The Informer - 12th Mar 2024

PROTECTING WHAT WE HAVE

BY PAULINE STEWART

To protect long-term our vulnerable towns from an unknown future is still ahead of us.

It was exciting to see the large diggers and the transformation of the estuary inlet/outlet of Taputapatea Stream at Buffalo Beach at the close of last week. It means that the water can flow.

It is not easy working with changing sculptures of the sand and Cyclones Hale and Gabriel of early 2023 moved a huge amount of sand preventing easy flow and halting the direction of the water course. The resulting fact of the creek not flowing and the consequent build up of growth along the banks has crowded the stream, creating potential dire situations for the nearby homes if a spate of heavy rainfall and high seas occurs.

This landscaping of the stream mouth is a big start to relieving this situation. The CounciI is also

preparing to clear out all trees and shrubs except for Pohutakawa from Taputapuatea Spit.

Everyone is grateful for this work organised by Thames Coromandel District Council. It is one part of a long coastline but a key one, as State Highway 25 is close by and at sea level.

Long term solutions require more work. But a starting place is to understand that many long-term predicaments and situations have not received attention – maintenance or infrastructural development - over a very long period. There is no gain or progress in blame but acknowledgement and a plan of action that affirms, enables and equips residents is a good basis for progress to face unknown and uncertain futures.

The cyclones and heavy rainfall of 2023 have exacerbated the issues facing many homes and parts of well-travelled and necessary roads around Coromandel Peninsula but the

risk of flooding and erosion was always there. It is now heightened and front and centre because of the changing weather patterns and further ramped up to critical status in some places because of no proper restoration work followed by necessary infrastructural development that would ensure security for an undefined future period.

The predicament of a relatively small number of houses just beyond the Whitianga town centre is a reflection of the issues facing many communities on the Coromandel Peninsula.

These houses are near the coast and also near a creek or creeks that intersect with the coast or run parallel to the coast. These homes are generally close to a main highway. In Coromandel Peninsula’s case – SH 25.

Jack (substitute for his real name) believes he has a solution to the situation facing his home and that of his neighbours.

Continued on page 3

Getting it right – long term plans for the Coromandel Peninsula

BY WARREN MAHER

With everyone back from their summer holidays and daylight saving nearly over, Waikato Regional Council have some evening reading for you.

In early April we release our Long Term Plan; where we set out what we’re going

to do, the money we’re going to spend to do it and the impact this will have on rates. The LTP is reviewed every three years, guided by our strategic direction and the feedback we receive through public consultation.

The Waikato Regional Council is responsible for flood management and land drainage assets with a

replacement value of $1.12 billion. These include 471 floodgates, 119 pump stations, 617 kilometres of stop banks and 456 river management and catchment management assets (dams, bridges, culverts, fences, etc). The costs for maintaining these do not include consideration of the increasing challenges we are facing,

such as extreme weather events, new government legislation, affordability and business capability. We have all seen the results of under capital investment in various council’s infrastructure. These issues have led to a change in the Infrastructure Strategy 2024-2074.

In the first three years of the LTP, we are increasing investment in biodiversity, biosecurity and marine assets, all great news for our region. In the plan we have included five topics on which we need your feedback to guide our final decisions. These include, increasing our natural heritage rate, collecting a regional rate for public transport, discontinuing the regional development fund, funding Te Waka the regional development agency and changes to the funding for primary industry compliance. Your views are important on all aspects of the LTP. There will be community events where feedback will be gathered. You can

submit online or deliver a written submission to any of our four offices. I know we get overwhelmed with requests for submissions, but if you don’t make your views heard, you get left with the decisions of local body politicians, and we don’t always get it right! For clarity, the percentage of rates rise indicated for the next three years (6%, 8% and 3%) is actually the increase in revenue from rates and not the exact increase in rates per property. About 80% of properties will be at or below this rate with the remainder above, this is generally due to some properties having a percentage of targeted rates due to a benefit they

receive (flood or drainage scheme, public transport etc).

I have read articles in the past few Informer’s regarding frustration about storm water, flooding etc, I am currently awaiting a meeting with some Cooks Beach residents and last weekend attended a meeting with Whiritoa residents along with Hauraki District Council where similar issues had been raised with compliments from residents on WRC staff responses to flooding prevention actions. I sit on the TCDC Shoreline Management group, and also a similar group recently formed with Hauraki District Council. The past storm events have left a huge cleanup program to the expense of normal work programs, but with recent increases in funding, staff will have increased capability to deal with this.

If you have a particular issue that is proving hard to resolve, please reach out.

Tuesday, 12 March to Wednesday, 20 March. Jupiter is still visible very low in the NW sky at dusk and is the brightest thing in the sky apart from the Moon which moves below it early in the week. This is also a good week to watch the movement of the Moon each evening as it rises about an hour later each night on its 28-day voyage around the Earth. Venus dominates the eastern dawn sky. Can be fun to watch as it moves slowly amongst much fainter reddish Mars and yellowish Saturn from morning to morning. There will be a few International Space Station (ISS) passes to enjoy this week. Wednesday, 13 March: At dusk the Moon lies to the left and below bright Jupiter low on the northwestern horizon. Thursday, 14 March: The Moon now sits just to the right of Jupiter at dusk while bright Venus is about halfway between reddish Mars and Saturn just before dawn. Friday, 15 March: The Moon in the early evening is just to the right of the Pleiades or Matariki. Saturday, 16 March: The Moon is now above and to the right of the Pleiades in the evening while Venus is getting noticeably closer to faint Saturn just before dawn in the east. Sunday, 17 March: We have an early ISS pass from 6:50am in the north passing just above Venus and Saturn. There is a nice triangle tonight with the First Quarter Moon and two red giant stars, Betelgeuse in Orion above and slightly to the left, and Aldebaran in Taurus to the left. Monday, 18 March: There is an early but very low ISS pass at 6:02am in the north moving just above Venus. Tuesday, 19 March: The dawn sky has brilliant Venus below slightly reddish Mars and just above slightly yellowish Saturn right on the horizon and also a very bright and long ISS pass from 6:50am in the north tracking high overhead. Wednesday, 20 March: We have another bright ISS pass from 6:04am in the north.

Low Tides: 6:18am 6:43pm

Sunday 17 March

Sun: Rise 7:16am Set 7:32pm

Moon: Rise 2:53pm

High Tides: 1:22am 1:42pm

Low Tides: 7:12am 7:35pm

Monday 18 March

Sun: Rise 7:17am Set 7:31pm

Moon: Rise 3:49pm Set 12:01am

High Tides: 2:17am 2:36pm

Low Tides: 8:09am 8:30pm

Tuesday 19 March

Sun: Rise 7:18am Set 7:29pm

Moon: Rise 4:35pm Set 12:58am

High Tides: 3:15am 3:33pm

Low Tides: 9:08am 9:27pm

Warren Maher, our WRC councillor.

Some maintenance and a small build project can protect what we have

his home, but that of his neighbours and also the landward side of Buffalo Beach Road which is also State Highway 25 – major arterial route for the Coromandel. The protection would be from storm water and storm (ocean) surges – sustained heavy rainfall and high seas.

He has proposed a bund or embankment about a metre to metre and half high from near Taputapuatea Spit to follow a route along the bank of the creek behind their homes and meeting with higher land near a larger water course, Taputapuatea Stream or Mother Browns Creek (MBC). There are two creeks in this scenario and as pointed out in The Informer February 27, MBC was not flowing - too much bank growth and not sufficient clearing of the outlet to the sea.

The smaller creek or storm water drain which runs behind their homes actually runs in front

of another line of homes for which it acts as a storm water drainage channel. The Pacific Estate housing development has added more homes to the number of existing properties serviced by this channel, but nothing has been done to add to the capacity to take extra storm water or even regular runoff. This storm water drain or smaller creek runs from near the Whitianga town centre across to Racecourse Road and then along behind the houses connected with Jack’s proposal and then close to Taputapuatea Stream or MBC.

The land for the new subdivision housing has been built up to prevent flooding, but all the runoff has to flow somewhere and it all flows into this storm water release drain which has not been extended since construction and is woefully inadequate. It did not cope with the heavy rainfall and storms of 2023 and since then it has not even been maintained, let alone deepened and enlarged. Jack’s plan would need to include development of the storm water channel. Some of it needs concreting and some needs to be piped rather than being an open channel. It is certainly an eye-sore and in our Health and Safety focussed culture, it is somewhat danger-

ous as there are no protection fences to be seen and, in a storm, it would be extremely vulnerable. (This channel maintenance and upgrade is in the Works list for 2025 in the current LTP, quite a period of time since the flooding of 2023).

For the council to allow and even enable this development, the infrastructure required for extra flow has to be catered for and not doing so results in no protection for the homes already there. This stop bank or bund would also protect some of the council infrastructure. (This photo also in 27 February issue). It will hold the water back and enable it to be channelled to where the water is already flowing and away from the homes.

At the time it was proposed, which was not long after the floods, TCDC staff were quite enthusiastic. There were many flooded and eroded places they were called to visit. It was the council staff person who commented that this embankment or bund plan would protect some of TCDC infrastructure.

It was mentioned at the time that a Resource Consent would be needed - normal procedure. The sticking point would be if there is a chance of anyone else

being flooded as a result of the proposed construction of the stopbank. The Holiday Camp is further down on the same side of Buffalo Beach Road. The proposal of employing a coastal scientist at that point was discussed but no one knows what has happened with that which would mean a bigger spend and a lot more time taken.

As an aside, since then, the Holiday Camp has had to raise the level of their site and engineer their own solution regarding drainage as their livelihood was critical. They did not wait for a Resource Consent.

At the start of these discussions about a solution, jack and the residents did some research and got a costing of around $10,000 to do the stopbank, but that was without the cost of consultation with a coastal scientist, a Resource Consent application, and the work required for the storm water channel. (The Resource Consent application has not even been prepared).

It is logical that some bureaucracy is needed but with the overlays of DOC, WRC, Waka Kotahi – Transit New Zealand, and TCDC all converging on a small area along Buffalo Beach Road, it could be understood why there appears

to be paralysis and a lack of perceived action. However, when there is action as with the work done by the diggers to open up the outlet/inlet of Mother Brown’s Creek, people are grateful. Everyone knows that no longterm future can be guaranteed. But action to protect what we already have for some of the foreseeable events creates a more hopeful and co-operative community.

WAIKATO REGIONAL COUNCIL WEBSITE STATES:

“Good river management protects our property and land from damage. Waikato regional council and landowners have responsibilities to maintain and protect our waterways. Working together ensures our rivers are healthy and well managed. A river’s flow and course can be affected by bank erosion and the build up of debris, silt or gravel…….”

Editor’s Note: WRC Councillor Warren Maher had been in touch with The Informer and has stated that attention will be given to this storm water matter in the short term.

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Ron Cook and his life with horses around the world

Ron Cook – 86 years Part Two

BY STAN STEWART

Ron Cook’s life has been horses, and his involvement has not slowed down since moving to Whitianga nine years ago.

His Dad was a horse dealer and trainer and as far back as he can remember, Ron’s life and love has been horses. He started in the show ring when he was a nipper of five years. With great pleasure and pride, he would lead ponies around the show ring. It was in these events that he won his first blue ribbons.

His Dad used to participate in three-day horse sales. These sales became the occasion for rodeo and calf roping.

When he was sixteen, Ron was enthusiastically into rodeo and calf roping at the three-day sales and regional shows. The horses were usually provided by his Dad.

He survived his rodeo unscathed, but his shoulder blade was broken when he was hit by a bucking horse he was shepherding. There was local glory and small cash prizes for winning these gruelling events.

Gradually his interest focussed

on equestrian competitions and eventually this became his great love.

He says he has never made much in the way of money from his commitment to training oth-

ers for participating in Equestrian.

“But, for me it has been a lifetime interest and a lifetime pleasure,” says Ron.

