Hauraki-Coromandel Post

23/05/2026

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Waitakaruru this morning.

The single vehicle crash on State Highway 25, near Canal East Road was reported just before 11am.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

State Highway 25 remains closed between Canal East Road and Pouarua Road North, while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.

HC post extends our condolences to the affected families.

Image supplied Sam Bettany

21/05/2026

Read here: https://hcpost.news/2026/05/21/roadside-drug-tests-rolling-out-nationwide/

Roadside drug testing is being rolled out nationwide as the Government cracks down on impaired driving.

Police will be able to screen drivers for drugs including cannabis, methamphetamine, M**A and co***ne using roadside saliva tests.

Nationwide testing expected to be fully in place by July.

21/05/2026

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21/05/2026

A fresh approach to junior cricket in the Coromandel is paying off, with the Mercury Bay Cricket Club recording a 250% increase in participation after overhauling how the game is delivered.

Discover how Mercury Bay Cricket Club transformed youth sports in Whitianga, boosting participation by 250% with a fun, local approach.

20/05/2026

The Green Party Coromandel has officially launched its 2026 Coromandel election campaign, with candidate Pamela Grealey focusing on cost of living pressures, housing, healthcare and environmental protection.

The launch at Thames’ Grahamstown Inn featured Green MP Steve Abel and drew a strong crowd as the party begin their push toward this year’s election.

Join the Green Party's 2026 Coromandel campaign launch with Pamela Grealey, focusing on housing, healthcare, and environmental protection.

20/05/2026

Read here: https://hcpost.news/2026/05/20/tuna-seminar-series-returns-as-offshore-safety-push-intensifies/

20/05/2026

Read here: https://hcpost.news/2026/05/20/ruc-changes-government-greenlights-electronic-road-charging-system/

The Government is moving ahead with plans to expand road user charges to all light vehicles, saying petrol tax is no longer a fair way to fund roads as hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles become more common.

Road user charges already apply to diesel and electric vehicles, but the system has long been unpopular during fuel price spikes and cost-of-living pressure.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the proposed electronic system would modernise how drivers pay for using the roads.

19/05/2026

READ HERE: https://hcpost.news/2026/05/20/doc-proposes-removing-cathedral-cove-side-tracks-after-repeated-storm-damage/

DOC is proposing the removal of two walking tracks near Mautohe Cathedral Cove after repeated storm damage and landslides made ongoing repairs unsustainable.

The department says it will prioritise investment in the main Cathedral Cove track, while the Waimata-Gemstone Bay Track and Hahei Beach Short Walk could be removed following public consultation.

Tourism operators have previously raised concerns about reduced access around one of the Coromandel’s biggest visitor attractions.

19/05/2026

Kerepēhi’s water supply has been strengthened with a new 5.3km pipeline, upgraded pump station and 4.6 million litres of new water storage capacity.

The project doubles emergency raw water reserves from 8 to 16 hours, improving reliability during maintenance and severe weather events.

Kerepēhi's water supply is now fortified with a new pipeline and tanks, ensuring reliable access for decades, even during emergencies.

19/05/2026

READ HERE: https://hcpost.news/2026/05/19/government-targets-public-service-bloat-in-major-pre-election-overhaul/

Ministers stressed the cuts would not apply to teachers, nurses, doctors, police or defence personnel.

Ministers Nicola Willis and Paul Goldsmith say the reforms will save $2.4 billion over four years, with money redirected into frontline services including health, education, infrastructure, police and defence.

Core public service numbers are expected to reduce from more than 65,000 to around 55,000 by 2029.

19/05/2026

READ HERE: https://hcpost.news/2026/05/19/man-arrested-after-foot-chase-through-te-aroha/

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after a foot chase through Te Aroha last night.

Police say officers spotted drug paraphernalia while speaking to the occupant of a vehicle on Terminus Street about 7pm. The man allegedly fled on foot before being caught a short distance away.

Around 8.5 grams of methamphetamine was allegedly recovered. The man is due to appear in Hamilton District Court today.