Green pastures or blue waters? Thames-Coromandel shortlists three options for amalgamation

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

Thames-Coromandel residents are being asked to give feedback on the council’s three options.

The green pastures of the Waikato or the blue waters in the Bay of Plenty?

That’s the question posed by Thames-Coromandel District Council to its ratepayers as three options are shortlisted for amalgamation.

The first is a Greater Waikato council, encompassing all the district and city councils in the region. A second option is dubbed Northern Bay of Plenty, and combines with Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty and the coastal area of Hauraki.

A ‘North Bay of Plenty’ option would see Thames-Coromandel stray away from the Waikato.

Additionally, an East Waikato option was put forth, encompassing all of Hauraki as well as Matamata-Piako and South Waikato.

Revell said there were quadrants of the community saying they would feel more at ease with a stronger Waikato influence, with others saying the same about the Bay of Plenty.

Thames Coromandel District Council mayor Peter Revell will be happy with any option proceeded with.

“We think in that sense the three options we’ve landed up actually give us options on both of those areas.”

A big proportion of the 527 responses to a community survey regarding amalgamation showed residents wanting to avoid “being absorbed by a big inland or urban council”, favouring councils “of similar size, character and coastal geography”, a council document read.

Some Thames-Coromandel residents feel more aligned with its pasture-dominated Waikato neighbours.

Revell declined to comment on that section of the survey, citing he “hadn’t thought at that level yet”.

When queried if any options are favoured more than others, Revell said he is happy they're down to three that council thinks are 'absolutely live and genuine', especially considering the number originally started at nine.

'There's still a lot of analysis work we need to do and a lot of discussion still but those three are absolutely live for consideration.'

Revell had previously pitched the idea of a Bay of Plenty merger to a mayoral forum in Rotorua earlier this month, arguing his patch was a natural fit for the region.

He said the majority of what the community wanted in the survey was expected, with economic sense and a limit on increasing rates being the factors strongly called for.

Revell added the continuation of local voice was also a poignant topic.

'We need to make sure we don't get lost and our local needs and requirements not be heard.“

Looking ahead, Revell said he wants the council to end up with a decision that's a 'good economic outcome for ratepayers' as well as ensuring local communities don't get left isolated or neglected.

'With all the options we're looking at, I can see how those things could potentially be achieved in any of those options.“

The council does not officially have a preferred option at this stage, with community feedback on the options closing on the 15th of July.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.