Power tools and alcohol don't seem to mix well, and middle-aged men riding skateboards appear to be keeping Coromandel medical centres busy.

“Please take care out there – being laid out when you could be chilling out is no fun," says Thames Coromandel District Council’s Civil Defence Controller Garry Towler.

“Medical centres have told us they're busy treating people who have injured themselves doing things they normally wouldn't, like middle-aged men riding a skateboard." 

Garry is advocating that people follow the advice of the Safer Coromandel campaign and ‘have a hmmm’ before getting out on the water or doing anything that could result in a bush fire, injury or worse if it goes wrong.

"For example, power tools and alcohol don’t mix well."

Thornton Bay on December 27. Photo: Supplied.

Police will be out in force across the Waikato through New Year, enforcing liquor ban areas, especially across holiday hotspots like Raglan and the Coromandel.

Each New Year, Whangamatā swells with young people celebrating New Year's Eve.

There is a reported increase of up to 60-70,000 additional people.

The council report that events, markets and family activities were all go heading into the New Year long weekend.

"And while New Year’s Eve on Sunday in the Coromandel may be a little damp, a week of fine, settled weather is set to follow," says a council spokesperson.

Sculptures on Coromandel peninsula. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

MetService is forecasting that once this patchy front passes, conditions should be great for holiday visitors through until January 5 or 6.

The Coromandel is having a busy summer so far, as expected, especially in the southern communities along the east coast of the Coromandel. Whangamatā is full to overflowing with hundreds of boaties enjoying conditions.

Police have reported a quiet start to the peak season with few arrests and issues. There will be a large Police presence in the district’s popular spots leading up to and including New Year’s Eve.

The road from Thames to Coromandel. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

This New Year, Waikato Police encourage people celebrating to enjoy themselves, but to be sensible, look after your mates and make sure everyone gets home safely.

Each year police arrest many breaching the liquor ban.

Liquor bans prohibit alcohol being consumed or brought into the street or public places like beaches or parks.

It does not include alcohol being transported directly to a restaurant or to a private home.

Anyone who breaches a liquor ban is liable for a fine of up to $250 and may also be arrested.

It is an offence to supply a minor (a person of 17 years of age, or younger) with alcohol.

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor, and you wish to supply them with alcohol, it must be done in a safe and reasonable manner.  Failure to do so is punishable by a fine of up to $2000.

Police encourage those responsible for teenagers, particularly if they are drinking, to ensure any alcohol provided is given and consumed in a safe home environment, and to not to assume their teen would not make poor decisions around alcohol.

"If they’re going out ensure they have eaten and consumed water, have a fully charged cellphone, a safe place to meet friends and a plan to get home safely," says a police spokesperson.

"We all have a responsibility to ensure our friends and whānau are safe this summer, so keep an eye out and report any concerns you have."

Coromandel peninsula. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

If you feel unsafe or have concerns about dangerous, illegal or suspicious behaviour, call Police on 111, for non-urgent concerns you can call 105 or visit https://www.police.govt.nz/use-105 and report the incident online.

"During New Year we often see a peak in people driving on the roads, so be patient, keep calm, drive sober and if you are feeling tired – pull over," says a police spokesperson.

"Please remember there are holiday liquor bans in places around townships across the Peninsula running from December 23 to January 6."

You can check what areas are covered by the Liquor ban including maps here.

"Any time, every day, we are here to help - Ao te pō, pō te ao, kei konei mātou hei āwhina," says a police spokesperson.

No fires without permits, fireworks ban

Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) has declared a Restricted Fire Season for the Coromandel from Wednesday, December 20 until Thursday, February 1 2024.

FENZ has also banned the use of private fireworks within the district during this period. This fireworks ban does not include any already planned and approved public fireworks displays. 

"These measures are to help keep our communities safe from wildfire, particularly during the Christmas/New Year Holiday period," says a council spokesperson.

You can find more information and a handy fire type fact sheet at tcdc.govt.nz/fire. 

For any enquires about Fire Permits and Wildfire Safety, please visit checkitsalright.nz. 

Water restrictions now in place

Increased visitor numbers have been putting pressure on water supply in some smaller Coromandel communities, resulting in water restrictions in some areas.

Hāhei: has been moved from No Restriction to Level 3 – Alternate days (see definition below) due to the increased demand and the pressure that this is putting onto the bores supply as shown by our monitoring of bore levels. This will remain in place till after the New Year when we will review it based on demand and bore levels.

Onemana: has been moved from No Restriction to Level 3 – Alternate days (see definition below) due to the very high demand being close to the consent limits. This will remain in place till after the New Year when we will review it based on demand.

"Adhering to our water restrictions helps to ensure enough water is available for everyone. It also helps ensure an adequate supply is available to fight any bush fires, if needed."

What does Water Restriction Level 3 - ALTERNATE DAYS mean?

Hoses, sprinklers and garden irrigation systems can only be used on alternate days. If your address is an even number you can use your hose on even-numbered days of the month, and vice versa for odd-numbered houses.

Stay up to date with water restrictions through the summer, and find out more about why they are needed on our website: www.tcdc.govt.nz/waterrestrictions