”. What does that mean? “A sense of right and wrong and doing the right thing. Questioning why things work the way they do and how they could be done differently.”
With a father in the British Civil Service, Aileen lived in five different countries. She was born in Hong Kong, then moved to Scotland, England, Vanuatu (then the New Hebrides) and then
New Zealand. Soon after arriving in New Zealand she moved to Tuamarina outside Blenheim. “In the middle of winter, frosty cold, from the tropics, I had to cycle to school.” These early years fostered an ability to adapt.
Aileen ‘found’ music at aged 13. “My first leadership role was as principal cornet player for the Marlborough Boys’ College Brass Band, to the horror of both the girls and boys schools. There’s some really amazing brass band music written. I just found I really enjoy playing it.” These days she’s a stalwart of Kerepehi Brass Band.
This accidental entry into the world of music mirrors her rise to local government leadership. “I never really put my hand up and said I want to be a leader. I tended to more be frustrated with how things were and wanted to make them different. My father was on Marlborough Catchment Board and I watched all the reforms of 1989 play out in our lounge. He was finance and audit. I was more about the natural environment and planning and strategy.”
Aileen Lawrie and her partner Rob met working in local government.
Getting stuff done for communities is what continues to motivate Aileen. “Finding ways to get things done without very much was a big part of my previous role. That’s why in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, it was very much about how to cobble stuff together to get results.”
In her two years at Thames-Coromandel she’s most proud of work on a roading resilience initiative. “When I arrived I spent ages thinking: ‘What is the thing that unites Coromandel?’
The one thing during Cyclone Gabrielle everyone can agree on is connection, whether it’s social or economic. I joked with Chairs of Community Boards recently – we’ve all bonded over tarseal. It’s about what the tarseal represents in terms of connecting communities.
“Right now we don’t have roads that are a good enough standard. So we’ve got catch-up investment to get to a good standard now, let alone improving the resilience so we can cope with climate change.”
She thinks Council could learn from iwi about long-term planning. “Our vision is a Long Term Plan – 10 years ahead. Theirs is intergenerational.” From her time in the Bay of Plenty she also learnt about the value of collaboration. “You can achieve so much more through collaboration. It is slower and it’s harder, but you can achieve so much more.” The road network is still under repair and will continue to be so until well into 2025.
What does she enjoy most in her job? “I used to really enjoy the strategising to the outcome, but as I’ve become older, I enjoy helping people to do their best. That’s why I’m keen on
WE’VE ALL BONDED OVER TARSEAL. IT’S ABOUT WHAT THE TARSEAL REPRESENTS IN TERMS OF CONNECTING COMMUNITIES.
having cadets in the council, ensuring that people realise it’s a great place to work and there’s a huge scope available to you. Making sure there’s people into the future that are going to love local government as much as I have.”
She feels very optimistic about Thames-Coromandel’s future. “It’s easy to look on the dark side. We forget we live in one of the least corrupt countries in the world. We’re remote from global pressures. We’ve got food security. This district can prosper. It’s a very productive piece of New Zealand.”
YOUR COUNCILLORS
TERRY WALKER
Deputy Mayor, South-eastern Ward
Two-thirds of the way through my third term on Council, I’m reflecting on the challenges and changes we’ve faced. Last year’s extreme weather was one of our toughest tests. The damage was extensive, particularly to roading. We managed to repair the state highway and build a bridge in record time. This reinforced the importance of preparedness and robust planning in mitigating natural disasters. The national landscape also shifted last year with the change of government. The new administration placed a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, economic rebuilding, cutting red tape and localism. A challenging task has been developing our 10-year Long Term Plan. Balancing immediate needs with future aspirations required extensive consultation, strategic thinking and innovative funding solutions. Coastal protection, vital for protecting our shoreline and promoting tourism, also presented unique funding challenges. The start of 2024 brought much-needed relief with good weather. The sunny days brought an influx of non-residents and visitors to our beautiful beaches and vibrant towns. To fellow councillors, council staff, our tireless volunteers and every community member who contributed to making their town a great place to visit, I extend best wishes for a safe and happy festive season. terry.walker@council.tcdc.govt.nz
DELI CONNELL
Mercury Bay Ward
Hi. As a long-time local in Mercury Bay, I absolutely love the Coromandel Peninsula and am privileged to have lived here for more than 40 years. We’re a growing and changing district and my eye is always on how we can preserve the special qualities which have drawn decades of visitors to this special place and encouraged many to call it home. The storms certainly slowed us down a bit but I’m rapt we’re back on track, establishing stakeholder groups to team up with Council on community projects and meaty issues like stormwater. “Teamwork makes the dream work.” deli.connell@council.tcdc.govt.nz
REKHA GIRI-PERCIVAL
Mercury Bay Ward
Hi. I live in Whitianga with my husband and three children. My vision for the district is one with adequate infrastructure to meet the needs of residents and visitors now and in the future. To set us on this path, in June 2024 Council signed off on the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan. In this plan Council allocated nearly $745 million to roading, water, stormwater and wastewater and other core services over the 10 years. Some $245 million of this is on repairing and improving our roading, our lifeline. rekha.giri-percival@council.tcdc.govt.nz
GARY GOTLIEB
South-eastern Ward
I am based in Auckland with a holiday place in Whangamatā. Along with a small number of other councils, Thames-Coromandel has a large proportion of non-permanent resident ratepayers like myself – 52 per cent of properties in our district are holiday properties. On the east coast 70 per cent of properties are owned by absentees. However, the government only recognises permanent residents when making infrastructure payments, which is frustrating. I believe I am the only non-permanent resident councillor in the country. My concern is that there is no vote for absentee owners unless an application is made to have one vote per property. These people have ‘skin in the game’ and are often third generation owners. Councillors are elected for the district which results in conflicts with ward requirements. Unfortunately, local government is overwhelmed with legislative requirements they must follow. Contrast that with national politicians who can change the law, and do as they wish, yet local government is hamstrung. gary.gotlieb@council.tcdc.govt.nz
JOHN MORRISSEY
Coromandel-Colville Ward
It is an honour to represent CoromandelColville. I’ve been a resident of Coromandel Town for 32 years, and was the constable for 27 years. I made a commitment to the town and district by choosing to raise my children here. I’ve served five terms with Council. I believe that we live in paradise. I want to preserve that while also acknowledging that we need growth to retain our youth and provide for current residents. The balance is sometimes difficult because growth often requires change and is resisted by some. The planned upgrade to Ariki Tahi Sugarloaf Wharf is an example. I am an advocate of the project and its importance to our primary industry, aquaculture. We are lucky to have the opportunity to develop the facility. I will continue to advocate for it while minimising the impact on our paradise. It was also a proud moment for me when our Council voted unanimously to create a Māori ward. I am also proud of the organisation and the leadership who have faced difficult storm events and the neverending changes coming through from central government. john.morrissey@council.tcdc.govt.nz
MARTIN RODLEY
Thames Ward
In my first term as an elected Councillor I made a concerted effort to be involved in the local and wider community as I believe in collaborative relationships. And the last two years have really proved that relationships with our communities are essential –as well as very rewarding. The challenges we all face show that business as usual is not going to produce the sort of generational changes that are needed for us to not only survive, but also thrive. I am very proud of the Kōpū Project, the Tairua Skatepark, the Porritt Park playground and our youth engagement. martin.rodley@council.tcdc.govt.nz
PETER REVELL
Thames Ward
It is a privilege for me to represent the people and interests of the Thames Ward, and to be contributing to the economic and social wellbeing of the entire district. 2023 was surely our most challenging year in recent times. Since December 2023 Thames has seen the re-opening of SH25A, the opening of the Destination Playground at Porritt Park, and the completion of the Kōpū Marine Servicing and Business Precinct. As a district we continue to be challenged by the need to adapt to sea-level rise and to make progress with new housing development. These solutions will strengthen our communities and business environment. We also need to ensure that central government initiatives such as Local Water Done Well and Resource Management Act reform are advantageous to our district. I relish the opportunity as one of your elected representatives to make meaningful progress in these areas. peter.revell@council.tcdc.govt.nz
ROBYN SINCLAIR
Thames Ward
Tēnā koutou, ko Robyn Sinclair tōku ingoa. I’m a second-term councillor for Thames Ward, where I live with my 11-year-old son. I’ve been enjoying chairing the Sustainability and Community Resilience Committee. We’ve been moving the committee meeting around the wards each quarter to ensure greater access by locals in each area. I’ve been enjoying increasing public engagement across all our work. As well as the Thames Community Board Saturday market stall, I have been working with intermediate-aged school students on projects within the Thames Ward, together with Martin Rodley and Holly MacKenzie from the Community Board. That’s been a joyful adventure as we support young people with projects they’ve identified as needing attention. robyn.sinclar@council.tcdc.govt.nz
JOHN GRANT
Mercury Bay Ward
john.grant@council.tcdc.govt.nz
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PROJECTS AROUND Coromandel-Colville
ARIKI TAHI SUGARLOAF WHARF
A $21.95 million upgrade to increase commercial berths and create a separated recreational facility at Ariki Tahi Sugarloaf wharf is set to begin construction in late 2024.
The project is being funded by $19.95 million from central government’s Provincial Growth Fund and $2 million from Waikato Regional Development Fund.
McConnell Dowell and their design partners are currently working on the first stage of the wharf upgrade, which will separate recreational and commercial activities.
Applications for further investment to develop landside aquaculture activities and roading infrastructure will also be prepared later this year.
Ariki Tahi Sugarloaf Wharf is jointly owned by Thames-Coromandel District Council, Coromandel Marine Farmers Association and the Crown.
tcdc.govt.nz/tearikitahi
TE PUTAHI WHAIORA
Coromandel Independent Living Trust (CILT) moved into its new building, Te Pūtahi Whaiora (Coromandel Hub) in early 2024.
The not-for-profit Trust runs a resource centre, financial mentoring, a foodbank and whānau social services from its headquarters, while the shared office and meeting rooms regularly host a variety of people and organisations, including nurses, lawyers, mental health workers and counsellors.
CILT received recovery funding of $1,200 to support local whānau and provide Christmas food parcels over the busy summer period. A $32,500 MSD recovery grant is supporting the development of Te Puawai Nursery and Maara Kai community garden to support the CILT foodbank and community.
tcdc.govt.nz/hub
HAURAKI HOUSE
In May 2024 – after many years of negotiation with Ministry of Education staff and other stakeholders – our Council was successful in acquiring three portions of Crown land adjacent to Hauraki House at 230 Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town, for community use and as carparking for Hauraki House. Since the purchase was settled, temporary repairs have been made to the carpark surface, and rotten window sills and weatherboards have been fixed. The carpark area is budgeted for a full refurbishment in the 2025/26 financial year.
TUPU KAI PROJECT
Five areas within Coromandel-Colville – Manaia, Kōpūtauākī, Harataunga (Kennedy Bay) Colville and Te Rerenga – are being supported with their community gardens. This is part of a cyclone recovery-funded initiative for Tupu Kai (grow the food) projects designed to encourage community resilience.
Raised garden beds, food forests and the more traditional communal garden plots are being used to grow basic food stocks in case the communities are isolated during emergency events. If there are no emergencies, produce is shared around the community and through pataka kai sharing shelves.
Phase 2 of the Tupu Kai project will see more than 300 fruit trees planted as a shared community resource on Council, community and school reserves, as part of our Council’s Fruit Tree Initiative.
A total of $55,000 recovery funding has been received for both phases.
COROMANDEL-COLVILLE Community Board
CHAIR GAVIN JEFFCOAT
I love living in Colville, where my wife and I run a small tourism business sharing the best part of Aotearoa with visitors. I strongly believe it’s important for our communities to have a local Board promoting our interests and needs to our Council. We have an awesome Board with diverse interests and we’re very fortunate to have the support of our Councillor John Morrissey and Council staff, particularly our Area Manager, Margaret Harrison. It’s been a real eye-opener seeing how constrained and prescribed Council decision-making and meeting protocols are. I enjoy sharing my, albeit limited, understanding of this at a local community level and helping others to navigate those processes so that local voices are heard and considered. Together we make an awesome team. gavin.jeffcoat@council.tcdc.govt.nz
KIM BRETT
This is my 11th year on the Coromandel-Colville Community Board. Over the years, the biggest thing I have learnt is to listen. If you don’t listen, you don’t remember. Listening to my Coromandel Town residents is one thing I can do. While working with my fellow Board members and the great staff, we try – if funds permit – to make things happen. This year, my most fulfilling moment was helping with a clean-up of our Community Gardens after they were vandalised. Knowing that we could help, in some small way, was a privilege. kim.brett@council.tcdc.govt.nz
DEPUTY CHAIR JEAN ASHBY
Tēnā koutou katoa. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou | Greetings to you all. On a daily basis, I walk alongside people who need advocacy and support. My joy comes from seeing whānau making positive changes. I have over 30 years’ experience working with individuals, community groups and government agencies to find solutions for people in need. My mahi at Coromandel Independent Living Trust (CILT) covers housing for the elderly, emergency housing, disability support, domestic violence response and youth advocacy. As a Community Board member, I can bring my skills and experience to the table to benefit our whole community. Noho ora mai, tēnā koutou | Please be well. jean.ashby@council.tcdc.govt.nz
JAMES DAVIS
I was born in Coromandel Town in November 1944. At age 16, I enrolled in the NZ Army as a boy entrant. I served for 24 years seeing active service in Vietnam and the Sinai desert. I retired in 1994, returning home to Coromandel Town, where I intend to remain for the rest of my days. I am a first term electee and although being on the Board is a vast learning experience, I do empathise with the old and infirm. I’m a great listener.
james.davis@council.tcdc.govt.nz
MY COROMANDELCOLVILLE Abby Morgan
Community volunteer and ambulance officer Abby Morgan has family ties to Coromandel Town stretching back to its goldmining days. We find out what makes her town a special place to be.
What’s your family connection to the area?
My Nana was born at Kūaotunu – her mother’s family came from Scotland in 1864, and she lived here most of her life. My great-grandfather was a mine manager at Tokatea mine, on the hill above town.
Describe the local community spirit.
It’s a really supportive community. When things go wrong, people just jump in and help sort it. Coromandel Town has a lot of deep connections – most people here have a strong sense of belonging and people look after each other.
What’s the best thing about living locally?
Other than the community spirit, the natural environment – Coromandel-Colville is just stunning. It’s mostly wilderness with plenty to explore. It’s such a great place to get away from everything and connect back to nature.
What do you enjoy about volunteering?
I love helping people. I’ve been volunteering on the Board of Trustees for Coromandel Area School for 12 years. I’m so proud of our school. It’s always evolving and I love being a part of supporting that forward progress. All the volunteer things I’m involved in – the school, St John, the Keltic Fair, local social media – I’m just one piece. There’s a whole team of people who make each project what it is. Everyone’s putting in their bit and keeping the mahi going and I find a lot of inspiration in that.
What’s the area’s best kept secret?
There’s an awesome bush hike from the top of Whangapoua hill. You can walk to Kaipawa trig and look out over the whole town and surroundings. You see everything sparkling before you. It’s magic.
What’s your favourite place to hang out?
I’ve got a few, but one at the top of the list for me is Long Bay camp. In summer when the tide is in at 3 or 4pm, half the school is there to enjoy the beach. There’s a big rock right in the middle that the little kids can swim around and jump off. The big kids swim out to the pontoon. The friendly camp dog will chase a ball or a stick. They have a shop for ice creams and coffee and you get the best burgers at the Shag Shack. It’s nice to see everyone relaxing and enjoying Coromandel life.
What advice would you give to others?
I have a coffee mug that says: “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Just get out there and make the most of your day, every day.
COROMANDEL TOWN HAS A LOT OF DEEP CONNECTIONS – MOST PEOPLE HERE HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF BELONGING AND PEOPLE LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER.
PROJECTS AROUNDMercury Bay
WHITIANGA ESPLANADE REDEVELOPMENT
Over the last few months we’ve been having initial discussions with a wide range of local waterfront users and businesses to listen to their needs and aspirations in the early stages of exploring options for the Esplanade redevelopment. There is a wide variety of users in the area: from commercial fishing and tourism charter operators on the wharf, local bars and restaurants, the marina, game fishing club, coastal guard and harbour master, local iwi, event organisers, families at the playground and recreational boaties using the boat ramp – all in close proximity.
The redevelopment would look at allowing for growth in activities and alleviate health and safety issues. One of the issues identified at meetings with waterfront users is the challenging topic of boat ramps and the need for alternative overflow trailer-parking sites during peak times.
There will be wider public engagement, seeking community feedback, once we have developed some feasible options for community members and groups to consider. No decisions have been made on any aspects of the redevelopment, except the allocation of funding in the Long Term Plan.
tcdc.govt.nz/whitiangaesplanade
BUFFALO BEACH EROSION
Erosion from Cyclone Gabrielle took out a section of the Buffalo Beach foreshore approaching State Highway 25. The plan is to extend the existing rock protection by about 30 metres north, while gradually tapering it to help minimise the ‘end effects’ of wave action on the end of the proposed wall, a by-product of all coastal hard structures. Waikato Regional Council and our Council (via an independent commissioner) both issued the necessary consents in September. The next steps are to finalise the design, secure quotes from contractors, award the contract and complete the work.
COOK DRIVE STORMWATER
Cook Drive is located in a low-lying part of the stormwater catchment area in Whitianga that was prone to flooding. Our team investigated the issue and did some stormwater modelling to come up with options to mitigate the flooding. The preferred solution was to install new soakage pits and roadside catchpits to collect and disperse the stormwater into the natural underground water table. Twenty-seven soak pits have been installed on Cook Drive between Halligan Road and Palm Drive. Initial reports show that during heavy rain the soakage pits are working as designed.
BUFFALO BEACH AND OMARA PUBLIC TOILETS
The public toilets at Buffalo Beach are some of the most highly used in the Coromandel. They are dated and in need of some repairs. Tourism Infrastructure Funding (TIF) has been secured from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The new facility will include four unisex pans (featuring two wheelchair-accessible spaces) and changing facilities.
In addition, the old toilet at Omara Boat Ramp in Matarangi is coming to the end of its life. TIF funding will enable replacement. With the subdivision development now within proximity the new toilet is able to be connected to the town wastewater supply.
WHITIANGA RTS
The current Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station (RTS) in Whitianga is located on a relatively constrained site. A new site has been chosen on Moewai Road that will provide a long-term sustainable option. Our Council has worked with Wāhi Tukurua (the Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre) to provide them a space within the new RTS site that can be used to minimise the amount of reusable goods going to landfill.
Photographic
MERCURY BAY Community Board
CHAIR KRISSY ROBINSON
I've been in Mercury Bay for four years with my young family, fostering a strong community connection. As a local business owner and Chair of the Mercury Bay Community Board, I work closely with charities and business people, driven by our community spirit. My goal is to leave a positive imprint for my sons as they grow up in this amazing place. krissy.robinson@council.tcdc.govt.nz
BESS KINGI
My passion in the Community Board is the community. I’ve been in Whitianga for 33 years; I know just about everyone in town. I’m a Justice of the Peace and I’ve got my home-based business, so I’ve got people coming by all the time. People drop off clothes and kai that I distribute through the community. I know the families and seniors who need help. I’m surrounded by good people and the goodness outweighs the negativity with the support of the people in our town. bess.kingi@council.tcdc.govt.nz
CAROLINE HOBMAN
In 2022 I was elected to the Mercury Bay Community Board on a ticket of concern about successive central governments using Councils to force many unpopular and questionable policies upon New Zealanders. I endeavour to bring awareness and community concerns to our local Community Board, enabling us to act. I stand for increased, sustainable economic activity in the Mercury Bay Ward, and all of the Thames-Coromandel district, and I believe that Council spending must focus on the ‘must haves’ – not ‘nice to haves’. caroline.hobman@council.tcdc.govt.nz
PETER MACKENZIE
I would like to thank all those people who voted for me to sit on the Mercury Bay Community Board. Being used to private enterprise, professional and business activities, it has been a steep learning curve coming to grips with the entirely different approach encountered with the Council process. Patience and perseverance are required. peter.mackenzie@council.tcdc.govt.nz
MY MERCURY BAY
Jon Maud
Jon Maud is the manager of the Whitianga Bike Park, where he leads a team of volunteers who maintain the gardens and 10km of walking and cycling trails. Over the years, Jon and his team have worked with Mercury Bay Area School on pest management, and monitoring the water quality and aquatic life of the streams that run through the bike park area. They’ve also been adept at scrounging and repurposing bits and bobs from the community to use as play equipment in the bike park. Jon is also active in the Whitianga Community Patrol.
What’s the best thing about living locally?
Everyone's friendly attitude.
What don’t outsiders know?
How relaxed and positive it is to live in Whitianga.
Favourite place?
Bike Park (Whitianga's hidden gem).
Favourite journey?
Driving back to Whitianga.
Best place for a coffee or a bite? Lukes Kitchen.
Best place for an evening out? Blue Ginger.
What contribution to your community are you most proud of?
Being involved with all the willing volunteers, who put in thousands of hours each year.
I'M MOST PROUD OF BEING INVOLVED WITH ALL THE WILLING VOLUNTEERS, WHO PUT IN THOUSANDS OF HOURS EACH YEAR.
AUCKLAND: 24 Mt Eden Rd, Grafton, Auckland (09) 302 2980 I auckland@houseofknives.co.nz
PETONE: 171 Jackson St, Petone, Wellington (04) 939 3399 I petone@houseofknives.co.nz
0508 KNIVES (564 837) n houseofknives.co.nz
LEARN TO DIVE
Dive Zone Whitianga offers a full range of PADI dive courses.
From a “try dive” in our pool, kids dive experiences, PADI Open Water Courses and all the way to PADI Dive Instructor. Check out our website for the PADI dive course that suits you.
DIVE TRIPS
Keen to get underwater and dive with a group of other keen divers? Not sure where to go or don’t have a boat? We run daily dive trips to the great dive spots right on our door step. Email or call us.
