With daylight savings starting this weekend our focus turns towards summer planning. In this issue we feature our Summer Roadworks plan, so you know what to expect on our roads, highlight the amazing mahi of GR8 Jobs Hauraki and share several opportunities to connect, contribute, and have your voice heard.
We’ve been hard at work since we last spoke to you about the Our Plains Our Future adaptation planning project.
We’re working through a range of options together to respond to natural hazard risk, and how these options could work in different parts of the Plains and over time. We started with a long list of options, which was then shortlisted by the Community Panel based on what would work best where, and then this fed into our draft adaptation pathways.
The draft pathways we have developed indicate the likely direction of travel.
We need your feedback on what we’re proposing, so that we can invest in the things that matter most and continue planning for safe and resilient communities on the Hauraki Plains.
Come along to our open days to get involved and have your say on the proposed adaptation pathways for your area.
You might notice our crews out and about over the coming months. We're rolling out our annual Summer Roadworks Programme. Just like your home needs regular upkeep, our roads, drainage systems, and bridges need routine attention to stay safe and in good condition.
This summer, we're focusing on four key areas: resealing to protect road surfaces, more extensive repairs where roads need rebuilding, drainage upgrades to prevent flooding, and bridge maintenance to keep everything safe and sound. We schedule this work in summer for good reason — warmer, drier weather means better results and no frost interfering with fresh seals.
We understand roadworks can be inconvenient. However, catching problems early through regular maintenance prevents bigger, costlier issues down the track.
Over the summer we'll share updates via Antenno, on Facebook and our handy info page so you can plan your trips accordingly.
Thanks for your patience while we keep Hauraki moving!
Your voice, Your community - just a tap away
Spotted a pothole on your street? Noticed dumped rubbish at your local park? Now you can report it directly to Council in seconds – right from your phone.
Antenno puts you in the driver's seat. Whether it's a damaged footpath, a broken streetlight, or anything that needs Council's attention, you can snap a photo and send it through instantly. No forms, no hassle.
Stay in the know about what matters to you. Get real-time alerts for your neighbourhood, your kids' school area, or anywhere else you care about. Road closures, events, and maintenance updates you choose what you want to hear about and filter out the rest.
Best of all? No login required. No personal information needed. Just download Antenno, save the places that matter to you, and you're connected to your Council.
If you'd like to give it a go, just search for Antenno in your app store. We think you'll find it pretty handy!
Got kids at home these school holidays?
Our libraries have you covered with heaps of free activities to keep young minds (and hands!) busy.
We're thrilled to bring back Virtual Reality sessions for tamariki aged 10 and up! These 45-minute sessions are free, but spaces are limited, so you'll need to book ahead. Just give the library team a ring on 07 862 8609 or flick an email to hdc-library@hauraki-dc.govt.nz.
Here's where and when you can catch the VR sessions:
- Waihī Library: Monday 28 Sept – Wednesday 30 September - Paeroa Library: Thursday 1, Friday 2 & Monday 5 October - He Pātaka Kōrero | Hauraki Plains Library & Community Centre: Tuesday 6 October & Friday 9 October
Sessions run between 10am and 4pm, so pick a time that suits your whānau.
Not into VR? No worries! There are plenty of hands-on activities like paper-bag animals, egg-carton critters, zines, felt flowers, seedling planting, DIY bird feeders, plus LEGO and board games. Something for everyone!
Check out the full schedule on the website events page, or Facebook page, or pop into your local library to grab a printed copy. We can't wait to see you there!
Big Upgrade Coming to Morgan Park Football Field
Good news for local footy fans and everyone who loves Morgan Park! We're giving the football field a major upgrade so it works better for players and the whole community.
The work includes improving the main field surface, creating a new practice area, and installing proper lighting for evening games. The result? A safer, more practical space that's going to be so much better for local football clubs and anyone who uses the park.
