Podcasts about Coromandel Peninsula

Any money made from charging international tourists to visit Aotearoa's most iconic spots should be spent in the region, the attraction is in. That's the view of a Coromandel resident's group. DOC is consulting on plans to charge international tourists a fee at up to ten popular spots around the motu. They include Milford Sound, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Cathedral Cove. It estimates up to 250,000 people visit the cove near Hahei on the Coromandel Peninsula and 75 percent of them are international guests. Haihei Residents and rate payers Association and chair John Jonassen spoke to Lisa Owen.

I was in the Coromandel over the weekend and I was reading their regional paper which still exists, The Informer, and in it was an article by Jeffrey Robinson, who's a local affairs reporter with decades of experience, and he points out the debate that is happening all over the country. The government is ending New Zealand's two tier regional and district council system, it has to happen by 2028 and every district must choose a new unitary council model. The only rule is, well you can't go with the status quo. There's got to be change, there's got to be a rationalisation, it's got to be amalgamation, it's got to be smaller. Now for Coromandel residents, they believe this means choosing between two options. One, create a small eastern Waikato focused council that looks after the Hauraki Plains and the Coromandel Peninsula that reflects the rural and coastal communities of interest, a Hauraki Plains Coromandel unitary authority. Or the other choice is be absorbed into a Hamilton based Waikato super city scenario. Despite not having asked its ratepayers what they want because there's just not enough time and the government has demanded the action, they're all debating it. And the Waikato Regional Council has already said what it wants: one giant unitary authority based out of Hamilton for the entire region. I mean it's the 07 isn't it? It's all got the same phone number, let's all have the same council. Now under that model, the Coromandel with just 32,000 people would hold one seat on a 16 member governing board based out of Hamilton. Hamilton alone would hold seven seats. They have the advantage, they have the influence. Decisions on rates and infrastructure and environmental management and long term planning would be made far from the Coromandel, while a Coromandel local board with only one seat to represent it would be left with minor matters they'd worry about parking and Christmas decorations, but they think they've got bigger fish to fry. And, of course, a Hamilton based super block of seat holders would mean that Hamilton would be able to dominate decisions and funding. Yeah we could do a new bridge in the Coromandel, or we could make sure that new suburb of Peacocke has more stuff. I think we'll go for the Peacocke, won't we? What do you think? Yeah, there's only one guy to vote against it, that's what we'll do. The Coromandel and Thames are very wary of that. This may be efficient, but they believe it would also be unfair. This eastern Waikato unitary council by the way, this idea has deep roots. Back in 2012 Coromandel and Hauraki residents gathered more than 1,500 signatures calling for just that, a council that represented Hauraki and Coromandel, keeping the decision making local. And such a model would return regional rates and jobs and environmental management to the communities they actually affect rather than happening in Hamilton, and ensure representatives live with the consequences of their decision. Thames Coromandel councillors will be discussing this on May 26th. Here's the thing though, have they asked their ratepayers? No they have not, because the government said you've got three months to do this, it's 10 weeks away, you've got to do it, just do it. They don't have the time to consult. Nobody does up and down the country. And this is happening up and down the country. In the Wairarapa, Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa are considering a combined rural unitary council because they don't want to be ruled by Wellington. In Taranaki, iwi and local mayors support splitting the region into two unitary councils that represent the natural north south and urban rural division. Hāwera does not want to be ruled by New Plymouth. Waitomo and Otorohanga are developing a King Country unitary proposal because they don't want to be run by Hamilton. And in the South Island, Selwyn's mayor also wants to protect Selwyn's identity because there they're talking about the Canterbury councils merging into a Greater Christchurch super city and they are not sure they want that. The mayor, Lydia, says it's an incredibly short timeframe, we can't consult with our ratepayers but we need to make sure we make the right decision. And they're not happy about it. Waimakariri and Selwyn ratepayers have expressed reservations of being ruled by Christchurch. And this is a real fear up and down the country. The move to rationalise local government could see the big cities and towns grabbing all the power and money. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Ultraman Australia's 2026 champions, Mark Thomson and Nat Dodd, to unpack how they manage 515 kilometers across three days in Noosa with calm pacing, tight recovery routines, and crews that never miss a beat. Mark Thomson joins from New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula and breaks down how a first-time Ultraman athlete paces like a veteran: conservative swimming, steady biking by feel, and relentless fueling that protects day three. We talk crew roles, staying calm when the leaderboard is separated by seconds, and what it's like to have a school community tracking you through a 515-kilometer endurance test. Then we get into the closer: his run plan and the mindset behind dropping a sub-7-hour double marathon after two days of racing.Nat Dodd, also from New Zealand, shares the other side of the podium and the same core truth: execution beats drama. She explains the nutrition shift that finally solved race-day GI issues, her swim feeding routine with a paddler, and how her crew's energy kept her from going dark. We also talk pacing discipline on the double marathon, her “lungefluencer” moment on course, workplace support, and what she's considering next, from Ultraman New Zealand to a return to the Ironman World Championship.Be sure to check out all the action from the YouTube Livestream.If you're into Ultraman, Ironman, long-distance triathlon training, endurance nutrition, or building a crew system that actually works, this one is packed with practical takeaways. Subscribe for more, share it with your training group, and leave a quick review if these champion-level lessons help you race smarter.Resources mentioned in this episode:Hukuai Primary SchoolNo Code EventsPāuanui Trail EpicBlue Lake 24 hour ChallengeUM New ZealandIM New ZealandCoast to CoastTaupo MarathonAPAC Ingredients Shout outs and mentions in this episode:Matt KerrCarl ReadSimon CochraneSara RyanDouglas ClarkAnthony ElderMarco UllrichNev ThomsonMatt IgguldenCraig ThomsonRay ZahabCraig JacksonChris DoddJeff Morris Tim FranklinAnna LondillBrittney LittonGreg FraineRoy SpareyHarriet SteeleDawn JacksonSupport the showShow Contributors:Host : Larry RyanContributing Raconteur : Steve KingAnnouncer : Mary Jo DionneProduction : 5Five EnterprisesMusic  :  Run by 331For show notes and past guests, please visit the Podcast Website: https://515theultrapodcast.buzzsprout.comFacebook: @515TheUltraPodcastInsta : @515theultrapodcastYoutube : @515TheUltraPodcastEmail : 515Ultraman@gmail.com