PROJECTS AROUND Tairua-Pa-uanui
TAIRUA SKATEPARK
The $1.2 million Tairua Skatepark project’s completion this year was the culmination of over 30 years of community effort. The project saw major strides from 2020 when our Council engaged with residents who chose Cory Park Domain as the preferred site. Veros managed the project and ACID NZ, with input from the community design reference group, designed the skatepark. Despite a legal challenge in 2021, support for Cory Park Domain remained strong, with 92% of submissions in favour. The final design was approved in April 2023, and construction started in September 2023, including ramps and the bowl. The High Court dismissed the legal challenge in August 2023, allowing construction to start in September. The skatepark was completed in April 2024, amid great celebrations, reflecting the community’s dedication and our Council’s commitment. (See p24 for an article by skatepark advocate Jacqui Gage-Brown.)
tcdc.govt.nz/tairuaskatepark
WAIKATO COASTCARE: PAUANUI DUNE RESTORATION
The Pāuanui Dune Restoration Society, recently incorporated to protect local dunes, has led a major restoration effort at Mt Vista and Jackson’s Claim. Over 500 volunteer hours resulted in the restoration of 240 metres of coastline adjacent to private property, public amenities and infrastructure. The community-driven project saw 5,691 coastal plants planted and fertilised to address ongoing challenges such as weed control, native species protection and walkway maintenance. The strong community support has been vital to the success of this initiative.
(See p100-101 for more about dune restoration in the district.)
CORY PARK DOMAIN TOILET
Planning work on the Cory Park Domain toilet renewal is proceeding. The project has $275,000 budgeted ($120,000 from the Board’s Public Convenience Renewals budget and $155,000 from the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund). Construction is planned to start on this project after the peak period in April 2025 with completion expected by the end of June 2025.
PAUANUI HOLLAND STREAM IMPROVEMENTS
Work to regrade and reshape Holland stream to increase capacity was completed in the past year. The channel works to regrade and provide a minimum bed width of 2 metres were completed. Works on the left bank of Holland Close were also completed. The next steps to improve the stream infrastructure are proposed to take place between 2027–2031 of our Long Term Plan 2024-2034.
TAIRUA-PAUANUI Community Board
CHAIR WARWICK BROOKS
Our Board is two-thirds of the way through its current term, and what a term it has been. Everything seemed to be progressing well until Mother Nature caused a major problem for everyone on the eastern seaboard with the collapse of the Kōpū-Hikuai Road. All kudos to central government for recognising the significance of this road and committing the funds to expedite a quick fix. Locally, it has been a significant achievement to see the realisation of Tairua Skatepark after such a long period of negotiation with our community. There was initial disappointment with the Long Term Plan as local projects were deferred until funding could be assigned, with an emphasis on restoring infrastructure following the twin cyclones. What a surprise to hear that the replacement of the Pepe Stream Bridge is now on the horizon after years of campaigning. warwick.brooks@council.tcdc.govt.nz
BARRY ROBERTS
I have recently semi-retired in Tairua after selling our motel here. I want to see our communities thrive, with vibrant businesses and strong local organisations that support an enjoyable and meaningful way of life for everyone, from young families to senior members. I also want to see our environment, both on land and in the sea, cared for and nurtured, both now and for the future. barry.roberts@council.tcdc.govt.nz
DEPUTY CHAIR CHRIS NEW
I’ve called Tairua home since 1981, running a successful plumbing and drainage business until my retirement in 2021. My commitment to the community goes beyond business – I’ve been a member of the Tairua Volunteer Fire Brigade since 1982 and have served as Chief Fire Officer since 2001. My involvement with the Tairua-Pāuanui Community Board began in 2010, and I returned to serve again in the term before this one. I believe our Community Boards should have more influence in local decisionmaking, especially with a dedicated councillor to represent Tairua, Pāuanui and Hikuai. Outside of my community service, I love fishing and taking trips in our caravan. chris.new@council.tcdc.govt.nz
CATH WIGHTMAN
I am dedicated to nurturing a thriving, connected community in the Tairua-Pāuanui Community Board area. My vision is to strengthen local engagement, support sustainable development and celebrate our region’s natural beauty. I’m committed to advancing infrastructure that supports a sustainable future. My vision is to ensure our community grows, while preserving the charm and ecological integrity of our beloved area. Together, we can create lasting solutions for a vibrant tomorrow. cath.wightman@council.tcdc.govt.nz
MY TAIRUA-PAUANUI Jacqui Gage-Brown
Tairua Skatepark advocate and local powerhouse Jacqui Gage-Brown chats about working hard for the community, tackling adversity, and what makes Tairua such a special place to live.
What is the Tairua vibe?
Tairua has a great, vibrant buzz. It attracts active go-getters who are keen to accomplish great things in life, stay active and have fun – perhaps because of its unique location. The skatepark has become a huge attraction. Climbing Paku for sunrise or sunset is a must, and don't miss the surf beach – whether for walking, swimming or surfing. A visit wouldn't be complete without jumping off the Pepe Bridge.
What motivated you to lobby so passionately for the Tairua Skatepark?
We moved to Tairua in 2019. With three boys, I knew how essential it was and realised my skills could help those who had been advocating. The community faced many challenges, but perseverance paid off. We often said, “It'll be worth it, just wait until we have it,” and with that motto, we kept pushing forward.
How has the skatepark impacted the community?
Last school holidays, a mum told me, “What did we do before the skatepark?” She’s right. Every day after school, it’s bustling with tamariki and rangatahi (and adults). Even when it rains, people are out there with towels, drying it off.
What advice can you give to others fighting for community projects?
Know that things can be achieved. The process can sometimes be arduous, but if you follow it, it can work out. We kept pushing forward, knowing that what the community wanted aligned with Council plans. It even went to the High Court, but we knew we were in the right.
Any particularly effective strategies?
When a community wants something, it’s incredible how they come together. We formed a Trust, allowing us to provide tax-deductible receipts for donations and apply for support from local gaming funds. Our $1k Club was a great success, and we even received a $50,000 donation from a family.
What have you learned from this experience?
Stay positive. Others may try to bring you down, but it's crucial to keep your eye on the prize, and be nice. Building relationships is essential, even if you disagree.
How can other residents get involved in projects or advocacy?
Tairua Sports & Recreation Trust supports activity and wellness in our community. We can assess any ideas for Tairua. If they fit within our Trust’s capabilities, we can establish a committee to support the project.
Jacqui is also on the Board of Sport Waikato (see p59)
Staypositive. Keepyoureye ontheprize andbenice.
TAIRUA HAS A GREAT, VIBRANT BUZZ. IT ATTRACTS ACTIVE GO-GETTERS WHO ARE KEEN TO ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS IN LIFE.
MY WHANGAMATAGraeme Webb
Graeme Webb’s voluntary contributions to Whangamata - are legendary: ranging from a huge number of conservation initiatives, civic representation, improving community facilities, heritage, local safety and predator control. At 89, he recalls the evolution of the town to its present day.
What’s your local connection?
I fulfilled a dream when I retired here permanently 30 years ago. I expect I’m now one of the very few people who can remember the single-lane road to Whangamatā and a wonderful beach with virtually no people. Early holidays were primitive: no power or lighting, long-drop toilets and tank water which sometimes ran out in droughts. A wilderness full of exciting things, and the sea virtually alive with all forms of seafood.
What’s the best thing about living locally?
Pretty much the people – such diversity within so many lovely people who reside here permanently. The holiday influx pushes Whangamatā’s population to around 30,000. The holiday people provide a totally different and colourful scene, without whom we wouldn’t have the year-round shops, restaurants and support businesses.
What outsiders don’t know
Whangamatā has a very rich, diverse history. In early times, matā or obsidian, was highly prized for cutting and food preparation. Whangamatā was valued as one of the area’s safest harbours, with access to Tūhua | Mayor Island’s vast deposits of pure matā. And so we have the town’s name: whanga: bay, and matā: obsidian.
Favourite place
Whangamatā has always provided what I enjoy the most – in particular, water: be it the sea and fishing, or streams and rivers. I also love the bush.
Favourite journey
The journey returning home always feels great. Coming from Waihī, at the top of the hill you catch your first glimpse of the sea. In the foreground is the area off Mataora Bay and in the distance a wonderful view of the Aldermen Islands. You know that Whangamatā and home is not far away.
What contributions to your community are you most proud of?
As a trustee, along with a small group of local people, we secured funding from the Community Board for the refurbishment of the old War Memorial Hall and the building of a new, larger hall alongside. We raised $430,000 from the public and businesses and oversaw the construction and start of operations.
With my late wife Lynne, I’ve been involved for 30 years as a dotterel minder for DOC’s Dotterel Recovery Scheme. Despite the increasing people on our beach, the numbers of these protected birds still increase year after year. Currently, they’re under threat by beach erosion and climate changes affecting their nesting areas.
THE HOLIDAY PEOPLE PROVIDE A TOTALLY DIFFERENT AND COLOURFUL SCENE, WITHOUT WHOM WE WOULDN’T HAVE THE YEAR-ROUND SHOPS, RESTAURANTS AND SUPPORT BUSINESSES.
Photo: Jodi La Grouw
PROJECTS AROUND Whangamatā
WHANGAMATASTORMWATER IMPROVEMENT
A digital map modelling stormwater flooding in Whangamatā from severe rainfall will soon be available on our Council’s website.
The map models storm events with a 1% probability in any year based on the current stormwater infrastructure. While the maps don’t foretell the future, they offer a probable guide to areas that will likely be flooded. We’ve modelled stormwater flooding in Whangamatā in order to guide decision-making on new developments, to gauge where infrastructure investments are needed to mitigate flooding risk and to inform property owners of the potential risk.
More than $9 million has been allocated in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan for stormwater work in Whangamatā over the next six years. The hydrological modelling the stormwater flooding map contains is essential to set the priorities for this work.
More information at tcdc.govt.nz/whangamatastormwater
NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT MOANA POINT
A brand new water treatment plant was opened at Moana Point in Whangamatā late last year. This was built to help keep up with increased water treatment demands during our busiest summer months.
PORT ROAD TOILET UPGRADE
The public toilet facilities next to the Council offices on Port Road are due an upgrade. Whangamatā is becoming increasingly busy and in the peak periods there is a need for more public conveniences. The new facility will consist of four unisex pans, two wheelchair-accessible facilities (including one family facility) as well as a urinal room. The new toilets will be located in the same area as the existing ones but with a new and improved layout.
NEW WHANGAMATADUMP STATION
A new dump station due to be operative by Christmas will be installed at 118 Lindsay Road. It will include wastewater and waterlines, and potable and non-potable water taps. It will be designed to the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Dump Station Guide Standards. The existing dump station is no longer fit for purpose with the facility having to be closed too often for maintenance.
FIRE STATION PLAYGROUND
We are investigating how best to repair and upgrade the playground as it is old and spare parts are difficult to source. A playground specialist has identified options.
WILDING PINES ON HAUTURU ISLAND
Waikato Regional Council funded work to remove wilding pines from Hauturu (also called Clark) Island, just off Whangamatā beach in August 2024.
The island’s guardians, Tunaiti Kaitiaki Rōpū, led the work, with funding from the regional council’s Priority Biodiversity budget. A specialist contractor was hired to fell larger pines and drill and poison smaller trees. All the pines were left where they fell to decompose.
The work aims to address the rising number of wilding pines on the island, which endanger native ecosystems and archaeological sites. It’s part of ongoing efforts to restore the original native biodiversity of Hauturu and its three neighbouring islands.
waikatoregion.govt.nz
WHANGAMATACommunity Board
CHAIR DAVE RYAN
It has been a challenging year for our Board but I continue to push for expertise to focus on stormwater issues in Whangamatā, advocate for short-term accommodation solutions and develop an extension project for the causeway in the Annual Plan to address the danger for cyclists. Highlights for this year were being able to give grants out to our community and the construction of a new dump station for campervans at Lindsay Road. dave.ryan@council.tcdc.govt.nz
MARK DRURY
I enjoy the natural environment that Whangamatā has to offer, and I want to ensure that future generations have the same enjoyment. With climate change and an increase in population, our community has many challenges ahead of it. I like working with people and am an active member of the golf club and bowling club, as well as a committee member of Whangamatā Harbour Care. mark.drury@council.tcdc.govt.nz
DEPUTY CHAIR DENIS BEAVER
I am passionate about Whangamatā and the people in it. As a Board member with more than 17 years' business and volunteering experience, I hope to represent our community’s voice. We are still working hard on a strategy for short-term accommodation for seasonal workers and families alike. What motivates me is trying to ensure we receive the appropriate portion of ratepayers' money to spend on core infrastructure such as stormwater, roading, etc. denis.beaver@council.tcdc.govt.nz
NEIL EVANS
As a practising lawyer I believe I have the necessary skills to represent and act as an advocate for the interests of our community. I am a trained mediator experienced in problem-solving and have lived here for nearly three years, bringing a fresh perspective to current issues. I am actively involved in the community, and I value the importance of sporting and recreational facilities being available, especially to youth, for positive physical and mental wellbeing. I am a member of the local RSA, Whangamatā Baptist Church and Sports Chaplain to the Whangamatā Rugby Club. I support the development of the community marae project. neil.evans@council.tcdc.govt.nz
PROJECTS AROUND Thames
KOPUMARINE SERVICING AND BUSINESS PRECINCT PROJECT
Opened in June 2024, the $15.3 million facility provides a major boost to the marine-servicing industry, with an 80m-long commercial wharf and floating pontoon enabling in-water marine servicing and vessel loading, an expanded haul-out and an upgraded concrete reinforced slipway, as well as a public boat ramp and car park. It’s estimated the precinct could bring in up to $58.5 million over 30 years through opportunities for boat repair and maintenance, aquaculture, trade and transport.
tcdc.govt.nz/kopu
PORRITT PARK DESTINATION PLAYGROUND
The upgraded playground opened in May 2024, featuring exciting new play equipment such as a climbing tower lighthouse, Wakatere boat, and wheelchair-accessible seesaw and carousel. In addition, a half basketball court was added, including court marking and fencing.
tcdc.govt.nz/porritt
VISITOR PROMOTION
A Thames visitor attraction initiative rebranded and promoted Thames to draw in travellers passing through the town. Branded ‘Explore Interesting’, it highlighted the interesting things to do around Thames through maps, road signage directing travellers to services, a new-look website and an ongoing social media campaign.
tcdc.govt.nz/thames-brand
THAMES SPORTS FACILITIES
A detailed feasibility study into sports field options to address the issue of Rhodes Park flooding is due to be completed in late 2024.
tcdc.govt.nz/sports-partnership
TOTARA VALLEY HOUSING
The government has decided not to include our application for fasttrack consent approval for detailed designs for road widening and water, stormwater and wastewater infrastructure required for housing development to address the area’s housing shortage. When the time is right, we'll apply for consents through the usual process.
THAMES POOL REPLACEMENT
A feasibility study identifying potential sites at Thames High School and Kōpū South for an aquatic facility to replace Centennial Pool was adopted in February 2024. A public survey on options gained extensive feedback. A business case is expected to be completed in early 2025.
tcdc.govt.nz/aquatics
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Thames Business Association was chosen to run an information centre from the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre. Thames Community Board provided $50,000 to fit out the new centre to make it attractive to visitors.
INTERWOVEN
A vibrant new sculpture, ‘Interwoven’, was installed on SH25 on the Hauraki Rail Trail after winning the Thames Public Art Trust community sculpture competition.
THAMES Community Board
CHAIR ADRIAN CATRAN JP
I am very proud of what the Board has achieved. Key among these are: the completion of the Kōpū precinct, the opening of Porritt Park Destination Playground and the removal of the traffic impediment in Mary Street. We’re overseeing a business case on a new pool, and we’re actively supporting the area’s young people to have their voices heard. We have sponsored driving courses, installed new street flags and are working on making Pollen Street safer with under-veranda lighting. adrian.catran@council.tcdc.govt.nz
HOLLY MACKENZIE
You will often find me at the local sports field, where my passion for sports and youth development shines. With years devoted to Thames Junior Rugby and as a founding member of Thames Junior Cricket, I’m driven by my children’s inspiration to serve on the Community Board. My goal is to expand the opportunities of our youth, ensuring a progressive and inclusive future for our town. holly.mackenzie@council.tcdc.govt.nz
DEPUTY CHAIR ROB JOHNSTON
It has been a very interesting and very busy time for me on the Board. I believe that we have an excellent group of people committed to action in the best interests of Thames ward. Getting to grips with the machinations of local government, understanding roles, responsibilities and processes and trying to align them with action has been the challenge that has brought me the most satisfaction so far. I look forward to the second half of my term, having developed a clearer sense of areas I want to focus on to bring positive outcomes for Thames: particularly town promotion and beautification, and proposals for airfield development and increased housing provision. rob.johnston@council.tcdc.govt.nz
KISHAN RAIKWAR
Thames has been my home for over 15 years. My son’s a doctor at Waikato Hospital, and my daughter’s an actress in Sydney. My wife’s a local health support worker. We’ve owned a local award-winning restaurant since 2011. I’m a chef with over 33 years of hospitality experience. I’ve equipped myself with management qualifications and I’ve actively contributed to our community by championing local causes and events. My business management background can ensure the effective use of ratepayer funds, to provide vital support to our community’s needs, a responsibility I will continue to honour. kishan.raikwar@council.tcdc.govt.nz
Photo:
Valley Profile
Photo: Valley Profile
MY THAMESAbsalom Turoa
HE KINO RA, HE KINO NŌ TĀU Ō TE WAI
23-year-old Absalom Turoa is keen to see young people shaping Thames’ future, so he’s playing a leading role in Thames Rangatahi Advisory Panel (T-RAP).
I
MAY NOT BE GOOD LOOKING BUT I AM THE DEEPEST PART OF THE RIVER.
What’s your connection with Thames?
It’s just home to me. It’s where I feel safest.
What’s the best thing about living locally?
You know where everything is – it’s homey. The people are kind. Because Thames is such a small community, everyone pretty much knows everybody.
What don’t outsiders know?
On the news when people hear about Thames, it’s either the gas prices or it’s a retirement town. There are a lot of youth here.
Favourite places?
Probably Rhodes Park. I spent a lot of my time growing up playing sports there. For a time it wasn’t much utilised. Lately it’s been cool to see it packed almost every weekend with kids’ sport. There’s also a little spot I go to in Edwards Street that you can oversee Thames. From High School I’d go up there, have food, watch the sun set.
Area’s best kept secret?
The swimming holes. I’m not a person who loves jumping off stuff. The Red Shed which is out in Tōtara. It’s really accessible and it’s always warm.
Where’s the best place to eat?
I’m a massive fan of butter chicken. I go to The Royal Kitchen a lot.
Where’s the best place to hang out?
Probably the new Porritt Park. Having a basketball court has been the biggest thing to happen in Thames for a while.
Are there enough things for young people in Thames?
We have so many rugby fields and basketball courts and stuff that are just not being used the right way, I’d say. So, hopefully through the events T-RAP runs, we’ll get the most out of what we have.
Best place for an evening out?
Eretas is nice.
Favourite journey?
The Pinnacles. It’s a massive hike – six hours there and back – but once you make it to the top you can pretty much see everything from there. But it’s worth it – it’s very rewarding.
What contribution to your community are you most proud of?
Being part of T-RAP. (See p88 for more about T-RAP’s work.)
THE PEOPLE ARE KIND. BECAUSE THAMES IS SUCH A SMALL COMMUNITY, EVERYONE PRETTY MUCH KNOWS EVERYBODY.
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Powered by the sun
PASSIVELY EFFECTIVE
Just north of Tairua is the country’s only fully off-grid Passive House, a 60-square-metre marvel where the indoor environment is consistently comfortable but the power bill is zero.
Designed and built by Steve Hughes, of Tairua-based BuildGood, it’s also the smallest Passive Home in the world that meets the ‘premium’ standard of official Passive House certification.
What that means in practice, says Steve, is a home that’s free of mould and condensation in winter, and cool and well-ventilated in summer – all of it powered by the sun and clever design.
Principles of Passive Houses
We caught up with Steve Hughes, the owner of Tairua-based BuildGood, which provides design and project management services for home build and construction projects to ask him about the basics of Passive House design, and whether the ideas can be applied to renovations as well as new builds.
What are the key criteria for a home to be certified as passive?
The Passive House Building Standard was developed in Germany about 30 years ago. It contains five central design elements which, broadly speaking, cover: airtight construction requirements, high quality insulation, high-performance windows, mechanical heat recovery and ventilation. A Passive House design must also reduce the effect of thermal bridges. For example, this means reducing timber in the framing, which acts as a heat conductor chanelling warmth out instead of retaining it indoors.
Q&A
Underpinning those requirements is a comprehensive modelling process. Basically, there’s a giant spreadsheet that pulls together all aspects of Passive House design to understand how it will perform in real life. The modelling is very comprehensive and highly accurate. It figures out if the house will actually stay cool in summer and warm in winter, and never over 25 degrees for more than 10 per cent of the year. That’s the sort of thing the Passive House Building Standard measures and certifies. It’s very German!
Overall, there are about 200 certified Passive Houses in New Zealand currently, three of them built to premium standard like ours, and two commercial buildings as well.
It seems like quite a different mindset, right from design stage?
Absolutely. We’re so used to accepting that we live in ‘wooden tents’ in New Zealand. When, really, we should be thinking about the home as a thermal envelope, where we can be in control of a comfortable, dry interior without it requiring huge electricity use.
I’d love to see the day that the principles of high-performance design are included
in all new builds and renovations in this country. It would be so good for our national health and energy-use.
How did you first get interested in Passive Design?
In 2019, my wife Amy and I were living in a Ponsonby villa and, although it had been renovated, the house was still freezing cold in winter and suffocating in summer.
At the same time, I was project-managing an apartment build. We were trying to figure out how to meet the new Healthy Homes standards efficiently when the majority of apartments weren’t owneroccupied. We started looking into Passive House certification as one effective way to comply. So, I learned quite a lot through that process.
Then Amy and I purchased a piece of land near Pumpkin Hill in Tairua. It happened to be entirely off-the-grid. We decided to keep it that way and really embrace the philosophy of doing more with less. We left Auckland in 2021 and moved into the house at the end of 2022.
Tell us about the house itself?
The build took about a-year-and-a-half all up, because we did a large amount of it ourselves, with just one builder. That allowed us to gain heaps of experience and knowledge from working through all
the little details of how to make the home airtight and so on.
We did things like orienting the windows to the east and west, rather than north, which allowed us to make big solar heat gains when the sun is lower in the sky. We also have triple-glazed windows which our modelling showed reduced overheating. There’s external shading and a louvred pergola to manage sun exposure in summer and keep things cool. So, we basically designed for really good control of sun and shade.
We use solar panels to generate our electricity and have battery storage for about two days’ worth of power. But we use very little power overall, even including charging the electric car.
Any heat generated in the house, through cooking for example, is retained, and the ventilation system works as a heat exchanger to transfer air from outside. That runs constantly but only uses a tiny amount of power, about 30 watts, so we have it running the whole time to distribute air evenly around the house.
