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Introducing Customer Connect: your new way to access council services

Getting things done with our Council just got simpler.


Take care of a range of council tasks at your convenience with Customer Connect, our easy-to-use online platform that always fits your schedule.

Once you register an account on Customer Connect, you’ll have access to your personal Council dashboard where you can:

  • View your personal Council footprint
  • Request updates for your personal details
  • Check and pay your land and water rates
  • Renew your dog registration
  • Pay fines

You can also use Customer Connect to submit service requests, report damaged or faulty public assets or notify us of a missed rubbish collection.

You don’t need to register to log a service request. If you see something that needs attention, you can submit a request as a guest—no sign-up required.

It’s all about making your interactions with us easier and hassle-free.

As Customer Connect grows, more Council services will become available online, giving you even more control and convenience.

Customer Connect is live now—sign up today and take charge of your Council services.

 

Customer Connect can be accessed at:

https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/Our-Council/News-Media-and-Public-Notices/Latest-News/Introducing-Customer-Connect-your-new-way-to-access-council-services-online

 

Sea spurge – what is it, and why is it bad?

Sea spurge – what is it, and why is it bad?

You may have seen in the news that there has recently been a significant sea spurge infestation found in Northland – Battle begins to eradicate toxic species that can temporarily blind after largest infestation to date – NZ Herald.

Sea spurge is an invasive weed that can quickly take over our dunes, push out our native plants and destroy shorebird habitat. It is also toxic – the sap can burn skin and even cause temporary blindness. The seeds travel from from Australia on ocean currents and could wash up anywhere in New Zealand, particularly on the west coast.

Many beaches in Australia have now been completely taken over by sea spurge (see Turning the Tides on Sea Spurge – Wildcare) and we can only stop that from happening here by constantly being vigilant.


What can I do?

Please keep an eye out for sea spurge while you’re out on the beach – locals are our first line of defence in the fight against this menace. Sea spurge is usually found on dunes or among washed-up debris on beaches. We have a lot of isolated beaches in the Waikato region, so there is a chance that at least one beach in the Waikato has a population establishing already. The more people keeping an eye out for it on beaches this summer, the better.

 

 

 

What does sea spurge look like?

 

  • Sea spurge looks like a small shrub, usually up to half a metre tall.
  • It has multiple stems, often reddish at the base.
  • It has distinctive, spiky, tightly packed blue-green leaves that are 4-20mm long and 1-16mm wide.
  • It has greenish flowers on the end of the stems.

 

 

 

Are there any similar-looking native species?

 

Yes, there are two rare native coastal plants that can look similar to sea spurge, but they have other features that are different.

 

  • Euphorbia glauca/ Waiu-atua looks similar, however its leaves are much longer – 30-80mm.
  • Linum monogynum/ Rauhuia looks similar, however it has white flowers.

 

 


What should I do if I find sea spurge?

  • Do not handle the plant, as this can spread the seeds. The toxic sap can cause injury if the stems are broken or cut.
  • Take clear photos of the site and the plant, with closeups of the leaves and flowers.
  • Record your location accurately (use Google maps or GPS if possible).
  • Report any sightings to MPI on 0800 80 99 66 or online at https://report.mpi.govt.nz/pest/

Hahei Village Work Program – 2019/20

Traffic Management

We work with TCDC to improve traffic movements in our village. For example we met with TCDC staff on 31 May 2018 to explain urgent traffic management issues in Hahei. Here is copy of a letter we sent to TCDC recording the issues we discussed. Letter To TCDC Roading Upgrades In Hahei

Here is the current list of items we are working on. If we have missed anything or you have any comments, please tell us.

