Thames-Coromandel District Council apologises for failing to consult boat operators
Thursday 24 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Waikato Times, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Peter Revell
Mayor Peter Revell has admitted the council failed to consult Whitianga tour boat operators regarding a proposed $1-per-passenger fee. Local operators expressed frustration after staff recommended the new charge without prior discussion. The council has since apologised for the lack of communication.
Key facts
4 facts
- Proposed fee is $1 per passenger for tour and charter operators using council-managed harbour facilities
- The fee was part of the 26/27 Annual Plan
- Implementation of the fee has been paused following a lack of consultation
- Staff are scheduled to report back to the council in December
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Thames-Coromandel District Council has paused the introduction of a proposed $1-per-passenger fee for tour and charter operators after failing to consult industry stakeholders. The council's September meeting resulted in a decision to delay the fee to allow for proper discussions regarding future charging regimes. Mayor Peter Revell admitted the council's failure, stating, “we did get it wrong”.
The proposed fee would apply to operators using council-managed harbour facilities across the district. Whitianga-based operators Zinnia Harris of Ocean Leopard Tours and Mark Jones of Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga told councillors they were not consulted despite previous promises. Harris noted that while a flat fee might be fair, the method of implementation requires further discussion.
The fee was originally part of the council's 26/27 Annual Plan as part of a broader user-pays approach. Implementation deadlines had previously shifted from December 1 to January 1 before being removed entirely to allow staff more time to engage with operators. Staff are expected to report back to the council in December.
Compiled from reports by Waikato Times and NZ Herald.