Al Williams is the editor of the HC Post, based in Whangamata.
Al Williams has worked in daily and community titles in New Zealand and overseas. Most recently he was the deputy editor of Cook Islands News.
!['They have nowhere to go': Fears for rough sleepers in Thames](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'They have nowhere to go': Fears for rough sleepers in Thames
'They are wet, they are cold, and they have got nowhere to go.'
![Last round of event funding on offer for Coromandel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Last round of event funding on offer for Coromandel
The region's tourism office has $80,000 up for grabs.
![Information centre to remain under current contractor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Information centre to remain under current contractor
Whangamatā Information Centre gets the green light.
![Council counts costs of proposed aquatic facility](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council counts costs of proposed aquatic facility
External funding likely to be 'minimal' in current 'funding landscape'.
![Multiple explosions heard as vehicles burn in possible arson attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Multiple explosions heard as vehicles burn in possible arson attack
Three vehicles set alight on waterfront.
![Whangamatā pool short of $46k for renovation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whangamatā pool short of $46k for renovation
The refurbishment was originally estimated to cost $250,000, however, this has increased.
![Museum gearing up to celebrate half a century](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Museum gearing up to celebrate half a century
Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga is gearing up to blow out 50 candles.
![Public funded commercial wharf is off limits to the public](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Public funded commercial wharf is off limits to the public
A new $15 million wharf and floating pontoon in Thames is off limits to the public.
![Residents float idea of swimming pontoon near the banks of Tairua](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Residents float idea of swimming pontoon near the banks of Tairua
Those in support of a pontoon say it will have positive social and economic impacts.
![Regional tourism organisation calls for $100 tourist levy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Regional tourism organisation calls for $100 tourist levy
Coromandel's regional tourism organisation wants a big hike to the visitor levy.
![Out of the sea and into the Oceans Festival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Out of the sea and into the Oceans Festival
Seafood lovers will need to mark this event on their calendars.
![Small music group brings big sounds to Coromandel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Small music group brings big sounds to Coromandel
Kauaeranga Music is organising concerts in remote local community.
![Cathedral Cove to reopen in summer after $5m 'short term' fix](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cathedral Cove to reopen in summer after $5m 'short term' fix
The Conservation Minister announced the Government funding boost on Wednesday.
![Waikato council changes tack on representation proposal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waikato council changes tack on representation proposal
Hauraki District Council agrees to retain the status quo of 13 councillors plus the mayor.
![Judge questions lack of alcohol education services for young drink-driver](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Judge questions lack of alcohol education services for young drink-driver
Tavita Anderson Mckinney, 19, was on a learner's licence.
![Teachers go outdoors for enlightenment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Teachers go outdoors for enlightenment
DoC and Waikato Regional Council staff develop programme for teachers.
![Man narrowly avoids jail for burgling his rugby club](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Man narrowly avoids jail for burgling his rugby club
A man convicted and sentenced for burgling his rugby club has narrowly avoided jail.
![Hauraki community gets behind jammy campaign](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hauraki community gets behind jammy campaign
Hundreds of Hauraki kids will be warm with new pyjamas this winter.
![Council to meet tenants at home to discuss rent increases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council to meet tenants at home to discuss rent increases
Mayor Toby Adams and his councillors will visit tenants to discuss rent increases.
![Stop bank starting point for Thames seawall](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Stop bank starting point for Thames seawall
Scheme aims to protect the town from flooding and rising sea levels.
![Coromandel Matariki event received 'overwhelming' response](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Coromandel Matariki event received 'overwhelming' response
Matariki Whangamatā set to be back bigger and better next year.
![Long term plans a 'huge burden' says councillor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Long term plans a 'huge burden' says councillor
The three-yearly long term-plan process has been described as 'crazy'.
![Councillors say 'no' to more transparency](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Councillors say 'no' to more transparency
Councillors have said 'no' to changing the way they conduct workshops.
![Thames-Coromandel rates increase includes $8.9m office refurbishment](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thames-Coromandel rates increase includes $8.9m office refurbishment
The council will investigate before committing to multi-million dollar refurbishment.
