08/10/2026
CFM Local News 9-10-2026
Changes to what can be taken from along the Coromandel coastline from November 1st in a bid to save endangered fragile ecosystems. Oceans and Fisheries Minister, Shane Jones, said that under a new closure, there will be now no taking of invertebrates such as cats eyes, limpets, and periwinkles from the intertidal zone. New daily limits are also being applied to crabs, octopus, prawns, shrimps and green lipped mussels. The minister described the steps as necessary, being reluctant to close the coastlines.
Police spent the day yesterday undertaking their scene examination of a Wharekaho property following the death of an elderly man as the result of an early morning fire. A second person raised the alarm and escaped without injury. Fire investigators were also at the location yesterday.
Unfortunate and disappointed has been the response from those building the new Tairua River Trail, this on the back of materials being stolen from the worksite. Timber handrails had been delivered for the Swampy Stream bridge, but while waiting to be fitted, they were stolen. Trail volunteers have the police involved, saying their disappointment stemmed from the fact it is a community funded project. In true volunteer style the team undertaking the work said due to dry conditions trail building had restarted around the Tanner farm location.
A celebration this weekend – it being 100 years since construction started on the old Kopu Bridge. The Save the Kopu Bridge group will celebrate the event this Sunday. For the record the first pile was driven on Oct 3 – 100 years ago, it took two years to build being opened in May 1928 and closed in December 2011.
Some critical sports events his weekend – will Mercury Bay back up last yesterday to retain the Hauraki District Rugby League Championship. The Boars – who have not lost a match all season are up against the Waitak Warriors – a team playing the competition for the first time – now in the grand final. Kick-off is 2pm at Rhodes Park, Thames.
It is now do or die for the Thames Valley Swampfox – the side returns to Ashburton for the second week running – this time it is the semi-final of Heartland Rugby’s Meads Cup against Mid -Canterbury. All kinds or irony around this match – Thames Valley made tomorrow’s match by getting a bonus point last Saturday, last season Mid-Canterbury beat the Swampfox to take the title.