In fact, back then equestrian

“The relationship between a horse and young person can be a beautiful thing.”

events had very little financial support. When it came to Kiwis wanting to compete in Australian events, there was no financial support at all.

Kiwis like Ron did participate in Australian horse events, but they had to pay their own way. When they did win in Australia, there were ribbons and prize money, but the cash amounts were small.

Reflecting on these Australian competitions, Ron said the experience of competing overseas was a greater motivation than winning prize money.

The way Ron cared for and related to horses was well known. Because of this, he was asked to accompany and care for very valuable horses on overseas trips.

These trips included flights and sea voyages to the United States and Japan. Keeping the horses calm is one of Ron’s special talents. When there was turbulence in the air or on the seas, Ron was beside his horses talking to them softly.

Talking quietly with horses is something Ron advocates. Whether it be to highly strung horses he is about to shoe, or a frightened horse on a pitching ship, Ron uses his voice and sometimes a gentle hand over the horse’s eyes to help the animal to calm down. It’s easy to see that horses are not just Ron’s work, they are his love.

His other reason for working with horses is that he believes that working with horses and caring for horses is very good for children and young people.

“It is a demanding hobby/sport, and the young person must focus. To succeed they must concentrate on their horse and on themselves. This is a wonderful preparation for life.”

As with most adults, Ron is saddened by news reports of young people going off the rails.

“It’s because they don’t have any centre in their lives – nothing challenging to do in their spare time. The relationship between a horse and young person can be a beautiful thing,” says Ron.

“It gives the young person a focus and purpose. This can lay a foundation for life.”

Ron Cook with his granddaughter, Scarlett Laurent.

Some interesting boat names

BY RON MORGAN

Each of these names is proudly painted on a boat somewhere.

She Got The Home, Time Out, Wind Breaker, Winning Ticket, In A Meeting, Pier Pressure, Vitamin Sea, Salty Test Tackles, Kids Inheritance, Knot For Sail, Knot 2 Bad, Fraid Knot.

In the days when long distance travel required boarding a boat, you might say, “I’m setting sail tomorrow on the Mayflower.” There’s only one Mayflower and everyone knew where to find it.

Historically, boat crews were traditionally male. Captains knew the importance of creating an emotional bond between his ship and his crew, and the vessel a feminine name helped instill those feelings of connection.

There always seems to be a story about how a boat got its name. There will be so many boats in Mercury Bay Harbour this coming weekend – over 490 of them, here to be part of the Kubota Classic, the world’s largest Billfish competition and each

Housing affordability outlook

Affordability measures are still above historical averages. Despite movements since late 2021, New Zealand’s housing affordability remains tight, with recent price hikes and high interest rates further burdening Kiwi households according to the latest CoreLogic Housing Affordability Report.

Key takeaways from the report:

• Kiwis are spending 49% of their gross annual household income on mortgage repayments.

• Properties in NZ are now valued at seven times the average household income. Regional disparities exist, with Tauranga being the most burdened city where mortgage repayments consume 60% of household incomes, followed by Auckland (55%), and Hamilton and Christchurch (47% each).

• Tauranga maintains the highest value to income ratio at 8 to 5, indicating continued affordability challenges.

• As for the path to home ownership, it takes 9.3 years to save up for a deposit. Tauranga and Auckland have the longest time to save for a deposit at 11.3 and 10.3 years respectively, while other cities fall below the national average.

• Rents currently absorb 21.6% of gross average household income (which is back to past highs in the first half of 2022). Christchurch experiences worsening rental affordability, becoming the second most expensive city for renters after Tauranga.

• More Kiwis are falling behind on their repayments, according to the latest report from Centrix. Currently, approximately 12% of Kiwis are in arrears, equating to 439,000 individuals or 20,800 mortgage accounts past their due dates.

boat has a story about how it got its name.

The naming of a new boat is therefore an exercise in itself. If you are stuck for a starting point, perhaps some of these suggestions may help?

Knot 2 Bad, Empty Pockets, Knot Stolen, Knot Working, Marlin Monroe, Passing Wind, Tax Sea-Vation, Nauti Buoy, Reality Bites, Costaplenty, Weather Oar Knot, Island Time, A Loan At Sea, Drama Free, My Reel Life, Berth Control, She Got The House, Fish and Ships, Reel Secrets, Liquid Assett, Breaking Wind, Gone With The Wind, Knot Dry, Knot Craz Sea, Good Vibrations, Happy Hour, Rodfather, Therapy.

MAORI NAMES

Cruising the marinas or viewing launches travelling or at a mooring can be interesting when analyzing the names shown.

Many vessels have beautiful Maori names which may assist in naming a boat or interpreting a named boat.

Some could have a combination using these translations. Note there maybe local interpretations or variations to these interpretations by different iwi.

„ Awa –stream

„ Iti – small

„ Marino – calm

„ Moa – large

„ Ata – morning

„ Hinu – fat ,rich

„ Ki – full

„ Wai – water

„ Wera –hot

„ Nui – big

„ Waka –canoe

„ Tai – tide /the coast

„ Roa – long

„ Ao – cloud

„ Kara – beach

„ Kau – to swim

„ Tahi – one /single

„ Ma – stream

„ Mana – prestige

„ Tere – swift

„ Motu – island

„ Muri – breeze – the place of

„ Te – the

„ Papa – flat

„ Puke – hill

„ Rangi –sky

„ Roto – lakrua – two

So, what does this mean for the Coromandel region? Well firstly when things get tight, the luxury items (typically your boats and baches) are on the list of things be sold. This is starting to occur now as households outside of the region are feeling the pinch – there are more and more real estate listings coming on to the market in the Coromandel region which is setting a buyers’ market.

Second, The National party have confirmed they will bring back interest deductibility and reduce the brightline test to 2 years towards the middle of the year. There is also talk of reducing deposit requirements in the future, all of which sit in favour of property investors. With a shortage of rental properties in the Coromandel, the investors will be stiff competition for first home buyers.

There is a strong consensus amongst bank and independent economists that the interest rates are at peak however, it is not yet known exactly when they will begin to ease. If I were a first home buyer in today’s market, I’d be looking pretty seriously.

Evan Kaska, Mortgage Advisor

Evan

Shaun Paterson

Bayleys

07 866 0098

Miss Lidgard returns to the Bay for the Kubota Billfish Classic Tournament

This fine vessel will be remembered by many far and wide as the very successful game fishing charter boat operating from Mercury Bay skippered by the late Captain Don Ross. (see pages 25 in this issue).

Her earlier life included being a control boat for flying boats at Mechanics Bay and involved with the whaling station at Whangaparapara, Great Barrier Island.

Her skipper for a time, Cal Brooks now residing at Opua, fondly talks of his experiences and shares tales with the new owner Paul Spooner on a regular basis (Cal in now in his 90’s).

Paul Spooner was a neighbor of Don Ross in Whitianga and was inspired by the tales and catches from the Miss Lidgard which obviously was the connection which led to the purchase of the launch many years later.

Don was popular with many international anglers as his launch was one of the first high speed game fishing launches. Some changes were made with the assistance of Howard Pascoe such as extending the cabin for more shelter for the anglers.

Don’s very successful and notable catches were also an added attraction for anglers seeking charters.

Some rival skippers evidently scoffed that Don was rather frugal in not trolling covering vast but he stayed in areas where he had observed game fish and deployed techniques he had devised to catch them.

Don had learnt from earlier innovators such as Zane Grey and Captain Mitchell (Zane Grey’s support boat) who often fished the “restaurants”.

Don gave the author one of Captain Mitchell’s rod and reels which I still have today - very fine equipment for its time but would not compare favourably with some of the reels available today.

Don’s advice to the author was,

‘Remain at the restaurant as the Marlin will always return.’ The restaurant for Don was any offshore reef such as The Sugar Loaf (Aldermen Islands), the inner or outer reef (South of Red Mercury Island), Richards Rock or Ecklands (north of Red Mercury Island, or Never Fail Rock (Northeast of Great Mercury Island).

The Miss Lidgard is looking immaculate and can normally be seen at the Kerikeri Inlet and is proudly taken to sea by Paul and family and friends.

But you can watch out for it this coming weekend as Paul Spooner is fishing the Mercury Bay Kubota Tournament.

Before the restoration, left, this is how many people remember Miss Lidgard, a local boat legend; above, the new look of Miss Lidgard, this photo shows the quality of the restoration.

Some of the older residents may not recognise the restoration, but will remember the many successful catches in times gone by Miss

Lidgard has recently had a double strike, so the vessel and skipper obviously still have got what it takes.

Apology to artist

Lutz Gaebler is the artist of The Informer’s front page art piece about the Opening of Art Escape 2024 (5 March issue). We accidentally omitted Lutz’ name and apologise for this omission. Lutz is a mixed media artist and sculptor. His Try Fluke Studio is located at 462 Kuaotunu/Wharakaho Rd, Kuaotunu. His piece was such a stand out at the opening that the author felt compelled to photograph it. Email: tryfluke@xtra.co.nz

ENVIRONMENT MATTERS

Bin there, done that? Our recent recycling changes

BY KAT NEILSON-JONES

W

as it just me? But, there didn’t seem to be much of a song and dance made about the new national recycling standards the slipped into effect on 1 February. Personally, I think it’s great, no need to remember different rules when we are away from home as recycling is now standardised throughout the whole of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The changes aim to encourage more recycling and reduce contamination by material that can’t be used. Monday, 18 March is Global Recycling Day. This is a quick run down on the dos and don’ts for recycling. Part One this week and Part two next week.WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED:

• Glass bottles and jars (Green Bin). As long as they are clean and don’t have lids. Lids are too small for the machinery at the recycling centre to sort and remove. NOT for green bin: Glass bottles and jars used for medicines, glass cookware, drinking glasses, mugs, plates, lightbulbs, window or broken glass.

• Paper and cardboard (Yellow Bin) Clean and plastic free. So do put your pizza boxes, as long as you’ve removed the food. Window envelopes are ok. NOT big plastic cereal box windows. NOT Drink cartons, juices or long-life milk (these can be recycled, but not kerbside), potato chip tubes, takeaway coffee cups, foil, shredded paper (too small) tissues and paper towels (contaminated with

residues).

• Plastic bottles, trays and containers – grades 1, 2 & 5 only (Yellow bin) Empty and clean, with no lid. If the label says so – remove it before recycling. NOT Bottles you normally find in the garage or garden shed (containing things such as pesticides, motor coolant or engine oil).

• Tin, steel and aluminium cans (Yellow Bin) most drink cans and food tins can be recycled. Rinse them and leave the lids attached to the tins so they can be recycled too. NOT Loose metal / tin lids and bottle caps -too small to be picked up by the sorting machinery.

The following can’t be recycled kerbside – paint cans, oversized tins and cans larger than 4 litres and other metal items like pots,

pans, aerosols and foil.

AT WHITI CITI MARKETS

To recognise Global Recyling Day the Wāhi Tukurua team will be at the Whiti Citi Market on Saturday, 16 March from 9.00am. We will be collecting handheld

•New home design and draughting

•Alterations and additions

• New home design and draughting

•Alterations and additions

•Resource and Building Consent applications

• Resource and Building Consent applications

•3D rendering

•3D rendering

Sco Revell NZDipArchTech 027 861 6592 scott@revelldesign.nz www.revelldesign.nz

NZDipArchTech 027 861 6592 scott@revelldesign.nz

and draughting Building Consent Sco tt R ev el l NZDipArchTech 027 861 6592 scott@revelldesign.nz w ww .re v ell desi g n .nz

•Landscape design

We visit homes and businesses anywhere in the Coromandel Peninsula at no extra charge.

Image

supplied by brgfx on Freepik

e-waste and batteries (gold coin donation for these items) along with promoting all things recycling.