Grange Road Car Park

Item Details Action Completed to 31 March 2018 Action Planned to 30 June 2019 Status
Drop-off Area Provide safe walkway Drop off/Pick up area to start of Walkway, including bridging drain Awaiting TCDC to action/budget Completed
Pay & Display Sign Sign to advise visitors how and what to pay. Pay here stickers to be installed and sign to be installed on back of existing signage Awaiting response from TCDC staff Completed
Disabled Car Parking Disabled carparks were to be remarked to correct size Disabled carparks will remain at the existing size; with the new fencing installation there is no ability to make these any wider. Should be reviewed. Not Beiing Achieved
Summer Fencing A post and rail fence to be installed for Summer To be completed 5 December
should be on target
Not Beiing Achieved
Bollards to be removed Several on the footpath by bus stop to be removed so that passengers can hop on/off shuttle easily. Sue Costello will discuss this with Gary (Go-Kiwi) Revised but on Schedule
Parking Income Hahei Community would like to know income from parking and fines from September TCDC will provide On Track
Rubbish bins Rubbish bins for car park and Cathedral Cove beach Rubbish bins at the beach are the responsibility of DOC – we understand they have a “pack-in/packout
policy”
– The concession holder is required to have rubbish bins for their customers.
– The car park will have increased bins in that area only, over the peak period.
On Track
Visitor Seating Need seating on grass area as walkers wait for bus One seat installed, one to come On Track
Drop off signage Permanent Drop off/Pick up Signage needs Ordered 9 November 2018 Revised but on Schedule
Broken footpath repaired By walkway including bridging drain. Meeting with contractor to look at options in the week commencing 26/11/2018. RFS initiated February 2018 Revised but on Track

Visitor Car Park

# Item Details Current Status
1 Seal repairs throughout car park Several pot holes need repairs Entrance has been done as part of seal repairs to Hahei Beach Road, contractor has been engaged
to undertake the work. Marking will be done after the seal repair
2 Provide Extra Parking for summer Removal of top soil to give more parking space Top soil pile will not be removed – at this stage there is no other place to move it to and moving it is an expensive exercise. It is not suitable for filling the “pond” or spreading out as it is slushy when wet. Plan B needed if car park becomes full.
3 Allow removal of deer fence More space may be needed Due to H&S requirements, the deer fence cannot be removed
4 Tidy up Advertising Concession holders to ensure signage is tidy and not interfering with shuttle passengers Allan Tiplady to email Hahei Business Association
To be completed before Christmas 2018
5 Bus Stop Area to be tidied up Level area where passengers await bus -Drain exposed To be completed prior to Christmas
6 Entrance Gate installation not complete Test, repair, and remove construction fence Contractor is waiting for parts; once parts are received the gate should be open between 7:00am and 7:00pm.
– Options are being considered for a solid fence for around the gate
7 Campervan Signage Campervan area to be marked clearly Campervan signage on the campervan parks will be marked after the seal repairs are completed. Overdue, needed before Christmas
8 Cover drain by Information Board Safety issue There are no simple options for covering the drain as piping it will cause it to block on the corner.
Staff to look at options.
9 Pedestrian Counter by exit to Pa Road Will provide data on how many walk from car park TCDC investigating
10 Car park extension Use of TIF funds To start after Easter 2019
11 Bus Shade cloth Go Kiwi shade cloth/TCDC anchor posts Required for summer/Xmax peak passenger time

Hahei Village

# Item Details Current Status
1 Safe Walkway on Hahei Beach Rd Safe walkway to be installed. Left side Hahei Beach Rd from Grange Rd to Beach. Cones to be installed on corner of Dawn
Avenue & Hahei Beach Road and Harsant Avenue & Hahei Beach Road
Letter sent to Residents, will be installed mid December
2 Campervan Parking restrictions in Village Persuade Campervan drivers to go directly to Visitor Car Park TCDC needs to review of all options
3 Upgrade Walk Signage in Village Install additional signs throughout Hahei to make sure visitors can easily find their way to Cathedral Cove and beach Installed 30 Nov 2018
4 Transfer DoC land at Beach Car Park to TCDC Control Front beach area owned by DoC. Need to transfer management, similar to Grange Rd Car Park, to TCDC so parking can be managed Been in train since December 2017
5 Road verges into Hahei Need tidying up and safer shoulders Awaiting TCDC advice from May
6 Community Centre car park, People parking over yellow lines at the Community Centre car park, blocking parking Car park to be remarked prior to Christmas
7 Three Waters Upgrade Program for LTP investment plan for water and sewage to be finalised Spoke to Bruce Hinson who advised that a consultant was being engaged
8 Storm Water Marking A ratepayer request for better signage for stormwater drains – not enough information provided Follow up with Bruce Hinson
9 TIF Investment Outline design to be developed for review at public meeting in January 2019 Ross Ashby to send date for public meeting.
10 Summer Enforcement TCDC do undertake 2 patrols per day, including early morning Needs urgent review – at least 4 times per day minimum and new p60 outside store not included
11 Parking on Grange Road above Tutaritari Road Needs some form of barrier to prevent parking, improve safety for vehicles coming down Grange Road TCDC asked to review decion not to do anything

