Day of Democracy: Consultation conundrum for Thames Coromandel

In an ongoing series, the Waikato Times visits a council meeting and casts an irreverent eye over small town democracy in action - today it’s Thames Coromandel District.

Ratepayers and residents of the Thames Coromandel could soon become victims of consultation overload after their council decided to push two more proposals out for public perusal.

The meeting got off to a slow but intense start when a recent Thames Community Board decision about a new swimming pool complex was discussed, with councillors Rekha Giri-Percival and John Grant questioning why future funding options were not addressed by the board before being put to council.

More messages from your neighbours

5 days ago

‘Simply irresponsible’: Wallaby likely kept as pet in Hamilton, regional council says

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

A wallaby spotted in Hamilton was probably kept as a pet, the regional council says - and that’s “simply irresponsible”.

The dama wallaby, which had an immature joey in its pouch, was spotted in Frankton on March 3, reported and killed, Waikato Regional Council says.

1 hour ago

The 23-carat pie that could be New Zealand’s most expensive

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The Baker Tīrau has created what might be New Zealand's most luxurious, and expensive, take on a Kiwi classic steak and cheese pie and is auctioning it off for a good cause.

Made with wagyu beef, French red wine, the most expensive cheese he could get his hands on, and topped with 23-carat gold flakes, award-winning baker Shane Kearns is auctioning off his unique steak and cheese pie to raise funds for local volunteer fire-fighters.