Is a Passive House expensive?
Like anything, a Passive House can be as cheap or expensive as you like. Simple design forms, like a two-storey rectangle, are most cost-efficient. Heat and air tend to be lost from the corners of a home, so reducing the number of corners in a Passive House really keeps the price of airtightness down.
There’s the upfront cost of solar panels and the ventilation system and so forth. But it’s possible in a Passive House to reduce energy demand for heating by 90 per cent. So, the running costs drop really quickly. Our power bill in 2020 in Ponsonby in winter was over $500 a month and prices have increased significantly since then. Now our running costs for power are nothing. Other Passive House owners who are connected to the grid make money selling their excess
power back into the national supply. So, it really is about calculating both the present cost of the build but also the future value of the design decisions.
What’s your advice for someone considering building a Passive Home?
First of all, go for it! The best thing to do is be very thoughtful and intentional when you sit down at design stage. Consider your particular site very closely, and think about window orientation for optimal sun and shade. Also look at what you can put on now, and add to later. So if you can afford some solar panels but not a battery, then make sure you leave space for batteries, and purchase panels that can be connected, so you leave yourself that option. It’s also worth remembering
that a lot of Passive House design elements can be worked into renovations. I’m working on a 1920s bungalow in Hamilton at the moment, and we’ll be able to use a lot of Passive House design features in that process.
If you’re very deliberate and considered, and make informed decisions, then you’ll get the long-term payoff with a healthy and comfortable living environment.
BuildGood is one of 20 businesses in Thames-Coromandel that is receiving free business mentoring for a year, thanks to a collaboration between our Council, the Employers and Manufacturers Association and Business Mentors New Zealand. buildgood.co.nz
On point IN ONEMANA
Astunning home in the sleepy Coromandel township of Onemana, designed by Evelyn McNamara Architecture, won the 2024 Waikato/Bay of Plenty Architecture Award for the housing category. Originally conceived as a holiday home, the project evolved into a permanent residence for the owner’s family. And it’s easy to see why you’d be tempted to spend all year in this place. In declaring it the year’s regional winner, judges from the New Zealand Institute of Architects said: “The design pushes the boundaries of site coverage and materiality, a modern concrete home inspired by the mood and aesthetic of Tadao Ando [a Japanese architect]. Inside, the home feels modern and sophisticated, warm and inviting. Interior timber lining creates a welcoming, calming feeling. The courtyard and outdoor space create a tranquil oasis and sense of privacy, despite the proximity of neighbours. Light shafts, level changes and shadow plays create interest and privacy while maintaining views to the rolling hills and streetscape.”
Photos: Simon Devitt
CURATING COMMUNITY: Left Bank Theatre, Thames
Left Bank Theatre in Thames offers something quite special –a selection of films that have been handpicked to suit the local community, by theatre owner and local resident David Mulholland.
“From the beginning, my dream has been for the theatre to be responsive to local tastes and for it to cater to a wide range of groups and interests,” explains David.
“It feels like the right thing to do when there’s no other cinema nearby to offer choices. Besides that, it’s just lovely to cater to the community I live in.”
Since opening its doors in August 2024, the independent cinema has played a wide selection of films, ranging from foreign festival award-winners, to New Zealand productions, as well as boxoffice hits that those living in Thames might otherwise miss on the big screen.
As a former president of the Whanganui Film Society, David says he particularly enjoys hunting down options that suit Thames’ film club members, the town’s older population, and mana whenua, hapū and iwi groups. If anyone feels they’ve been left out, there’s a clipboard in the foyer where David takes suggestions for future showings.
“I’m constantly talking to people to find out what sort of film they want to see next. The only thing I rule out is anything with extreme or gratuitous violence, as I don’t think that serves our community well,” he says.
The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the theatre is the result of an extensive renovation and upgrade to the old electrical servicing shop on Pollen Street. When the building came up for sale in 2022, David took one look and fell in love with it, quitting his policy advisor job in Wellington to pour his time and savings into the project.
Today, Left Bank Theatre seats 28 on a charming mix of comfortable mismatched sofas and armchairs, which David collected himself from Hospice shops,
Trade Me and other secondhand sources. Other essentials, like the projector, some electronics and speakers, came from disestablished cinemas around the country. “I’ve also had incredibly helpful advice from experienced cinema operators,” says David.
The result is a space not just for moviewatching. Art covers the walls, and David encourages exhibitions and other unconventional uses of the cinema.
“It’s like a living room where people can engage with each other, as well as see films. So I’m happy to discuss different ways to use the space, e.g. for small musical performances, art exhibitions, other live events, club fundraisers, that sort of thing,” he says.
The theatre will soon have an alcohol licence and you’re likely to be served by
David himself, after he spent six months in training pouring drinks at the Thames’ Bowling Club. “That experience was a condition of obtaining my liquor licence, and I loved it,” he laughs.
Left Bank Theatre plans to show films Tuesday to Sunday, inclusive. Ten-movie tickets are sold at roughly 10% off standard prices, and there are concession tickets for SuperGold, Community Services and student card holders. The theatre may also be available to book for private functions by contacting David at david@leftbanktheatre.co.nz
To visit Left Bank Theatre, head to 659 Pollen Street in Thames. leftbanktheatre.co.nz
Dream Coastal Escape
Seeking their dream coastal escape, the clients engaged Versatile Thames to design and build the perfect holiday home to relax and capture the expansive views of Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula.
The Karamu design from Versatile’s Freedom range was the perfect choice for the location, with its contemporary and streamlined design allowing all-day sun and views from every room. The home stands proudly on the hill and can be seen as you drive down toward the beach.
This 126m² modern pavilion-style home features three large bedrooms with spacious wardrobes, two exquisite bathrooms, a sleek single-wall kitchen complete with a walk-in pantry, an abundance of smart storage solutions, and sun-drenched communal spaces. The raked ceiling is a standout feature, enhancing the sense of space in this stylish home. Its excellent indoor/ outdoor flow provides a constant connection to the environment and coastal outlook.
The clients love their new holiday home and thoroughly enjoyed the building journey with the Thames-Coromandel team.
“We are loving our new Karamu Versatile home. It has exceeded our expectations and the quality of the workmanship is really high.”
IMAGINE
THAMES-COROMANDEL
DISTRICT AS A VILLAGE OF 100 PEOPLE
Around 33,700 people live in the Thames-Coromandel District. In our scaled down ‘village’ of 100, each person represents 337 people.
Our ‘village’ is a popular place to live, especially for those who seek to enjoy a relaxed retirement close to stunning coastlines and expansive conservation estates.
years median age
The median age in our village is currently 55.2 years. This is the highest median age in the country. The median age of the New Zealand population is 38.1 years.
People moving from other parts of New Zealand to live in our village are the key source of our population growth.
14 are under 15 years old
82 people in our village were born in New Zealand.
18 were born overseas.
Coromandel SOUTH
11 people in our village of 100 are students that go to school each day. One third of our students are Ma-ori.
Where we live
34 live in the Thames Ward
32 live in Mercury Bay Ward
15 live in Whangamata - Ward
11 live in Coromandel-Colville Ward
9 live in Tairua-Pa-uanui Ward
In our village's classroom: 8 European 4 Ma-ori 1 Pacific, Asian or Middle Eastern/Latin American/ African
*Multiple answers possible so will total to more than 11 students. Rounded to nearest 1.
Of the 100 people in our village…
Our visitors
There are around 27,000 private dwellings in the district. Around one third of these dwellings are empty, not lived in by residents.
Private dwellings in the Thames-Coromandel lived in.
Private dwellings in Pa-uanui lived in.
Our village welcomes many visitors each year. 80 per cent of these visitors are domestic visitors.
Employment and business
Around 10,400 residents in the Thames-Coromandel District are in paid work. This is 60 per cent of the working age population.
Of the 100 people in our village…
31 people are employed: 10 work part-time
People work in a range of industries that provide essential services to our fellow residents, and beyond. The top employing industries in our village are:
Over the Christmas and New Year period the influx of visitors sees our village of 100 triple to 300
OUR SELF-EMPLOYMENT RATE (30 PER CENT) IS ALMOST DOUBLE THE NATIONAL SELFEMPLOYMENT RATE (15 PER CENT).
30%
3,500 OF THE 4,900 BUSINESSES IN THE DISTRICT DO NOT HAVE ANY EMPLOYEES.
4,900 BUSINESSES
$79,580
Average annual household income in our village, March year 2024. This compares to the NZ average of $132,540 $ $
This is closely followed by very skilled manufacturing, and aquaculture and horticulture sectors.
ECONOMIC CONCEPTS to make our lives better
How does a place lift living standards and improve people’s quality of life? How do you, as an everyday citizen, make your life and the lives around you better?
Quite simply – through decisions and action. Decision-makers are everywhere – elected members, the doctor, your partner, the person at the checkout counter. You are also one of them, making an estimated 35,000 conscious decisions every single day.
So how do we make good decisions and act on them? Who defines what ‘good’ looks like?
These are all serious questions those in leadership roles and their advisors must
Jessica Black, our Council’s Economic Development Advisor, reflects on what makes people and communities thrive, and how economic ideas can be used to help us make great choices for our collective wellbeing.
consider. They’re questions we can ponder too. What ‘good’ looks like is slightly different for each of us, and is often influenced by our own experiences, values and beliefs. Some of us think mullets are awesome, others absolutely not!
Those making decisions on behalf of others must constantly weigh up what good looks like for collective wellbeing, both now and into the future – balancing differing perceptions of good and the needs of all those in the communities they represent.
At a fundamental level, science tells us great sleep, nutrition, socialisation and exercise make a difference to the quality of our decision-making. We know more
snacks go into the trolley when we’re trawling the supermarket hungry. Meeting these basic human needs has a real impact. We can also apply techniques to support our decision-making – think flipping a coin, De Bono’s thinking hats (encouraging us to consider problems from other angles), or multicriteria analysis. Frameworks, policy and regulatory requirements often guide decision-makers in formal settings. Economics is also often used to support decision-making. At its core, an economy is the way we provide for one another. It’s integral to our daily lives, so how we see the economy and apply economic concepts matters. Here are just a few.
HOW DO WE MAKE GOOD DECISIONS AND ACT ON THEM? WHO DEFINES WHAT ‘GOOD’ LOOKS LIKE?
Value: More than just a price tag
Price is a clear way to express the value of something. But value isn’t just about what we can quantify using a price; it’s about what something is worth to us. Value could be the joy of walking along the beach or through the bush, or the warm fuzzies volunteering provides.
We know Thames-Coromandel has unique value to those who live or visit here. Our communities tell us they value: suitable housing (a safe and secure place to live), good roads and community networks (being connected) and resilience when the going gets tough. Our connection to the sea is also valued – our ‘lifeblood’, affecting livelihoods and part of our peninsula identity.
It’s hard to put a price tag on nature and happiness, but policy-makers can use quantified estimates to support decisionmaking. For example, the social cost of a loss of life in New Zealand is estimated at $9.8 million; walking a kilometre is worth $10 in physical health gain; and being a member of a volunteer group is estimated to provide benefits worth $2,800 to an individual per year. Even your ‘free’ time has a value.
It’s wise not to calculate numbers on every single decision you make – that’d be exhausting. Instead, think carefully about what you and your community truly value. When pondering a decision or action, test your assumptions and ask: ‘Does this really add value to my life and to those around me?’ If it does, go for it. If not, maybe that time or money is better spent elsewhere.
Opportunity cost: The grass isn’t always greener
Imagine you are in town when hunger strikes. Your favourite restaurant sounds good, but you’ll have to drive a bit further to get there. The alternative is to enjoy a meal at a closer restaurant. Whatever option you choose, you’re giving up something else that also has value – this is the concept of opportunity cost.
Eating at your favourite spot is divine, but still means giving up time during the commute, fuel and missing out on the next best option – dining at a restaurant in town. Opportunity costs are everywhere. It’s not just about the quantifiable financial costs. Your time, relationships and nature have value too. Be mindful of what you’re giving up when you make a choice.
Scarcity and resource allocation: The art of managing limits
Linked closely to this are the concepts of scarcity and resource allocation. There are seemingly unlimited human wants in a world of limited resources, so we need to think carefully about how to distribute them. In everyday scenarios, scarcity might manifest as a lack of time, money or energy. Deciding how to allocate these resources can make a big difference in our overall wellbeing. We can’t do everything, so focusing on the things that matter most is a good start.
Additionality and displacement: The balancing act
How people respond to decisions is also critical in economics because responses influence overall outcomes.
Ever tried adding more plants to your already crowded windowsill garden, only to realise that some of them start to suffer? That’s additionality and displacement in action. Additionality refers to the extra benefits that come from adding something new. Displacement, on the other hand, is when adding something new pushes out the benefits of something else.
Often, we need to give more thought to these concepts when we think about spending. Someone might choose to come to your event or shop, but, if they’re simply shifting their spending and time away from another activity in your area, the net financial benefit to the community is zero.
In our busy lives, these core economic concepts can help us balance our time and resources. They can help us ponder, at an individual and community level: What do we value? What are we potentially giving up? How can we best share resources? And how do our decisions and actions have impact?
Our Economic Development team helps to improve living standards in our district. We work on projects that support investment attraction, business and sector development, long-term infrastructure planning, research, employment and innovation, and vibrant community activity.
AqUACULTURE INVESTMENT
The Coromandel is poised to play a key role in seeing New Zealand’s aquaculture industry become a $3 billion business by 2035.
26% of New Zealand’s MUSSELS
23%
of New Zealand’s OYSTERS
To realise its potential, the aquaculture industry would benefit from:
• capital investment
• infrastructure such as wharves, roads and landside activities
• investment in research and development
• streamlining consenting processes
• reduced regulatory barriers.
For more information, visit tcdc.govt.nz/aquaculture and check out:
• our brochure Investing In Coromandel Aquaculture And Marine Infrastructure
• the Waikato Regional Aquaculture Strategy Growing together –Whakatupu Ngātahi.
Producing around a quarter of the country’s mussels and oysters, our district can help meet the world’s demand for sustainable food protein. Our aquaculture sector also supports thriving sectors in food, hospitality, education, marine science and innovation.
opportunities
OPPORTUNITIES
Kōpū Marine Servicing and Business Precinct
The newly completed 80m commercial wharf, floating pontoon, unsealed haul-out and reinforced slipway is set to boost marine and aquaculture activities across the upper North Island.
Ariki Tahi Sugarloaf Wharf Development
As the only all-tide wharf facility on the eastern side of the Hauraki Gulf close to consented space, the Ariki Tahi redevelopment will increase capacity to land, process and transport thousands of tonnes produced from fin fish farming, mussel farming and other aquaculture operations.
Fin fish farm
In 2023, Pare Hauraki Kaimoana were granted resource consents to establish Aotearoa
New Zealand’s first ocean fin fish farm in the Coromandel Marine Farming Zone. Revenue per hectare for fin fish farming is significantly higher than for shellfish farming.
Mussel spat supply
Diversifying and expanding the supply of spat (juvenile mussels) for the green-lipped mussel industry is critical to enable this sector to thrive. Several spat retention projects are planned in the region.
Seaweed ocean farming pilot
The Coromandel is home to the country’s first, threeyear regenerative ocean farming pilot, GreenWave Aotearoa. The $5 million pilot is focused on creating an economically viable seed-to-harvest model for seaweed farming in New Zealand.
Land-based ulva cultivation
AgriSea’s world first diffuse source land-based trial of ulva (green seaweed) cultivation is based 6km north of Kōpū near Thames.
Oyster farming
The Coromandel has around 70 hectares of traditional oyster farms that have sustainably and successfully operated for the last 50 years. New technology presents a significant opportunity for the sector with the implementation of semi-automated systems using surface longlines and floating baskets.
Proposed projects could see the Coromandel:
• raise local mussel production by 70%
• establish New Zealand’s first ocean kingfish farm
• lift aquaculture exports by more than $100 million per year
• generate hundreds of jobs
• unlock billions in economic benefit.
BUILDING A GLOBAL TECH COMPANY
from Whangamatā
Whangamata - local Kane Edwards, co-founder of Dnero and co-owner of Smoky Pallet, chats with Economic Development Advisor Jessica Black about his business ventures.
What’s been your inspiration?
Mum was a school teacher and Dad was a bit of an entrepreneur. I watched them work really hard to try to get our family ahead. While there were definitely ups and downs, they were my inspiration for wanting to have a go myself. Mum and Dad always encouraged my entrepreneurial side, but pushed me to go to university and learn the things that they never had the opportunity to, and which had held them back. I realised quite early on that if I was going to work hard I might as well do it for myself.
Tell us about the evolution of your companies?
After uni I practised as a lawyer and then worked for Red Bull, but all the time I was working on my own ventures (from renovating property, to importing golf equipment and ultimately trying to create a software business). While working at Red Bull, I met two guys who have come to be my business partners, and in their own ways have each been huge in shaping my direction in business.
In 2017, we were very much still trying to create the software company when we purchased Smoky Pallet, naively thinking that owning a hospitality business would be easy, and with the intention to use it as a test site for our software (which was a hospitality loyalty system). However, as we began to realise all of the challenges with the loyalty system, I got stuck in the trenches running the bar and quickly realised how hard hospitality is.
My co-founder in Dnero was studying software engineering when I met him and went on to run his own software company. He’s freakishly smart. Originally, when I told him about the loyalty system I was trying to build, he immediately picked holes in my approach, but thankfully he was keen to work with me to try to get it done.
We invested lots of time and money into building the loyalty system but ultimately realised it wouldn’t …
… continues on p105 where you can find out more about Dnero's journey into the world market
Everyone knows the best place to go fishing is near a mussel farm
Please follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe
Keep 30 metres from working mussel barges at all times
Don’t tie-up to a line being worked on
Never cast your line towards a mussel barge – farmers have been injured from flying hooks and sinkers
No anchors. Tie-on to a longline buoy or use approved mooring hooks
Minimise your speed and wake
Never drive across the lines
our Locals LO E
BETTER GREENS
“Getting good food out to good people” is the thinking behind Glenn and Jo Matheson’s microgreen business based in Whangamata -
Their small, urban ‘vertical farm’ operates from a container in their backyard producing nutrient-rich microgreens which they home deliver once a week to around 140 regular customers in Whangamatā, Tairua, Pāuanui, Thames and as far up as Hāhei and Whitianga.
Microgreens are the earliest stage of a vegetable plant’s development, after the sprouting stage. They’re super healthy, with concentrated vitamins and antioxidants – up to 40 times higher than more mature green veges.
The driver for the business came in 2021 during Covid lockdowns, where growing your own food and promoting health and wellbeing came to the fore. Glenn had completed 21 years in the Police and Jo a career in banking. A start-up which was both environmentally friendly and of benefit to the community appealed.
They’ve tapped into a welcoming community of people interested in health, wellbeing and activity that characterises the Coromandel. Customers include families, households, cafes and restaurants. “We’re so grateful our supporters really embraced our wee business,” Glenn says. Plans are in place to expand their growing operation into two more containers and to deliver to even more good people. bettergreens.co.nz
COROMANDEL OCEAN ADVENTURES
Run by professional watermen and proud locals, Richie McNabb (left) and Hayden Smith (right), Coromandel Ocean Adventures offers a wealth of knowledge of the area, taking pride in introducing visitors to Coromandel’s lesser known areas.
An abundance of marine and bird life, volcanic rock formations, crystal clear water, ancient Māori Pā sites and beautiful scenery awaits those who book on these incredible scenic boat tours departing from Tairua and Pāuanui every day. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, manta ray and special migratory birds. Snorkelling’s available in warmer months.
Highlights include Ruamaahu | Aldermen Islands, an important nature reserve, and one of the best open water dive sites in New Zealand, a truly remarkable place that should be on everyone’s bucket list; Taputuatahi Bay | Boat Harbour only accessible by boat, a haven for kiwi and a great stand of kauri trees, one of NZ's premier mainland pest control success stories; Te Karo Bay | Sailors Grave, a popular surf and walking spot; Motuhoa | Shoe Island, a beautiful natural island largely uninhabited by people; and Whakahau | Slipper Island with a rich history and many a story to tell.
Book ahead for a family-friendly trip around our coastline. coadventures.co.nz
THE COMMUNITY PROJECT Resilience
An emergency preparedness project has successfully built on the Coromandel’s famous self-help attitude and increased local people’s ability to look after their communities when disasters strike.
The Coromandel has been ‘in the eye of the storm’ in the last decade with numerous severe weather events. In the summer of 2022-2023 the district was pounded by storms for seven weeks, culminating in Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle.
In response to our district’s vulnerability to extreme weather, and the potential for massive disruption to people’s lives and livelihoods, our Council has focused on supporting communities’ ability to respond effectively to emergency situations locally.
respond better in emergency situations. These groups are made up of volunteers committed to stepping up in an emergency situation to co-ordinate local welfare responses.
plan, which identifies local hazards, vulnerabilities, available resources and communication structures, and sets out action to support community welfare.
“THROUGHOUT THE CYCLONE, COUNCIL WAS IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH US. THERE’S A LOT MORE TRUST IN THE COMMUNITY TO ACCEPT SUPPORT FROM THOSE AGENCIES.”
KATHLEEN MAKIRI, KOPUTAUAKI
Setting up and supporting these groups in all 40 communities throughout the district has been a huge feat in a district covering 400 km of coastline.
This on-the-ground knowledge and local connections came to the fore during Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. Despite the chaos and difficulties, the local groups were able take charge of addressing the immediate needs for welfare support in their communities.
We have set up a strong network of Community Response Groups and maraebased Manaaki Groups throughout the peninsula to empower local people to
In partnership with our Council and other agencies on the ground, each Community Response Group has developed a response
They also played a crucial role in liaising with the Emergency Operations Centre, so that a picture of what was happening around the district could be developed, and extra support targeted to where it was most needed. Even with disruption to communications channels caused by the storms, the
Emergency Operations Centre was able to establish contact with every community so that it could prioritise resources.
Very soon after the cyclones, central government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and Trusts provided significant funding to the Council’s Disaster Relief Fund. A total of $900,000 was targeted towards building resilience in communities.
A key learning point from previous emergency events was that to build resilience within communities, projects had to be community-led, to ensure that communities felt a real sense of ‘ownership’ over plans for emergency preparedness.
Communities shared their experiences about the lessons they learnt from the impacts of the cyclones with Council to help identify their specific resource requirements. Out of that kōrero, each community co-designed a new resilience kit for their locality, and identified their training needs. Some wanted enhanced communications, e.g. Starlink or handheld radios. Others requested generators and battery packs, barbecue gas bottles or containers to house blankets, kai and basic equipment.
