Manaaki Toiora Newsletter November 2024

Lou Beer - Event and Business Support 

Major Oak Safety – Winner of Trades and Manufacturing. 
Photo by Felicity Jean Photography

 The Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards returned after a 3 year hiatus, jointly hosted by the Hauraki and Thames Coromandel District Councils. 

Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt commented that “Our businesses are integral members of our community, often making a huge contribution to all of those around them. These awards help to celebrate those who display the best in business but also the best in community. I’m proud of what they have achieved and their contribution towards making the Coromandel a place where people want to live, work and play.” 

Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams said the awards were a great way to showcase the local business community and he was thrilled with the caliber of businesses in the finals. “Congratulations to all the finalists, a brilliant representation of the unique innovative resilient, and high performing across the Hauraki and Coromandel districts.” 

Guest speaker Joe Davies shared some great insights and commented on the strong community feel that was a pleasure to be part of and that the local-ness was a strength and highlight. 

 Woof Woof Ranch was named People’s Choice winner for Hauraki and Dive Zone Whitianga for Thames-Coromandel. Hello World Travel Thames, Flowers on Pollen, Wāhi Tukurua, Ōpito Bay Salt, Coromandel Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, Bayleys Coromandel, Major Oak Safety Training and Evolution Fitness were also named winners of their respective categories. Barbara Berry from Positive Paeroa, Jennifer Ashman from Coromandel-Colville Business Association, Monika Lange from Thames/Coromandel for their service to business. The Awards will return in 2026.

Lou Beer - Event and Business Support

Positive Paeroa made a big announcement at their AGM in October - a name change to Paeroa Business Association. 

Their constitution outlined two aims: assisting in the promotion and development of business activity in Paeroa and advocating for the development of the community. It will be exciting to see the positive changes that will happen as businesses and community unite. 

Lou Beer - Event and Business Support

There are several external agencies that work to promote the Hauraki District. One of these is Waikato Screen who assist with film locaton scouting, facilitation, film permitting and much more. 

 They are dedicated to enhancing economic and cultural growth in the Waikato region with a mission to support the thriving film industry by creating opportunities and showcasing our region’s beauty through prestigious productions like “AVATAR – The Ways of Water” and “The Gone.” 

As part of the research, a photographer came to Hauraki and in one exhausting day, captured a huge breadth of images from across the District, which you can view here Explore Stunning Waikato Film Locations in NZ | Waikato Screen. 

If you believe they have missed any key locations, get in touch and let us know! 

Lou Beer - Event and Business Support

Destination Hauraki Coromandel (DHC) is a Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) responsible for promoting tourism in the Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel districts and is a charitable trust that was established in 2011. 

Prior to this it was known as Tourism Coromandel and operated as an incorporated society. It was originally established in 1995. As the Councils’ fund DHC, either TCDC, or ourselves, or both of us acting collectively have undertaken reviews of the RTO’s performance and they have all come to the same conclusion and that is: for a small RTO, DHC punches well above its weight. 

The last few years have been particularly tough for them with the 2020 Covid Pandemic that had a big impact over a couple of years, and then the storm events of last year. DHC played a key role in promoting our area throughout this period, ensuring that people still considered the Hauraki Coromandel region as a place to visit and, more importantly, spend some money. 

Well done Destination Hauraki Coromandel and thank you for the work that you do for our district. 

Lou Beer - Events and Business Support

With 2024 fast slipping away - many lovely volunteers have once again started planning summer events for our communities. HDC are proud to support many of these events. 

23 November Waihī A&P Show 

1 December Christmas at the Lake, Waihī 

6 December Paeroa Santa Parade 

7 December Waihī Santa Parade 

12 December Ngatea Santa Parade 

15 December Ngatea Christmas Market 

 30 December Whiritoa Fair 

 8 February Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo 

Charan Mischewski - Senior Strategic Planner

We’re excited to announce that we have adopted placemaking plans for Paeroa, Kerepēhi, and Ngātea, funded by the government's Better Off Funding package. Led by design company Isthmus, these plans reflect the aspirations of our Iwi partners and community to improve public spaces. 

We're ready to begin the mahi (work), bringing these exciting ideas to life by showcasing local history, values, and community wairua (spirit) while fostering aroha (love) and connection to these towns. You’ll see some projects take place over the next year, while others will take longer as we work with partners to secure additional funding. 

You can view the plans at Community Placemaking Plans - Hauraki District Council or in our libraries and service centres. To get involved, contact us at info@hauraki-dc.govt.nz or 07 862 8609 / 0800 734 834.