Two Waikato scientists, turned modern day pied pipers have been playing rodent chatter through speakers in the forest to lure rats into traps. If it works, it could cut pest erradication costs and be more efficient than waiting for rats to wander into traps. Speakers mounted on trees played the rat sound track on a loop day and night in forest at Tuateawa on the Coromandel Peninsula and Te Hoe near Hamilton. Wintec lecturer and researcher Dr Rhys Jones spoke to Lisa Owen.

Weather warnings or watches have been issued for the entire North Island, as Aotearoa braces for the arrival of Cyclone Vaianu. There's an orange heavy rain warning for parts of Northland that kicks in from 9pm Saturday. Some kumara growers are rushing to harvest before the weather hits. Further down the island, Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island currently have the highest level warning, a red strong wind warning from 5am til 6pm on Sunday. Damaging Wind gusts of up to 140km/h are expected Sunday afternoon. MetService Meteorologist John Law spoke to Lisa Owen.

It might be a popular getaway spot but this weekend a very unwelcome guest is scheduled to arrive on the Coromandel Peninsula. A red strong wind warning has been issued as Cyclone Vaianu bears down on the country. The entire North island is under some form of weather warning or watch, with no part expected to be unscathed. But the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island are at the highest level with a red strong wind warning from 5am til 6pm on Sunday. Thames Coromandel District Mayor Peter Revell spoke to Lisa Owen.

The cyclone is expected to pass over Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty on Sunday before moving over the rest of the North Island. 

Iolanthe cicadas are one of our smallest cicada species, found in the North Island from the Coromandel Peninsula to Wellington. This species has become extremely rare in the wild and there are very few modern sightings or recordings. Males have a very high-pitched song used for calling females. Because of the high frequency of the song, some adults may not be able to hear the call at all. Due to its lack of sightings, its threat status is unknown. However, its rarity is worrying, especially with no information on their ecology and population density. Nicola Toki chats all things critters with Jesse.