Roading in Hahei

# Item Details Current Status
1 Parking Restrictions at Store Install Parking Signs/road markings Scheduled before 20 December
2 Bus Stop at Store Temporary bus stop on Hahei Beach Road Scheduled before 20 December
3 Additional Pedestrian Crossing Pedestrian Crossing near new bus stop Awaiting TCDC advice from May
4 Store Parking Parallel parks outside store to be angle parking Awaiting TCDC advice from May
5 Store Parking on Grange Rd unsafe First car park space on Grange Road by pedestrian crossing to be removed Awaiting TCDC advice from May
6 Indicative Pedestrian Crossing to be upgraded Painted pedestrian crossings on Pa and Grange Rd to be upgraded Awaiting TCDC advice from May
7 Upgrade Road Signage throughout Hahei Needs to be clearer, particularly signs prior to Visitor Car Park Awaiting TCDC advice from May
8 Village Speed Limit Local support to reduce Max Speed to 40k/hr. Under review by TCDC
9 Review Community Centre car park use Consider any time restrictions, use by locals and little by visitors To be reviewd by Hahei community
10 Road verges into Hahei Need tidying up and safer shoulders Awaiting TCDC advice from May
11 Road Signage to Hahei and Cathedral Hahei and Cathedral Cove should be a common destination. The 4 signs from Dalmeny Corner should say same distance for Hahei and Cathedral Cove Awaiting TCDC advice from May
12 Traffic Counters Install Traffic Counters like last summer RFS 936096 logged to request traffic counters as per last year. Verbal confirmation from TCDC
roading that this will be actioned as requested
13 Patricia Place No Parking lines Patricia Place no parking lines to be re-marked, RFS 938102 logged to Roading contractor

Water and Wastewater Management

We work with TCDC to improve water and wastewater in our village. The LTP 2018 – 2028 allocated $1.8m ito investigate options of water and sewage in Hahei and other locations in the Coromandel. Following the approval of the LPT  in June, 2018, we regularly request TCDC start work in Hahei. We now understand that the terms of reference for a consultant will be prepared early 2019. We hope that a consultant will be appointed soon as upgrading both water and wastewater infrastructure in Hahei is very important.

In the meantime, here are some links to find more information:

Hahei Sewage Upgrade

Hahei Sewage Treatment Plan

No Expansion of Paid Parking at Hot Water Beach

Domain Car Park will not be Paid Parking

We recently noticed TCDC staff had submitted a proposal to make the Domain Car Park at Hot Water Beach paid parking, similar to the main shopping/parking area at Hot Water Beach. You can read TCDC proposal here. TCDC HotWater DomainParking Proposal

We were very surprised to learn of this proposal and wrote a letter to TCDC. You can read our letter here. Hot Water Beach Parking

Along with other concerned residents, we attended the TCDC Mercury Bay Community Board meeting on 7 July 2022. We felt it was very important that TCDC should not proceed with paid parking at one of our most popular beaches. You can view the meeting on TCDC’s website or by clicking here 

We are pleased to report that our Community Board decided NOT to implement paid parking.

The meeting was reported in the Bay of Plenty Times/NZ Herald. Click to here read it 

We would like to thank the Community Board for making the right decision in this case. However, we need better ways of paying for the infrastructure that tourists demand – with an 8.8% increase in rates next year, we need to work with TCDC to propose council cost savings or new revenue sources.

Skateboard Half Pipe
Plan to Relocate Whitianga Surplus Half Pipe to Kotare Reserve, Hahei

Current Status

We understand Hahei has been selected as TCDC’s preferred location for the surplus Half Pipe. TCDC and our community are working to relocate over winter/spring so it will be operational for summer.

If you have any comments, please post them below

Background

TCDC is upgrading the skate park in Whitianga and has determined that the current skater half pipe is will not be needed in Whitianga. To decide where it should be relocated, TCDC requested communities to submit an Expression of  Interest in the existing Half Pipe.

A number of Hahei residents were interested and a community meeting was arranged to discussed options. You can read the Minutes of Meeting here. Minutes Skateboard Meeting Rev1

At the meeting, there was enthusiastic support to move the Whitianga half pipe in the Kotare reserve near the toilet block.

As there was strong local support at the meeting, we submitted an Expression of Interest (EIO) to relocate the Half Pipe Hahei.. You can download our EIO here. HalfPipe EOIFinal1

TCDC is now evaluating our EIO and if we are successful, the Half Pipe would be relocated to Hahei in the New Year.