![Rent increases on table for council tenants](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Rent increases on table for council tenants
Hauraki District Council has proposed rent increases for tenants in 57 properties.
![Coromandel welcomes back Summer Concert Tour](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Coromandel welcomes back Summer Concert Tour
Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Bic Runga and Everclear announced for Summer Concert series.
![Sights set on track and trail improvements](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sights set on track and trail improvements
Multiple agencies meet to improve tracks and trails across the Coromandel.
![Brass out of pocket: Band seeks funding for new instruments](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Brass out of pocket: Band seeks funding for new instruments
The instruments are coming to the end of their usable life and will cost $169k to replace.
![Town gets set for Matariki celebrations](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Town gets set for Matariki celebrations
Matariki comes to Whangamatā with three days of celebration.
![Power move: $15m for back-up generators in Coromandel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Power move: $15m for back-up generators in Coromandel
Powerco is spending $14.7m on back-up generators in Coromandel town and Matarangi.
![Coromandel links with Hauraki Gulf boosted by new marine precinct](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Coromandel links with Hauraki Gulf boosted by new marine precinct
The wharf development will help grow the local marine farming industry.
![War of words: Mayor and ratepayers' alliance go head to head](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
War of words: Mayor and ratepayers' alliance go head to head
Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt has unloaded following months of rumblings.
![Hillary Outdoors to open new outdoor programme in the Coromandel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hillary Outdoors to open new outdoor programme in the Coromandel
Hillary Outdoors is expanding with a new facility in the Coromandel.
![Down the gurgler: Tairua toilet debacle takes u-turn](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Down the gurgler: Tairua toilet debacle takes u-turn
The estimated costs for new public loos in Tairua have been slashed by $200k.
![Cathedral Cove feedback closes this week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cathedral Cove feedback closes this week
DoC is still calling for feedback on the closed Cathedral Cove.
![Search for new clubrooms a waiting game for Coromandel boaties](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Search for new clubrooms a waiting game for Coromandel boaties
The Mercury Bay Boating Club is still awaiting a decision on its new location.
![No economic growth in Thames-Coromandel for 12 months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
No economic growth in Thames-Coromandel for 12 months
A recent Infometrics report shows the district lagged behind national averages.
![Hauraki-Coromandel taskforce helps 49 people into jobs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hauraki-Coromandel taskforce helps 49 people into jobs
The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs scheme reports positive results.
![Thousands of properties reconnected following outage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thousands of properties reconnected following outage
Power is back on to more than 5000 properties.
![Power out to nearly 6000 properties in Coromandel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Power out to nearly 6000 properties in Coromandel
Power cut during thunderstorms leaves thousands without electricity.
![Challenging economic times ‘nothing new’ says Hauraki mayor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Challenging economic times ‘nothing new’ says Hauraki mayor
Hauraki mayor confident despite challenging economic conditions.
![Quad bike raced on beach ‘a real concern’ for DoC](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Quad bike raced on beach ‘a real concern’ for DoC
DoC says no to doughnuts near nesting sites.
![Waihī Recreation Hub soon to become reality](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Waihī Recreation Hub soon to become reality
The project has received another significant funding boost.
![Massive tree root holds up traffic in Coromandel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Massive tree root holds up traffic in Coromandel
A fallen 20-tonne tree is behind ongoing hold ups on SH25 in the Coromandel.
![Creative Coromandel wants to support artists to amplify creative practice](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Creative Coromandel wants to support artists to amplify creative practice
Creatives set out to unite diverse groups.
![Youth initiative sets sail in Coromandel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Youth initiative sets sail in Coromandel
Coromandel Youth Sailing received special new boats.
![Homelessness on the rise in Thames](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Homelessness on the rise in Thames
The number of people sleeping rough in the town has residents concerned.
![Auckland-Coromandel ferry service still on hold](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Auckland-Coromandel ferry service still on hold
The service was no longer commercially viable, Fullers360 said.
![Seawall to protect $1billion worth of assets in Thames](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Seawall to protect $1billion worth of assets in Thames
Work on design concepts for the protection of Thames is under way.
![Thames-Coromandel townships set to start using water meters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thames-Coromandel townships set to start using water meters
A user-pays system for water will be in place from July 1.
