Patrick Kerr for Mayor of Coromandel

04/10/2025

GRANDPARENTS DAY this Sunday October 5th

Grandparents play an important role in our lives. That’s why we celebrate them with their own special day - Grandparents’ Day, which is this Sunday (October 5th).

Research shows that having a grandparent figure in their lives can benefit children’s mental health and well-being and reduce behavioural problems. Grandparents bring wisdom acquired over many years, a different perspective and the teaching of skills like cooking, sewing and repairing things.

For older people, spending time with grandchildren brings a fresh outlook, keeps them active and can teach skills they might not know, like working with technology. It can also reduce isolation, especially for those who usually live alone.

Sadly, not all families experience the joy that grandparents can bring. Some may have lost their own grandparents, or be estranged from them, or may simply live too far away to have regular contact. Similarly, not all older people have their own grandchildren or get to spend time with them.

That’s where GrandFriends comes in. GrandFriends is a small charity tackling big issues like loneliness and isolation.

We connect families and older people across New Zealand so they can create their own special relationships. People can connect online via our members' platform and in person if they wish.

This Grandparents’ Day, we hope that we can foster even more connections so that more people can experience the joy of love across generations.

ABOUT GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
Grandparents’ Day in New Zealand has been celebrated at the beginning of October since 2018. It’s a chance to celebrate grandparents across the country. It is also celebrated internationally at various times throughout the year. You can find out more, including resources on how to celebrate, on our website: https://newzealandgrandparentsday.org/

ABOUT GRANDFRIENDS
At GrandFriends, we work to bring together families who don’t have their own grandparents with older people looking for some company to help combat loneliness and develop support networks. Our members-only platform allows people to connect online and chat with people across New Zealand. Members can also arrange to meet up in person if they wish to develop a closer relationship. As a charity, we rely on grants and donations to continue working to create these relationships across New Zealand. You can find out more about GrandFriends on our website: www.grandfriends.nz

GrandFriends is a charity that connects like-minded families and older people so they can enjoy special moments, support each other and share the load and make long-lasting memories.

30/09/2025

Voting closes at noon on Saturday 11 October and postal votes must be posted by 7 October. You can physically submit your vote at any TCDC Service Offices up to noon on Saturday.
This is an important election as many within the electorate know there's a need for CHANGE, so make sure your vote counts!

29/09/2025

Come on Whangamata get out and vote, we're behind the other Wards.

Send a message to learn more

23/09/2025

12/09/2025

I know it's disappointing but the financial future and time commitment for both you and your family outweighs all else. Very best wishes Denis

12/09/2025

Missed enrolling or updating your address?
Your voting papers won’t be sent in the mail, but you can still vote. Call 0800 922 822 or email [email protected] to request a special voting pack. The last day to enroll is Friday 10 October 2025 and voting will close at 12 noon on election day, Saturday 11 October.
Special votes will be available from Tuesday 9 September to Saturday 11 October 2025, To view standing candidates, videos at

02/09/2025

Great News! Auckland to Coromandel Town ferry to resume this summer!

Explore Group is reinstating the Auckland to Coromandel Town ferry service this summer, launching on 24 October just in time for Labour Weekend.
A shuttle bus will take passengers to and from Coromandel Town and Hannaford’s Wharf where the ferry will arrive and depart
Below: Hannaford's Wharf, Te Kouma

The service will initially operate an express Friday evening service, as well as Saturday and Sunday departures with plans to increase the schedule with demand.
The journey will take just over two hours and passengers can relax and enjoy the scenic cruise through the eastern Hauraki Gulf onboard Explore’s fleet of premium vessels.
“We’re really pleased this is happening,” says our Council’s Economic Development Lead Mitch King.
“The community has been looking for the ferry service from Auckland to be reinstated for several years now because it’s such an important part of the Coromandel’s hospitality offering. It’s been great to work with Explore Group and the Coromandel Business Association to bring back the ferry connection.”
The new service departs Auckland’s Viaduct arriving at Hannaford’s Wharf and will be met with a shuttle bus connecting passengers onto Coromandel Town.
“We are excited to add this new destination to our schedule and connect Auckland and the Coromandel region," says William Goodfellow, Managing Director, Explore Group.
"It's the next step in expanding our service on the Hauraki Gulf from Tiritiri Matangi in the north to Man O’ War, Waiheke and Rotoroa Island in the east. Coromandel is a natural step for us in the Gulf, supported by the local Coromandel community who are passionate about reconnecting their community.”
The new service has been long awaited by the local Coromandel community. Coromandel Business Association Chair, Jennifer Ashman says: “The local community is delighted that a ferry service has been reinstated.
"Positive input from the community has demonstrated local demand from businesses, locals and visitors alike and contributed to the successful reestablishment of a service that will be invaluable to connecting our community.”
The reopening of the maritime link has much to appeal to visitors, says Hadley Dryden, General Manager of Destination Hauraki Coromandel.
“The revival of the blue highway is fantastic news. Cruising the islands of the Hauraki Gulf - alongside marine wildlife, past mussel farms, with the Coromandel Ranges and city skyline at either end - is an experience not to be missed. Once aboard, visitors will understand why Hauraki Coromandel is good for your soul.”
The Coromandel ferry schedule will commence on Friday 24 October departing Auckland’s Viaduct at 4:45pm and arriving at Hannaford’s Wharf at 6:45pm. Saturday and Sunday return service will also begin on 25 and 26 October.
Prices for a return trip from Auckland’s Viaduct to Coromandel Town (including bus transfer) are: $135 per adult and $67.50 per child. There will also be an option for extended transfer to Whitianga: $185 per adult and $92.50 per child.
Check out the details at

Premium weekend service from Auckland to Hannaford's Wharf, Coromandel Town, Coromandel Peninsula

01/09/2025

Missed enrolling or updating your address?
Your voting papers won’t be sent in the mail, but you can still vote. Call 0800 922 822 or email [email protected] to request a special voting pack. The last day to enroll is Friday 10 October 2025 and voting will close at 12 noon on election day, Saturday 11 October.
Special votes will be available from Tuesday 9 September to Saturday 11 October 2025, To view standing candidates, videos at www.tcdc.govt.nz/elections