If you have any comments, please post them below

Reserves Management Plan Update – Now Finalised

TCDC Approved New Reserves Management Plan for Mercury Bay

Following a review by Mercury Bay Community Board, TCDC Councillors approved the updated Reserves Management Plan for Mercury Bay. You can download the approved Reserves Management Plan here. The plan will operate for the next 10 years, (until 2031).

Surprisingly, TCDC decided to remove any references to concessions on our parks and reserves. We understand TCDC staff advised that since TCDC’s approach to concessions was under review, it was best to have the flexibility to make changes in the future. The number and type of concession on our beaches/reserves is an important issue for everyone in Hahei, so we will be following this matter closely.

HRRA Submitted Comments on Draft Reserve Management Plans

After considerable debate, Hahei Ratepayers and Residents Association has prepared a submission for the Draft TCDC Mercury Bay Reserve Management Plan. You can download it by clicking here Hahei Reserves Submission2020Final

Draft Reserve Management Plans are Ready for Consultation

At TCDC Council Meeting, 15 September 2020, TCDC approved draft Reserve Management Plans for our area. TCDC is now requesting submissions on these plans. You have until 7th December 2020 to comment. For more details, go to the TCDC website by clicking here

Here is the Draft Mercury Bay Reserve Management Plan (all 190 pages), Draft Mercury Bay Reserves Management Plan, that you will be commenting on.

For an overview of Hahei Reserves, click here. Hahei Reserves Map

For detailed management plans, click on the following.

Pre-consultation in Whitianga

Pre-consultation on the Mercury Bay Reserve Management Plan/s was held on 3 July 2020. Two drop-in feedback sessions were held in Whitianga. 53 people attended across the two sessions. A range of feedback was received from the community, and the following themes emerged:

  • Manage vehicles on beaches and reserves, such as tour buses, campervans, boat trailers
  • Define and/or formalise walkways & access points to reserves
  • Better manage concessions and permits on reserve
  • Protect trees (native trees and shade trees)
  • Protect and encourage plantings on dunes and wetland areas to stop erosion
  • Protect bird habitats
  • Work with DOC to address issues on adjoining reserves
  • Maintain open space for recreation
  • Preserve the natural environments within reserves
  • Protect historical and archaeological sites of importance.
  • Control animal and pest plants.

Overall TCDC Reserves Management Plan Update Strategy

TCDC has been progressively updating Reserve Management Plans (RMP) over the past few years. So far, TCDC have completed the following

  • General Policies
  • Coromandel – Colville
  • Thames and Thames Coast
  • Whangamata (Reviewed in 2017)

Further information about TCDC Reserve Management plan updating process can be found by clicking here. 

Update of Mercury Bay Reserve Management Plan

The Mercury Bay RMP was last reviewed in 2007/8 and it is planned to be updated in 2020.

The Reserve Management Plans are very important documents. They determine how each Reserve is developed over the long term, and crucially for Hahei, control how Concession Operators at each Reserve. For instance, they control how many Concessionaires can operate from Reserves adjacent to  Hahei Beach. In addition, the RMP for each reserve will control boat ramp operations, vehicle movements, off-leash dog areas, parties and events etc.

In 2018, TCDC requested the HRRA submit preliminary suggestions for each reserve. Based on numerous discussions with our community, our reserves group submitted this document. Hahei Reserves SubmissionFinal

Hahei Village Work Program – 2018

Traffic Management

We work with TCDC to improve traffic movements in our village. For example we met with TCDC staff on 31 May 2018 to explain urgent traffic management issues in Hahei. Here is copy of a letter we sent to TCDC recording the issues we discussed. Letter To TCDC Roading Upgrades In Hahei

Here is the current list of items we are working on. If we have missed anything or you have any comments, please tell us.