A district agreement was signed with Fire and Emergency (FENZ) to store the communities’ resilience kits in local fire stations, wherever possible. Within a few
✔ hand-held radios and base station ✔ lithium-ion battery pack ✔ Civil Defence flags
✔ first aid kit ✔ blankets ✔ safety flashing beacon ✔ transistor radio ✔ commando case
“WITHOUT A DOUBT, THIS INITIATIVE HAS POSITIVELY IMPACTED OUR COMMUNITIES FOR THE LONG-TERM. FUNDING HAS ENABLED OUR COMMUNITY RESPONSE GROUP TO UPGRADE OUR ABILITY TO RESPOND TO ANY FUTURE DISASTERS.”
DYLAN CURTIN, POLICE CONSTABLE, TAIRUA
weeks the highest needs communities had received their resilience kits and training on how to effectively operate a community-led centre. The funding Council received from Red Cross and MSD enabled First Aid and Psychological First Aid courses to be delivered to the Community Response Groups.
Community Response Groups were
KEY COMPONENTS OF RESILIENCE KITS
✔ fuel conditioner
✔ torches
✔ LED lighting with tripod
✔ 9kg gas bottles
✔ power cables
✔ adapter
✔ tarpaulins with rope
✔ flatbed trolley
✔ shelves
✔ straps
✔ tape
✔ road cones
✔ jerry cans
✔ head torch
✔ megaphone ✔ petrol cans ✔ fuel vouchers
✔ long-life food ✔ lockbox ✔ containers ✔ high vis vests ✔ aqua tabs
brought together in clusters to receive their kits and to learn from others’ experiences and provide mutual support.
The Community Resilience Project soon gained national media attention and positive interest from other councils about the delivery of this project.
The final stage of the project will see the four largest communities of the Coromandel (Whangamatā, Coromandel Town, Whitianga and Thames) provided with Civil Defence Centre container caches, containing a deployable supply of resources and equipment.
The success of the project has been highlighted by communities’ huge role in the district’s successful post-storm recovery. The approach has served as a model for a number of other councils and organisations around the country who have met with the team to learn more about the project.
Numerous ministerial visits in the months following the severe weather events acknowledged the capability and resolve of Coromandel’s communities. The observation was made: “The Coromandel just gets on and fixes it.”
We are immensely proud of this project which was a finalist in the LGNZ SuperCollab award for an innovative collaboration or partnership that’s delivered a brilliant outcome.
We reflect on our achievements in supporting communities facing difficult times after the storms of 2023 to move beyond recovery and to become more resilient so they can meet future challenges with renewed optimism.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES AGAINST ADVERSITY
Our Council has partnered with other agencies working in our hardhit communities to rebuild social wellbeing and resilience in a targeted social recovery programme which reflects our Council’s commitment to create a vibrant, sustainable and connected community.
Here are some of our achievements from the last year.
Words: Isla Anderson
SOCIAL RECOVERY FUND
The Social Recovery Fund was established to support local communities affected by 2023’s adverse weather events. Its goal was to help community and voluntary organisations address immediate needs, strengthen unity and build resilience. The fund’s support went beyond financial aid. It fostered solidarity and optimism among communities facing challenges. The initiatives it supported highlighted the strength of community spirit and compassion in overcoming adversity.
• The Tairua Elim Church hosted a barbecue and organised a range of activities to engage rangatahi and enhance community resilience.
• Thames Music and Drama (M.A.D) were able to keep ticket costs down to the community so that families could watch a feel-good show.
• Coromandel Independent Living Trust (CILT) organised activities such as bone and wood carving sessions, which provided opportunities for locals to come together and rebuild.
Over 54 community groups and agencies made the most of this funding opportunity. They fostered connections, pooled resources and developed strategies to support collective wellbeing, building their ability to adapt and respond to future challenges.
COROMANDELTHAMES CONNECTOR BUS
The free Coromandel – Thames Connector bus service started in December 2023 with two local transport providers, Thames Taxis and Coromandel Taxis. Its aim was to help people better access healthcare, education, job opportunities, appointments and to stay connected with family and whānau during the post-storm recovery period.
From December 2023 – June 2024, 1,154 passenger trips were made. “People have told us that being able to access appointments, key services and work is so important,” says our Community Partnerships Co-ordinator Helen Flynn. “It’s also helped reduce isolation by supporting friends and whānau to spend time together.”
The trial was a huge success with one user commenting, “I think it’s a great initiative and would love it to become a permanent thing.” Coromandel Taxis became aware over the six months of the trial just how vital the service is to our community and how much of a positive impact it’s had on the people who regularly use it. That’s why Coromandel Taxis decided to continue this as a private service for the near future.
FUNDING ADVICE
In an ongoing partnership with Funding HQ, our Council hosted four half-day inperson workshops in Thames, Coromandel, Whitianga and Whangamatā to build community groups’ awareness of a range of funding options.
Over 70 people from the local not-for-profit community sector attended the Funding HQ workshops around the district. The workshops empowered attendees with essential funding skills to help them navigate funding opportunities more effectively. “This was the most useful funding workshop I’ve attended, and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” says Terri Churton from Living Well Trust and Age Concern Hauraki.
In July 2024, community groups from each of the district’s four main centres signed up for monthly Funding HQ coaching sessions which will give them access to the funding HQ website, as well as resources to equip them with essential skills and strategies to effectively secure support for their causes or organisations.
Further Funding HQ workshops will be held around the district in November.
TUPU KAI | GROW THE FOOD
We’re committed to empowering communities to manage their food systems in ways that are sustainable, culturally appropriate and socially just, and that enhance their resilience. Currently, we’re supporting six communities in what’s become known as Tupu Kai (Grow the Food) projects, to cultivate essential food supplies that can sustain communities during emergencies.
TUPU KAI FRUIT TREE INITIATIVE
These projects use a variety of methods such as raised garden beds, food forests and traditional communal garden plots to grow staple food items. The goal is to ensure that even in scenarios where communities may face isolation during emergencies, they still have a reliable source of food. In addition, these initiatives promote grassroots-level exchange of gardening knowledge within communities.
By equipping communities with the skills and resources needed to grow their own food, we’re strengthening community resilience against future challenges. It’s about fostering selfsufficiency and shared knowledge to ensure our communities can thrive independently, regardless of external circumstances.
Dubbed “an amazing initiative” by a community member, our Council has launched a Tupu Kai Fruit Tree Initiative across 30 community groups spanning 23 towns in our district. It’s involved planting more than 300 fruit trees on Council, community and school reserves as a shared community resource.
See p14 for how Tupu Kai is shaping up in Coromandel-Colville.
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CREATIVE CONNECTIONS
As a champion of all things creative, He Mana Toi Moehau Trust | Creative Coromandel is passionate about its mahi of nurturing and empowering the Coromandel’s creative spirit. We caught up with some of the creative community events that have received a helping hand from the Trust.
He Mana Toi Moehau Trust | Creative Coromandel is an independent charitable trust that includes visual and performing artists, arts leaders and tangata whenua from around the region, who champion our district’s creative industries.
Creative Coromandel began back in 2015, as part of a district-wide strategy to develop and promote creative initiatives.
Our Council adopted the Arts and Creative Industries strategy in 2016, and an Advisory Board, with representatives from all five wards, evolved into He Mana Toi Moehau Trust | Creative Coromandel.
“We are all passionate arts and community volunteers who are committed to
supporting and championing arts, culture, creativity and ngā toi Māori (Māori arts) in the Thames-Coromandel District and Hauraki rohe,” says Fiona Cameron, Chairperson of Creative Coromandel.
“We’d like to see all our communities reach their full creative potential.”
Recently the Trust has successfully spearheaded two new initiatives through public funding. The first is the Coromandel artbeat spring festival – a “one-stop shop for arts events in the region” that includes iconic events, such as Steampunk The Thames. The second is Creative Conversations, a series of relaxed evenings to kōrero with local creatives around the Coromandel.
In partnership with our Council, Creative Coromandel also assesses applications to the Creative Communities Scheme, a twice-yearly Creative New Zealand funding scheme designed to support and diversify community arts.
This year, the Hauraki Cultural Festival returns to competitive status again for the first time since Covid-19 lockdowns, with Matai Whetū Marae in Thames taking the role of host for the festival's 51st year.
Funding of $4,000 from the Creative Communities Scheme will help with some of the hosting costs, such as hiring the venue, sound and stage, judges and looking after kaumātua.
Since it began in 1973, the festival has been hosted by a group of 10 marae, and a roster has been developed so that each one can take a turn at hosting.
If you like the playful side of making music and the freedom of experimenting, then Random Addition #3 is for you. This community music collaboration takes place in December in Coromandel Town, with $1,500 in funding from the Creative Communities Scheme.
“It’s about engaging with the creative, playful nature of music making, where the focus is on simply experimenting without expectations or ideas about what it is meant to be – or if it is ‘good’,” says event organiser Matt Sephton.
“It can be messy and weird and a bit strange at times, but out of that comes new and interesting things.”
For nine days, people can drop by Matt’s ‘music creation’ studio set up in Hauraki House Gallery. It’s a room filled with instruments –conventional and very non-conventional: microphones, percussion, synthesisers, strings and keys, and various things to make and capture interesting sounds, all linked into a recording system.
Last year’s Random Addition event had more than 100 people contribute to the project. The finished piece was over 45 minutes long, with experimental soundscapes, beautiful acoustic music, electronic sounds, spoken words and “all sorts of crazy and interesting sounds.
“The end result was really cool, but the process of play and creation was the main purpose,” says Matt.
cultural Random RANDOM ADDITION #3
The festival has a Hauraki section that is just for teams within Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki districts, as well as an open section, which sees teams from further afield including Hamilton, Raglan, Taupō, Putāruru, Taumarunui and Tāmaki Makaurau.
“Many kapa (performing groups) from Hauraki and around the motu have performed over the years, and we encourage all kura (schools) around Hauraki to take part,” says Nikky Fisher from Matai Whetu Marae.
“I loved it when people came in and would say something like: ‘I'm not creative at all – I’m just looking,’ then before long they were going around the room exploring sounds and having a great time with it.”
When and where
15–16 November 2024, Thames
Find out more: nikky@ngatimaru.iwi.nz
“This is an opportunity for kura to experience kapa haka at its best and to learn about the history, whakapapa and Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga of Hauraki. We see it as an extension of our children’s learnings about who they are, and where they are from.”
When and where
2–10 December 2024, Hauraki House Gallery, Coromandel Town, 10am to 4pm daily.
All ages and backgrounds are welcome. www.mattsephton.nz
MATARIKI WHANGAMATA -
People were at the heart of this year’s Matariki Whangamatā (held from 27-29 June 2024), as they gathered to learn, reflect, remember and celebrate the Māori New year.
This year’s event received $1,000 from the Creative Communities Scheme, which was used to pay for materials, allowing workshops to be offered on a koha entry basis.
Following the inaugural event last year, the 2024 programme went from strength to strength, drawing more than 1,000 people at Williamson Park for a hāngī and concert, and 1,100 attendees to the ‘koha’ workshops. With everything from a Matariki sunrise viewing and kite flying at dawn, to a hāngi and concert, it was a chance for Te Ao Māori to shine.
When and where
Matariki Whangamata - 2025: Thursday 19 – Sunday 22 June Ha-ngi and concert Friday 20 June 2025. www.wcm.maori.nz or email chair@wcm.maori.nz
“It’s an awesome opportunity for Te Ao Māori to be at the forefront of our communities, and to be celebrated,” says Ryan Thompson, chair of the Whangamatā Community Marae Trust. “We don't aim to make money from the event – it’s about manaakitanga, caring for our community.”
Working alongside Whangamatā Arts Collective, the series of workshops included a diverse range of traditional crafts and activities such as felting, raranga harakeke (weaving), storytelling, whakairo (carving), rongoā (Māori medicine), poi making and a collaborative artwork.
“A really cool aspect of the event is the collaboration of all the community groups and volunteers,” says Ryan. “The people are the heart of Matariki Whangamatā and the contributions and spirit of the many amazing volunteers make it very special.”
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A SPORTING CHANCE
The world of sport and physical activity is opening up to new opportunities. We talked to our partner Sport Waikato about the emerging trends for sport and recreation in our district.
Many people move to the Coromandel because they love the active, outdoor lifestyle it involves. Whether it’s waterbased activities or getting exercise in our bush-clad hills or cycleways, there’s something for everyone.
It’s a great time to be active in our district. New types of activities are emerging, and there’s now a huge range of sports and activity on our doorstep.
Our partner Sport Waikato’s mission is to increase participation in sport and recreation, helping to reduce barriers that prevent people taking part – barriers such as cost and location.
ACTIVE RECREATION
Gone are the days when young people could only access a narrow range of sports, and competitive sports were king. While there’s still an important role for competitive sport and the traditional
sporting codes such as netball, cricket, rugby, hockey and soccer, there’s an increasing trend for people to take part in what’s known as ‘active recreation’. These are activities people can do in their own time without having to commit to weekly training and competitive games. Active recreation includes walking, cycling, running, skateboarding, spearfishing, free diving and many more.
DIVERSITY OF CHOICES
Platforms such as YouTube have popularised a huge diversity of sport and recreation. New sports such as disc golf (golf with a frisbee and nets), ultimate frisbee and pickleball (possibly the fastest-growing activity in the world) are really taking off.
SOCIAL SPORTS
Young adults are really taking to social sport where they can meet up with friends
and enjoy being active together. This is vital in an age group where participation in sport often drops off.
OVER 65 s
Our district’s known for its high proportion of seniors. Sports such as golf are surging. New Zealand has one of the highest proportion of golf courses per capita in the world. And we all want to ensure that elders don’t get left out of sports provision.
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
Sports are often sustained by volunteers. But there’s a shortage of referees, coaches and people willing to put their hand up to help out. Sport Waikato is looking at how the volunteering experience can be more positive, with positive sideline behaviour and mentoring of coaches and referees.
TAIRUA SKATEPARK
Participation in skateboarding is ramping up. It used to be that skateparks were consigned to dingy out-of-town areas where anti-social behaviour could flourish. Tairua’s skatepark in the centre of town is a shining example of the positivity of skateboarding (see p24 for more). Since it opened in autumn 2024 it’s been used widely and is hugely popular with all age groups. Its location near the rugby club, tennis and netball courts, and cricket nets has created a sporting hub.
SPORT WAIKATO’S
THAMES VALLEY RUGBY UNION
The union has tapped into the increasing popularity of rugby for women and girls, and has amped up its support for junior and secondary-level rugby as well as launching Thames Valley Women’s Rugby Club of Origin Competition in 2024.
GJ GARDNER
WHITIANGA RUN FEST
An innovation to this 3-21km race in May 2024 saw schoolchildren invited to enter for free (see photo top left p58). The Whitianga Run Fest team says: “We believe that healthy bodies often lead to healthier minds. Sometimes to get off that couch and go outside needs motivation. So, that’s why we partnered with GJ Gardner Coromandel to invite all youth in the Coromandel area to take on the Whiti Run Fest for absolutely free. In May 2024, 66 youth took up this opportunity.”
NEW WEBSITE – ‘ACTIVELY’ – IS COMING!
Actively is the place to find activities in your area – from classes to group activities, walks, parks, events and playgrounds, it’s a hub of everything active for the Waikato region! Follow Actively on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the launch date. sportwaikato.org.nz
MULTI-SPORT SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES
With funding from Sport NZ’s Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, Northern Districts Cricket, Thames Valley Hockey, Thames Valley Rugby Union, Thames Valley Touch, WaiBOP Football and Waikato Ultimate Frisbee ran a ‘give it a go’ day in Mercury Bay so that young people could try out all four sports, rather than focusing on just one sport.
WALK ABOUT
There are plenty of treasures to discover in the Thames-Coromandel district for people of all fitness levels – taking you from harbour and river margins, to heritage town centres, playgrounds, busy working wharves and the Coromandel's famous sandy beaches.
LONG BAY TO TUCKS BAY –NEAR COROMANDEL TOWN
Switch off and stroll this one-hour return route which showcases the splendour of Coromandel’s bush-clad coast with rewarding views of uncrowded bays.
Start from the carpark on Long Bay foreshore and head to an information kiosk near the camp's fish-cleaning station. The right-hand path traverses a rich area of kauri and other native trees, with display boards identifying different species. You climb to a very tall kauri tree. The track then leads to a gravel road where you head down to the right to Tucks Bay, then continue back to Long Bay along the coast track.
SHAKESPEARE CLIFF TO LONELY BAY – MERCURY BAY
The headland is home to some of the Coromandel’s most outstanding vistas. The walk down to Lonely Bay is a popular spot for wedding photos, thanks to a combination of breathtaking views and seclusion. Park at the lower car park on the access track and walk down a steep track to Lonely Bay (30 mins return). To return to Purangi Road, you will need to go back up the track and follow the Lookout Road back down to Purangi Road. From there you can turn left to Flaxmill Bay or right to Cooks Beach.
Alternatively, drive to Shakespeare Cliff summit up a narrow, twisty, gravel track where there’s a short mobility-friendly walk to a lookout with stunning views.
PAKU HILL SUMMIT – TAIRUA
A spectacular 360-degree view of Pāuanui, Tairua and outer islands including Motuhoa | Shoe and Whakahau | Slipper Islands rewards walkers. Paku is the twin-peaked mountain at the head of Tairua Harbour where the estuary flows to the sea. The summit walk is about 50 minutes return, but the last 15 metres is steep. A display at the top identifies the panorama and outlines the area’s rich history.
The track is accessed and signposted from the Paku Drive carpark, Tairua, just past the playground.
JOHN WILLIAM HALL ARBORETUM – THAMES
This gem of a walkway through a rich array of bush just outside of Thames town is well worth a visit. You can easily spend an hour or more strolling through the welldeveloped paths, through groves of giant trees of many species including pūriri, rimu, mataī, kauri, pōhutukawa, cedars, Norfolk pines and tōtara. Look out for Hall’s Tōtara, a species named after former owner, futurefocused Thames naturalist John William Hall. Concerned about deforestation caused by tree felling for goldmine pit props, Hall started planting the area in the 1870s to control erosion and study growth patterns of native and introduced species. The paths are in good condition, but some of them are steep. Walkers are blessed with sweeping views over Thames and the Firth. The arboretum can be accessed from Currie Sreet, Brunton Crescent or Korokoro Crescent. Alternatively, park your car at the top end of Mount Sea Road.
MAUTOHE CATHEDRAL COVE
A temporary walking access solution to the stunning Mautohe Cathedral Cove is being reinstated for summer 2024-2025.
Previously one of the district’s busiest visitor attractions from October to April, the track to the globally famous beach was extensively damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle, prompting a decision to keep it closed until land had stabilised for repairs.
In July 2024, DOC announced that a temporary walking access track within the district’s only current marine reserve will be reinstated by the end of the year. A new boardwalk and steps will be built around a landslide. Steps will also be rebuilt at the bottom of the track to restore access to the beach. Drainage improvements and plantings will be done in and around the significant slip to help with land stability.
The repairs are a temporary walking access solution, DOC says, and will not withstand more extreme storm events like those that caused the damage. DOC is working on a longer-term solution to develop a visitor management plan, in consultation with the community and stakeholders, which our Council will play a key role in.
Last summer, when all walking access was closed, visitors rated the marinebased experience to Mautohe Cathedral Cove as one of the best offered to a DOC-managed site, DOC says.
The popular Grange Road carpark in Hāhei remains closed due to surface/ foundation damage, slumping and cracking.
The planned visitor management work is supported by mana whenua Ngāti Hei, who had previously voiced concerns about the high level of tourism impacting Mautohe Cathedral Cove and the risk to visitors.
Note that there are no rubbish bins due to DOC’s ‘pack in, pack out’ policy, so bring a bag to take your rubbish home. Help keep this beautiful area a taonga that we’re all proud of. doc.govt.nz
HILLARY OUTDOORS
MARINE AND CONSERVATION
CENTRE
An exciting new outdoor centre aimed at transforming young lives is due to open in northern Coromandel in January 2025.
Coromandel's bush, coastal and marine environments will enable Hillary Outdoors Coromandel to offer a diverse range of learning opportunities to a wider range of rangatahi | youth across Aotearoa.
The Coromandel centre reflects Hillary Outdoors’ deepening commitment to providing exceptional outdoor education opportunities for young people. The ultimate goal of the organisation is to provide transformative experiences for more than 10,000 rangatahi all around the country each year – empowering and equipping them to lead brighter futures through its life-changing programmes.
HILLARY OUTDOORS COROMANDEL WILL OFFER:
Experiential learning in unique environments: Students will be immersed in hands-on learning experiences that cover a wide range of marine and land-based activities promoting a deeper connection to nature.
Commitment to environmental stewardship: The centre is committed to protecting
JOIN THIS JOURNEY
and preserving Coromandel’s unique biodiversity. It believes in the power of collaboration and looks forward to supporting “the incredible communityled conservation efforts” locally.
Fit-for-purpose facilities: It will feature facilities that support an array of outdoor educational activities. With experienced instructors and a wellrounded curriculum, it aims to uphold the high standards of excellence that are Hillary Outdoors' hallmark.
Hillary Outdoors has over 50 years of experience delivering high-impact outdoor education programmes, beginning with its iconic Tongariro Centre (originally known as the Outdoor Pursuits Centre), which now holds a special place in the hearts of generations of New Zealanders. Extending its reach into the Coromandel will allow its education programmes to harness the area's unique marine and conservation environments.
Set among 340ha of native bush along the Hauraki Gulf on the Coromandel Peninsula, about two-thirds of the centre's land is protected under the QEII Conservation Trust. Rigorous conservation efforts have brought back the call of native birds, and kiwis freely roam the property.
Hillary Outdoors Coromandel is excited to welcome its first group of students in January 2025. The centre will be able to accommodate 60 overnight participants weekly.
Until then, the team will be hard at work converting the site to be fit-for-purpose and getting the highest outdoor safety accreditation for its programmes, maximising the educational potential of this incredible location. Hillary Outdoors is looking forward to welcoming the community to this new centre, and forging new partnerships with schools and communities from Coromandel, Auckland and wider Aotearoa.
Visit the website for booking information and how to support Hillary Outdoors hillaryoutdoors.co.nz/hillary-outdoors-coromandel
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Celebrating 25 YEARS OF LOCAL EXCELLENCE
For a quarter of a century, Bayleys Coromandel has been helping people live, work and play throughout the peninsula.
