CFM Week In News Review 30/31-12-2023
Written by John Freer on December 30, 2023
Following successful public Christmas events in Thames, Paeroa and Waihi, the holidaymakers have made a welcome return to the Coromandel Peninsula. Jeni Ashman of Coromandel Town told us that the town was pumping, and it was the busiest she had seen it. Her comment about happy tourists all enjoying buying, eating, drinking, swimming, fishing and taking advantage of local attractions, appears to be the normal for the region.
Thames Coromandel Mayor Len Salt, has got into the swing of things in his new year’s message. He was another to describe the situation as pumping saying it was uplifting to see the region ending a challenging year with some real optimism.
Earlier in the week we learned Thames had the biggest turn-out in its 13 year Place at the Table history. Paeroa turned on Christmas dinner at the Racecourse and 115 families were provided with meals in Waihi thanks to the Salvation Army and the local New World.
High traffic flow across the region, unfortunately one fatal accident on SH25 between Hikuai and Opotuere. The opening of SH25A has been the game changer providing access to the eastern holiday destinations.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has been visible in the skies undertaking a number of operations around the peninsula. The local Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust, has a new chairman in John Stephenson. The trust also now has a support vehicle supplied by Farmer Auto Village, Whitianga. A rescue helicopter and crew is being based at Whitianga until mid-February.
With Fire and Emergency NZ declaring a Restricted Fire Season for the Coromandel Peninsula through until early February, warnings have been issued as the region dries out. FENZ has banned the use of private fireworks within Thames-Coromandel District during this period – it excludes already planned and approved public fireworks displays.
The Hauraki Family Violence Intervention Network told us that more than 160 books were distributed to young readers as a result of its Book Santa initiative.
A new beach bus service is operating with Go Kiwi Shuttles teaming up with the Mercury Bay Business Association. The beach bus provides the chance to explore Mercury Bay South for what organisers label a slice of beach, brunch and lunch.
A mobile blackspot on SH25A is no longer with a tower having been installed at the top of the highway. It provide 2.5km of cell phone coverage, with access to the emergency 111 network.
Water restrictions are now in place for Hahei and Onemana due to the pressure on bore supplies.
For more local news, holiday events and traffic information go to Facebook and Coromandel’s CFM.