Grange Road Car Park

Item Details Action Completed to 31 March 2018 Action Planned to 30 June 2019 Status
Drop-off Area Provide safe walkway Drop off/Pick up area to start of Walkway, including bridging drain Awaiting TCDC to action/budget Completed
Pay & Display Sign Sign to advise visitors how and what to pay. Pay here stickers to be installed and sign to be installed on back of existing signage Awaiting response from TCDC staff Completed
Disabled Car Parking Disabled carparks were to be remarked to correct size Disabled carparks will remain at the existing size; with the new fencing installation there is no ability to make these any wider. Should be reviewed. Not Beiing Achieved
Summer Fencing A post and rail fence to be installed for Summer To be completed 5 December
should be on target
Not Beiing Achieved
Bollards to be removed Several on the footpath by bus stop to be removed so that passengers can hop on/off shuttle easily. Sue Costello will discuss this with Gary (Go-Kiwi) Revised but on Schedule
Parking Income Hahei Community would like to know income from parking and fines from September TCDC will provide On Track
Rubbish bins Rubbish bins for car park and Cathedral Cove beach Rubbish bins at the beach are the responsibility of DOC – we understand they have a “pack-in/packout
policy”
– The concession holder is required to have rubbish bins for their customers.
– The car park will have increased bins in that area only, over the peak period.
On Track
Visitor Seating Need seating on grass area as walkers wait for bus One seat installed, one to come On Track
Drop off signage Permanent Drop off/Pick up Signage needs Ordered 9 November 2018 Revised but on Schedule
Broken footpath repaired By walkway including bridging drain. Meeting with contractor to look at options in the week commencing 26/11/2018. RFS initiated February 2018 Revised but on Track

Visitor Car Park

# Item Details Current Status
1 Seal repairs throughout car park Several pot holes need repairs Entrance has been done as part of seal repairs to Hahei Beach Road, contractor has been engaged
to undertake the work. Marking will be done after the seal repair
2 Provide Extra Parking for summer Removal of top soil to give more parking space Top soil pile will not be removed – at this stage there is no other place to move it to and moving it is an expensive exercise. It is not suitable for filling the “pond” or spreading out as it is slushy when wet. Plan B needed if car park becomes full.
3 Allow removal of deer fence More space may be needed Due to H&S requirements, the deer fence cannot be removed
4 Tidy up Advertising Concession holders to ensure signage is tidy and not interfering with shuttle passengers Allan Tiplady to email Hahei Business Association
To be completed before Christmas 2018
5 Bus Stop Area to be tidied up Level area where passengers await bus -Drain exposed To be completed prior to Christmas
6 Entrance Gate installation not complete Test, repair, and remove construction fence Contractor is waiting for parts; once parts are received the gate should be open between 7:00am and 7:00pm.
– Options are being considered for a solid fence for around the gate
7 Campervan Signage Campervan area to be marked clearly Campervan signage on the campervan parks will be marked after the seal repairs are completed. Overdue, needed before Christmas
8 Cover drain by Information Board Safety issue There are no simple options for covering the drain as piping it will cause it to block on the corner.
Staff to look at options.
9 Pedestrian Counter by exit to Pa Road Will provide data on how many walk from car park TCDC investigating
10 Car park extension Use of TIF funds To start after Easter 2019
11 Bus Shade cloth Go Kiwi shade cloth/TCDC anchor posts Required for summer/Xmax peak passenger time

Hahei Village

# Item Details Current Status
1 Safe Walkway on Hahei Beach Rd Safe walkway to be installed. Left side Hahei Beach Rd from Grange Rd to Beach. Cones to be installed on corner of Dawn
Avenue & Hahei Beach Road and Harsant Avenue & Hahei Beach Road
Letter sent to Residents, will be installed mid December
2 Campervan Parking restrictions in Village Persuade Campervan drivers to go directly to Visitor Car Park TCDC needs to review of all options
3 Upgrade Walk Signage in Village Install additional signs throughout Hahei to make sure visitors can easily find their way to Cathedral Cove and beach Installed 30 Nov 2018
4 Transfer DoC land at Beach Car Park to TCDC Control Front beach area owned by DoC. Need to transfer management, similar to Grange Rd Car Park, to TCDC so parking can be managed Been in train since December 2017
5 Road verges into Hahei Need tidying up and safer shoulders Awaiting TCDC advice from May
6 Community Centre car park, People parking over yellow lines at the Community Centre car park, blocking parking Car park to be remarked prior to Christmas
7 Three Waters Upgrade Program for LTP investment plan for water and sewage to be finalised Spoke to Bruce Hinson who advised that a consultant was being engaged
8 Storm Water Marking A ratepayer request for better signage for stormwater drains – not enough information provided Follow up with Bruce Hinson
9 TIF Investment Outline design to be developed for review at public meeting in January 2019 Ross Ashby to send date for public meeting.
10 Summer Enforcement TCDC do undertake 2 patrols per day, including early morning Needs urgent review – at least 4 times per day minimum and new p60 outside store not included
11 Parking on Grange Road above Tutaritari Road Needs some form of barrier to prevent parking, improve safety for vehicles coming down Grange Road TCDC asked to review decion not to do anything