Bayleys is a proudly New Zealand-owned family business – a true Kiwi success story. Our Coromandel offices embody Bayleys’ values of dedication, community and being passionately local.
“Our local journey began in 1999, with the opening of our first office in Whitianga,” says Director and General Manager, Shaun Paterson. “The first property we sold was a charming bach on Jackman Avenue, Whitianga for $135,000. One of the people that sold that property was Garry Paterson, my father.” Today, Shaun continues the legacy, leading our teams with the same passion for the Coromandel that he grew up with.
Over the years, we’ve expanded to four offices with a team of 48 dedicated professionals. In the past year, we concluded 150 transactions, totalling $160 million in sales, despite a turbulent market.
Our commitment to community goes beyond real estate – we proudly supported 31 local sponsorships last year, reinforcing our belief in giving back to the place we call home.
We’re excited about what the next 25 years will bring. After
recently welcoming in two new partners, we are even better placed to help our clients embrace the ever-changing landscape of the Coromandel. Our board of directors includes Shaun, a Whitianga local, and Karl Davis and Lee Carter, both Thames Valley locals. Our corporate partner, Success Realty, connects us to national and global networks, while preserving our local roots. We’re passionate about continuing to help people discover the beauty and opportunities of the Coromandel, just as we have for the past quarter of a century.
Bayleys Coromandel Directors – Shaun Paterson, Heath Young, Lee Carter and Karl Davis.
Developing tracks and trails
With our picture-postcard coastline and forested hills offering spectacular views, Thames-Coromandel is tailormade for people to experience the outdoors through active pursuits.
The benefits are obvious – boosting participants’ physical and mental health, connecting communities, attracting visitors and harnessing economic benefits.
In the last few years there’s been a revolution in tracks and trails. Instead of relying on scarce funding from government and Council, local groups are taking the lead and finding ways to develop community networks of tracks and trails. There’s a real buzz about these community self-help initiatives. Groups are finding ways to collaborate, work in partnership with existing organisations and find funding to make projects a reality.
A district-wide forum in winter 2024 brought together a host of organisations and individuals to discuss what access for trails could look like for the future, and how to create a sustainable maintenance model. Attendees included forestry representatives, tramping clubs, mountain biking clubs, DOC, hiking groups, equestrian groups, community groups, as well as Councillors and Council staff.
Some of the issues local tracks and trails groups are taking on include:
• attracting input from a wide diversity of potential users
• building relationships with communities, iwi and landowners
• ensuring trails are accessible to all, regardless of physical ability
• making sure young people are at the centre of planning
• making tracks sustainable into the long-term
• exploring funding, particularly user-pay models
• factoring in maintenance, through professional crews
• sharing success stories
• educating the public on trail use and benefits. Examples of the achievements of two of these local groups, Thames and Whangamatā, are featured here and on pages 69 and 70. We look forward to bringing you news of other groups’ successes over the next few years.
Thames Mountain Bike Club has been going since 2010 and has forged agreements with our Council, DOC and neighbouring landowners for permission to maintain and build a network of tracks at several locations. The club has raised well over $200,000 in grants, and at least that again in donations of time, equipment and services, to produce a range of recreational assets for the community.
The club has one main track behind Thames that it looks after – the Karaka – and several networks of tracks. One of these networks is the Moanataiari mountain bike trails up behind Thames; the other is the Hotoritori mountain bike trails up the Kauaeranga Valley. Both these networks have been built over the years to give locals and visitors a place to ride off-road and in the bush. The trails range from easy to intermediate, with the odd demanding bits to keep a bit of challenge in play.
Karaka track: This runs up to a fantastic viewpoint on the crest of the Coromandel Range. To find the start of the dualpurpose cycling and walking track, follow the Karaka Road behind Thames Hospital and head right just before the bridge that crosses the Karaka stream. Go up what looks like a private driveway, signposted as a DOC tramping track.
In 2022, the club rebuilt 3km of the track from a barely walkable state to a 1.3m-wide, dual-use trail all the way up to the Red Bluffs. The club’s long-term aim is to develop it to a great single-track, fully rideable standard to allow mountain bike access all the way up to the intersection of the Karaka and Waiotahi hiking tracks. The section of trail from the Red Bluffs through to the intersection of the Karaka and Waiotahi tracks is extremely rough and only around 40% rideable, with lots of sections requiring dismounting and pushing your bike over slips and obstacles. The club hopes to tackle this over the 2024-25 summer.
The Karaka track is now a trapline that the club has established to help protect native wildlife from predators such as possums, stoats and rats. Most of the volunteer trappers are locals and not even mountain bikers, but, just like club members, we all feel the need to do our part to look after our precious native species.
Building community assets: THAMES MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB
It is remarkable what a keen group of locals can do for the community. The Thames Mountain Bike Club is a great example of enthusiasm and hard work producing results.
Moanataiari trails access: This network of almost 6km of mountain bike trails is in the hills north of Thames. Parking is at the end of Moanataiari Creek Road. Make your way up the access road behind the gate to the flat area, including a picnic area, pump track, jump track, kids (100-acre wood) loop and the start of the trail network.
Hotoritori trails access: Follow the Kauaeranga Valley Road from Thames for 14km to DOC's Visitor Centre. Continue on to the first campground on the left, 3km north of the Visitor Centre. Entry is at the forest gate beyond the Hotoritori campsite. Follow the trail signs in an anti-clockwise direction. This 12km network offers a range of easy to more challenging riding. The trail network has been recently upgraded, helped by the acquisition of a small digger that the club can now use to work on the network. This has been a game changer and saved a lot of hard labour, backache and blisters. thamesmtb.club/trails
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The club has also created a number of community events and activities to help give young riders a chance to try mountain biking, develop riding skills and have some fun. Its annual fundraiser is the Big Bike Film Night which showcases a range of short films with a bicycle theme.
The club runs a fun event for families at the DOC Visitor Centre each summer and has created a set of movable cycling features that have done the rounds at local schools and have been a huge success.
Becoming a club member really helps the club keep working on all of these projects, so please consider becoming a member.
w: thamesmtb.club e: thamesmtb@gmail.com
Thames Mountain Bike Club thanks the following businesses for support: Mitre 10, Stihl Shop, Reads Bros. Hardware, Café Melbourne, Villager Café, Coco Café, Thames Organic Store, Re-store Eco Market, Carsons Bookshop, Repco, BNT, Wayne’s Automotive, Pare Hauraki Runanga and Hauraki Resilient Communities Trust. It also acknowledges it's had great support from our Council, DOC and Predator Free Hauraki Coromandel Community Trust.
WHANGAMATAMOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
Where the mountains meet the sea
With the popularity and success of the Black Rock series of mountain biking events, the Whangamata - Mountain Bike Park is fast becoming a top destination experience for visitors and locals alike.
Featuring over 35km of single track, jumps, flow and technical trails ranging from Grade 2 to 5+, the park caters for all levels of experience, from complete beginners to those wanting more of an adrenalinefuelled experience. Whether you’re an aspiring XC racer, a downhill pro or a family seeking a fun outdoor activity, there is something for everyone.
The park is located 4km north of Whangamatā and lies within a commercial forest block operated by Rayonier Matariki Forests. Keep an eye out for signs outlining forestry operations and comply with any instructions to stay safe. The Whangamatā community is grateful for Rayonier Matariki Forests' support and the park insists that users respect forestry’s needs.
PARK VALUES
The park operates with a strong sense of values, including:
WHANAUNGATANGA Family connection, belonging and sense of place
KOTAHITANGA Working together as one, unity of purpose and collaboration
KAITIAKITANGA Guardianship of the environment and participation
Please respect the cultural significance and the importance to tangata whenua while you enjoy this epic network of trails.
Make sure you pay a membership fee because you can’t ride without one.
Membership is crucial to keeping the park operational as a high-quality community asset and can be bought through the park’s website whangamatamtbpark.co.nz or on the Hivepass app www.join.hivepass.app.wmtbpark
For more information and to keep updated, visit: facebook.com/WhangamataMTBPark I instagram.com/whangamata_mtb_park
HAURAKI Rail Trail
This leisurely, all-ability ride is an ideal way to explore the gateway to Thames-Coromandel and neighbouring areas.
With its gentle terrain and abundance of accommodation, cafés and restaurants, the Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the easiest and most satisfying trails in the North Island.
Leisurely riding traces the Shorebird Coast, quaint historic towns, lush farmlands, a historic railway corridor through the Karangahake Gorge, and then heads south to Matamata, home of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Riders enjoy contrasting landscapes from the verdant Hauraki Plains, to the intriguing Karangahake Gorge, carved by the forces of nature.
Only a few hours drive from Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, it’s the perfect getaway for a relaxed 4-5 day adventure, with options to explore the Coromandel further.
Part of the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand, the Grade One cycle trail is suitable for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. It’s predominantly wide, flat and smooth, with a gentle gradient, making it suitable for everything from children’s bikes and uprights, to touring bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes.
It offers a wide variety of scenery, with a memorable journey across 160km of track in five sections:
SECTION A: Kaiaua to Thames – 55km (5-6 hours)
Starting from Kaiaua in the north, this section of trail winds around the edge of the shallow Firth of Thames over shell banks and passes through wetlands of International importance with an abundance of migratory shorebirds.
SECTION B: Thames to Paeroa – 34 km (3-4 hours)
Following the old railway line out of Thames township, the trail features lush farmland and impressive views of the Hauraki Plains and forested Coromandel Ranges.
SECTION C: Paeroa to Waihī – 24 kms (2-3 hours one way)
This popular section follows the Ohinemuri River through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge, featuring the cascading Owharoa Falls, photogenic gold mining sites and the popular Windows Walk.
SECTION D: Paeroa to Te Aroha – 23 kms (2-3 hours)
Views of the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges, Mount Te Aroha and the Hauraki Plains are a feast for the eyes as the trail passes through lush Waikato farmland.
SECTION E: Te Aroha to Matamata – 37 kms (2-4 hours)
A relaxing journey past goat, dairy and thoroughbred farms, with the majestic Wairere Falls on the approach to Matamata. A visit to Hobbiton Movie Set is a must do.
Bike hire and shuttles can be booked through one of the Trail’s Official Partners. Trail accommodation options abound – from beautiful beachside cottages at Kaiaua, secluded glass eco-cabins known as PurePods within the Karangahake Gorge, to 5-star luxury at nearby Waihī Beach.
Find out more at haurakirailtrail.co.nz and check any detours in place.
Photo: Nikki Scott
Photo: Destination Coromandel
Photo: Riverside Adventures
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Transform Your Property Dreams into a Reality
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EVENTS GUIDE
COROMANDEL ART BEAT SPRING FESTIVAL
1 SEPT - 30 DEC 2024
The Coromandel Artbeat Spring Festival is a three-month online programme of creative events happening between September and December 2024. It's the second year of this region-wide umbrella festival that aims to unite and promote all creative events in the Coromandel and Hauraki rohe during spring. Join us at events, exhibitions, workshops, open studios and musical and theatrical performances around the Coromandel and Hauraki region, which will welcome and inspire you. Visit our website for more information – our event programme is constantly being added to. w: creativecoromandel.co.nz/ artbeat-festival
ELECTRIC ARTS KŪAOTUNU
1 DEC 2024 - 30 JAN 2025
Pop-up Gallery, 10 Irishtown Rd, Kūaotunu
Kūaotunu village is set to share its flourishing artistic communities' work with a series of good things to visit.
‘Good art in small spaces’ is a new idea promoting accessibility and affinity, artists’ art and audience. It is a broad contemporary Māori and Pasifika art show, featuring the launch of a new niche amenity and a private collection of handmade objects shared publicly for the first time. It offers a compact pop-up of local creatives’ new work, a decorative floral art installation, a practical workshop for new photographers and an annual art exhibition by an established artists’ initiative.
Events add diversity, vibrancy and overall wellbeing to our communities. Here is a snapshot of what’s going on around the Coromandel over the next 12 months for you to enjoy. For a full list of events visit thecoromandel.com
INFORMATION CENTRES
THAMES WAR MEMORIAL CIVIC CENTRE
200 Mary Street, Thames 07 868 9803
COROMANDEL TOWN
Samual James Reserve
60 Kapanga Road
Coromandel Town 07 866 8598
WHITIANGA
66 Albert Street, Whitianga 07 866 5555
TAIRUA
2 Manaia Road, Tairua 07 864 7575
STEAMPUNK THE THAMES
7 - 10 NOV 2024
'Steampunk the Thames - Goes Down the Rabbit Hole’ is an Alice in Wonderland-themed Steampunk festival. Offering a mixture of ticketed and free events, this is a great weekend to be in Thames.
Saturday’s Steampunk Parade is followed by free entertainment outside St James Church, Steampunk Fashion and a show at the Thames Civic Centre.
Sunday activities include: Punk My Pet, Tea Pot Racing. For more info see: w: steampunkthethames.co.nz
PĀUANUI
23 Centreway, Pāuanui 07 864 7101
WHANGAMATĀ
616 Port Road, Whangamatā
KAUAERANGA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Department of Conservation Kauaeranga Valley, Thames 07 867 9080
RIDGE RUNNER
16 NOV 2024
Whitestar Station, Colville
The team from Element Events are beyond excited to introduce you to this stunning new trail in the northern Coromandel. Held on the privately-owned land of White Star Station, the trail is full of exciting things like honest climbs taking you up to ridiculously good views from Matarangi in the east to Waiheke Island in the west.
w: elementevents.co.nz/ ridgerunner
26 - 30 DEC 2024
DOC Kauaeranga Visitor Centre
The Kauaeranga Visitor Centre is 12 km from Thames, surrounded by nature and a great place to visit with whānau and friends. Enjoy nature-based activities. Get creative and enter competitions with prizes. Explore our stunning walks, campgrounds and swimming holes; bring a picnic and relax. For full details:
FB: DOCHaurakiCoromandel
p: (07) 867 9080
KAUAERANGA SUMMER FUN
WHANGAMATĀ SUMMER FESTIVAL
27 - 28 DEC 2024
The Whangamatā Summer Festival presents two massive market days with live music on two stages, roving street theatre performers and a Magic Man. BYO shopping bag, pack the family; bring your togs; have a fun day beside the beach with awesome music, stall demonstrations, food, art, craft and more.
FB: whangasummerfest
SHAPESHIFTER, COROGLEN TAVERN
28 DEC 2024
Celebrating 25 years of Shapeshifter with support from the legendary CHALI 2NA & THE HOUSE OF VIBE + Paige Julia
FB: TheCoroglen
MERCURY BAY EMERGENCY SERVICES
CARNIVAL
29 DEC 2024
Taylors Mistake, Whitianga
Held in the heart of Whitianga. Enjoy browsing a great range of stalls with the funds from your purchases going directly to the local emergency services, including; The Fire Service, Surf Lifesaving, St Johns Ambulance, KSAR, Coastguard and Civil Defence.
SUBLIME
30 DEC 2024
Coroglen Tavern
Sublime with Rome will be rocking the Coroglen Tavern.
KELTIC FAIR
2 JAN 2025
Coromandel Town
The Keltic Fair is one of New Zealand's most successful fairs and the highlight of the Coromandel holiday season. Enjoy a full day of entertainment, kids' rides, yummy food and a world of arts and crafts.
Entry $2 per person over five years old. All gate proceeds go to the Coromandel Area School.
w: kelticfair.co.nz
COOKS BEACH SUMMER GALA
4 JAN 2025
The Cooks Beach Summer Carnival is the major fundraiser for the local Whenuakite School. Over 100 stalls, games, food, rides and entertainment, raffles and the Richardsons Real Estate 'Daisy Dung Drop' where you can have the chance to win $1000. w: cooksbeachsummergala.co.nz
CORO CLASSIC
4 JAN 2025
Experience New Zealand's best upcoming artists at the Coro Classic, a boutique music festival in Matarangi. Enjoy world-class performances in an intimate outdoor setting, supporting the local community and showcasing the beauty of the Coromandel. Join us for an unforgettable day of music and fun.
WHITI BEACH MEET
4 JAN 2025
Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga
Static car show with beautiful classic cars, muscle cars, bikes and vehicles of special interest on display. Free public pedestrian access with live music – a great family day out. allaboutwhitianga.co.nz/mercurybay-events/sports-recreational/ whiti-beach-meet
HĀHEI MARKET DAY
5 JAN 2025
Kotare Reserve, Pa Road, Hāhei
Hāhei Market Day is held in beautiful Kotare Reserve with lots of room to browse through over 150 stalls including local arts, crafts and produce, plus Hāhei Library book sale stall. There'll be fun amusement rides, food stalls and, of course, barista coffee, cold drinks and ice cream. Listen out for music and giveaways from Radio CFM who will be on site all day. Free parking in the Village Carpark, as you enter Hāhei. Hāhei Market Day is the annual Library fundraiser, with profits distributed through our Community Wellbeing support programme.
HARCOURTS CHALLENGE SERIES
24 JAN 2025
The Harcourts Whangamatā Arts
Collective annual art challenge presents the theme for the 2025 prestigious art event; 'Senses: sight, smell, taste, touch'. Artists can exhibit in one or up to four categories using their choice of medium, painting, mixed media, clay, fibre, harakeke and this year a writers category is included. For further information or for entry forms please visit: w: artscollective.co.nz
Or contact Heather heather.watt. create@gmail.com or Maree marmarb50@gmail.com
BAY JAM – WHITIANGA
8 FEB 2025
Are you ready for an unforgettable celebration of Coromandel’s vibrant culture and talent? Join us at BayJam, the ultimate festival highlighting the best of our region – local music, artisanal food producers, and the unique charm of our café’s bars and businesses. BayJam 25 promises an electrifying atmosphere.
PĀUANUI HALF MARATHON
15 MAR 2025
The 21.1km course takes in some of the best sites Pāuanui has to offer. Throughout your journey you will be treated to views of the Pacific Ocean, Mount Pāuanui, Tairua River and the majestic Coromandel Ranges. The event also offers 10km and 4.5km courses, with the option to walk all distances. Each event starts and finishes at the Pāuanui Surf Lifesaving Club, overlooking the white sands of the surf beach and beyond across the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean.
w: pauanuihalfmarathon.co.nz
MERCURY BAY ART ESCAPE – OPEN STUDIOS
1 - 2 AND 8 - 9 MAR 2025
Exhibition at Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach.
The Mercury Bay artists' open studios occur in the first two weekends of March each year. This annual event provides an eclectic mix of art media and the opportunity to visit and chat with the artists in their studios, see their work in progress, and discuss commissions or purchase.
w: mercurybay-artescape.com
REPCO BEACH HOP
26 - 30 MAR 2025
25th Silver Anniversary of New Zealand's biggest celebration of the 50s and 60s including the music, fashion, dancing, culture, cars, bikes and caravans of this golden era. Free for the public.
w: mercurybay-artescape.com
A TASTE OF MATARANGI
5 APR 2025
Get ready for a day of fun, food and fantastic music at the 10th A Taste of Matarangi festival. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking to enjoy a day out with family and friends, this festival promises a memorable experience for all.
w: atasteofmatarangi.co.nz
WILD WOMENS WEEKEND
16 APR 2025
Wild Womens Weekend is a women-focused festival in Whangamatā. Held over two days, the weekend after Mother's Day, it has now been running for seven years. The event is a collection of events from art to golf to sexology to food and good music.
w: wildwomensweekend.co.nz
WHITIANGA RUN FEST
MAY 2025
New Zealand's coastal running festival, featuring scenic coastal tracks.
WHITIANGA OCEANS FESTIVAL SEPT 2025
The Whitianga Oceans Festival – winners of the Best Sustainability Initiative award at the 2024 New Zealand Event Awards –isn't just an event, it's an experience. The festival that's as lively as the spirit of the Coromandel itself.
w: oceansfestival.co.nz
WHANGAMATĀ HALF MARATHON
20 SEPT 2025
Held annually in the first weekend of the spring school holidays, the classic G J Gardner Homes Whangamatā Half Marathon, 10km & 5km run/walk includes internationally-certified courses and a seaside start/finish at the iconic Williamson Park. Make a weekend of itenter online at w: whangamatahalfmarathon.co.nz
SANTA PARADES
30 NOV 2024 - Whitianga Santa Parade
13 NOV 2024 - Whangamatā Santa Parade
7 DEC 2024 - Thames Santa Parade
8 DEC 2024 - Coromandel Town Santa Parade
21 DEC 2024 - Matarangi Santa Parade
Whangamata ChristmasParade & Fair
Behind the scenes WITH SCOTT SIMPSON, MP
What does a Member of Parliament do with their time when they’re not sitting in Parliament, attending meetings or taking care of business back home in their constituency?
Well, if you’re Hon Scott Simpson, Member of Parliament for the Coromandel Electorate since 2011, you get on your bike or you go for a walk and ruminate on the history –and the future possibilities – of our district.
Our Coromandel Magazine caught up with Scott in Victoria Park, Thames, just off the Coastal Pathway.
“My usual bike ride is the Hauraki Rail Trail from Thames to Kōpū. You’re on the old railway right-of-way, and I think about all the people who have lived and worked here, from tangata whenua to the European settlers of the goldrush and the days of steam, to modern days with the new Kōpū bridge and the marine precinct that’s just opened. On the way back, I pass the old Shortland train station, now the Ngāti Maru offices.
You can piece together the history, especially when you’re walking in the bush and you can see the old mine workings. You can’t help but think about the people who lived and worked here, eking out a living and the conditions they lived in. If you think sometimes we’re isolated here, it was far more so back then.
It’s a rich legacy and an insight into what the future might hold. This is a region where people can enjoy the nature – the bush and the sea – where people can be in sympathy with their surroundings. There is so much on our doorstep and it doesn’t cost a thing to enjoy. The Coastal Pathway from Shortland Wharf – it’s almost hidden, past the back of Richmond Villas and Goldfields Shopping Centre and Pak’nSave, the miniature gauge railway in Victoria Park and on to Moanataiari. That’s a fantastic walk. Along the way you pass the pavement art and Michael Smithers’ Colour Harmonics; it’s like a Jenga tower. The work of the Thames Public Art Trust adds colour and flavour to a town that’s an integral part of our district. I also like the pipe figures, the guy who did those, he’s almost like the Banksy of Thames!”
Authorised by Scott Simpson, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
our Locals LO E
MOM STORE
Everything you need – nothing you don’t –that’s our ethos at Mom Store in Thames, a place filled with conscious, essential products for parents and babes.