Destruction and tragedy have come in the wake of slips caused by record rainfall in the upper North Island. Police have confirmed two bodies have been found following an early morning landslide on Pāpāmoa's Welcome Bay Road. As well, a man is still missing after being swept away by the Mahurangi River north of Warkworth on Wednesday. Hundreds of homes remain without power and there's widespread closures on the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne District on State Highways 2, 25 and 35. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking unfortunately tragedies like this happen with the amount of rain we received. He says the ground loses its ability to soak up any more water, which is why slips have been so widespread across the eastern seaboard. Rescuers at the base of Mount Maunganui have been working through the night and into the morning to find campers buried by a landslide. A source has told the Herald there could be up to nine people unaccounted for —including children— after the hill gave way and smashed through a popular campsite and hot pools. Mitchell told Hosking there's no timeline for how rescue efforts will unfold. He says a lot of earth has come down and destroyed buildings, campervans, and caravans. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Civil Defence in Tolaga Bay East Coast says low-lying households near Hikuwai River should evacuate now. Surface flooding has stranded several East Coast communities - with no easing yet of the tropical storm battering the North Island. Tairawhiti has now joined Whangārei, Hauraki, Thames-Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty in declaring States of Emergency. Red rain warnings for Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and parts of Gisborne will start expiring between 11pm and 11am tomorrow. Hauraki District Council says some homes in Whiritoa have been evacuated, and the Surf Club has been set up as a Civil Defence site. In Thames Coromandel, Mayor Peter Revell says Whitianga, Cooks Beach and Pauanui are cut off, with near record rain already last night. "There's going to be significant volumes of rain in the next four or five hours, so that will certainly load up the rivers and threaten slips on roads and what have you." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell is skipping today's National Party caucus retreat in Christchurch to deal with the unfolding weather situation in the upper North Island. Watches and warnings are in place for several parts of the country. Heavy rain is now battering Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula causing flooding in many places and completely cutting off Whitianga from both the north and the south. Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking he'll be based in Auckland, so he can travel to where he needs to go. He says he and the Prime Minister have agreed it's best if he stays there, as most of the severe weather is expected to hit the North Island's eastern seaboard. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s all rain and no shine this week across the country. Warm, tropical air sitting north of New Zealand has brought with it thunderstorms and rain warnings for Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and the Coromandel Peninsula. Crews have already been working on clearing slips along State Highway 2, between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne. So, what is the outlook for this week? And when will Mother Nature give us all a break? Today on The Front Page, Niwa principal scientist, Chris Brandolino is with us to take us through what to expect, and when we might be able to put the sheets on the line. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We reckon it's a good idea to recognise some of those who'll keep working through the summer break, so that the rest of us can enjoy a holiday. People like Kerry Stanley, who runs the Waka Kai, making deliveries from New World Whitianga around the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. If you know the region, you'll know Cooks Beach is five minutes by boat from Whitianga, it's 45 minutes by car - and that's on a good day. And you can't count on a good day at this time of year. This is the sixth year Kerry's been running the Waka Kai, and he's joins Bryan to tell us more.

Questions have been raised over who deploys helicopters to transport rescue teams as police apologise over a miscommunication. A 13-year-old girl was left clinging to a cliff in Coromandel Peninsula's Hahei for hours last year - when police mistakenly thought she was dead. They refused to foot the bill for a chopper and a rescue crew made a nearly two-hour car journey. The Professional Firefighters Union's Martin Campbell says there needs to be clarity. "In some cases, police are saying it's their call. And Fire and Emergency in the past have made that call. So there is a bit of confusion and misunderstanding." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coromandel news with John Freer. 

John Freer is a CFM local news reporter from the Coromandel Peninsula.

Ever wanted to go bikepacking in New Zealand? Well today's episode features listener Warwick Prewer sharing his experiences from a trip he took along the stunning Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand.Support the showBuy me a coffee and help support the show!Follow us on Social Media!Instagram - @SeekTravelRideWebsite: Seek Travel RideFacebook - Seek Travel Ride Sign up to the Seek Travel Ride Newsletter Leave me a voicemail message Seek Travel Ride Music Playlist available now on both Spotify or Apple Music Thank you to RedShift Sports for supporting the show! - Check them out here

This week Country Life heads to the saleyards in Canterbury, meets a Taranaki woman weaving locally-grown wool into blankets and finds out what it's like to be a rural midwife working in a very remote part of the Coromandel Peninsula. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.In this episode:0:40 - Rural News Wrap6:02 - Lambs are flying out of the pens at the Canterbury Saleyards14:18 - Where there's wool there's a way27:01 - A day in the life of a rural midwifeWith thanks to guests:Tim Kyle, Grant Nordstrom, and Brent McCauleyAlison Ross, The Taranaki BlanketSheryl WrightMake sure you're following us on your favourite podcast app, so you don't miss new episodes every Friday evening.Like what you hear? Tell us! Leave us a review on your favourite podcast app or join the RNZ Podcasts Facebook group and join the convo.Send us your feedback or get in touch at country@rnz.co.nzGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

John Freer is a CFM local news reporter, from the Coromandel Peninsula

John discusses the latest events in the Coromandel Peninsula including the 25th anniversary of the Beach Hop, the Kubota Billfish Classic, the council's latest options for coastal protection, and a new environmental and marine education centre has been opened by Hillary Outdoors. John Freer is a CFM local news reporter and former Mayoral Candidate for the Thames Coromandel District Council.

Heavy rain warnings have been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula as well as for Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay. MetService Meteorologist John Law spoke to Corin Dann.