„ Kat is aTrustee, Wāhi Tukurua - Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre Trust

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Coro Club – good food at Coromandel Peninsula’s only airfield café

BY PAULINE STEWART

Coro Club is a café unlike any other in the Coromandel Peninsula. Based at the Whitianga Aerodrome, it’s the only cafe in the region where you can watch planes take off and land right before your eyes while you dine and if you like, enjoy a glass of wine.

“State Highway 25a reopening early was fantastic, and the fine weather conditions this summer saw lots of aircraft landing in Whitianga as well as many locals coming to enjoy the sunshine of the deck area while eating lunch and catching up with friends.

In addition to the variety of baked and prepared in-house meal, savouries, speciality sandwiches and pastries, Nick also backs

his Swedish heritage. He is continuing to introduce Scandinavian dishes to the menu. Dishes like the Swedish Toast Skagen (Prawn Salad) are now firm favourites for regulars.

“It’s awesome seeing

people take a chance on new flavours and then end up loving them. I was unsure at first, but I think Whitianga is starting to get a taste for Scandi-inspired food.”

While the café is situated in the old Mercury Bay Aero Club’s clubhouse, you don’t need to be a member to visit Coro Club. Now that Summer has come to an end, the cafe is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

“We know it’s been tough out there for everyone, us included, so we’re grateful for everyone that comes through the doors. You keep us doing what we love, serving up delicious food and coffee and wine while you watch the aeroplanes.”

For opening hours and menu specials, see page 4 - Kitchen Calendar

Nik Brandt looks forward to a great season at the Coro Club.

THROUGH THE PORTAL

The cost of water - spluttering on $170

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

Not many of you will know this but I used to be a reasonable tennis player in my younger days, playing A Grade Inter-club Level in the Waikato.

Like many others, I used to perform well at a sport, but now age and physical decay has taken its toll and these days I can just limp around the court and daydream about the glory days of yore.

We all need to keep active however, so it was with delight that I received an invitation to have a game at a tennis club over the hill in Coromandel town. They do not have many members and needed to make up a foursome, so I was summonsed.

I was playing with three fellows of similar age and girth, but with a bit more movement than myself. I discovered there were things I used to take for granted which were now not possible for me; things such as running for drop shots and keeping your shorts on when stretching for an overhead smash.

As the first set progressed, the others could see I was reaching over heating point, so at the sets conclusion, it was suggested we take a small break.

Making our way inside the club rooms, one gent took up a position beside the kitchen bench and asked if I would like a quarter of water. “Yes please,” I responded

WAITAIA

and quizzed what was meant by, “a quarter of water”. He responded that it was a quarter of a litre, and they sold water in either quarters or full litres. “Sold?” I quizzed while sipping my glass.

Sliding the EFT POS machine across he said “Yes sold, the council’s charges have forced us to do this. That’ll be $170 please”.

That caused me to splutter, wasting about $30 of water while spluttering. The gentleman explained that the TCDC were charging them for water at what worked out to be $677.60 per litre for water, up 10% on the previous year’s charge. He went on to explain that wastewater was even more expensive, up 25% to $953.26 per litre.

I was feeling sorry for the guys so completed my purchase while noting that I should bring my own bottle in future. The cold water was running directly to the bladder however, making me cross my legs and wonder if my bank balance could stand the $240 charge for a quick wee in their toilet.

Thinking about the situation, I asked the guys what the club had done about this, and the response was basically that they tried to communicate with council many times, but the response was to give a small discount, generally smaller than the annual increase, and demand they pay up – not a lot of compassion or common

sense there, they felt. I gave it a bit of thought as I sipped my water and gave them two solutions.

The first solution was to take the, “no one is responsible” approach. As they were a Club, they had to have a Secretary. I suggested they all vote for a goat or dog to be the secretary. Could have been a cat, but they are not as reliable.

Having the new secretary in place, they all resign from committee and leave the goat to handle things. Local Authorities have a process for handling such situations and that is to ignore the situation, eventually to stop charging rates to such places. This process is used for land with many owners that are hard to

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For an obligation-free discussion and appraisal of your business needs, call me on 021 960 494.

Whitianga Office (Mon-Wed)

26a Albert Street, Whitianga Phone 07 866 2907

identify and for land owned by churches, because God is slack at answering his (her?) mail also.

The other alternative is to replace the TCDC’s gold plated fluid products with a much more reasonably priced alternative; I suggested beer. A couple of trays of lager would satisfy their rehydration needs and if they were to fill up the cistern with Waikato Draught the wastewater would be under control. The annual savings would be huge for the Club. This got the guys all excited, so I was spared the torture of another

set as they were all arguing about whose goat would make the best secretary. Waving them goodbye, I headed back to paradise happy with the knowledge that in my own little way, I was bringing a little bit of common sense back to our world.

„ Thought for the day: I’ve come to the conclusion that bureaucracy was invented to test our sanity.

„ Editor’s note: We decided to publish these figures provided by the said club as they help explain the events outlined in Portal Ponderings

TCDC water/wastewater charges

Tennis club waste water charge 2022-23 $766.64

2023-24 $953.26

Water serviced charge 2022-23 $367.46 2023-24 $401.95

Total charge for 4 litres of water over 2 years $5.48

Total cost 4 litres of TCDC water over two years $ 2494.79

Or per litre of TCDC water $623.70

In 2022-23 each litre cost $567.05

In 2023-24 each litre cost $677.60

In the space of one year, the serviced water charge has risen 10% and the wastewater charge has risen 25%.

In that one year the cost per litre of water has risen by $110 an increase of 20%.

From tennis club member – “I talk to the council people (staff, councillors, dept managers) about the unreasonableness of these charges to a little country club with only six members and they reply that these are fixed charges and no one can do anything about them in our favour. “Toughen up, pay up and shut up,” they say. “All the other clubs pay up quietly.”

Images

Off to Whiti Citi Market is a must!

BY VERNA CARR

Wthe market’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is such a great way to spend your Saturday morning – meeting friends, having a coffee, listening to live music performed by Dave Kennedy, and browsing the delights of the stalls.

with their candy floss, are a winning combination for the children.

high-quality paintings of the beauty of the Coromandel. It’s a gift smorgasbord.

operate between

Blacksmith Lane. The

Whiti Citi Market is flourishing and is a popular destination for both locals and visitors who appreciate not just the excellent shopping on offer but also

The foodies will enjoy the Dutch pancakes, the mussel fritters, and a sausage or two from the sausage sizzle run by the Lions Club. This is part of their fundraising for the Mammogram machine for the Coromandel Peninsula.

The Whitianga Masons are also there sizzling sausages and fund raising for community projects. Food and coffee from the vegan gluten-free food truck are delicious and Bianca and Cathryn,

As you walk around the market and chat with the stall holders, you will realise the pride they have in their products, as everything is hand crafted and/or locally grown.

You can buy resin chopping boards, skilfully crafted woodwork, glass bead jewellery, hand-knitted and sewn children’s clothes, macramé, crystal jewellery, t-shirts, and bespoke pieces of art that you would be pleased to display in your home.

Kids can have their faces painted and get a tattoo (just kidding, the tattoo washes off after a couple of days). There is even a tarot card reader.

Other offerings include venison, salami and possum merino socks.

If you have chapped feet or working hands, then the Genie in a Bottle remedy will fix and restore. Everything is locally crafted or locally grown and produced.

exotic flavours of Optio Bay Salt – is a unique connection between producers and consumers only found at small-town markets.

DON’T FORGET COROGLEN FARMERS MARKET

The market also supports talented jewellers who create beautiful pieces, and artists with ready-to-go canvasses of such

Market-goers get a genuine farm-to-table experience. They can stock up the pantry with honey, home-made sauces, chutneys, and condiments. Try the

The ‘Whit City’ Market is a great community market and is a sister market to Coroglen Markets which open on Sundays from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Both Whiti Citi Market and Coroglen Farmers Market are a must for visitors and residents. You get to meet the person who has made that product. Most of the vendors enjoy sharing their recipes, tips, tricks, and expertise with their customers. See you there!

“It was time to find another woman”: How Mrs. Tradie Is Saving Marriages Since 2018

Ever thought the solution to saving your marriage was to bring another woman into the equation? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? But hold on, before you cop that heated glare from your partner for dragging in yet another stack of receipts or begging for a quote to be typed up pronto, hear us out.

Turns out, introducing another woman – Mrs. Tradie Office Lady –into the mix is exactly what many Kiwi business owners needed.

Let’s face it, tradies and farmers are a dab hand getting the job done. But throw a spreadsheet their way, and it’s a whole different ball game. Cue the tension, the late nights, the missed kai, and the never-ending “I’ll sort it tomorrow” yarns.

Enter Mrs Tradie, not just any lady but a true-blue, get-stuck-in, and get-it-sorted type of lady.

Think of her as the office lady you never knew you needed, the kind who doesn’t bat an eye at your

shoebox of receipts but rolls up her sleeves and says, “Righto, let’s tackle this.”

Give her a bell, have a yarn about where things are going pearshaped, and before you know it, you’ve got a plan. She dives into the chaos of your accounts, wrangles your emails and manages your projects. She’ll even sort out the toolbox meetings and all that health and safety stuff that’s been giving you grief.

But don’t just take my word for

it. There’s a long list of clients and their better halves singing her praises.

Turns out, the secret to a happy marriage isn’t sneaking in more date nights; it was smartly outsourcing the admin.

So, if you’re at your wit’s end, drowning in paperwork and risking your domestic nirvana, it’s clear as day what you need to do. It’s time to find another woman.

Mrs Tradie isn’t just saving businesses; she’s rescuing mar-

riages, one admin task at a time.

Mrs Tradie isn’t just another woman; she’s the missing half of your business you never knew you needed.

Give her a buzz, dial 0800 THE MRS and let Mrs Tradie sort out your mess – it’s genius.

Contact Information:

Max Collins - Founder / Chief Of�ice Lady Extraordinaire

Tel: 027 490 2280

Email: max@mrstradie.co.nz

Web: www.mrstradie.co.nz

5 Moewai Road, Whitianga 07 8660551 admin@pcmarine co nz www pcmarine co nz

It’s off to new pastures for Tanya and Winter

BY DOROTHY PREECE

Mercury Bay Library staff and volunteers recently attended a party to say good luck and God speed to their long-time friend, Tanya Ruth, after 28 years behind the desk.

Tanya’s career in libraries began back in her schooldays, when at age 13 she became a library helper at Mercury Bay Area School. The task suited her so well that she continued as a library volunteer even after she left school. Then WINZ formalised the job at MBAS, supporting Tanya in a work experience programme.

Itchy feet took her to Auckland and a big change of scene. Tanya got a job as a furniture stripper, removing paint and varnish ready for restoration.

“You could say I went to Auckland to be a stripper,” Tanya quips. Watching the papers for library jobs, she was taken on as a library assistant at Auckland Central Library in Lorne Street.

“I worked behind the scenes, helping to process 80,000 books a year to be distributed round the branch libraries. I loved handling all the new books, but the best part was getting my hands

on the overseas magazines. This was before the internet and they were treasures,” Tanya says. In 1996 her mother became ill, so at age 19 Tanya returned to Whitianga. “A group of informal library volunteers ran the library back then, with Gloria Patchett in charge. I joined the team.”

Mercury Bay Library went digital in 2005 with plans to bring the Thames Coromandel District Libraries to professional standard. One year later, Lesley Preece was appointed Community Librarian, and Tanya continued to volunteer. As the library

service expanded, part-time staff were appointed and Tanya became an official member of staff.

Two weeks ago, in the throes of preparation to leave town for Ohingaiti, near Taihape, Tanya’s cat Winter decided to disappear. Facebook messages and frantic searches proved fruitless until the night before Tanya left town. A 9.00 pm phone call took her to a home in Cook Drive, where Winter was hiding under a house, and the pair were reunited. A happy ending and a new beginning for Tanya and Winter.

