Latest from Whangamata

He was an 83-year-old Justice of the Peace - he laundered $500k for meth ring
Herbert Armitage was a JP and a keen bowler - he was laundering money on the side.

Thames-Coromandel townships set to start using water meters
A user-pays system for water will be in place from July 1.

Coromandel rescue services welcome $63.6m funding boost
The Government is spending more than $60 million over four years.

Larry the duck becomes Daisy from Hikuai
It appears Larry has a tragic tale of lost love but is reunited with extended family.

‘How could you rob us of our time with Myles?’: Scammers target rugby player’s funeral
Widow forced to post warning after scammers post fake funeral link.

Larry's winging it in Whangamatā but who's footing the bill?
Town has a feathered friend whose main street antics are 'quacking' everyone up.

Whenuakura Island rescue crowned rescue of the month
Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Club members got props for the rescue of 16 paddlers.

Surf lifesavers get set to take on the world
Two Whangamatā lifesavers to join the national team at the world championships in Aussie.

Sexuality, wellbeing topics of Wild Women's Weekend
The annual festival will take place in Whangamatā from May 17-19.

Junior Kiwi surfers ready to take on the world
A dozen young Kiwi surfers are taking on the Junior World Champ's.

Police boost helped tackle Coromandel's New Year's issues
Over 40 extra staff were deployed to the peninsula over the 2023/24 New Year period.

Whangamatā SLS Club close to fundraising target for clubroom refresh
Construction works for the new clubrooms got underway after Easter.

How Waikato observed Anzac Day in words and pictures
“Our way of life and the freedoms we cherish are still at stake.”

Anzac Day not a day to 'glorify war', senior serviceman says
Warrant Officer Class One Lofty Forsyth spoke at Whangamatā's dawn service.

'90 is the new 70': Waikato breast surgeon hails screening-age extension
The Government is working to offer free breast cancer screening for those aged 70-74.

Inaugural Whangamatā parkrun proves to be a big hit
The event drew in participants from as far as Hawke's Bay and Lower Hutt.

16 people rescued from island wildlife sanctuary after waka crews swamped
Three waka ama crews became stranded on the island.

'Loosehead Len' to return to his Coromandel roots
Journalist Phil Gifford set to speak at event in Whangamatā this month.

Whangamatā to get on the pace with its own parkrun
Coromandel town to join worldwide movement for runners, joggers and walkers.

Beach Hoppers snatch up more than 10,000 programme booklets
Beach Hop organisers said they were pleased with 2024 event and visitor numbers were up.

Let's go to the Hop! More than 110,000 expected
Traffic is building up as Beach Hop 2024 gets under way.

Life's a Beach Hop in Whangamatā
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the 50s and 60s-themed event.

Whangamatā Area School scoops up win at inaugural surfing event
The inaugural New Zealand School Surfing Festival was held at Muriwai this week.

Small Coromandel lifeguard service in line for new $5 million facility
The lifeguard service is located between Whangamata and Waihi.

Whangamatā swimming pool to receive a splash revamp
Before the makeover, the pool will host a special event for four-legged swimmers.

Coromandel creatives to boost local talent through art trail
The annual Whangamatā Art Trail will be a 'burst of summer fun', organisers say.

Waihī Golf Club's Beach Cup reaches semi-final stage
Meanwhile, a Whangamatā course hosted a charity event.

Library programme boosts children's creativity
Kids busy crafting in new creative programme at community-run library.

Retail spending in Coromandel not keeping up with inflation
While visitor numbers were up, local infrastructure was put under severe pressure.