Roading in Hahei

# Item Details Current Status
1 Parking Restrictions at Store Install Parking Signs/road markings Scheduled before 20 December
2 Bus Stop at Store Temporary bus stop on Hahei Beach Road Scheduled before 20 December
3 Additional Pedestrian Crossing Pedestrian Crossing near new bus stop Awaiting TCDC advice from May
4 Store Parking Parallel parks outside store to be angle parking Awaiting TCDC advice from May
5 Store Parking on Grange Rd unsafe First car park space on Grange Road by pedestrian crossing to be removed Awaiting TCDC advice from May
6 Indicative Pedestrian Crossing to be upgraded Painted pedestrian crossings on Pa and Grange Rd to be upgraded Awaiting TCDC advice from May
7 Upgrade Road Signage throughout Hahei Needs to be clearer, particularly signs prior to Visitor Car Park Awaiting TCDC advice from May
8 Village Speed Limit Local support to reduce Max Speed to 40k/hr. Under review by TCDC
9 Review Community Centre car park use Consider any time restrictions, use by locals and little by visitors To be reviewd by Hahei community
10 Road verges into Hahei Need tidying up and safer shoulders Awaiting TCDC advice from May
11 Road Signage to Hahei and Cathedral Hahei and Cathedral Cove should be a common destination. The 4 signs from Dalmeny Corner should say same distance for Hahei and Cathedral Cove Awaiting TCDC advice from May
12 Traffic Counters Install Traffic Counters like last summer RFS 936096 logged to request traffic counters as per last year. Verbal confirmation from TCDC
roading that this will be actioned as requested
13 Patricia Place No Parking lines Patricia Place no parking lines to be re-marked, RFS 938102 logged to Roading contractor

Water and Wastewater Management

We work with TCDC to improve water and wastewater in our village. The LTP 2018 – 2028 allocated $1.8m ito investigate options of water and sewage in Hahei and other locations in the Coromandel. Following the approval of the LPT  in June, 2018, we regularly request TCDC start work in Hahei. We now understand that the terms of reference for a consultant will be prepared early 2019. We hope that a consultant will be appointed soon as upgrading both water and wastewater infrastructure in Hahei is very important.

In the meantime, go here for more information. Hahei Sewage Upgrade

TCDC Response to our LTP 2019 – 2029 Submissions

On your behalf, we submitted two submissions to the draft Long Term Plan (LTP); one representing Hot Water Beach, Hahei and Mercury Bay South (Cooks Beach) Resident and Ratepayers Associations, and one focused on on Hahei issues. To read our submissions, click here. We also made a combined presentation to Council. You can read our presentation here.

TCDC staff have reviewed our submission and delivered their recommendations to a special TCDC Council meeting. You can download TCDC staff’s recommendations by clicking here

However, to save you time, here is a summary of TCDC’s staff recommendations.

Responses to Combined Hot Water Beach/Hahei/Mercury Bay South Submission

Upgrade Dalmeny Corner Road and Bridge

  • Funding to cover the cost of studies that will lead to a community supported long term solution. The engineering study should address flooding, drainage of nearby properties, bridge design options and prepare budget costs
  • Discuss options with NZTA
  • Install vehicle counting equipment to measure vehicle flows from 1 December to 30 April every year.
  • Include estimated cost of bridge and road upgrade in year 3 of the LTP. Since there have already been several engineering studies, we expect TCDC will be able to estimate the budget costs easily.
  • Staff considered the first 3 bullet points on the submission and recommended an investigation takes place.
  • Approved a budget of $50,000 investigation into Dalmeny’s Corner.
  • We look forward to seeing results of investigation and construction of new bridge soon.

Cathedral Coast Walk Project

  • Put all work on the Walk on hold and reassess project viability during the development of the Walk to the 2021 – 31 Long Term Plan
  • Proceed with the planned upgrade of Lees Road paid from District Transport
  • Allocate surplus funds to Upgrade Newtons Bridge and Dalmeny Corner Flood mitigation
  • Stop the RMA Consent process associated with the Walk.