POLICE REPORT

BY CONSTABLE MICHAEL CARTER

„ Monday, 4 March to Sunday, 10 March 2024

GENERAL:

Monday, 4 March: A female shoplifter stole items from The Warehouse. Enquiries continuing to identify her and send her to court.

Tuesday, 5 March: A male was arrested at his home address regarding vehicles that have been stolen from the Whitianga area recently. During the arrest process, he was found in possession of drugs and an offensive weapon. He is now facing several charges.

Thursday, 7 March: A burglary was reported as having occurred at a Buffalo Beach Road address. A container was forced open with alcohol stolen.

Friday 8 March: A burglary was reported at the Whitianga Bike Park where the offenders stole a solar powered light. Enquiries are being made to identify the offender.

Friday 8 March: A burglary was reported as having occurred at a Buffalo Beach Road address. 2x Mountain Bikes were stolen after the offender(s) rummaged through the entire property.

Friday 8 March: 2x offend-

ers stole a purse from the gambling room at one of the local establishments. CCTV footage captured them both and police will be speaking with them shortly regarding their actions.

ARRESTS

1x male arrested for 2x burglary, 2x unlawful takes mv, 2x receiving, possess instruments for conversion, 3x driving disqualified, possess drugs, and possess weapons.

OCCURRENCES:

Tuesday, 5 March: A Family Harm matter occurred at a Buffalo Beach Road address. The offending male was breaching strict court conditions at the time. He will be facing further charges in court.

Tuesday, 5 March: A Breach of Protection Order was reported occurring at a Tudor Grove address. The offending party will be spoken to by police and may face charges.

TRAFFIC:

A few vehicles stopped with drivers ticketed for various offences.

Even after last weeks message, licence breaches still being detected, and demerit points issued.

Police are targeting Restraints, Impairment, Distractions and Speed this month.

Abby

Abby

Abby

Abby Lawrence

Abby Lawrence

244 COOK DRIVE

74 BUFFALO BEACH RD

47 TARAPATIKI DRIVE

5 TIRONUI PLACE

7 TIRONUI PLACE 109/71 BUFFALO BEACH RD 64/86 ALBERT STREET

Tanya in her customary place behind the library desk; Winter the cat, above.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

VOICES OF REASON!

My sincere thanks to Flemming Rasmussen for expressing, with such clarity and depth of knowledge and understanding, the concerns we have with our council.

Money does not grow on trees and Social Services definitely need to be left where they belong - in Wellington; along with all the other initiatives the Mayor and his councillors have come up with that do not relate to basic infrastructure.

Major issues affecting the Simpsons Beach (Wharekaho) community remain unresolved.

No water, no sewage, and no safe footpath along SH25, and no replacement system for the disconnected tsunami sirens.

35 years ago, the first request was made for a safe footpath along this stretch of SH25. The community has grown dramatically since then, as has the number of vehicles on the highway. Flooding at the Tohetea Stream bridge is now a regular occurrence, cutting the community off from Whitianga, but the evidence provided relating this back to the new subdivision and the badly over-estimated

amount of storm water the stream could handle, is consistently ignored. Let me refer back to Flemming’s conclusion:

“Common sense should prevail. This is what we pay our rates for. TCDC should focus and get back to basics. It should stick to its knitting and deliver essential core services only. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Please Note - You now have the opportunity to stand up and have your say by making your submission to TCDC on their Long-Term Plan. Submissions opened Friday 8th March and if you are not sure how to make a submission, please go to the TCDC office in Monk Street and ask for assistance. I hope to have more information on this next week.

My second ‘Voice of Reason’ accolade goes to Trevor Ammundsen.

Trevor was 100% correct in his article on EVs. Their day is most certainly over with all major car companies pulling back. This information is readily available - just check out the Toyota production line for next year.

Paul Sommerville, needs to check his facts before he slates someone as astute as Trevor Ammundsen. He needs to dig a little deeper

and make sure he has his facts right.

A big thank-you to Rob Barnes who added so factually to the “Truth” about the future of electric cars.

Ady Cole-Ewen, Whitianga DISPARITIES IN MAORI HEALTH

Trevor Ammundsen’s Through the Portal contribution of 5 March entirely misses the point as to why Maori are so upset by the dismantling of the Maori Health Authority. His inference that Maori leadership is on both sides of the debate is also ill-considered. Yes, you would expect the Greens, Te Pati Maori, and Labour to defend their Maori Health Authority initiative. But to point to the “well-respected” Shane Reti (well respected? yeah? By whom?) Winston Peters and David Seymour as protagonists with Maori descent – and therefore making the argument Maori v Maoriignores the political reality.

None of those three politicians could be said to represent the Maori viewpoint given that their voting demographic is largely old, stale and pale. I am yet to meet a Maori person who voted for any of them, especially Seymour.

„

is to allow members of the public to express an opinion, about an article or a topic of interest. Please keep them to 200 words or less. Hopefully this will encourage discussion, however the editor reserves the right to decide what is published.

Disparities in Maori health when compared with the wider community have been endemic almost since syphilis, measles, tuberculosis, and influenza arrived with the first colonisers, severely impacting a defenceless indigenous population.

It is eminently clear that the present health system, while struggling valiantly and despite the heroic efforts of our medical staff and specialists; has not made any significant inroads into that disparity. The numbers are clear. According to the Ministry of Health: In New Zealand, ethnic identity is an important dimension of health inequalities. Maori health status is demonstrably poorer than other New Zealanders; actions to improve Maori health also recognise Treaty of Waitangi obligations of the Crown. (https://www. health.govt.nz/publication/reducing-inequalities-health)

So perhaps it was a question of perspective, and a new administrative approach which might better suit our ability to deal with that disparity. That was the logic behind the establishment of the Authority so blithely dismissed by Ammundsen.

Marama Davidson of the Greens is quite right to point to the Treaty breach committed by the Government’s scrapping of the Authority.

Ammundsen’s assertion that this Government action is just government department consolidation and cost saving shows an appalling ignorance of the underlying health issues not to mention the applicable Treaty principles. The principle of mutual benefit springs to mind immediately. Where is the mutual benefit to the Government’s Maori Treaty partner in all this?

I find it interesting that Ammundsen concludes with the pithy thought that progress comes from co-operation, which comes from communication which involves listening. Ranting is not part of the equation. Having read his right-wing rant, I couldn’t agree more.

Buddy Mikaere

FULL OF PISS & WIND!

In response to work on ‘Work on Cathedral Cove a priority’ (Press Release from Mercury Bay Business Association in The Informer issue 5 March, 2024), and in particular Tama Potaka’s words, you are all full of piss and wind, as is DoC. Why do you need until the end of June for ‘advice on options’. Surely there have been enough engineers reports, consul-

tants’ reports, meetings, and the tens of thousands of dollars of ratepayers and tax payers money and you have got nowhere.

How much was spent on all the Ambassadors employed and housed to guide people offering visitors lesser alternatives?

Then you come up with deferred decisions, press releases that tell us nothing! We don’t need Ambassadors. Cathedral Cove IS the Ambassador! Let this beautiful creation by nature speak to the people all by itself. It belongs to everyone for them to enjoy. It existed for millions of years recreating and changing itself. How arrogant to think you can create a ‘resilient solution’ to withstand all changes. Fix the track; put some signs up to warn people to not walk through the arch and put the toilets back.

Check out Stan’s Stuff in the same issue as your press release. It’s time to get back to ‘Number 8 Wire’ thinking and get it done. You have been saying you are working to find a resilient solution ever since the cove track collapsed. It is sickeningly pathetic to call what you wrote a Press Release.

Mervyn Gregory Whitianga

TAIRUA TO NORTH SHORE AND BACK ON A SINGLE CHARGE

Last week I drove up to Auckland travelling the southern motorway over to the North Shore. Around two in the afternoon well before any rush hour, I found myself at Ellerslie-Greenlane in stop-crawl semi gridlock, an everyday along there.

As I sat there I watched the electric trains on the line beside the motorway whizzing past and thought about Trevor Ammundsen’s opinion piece about rail in The Informer the week before and how 19th century irrelevant and dirty-word socialist the said railways were.

Surrounded by diesel trucks chugging at idle or spurting black smoke when the line moved a few metres, bumper to bumper cars and vans with engines running while stationary, I reflected on Alistair Brickell’s Guest Editorial in the same issue of The Informer attacking electric cars. I noted his seriously dubious ‘facts’ and the inference that the status quo of ICE vehicles was the way it had to be.

I had the windows of my Tesla up and the aircon in cabin recirculating because of the stench outside. My car is not contributing to that; no smell, no poisonous gases, no power used when station-

ary, Tairua to the North Shore and back on a single charge. Yes Mr Brickell, EVs have negatives (that you are so keen to invent or overstate) but nothing in comparison to the damage to our world being done at the moment.

Ben Grubb, Tairua

THE CONCH 6,400

In the 27 Feb issue, The Informer was taken to task for ‘promoting’ the idea of a sea wall to protect local beach properties, the critic saying it was ‘simplistic and parochial’. But simplistic and parochial is exactly what we have all been asking for from TCDC.

Our government has been told to exploit ‘managed retreat’ rather than simplistic and parochial protection measures against a sea which may or may not rise dangerously.

TCDC is locked into regulations from Wellington and Wellington is locked into regulations from overseas. Whether it’s a sea wall or a coastal track, if we really want sensible, simple and locally thought-out solutions we, the rate-payers, are going to have to take them into our own hands.

Local opinion can be gathered electronically through a collection tool like a website which we will call the ‘conch’. Interested rate-payers and residents need only register their electronic address and they can then inject their concerns into the conch for discussion.

The conch can be used for referenda on every matter of concern. The conch could be part of the answer to the palpable lack of democracy at every level of our present system of government. The conch on a national level has already been used by SCYTL who have developed the security and privacy measures acceptable to nations for electronic voting at election time. NZ’s next general election could well be electronic.

And why not?

If it can happen on a national level, surely we can initiate our own conch. Start with a few thousand local voices and follow the direction of public opinion rather than being subject to an ill-informed directive from out of town.

Is there anyone out there prepared to set up a conch site of our own? We all have access to the technology.

Who would help to set up a working conch? To give the job to some overseas firm is the very opposite of what we are trying to achieve here.

John Veysey Colville

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

EVS – TIME TO DITCH FEARMONGERING!

The endless torrent of misinformation about electric vehicles is exhausting! It’s riddled with hypocrisy and culture war kneejerk undertones of “let’s attack ‘better’ because it’s not perfect, and let’s ignore ‘much worse’.

EV batteries use lithium, but its impact is dwarfed by the ongoing environmentally disastrous oil spills like Deepwater Horizon and Exxon Valdez which wrecked 4,000 miles of coastline. Don’t see any faux outrage for that.

Coal-powered electricity for EVs is utter nonsense. Coal imports are down while new EV car sales have risen to 20%!

Mr Barnes decries diesel-powered coal shipping but ignores shipping of five times that volume imported petroleum products, plus the oil spill risk to our coasts!

Modern EV batteries last over 300,000km, not your ludicrous claim of six years. After that, they have another life of 20 years as home energy storage to ease peak electricity demand. Finally, 95% of materials, including lithium are recycled.

EVs are 20 times less likely to catch fire than highly flammable petrol-powered cars.

Mr Sanders, your concerns about cobalt are misplaced. Most EV batteries use cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate (LFP). New sodium-ion batteries are also lithium and cobalt-free. Where’s your

faux outrage that cobalt is used in refining petrol?

And conveniently silent are EV critics on NZ’s 300+ premature deaths and thousands of hospitalisations yearly from petrol/diesel pollution costing $15.7 billion per year, and $7 billion spent annually on imported fuel, all of which EVs avoid. EVs are demonstrably better for our economy, environment and our health. It’s time to ditch fearmongering and embrace a cleaner future.

