WHANGAMATA, New Zealand — The Thames-Coromandel District Council has greenlit a $4.2 million boardwalk project along the Whangamata Harbour foreshore, part of a broader infrastructure and community development push aimed at managing the town’s surging popularity as a holiday destination.
The decision, made at the council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, 14 November, will see construction begin in early 2024 on a 1.2-kilometre elevated walkway linking the Beach Road carpark to the Williamson Park reserve. The project also includes new lighting, seating, and native planting along the harbour edge.
“This is a game-changer for Whangamata,” said Councillor Sarah Mitchell, who represents the Whangamata ward on the Thames-Coromandel District Council. “We’ve had community feedback for years calling for safer, more accessible ways to enjoy the harbour. This boardwalk will connect our town centre to the water in a way that respects the environment and enhances daily life for residents and visitors alike.”
The boardwalk is part of a $12.7 million capital works programme for Whangamata approved in the council’s 2023-2024 annual plan. Other funded projects include upgrades to the Port Road stormwater system, resurfacing of SH25 through the town centre, and a new public toilet block at the Williamson Park boat ramp.
Parking crunch and new paid parking trial
In a separate vote, the council approved a 12-month paid parking trial for the Beach Road and Port Road carparks, starting 1 December 2023. Under the trial, visitors will pay $2 per hour between 9am and 6pm during peak summer months (December to March), with residents exempt via a free permit available from the Whangamata Service Centre.
The move has divided local business owners. “I understand the council needs revenue for all these upgrades, but this will hurt the little guy,” said Jane Carter, owner of The Salt Spray Café on Beach Road. “Our customers are mostly day-trippers from Auckland. If they have to pay for parking, they might just go to Tairua instead.”
Council data shows Whangamata’s population swells from a year-round base of 4,200 to over 25,000 during summer holidays, creating chronic parking shortages. The trial is expected to generate approximately $180,000 in net revenue, which the council says will be ring-fenced for local transport improvements.
Harbour health and community action
Meanwhile, the Whangamata Harbour Care Group has announced a major volunteer planting day on Saturday, 2 December, at the Williamson Park estuary. The group, now in its 12th year, has planted over 45,000 native trees and shrubs along the harbour margins, helping to reduce sedimentation and improve water quality.
“We’re seeing real progress,” said group coordinator Tom Hikuroa. “The council’s new stormwater upgrades on Port Road will also help. But we need ongoing community effort to keep our harbour healthy for future generations.”
The planting event runs from 9am to 1pm, with tools and refreshments provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Williamson Park carpark.
SH25 safety upgrades advance
The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has confirmed that safety improvements on SH25 through Whangamata will begin in February 2024. The $3.1 million project includes new pedestrian crossings near the Beach Road intersection, widened footpaths, and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h through the town centre during peak periods.
“SH25 is a lifeline for our community, but it’s also a barrier,” said Whangamata Community Board chairperson Linda Burgess. “These changes will make it safer for families walking to school or the beach. It’s been a long time coming.”
The upgrades follow a 2022 study that found 23 crashes on SH25 between Whangamata and Hikuai over five years, including two fatalities.
Upcoming public meetings
The Whangamata Community Board will hold its next public meeting on Wednesday, 22 November, at 7pm in the Whangamata Memorial Hall. Agenda items include updates on the boardwalk project, the parking trial, and a proposal to establish a new community garden on council-owned land at the corner of Port Road and Hetherington Road.
Residents are encouraged to attend and submit questions in advance via the council’s website.
“Whangamata is growing fast, and we need everyone’s input to get the balance right,” said Councillor Mitchell. “These decisions affect how our town feels and functions. We want to hear from you.”
Background: Whangamata’s growth pressures
Whangamata has experienced a 15% increase in permanent residents since the 2018 census, driven by remote work trends and coastal migration after the COVID-19 pandemic. The town’s aging infrastructure — much of it built in the 1970s — has struggled to keep pace, prompting the council to prioritise Whangamata in its 10-year infrastructure plan.
Key projects already completed include the $1.8 million upgrade of the Beach Road wastewater pump station and the $750,000 renewal of the Port Road water main. The council has also purchased a 2.5-hectare site on Hetherington Road for future sports fields, with design work expected to begin in 2025.
What’s next
The boardwalk construction tender closes on 1 December, with a preferred contractor announced by mid-January. Work is expected to take 10 months, with completion slated for late 2024. The parking trial will be reviewed in June 2024, with a permanent scheme to be considered by the council in August.
The Whangamata Community Board will also host a drop-in session on Saturday, 25 November, from 10am to 2pm at the Whangamata Service Centre, where residents can view plans for the boardwalk and parking changes and speak directly with council staff.
FAQ: Whangamata council updates
When will the harbour boardwalk be finished?
Construction is expected to start in early 2024 and take about 10 months, so the boardwalk should be open by late 2024, weather permitting.
Do residents really have to pay for parking?
No. Residents of Whangamata can apply for a free parking permit from the Whangamata Service Centre. The paid parking trial applies only to visitors using the Beach Road and Port Road carparks during peak summer hours.
How can I get involved in the harbour planting day?
Just show up at Williamson Park carpark on Saturday, 2 December, by 9am. No experience needed. Tools, gloves, and refreshments are provided. You can also join the Whangamata Harbour Care Group on Facebook for updates.