Was not reviewed as Walk had been approved in annual budget

TCDC leadership have publicly stated that the Walk is on hold until Hahei’s infrastructure is upgraded. We continue to work with TCDC to deliver on their promise.

Control Freedom Camping and Compliance Enforcement

  • Change Rules in District Plan to allow additional freedom camper numbers on rural properties, providing their neighbours agree.
  • Appoint a TCDC Enforcement traffic officer to be based in South Mercury Bay over the busy summer months.
  • Appoint residents to assist the TCDC Enforcement officer based in our area.
  • Freedom Camping – Do not initiate a review of the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2014 or rules on freedom camping in the Proposed District Plan until there is greater clarity on what changes to the national freedom camping regulatory framework may be
  • Compliance Enforcement – rejects recommendation. Our recommendation was for additional enforcement during busy holiday season, but staff misleadingly state that the annual cost of one additional compliance staff would be $115,000 per year or $5 per ratepayer. We only need additional compliance for 3 months maximum, $30,000, $1.25/ratepayer. We recommend fewer compliance officers for the rest of the year reducing the overall compliance budget.  TCDC calculations also ignores additional revenues that better enforcement would generate
  • Appoint Residents to Assist in Compliance – ignored

We will continue to develop options to alleviate chronic Freedom Camping problem. We watch national developments with great interest

Provide Green Waste Transfer Station

  • Include cost of a study to examine green waste transfer options for South Mercury Bay area.
  • Budget CAPEX cost of $200,000 to be spent in year-2 of the LTP
  • Consider inviting private sector waste management organisations to provide the services required
  • Investigate the costs and logistics of providing a green waste service in Mercury Bay South in 2018/19.
  • Additional budget for this investigation is proposed in below under Solid Waste Investigation
    Budget.

Monitor TCDC actions

Managing Local Tourist Infrastructure – Financial Reporting

  • Commitment from TCDC to implement a tourism management plan aimed at maximising user pays tourist income by empowering local communities to implement the principles set out in the Revenue Policy paper
  • Bring our infrastructure up to date through borrowings (Internal?) and funded from future revenue streams
  • A statement that Council will support local communities in the development of tourism business plans and invest in tourist infrastructure, supported by future revenue streams
  • Noted but no action reccomended

Monitor TCDC actions

Mercury Bay Operational Expenditure 2018 to 2021

  • Increase library grants to $3,900 pa
  • Increase the litter and sanitary service to twice daily during the peak period and long weekends in the Hot Water Beach, Hahei, Cooks Beach and Ferry Landing areas.
  • Noted but no action reccomended
  • Kept at current level with adjustment for inflation. Inflated level not quantified.
  • Public convenience cleaning to be 4 times per day from 23 December to 7 February each year for the following facilities:
    • Hot Water Main Beach
    • Hot Water Beach Bull Paddock
    • Hahei Visitor car park
    • Hahei Grange Road
    • Hahei Beachfront
    • Hahei Central reserve
    • Whangapoua (Mangakahia Reserve)

Support for Surf Life Saving

  • Allocate to Hot Water Beach Lifeguards, $20,000 per year from revenues generated at the Hot Water Beach Car Parks.
  • Waikato Regional Council responsible for funding life saving. No funding from TCDC

Make sure Waikato Regional Council provides funding

Responses to Hahei Submission

Hahei Tourism and Traffic Management

Expand Village Car Park to 500+ Capacity

The Village entrance car park is the most important component of the Hahei traffic management plan. It must be ‘Fit for purpose’ and provide:

  • A safe environment to accommodate the peak demand of at least 500 vehicles
  • Facilities to manage the daily 1,200 to 1,500 people utilising the return bus service and who traverse the village on foot.
  • Provide rest and recreation facilities such picnic tables, tourist information, space for Hahei tour operators to collect their clients

We request that the LTP 2019/20 funding of $172,000 for the Hahei Village Car park extension be re-allocated to 2018/19, along with any funding that may be needed to complete the car park.

All that is required is that the redundant overflow wastewater treatment pond, adjacent to the sealed area of the Hahei Visitor car park, is made available as a peak parking area by December 2018 at the latest – levelled, compacted, grassed.

Complete Stage 2 of Hahei Traffic Management Plan

We request that TCDC undertake stage 2 of the Traffic Management plan which includes the parking control of Hahei Beach Road and surrounds. This will generate the parking revenue we require. The draft LTP specifies $190,000 allocated to the Hahei Beach car park and landscaping in 2020/21. We request this is brought forward into 2018/19

Complete Construction of Hahei Visitor Car Park.

