Waikato Regional Council has agreed to a grant of $200,000 from its Natural Heritage Fund as a contribution to the purchase of a 30-hectare block of magnificent coastal beach and headland at New Chums Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. 

The council has also agreed to consider granting a further $200,000 to the project in the next funding round in December 2022.

The New Zealand Coastal Trust has purchased the land to protect its incredible natural and cultural values and will place the covenant over the land to prevent any development in perpetuity.  The Trust, mana whenua, and local groups were able to raise $275,000 toward the purchase from public fundraising in just one month.

Thames-Coromandel representative on the Regional Council, Denis Tegg says he is delighted that the council has agreed to this grant.  “This land is one of the most loved and appreciated pieces of untouched natural coastal land not only locally but regionally and even nationwide and globally.” 

“Lonely Planet voted it one of the top 10 unspoiled beaches in the world.  “Holidaymakers from around the Waikato treasure this place.” 

“Now, the public will have unrestricted walking access to this amazing environment and have the security that the land will never be developed, said Mr Tegg.”  “I am proud that the Regional Council has made this substantial contribution,  and helped secure this incredible landscape for the public to enjoy”.

The land has outstanding natural character and part is a nationally significant natural area.  It contains high botanical diversity and has populations of threatened Hochstetters frog and North Island brown kiwi.

Denis Tegg

Thames Coromandel representative – Waikato Regional Council

027 210 5344