While on maternity leave with her first child, owner Anna, a registered nurse, marriage celebrant and Pilates instructor, found a gap in the market for a beautifully curated store stocking all of her favourite things. So, Mom was born. It’s been a labour of love since Anna founded it in 2021. She’s personally chosen the most trusted, loved and functional mum and baby products out, with feedback from loyal customers. She wanted the store filled only with products her family would use themselves, products that have been tried, tested and loved by her family and supporters.
Its range started small, featuring their favourite things, and has expanded over time to encompass a huge range of different parenting products and items for the whole family. Its goal is to be families’ go-to parenting and baby product destination.
Mom Store is always looking for ways to reduce waste and make more conscious choices, especially when it comes to shopping for our children.
momstore.co.nz
WOODLAND’S HONEY
Based near Colville, Woodland’s specialises in award-winning single-source certificated organic ma-nuka of various grades gathered from the remote northern landscapes of the Coromandel Peninsula.
A recent addition to their line is organic pōhutukawa honey, the only certified organic honey of its kind in the world. Organic multifloral honey is sourced from a blend of native florals including mānuka, kānuka, pōhutukawa and rewarewa. Extracted within hours of harvest, their honey retains its natural taste, texture, enzymes and pollens.
Shayne and Elizabeth Mackenzie run the business, from hive to jar, employing three full-time local beekeepers and a part-time packing assistant. Woodland’s has been running for 25 years, with Shayne’s family having lived in the area for over a century. Last year two of their honeys were awarded gold medals at the NZ Artisan Awards and this year their honeys won three gold and three silver medals in the Outstanding Food Producers Awards.
Export has been the focus of the company, but they’re also increasingly selling online and in shops around New Zealand. Check out their website for shops that stock their products. With Christmas coming up, they recommend pōhutukawa honey as a gift that captures the flavour of the iconic Coromandel coast over summer. woodlandhoney.co.nz
POINT OF DIFFERENCE ACUPUNCTURE
Point of Difference Acupuncture prides itself on providing professional Traditional Chinese Medicine services in a comfortable home-based clinic environment.
It’s an ACC-accredited acupuncture practice, with treatments and assessments provided by qualified acupuncturist, Alexei McDermott who’s completed a four-year Bachelor of Health in Auckland.
Alexei set up the clinic last year after seeing a need in the communities he lives in, and wanting them to have access to treatment that was effective but didn’t cost the earth. Having grown up in the Waikato, Alexei had holidayed in Stony Bay in Northern Coromandel from a young age and it’d won his heart. He’s now delighted to be working in the area, meeting lots of different people through his practice.
He offers a variety of Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments,
from acupuncture, to cupping and heat therapy, from clinics in Coromandel Town and Whitianga. His treatments cover a wide range of conditions including lower back pain, headaches, sleep disorders, menstrual issues and women’s health. Alexei is passionate about helping people regain their mobility and reduce their pain. It’s important to him that his clinics are relaxing, beautiful and comfortable spaces where people feel safe and nurtured during their treatment.
pod-acupuncture.co.nz
2 nine-hole golf courses
Mini golf
Golf shop & café
Gaming & TAB
Green View Bistro
Motorhome parking
EV car charger
Indoor/outdoor bowls
Pool table & darts
Live sports on the big screen
Courtesy vehicle ATM
Fully-Licensed bar
Member-only wholesale
Recreation Hall
A family friendly Club welcoming Members and Guests
A heartbeat of activity in Pauanui Beach, a playground for both the young and the young at heart. From a Restaurant, 2 Golf Courses, Bowls and the annual Summer Festival. The Pauanui Club offers family-friendly facilities and activities for all to enjoy.
Impactful
CAREERS ROADSHOWS
In response to community needs, our Council launched a series of Careers Roadshows reaching thousands of young people in August 2023 and again in February 2024.
The roadshows were aimed at connecting students and job seekers with valuable career opportunities, training resources and promoting community engagement and wellbeing.
"The vibe has been electric," remarked Teresa Tauroa from Te Huarahi, reflecting on the enthusiastic reception at the events.
"We really appreciate the opportunity to go to remote schools that do not usually get opportunities to meet such a range of providers," added Shane Gillum from Defence Recruiting, highlighting the impact on remote communities.
"All the schools have been incredibly grateful to have the opportunity for their
year 7-13 students to be exposed to career and job options they may not previously have thought of," shared Helen Flynn, Community Partnerships Co-ordinator, underscoring the educational impact.
The February 2024 Roadshow was particularly memorable, generating excitement and positive energy throughout the week. Schools in Whangamatā, Whitianga, Manaia, Coromandel Town and Thames witnessed first-hand the enthusiasm as students left feeling energised and inspired by the array of career possibilities.
"We very much appreciate your Council's support to hold events at small schools
such as ours. The tamariki are buzzing and the vibe was evident well after you all left," said Martin Mikaere from Te Wharekura o Manaia, emphasising the lasting impact on local communities.
InZone Careers kiosks
An extension of the Careers Roadshows saw the introduction of a new digital resource for exploring career options in the Coromandel and Hauraki to eight sites throughout our district, due to MSD recovery funding and a collaboration between our Council and Regional Public Services Waikato, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development and InZone Careers.
The digital kiosks help people explore careers by offering easy access to information on career support, job options and a variety of employment resources. They’ve been installed at five schools in our district and three community locations (Coromandel Independent Living Trust, Whitianga Community Services Trust and Thames Library).
Mayor Len Salt echoed the sentiment, saying, "We were very excited to see how popular the Roadshow was. It has been good for our residents and youth
to see that there are still some great employment opportunities available in our district."
Funded through recovery funds following early 2023's extreme weather events, these roadshows have been crucial in providing essential career information and support to our community. Their success paves the way for our next Roadshow in 2025, promising further opportunities for connection and exploration.
Words: Isla Anderson
our Locals LO E
FLAXMILL ACCOMMODATION
This award-winning, 4-star, self-catered accommodation with a function venue is nestled within a beautiful landscaped park at Flaxmill Bay, Cooks Beach.
It’s an ideal spot near Ferry Landing and the ferry to Whitianga to explore Mercury Bay’s many attractions such as Hāhei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
The private philanthropist owners bought the Flaxmill Bay property in 2003 and ran it for years as a summer campground with basic cabin accommodation. In the last decade, Flaxmill has been progressively developed into a private park with five cottages and 11 houses set within gardens, plus a central complex for hosting weddings, conferences and retreats. The accommodation includes wheelchair-accessible, mobility-friendly housing. It continues to offer 35 camping sites, open from Labour Weekend until Easter. Many families and groups of friends return year after year.
SAVOUR AND SPICE
Great food and incredible flavour is at the heart of Thames’ Savour and Spice philosophy.
Nutritionist owner Jaki Craig creates spice blends from the finest quality ingredients. She offers hand-crafted spice blends, rubs, mustard blends, salts and peppers and chutneys as well as a wide range of cookware and kitchenware including well-known European brands.
A former Aucklander, Jaki had always dreamt of opening the equivalent of Ponsonby’s Milly’s Kitchen in ThamesCoromandel where she’d had a holiday home for years. After moving full-time to Thames, her dream shop became a reality in 2020 in the historic Depot building.
She’s proud that her products are made by people who love spices, flavour and food. Spices are sourced from countries of origin such as Sri Lanka, India and Mexico. The shop contains a small commercial kitchen where Jaki makes all the spice blends. They contain no fillers, preservatives or additives of any kind.
Flaxmill also believes in giving back to the community. Owned by a charitable foundation, Big Toe Foundation, they offer off-season reduced rates for registered notfor-profit groups. Organisations such as St John and The Salvation Army are some of the 200 registered groups from throughout NZ, with a focus on ‘helping the helpers’ to restore and refocus in a tranquil oasis.
flaxmillbay.co.nz
Contributing to healthy living is also key, and Jaki chooses healthy cooking products, such as frying pans without Teflon, cadmium or lead coating.
“It’s a foodie place for people who love food, cooking and eating,” says Jaki. She loves chatting to customers and talking recipes and food.
savourandspice@outlook.com
Solutions for more space at the beach?
Looking for extra space for your growing family or a convenient spot to store all your beach toys? We’ve got you covered!
When planning to add a new garage, sleepout, or shed in a beach area with distinct weather conditions, it’s essential to select solutions built to withstand the elements. At Versatile Coromandel, our skilled team specialises in providing tailored building solutions. As a result, we’re just as comfortable delivering robust, durable, and functional spaces that ensure security, and make your holiday time as easy as possible.
Backed by a strong national brand that has been trusted by Kiwis to build their homes and buildings for over 40 years, Versatile Coromandel is a small, personal, locally owned business. Ian and Louise Cameron, along with their experienced team, have had the pleasure of providing building solutions to over 1,300 customers since taking over the franchise in 2005. Located in Thames with over 19 years experience they bring deep local knowledge and experience, covering both the Thames, Coromanedel and Hauraki Districts.
Boat Sheds Sleepouts Garages Sleepouts with Ensuite
YOUTH
MAKING WAVES
Isla Anderson profiles Thames Rangatahi Advisory Panel (T-RAP) which is nurturing youth leadership and supporting young people to contribute their voices to decision-making in the town, to build a more inclusive future.
It began with a desire to make positive change. A group of young people and adults from Ngāti Maru – Tina Paki, Roanne Mitchell Te Teira, Absalom Turoa and Olivia Paki – noticed that rangatahi | young people – known for their strong opinions – were lacking a voice in their community.
As Absalom Turoa puts it, “I think there’s a massive need for a youth voice. There’s a big disparity between what kids want and what older youth want, and so hopefully getting them all together, creating one
This kōrero | discussion was the beginning of T-RAP’s journey to breathe new life into Thames. T-RAP put out a tono | request to all schools in the area, and they received over 100 applications from rangatahi. Narrowing down 100 applications to just 15 proved tricky. There were so many rangatahi who showed great potential. Now, with young members from various backgrounds and schools in Thames, T-RAP is on a mission.
The group is still new and its initial focus has been growing members’ confidence
town, to channel their views into projects. Speaking to Thames Community Board in June to introduce themselves “was a massive deal for them”, says Roanne Mitchell Te Teira. “In six months you’ll see the growth in them and their confidence.” Other skills they’re learning include: how to gather information, getting ‘buy in’ from other young people, event organising and communications. So far, it’s been a transformative experience for those involved. Members have gained a fresh perspective on the
involvement, especially the younger ones, says Tina Paki. “Being able to see things through their eyes is cool.”
And it’s not just youth who’re benefiting; the group is trying to ensure everyone in the town feels safe. “We had that spate of ram raiding,” Tina Paki says. “Young people weren’t being seen in the best light. What we want to do is engage our young people to engage with older people in a safe way, so that our older people aren’t feeling intimidated and our young people aren’t feeling judged. It’s about young people behaving correctly as well and being a contributing member to our community. I’m a strong believer that when you do contribute and feel a sense of ownership of something, you’re more likely to take care of that something.”
BRINGING ART TO LIFE
One of the standout projects T-RAP has undertaken is the creation of a vibrant mural during Youth Week in
This project wasn’t just about painting a mural; it was a way of drawing in local rangatahi | young people to get involved in something meaningful. Each school received a blank panel; the schools were guided by the theme kotahitanga | unity to get creative. Every school had their own creative take on kotahitanga. Once completed, the panels were brought together into a combined mural, and displayed at the Thames High School pool. As Absalom Turoa explains, “It was a call for the kids to be involved in something that they’ll get to walk past and see every day.” This mural has become a symbol of rangatahi engagement and a point of kotahitanga for the younger community.
Olivia Paki
“Being a part of T-RAP for me is awesome because it means that kids who are at school now have more opportunities than we had when we were there. There are a lot more things for them to do in town, on the weekend and in the holidays, as opposed to just running around and getting in trouble. There’s a lot more to keep them occupied, and fun times to be had.”
T-RAP’s next project was their successful launch on a Sunday in August at Porritt Park. There were games, basketball competitions, sausages, candy floss and – most importantly – plenty of fun to be had for all ages.
WHAT’S COMING UP FOR T-RAP
T-RAP is setting its sights on even more ways to engage rangatahi and the wider community. The group will host monthly events to keep everyone excited and involved. By holding regular events, the idea is to give rangatahi something to do, talk about and look forward to. In a place where young people sometimes feel there isn’t much excitement, these events will make a big difference and encourage greater community involvement.
This December, dive into the fun with T-RAP's Colour Fiesta on 8 December It involves wearing a white T-shirt while doing an obstacle course, with coloured dye being thrown at you. It’s a similar celebration to Indian Diwali.
Then, celebrate Christmas with T-RAP's Christmas in the Park on 6 December from 4.30pm to 9.30pm, featuring fun, games, laughs and whakawhanaungatanga | belonging. Don’t miss out – “The kids just love it."
Follow ‘Connecteen Rangatahi’ on Facebook for details.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING CHANGE-MAKERS
For rangatahi who want to make a difference, T-RAP has some simple but powerful advice: “Get involved in it as much as you can.” They’re eager to welcome all rangatahi and whānau into projects, and are confident that the future holds even more opportunities. As Roanne Mitchell Te Teira puts it, “We can only build from here.” With T-RAP leading the charge, Thames is in for a bright future. T-RAP’s efforts in the last year showcase the incredible impact that youth-led initiatives can have on a community. Through their projects and ongoing plans, they’re proving that even small steps can lead to significant changes.
See Absalom’s My Thames story on p30.
“It's been a privilege to see the youth involvement. Because T-RAP is a youth group, we're wanting it to be by youth for youth. So, with every event, we're hoping to get feedback from the youth in the area of what it is they would like to see next. We don't want to pump out events and stuff that nobody wants to do. Hopefully we're catering to what is being asked.”
Our Council has partnered with Nga-ti Maru and Valley Education and Training Enterprises Limited to promote community-led solutions for youth employment, education and training under the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, backed by national organisations. We sent along our Communications Cadet Isla Anderson to ko - rero with four other cadets about their experience finding employment through the scheme.
Cairo’s story.
Kia ora. Ko Cairo tōku ingoa. I have joined the Parks and Open Spaces team at our Council in a 12-month role as an Administrative Cadet. I grew up in Thames. I would describe myself as being very whānau oriented. My whānau is my world, including my dogs. At 23 years old, I had been unemployed for just under a year. Barriers like financial constraints and limited opportunities due to location had made success seem out of reach.
MAYORS TASKFORCE FOR JOBS
Despite these challenges, I am determined to carve out my own path and overcome the odds. This opportunity provides me with a pathway. It is not a destination but a foot in the door. I no longer dread getting up every morning. Working here has provided me with a new outlook on what mahi can look like. I look forward to seeing where this opportunity will take me. My goal is to excel in my responsibilities and build a foundation for a successful career in this field. This opportunity represents a turning point for me, and I am committed to making the most of it.
Vinnie’s story
“I NO LONGER DREAD GETTING UP EVERY MORNING.”
“IT'S A FUN WAY TO LEARN AND GROW EVERY DAY.”
I never knew what job I wanted, now my job is more than just work – it's a fun way to learn and grow every day. I was first introduced to horticulture at Pare Hauraki nursery 18 months ago through the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs programme. It’s pretty cool to know and learn all the knowledge about the different types of plants and stuff. I am from Kennedy Bay and there’s lots of nature up there. Working at Pare Hauraki has made me a lot more appreciative of the land. Just knowing what plants are around there as well is pretty cool.
I’m excited to keep working in horticulture, whether it’s as an arborist or in a nursery. This opportunity has made me more open to these kinds of jobs.
I look forward to learning and trying new things. Working at Pare Hauraki has shown me how great it is to try new experiences and follow what I enjoy.
“THEY HELPED ME APPLY FOR POSITIONS ALIGNED WITH MY ACADEMIC PURSUITS.”
Peyton’s story
Just over a year ago, I came to Ngāti Maru, seeking support during a challenging time. I was also navigating my Zoology/Biology degree at AUT, which I had to switch to part-time study due to personal circumstances. Because of this change in my study status, I was not eligible for study assistance and had to rely on Jobseekers Support. Recognising my potential, Ngāti Maru recommended me for a six-month cadetship at Ngāti Maru in reception.
This opportunity provided me with the flexibility to balance my studies and earn a sufficient income. Following the completion of my cadetship, Ngāti Maru assisted me in securing an internship at Auckland Zoo to gain valuable experience. Upon returning to Thames after my internship, they helped me apply for positions aligned with my academic pursuits. Thanks to the help of Ngāti Maru and the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, I was offered a full-time position at Gibbs Farms in Tāmaki | Auckland.
Roman’s story
At 24, I was unsure about my future. I didn’t have a clear career path and had trouble focusing in school. Life after high school was tough, and I knew I needed a change.
Then, thanks to Ngāti Maru and the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, I found Fairview Joinery. Even though I didn’t know anything about the aluminium industry, I decided to give it a try to improve my financial situation. I thought to myself, "I don’t like being broke. I’ll give it a shot."
Looking back, I can honestly say I’ve had a great experience here. I haven’t had one bad thing happen. Everyone here’s awesome. It’s good banter, good vibes.
As for the future, I see myself sticking with this role long-term. In fact, five years from now, I pretty much see myself here. I’m most likely going to turn this job into my life's work.
“I’M MOST LIKELY GOING TO TURN THIS JOB INTO MY LIFE'S WORK.”
Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is a movement of mayors around Aotearoa who are working together towards the vision of all young people 16-25 being engaged in employment, education or training in their communities. The MTFJ Community Employment Programme is a nationwide partnership between Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). It has a strong focus on getting young people into sustainable employment in their own local area. Thames-Coromandel District Council has now placed 38 young people who were not in employment or education into productive roles in our community.
LONG-TERM PLANNING IN A ‘PERFECT STORM’
Our communities made it clear: keeping rate rises as low as we can is a priority. However, we believe there are significant projects ahead that we can’t afford to delay.
In mid 2024, we adopted the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan (LTP). This plan is our roadmap for the next decade. It outlines the projects and services our Council will provide, what they will cost and how we’ll fund them. It also forecasts the rates for the next 10 years.
We had to make tough decisions about what we can afford, focusing on the essentials. The decision to increase rates wasn’t easy, but setting realistic rates now is crucial for future generations.
WHAT’S DRIVING RATES INCREASES?
Like many councils across Aotearoa, we’re facing a ‘perfect storm’ of financial challenges. Ageing infrastructure, higher compliance standards, inflation and rising interest rates are driving up costs. Factor in severe cyclone damage to our vulnerable roads and coastline, and there are some big-ticket items on the road ahead.
WHAT WILL IT ALL COST?
Our largest expense in the 2024-2034 LTP is roading. We’ve budgeted $245.4 million over the next 10 years to repair cyclone damage to our roading network and to maintain and renew roads, bridges, footpaths and streetlights. Coastal protection is also a priority, with $92.7 million earmarked to mitigate sea-level rise. In total, we’ve projected $744.7 million in spending on essential assets, facilities and services. From 2023 to 2025, we expect to
spend about $200 million on recovery work, much of it supported by government funding.
BALANCING BUDGETS AND RATES
We made the call to stick to the basics, knowing that many of you are already struggling with the daily costs of living. Our 2024-34 budget prioritises core services, recovery efforts, compliance costs, asset renewals and projects that meet our community needs.
We’ve also spread out the rates increases to ease the burden on ratepayers. The average rates increase forecast for the next three years is: 2024/25 13.2% ($509) 2025/26 7.7% ($339) 2026/27 7.7% ($361)
This averages out to a 4.9% increase over the next decade. We encourage households on low incomes to explore the rates rebate option at tcdc.govt.nz/ratesrebate
If you’d like to know more about our 2024-34 LTP, including the decisions and changes we’ve made, our financial information, and our key policies and strategies, visit tcdc.govt.nz/LTP-2024-2034
Photo: felicity jean photography
Photo: Pinnacles Civil
Photo: felicity jean photography
Saying goodbye is never easy, but at Forever Pets, we’re here to take care of you and your cherished pet. Our tranquil Pet Chapel and Crematorium in the heart of Thames provides a peaceful setting for your farewell, followed by respectful cremation.
We stand apart from other pet crematoriums with our promise that the ashes returned to you are those only of your pet, ensured by our individual pet cremation process using a state-of-the-art, certified pet cremator.
Simply visit our website to complete our online booking form, or give us a call on 07 868 6003, either before or after your vet visit, to organize the cremation details.
www.foreverpets.co.nz
NEW MAORI WARD COUNCILLOR FOR 2025
Curious about what the 2025 local body election will look like? There are a few changes ahead as our representation review unfolds.
At a meeting in September 2024 our Council reaffirmed our earlier decision from October 2023 to establish a Māori Ward. We also adopted the final proposal for our representation arrangements for the October 2025 local body election.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
We’ll be welcoming a new Māori Ward Councillor to the Council chambers next year. This addition won’t increase costs for our ratepayers – our new Councillor’s remuneration will be covered from the existing salary pool for current Councillors. The new set-up will also introduce a fifth ward within our district.
HERE’S HOW IT WILL WORK:
• The Mayor will be elected at large from the whole district.
• Ten Councillors will be elected from five wards: nine general ward councillors and one Māori Ward Councillor.
• A new Te Tara o Te Ika Māori Ward will cover the entire district, and be represented by a single Councillor elected from the Māori electoral roll.
Our existing wards, community boards, and councillor numbers will remain unchanged.
WHY REAFFIRM OUR DECISION?
Recent legislation requires all councils that have established Māori wards since 2020 to reaffirm their decision and hold a referendum during the next local body election. We'll do that in October 2025.
When we held a full Council meeting in September to reaffirm our decision from October 2023, the decision to proceed with the Māori Ward passed with strong
support: seven votes in favour, one abstention, and one against.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
The decision to create a Māori Ward triggered a review of our representation arrangements. We asked for preliminary feedback in March 2024, reviewed your feedback, and proposed changes in June 2024. The initial proposal included:
• an additional Councillor for a Māori Ward
• a minor boundary change affecting Neavesville and surrounding areas.
On 3 September 2024, we adopted our final proposal, and named the new ward Te Tara o Te Ika Māori Ward, based on the community feedback we received. With our final proposal confirmed, a formal appeal/objection period ran from 13 September to 25 October 2024.
STAY UP TO DATE: For the latest updates on our representation review, visit tcdc.govt.nz/repreview
Elected Members and our Council staff met with iwi representatives from across Hauraki at Manaia Marae last year.
WHITIANGA FINE WINES
MINDING OUR BUSINESS
COROMANDEL DISTILLING CO.