Paul Sommerville, Whitianga

DARTS - A GREAT GAME WHEREVER YOU PLAY

I just saw the write up about the darts Club in Coroglen last week in The Informer and just wanted to say – thanks to the darts players and staff of the Mercury Bay Club for making us feel so welcome.

You’ve got a great club filled with very open friendly people. Wherever you go in the country, all dart players have one thing in common – we play for the love of the game. Your relaxed play and even the small differences in rules is a fantastic way to play the best game in the world. Any time any player is in Wellington, look up the Johnsonville Club or Kapi Mana Darts and we’ll get you a game. Thanks again for having us, we’ll definitely be back for more.

Sue and JB Walton, Wellington

DISGUSTING

I am writing to express my dis-

„ The purpose of the Letters to the Editor column is to allow members of the public to express an opinion, about an article or a topic of interest. Please keep them to 200 words or less. Hopefully this will encourage discussion, however the editor reserves the right to decide what is published.

gust after reading yet another divisive, anti-Māori spiel from Trevor Ammundsen.

He clearly has a strong prejudice towards Māori and a lack of knowledge of Te Tiriti, Colonisation and recent research on how best to move forwards.

Trevor is only here because of Te Tiriti. I’d suggest he drops his ill conceived beliefs and do some proper research before sharing his opinion so he can stop making a fool of himself.

Fiona Gates

FAST TRACK LAW AN OUTRAGE

The government’s “fast track” law is a declaration of war on nature everywhere but singles out Coromandel’s forests and beaches as a special target for attack from multinational mining companies.

Massive open cast mines and tailings dams containing millions of tons of toxic sludge will now be possible on conservation land north of the Kopu Hikuai where previously they were off limits to mining, – all at the whim of self-loving egotistical Minister Shane Jones.

Three decades of community action with overwhelming public support gained special protection from mining for the northern Coromandel. This protection was created under a National Government in 1998 and has been the law ever since. Now this essential protection for our forests and

coastal areas is being trashed by this extremist anti-environment and anti-democratic government.

The prime reason why holiday homeowners, fishers, and tourists come here, and businesses are attracted here is imperilled. Why has our MP and former Environment spokesperson Scott Simpson not opposed this outrage?

The legislation allows Ministers to silence qualified experts and shut the public out.

It’s a broad power grab that opens the door to bias and corruption by Ministers.

This devious attack on the environment and our democracy wasn’t mentioned during the election. We did not elect them to destroy our precious landscapes, pollute our rivers and coasts, and doom endangered species, just to line the pockets of mining companies who donated campaign expenses.

Wake up New Zealand – we did not vote for this, and we must staunchly oppose it.

Denis Tegg, Thames

GRAND PROMISES CRUMBLE

It’s fascinating how election promises crumble faster than a stale biscuit. The recent coalition talks showcase a masterclass in backpedalling on environmental commitments.

National had a reasonable but unspectacular position on tackling pollution and the climate crisis but is now showing its true

colours. Their pre-election environmental stance was as solid as a house of cards in Cyclone Gabrielle when Seymour and Jones got a say.

Remember those grand promises of cleaning up freshwater, boosting biodiversity, and delivering for the climate? Yeah, forget those. Instead, we get a laundry list of policy reversals that read like a handbook on how to dismantle environmental progress.

Forget freshwater protection or keeping mining out of Coromandel’s native forests when you let farmers off the hook for another decade for their climate and river pollution and welcome open cast mining and tailings dams in Mercury Bay, and oil and gas drilling, right?

And don’t even get me started on meeting our commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement. It’s like watching someone sign a gym membership and then proceed to pig out on KFC.

But hey, why worry about international repercussions or the fact that our export partners are light years ahead in environmental standards? Let’s just keep living in our little bubble of denial while the rest of the world moves forward.

So, congratulations, National. You’ve managed to not only disappoint your supporters but also put the future of our environment and economy at risk. Bravo.

David Gibson

MALCOLM CAMPBELL

Water woes in great big chunks

The central government agencies in their present form have been set up to solve problems and anticipate issues that would negatively effect the environment. I listen a lot to their representatives who keep quoting science.

When I look out the window in a physical sense, the evidence is that the creatures that were once in the environment have gone!

When I look out the window in a metaphorical sense, I see whole departments working to long term plans that have initiated endless projects with forty aims but with some devastating results and a disenchanted and discouraged farming poulation.

OUR SURVIVAL AND CLEAN WATER

Everybody is interested in water for a very good reason, even if they don’t think about it. That good reason is survival.

We, all of us, can survive for a lengthy period without food, but we cannot by comparison survive for long without water. We, the general population, drink water, bathe and shower in it, keep our vegetables alive with it and our trees and flowers, put our fires out with it, keep our livestock

alive with it. The list of requirements for water are simply endless. As mentioned previously, when astronauts and scientists are examining the basics of another planet, the first big task is to find out if water is present and in usable or available quantities.

Obviously, water is critical to life. It is just so simple, no water, no life!!

The following are a list of agencies, all twelve of them, professing to be safeguarding, monitoring, generally assisting in the preservation of aquatic health the length and breadth of the country and extending into the oceans.

The New Zealand Government sets the rules through the Resource Management Act. This is an Act to preserve the life supporting capacity of the air, soil and water. RMA, in its role to protect our resources, is failing with the silent condoning of the use of poisons!

Department of Conservation (DoC) Considerable interest in waterways country wide and the health of estuaries. Applies deadly poison to water!

Environment Protection Agency. This is a government agency controlling fast-track

RMA consent applications. EPA does not prevent poisoning of water yet claims to protect the environment!

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) Comments on the health of waterways, lakes and seawater. Is aware of the application of deadly poison to water ways.

Land Information New Zealand. This has authority over some lakes and rivers with administrative control in some areas. Their practices include applying deadly poison to water.

Regional Councils and Unitary Councils. Exert New Zealand wide authority over discharges to water, storage of water and likely contaminants to water. Applying deadly poison to water.

District Councils. Control of local waterways including land drainage, roadside drainage, and urban domestic water supply.

Applying deadly poison to water.

Hauraki Gulf Forum. Twenty-two member Statutory Body to oversee the health of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The Gulf is receiving fresh water, contaminated by poison applied by Local Authorities.

Land and Water Aotearoa. A consortium of representatives of the above agencies to correlate actions by groups to safeguard the environment. No objection to application of poison to water.

Environment Defence Society.

Supports Resource Management

Act. The ACT ‘Resource Consent’ process allows authorities and others to permit themselves to apply poison to water.

Fish and Game. Authorises hunting, shooting and fishing. Issues licences to shooters and fishermen. No objection to the application of deadly poison to water eg 1080 and herbicides.

Forest and Bird. Exactly the same applies to Forest and Bird as to Fish and Game, no objection to the application of deadly poison to water. The bird population land and water fowl is in freefall. By any standards the list above is an impressive amount of fire power. So what is going wrong? For a lengthy period now, all the boffins have been and still are

pointing their fingers at farm runoff and they have e-coli on the brain. Not a single solitary boffin has examined the major changes that have occurred since 1965. Take for example the lakes (ponds) at Cooks Beach recently covered in The Informer that are now full of green yucky slime. Reports indicate that poisoning of water weeds had been taking place for twenty years without eradicating the weeds, all the while destroying the water quality. until it is now more or less putrid! The effect of this poisonous onslaught is to destroy the natural biology of the water and soil, preventing any natural healing whatsoever. For how long are our poison brigade authorities, going to administer death dealing products into the environment and at the same time wishing for a miracle return of the creatures already destroyed. If all of the agencies listed above disappeared, then the poisoning would stop dead!! (Pardon the pun.)

„ Quote – “Observe nature and read books. If the books do not agree with nature, throw away the books!” William A Albrect

„ Extract from interview with Malcolm Campbell – “Am I the drip wearing away a stone?”

Kubota Classic –world’s largest

BY JACK LANGLEY PORTER NOVELLI AUST

„ WHERE: Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club, 12 The Esplanade, Whitianga

„ WHEN: 14-16 March

The world’s largest fishing competition, the Kubota Billfish Classic, in Whitianga.

Hosted by the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club, 492 boats will take to the waters of Whitianga across the three-day event. Teams will be competing for more than $1 million in prizes in total.

Participating teams

are travelling across the world from locations including South Africa, Guatemala, United States, Cook Islands, Tonga, and Australia to compete for a wide range of prizes.

The Kubota Billfish Classic promotes ethical finishing practices, with strict rules that must be followed by participants. Predominantly a tag and release system, the data captured by participants is shared to scientists in the region to assist with their studies around migration habits.

The event will kick off at

7.30am on the Thursday morning with a shotgun start. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Saturday 16 March at the waterfront.

VISION OPPORTUNITIES:

• 492 boats in the water and crowds gathered on the shore waiting for the siren to mark the start of the competition.

• Fish being weighed on a Kubota excavator.

• Awards ceremony on the waterfront where winners are announced.

TCDC’s draft Long Term Plan

BY AILEEN LAWRIE, THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Informer correspondent Flemming Rasmussen (Leave social services to Wellington, 5 March Informer) is right when he argues that in these tough times TCDC should focus on delivering essential services. That’s exactly what our Long Term Plan sets out to do when proposing Council’s projects and expenditure for the next 10 years.

We’ve prioritised spending on essential services as well as building resilience to shock events in our communities.

This includes ensuring our road network is fit for purpose, that our ageing infrastructure is replaced, that infrastructure needed for residential and commercial growth is built, and that we protect our communities from the effects of sea-level rise and coastline damage.

Our Council has a responsibility under law

to ensure the wellbeing of communities. Section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002 states that one of the key purposes of local government is to “promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of communities in the present and for the future”.

We found that with the roads out for an extended period, and following on from the effects of successive Covid lockdowns, we had all sorts of social issues that were affecting our people. We found that our Council had a role to play in connecting our communities – in collaborating, facilitating and joining up our people and places with social and health services that were available. We accessed government funding to promote employment opportunities, better transport, mental and physical health initiatives and community events.

There is also further evidence that after the last year’s weather events, our Council’s advocacy

and coordination of social wellbeing made a real difference to thousands of people around the Coromandel.

So, in the social services space, Council is not a delivery agent, but we play a role. With the government cyclone social recovery funding ending in June 2025, for this LTP we’re asking for public feedback on whether this investment in community development should continue.

We’re keen for as many people as possible to have their say on our proposed Long Term Plan and the priorities for the next decade. Have a read of our LTP consultation document and supporting information and give us your feedback by 8 April, available online at www. tcdc.govt.nz/LTP-20242034 or at one of our service centres.

„ TCDC exercises its right of reply to the Flemming Rasmussen opinion article “Leave social services to Wellington”. Issue 5 March, 2024.

Tales from a distant land

TERROR!

I booked the tickets for our Brisbane trip. I wrote down the 28 February as the departure date. My wife said we were scheduled to leave on 27 February. I checked. My notes said 28 February. But how could ‘she’ be wrong? Unthinkable!

So I kept this nagging doubt to myself. On the 28th, as she approached the airport check-in machine and inserted her passport, self-doubt overcame me. This is the moment our marriage will end. The machine will tell her our flight left yesterday. It didn’t. I was right. I said not a word. Silently euphoria. Life goes on!

DEPARTURE DISTRESS!

The cues in the Auckland Airport departure area were interminable – beyond belief. Crowds filled the hall as far as the eye could see. Grumpy people moved at a snail’s pace. I think we shuffled-snaked for nearly two hours. Finally on the last leg – salvation. I noticed another line on the extreme outside where people were quickly moving through. I asked, “What is that line?”

“They are people who need special assistance and old people”

said my wife. “I’m 86. Do I qualify?” No answer. We were rescued. We made it through. Never did a sit-down seem so heavenly.

The rest of the journey was a piece of cake. The flight was smooth, the movies ok, entrance into Australia was automated and fast. “Hullo Brisbane”.

