The Thames-Coromandel District Council has approved a long-awaited $12 million upgrade of Port Road, a decision Whangamata community leaders are calling a turning point for the town’s traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.
The decision, made at a packed council meeting in Thames on Tuesday, clears the way for construction to begin in September on a project that will widen the main arterial route, add a shared walking and cycling path, and install two new raised pedestrian crossings near the intersection with Beach Road.
The upgrade has been debated for more than six years, with residents repeatedly raising concerns about the narrow footpaths and the volume of vehicles funnelling through the town during peak holiday periods.
What the Council Decided
Councillors voted 8-3 in favour of funding the project through a combination of the council’s long-term plan, a $4.2 million grant from the New Zealand Transport Agency’s regional roading fund, and a targeted rate on commercial properties along Port Road.
The targeted rate has drawn criticism from some business owners, who say it adds pressure during an already difficult economic period.
“We support the upgrade in principle, but a targeted rate that falls on a handful of us is not the fair way to pay for it,” said Hine Ngatai, owner of the Port Road Cafe and a member of the Whangamata Business Association. “The road serves the whole district. The cost should too.”
Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt acknowledged the concerns but said the council had to balance competing priorities.
“Whangamata has waited a long time for this,” Salt said. “We’ve listened to the community, we’ve adjusted the design twice, and we’ve secured external funding that reduces the burden on ratepayers. The alternative was to keep deferring, and that helps no one.”
Key features of the Port Road upgrade
The project will include a 1.8-metre-wide shared path running the length of Port Road between the harbour and the town centre, two raised crossings, upgraded stormwater drainage, and new LED street lighting. Work is expected to take 14 months, with a planned pause over the January holiday peak to minimise disruption.
Williamson Park and Harbour Projects Advance
In the same meeting, the council confirmed $680,000 for stage two of the Williamson Park playground redevelopment, including a new junior play area and shade sails. Construction is scheduled to begin in November.
The council also signed off on a coastal hazard assessment for the Whangamata harbour foreshore, which will inform future planning rules for properties near the water’s edge. That report is due back to councillors in March.
Local resident and environmental group spokesperson Tania Whitiora welcomed the harbour assessment.
“The harbour is the heart of this town,” Whitiora said. “We’ve seen erosion accelerate in the last five years, and we need decisions based on science, not sentiment. This is a good first step.”
SH25 Safety Concerns Raised Again
Several residents used the public forum to raise ongoing safety concerns about State Highway 25 at the southern entrance to Whangamata, where a series of crashes have occurred in wet conditions. The council agreed to write to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency requesting a speed review and an investigation into improved signage.
“We’ve been asking for action on that stretch of road for three years,” said resident Dave Pemberton. “Every winter it’s the same story. We need the agency to treat it as a priority, not a future project.”
Community Groups Gear Up for Summer
The Whangamata Community Board will hold its next public meeting on 14 August at the Whangamata Memorial Hall on Port Road, starting at 6pm. Agenda items include the Port Road construction timetable, a funding application from the Whangamata Surf Life Saving Club, and a proposal to extend the town’s summer events programme.
The surf club is seeking $45,000 to replace two ageing inflatable rescue boats ahead of the patrol season, which begins in October.
“Our volunteers patrol one of the busiest stretches of coastline in the Coromandel,” said club chair Mark Reweti. “New equipment isn’t a luxury — it’s what keeps people safe out there.”
Meanwhile, the Whangamata Ratepayers and Residents Association has scheduled a public information evening on 21 August at the Whangamata Club to discuss the targeted rate and the wider long-term plan consultation.
What Happens Next
Council officers will publish the final construction timetable and traffic management plan for Port Road in early August. Residents and businesses directly affected will be invited to a pre-construction briefing later that month.
Public consultation on the council’s draft long-term plan opens on 1 September and runs for six weeks, with submissions able to be made online or at the Whangamata service centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will construction on Port Road begin?
Work is scheduled to start in September and is expected to take about 14 months, with a pause over the January holiday period.
How is the project being funded?
It is funded through the council’s long-term plan, a $4.2 million NZTA grant, and a targeted rate on commercial properties along Port Road.
How can residents have their say?
The next community board meeting is on 14 August at the Whangamata Memorial Hall. Long-term plan consultation opens on 1 September.