Creators of Awildian Gin, scientists Paul Schneider and Daniela Suess, set the global record for the most Country Winner Gold medals at the World Gin Awards 2024. Their range includes their signature Coromandel Dry Gin, renowned for its balance of citrus, juniper, floral, herbal notes and spices. This gin brought this small distillery into the international spotlight by winning ‘World’s Best Classic Gin’ in 2022.
One standout is their blue gin, which turns pink when tonic is added. Their spiced gin is versatile, perfect for cocktails. Another creation is the world’s first mānuka gin. It features warm flavours of vanilla, ginger, cardamon and Seville orange. Their damson gin liqueur, made from local plums, is Awildian’s response to traditional sloe gin. The dedicated team at the Coromandel Distilling Co. operates from The Depot in Thames, where visitors can sample their offerings. Online orders are couriered free of charge Coromandel-wide. awildian.com
JENNIAN HOMES HAURAKI COROMANDEL
MYSTAYS
Holiday home management company founder Elle Knight is expanding into the Coromandel, drawing on her family’s experience as a holiday home owner and their love for the area.
MyStays offers a comprehensive holiday home property management service, making it easy for property owners to offer short-stay rentals, particularly if they live out of town. MyStays takes care of everything from setting up the property for rental, pricing, photography, listings, bookings, guest liaison and cleaning.
For guests, MyStays guarantees a quality experience, with holiday homes professionally set up with hotel quality linen, professional cleaning and well maintained with a manager on hand locally to support guest enquiries.
Elle and her team are expanding their offering throughout the Coromandel, in addition to their services in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Taupō.
mystays.co.nz
SOUTHPACIFIC MOTEL AND CONFERENCE CENTRE
Ōpoutere-based Jeffrey and Jamee Price are proud owners of this locally-run business. Together with skilled local contractors, anything is possible from a new home to a renovation across the Hauraki Plans and the Coromandel Peninsula. As New Zealand’s most awarded building brand, Jennian’s clients know that their home is built by experts with proven quality products, backed by the 10 Year Master Build Guarantee, a 36 Month Defect Warranty and the Jennian Completion Promise.
Jennian Homes Hauraki Coromandel are supporting their local community through backing the Whangamatā Rugby and League clubs alongside being a Platinum Sponsor of Whangamatā Area School.
Pop into the Whangamatā Jennian Homes Studio J for a chat about how they can help you bring your dream home to life.
jennian.co.nz/franchises/hauraki-and-coromandel
Owners Carly and KB swapped hours of commuting in Auckland to take over Southpacific Motel and Conference Centre in Whangamatā in 2023. They’re passionate about the beach lifestyle and they’re keen to instil the same love into their motel guests.
The first few months of motel-owning involved renovating the facility to give it a beach theme. The 13-room motel offers beautiful rooms, modern facilities, a covered outdoor spa pool, a pet-friendly room and gorgeous sub-tropical gardens. The conference centre boasts a commercial kitchen and bar facility, and looks out over the garden and barbecue area. Guests also have access to a gym and Whangamatā Community Pool.
The couple are loving their change of lifestyle and would like to give everyone the opportunity to experience the Coromandel they now call home.
The coastal township of Thames is the economic nerve-centre of our district. It’s home to the bulk of the Coromandel’s service providers, our maritime industry, as well as critical healthcare and business infrastructure.
The entire region benefits if Thames is strong, resilient and able to grow for generations to come.
For that reason, Thames is a top priority for coastal protection against the future risks of sea-level rise. The focus on the town is the latest step in the long-running Council Shoreline Management Pathways project to figure out how to adapt our coastal communities to the likelihood of increased flooding and inundation during major weather events.
The damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in the summer of 2023 was a stark reminder of the need for such future preparation.
“It’s been vital that we keep our eye on Coromandel’s long-term resilience to erosion and sea-level rise, even as we’ve been dealing with the enormous challenges of short-term storm events,” says project lead Amon Martin. “The type of impacts we saw from Cyclone Gabrielle are precisely why this project was undertaken, and has been so comprehensive.”
The move to take action in Thames, starting with improved shoreline defences, began back in 2018 with another intense January storm. Flooding damaged hundreds of properties and kilometres of State Highway 25. The impacts of the storm severely tested the readiness and coping capacity of Coromandel’s coastal
communities and infrastructure. It was a timely reminder of the need to prepare for a changing coastline.
That same year, our Council adopted a Coastal Management Strategy and a Coastal Hazards Policy. These laid the groundwork for a Shoreline Management Pathways project to understand the risks in detail and to hear from our communities about how they wanted to manage them.
In May 2019, our Council appointed a consortium led by international consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV to support the project’s development and roll-out.
“We know that 20–30 centimetres of sea-level rise is locked in and that’s going to happen over the next 20 years. So, we need to make sure our communities are acting now to be ready,” says Sian John from Royal HaskoningDHV.
The project was a three-year process. It defined the coastal flooding and erosion risks to people and our social, cultural, economic and natural environment over the next century and beyond. Extensive community consultation on the risks determined 138 coastal adaptation pathways. The action they include ranges from options such as additional dune planting, through to defence structures such as stopbanks and sea walls. In some areas, the pathways may require some communities over the the longer
term to consider managed retreat from their current locations, once sea-level rise triggers are reached. Check the adaptation pathways at tcdc.govt.nz/smp
“We had the chance to understand each section of our 400 kilometres of coastline in detail,” says Amon Martin. “We have a clear plan of the action that our communities want us to take.”
In 2023, the Shoreline Management Pathways project won the prestigious Terry Healy Project Award at the New Zealand Coastal Society conference in Wellington, and received the GHD Award for Environmental Leadership at the Taituarā local government Excellence Awards. These awards recognised that the project provides tangible benefits to the environment and showcases leading practice in managing environmental impacts.
Our Council adopted the Shoreline Management Pathways in September 2022, and work began on Thames protection as a priority project in 2023.
The work carried out in Thames will be used to inform later shoreline projects around the district; the approach, partnerships and new knowledge will help with work in Tairua, Te Puru, Moanataiari, Tararū and, over the longer-term, projects in Cooks Beach, Whangamatā and Whitianga.
Mayor Len leads the way
A governance group, chaired by our Mayor Len Salt, is overseeing the Thames protection work in partnership with tangata whenua Ngāti Maru and Waikato Regional Council. Here’s Mayor Len on his role in the project:
We need to act. The protection of Thames is a high priority for our district, after the Shoreline Management Pathways project showed that over $1 billion in assets in the township are at risk over the long-term from hazards associated with sea-level rise.
The Thames Protection and Resilience Governance Group, is jointly made up of Ngāti Maru, Waikato Regional Council and TCDC representatives. In my role as Chair, I had the privilege of being welcomed onto Matai Whetu marae by Ngāti Maru in recognition of the importance of this shared work. It was an honour to walk the whenua together and to think about how to jointly shoulder the responsibility for looking after our places and communities. By sharing our knowledge and areas of expertise, we hope to shape a future for Thames that works with our existing amenities, protects our significant assets and enables our economy to thrive. Together, we’re facing up to these challenges head-on, and doing the forward-thinking, groundbreaking work that’s required, rather than just hoping the issues somehow go away. It’s a multi-generational vision and long-term action plan.
We’re taking a sensible, balanced and pragmatic approach, and I’m proud to be involved in such a visionary and farreaching project.”
Mayor Len Salt
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THAMES COASTAL PROTECTION?
• The area of foreshore designated for protection runs from Hape Stream near the Toyota plant to Victoria Park and the Croquet Club.
• The project’s design approach is to use barriers to prevent coastal flooding over the next 100+ years, adapting in stages to a potential sea-level rise of 1 metre.
• The default option is to build bunds with mild slopes and a wide crest, as these can be easily raised in the future.
• In other sections of the foreshore, such as locations with space constraints, concrete walls or sheet piling may be required.
• Nature-based solutions like oyster islands and shell banks ‘chenier ridges’ on the ocean side may be an option to offer another layer of protection and create habitat for seabirds.
Funding to get the project underway has been allocated in our 20242034 Long Term Plan from 2027/28. Any future proposals on rateable contributions to the construction phase will go to our community for discussion. There’s a strong case for central government input given the assets which will benefit from protection, including our state highway. Once the design work is complete, that will allow us to pursue specific and targeted discussions with various agencies on funding options, with the intention of ensuring that those who will directly benefit from the project contribute to its success.
STAYING A STEP AHEAD
In 2022, Aotearoa New Zealand’s first National Adaptation Plan reinforced the need for climate change adaptation to be communityled. The development of the adaptation pathway for Thames has been informed by extensive consultation with residents, businesses and a wide range of key stakeholders, who collaborated on options and were empowered to be part of decision-making.
THAMES Thames North
Moanataiari
Mayors
CADETS CARING FOR OUR COASTLINES
Our coastline’s recovery from major storms was given a boost this year from a group of cadets who learnt on the job how to take care of dunes and support their longterm resilience.
Three local young people took on coastal kaitiaki | guardian roles with our Council, getting stuck into work on dune restoration and storm recovery as part of the Mayors Taskforce For Jobs (see main story p90-91) and our Council’s Recovery Fund (granted by central government).
Shelly Balsom, Geordie Wilson and Roman Carley are all employed as coastal kaitiaki, working alongside senior Council staff on dune care projects.
“We’re planting to enable self-repair following erosion, so it’s really important work,” says Geordie. “It’s a change of scenery every day, going to different places, meeting different people. It’s awesome to be working outdoors, plus we get to jump in the ocean on our lunch break.”
The Community Employment Programme sees the cadets employed on 12-month contracts. Their positions are jointly funded through our Council’s Recovery Fund, and the Ministry of Social Development’s Projects in Community Funding in partnership with Local Government New Zealand.
The Mayors Taskforce For Jobs covers their training costs, including help with gaining driver licences, first aid courses and training to use agri-chemicals safely.
“I’m so impressed with the way these workers seized the opportunity,” says our Mayor Len Salt. “They quickly came up to speed with some of the big challenges for our coastlines, and learnt skills to help deal with those.
“They’re making a local impact in their own communities, which sets them up well for future work in our region as we all grapple with how to create resilient, sustainable environments to live in.”
The coastal kaitiaki roles are recoveryfocused to address dune erosion that occurred along the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, as a result of three stormy winters, including Cyclone Gabrielle. Natural dune repair depends on a good cover of native sand-binding grasses. The cadets cleared the dunes of weeds that washed in during the storm, as well as collected seeds for future plantings. At the end of their contracts, our Council will support the cadets to update their CVs and identify further employment opportunities in our region.
Meeting the Mayor – from left: Shelly Balsom, Mayor Len Salt, Geordie Wilson, Roman Carley and Andrea Whitehead, Council’s Coastal Restoration Coordinator. Above right: Geordie inspects spinafex runners.
Coastal Restoration Award
Kūaotunu Dune Care is a group of residents and ratepayers that recognised their local coastal environment was being invaded by exotic plant species and there was a need to come together to help. The group has recently had their efforts recognised, receiving the 2024 Coastal Restoration Trust Award for Outstanding Restoration Project at a conference in Kāwhia.
Kūaotunu Dune Care has branched out over the past two years. Not only are they focused on weeds, but they are also adapting the dune care approach to protect the dunes ecologically and culturally. They have successfully introduced a new predator-trapping programme to protect plants and wildlife along the coast. The group is supported by our Council and Waikato Regional Council.
GET INVOLVED
This year, together with community volunteers and local schools, almost 60,000 native plants will be planted on Coromandel beaches.
To all the volunteers in our communities who give their time to help restore and protect our beaches, the Coastcare team and our Council cannot thank you enough. We could not have achieved as much as we did without you during this challenging year. As we head into the summer break, we can be proud of what we have all achieved.
If you’re interested in being involved with the Coastcare programme, please get in touch: coastcare@tcdc.govt.nz
CLEARING UP COASTAL MISCONCEPTIONS
Recent discussions in our community have brought to light a crucial issue – the role plants perform within coastal dunes. There’s been a lot of online debate about the role of non-native flowers like daisies.
Environmental experts and respected conservationists explain that native sand-binding species are planted to help dunes rebuild from erosion caused by storms. The native plants are shelter, habitat and food sources for many native New Zealand birds, reptiles and insects.
While non-native plants might be visually appealing, they do not offer the same ecological or resilience benefits that our coastal native species do. In fact, they often disrupt the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems, at times increasing coastal erosion, and making it harder for native plants and animals to survive.
Jacob Dexter, Biodiversity Sites Lead at Waikato Regional Council, highlights the need to create and maintain habitats for native species within back dune areas. “We encourage coastal communities to ‘think like a skink’ and support efforts to rewild back dune areas,” Jacob says. “Native lizards and other fauna have specific habitat needs that many non-native plants, including mown lawns and household gardens, simply cannot provide.”
Our Council is collaborating with Coastcare volunteer groups to enhance back dune areas by planting native species that provide food and shelter for local wildlife. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that New Zealand’s coastal fauna not only survives but thrives. Find out more at tcdc.govt.nz/coastcare
Lead the way: SUMMER DOG RULES
Dogs love to be out in the sunshine, but there are some important rules dog owners should know about during the summer months. Some rules change during this time, and it’s your job as responsible owners to lead the way.
Dogs in urban areas
Dogs must always be kept on a lead while in urban areas like town centres and roads. You will see our Compliance Officers out enforcing this simple rule.
Dogs in playgrounds and sports fields
Dogs should never be within children’s playgrounds or on sports surfaces. Our rules state dogs are prohibited from these areas at all times. It is important these areas are safe for the enjoyment of children and all users. Keeping dogs away also protects the assets and equipment, ensuring they remain in good condition for everyone to use.
Dogs on beaches
NO DOGS
During the summer, many of our beaches have prohibitions or restrictions on dogs. Please look for our ‘traffic light’ signs at beach access points that indicate if a restriction is in place. While dogs are generally allowed off-leash on beaches during the rest of the year, it’s important to be aware of the specific rules that apply during the busy summer months.
Dog poo
NO DOGS
$300
Please remember that it is your responsibility to clean up after your dog if they leave something behind in a public space. Take a few poo bags with you on walks or take advantage of our free poo bag dispensers in some of our district’s dog-walking areas.
Wildlife protection
Our district is home to precious wildlife, including dotterels, oyster catchers and kiwis. Dogs can pose a threat to these species, particularly during nesting seasons. Always keep an eye out for signage indicating protected areas.
The Department of Conservation runs an avoidance programme to protect kiwi that are vulnerable to attack or disturbance by dogs. Let’s work to make sure kiwi remain safe in their own backyards. Register your dog for kiwi avoidance training today at kiwiavoidancetraining.nz
Hot tips for hot days
Never leave dogs in hot cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day (even if only for a short while). When it’s 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C in these environments, which can be fatal.
The high heat of summer can become extremely hazardous for your dog’s paws. Employ the ‘five-second test’ to see if the ground is too hot for your furry friend. Touch the pavement with the back of your hand for five seconds – if you can’t hold out for the full five seconds, then it’s also too hot for your dog’s paws.
Ensure pets always have access to shade and fresh drinking water to help keep them cool.
Put ice cubes into your dog’s water bowl or make some tasty ice cube treats.
Some beaches won’t be accessible to dogs during the summer months, so you could replace this with a paddling pool to splash around in to keep dogs cool and entertained.
Find out more about summer dog rules including area specific rules at tcdc.govt.nz/dogs
For more information
Have a look at our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy at tcdc.govt.nz/dogrules
BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE MAYORALTY
Continued from page 5.
… music: writing and recording songs and playing my guitar and playing music with other people when I get the chance – I don’t often these days.
If there’s one thing you’d like the public to understand, what would that be?
The democratic process is vitally important. I hear from people sometimes
that there’s no point in giving feedback to councils, they don’t listen. That isn’t true. Participation in the democratic process is absolutely vital. We need input from communities in order to do our jobs.
Are there reasons to be optimistic about our district?
I’m an eternal optimist. One of the things we’re tasked with as Mayor and
WE ALSO TOOK TIME TO TALK TO SVARGO ABOUT HOW SHE SEES THE MAYORAL PARTNERSHIP.
What title do you prefer?
Tongue in cheek, I call myself ‘Lady Mayoress’.
Tell us about your role?
It’s totally supportive. I attend things with him. I stand in his place for things he can’t manage. For instance, I was involved in kiwi recovery – setting some kiwis free up a mountain. It was fantastic – one of the best days ever. I like to contribute to society in some way. I can be quite shy but I can act outgoing as part of the role.
Tell us about you and Mayor Len
We met dancing doing Ceroc and Latin American dance in West Auckland. We’ve been together 29 years. We just dovetail. Whatever needs doing, that person does it. At the moment I pretty much do all the work in house. He’s too busy and needs a break. I like to create peace and calm at home. I also monitor his health and stress. I’m also a sounding board. I don’t give advice, but sometimes I’ll tell him what I think.
What’s prepared you for this role?
Being a teacher for 50-odd years, most recently at Mercury Bay Area School teaching mathematics. Although I’ve kind of retired, I’ve gone back to relief teaching because I missed conversations with students. I’ve missed their outlook on life which makes me laugh sometimes.
How did you deal with the move from Whitianga to Thames?
We moved at the height of the 2023 storms and got cut off from Whitianga three days later. You just wake up and get through that day. We’re very resilient. The crash of 2008 really affected us because we had music shops – luxury items that people could no longer afford. So had to close the shops. We stuck together, worked hard and rebuilt our lives.
You’ve had a few moves in your life?
Where my toothbrush is, that’s home. I was born in East Yorkshire and went to London to do a degree in psychology. I lived and taught in London. I went and lived in India for about 18 months, and finally moved to New Zealand.
Q&A
Councillors is to be as visionary as we can about what the future of our towns and communities and district might look like. I’m working on a few things now which are too early to talk about, but involve collaboration with our neighbouring councils and opportunities. I’m feeling very upbeat – very encouraged by where we are and where we’re going. We’ve got a fantastic Council and elected members.
How was the transition to Thames?
At the outset it was challenging. I had a big friendship circle in Whitianga. I was in a book club and Lions. I used to garden a lot. The ground where we live now was just builders rubble. It’s now full of wild flowers and things you can just scatter around. I bought planter boxes and got some broccoli and herbs and kale. Thames worked out a lot better than expected. There’s lots to do and the music and drama scene is fantastic. I’m involved with Thames Music and Drama, acting, singing and backstage. Everybody’s so welcoming and inclusive.
How do you stay so positive?
I just appreciate people for who they are. I have a real belief that people are doing the best they can. If people are being really negative I try to steer away from them. Some of the people we meet that are very negative are not the ‘hard done by’ people. Whereas the people that are really doing it hard are usually very generous and kind and lovely. Those are the people I like to be with.
BUILDING A GLOBAL TECH COMPANY FROM
WHANGAMATA -
Continued from page 44.
… work the way we were doing it because of the challenges with trying to integrate it with all the various pointof-sales (POS) systems out there. He convinced me that creating a POS system was the way forward, so we pivoted, and started to transition my business partner’s software development team to work on the POS product.
Can you explain point-of-sales (POS) systems in three sentences?
A point-of-sale (POS) system is a combination of hardware and software that allows businesses to process transactions, manage sales and customer data, and track inventory in real time. It's a rapidly changing ‘space’. Advancements in technology are transforming how customers interact with point-of-sale systems, from self-service kiosks and QR code payments, to ordering food from your favourite restaurant via apps like UberEats from the comfort of your couch.
Dnero POS was created to essentially combine the reliability of the old, cabled POS systems (used in large venues) and the versatility of cloud POS systems (often used in smaller businesses). It’s a unique system and our ultimate plan is to create a simplified technology ecosystem for businesses to make life easier and save them money.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
I’d be lying if I didn’t say money was one of them, but a great piece of advice that I once got from a very successful businessman was: “If money is your problem, then you don’t really have a problem; money is everywhere. But people with money might not have what you have – an idea, energy and an attitude.” So, we’ve always proceeded with the belief that if money was what was holding us back, we would solve that by finding money.
More recently the biggest challenges have come from adapting to the differing customer needs in international markets. We have over 100 clients in eight different
“VIEW PROBLEMS AS OPPORTUNITIES TO FIND SOLUTIONS. ALSO THINK GLOBALLY FROM THE START; DON’T JUST FOCUS ON THE LOCAL MARKET.”
countries with our beta software, so building and testing a product that works globally has challenged us. Most Kiwi businesses start in NZ and then look to go global. We’ve tried to do it the other way around – we’ve gone international from the start, with the idea that we will go through a lot of the really painful things now and not have to go through them later when we are ready to scale more quickly.
How do you manage the setbacks?
Honestly, especially early on, for every win, you have three failures, and I’m sure we’ll have many more! But dealing with frequent failures in the early stages was good and taught us a lot. I’m a strong believer that “It’s not the problem that’s the problem, it’s your attitude to the problem”. My business partner’s philosophy is very much “Fail fast, learn faster”. So, between the two of us we always look at what we can learn from a setback and use it to get better.
What has been the most rewarding part?
I don’t know if we’ve got to it yet! We’re still deep in the trenches, but we’ve had some pretty good wins lately, getting some bigger clients, and seeing the business progress well. Several times we’ve had calls from businesses that have had their old systems crash and we’ve been asked to build, install and train staff
on new systems in less than 24 hours. There’s not another POS company in the world that would have the flexibility, technology and attitude to be able to do that. We’re incredibly proud of being able to help businesses in that way.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
I think I’m still an aspiring entrepreneur myself! But I’d say: just back yourself and don’t give up when it gets hard. Lots of people have ideas but they don’t take action, or they quit at the first setback. If you've put in the time and effort and really understand your market, then you have an idea of how you can succeed –even though it may take a few goes to get it right. It’s really the learnings along the way that get you there eventually, so surround yourself with people you can learn and draw from, and view problems as opportunities to find solutions. Also think globally from the start; don’t just focus on the local market.
What’s next for Dnero and Smoky Pallet?
Smoky Pallet has great staff and now essentially runs without me, so my focus is now fully on continuing to scale Dnero. We’ve got some exciting things happening at the moment, so hopefully we’re now on the side of ‘more wins than losses’ and you’ll hear more from us!
Dnero co-founder Kane Edwards explains how embracing setbacks was key to the company’s point-of-sales success.
HOW OUR LIBRARIES BRING FUN AND LEARNING TOGETHER
FOODIE FRIDAYS – TAIRUA LIBRARY
Tairua Library's Foodie Fridays has everyone cooking up a storm! Every Friday during school term, kids aged eight and up dive into a tasty adventure, whipping up dishes like pancakes, sushi and loaded fries. What started as a spinoff from our popular Teens’ Club has become a hit, teaching young chefs essential skills in food prep.