HARD CORE KIWIS SKIP THE NEXT PARAGRAPH

Through parties and gatherings, we met a number of young people. As is my custom, I talked with them.

After some initial suspicion –“Is this old guy going to preach at me?” – or, “Does he want to borrow money?” We talked amicably. I asked how they found life in Brisbane. They all said they liked it.

In comparison to life back home (in NZ), they found life in Brisbane to be more relaxed, more easier going. A 21-year-old, an islander male who had grown up in New Zealand put it like this. “At home young guys are usually staunch – tough. You don’t have to be like that here”.

OLD AND YOUNG

On a number of occasions we have been in clubs, football clubs,

Returned Soldiers clubs, and bowling clubs. These are massive facilities, with large restaurants and acres of poker machines. The income from pokies make these facilities possible. And who is playing the poker machines? Old people and very old people are predominate. Seemingly, poker machines are especially attractive to women and they made up the majority of players in clubs I observed.

Retired men and older men –some I guess in their 90’s, are also players. A few players interact with others but most do not. I guess they all live in hope of hitting a jackpot.

Young people and their problems are daily in the news. Through family I had first-hand information as to life trends of teens and young adults. Knife crime, stabbing and slashing seem to be frequent occurrences.

My young friends are aware of incidents of knife carrying in school – a thing that was unheard of in years gone by. Drugs are available to teens in school – all kinds of drugs, from party drugs to the most hard-core drugs.

In some respects, nothing is new. In my day so long ago, our risqué school talk was about

smoking and drinking beer in the school toilet. It’s the same phenomena, but now the forbidden substances are more sinister and destructive.

THE UNTHINKABLE IS BEING WHISPERED!

Australia’s prosperity is amazing and at the top of all this prosperity is Queensland. Why? ‘Coal’ and other elements found in the soil and under the soil, copper, lead, cobalt, graphite, silver, gold and rare earths to name a few. But make no mistake about it, the biggy, the source of Queensland riches, is coal. Global warming – what’s that? But now, there’s talk, (whispers) of phasing out coal fired power stations and coal production itself. This is esoteric talk. I doubt the average Queenslander ever thinks about it. But the breeze of change is blowing stronger every year.

PERSONAL BONANZA

Many readers will know why for the first ten months of our ownership of The Informer I was in Brisbane while Pauline managed the paper on her own. The reason for this was our son’s unexpected total-body paralysis. I lived in Brisbane where I cared for him

(daily hospital sitting beside him) and his family (their driver).

A few months ago, wheelchair dependent, he was discharged from hospital after one year in hospital. There has never been a diagnosis as to the cause of his paralysis. (What is not discussed is that the symptoms of not being able to breathe properly and tingling in extremities which preempted the paralysis, came just a few hours after his covid vaccine. He had never been sick, no pre-existing conditions, and he was an athlete.)

When discharged (wheelchair bound), there was no treatment apart from physiotherapy and exercise in a heated pool. His doctors now believe that the exotic, expensive treatments they prescribed in hospital had no effect. (One operation has caused permanent damage). However, he is now walking short distances ever so slowly and tentatively, with a specifically measured granny walker (four wheels with basket and seat).

He is disciplined and determined. He is working with other less traditional health practices and resources to help his body restore itself. He believes more improvement will come. Hooray!

Whitianga, 12B Buffalo Beach Rd

• Spacious 232m2 (mol) townhouse with 3 bathrooms.

• Super close to buffalo Beach, town and ferry.

• Sea view from the master, entertaining deck, kitchen and dining area.

• Plenty of lock up storage and off street parking.

FOR SALE AUCTION 13th April 2024 2pm Onsite (unless sold prior)

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L26842381

Katrina Carlyon 021 724 200

Whitianga, 2a Mill Road

• Character centrally located 1940s building currently leased to a well established local restaurant.

• Flat & Sunny site, super handy to central Whitianga.

NEW LISTING

• Within walking distance to wharf, estuary & beach.

FOR SALE Deadline Sale 22nd April 2024 at 4.00pm (Unless sold prior)

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L26747679

David Frew 027 491 8420

Kirby Faulkner 027 436 9990

Tairua, 14/233 Main Road

Whitianga,

2b Mill Road

• 458 sqm section located in the heart of Whitianga.

• Commercial section.

• Offering endless potential for development or investment.

FOR SALE $575,000

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/ L26751210

David Frew 027 491 8420

Kirby Faulkner 027 436 9990

• One bedroom Villa with living area, kitchenette, ‘jack & jill’ bathroom.

• High pitched ceiling creating the feeling of space, designated off street park.

• Convenient location to the estuary, shops and all that Tairua has to offer.

FOR SALE $399,000

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L26136442

Philippa Evans 021 266 9295

Jo Wardle-Heath 027 470 7883

Tairua, 338a Main Road

• 3 bedroom home with seamless indooroutdoor flow.

• This secluded sanctuary offers the perfect space for relaxation and outdoor entertainment.

• An ideal “lock and leave” opportunity.

FOR SALE $749,000

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/ L22689678

Philippa

Jo

Tairua, 8 Patton

• 3 bedroom retro style beauty with original craftmanship.

• A peaceful and spacious home with water views and close to town

• The 944m2 property has endless possibilities with ample space to park your boat and cars.

FOR

VIEW

Philippa

Whitianga, 6 Tohetea Lane

• Magnificent 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom home.

• Open plan living, dining and kitchen area.

• Large salted swimming pool and double internal access garage.

• Additional media room, kids rumpus and office.

FOR SALE AUCTION 23rd March 2024 2.30pm Onsite (Unless sold prior)

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L26376571

Peter MacGregor 027 224 7332

Whitianga, 107 Centennial Drive

• Homely & comfortable, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom property.

• Gorgeous, ever-changing water views.

• Plenty of storage, Outdoor entertaining area & fully furnished.

FOR SALE $1,250,000

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/ L26548023

Katrina Carlyon 021 724 200

Tairua, 2 Summer Lane

• 7 bedroom, 4 bathroom, including a 2 bedroom self-contained flat.

• Supersized lounge area with fireplace.

• Prime corner 978m2 site located in a quiet yet convenient area of Tairua.

FOR SALE Price on application

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/ L26730830

Philippa Evans 021 266 9295

Jo Wardle-Heath 027 470 7883

•

•

Hahei, 265 Lees Road

• 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom coastal retreat with fenced swimming pool.

• Beautifully set up avocado orchard, complete with implements sheds & orchard equipment.

• Mesmerizing sea views, landscaped gardens, & array of amenities and opportunities.

FOR SALE Tender 4th April 2024 at 4.00pm (Unless sold prior) + gst if any

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L26021473

Paulette Tainsh 027 241 2001

Hendry Tainsh 022 658 4818

GAMES AND PUZZLES

Issue 1096

Crossword Puzzle

© Lovatts Puzzles 353

Issue 1096

Proudly sponsored by Proudly sponsored by

Name: ....................................................................................................

Phone no: .............................................................................................

Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver, mail, scan/ photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World checkout manager directly.

Word Search

Grid 25

Name:

Phone no:

Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail, scan/photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Café directly.

Word Search Instructions

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.

Theme: SHAKESPEARE CHARACTERS

ALEXANDER

BASSANIO

BEATRICE

BENEDICK

BURGUNDY

CALIBAN

CASSANDRA

CLARENCE

CLEOPATRA

DESDEMONA

FREDERICK

HIPPOLYTA

HOLOFERNES

LYSANDER

MARCELLUS

PROSPERO

QUINTUS

VALENTINE

Last week’s word search solution

1.

4.

7.

8.

9.

12.

15.

17. Subtle shade of meaning (6)

18. Shipment of goods (5)

21. Senselessly (7)

22. Waits, ... one’s time (5)

23. Please (7)

DOWN

1. Tribute to deceased (8)

2. Little crowns (6)

3. Immature lice (4)

4. Untruths (4)

5. Contradicted (7)

6. Linear unit (4)

10. Exhaust (5)

11. Loaded down (5)

13. Herb (8)

14. Given warning (7)

16. Money case (6)

18. Grooming tool (4)

19. Painting medium (4)

20. Vocalised (4)

Last week’s crossword solution

Last week’s winner - Joy Hampshire

Last week’s winner - Trudie Burnham

Local surfers earn NZ team selection

BY JACK BIDDLE

Come 3 May this year, over 400 highly motivated and talented young surfers from around the globe will assemble in Surf City El Salvador with surfboards ready for the 2024 International Surfing Association (ISA) World Junior Surfing Championships. This event is seen as the pinnacle milestone to reach for the world’s top junior surfers and a natural progression for the future superstars of the sport.

New Zealand will be represented with a very talented and strong team of 12 surfers from around the country and will include 15-year-old Onemana based Harrison Biddle and 13-year-old Lola Groube from Pauanui.

The championship is limited to two age group and gender categories with the male and female surfers chasing their own individual championship glory. The younger surfers or groms (short for grommets) as they are often referred to in the wider surfing community, will all be under 16 while the older surfers will all be under 18 when the competition kicks off.

Both Harrison (Year 11) and Lola (Year 9) attend WhangamataArea School and are members of the highly successful Whangamata Surf Academy squad. The academy program is part of the school’s curriculum with the aim and expectation from the school

hierarchy of students achieving on the water as well as in the classroom.

LOLA: This year will be the second time Lola has represented New Zealand at this level after finishing a highly credible 19th at the World Championships held in Brazil in 2023 as a 12-year-old. Along with older sister Chloe, who is also one of NZ’s top female surfers, Lola learned to surf at the family beach of Pauanui before progressing onto the popular Bar in Whangamata. Lola is the youngest ever female surfer in New Zealand to win an open women’s competition along with making an open women’s final at age 11.

The surname Groube has been part of the surfing scene in NZ for many years with the girls’ Dad,

Matt Groube, up there with the best elite surfers around in his competitive days.

Matt says while both girls are highly competitive, Lola’s biggest fan and supporter is her sister Chloe.

“Gaining selection in the NZ team again was a very special moment for the whole family and says a lot about her ability, focus and dedication to the sport. It doesn’t do any harm either when her older sister is pushing her to the limits in both training and in national competitions as well”.

Lola will be joined in El Salvador with Alani Morse from Raglan and Indi-Lee Ruddell from Northland.

Lola says, “I’m a much better surfer now than I was 12 months ago thanks to the experience

gained in Brazil plus the tough competition from within New Zealand. Surfing can be a very cruel sport at times with the tiniest of margins often the difference between progression and elimination in the lead up to the finals. If I can finish in the top 10, I will be happy, but I don’t believe a podium finish is beyond me either”.

HARRISON: Harrison Biddle’s pathway to NZ selection was not quite so straightforward. After a disappointing NZ Championship in Dunedin in January, he was under pressure to perform in the Billabong Grom Series to gain a spot in the NZ team for El Salvador.

Consistency throughout the qualifying rounds at Piha saw him make the final and finishing runner-up to eventual series winner Alexis Owen from Dunedin. Alexis will also attend the World Championships with Harrison along with Australian based Benji Lowen.

Harrison has been getting pushed into waves by his enthusiastic surfing father Paul since he was around 3 years old.

“Moving permanently to Onemana six and a half years ago from Auckland however was the turning point for him and with the surf literally on our doorstep he really got serious about the sport.

“Getting accepted for the Whangamata Area Schools surf academy was another huge positive step for him and where he could

realise his potential. He has been competing in local and national events for the last 5 years, including a National U16 Maori title and a 2nd in the U14’s at the NZ Secondary Schools champs.

“We, plus our extended family, are extremely proud of his selection for the world championships,” says Paul.

After recovering from a badly broken leg and being confined to the couch for 4 months around 18 months ago Harrison hasn’t look back since being back on the water.

“Being selected to represent my country is a dream come true, it still feels so surreal,” says Harrison.