Work will happen in stages from October 2026 through to June 2027, and we'll do our best to keep disruption low. Want to know more about the programme, timing and what to expect? Head to our project page on Kōrero Mai for all the details and regular updates as work progresses.
Head Start Decision Deferred Until After Election
The Government has decided not to announce Head Start decisions before the general election. That means all proposals (including ours) are on hold for now. 🗳️ We know this creates uncertainty.
What happens next will depend on the election outcome and the priorities of whoever forms government.
What we do know: the work we've done together hasn't been wasted, and we will remain committed to listening to your views. We'll stay in touch as things become clearer after the election.
Council services and operations carry on as usual in the meantime.
To keep informed about what happens next visit our info page.
GR8 Jobs Hauraki Creating futures
Gr8 Job Hauraki brings the aspirations of our rangatahi to life by supporting them into meaningful employment which enhances the social and economic wellbeing of the Hauraki District.
They collaborate with Hauraki District Council, employers, government agencies, iwi and community organisations to ensure rangatahi are supported into meaningful work close to home.
Considering the challenging economic environment and very few job opportunities, the outcomes achieved in 2025/2026 were outstanding. They exceeded their targets, helping 40 young people aged 18–24 on Jobseeker Support into sustainable employment, and a further 11 young people aged 16–24 who were not working or receiving a benefit into employment.
Empowering and supporting young people to realise their potential creates confidence, builds skills and opens the door to brighter futures. By helping young people overcome barriers and build resilience, we create pathways to meaningful employment, greater independence and long-term success. Make sure to check out their facebook page to keep up to date.
Your ward meetings are coming to you
It’s time for a cuppa, a catch-up and a kōrero.
We’re bringing our ward meetings to our local communities, allowing you to connect with us, hear what’s happening in your area and talk about what matters to you.
Paeroa Ward
Thursday 22 October 2026 | 5.30–7 pm
Paeroa War Memorial Hall
Plains Ward
Wednesday 28 October 2026 | 5.30–7 pm
Hauraki Plains Library and Community Centre | He Pātaka Kōrero
Know someone who would be keen to come along? Let them know. The more kōrero, the better.
Houston, we have lift off
The Rocket slide in Waihī is back in action 🚀
After a few weeks grounded, the Rocket slide is cleared for launch and just in time for the weekend and the holidays.
The replacement part has landed, the repairs are done and our little astronauts can blast off into their next adventures.
We couldn't resist testing it out ourselves first (safety check, obviously 😉). One of our team took it for a ride to make sure it was mission-ready and reckons it was worth the wait.
So get your tamariki suited up and ready for take-off. The countdown is over and Rocket Park is fully open again.
Thanks so much for your patience while we got this sorted. Enjoy the ride.
Second round of SH2 Karangahake Gorge closures in October
Following on from the inspection work in August, NZTA’s team is heading back into the Karangahake Gorge to keep this key route safe and reliable.
Expect daytime closures on SH2, 9 am–4 pm, Monday 12 – Friday 16 October (weather dependent), while trained rope-access technicians remove larger unstable rock identified during the earlier inspections.
The closure covers a 500m stretch beginning near the historic rail tunnel bridge and extending toward Paeroa.
Heads up for Hauraki Rail Trail users. The section through the old rail tunnel will also be closed during this time.
Plan your trip:
• Travel through the gorge outside closure hours where you can.
• Heading further? Consider SH29 over the Kaimais instead.
Emergency services will still have access throughout.
Keep an eye on NZTA's Facebook page and website for updates and to see what's happening on the roads around you.
Rates Due Soon? We've got options to help
We know the cost of living is putting real pressure on our community right now. We want you to know, we're here for you. Your first rates installment is due next week.
If you need a little flexibility, two great options are available:
Pay with Payble — pay in smaller, flexible instalments that suit your budget. Learn how easy it is on our website. Rates Rebates Scheme — you may qualify to reduce what you owe. Check your eligibility on our info page.
You're not alone. We're your neighbours, and we're here to help. 💙