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.
![Councillors say 'no' to more transparency](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
Auckland-Coromandel ferry service still on hold
The service was no longer commercially viable, Fullers360 said.
![Paeroa Gateway proposal faces big challenges](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Paeroa Gateway proposal faces big challenges
Consultants have revealed multiple concerns.
![Seawall to protect $1billion worth of assets in Thames](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
'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=782)
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=782)
'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=782)
'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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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=782)
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.
![New playground in Thames set to open after ‘tough grind’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
New playground in Thames set to open after ‘tough grind’
Park set to open following Covid, weather and economic disruptions.
![Low flying military aircraft head to isolated Coromandel beach](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Low flying military aircraft head to isolated Coromandel beach
Low flying military aircraft expected over isolated Coromandel beach.
![Marine development set to boost Coromandel aquaculture](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Marine development set to boost Coromandel aquaculture
The $15 million marine project could add up to 100 jobs to the district.
![Kiwi couple married for 65 years share key to long and happy relationship](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Kiwi couple married for 65 years share key to long and happy relationship
David and Sheila Callaghan reckon it's about give-and-take in keeping the flame alight.
![Library membership data moved offshore](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Library membership data moved offshore
Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki District councils are two of 41 councils to make the move.
![Thames pool proposal attracts nearly 1500 submissions](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Thames pool proposal attracts nearly 1500 submissions
The proposal for a new pool in Thames has struck a nerve with ratepayers.
![Surf lifesavers get set to take on the world](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Surf lifesavers get set to take on the world
Two Whangamatā lifesavers to join the national team at the world championships in Aussie.
![Proposed 33-hour music festival gets cool reception from council](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Proposed 33-hour music festival gets cool reception from council
Authorities say event will be too loud and there will be too many cars.
![Whangamatā Area School surfers make waves overseas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Whangamatā Area School surfers make waves overseas
Whangamata Area School surfers make it to the next round at world champs.
![Compacting rubbish machines misused and confused](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Compacting rubbish machines misused and confused
Compactors are causing headaches at dumps in the Coromandel area.
![Sexuality, wellbeing topics of Wild Women's Weekend](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Sexuality, wellbeing topics of Wild Women's Weekend
The annual festival will take place in Whangamatā from May 17-19.
![Young surfers start strong at World Junior Champs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Young surfers start strong at World Junior Champs
Pauanui's 13-year-old surfing sensation continues to impress.
![Housing shortage 'hurting us' says Thames Business Association](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Housing shortage 'hurting us' says Thames Business Association
Thames Business Association advocates for targeted rate to 'support' business.
![Lights, camera, action: Spotlight on Waikato screen industry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Lights, camera, action: Spotlight on Waikato screen industry
The region's screen industry has room to grow.
![Coastal restoration projects paused while lizard protocols sorted out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Coastal restoration projects paused while lizard protocols sorted out
Coastal earthworks could pose a risk to the Coromandel region's lizard populations.
![Emergency services' event to demonstrate readiness](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Emergency services' event to demonstrate readiness
A volunteer fire brigade is bringing its community together.
![Hauraki, Coromandel councils keep tourism funding rolling](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Hauraki, Coromandel councils keep tourism funding rolling
No changes to funding are proposed for Destination Hauraki-Coromandel.
![Junior Kiwi surfers ready to take on the world](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Whangamatā SLS Club close to fundraising target for clubroom refresh
Construction works for the new clubrooms got underway after Easter.
![Tairua local gets behind brekkie in pink](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Tairua local gets behind brekkie in pink
Ann Paget has a personal reason to host Pink Ribbon Breakfast.
!['It's the Hauraki way': Council shuffles councillors to add Māori ward](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'It's the Hauraki way': Council shuffles councillors to add Māori ward
Hauraki District Council voted to introduce Māori wards in October 2023.