“Not that long ago I was just stoked to make our school and scholastics team, but in recent times I feel like I have been able to really show to everyone and also to myself that I have what it takes.

“I’m also very lucky to have Rangi Ormand and Mr Care from the WhangamataArea School Surf Academy as my coaches as well as my mates from the Whangamata Boardriders Club supporting me.”

SPONSORSHIP

Both Lola and Harrison would like to acknowledge their sponsors.

Lola – Anderson Surfboards Whangamata, Billabong, Sticky Johnson Surf Wax and Vans Harrison – Anderson Surfboards Whangamata, Bodywork Gym Whangamata.

From left to right, Rangi Ormond (Coach), Lola Groube, Harrison Biddle, Dylan Care (Head of the Surf Academy/Coach)

Abandoned boats a headache for Regional Council

BY DOROTHY PREECE

Earlier in February, Waikato Regional Council (WRC) staff had to arrange the removal and disposal of a wrecked boat from Waiomu Bay on the Thames coast.

Waikato Regional Harbourmaster, Chris Bredenbeck, said the owner informed the council that he had attempted to anchor it to the rocks at the end of the Waiomu Bay.

“Inevitably, the vessel ended up on top of the rocks punching multiple holes in the hull,” Chris said.

“Council attended as soon as it was reported, to ensure there was no oil spill that could adversely affect the environment. The vessel was removed from the beach a few days later, with the help of the community. It was in very poor condition and could not be repaired.”

Chris says there are doz-

ens of very old vessels rotting in harbours all around New Zealand, and they present a big problem.

“It is very expensive to maintain old vessels and when they are not maintained, they fall quickly into disrepair.

“Often the owners are physically or financially unable to maintain them, or else it is someone’s dream ‘one day’ to repair them.

“It is the owner’s responsibility to remove the vessel at their cost, but when they don’t have the capacity to do that, or when we can’t find the owner, the Waikato Regional Harbourmaster can use the powers in the Maritime Transport Act to remove the vessel for disposal.”

Chris Bredenbeck said the Regional Council explores all avenues for the vessel’s owner to take appropriate action.

“Just recently an owner removed his vessel from

the Whitianga Harbour to be disposed at his cost. That is the best outcome.”

He said those costs can amount to anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000.

“Our budget is limited and we have to prioritise those vessels most at risk.

“Sometimes we have no choice if they have sunk or grounded on a beach, or if they pose a threat to navigation. When they sink, the costs are very high, both to WRC and to the environment. Regional Council does its best to recover these costs from the owners. Chris continued, “There is very little of value on a derelict vessel, so the only option is to break it up and send it to the landfill.”

He advises anyone who is struggling to maintain a boat in the harbour, to reach out to Waikato Regional Council to discuss the situation.

“We will do all we can to work with you,” he said.

Regional Council contractors pull a 36-foot boat ashore at Waiomu for demolition and disposal.

SPORTS

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Drawn 4’s Tournament sponsored by New World, WhitiangaThursday, 7 March

Our club was joined by players from the Cook’s Beach Indoor Bowls for the start of season tournament and eight teams played 3 games. Competition was intense as players were keen to win vouchers.

Winners: The only team with three wins were: Ian Pudney, Coral Strong, Pat Fisher and Ian Mitchell.

Runners-up with 2 wins, 1 draw were : Keith Denney, Frank Caulton, Sue Webb and Marie Denney. Good Sports: Peter Rabarts, Merle Ward, Wayne Fisher and Lionel Lawrence.

Our thanks go to Kerry Stanley of New World for his continued support of our club.

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

1st Round March Pairs

North/South: 1, Peter

McNeil and Tony White

63.02; 2, Sonia Botica and Peter Clark 50.52; 3, Gillian Martin and Johanna Bonnar 48.96.

East/West: 1, Robyn Waters and Peter Hogg 60.00; 2, Jocelyn Taylor and Chris Death 56.88; 3, Rob Stewart and Christine Meinhold 53.75.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Betty Dunn Pairs Week

One

Tuesday, 5 March

North/South: 1, Peter and Robyn Hogg 55.33; 2, Peter Clark and Ngaire O’Brien 48.67; 3, Val

Dwight and Leigh Hughes, Jean Myles and Bev Dickie 48.00.

East/West: 1, Myra Hoogwerf and Sheryll Roberts 59.17; 2, Don Barry and Alison Tichbon 55.83; 3 Johanna Bonnar and Natasha Courtney 50.00.

MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB

Handicap Pairs Round 3

Wednesday, 28 February

North/South: 1, Jenny Layton and Don Barry 58.3; 2, Rose Tegg and Val Dwight 55.1; 3, Susan Swan and Jan Autumn 50.0

East/West: 1, Bob Schibli and Dave Dylla 54.3; 2, Norma Hart and Chris Hilford 54.2; 3, Sergio Valle and Giorgio Allemano 53.6.

Kupe Pairs Round 3

Thursday, 29 February

1, Rose Tegg and Faith Stock 68.3; 2, Terri Lipanovic and Hillary Scott 58.3; 3, Pam Churchill and Kathy Moy-Low 53.3.

MERCURY BAY CLUB

DARTS

23 players this week, so 501 doubles were played. Because of the odd number of players we had one player as a single team. John McGregor was the single player and went through winning all four sets and was the overall winner. Highest finish this week was 76, scored by Mike Gillett. He seems to be making a habit of this. No 180s scored this week.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday, 6 March

Best of three frames:

Ten players and it was Ian Baumgren, Ken Gibson and Doug Pascoe with two straight wins each to challenge the finals. Ian won the drawn bye and Doug took the win over Ken in the semifinal to meet Ian in the final. A high scoring even entertaining match the final was with Doug snatching victory and taking home the cash Prize. Runner up was Ian Baumgren and with two wins were Ken Gibson and Peter Challis. Ken Gibson also had the highest break with 20 and won the cash pool.

Saturday, 9 March

Best of three frames:

Nine players on Saturday and it wasPeter Schultz, Luke Trainor and Doug Pascoe with two straight wins each to challenge the finals. Peter won the drawn bye and Doug deposed Luke in the semifinal to go through to meet Peter in the final frame. An exciting close match this was coming down to black to win which Peter potted and took home the cash prize. Runner up Doug Pascoe and others with two wins were Luke Trainor, Phil Jones and Greg Murphy who also had the highest break of 27.

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

Tuesday, 5 March

Nine-hole Women –Stableford

Div 1: 1, Audrey Vickers; 2, Alison Goodlet.

Div 2: 1, Raewyn Whitt; 2, Jenny Cotterell.

Nine-hole Men –Stableford

1, Paul Bradley; 2, Kelvin O’Leary; 3, Bob Holliday.

Wednesday 6 March

Eighteen-hole Women –Nancy McCormick RD2

1, Rachel Johnstone; 2, Diane Eccles; 3, Christine Lowe.

Closest to Pin: Shay Geach; Longest Putt: Vinnie Schofield.

Twos: Sharyn Smith.

Eighteen-hole MenStableford

1, John Bow; 2, Graham Eccles; 3, Johnny Lister.

Twos: Micky Henderson, Kevin Smith.

Gross: Div 1 - Dave Enright.

Div 2: Gross - Rob Raines.

Saturday 9 March

Eighteen – hole Men - Net

1, Willie Jones; 2, Wayne Kettle; 3, Graeme Butler.

Twos: Kevin Smith, Mike Franklin, Roger Pheasant.

Cam Goodger, Patrick Gonthier, Steve Geach, Willie Jones

Div. One: Gross -Mark Boe. Nearest Pin -Mark BoE, Longest Drive -Justin Wilson.

Div. Two: Gross - Wayne Kettle, Nearest Pin - N/A, Longest Drive -Wayne Kettle.

Results continued on page 24

Kaumata/seniors morning tea and community conversation

BY VERNA CARR

The Kaumata/Seniors Morning Tea and Community Conversation was held at the Crossroads Church on Wednesday morning, Wednesday, 6 March. The meeting was a collaboration between the Mercury Bay Medical Centre, Te Korowhai, and Whitianga Social Services. The aim of the meeting was to offer a gathering place to talk about ageing well and the support and resources available to seniors in the Mercury Bay community.

Dan Asquith, Mel Asquith, and Lorraine MacAllister, all professionals from The Mercury Bay Medical Centre, realised that 30% of the Whitianga population was made up of older community members, some of whom struggle with daily life and feel unsupported and/or isolated.

A review panel was formed to discuss the dynamics of ageing well and what this entails. The matters they considered were health and well-being, physical support, welfare, and social connections; what resources and

support networks are available for the physical, mental, and emotional needs of elderly people? Where are these resources, and how do people access them? How do we create links across different organisations and service providers?

The open invitation to this morning tea held at Crossroads Community Church Centre meant a packed auditorium, keen for connection and information. Following the karakia led by Raimata from Te Korowhai, were a range of thought-provoking speakers representing organisations and

groups that assist the senior community. Mercury Bay Medical Centre and Te Korowhai spoke about health care and medical services. Whitianga Social Services talked about some of the resources available, such as transport to hospitals, disability aides, and community projects funded by the social services Op Shop.

The other speakers provided awareness and information on a number of speciality topics; St. John - the importance of having a personal alarm; Dementia Waikato - declining mental health in an ageing population, Disabil-

ity Support resources; Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust; How issues with hearing impact mental health; Monday Meal services available from St Andrew’s By The Sea church; MenZ Shed Whitianga and its benefits for retired mensocialising and working together.

The organisers realise the importance and consequences of having continuing support and resources for our seniors, so this event was not a one-off. The team will create other events. People in the community are welcome to fill out a questionnaire as to what their needs are and/or what they

want to know or learn about with regard to ageing well and thriving in the Whitianga community.

Progress on many things around the Coromandel Peninsula

Go to the Thames Coromandel website to read more detail from Community Board reports.

• Kopu Marine Project will be opening in May 2024.

• Free trial of Connector Bus service between Coromandel town and Thames is extended to 18 June.

• Recent upgrades to Matarangi wastewater treatment plant.

• TCDC waiting for approval form Waikato regional Council for extension to exisiting seawall at Buffalo Beach.

SPORTS

Continued from page 23

PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Nine-hole Stableford

Tuesday, 5 March

• Tairua Skatepark: An opening date has tentatively been booked in for mid-April this year. This is a tight turn-around that the contractors are working hard to achieve. Landscaping will be completed in June, the best planting period.

• Funding request of $2,900 from the Mercury Bay Museum for a virtual reality education application was approved by their local community board. This allows the museum to make 3D scans of items in the museum

1, Neil Robertson; 2, Wayne Morrison; 3rd = John Hamilton, Neil Gollan.

Nine-hole Stableford

Monthly Medal

Thursday, 7 March

Winner: 1, Wayne Morrison; 2nd = Phil Costello and Richard Duckworth.

Stableford

Saturday, 9 March

1, Neil Robertson; 2, Bob Walker; 3, Ray Shew; 4, Tim Bartlett; 5, Kevin Milroy.

4BBB: Neil Robertson and Kevin Milroy.

Twos/Net Eagles: Bob Walker.

Nearest the Pin: Ray Shew.

collection deemed too precious or fragile to be displayed within the museum building.

• Council Structure Review - complete a survey. TCDC is reviewing how our local communities are represented. This is

THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB

Nine-hole Men Stableford

Monday, 4 March

1, Peter Mathias; 2, Ray Green on countback; 3, Graham Kemp on countback.

Monthly Medal Nett, Gross Wednesday 6 March

Nett – 1, Murray James; 2, Glenn LeLievre; 3, Gary Bancroft.

Gross – 1, Gary Bancroft; 2, Raymond Fanning; 3, Murray James.

Nearest the Pin: Tony De Coeke.

Nine-hole Men Stableford

Thursday 7 March

1, Ray Green; 2, Robert Fisken on countback; 3, Lance Croawell.