John discusses the latest in the Coromandel Peninsula including tourist operators reporting a very successful summer season.

An early Christmas present for the Coromandel Peninsula as the walking track to Hahei's Cathedral Cove reopens. It closed in Feburary last year because of damage caused in Cyclone Gabrielle. Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt says combined with the reopening of State Highway 25A, the region is ready for a busy summer. He told Mike Hosking the next step will be repairing other tracks in the area. “Not just down to the Cove, but the other bays. We've got Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay which is still closed to access.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John takes a look at local body politics and who might be standing in the Thames Coromandel district next year. 

Wayward visitors wombling onto the closed Cathedral Cove track are getting in the way of contractors and slowing down repairs. The track to the popular tourist attraction on the Coromandel Peninsula has been closed since February 2023 after it was badly damaged in extreme weather events including cyclone Gabrielle. A report subsequently showed up to 180 landslips along the 3.8km of tracks around the cove and debris up to the size of a kayak. The closure means the hugely popular attraction can only be accessed from the sea and DOC contractors are trying to finish the repair work by the end of the year, but there's been a few unwelcome interruptions.Thames Coromandel District Councillor Deli Connell spoke to Lisa Owen.

John has been looking through the recent Census Data which shows the Coromandel Peninsula has the oldest population in the country, with 34 percent of residents being aged over 65.

A red heavy rain warning has been issued for parts of Otago with up to 150 millimetres of rain expected to fall in some areas. Dunedin Civil Defence has activated its bunker and sand bags are being made available in South Dunedin, Mosgiel and Middlemarch. Rising rivers are bing monitored by the Otago Regional Council. Elsewhere, Coromandel Peninsula has been dealing with power cuts and blocked roads this morning. Mathapelo Makabulane is a Metservice forecaster.

Power is out to one hundred properties in Whitianga after wild and wet weather hit the Coromandel overnight. Thames-Coromandel Civil Defence Controller Gary Towler spoke to Corin Dann.

John says challenges facing local government is no more evident than in Thames with a massive potential infrastructure bill of around $140 million facing the town 5500 ratepayers.

A business owner says after a tough period, money to re-open the Coromandel Peninsula's Cathedral Cove track is great news.   The Government's allocated $5 million to plan, build, reopen, and maintain the walking track.   The beach has been inaccessible by land since February 2023 after Cyclone Gabrielle.   Destination Hauraki Coromandel General Manager Hadley Dryden told Andrew Dickens it's their biggest attraction.   He says it has a lot of pulling power for the region and the country, so it's important it's back for summer.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The terms recovery and resilience are well connected to the Coromandel Peninsula.

cloud ribbon is a new exhibition by Kathryn Tsui (TEE-EW) at Object Space.  Kathryn is a textile based artist who currently lives in Tairua in the Coromandel Peninsula. In beaded compositions and woven wall-hangings, cloud ribbon explores Kathryn's own cultural heritage and craft practice by reflecting on intersections of Asian and European cultural histories. Sofia spoke with Kathryn about the show and some of the research that went into it.

John discusses the issues facing the Hauraki Gulf Forum and their response to last week's Budget. 

The cyclones which hit the region last year still have a long tail. Thames Coromandel District Councillors are about to review submissions and develop their long term plan. The Hauraki Rail trail is growing in popularity and John has another chapter in the ongoing saga of Cathedral Cove.

A investigation is underway into alleged paua and kina poaching on the Coromandel Peninsula. MPI said calls to the fisheries poacher hotline last Tuesday night saw 3 people caught in Pauanui. It's alleged they took at least 60 undersize paua from the south end of the beach. Fisheries New Zealand Director of Fisheries Compliance, Steve Ham speaks to Lisa Owen.

John talks about why the legacy of the late potter Barry Brickell is growing.

The early reopening of the cyclone-ravaged State Highway 25A on the Coromandel Peninsula increased GDP in the region by almost $86 million. That's according to a new report out by Infrastructure New Zealand, which argues planning and consenting attitudes have to change for wider economic gain. The report from the lobby group also recommends regional, or even a national, emergency panel be established to respond to other emergencies. Nick Leggett is chief executive of Infrastructure NZ, and he spoke to Corin Dann.

John talks to Kathryn about the Christmas present everyone hoped for - to get SH25A - known locally as the Kopu-Hikuai Road, is now open, however the Cathedral Cove track remains closed. And Thames is taking on Oamaru in steampunk stakes, John has the details. CFM local news reporter from the Coromandel Peninsula

The worst year for business in over 20 years, that's how one business owner describes the last ten months living without the Coromandel Peninsula's vital link, State highway 25A. The route between Kopu and Hikuai will re-open by the 20th of December, with a 124 metre bridge, which spans the abyss that severed the highway in late January. It's three months ahead of schedule, giving some businesses a lifeline before Christmas, but for others it comes too late. Reporter Louise Ternouth and Camera Operator Marika Khabazi have the story.

