NEWS
8 Hauraki-Coromandel Post
hcpost.news | Thursday, July 10, 2025
Hauraki and TCDC Council news • Roading and playground
TCDC Whangamatā Wastewater Pipe Repaired, Estuary Monitoring Continues On 1 July, the Council completed repairs to the treated wastewater supply pipe between the Whangamatā Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Forest Irrigation Pond. This follows an overflow event that impacted part of the Moanaanuanu Estuary. Cleanup is ongoing and water quality sampling is underway, with residents urged to avoid swimming, fishing, or gathering shellfish in the estuary until further notice. Rates Rise by 7.7 per cent in 2025/26 Council has approved its 2025/26 budget, confirming an average rates increase of 7.7%. The rise reflects ongoing inflation, cyclone recovery work, water reform, and road funding changes. Key projects include: • Expansion of services at Tōtara Valley Road to support housing • Completion of the Whitianga Refuse Transfer Station (50 per cent government funded) • Upgrades to Whitianga Wharf and Matarangi wastewater systems • Improvements to stormwater systems in Whangamatā and Hāhei L ocal lawyer, businessman and community advocate Flemming Rasmussen has officially entered the race for the Mercury Bay Ward councillor seat in this year’s Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) elections, promising “real change” and a break from what he calls “unsustainable status quo governance.” Currently, the three Councillor positions in the Mercury Bay Ward are occupied by John Grant, Deli Connell and Rekha Giri-Percival.
at Pipers Café attracted around 15 community members, many of whom expressed support and volunteered to help. Next, efforts will focus on a 700-metre section in front of The Pines, with further planting and pest control activities planned. HAURAKI Hauraki District Council Commits to Waikato Regional Water Partnership Hauraki District Council has unanimously voted to join the Waikato Water Done Well (WWDW) sub-regional Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) to manage the district’s future water and wastewater services. Mayor Toby Adams called it a “head and heart decision,” saying the move will deliver greater efficiencies and cost- effectiveness for ratepayers while supporting a holistic, catchment-wide approach to managing waterways across the Waikato region. He acknowledged the extensive public consultation in May and praised the community’s input into shaping the final decision. Seven Waikato councils originally signed a Heads of Agreement in 2024 to investigate the creation of a CCO in line with central government’s Local Water Done accountability – vote for the incumbents. They did this,” he said. He identified four major issues driving his campaign: growing Council bureaucracy, a “culture lacking a can-do attitude,” unsustainable spending, and poor accountability. Rasmussen advocates for “local decisions by locals,” pushing for community-led initiatives, sustainable economic development, and an emphasis on quality over quantity in tourism. “We need to be creating
upgrades across the district To help balance the books, the Council has delayed some projects, adjusted fees, and changed summer rubbish collection schedules in eastern communities. Waste Charges Update From 1 July, kerbside rubbish tags rise to $8.25, and transfer station fees now include a $5 minimum charge for weighbridge loads, green waste, and general rubbish. Standard bag fees remain unchanged. Local Election Nominations Open Nominations are now open for the 2025 local body elections. Residents can put their names forward for mayor, councillor, or community board roles either online or in person at council service centres. The council is encouraging locals to stand for positions or support community-minded candidates. Nominations close in August. Community Supports Matarangi Coastal Restoration The Council’s environmental team is continuing its Matarangi dune rewilding programme, with weed control and planting already underway along a 500-metre stretch near Ocean Close. A recent drop-in session Rasmussen, who lives with his wife in Kuaotunu , is known for his involvement in local initiatives and businesses, in Mercury Bay over the past decade. In announcing his candidacy, Rasmussen delivered a pointed critique of the current council, accusing incumbent councillors of enabling a 36 per cent rates increase over the past three years, projected debt blowouts, and a lack of transparency. “If you want more of what you’ve had – skyrocketing rates, tripling debt, and no clear
PHOTO: SUPPLIED Hauraki District Council confirmed a unanimous ‘head and heart’ deci - sion to go with the Waikato Water Done Well.
Well policy. Hauraki now joins Ōtorohanga District Council as confirmed participants, with other councils still finalising their positions. Taupō has opted for a staged approach to joining. The new CCO will be officially established in July 2025, with Hauraki and Ōtorohanga transferring water and wastewater responsibilities from 1 July 2027. Stormwater management will remain with Hauraki District Council. Chief Executive David Speirs
says this brings long-awaited clarity and allows the Council to now focus on finalising its Water Services Delivery Plan. Due to be submitted to government by 3 September 2025, the plan will outline infrastructure needs and how they will be funded and delivered under the new regional model.
Independent directors will govern the CCO, and Hauraki Council will work to ensure a smooth transition for residents and staff as the model is implemented. Lawyer Enters Race for TCDC Mercury Bay Ward
mediation and litigation as strengths in achieving consensus and delivering results. “Council decisions affect every single one of us — our rates, our services, our livelihoods. That’s too important to politicise,” he said. He claims to be actively building support among like- minded candidates and existing councillors across the district in an effort to bring about “systemic change” in the next council term. Rasmussen says his priority is a return to core Council services, fiscal discipline, and ratepayer value. If elected, he pledges to: • Limit rate increases to CPI or a maximum of 3% annually • Focus Council spending on core services • Empower communities to manage their own priorities through targeted local rates The 2025 TCDC election is shaping up to be highly competitive, with at least two of Mercury Bay’s three current councillors indicating they will re-stand. Public concern over affordability, infrastructure, and council responsiveness has seen new candidates emerge across the district. Rasmussen is confident his message will resonate. “I’m not a career politician. I’m a businessman, a lawyer, and a local who’s invested in this place. If people want real change — I’m ready to deliver it.” The TCDC local elections will be held in October 2025.
Kuaotunu Lawyer Flemming Rasmussen has put his hand up for Mercury Bay Ward Councillor. opportunities — not red tape. Let’s grow our economy in a way that aligns with our values and strengthens our services,” he said. He also supports rezoning to unlock land for development and enable well-paying jobs in building, hospitality, and events — especially during the shoulder seasons. He links economic growth with improved local services, including better healthcare, aged care, and emergency facilities, all of which he believes are contingent on growing the district’s economic and residential base. Rejecting party politics in local government, Rasmussen says he is focused on practical, cooperative solutions. He cites his legal background in
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