STEM LAB –MERCURY BAY LIBRARY
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Each term our kids join us after school to explore a new STEM topic — coding, robotics, sound science, flight and more. We explored digital animation, inspired by the local CoroCine Film Festival. The kids created animated videos, and the library celebrated by screening them on the big screen at Mercury Twin Cinemas, with their whānau in attendance.
MOST POPULAR BOOKS OF 2024
ADULT FICTION
Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt
Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker
ADULT NON-FICTION
Did I Ever Tell You This?
Sam Neill
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde
Jeff Kinney
TEENS' BOOKS
Lost
James Patterson
ADVENTURE AWAITS: learni n g a dven ture fun
ESCAPE ROOMS –THAMES LIBRARY
Staff at Thames Library have created Escape Rooms where participants had to decode rhyming riddles, piece together puzzling patterns and follow tricky hints. These free events were a great activity for children and parents to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills to see if they could escape. For the room’s theme, we pick popular books with fun worlds for our teams to explore – where else but the library could you hang out
Find out what is happening in our district libraries over the summer: head to our Facebook page or check out our What’s On Guide on our website.
tcdc.govt.nz/library
facebook.com/tcdclibraries
TCDC Libraries App and ePlatform by Wheelers, both available through your app store
City stress VS coastal success
City life’s hustle and constant rush often leave us feeling drained. The Coromandel offers a sanctuary where life slows down and nature’s rhythm takes over. With its stunning golden beaches and lush rainforests, this picturesque region invites you to escape urban stress and embrace a lifestyle that blends relaxation with adventure.
Discover exciting career opportunities in the Coromandel, including positions with our Council, and see how trading the city grind for our tranquil beauty transforms both work and wellbeing.
BIG CITY LIFE
Get up at 5am and go to a crowded, windowless gym as the sun rises outside.
Get stuck in motorway traffic for an hour and force down burnt takeaway coffee.
Pay an hour’s wages to suffer through another monotonous day of inner-city corporate rat race.
Have an over-priced lunch and rush back to the office.
Get home late (it’s rush hour again) and veg in front of TV.
Spend your Saturdays at home avoiding weekend queues.
Struggle to find a balance between work and personal life amidst constant noise and activity.
COROMANDEL LIFE
Get up at 5am and watch the sun rise as you get in your steps on a picturesque beach.
Walk to work and stop for coffee at your local cafe where they always remember your usual.
Make a real difference in the lives of your friends and neighbours in a job where every day is different and parking is free!
Pop home for lunch and save on weekday expenses.
Drop by your local beach for an after-work swim, fish or surf.
Spend weekends exploring stunning landscapes, hiking trails and pristine beaches, right on your doorstep.
Improve work-life balance, with ample time for family, hobbies and outdoor adventures.
LIVING THE DREAM
KATH QUINN PRINCIPAL POLICY ADVISOR
Returning to the Council this year after leaving in 2012 feels like coming home. I’ve always been driven to work for organisations where our communities are the heartbeat, not profit.
In the Policy and Planning team, I thrive on helping our decision-makers put our communities first. Preparing plans and policies might sound bureaucratic, but it’s about protecting what we value. I love that local councils across the motu freely share knowledge, making us more efficient and cost-effective. Plus, working locally means my tamariki can attend a local school, and I can volunteer right here in our vibrant community. It’s not just a job; it’s about doing good!
WHY THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT
COUNCIL EMPLOYEES LOVE THEIR JOBS
Get a glimpse into the lives of four staff members as they share why they love their work and the enchanting district.
SHUBHAM SOLANKI PARKS AND FACILITIES OFFICER IN WHANGAMATA -
My job has been a dream come true. Each day, I have the privilege of working in some of the district's most beautiful locations, including Tairua, Pāuanui and Whangamatā. These stunning environments are an integral part of our community, and I take immense pride in ensuring they remain beautiful, accessible and welcoming.
My role allows me to have a direct impact on the parks and facilities so dear to our community. Whether it's maintaining green spaces, enhancing recreational areas, or ensuring facilities are up to standard, every task contributes to the wellbeing of locals and visitors. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the tangible results.
One of the things I value most about working here is continuous learning and growth opportunities. Every project, whether large or small, is an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to our wonderful community. I’m excited about the future and look forward to continuing to make a difference, one park and facility at a time.
MARGARET HARRISON AREA MANAGER COROMANDELCOLVILLE
I’m Margaret, but most people know me as Bubbles, and I'm the Area Manager of Coromandel-Colville. I absolutely love living in this amazing area of our district. Supporting the communities I grew up in and care deeply about is incredibly fulfilling and I’m privileged to work with groups and individuals who make a positive difference in our area.
I collaborate closely with elected members to achieve their aspirations for the Ward, building relationships and understanding issues. My role also lets me help whānau, hapū and iwi navigate Council processes and strengthen relationships. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and I find personal satisfaction in knowing I can make a difference in people’s lives and the wellbeing of our communities.
LUKE ARCHBOLD CAPITAL DELIVERY PROGRAMME MANAGER
Hey there, I’m Luke Archbold and I lead a fantastic team of project managers handling roads, waters and parks.
Even though I’m new to our Council, it’s exciting to see some challenging new projects coming up for the first year of the new Long Term Plan and look forward to leading the team who will deliver some great outcomes for our community. I grew up in Auckland but have always loved the Coromandel’s stunning landscapes and welcoming community.
Before, I worked at Hamilton City Council as Parks & Recreation Manager and prior to that at DOC leading their Strategic Projects Unit in Wellington. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, watching movies and exploring the natural beauty we are very lucky to have in New Zealand. Excited to be part of the team and make a positive impact.
Explore careers at our Council joinourteam.co.nz/thames-coromandel/our-jobs
Making a splash
AT THAMES CENTENNIAL POOL
Connor Davey has been making a splash at Thames Centennial Pool for a few terms now. At just four years old, he started off pretty nervous about the big pool. But with each lesson, Connor’s confidence in the water has grown significantly. While he still gets a bit nervous, Swim Instructor Christine Swindells has helped him become much more self-assured.
Connor’s favourite pool activity is ‘doing the monkey’, where he uses his arms to scoot across the side of the pool. He also loves blowing bubbles, a skill that helps young swimmers get used to having their faces near the water.
However, he’s not a fan of ‘Humpty Dumpty’, where kids practise getting back to the wall after ‘falling’ into the water. “I don’t like Humpty Dumpty because it’s a little bit scary,” he explains, but Christine believes continuing to try will build Connor’s confidence. “Being able to get yourself safely to the side of the pool is a fundamental skill.
“Through our ‘Swim Cool Swim School’ pre-school programme, we encourage babies and children to become confident, capable and safe in the aquatic environment,” says Christine. “A parent is in the water with their pre-schooler, which helps to grow their confidence.”
The programme is designed for children
from six months to five years old, with instructors using fun techniques to engage and teach these young swimmers. Each term consists of 10 lessons, each lasting 20 minutes.
Pre-school lessons are offered in Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4 and cost $65 per term. “We have good numbers attend the pre-school classes, with the summer terms being the busiest,” says Learn to Swim Co-ordinator, Libby Gray. “Most classes get fully booked each term, and if we get a waiting list, we aim to put on an extra class.”
Libby says that while most pre-school families come from Thames and nearby, they also travel from as far as Paeroa, Coromandel Town and Tairua.
Connor’s journey from a hesitant swimmer to enjoying water activities proves that with the right support even the most apprehensive swimmers can learn to love the water.
“Learning about swim safety and being confident in the water is really essential in New Zealand,” says Connor’s dad, Peter. “We’re really grateful to Christine and the team at Centennial Pool for not only teaching Connor water safety, but also making it really fun.”
For any enquiries about the programme, parents can email learntoswim@tcdc.govt.nz
“BEING ABLE TO GET YOURSELF SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE POOL IS A FUNDAMENTAL SKILL.”
Monday – Friday: 6am–6pm Saturday: 10am–5pm Sunday: 10am–5pm Pool closed all public holidays.
A business case on replacing Centennial Pool is due to be completed in early 2025.
COMMUNITY SWIMMING POOLS
Mercury Bay Community Pool
20 South Highway, Whitianga 07 866 5151
melasquith@gmail.com
Whangamatā Community Swimming Pool
112 Achilles Avenue, Whangamatā 07 865 7296
@WhangamataCommunityPool
Coromandel Town Community Swimming Pool
120 Woollams Avenue, Coromandel 027 348 2400
coromandelcommunity swimmingpool@outlook.com
@CoromandelCommunity SwimmingPool
PROTECTING OUR WATERWAYS
Living and vacationing in our beautiful district means enjoying pristine beaches, vibrant streams and clear lakes. Our Council ensures these natural treasures remain unspoiled by proactively tackling pollution.
Here’s how our efforts affect you and why they’re worth celebrating.
WHY IT MATTERS
Stormwater is rainwater that flows from surfaces like roofs, gardens, footpaths and roads. Our stormwater services protect people and our environment from the negative impacts of stormwater run-off. We want to maintain stormwater services so that our communities remain healthy and safe, and our beaches and rivers continue to be clean.
CELEBRATING OUR COUNCIL’S EFFORTS
Our district is home to over a thousand industrial and commercial properties connected to our stormwater network. Recognising the higher risk of contamination from these properties, we have taken a proactive stance.
Through education and tailored on-site discussions, we equip businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to manage stormwater effectively.
KEY ACTIONS FOR CLEAN WATER
Our stormwater and land drainage activity manages run-off and protects properties from surface water flooding or ponding. Our network of stormwater pipes, manholes and pump stations collects and diverts stormwater from connected properties, and our treatment systems ensure that the discharge from our stormwater system meets the required environmental standards. The network of drains in our rural areas operates in conjunction with the Waikato Regional Council’s stopbanks and pumps to keep people and their properties safe.
General stormwater management practices
Good housekeeping reduces or eliminates pollutants by maintaining a clean, tidy site. While our Water Services team works with industry, you can apply some of these environment-friendly tips to your home too.
• Sweep or clean hardstand routinely.
• Schedule regular pick-up of rubbish and waste.
• Regularly remove redundant containers and equipment from your property.
• Establish procedures for the proper handling of materials and equipment.
• Regularly check for blockages, leaks, corrosion and proper operation of equipment and the stormwater system.
• Plan ahead to prevent and respond to spills.
By implementing these practices, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of pollution and contribute to the health and beauty of our district’s waterways. Our support and resources ensure every business can play a part in protecting our environment.
COUNCIL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
We offer several resources to help businesses implement effective stormwater management, including:
• Stormwater Management Plan templates
• training materials
• guidance and support in implementing stormwater management plans
• Plan reviews.
You can request these resources from our Water Services team at customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz
A CLEANER, SAFER ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL
By proactively addressing industrial pollution, we are not only protecting our waterways but also ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities our district offers. This proactive approach is a significant step towards a cleaner, safer environment for residents and visitors alike. Let’s celebrate and support these efforts to keep our community and its natural surroundings pristine.
Our Water Services Engineer, Shamal Ginigaddarage, who leads the Stormwater Education Programme, recently visited Mark Siddins, the Branch Manager at Carters Thames. Shamal says: “Carters gets a big thumbs up from us for being proactive and sincere about protecting our waterways against industrial pollution.”
If you have a business in our district, we’d love to chat with you about ways you can reduce your environmental impact and contribute to keeping our waterways clean.
Contact us at customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz or give us a call on 07 868 0200 to get started today.
TOP QUALITY
BUILDING CONSENT SERVICES
When you apply for a Building Consent, you can trust that you’re getting a top-tier, professional service from our Council.
Our Building Consent Team has recently been awarded an outstanding rating in a recent audit by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) assessors, International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ).
In March 2024, IANZ confirmed that our team continues to meet the highest compliance standards, ensuring we retain our ‘Extra Low Risk’ status — a mark of excellence that reflects our commitment to quality. This means that you benefit from a smoother, more efficient consent process, saving you both time and money.
Only registered Building Consent Authorities, like our Council, can consent and certify buildings. These mandatory audit assessments ensure that we’re operating at the highest standards. In 2022, we became the first Building Consent Authority in the country to
achieve the ‘Extra Low Risk’ status. Thanks to this, we were selected to pilot a reduced audit programme, resulting in less time spent on site and lower costs – a direct benefit to you as a ratepayer.
“The routine two-yearly assessment is a testament to the dedication of our Building Team and supporting staff,” says Corinne Hamlin, our Building Unit Manager.
“While the lead-up to the assessment involves intensive preparation, our focus throughout the year is always on diligently fulfilling our responsibilities.”
Our Council’s Chief Executive, Aileen Lawrie, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “This result reflects the high standards and service upheld by our Building Consent Team. Their hard work and excellent leadership ensure the safety and integrity of our built environment for our community.”
“THIS RESULT REFLECTS THE HIGH STANDARDS AND SERVICE UPHELD BY OUR BUILDING CONSENT TEAM.”
AUDIT HIGHLIGHTS:
• Robust systems: Our team has strong, reliable processes in place.
• Expert staff: We employ experienced, knowledgeable staff who excel in building control functions.
• High-quality leadership: Our technical leadership is recognised as an example of best practice.
IANZ also noted that our Council is well prepared to identify and address any issues that may arise, with the majority of our systems and technical functions being performed at a high level.
Want to learn more or apply for a building consent? Visit tcdc.govt.nz/planandbuild
Some of the Building Team crew.
KERBSIDE BIN TIPS
Did you know?...
PARA KAI FOOD SCRAPS
... you can’t put tea bags into your food scraps bin. This is because the plastics in the bag itself would contaminate the composting process. Loose leaf tea can go in your food scraps bin, but tea bags must go in your general waste bin.
Did you know?...
KARAEHE GLASS
... only glass bottles and glass jars can go into your glass crate. We can’t take drinking glasses, other glassware, window glass etc. This is because other glass products are made from a different mix of materials that won’t melt in the same process as glass bottles and jars.
HANGARUA MIXED RECYCLING
Did you know?...
... takeaway coffee cups and lids can’t be recycled and must go in your general rubbish bin. This is because they have a plastic liner to make them watertight which can’t be recycled. Bring a reusable coffee cup next time you get a takeaway coffee or drink.
PARA RUBBISH
... batteries can’t be thrown in kerbside bins.
Did you know?...
This is because they can start truck fires. Instead, hand them in at your local Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station for safe disposal.
For what goes in each bin please visit tcdc.govt.nz/kerbside
Our kerbside collections are based on alternate red and yellow week pick-ups.
Week 1: Red week for collection of your rubbish and food scraps.
Week 2: Yellow week for collection of your mixed recycling, glass and food scraps.
From Christmas to early February, areas with increased visitor volumes (the east coast, Coromandel Town & Te Ko - uma and Coromandel Rural North) have special summer collections to cater for the numbers.
Thames Coast & Manaia, Thames Rural South and Thames & Surrounds continue all year around with red and yellow week collections.
For all your collection dates, visit tcdc.govt.nz/bindays
Reducing food waste
Every year Kiwis waste $3.2 billion dollars worth of food. That’s tough on household budgets. It also means 4% of our total greenhouse gases come from food waste.
1. Keep bananas away from other fruit
Here are five tips to cut down on food waste
2. Store potatoes and onions away from each other
3. Plan your meals; make a list
4. Eat your leftovers
5. Don’t buy prepacked bags of fruit and veg, just buy what you need
Find out more at our partners lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz
SOFT PLASTICS
Do nature a favour by stopping plastic bags and wrapping from ending up on our beautiful coastline and in waterways. Take part in our soft plastics collection scheme to get them turned into fence posts and building materials. Check out the 15 locations around ThamesCoromandel where we’ve got soft plastics collection bins for your use. recycling.kiwi.nz/store-locator And check the list of what goes in them. recycling.kiwi.nz/faqs
Resource Recovery Centres
We have a number of communityrun resource recovery groups in our district. They're inspiring their communities to reduce, reuse and recycle, reducing waste going to landfill.
Seagull Centre
Drop off used goods in Thames, Pa-uanui and Tairua. Buy reusable goods from their store in Thames. seagullcentre.co.nz
Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre wahitukurua.co.nz
The Goldmine Re-Use Centre cilt.org.nz/goldminerts
Whangamata - Resource Recovery
Facebook – Avoid the Rubbish Pit
Whangamata -
Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations
Thames, Coromandel Town, Matarangi, Whitianga, Pa - uanui, Tairua and Whangamata.
Open: 8.30am– 5.30pm during daylight saving
Close: 4.30pm outside of daylight saving
Closed: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday and until 1pm Anzac Day
tcdc.govt.nz/rts
SAFE SUMMER
PHONE
Keep
Encourage
FREE DRIVER REFRESHER COURSE
A few tips FROM WAIKATO POLICE
• A sure way to ruin a good time is a trip to the hospital or a Police station – make sure you have a plan if alcohol is involved.
• Liquor bans will be in place in areas throughout the Coromandel. If you breach the alcohol ban, you won’t just lose your alcohol, you could also face a fine.
• The only people who can lawfully supply alcohol to young people under 18 are their parents or legal guardians. Consider the strength of the alcohol provided, how much you give them and providing food and noalcohol options.
• Please ensure children and friends stick together.
• Ensure your phone is fully charged before heading out.
• Plan how you are getting home at the end of your night, and have cash, an EFTPOS card or app to pay for transport. If you have concerns about someone’s behaviour, call Police.
• There will be an increase in patrols and checkpoints on the roads and there will be zero tolerance of impaired drivers.
• Don’t risk your safety or the safety of others. You can expect Police patrols anytime, anywhere. Please be responsible if you’re behind the wheel.
BOAT PARKING MADE SMART
Our Council actively maintains 24 boat ramps – 14 are free to use; the 10 with floating pontoons or limited parking require payment.
It’s easy. Use your smartphone and our QR code system, and payment’s done in a matter of minutes - right there on the boat ramp or do it before you leave home.
We have signs at all 10 paid ramps with a unique QR code for each ramp (which means proceeds are allocated to the local area), and easy-to-follow instructions for scanning, paying and downloading your receipt.
• On your smartphone or tablet, open the built-in camera app. Point the camera at the QR code. Tap the banner that appears on your phone or tablet. Follow the instructions on the screen to the browser link.
• Open the browser link, then follow the steps to make your payment on the spot, using your credit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay.
You can pay annually or per visit. And there are two types of passes: launch-only passes or combo passes covering both launching and parking.
If you have two boats but only use one at a time, you can register your towing vehicle's registration on your boat pass. This means you can choose which boat to use without needing two separate passes.
More information can be found at tcdc.govt.nz/boatramps
You can still pay for boat ramp permits in person at our Council offices in Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Whangamatā and Thames, or at participating retail outlets: Coromandel Town BP, Matarangi General Store, GAS Whangapoua, Cooks Beach Resort, Longshore Marine, Gull Whitianga, Mobil Whitianga, Z Whitianga, Tairua Information Centre, Dutchys Tairua, Pāuanui Information Centre, Challenge Whangamatā, Bubbas Fishing and Outdoors, JCD Customs & Marine.
MATARANGI PURANGI
ROBINSON RD
TE ARIKI TAHI/ SUGARLOAF
WHITIANGA WHARF
WHANGAPOUA
ROYAL BILLY TAIRUA WHANGAMATĀ
PUTTING A DAMPER ON WILDFIRE RISK
Warmer weather over summer will drive grass and vegetation to grow quickly and then dry out, providing ideal fuel for wildfires.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) says 99 per cent of wildfires are caused by people, and we can all play our part to prevent fire outbreaks. If you’re planning a fire outdoors, check with FENZ if you need a permit and for any bans in place. Some outdoor equipment and machinery can generate heat and sparks. Check the rules and learn how to reduce your risk.
checkitsalright.nz/reduce-your-risk
TO REDUCE RISKS:
• Keep grass short and green.
99% OF WILDFIRES ARE CAUSED BY PEOPLE
• Move highly flammable plants and materials well away from buildings; plant fire-resistant species.
• Clear gutters and areas around decks of dead leaves and other debris.
• Keep driveways and access to properties clear (4mx4m) so emergency services can enter.
• Keep your address number or RAPID number visible.
• Have a plan of action for you and your family in the event of a wildfire.
The Coromandel attracts diverse groups of visitors and tourists at peak holiday times, offering huge opportunities but also putting pressure on our infrastructure and resources.
SAFER COROMANDEL INVOLVES
16 ORGANISATIONS WHOSE AIMS ARE TO ENSURE:
• EVERYONE FEELS SAFE
• THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUMMER EXPERIENCES ARE BALANCED WITH SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• NO DEATHS OR INJURIES OCCUR
• OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IS SUSTAINED.
facebook.com/SaferCoromandel
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
If there’s an emergency and your cellphone’s switched on, you’ll receive an emergency alert.
Make sure you have a grab bag ready beforehand. Include warm clothing, dry food, water, medications and cash.
Please take note of the tsunami information boards located around the district, and evacuation route signs and safe zone signs on roads.
If there’s an earthquake, remember if it’s long or strong, get gone! Drop, cover and hold during the shaking. As soon as the shaking stops, move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can away from tsunami evacuation zones. DO NOT WAIT FOR OFFICIAL WARNING. getready.govt.nz
Tsunami information boards have been installed around our district. You will see these signs at beach entrances, public toilets close to beaches, boat ramps and town centres. Take time to look over the information, familiarise yourself with your current location and tsunami risk, where to go and what to do. The most important message to remember is: if an earthquake is long or strong, get gone. DO NOT WAIT FOR OFFICIAL WARNING.
Winners!
This year our awesome team entered three homes into the Registered Master Builder House of the Year awards and we’re excited to announce we’ve won Gold in 3 categories. The New Zealand Master Builder House of the Year Awards highlight the finest in residential design and craftsmanship throughout the country and we’re proud to have our Lockwood Homes recognised in this prestigious competition.
Build with Lockwood Coromandel and you’ll enjoy a comfortable, low-maintenance home that reflects your style. We offer a personalised, innovative approach to design and construction. Discover the Lockwood difference today.
The future of sustainable living is with Lockwood. Our homes are crafted with a commitment to environmental responsibility and innovative design. Lockwood homes are built with precision engineered timber, sourced and manufactured right here in New Zealand. Using premium, ecofriendly materials, we ensure every structure built is not only durable but also minimises its environmental footprint.
Choose Lockwood for a beautiful, eco-consicous living experience that stands the test of time.
Talk to your award winning Lockwood Coromandel team about building your dream home today!