A number of minor works are required to complete the construction Visitor Car Park and bring it up to standard. It must provide a great experience for visitors entering Hahei.

Hahei Village Tourist Management Upgrades

See submission for details

Ignored our recommendation.

  • Council supports expansion of the Village Car Park.
  • Supports the concept of the development of a Walkable Village concept.

Development of a Walking Village

  • Funding in 2018/19 for qualified adviser to develop the Walking Village Concept. We recommend budget of $50,000 in first year of LTP, 2018/19.
  • Funding to implement in Walking Village concept in Hahei. We recommend including $600,000 every year of the first 3 years of the LPT, i.e. from 2019 to 2022.
  • Funding in 2019/2021 to upgrade roading at entrance Village Car Park
  • Funding in 2018/19 to make the 2 walkways through Kotare Reserve all weather, with appropriate signage and funding in 2019/20 for the walkway to Wigmore end of the beach

Ignored our recommendation.

Write to your local councillors

Upgrade Hahei Water Systems

  • The draft LTP states“Over the first four years of the Long-Term Plan, we will be undertaking investigations into extending existing wastewater and water supply services to unconnected properties in Hahei, Wharekaho, and areas surrounding Thames. These investigations, at a total cost of $1.8M, will inform our projects in future Long-Term Plan”While we appreciate the commitment to spend $1.8M on investigations, the people of Hahei need urgent action. We cannot wait four years, as the draft LPT states, for TCDC to deliver safe drinking water to residents and tourists in Hahei.We request the LTP is revised to state‘TCDC will undertake and investigation in Hahei’s potable water needs, commencing in August 2018, and completed by December 2018. During January, February, March 2019, TCDC will consult with Hahei community on safe potable water options, and based on the outcome of these negotiations, include in TCDC’s Annual Budget for 2019/20 costs for upgrading Hahei’s potable water supply’.

Undertake study in Year 1 of LTP

Monitor progress

Upgrade Hahei Sewage Collection and Treatment Systems

  • The draft LTP states‘Over the first four years of the Long-Term Plan, we will be undertaking investigations into extending existing wastewater and water supply services to unconnected properties in Hahei, Wharekaho, and areas surrounding Thames. These investigations, at a total cost of $1.8M, will inform our projects in future Long-Term Plan’.While we appreciate the commitment to spend $1.8M on investigations, the people of Hahei need urgent action. We cannot wait four years for action to be taken on sewage treatment in Hahei. The existing plant has spare capacity and so at least initially, TCDC should consult with the Hahei community to expand the collection system to the maximum allowable as determined by the existing treatment plant’s capacity. Potentially, this could make a huge difference to the water quality in the Wigmore StreamWhile the expansion of the collection system is occurring, TCDC should undertake the necessary investigation into long term Hahei sewage system and consult with the Hahei Community.We request the LTP is revised to state‘TCDC will undertake and investigation in Hahei’s sewage system and expand the sewage collection system to properties that are either adjacent to the treatment plant or those that will have largest impact on the quality of the Wigmore Stream. This work will be completed during 2019/20. TCDC will also conduct an investigation into the long-term sewerage treatment needs of the Hahei community. The investigation will be completed by March 2019 when TCDC will conduct consultations with the Hahei Community. Following consultation, TCDC will investigate funding options with a view to implement a long-term sewage treatment solution for Hahei from 2020’.

Undertake study in Year 1 of LTP

Monitor progress

Minor Works Management

  • Increase annual funding for Public Convenience renewals, ($80,000), Footpath rehabilitation ($40,000), Footpath construction ($300,000), Parks and Reserves Renewals, ($200,000), and other minor budgets by 50%.
  • Provided detailed list of works that will be funded for the first 3 years of the LTP.
  • Explore alternative funding options.

Various recommendations

Council agreed to allocate the following sums

  • $140,000 per year for reserves minor works and
  • $192,000 per year for reserves renewals
  • $71,000 per year for public convenience renewals
  • $39,000 per year for footpath rehabilitation
  • $278,000 per year for footpath construction.

Welcome to Hahei Sign – Poll Results

Thank you for taking the time to let us know which Welcome to Hahei sign you preferred.

Based on the your input, we have a clear winner.

The sign is now under construction and it will be installed before the summer holiday season.

Open the news item to see the sign