![Hauraki district welcomes 19 new citizens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hauraki district welcomes 19 new citizens
Hauraki District Council Mayor Toby Adams hosted the group on May 29 in Paeroa.
!['Not a pretty story': Doctor tackles Dry July after losing six family members to cancer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Not a pretty story': Doctor tackles Dry July after losing six family members to cancer
Dr Kevin Pringle will take part in the annual fundraiser for a second time.
![Wetland project under way](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Wetland project under way
Whangamatā residents have received an onsite briefing about the project.
!['Life is not a dummy run': Philanthropist gets King's Birthday Honours nod](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Life is not a dummy run': Philanthropist gets King's Birthday Honours nod
Leigh Hopper is proud of his family legacy.
!['The people's trail': Plans to link Coromandel communities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'The people's trail': Plans to link Coromandel communities
Dedicated volunteers who want Tairua to Pauanui off-road trail see huge benefits.
![Thames' latest attraction opens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Thames' latest attraction opens
Park officially opens following Covid, weather and economic disruptions.
![Council tight-lipped on Tairua dog attack investigation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Council tight-lipped on Tairua dog attack investigation
The incident involving five dogs took place on May 22.
![What's going on with this Tairua one-lane bridge?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What's going on with this Tairua one-lane bridge?
The ongoing bridge maintenance works raised questions among ratepayers.
![A different kind of marathon will see dunes restored in Coromandel](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A different kind of marathon will see dunes restored in Coromandel
Thousands of plants help to slow coastal erosion.
![Community gives input on Cathedral Cove reopening options](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Community gives input on Cathedral Cove reopening options
DoC hosted a drop-in sessions in Hahei and Whitianga last weekend.
![Coromandel tourism organisation under review](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Coromandel tourism organisation under review
A report has made multiple recommendations for improvement.
![Defence force parachutes with the stars over Coromandel Peninsula](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Defence force parachutes with the stars over Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula was used to simulate a realistic jungle environment.
![Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards in for revamp](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards in for revamp
The biennial awards have received a few new categories.
![Titanium hip speeds mines rescue man to the top of Sky Tower Challenge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Titanium hip speeds mines rescue man to the top of Sky Tower Challenge
His mates reckon a hi-tech hip gives him an unfair advantage.
![Cyclone recovery spending extended](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cyclone recovery spending extended
Cyclone recovery programmes will continue with ratepayers set to contribute.
![Woman in serious condition following dog attack](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman in serious condition following dog attack
A woman is serious condition following dog attack.
![Coromandel rescue services welcome $63.6m funding boost](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Coromandel rescue services welcome $63.6m funding boost
The Government is spending more than $60 million over four years.
![Coromandel property values see steep rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Coromandel property values see steep rise
Since the district’s last revaluation, residential values have increased 33 per cent.
![Larry the duck becomes Daisy from Hikuai](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Larry the duck becomes Daisy from Hikuai
It appears Larry has a tragic tale of lost love but is reunited with extended family.
![Lengthy evening detours for Coromandel motorists this week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Lengthy evening detours for Coromandel motorists this week
Lengthy detours for Coromandel motorists this week.
![Cathedral Cove walking access options open for public scrutiny](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cathedral Cove walking access options open for public scrutiny
DoC is asking for more feedback on Coromandel’s Cathedral Cove walking access options.
![Larry's winging it in Whangamatā but who's footing the bill?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.
![Community wants to save Waihi Art Centre](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Community wants to save Waihi Art Centre
The council is working its way through 300 submissions.
![Whenuakura Island rescue crowned rescue of the month](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Whenuakura Island rescue crowned rescue of the month
Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Club members got props for the rescue of 16 paddlers.
![Playwright adapts her old plays to pass 'woke inspection'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Playwright adapts her old plays to pass 'woke inspection'
A group of 'troubadours' will again gather and take to the stage.
![600 lightning strikes, hundreds without power as severe weather hits Bay of Plenty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
600 lightning strikes, hundreds without power as severe weather hits Bay of Plenty
Isolated thunderstorms with possible strong wind gusts continue to affect the region.