It's finished three months early and under budget. A huge sigh of relief for Coromandel residents and businesses with the announcement today that State Highway 25A will be open in time for Christmas. It means the two sides of the Coromandel Peninsula will be reconnected again. The highway has been closed since January after a massive slip, affecting families, businesses, schools and tourism to the region. Jo Wilton from Waka Kotahi speaks to Lisa Owen. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6341025378112

In our food slot today we examine how you can turn your excess garden produce into pickles, preserves and more. Niva and Yotam Kay run Pakaraka Farm on the Coromandel Peninsula, located in the Kauaeranga Valley, near Thames. The couple run workshops, online courses and sell their produce. What they grow is featured in their book The Abundant Kitchen which has lots of tips and recipes.

It's Rātu, Tuesday October the 31st Today on RNZ National... Hamas has released a video of three hostages captured durings its attack on Israel more than three weeks ago Heavy rain continues to batter the Coromandel Peninsula as ex-Cyclone Lola moves over the motu We'll have more on the demise of supermarket competitor Supie Police say they thought there was a second terror attack at Al Noor mosque in March 2019, after watching the shooter's livestream on delay It's Halloween -- our reporter finds out just why some kids are so keen on the spooky season

More heavy rain is expected across the Coromandel Peninsula on Tuesday, with an Orange heavy rain warning in force there until 5-o'clock Tuesday evening. The rain, combined with a gale force easterlies and king high tides on Monday, swamped numerous roads - closing parts of State Highway 25 at Manaia, Hikuai and just north of Whitianga. Residents are also asked to conserve water in Matatoki, Puriri and Omahu due to the extra silt in the streams their drinking water comes from. Thames Coromandel civil defence controller Garry Towler spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

John talks to Kathryn about how Labour weekend has been positive for the region's business community as bach, holiday homeowners and visitors made the most of the break, however the major tourist attraction Cathedral Cove remains closed. He also has the latest on repairs to State Highway 25A, which is a crucial link and outlines what is happening with the sea wall at the northern end of Thames.

With the majority of the Coromandel Peninsula coastline forming part of the Hauraki Gulf there has been significant interest in the Government's announcement on a Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill and the release of the Hauraki Gulf Forum's State of the Gulf Report. John also talks to Susie about the local biking and cycling revolution and how things are faring with Waka Kotahi's create the vibe project in Thames. John Freer is CFM's local news reporter

A comprehensive look at how Coromandel Peninsula is coping in the face of continuous bad weather.

A rates rise in on the card when the Thames Coromandel District Council meets tomorrow to discuss the annual plan and weekend rain has caused more roading problems on the Coromandel Peninsula. John Freer is CFM's news reporter.

The Transport Minister has promised the new link to the Coromandel Peninsula will be put in place fast. But for some residents and businesses, "early next year" is still a long way away. State Highway 25A was washed out in the January storm, and 130m of road was washed away. The detour now adds at least an hour to a trip - on already fragile roads. Our Louise Ternouth and camera operator Marika Khabazi are in the Coromandel.

To the Coromandel Peninsula where they've had their fourth major storm in five months. Businesses and locals are feeling the effects of their fragile roading network - and the lashing of severe weather. After years without their usual bustling summer period and now winter on the way, they're desperate for some normality. Checkpoint reporter Louise Ternouth and camera operator Marika Khabazi have the story.

When Swedish backpackers Urban Höglin and Heidi Paakkonen go missing during a camping trip around New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula, concerns are quickly raised that the newly engaged couple could have fallen victim to foul play. Worries increase once it's discovered that convicted killer, David Tamihere, was on the loose in the area at the time, having jumped bail on a rape charge. --- Narration – Anonymous Host Research & writing – Elsha McGill Creative direction – Milly Raso Production and music – Mike Migas Music – Andrew D.B. Joslyn This episode's sponsors: DoorDash – Get 25% off and FREE delivery for your first order of $15 or more with promo code ‘CASEFILE' Scribd – Get your two first months of Scribd's unlimited number of full-length books, audiobooks, and other content for only $0.99 a month ZipRecruiter – Post your jobs for FREE BetterHelp – Get 10% off your first month of professional counselling with a licensed therapist ShipStation – Try ShipStation FREE for 60 days with promo code ‘CASEFILE' For all credits and sources please visit https://casefilepodcast.com/case-209-urban-höglin-heidi-paakkonen