Ladies Gross – Nett – Putting

Thursday 7 March

1, Mary Coughlan-Mason; 2, Beverly LeLievre; 3, Mary Sharp.

called a Representation Review and it will come into effect for our October 2025 local body elections.

TCDC is keen to hear from our communities to understand how you feel about some key parts of Council’s structure.

The review does not revisit the decision to establish Māori Wards. This review survey will help us to understand how our communities feel about key aspects of our current representation structure.

Your feedback will help to

1, Mary Coughlan-Mason; 2, Beverly LeLievre; 3, Shivani Hall.

Putting: 1, Bev Gwyn; 2 Shivani Hall.

Twos: Mary Coughlan-Mason; Bev Gwyn.

Haggle – Stableford Saturday 9 March.

1, Paul Malloy; 2, Barry Titchmarsh on countback; 3, Chris Palmer.

Nearest the Pin: Gary Wheeler

Twos: Chris Palmer, Grant Smallwood, David Gaskell, Tony De Coek; Bruce Walkley; Barry Titchmarsh.

MERCURY BAY BOWLING CLUB

Championship Fours Sat and Sun, 9 and 10 March

Women’s winners: Lynn Clifford, Nirie Reedy, Sheryll Roberts & Larisa King.

Men’s winners: Graeme Goss, Peter Mead, Dale Tegg & Keith Denny.

inform our proposal, which will go out for formal consultation later this year. The survey will be open until Sunday March 31 2024.

Everyone who completes the survey will go in the draw to win one of two $100 Prezzy Cards.

Next week, you will also be able to pick up a hard copy from our Council offices, District Libraries, or download one here.

If you have any questions, feel free to email repreview@tcdc. govt.nz.

Lynn Clifford, Nirie Reedy, Sheryll Roberts & Larisa King.

Graeme Goss, Peter Mead, Dale Tegg & Keith Denny.

Mel Asquith, Dan Asquith, and Lorraine MacAllister – key organisers of the event; Tony Masters, CEO Whitianga Social Services

Don was a maritime legend and early game fishing charter skipper

BY RON MORGAN

Don Ross passed away 3 April 2019, aged 96, but his launch is returning for the Kubota Classic Tournament.

A celebration of Don’s incredible life was held on 6 August, 2019 at the rooms of Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club. Earlier his funeral was held at Katikati but as Don had resided in the Mercury Bay area for many years and was a life member of the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club, it was fitting to recognise his lifetime achievements at Whitianga as well.

Don and his family first moved to the area to a farm at Opito Bay. Don and his sister Sylvie attended Kuaotunu School on horseback every day, which must have been some challenge.

Living so close to the sea, a lifetime affinity was assured with Don’s love of boats developing during this time. Adding to this love was the Captain of the Lady Jocelyn, befriending and mentoring Don and taking him to Auckland on the Lady Jocelyn’s regular trips during the school holidays.

The Lady Jocelyn called into Opito for wool and delivered supplies to the residents. She carried butter, fertilizer, crayfish, general cargo and passengers, leaving from Hobson wharf and travelling overnight. This happened until 1960 when road transport improved.

The family moved from Opito in 1936 to Auckland where Don worked and excelled as a cycle mechanic and as a professional road cyclist.

After Don left school, he completed an apprenticeship as a Coppersmith saving his money to purchase the ‘Elvie’ on which he honed his sailing skills and experience.

Don was called up for Army service and was required for gunnery maintenance, ultimately being posted to the Marlborough Sounds where guns were placed on headlands to protect the waters from enemy attack.

This suited Don, as servicing the guns involved boating to gain access to these sites. Don was

called back to Auckland to help repair American merchant ships coming back in a damaged condition from the Pacific.

Don progressed from the ‘Elvie’ to the “Venture’, a much bigger keeler, then to the ‘Ngaroma” his first game fishing boat. It was in the “Ngaroma” that Don and Joan and daughter Lyn travelled to Mercury Bay in 1949.

This move started a long association with boating and success as a charter boat operator in game fishing in the area. He had to supplement income in the off- season working on road maintenance, as a welder, deckhand, and fisherman.

During the early years some of the other launches the writer remembers are The Marlin, Norma, Tuatea , Lady Claire, Lady Jess, Caroline, Barbound, Ronomore (Row no more) Ngaire, (first female skipper in NZ) La Mona and the Three Kings. Two other smaller launches that impressed the writer during these years were the Scampa an early runabout and the Bernadine (restored and still in Whitianga).

His advice to the writer for game fishing was “Go to the restaurant “the fish will get hungry and come to you at some stage of the day. The restaurant being Sugar Loaf Rock, Richard’s Rock, Castle Rock and the Outer and Inner Banks of Red Mercury. A modern

day equivalent of ‘the restaurant’ would include Don’s favourite areas as well as the Hook, the Footprint, the Alderman pins and knoll and the Mercury Knoll .

Some rival skippers would infer that Don was rather frugal in not covering huge distances trolling but his catch rate was reflected in being the top charter skipper for 21 years.

Don progressed to the “Miss Lidgard” a converted vessel from the whaling venture on Great Barrier Island and enjoyed the comfort, speed and safety of the twin Austin engines which gave the launch a speed of 18 knots. She was one of the first high speed game fishing launches in NZ and was especially popular with visiting international anglers.

A notable catch was the first broadbill for the club caught by Ken Collier 462 lbs in 1967 (surface trolling) winning a trophy donated by Rowley Smith for the skipper catching the first broadbill.

The family donated this trophy back to the club and will once again be competed for as a skipper’s trophy.

Don sold the Miss Lidgard in 1981 and the launch has been restored by an ex-neighbour Paul Spooner in Paihia (see page 7). He then enjoyed many excursions on the keeler “Tere Manu” (still in Mercury Bay) and then

the launch, “Endeavour”. He was often seen heading to his mooring utilising the lost skill of sculling (using one oar from the stern) and attracting the dolphins that were at the time residing in the Whitianga Harbour by attracting them with a bell.

During his lifetime, Don was a pioneer diver experimenting with homemade diving equipment and a hand-operated air pump adapted from an old army gas mask. He worked locally on the Miss Lidgard to service local lighthouses and with the Fairmile Ngaroma to service lighthouses as far a field as the Three Kings.

After his retirement Don was often seen near the wharf, dressed with one of his beloved hats chatting with both locals and visitors. He readily offered advice and shared his vast experience and knowledge.

During later years Don and Joan

relocated to Katikati to be with daughter Lyn and Merv Stockley. (Joan passed away in December 2012) until he “slipped his mooring” on April 3 of 2019. His contribution and service to the community and boating fraternity will be remembered and his legacy will remain for all time.

DON’S OTHER ROLES:

• Relieving skipper for the Lady Jocelyn.

• Royal Akarana Yacht Club Captain for Whitianga and a life member of this club .

• Representative for Mercury Bay on the NZ Game Fishing Council.

• Harbour Master for 13 years.

• Sea Search and Rescue Co-ordinator for Mercury Bay for 30 years. His knowledge of local waters was often called upon in emergencies even after his retirement.

Another fine Black Marlin landed by Don.

Ray Bronlund, left, with Don Ross.

WHAT'S ON

If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Informer know. Call 866 2090, email info@theinformer.co.nz or send a message on Facebook.

REGULAR ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday –Saturday from 10.00am – 2.00pm.

St John Opportunity Shop – 29 Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4.00pm and Saturday 9.30am-2.00pm.

St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen Street, Whitianga. 9.30am to 1pm Wednesday to Saturday. Social Services Op-shop – 15 Coghill Street (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am-2.00pm. Donations welcome and can be dropped off at this address.

SPCA Op-shop – 2/Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm and Sunday 9.00am-4.00pm.

MONTHLY

AA Driver Licensing

Second and forth Friday of every month. In the Mercury Bay Service Centre Community Board Room in Monk Street, not at St. Andrews by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street.

Cooks Beach Garden Circle

Last Thursday of every month 11.15am – 2.30pm. New members are welcome. Phone Anne on 07 866 0268 for more information.

Kūaotunu Dune Care

Every third Wednesday of the month. Protecting the dunes by removing weeds and rubbish and planting native dune plants. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com to get on the emailing list.

FORTNIGHTLY

Knit for a Purpose

The first and third Fridays of the month, 10.00am to 12.00pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up.

Mercury Bay Creative Fibre

Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10.00am-1.00pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone. Vanessa 027 896 5037 Email. - vandoo555@gmail.com.

Whitianga Tramping Group

Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally on 021 907 782 or Lesley on 021 157 9979 for more information.

WEEKLY OR MORE

Alcoholics Anonymous

The Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.

Al-Anon Serenity Group

For those affected by someone else’s drinking.

Every Wednesday at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for more info.

Chess Club

Monday nights 6.30-9.30pm. Bowling club. Players of all levels welcome. Come along and enjoy a game or two of chess. Cost $2 to go towards room costs and supper. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or brettsoanes16@hotmail.com

Chinwag Café

Every Friday from 10.00am-12.00pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag.

Coffee and Discussion Group

Every Sunday, 2.00pm-4.00pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and respect shown. No charge. Convener. Peter H. Wood.

Cooks Beach Care Group

Haere mai! We invite you to join our friendly team and learn about coastal conservation. Come weeding and planting while enjoying our beautiful

environment. Thursday mornings. Register www. cooksbeachcare.org.nz

Coroglen Farmer's Market

Every Sunday 9.00am – 1.00pm. Coroglen Gumtown Hall.

DANCING

Mercury Bay Dance Club

Recreational dance lessons. Thursday 6.00pm7.00pm. Please book with Kathleen 022 154 1702 and/or check out the Facebook page. facebook. com/mercurybaydanceclub/.

LINE DANCING – Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club

Commencing again 30 January, Tuesdays, beginners 11.15am-12.15pm; seniors 12.302.30pm. Starting 8 February, Thursdays, absolute beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, improvers 12.452.45pm. Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Phone Margaret 027 463 8850 or Glynis 021 1099 155.

Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes

Town Hall, Monk Street, $5 per session.

Intermediate classes Wednesday,12.00pm-1.30pm; Beginner / Improver classes Monday 10.30am -11.45am. Contact Cecily 027 294 1750 or Kathy 027 4321 353

Belly Dancing

Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran.com.

Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm.

SALSA/Merengue/Bachata and Cha Cha

Contact Molly, events@beatfairy.com

Every Monday from 6.30pm to 7.30pm at Monkey House. $20 per class which includes a drink.

Zumba

Contact Carly, book at www.infinitefitness.nz Wednesdays at 5.30pm at gym for Zumba and Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.45pm, 86a Albert St. Free 7 day trial.

Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling club

Every Wednesday 1.45-4.30pm approx, Cooks Beach Hall. One month free trial (4 times). Contact Coral Strong 021 2303 944.

Dog walking group

Every Thursday at 2.00pm, Lovers Rock, Robinson Road. All breeds and sizes welcome to a very sociable group where great friendships are made. Phone Jenny on 021 186 5797.

Grey Power Mercury Bay Coffee Morning

Meeting 10.30am, Thursday 15 February at the Lost Spring. All members and friends are welcome.

Living Well Within Oneness Meditation Centre

OM Centre focuses on the meditative art of going deeper within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Every Monday, 9.30-11.00am. Further info. text Linda 027 650 4881or email linda_c@orcon.net.nz

Meditation Stress Reduction Circle –Whitianga

Mondays from 7.30-9.00pm at the Embassy of Friendship, 5 Coghill St. More info. Steffen Lindner (Counsellor, Therapist & Mindfulness Facilitator). Ph 022 0853 121 or email steffen@eof.nz

Thursday Evening Meditation Classes

Spiritual, Heart, Soul Development. Sacred Energy, Chakra Activations, Working with Spiritual Guides, Open forum conversation, Thursdays, 6.30pm at Flat 1, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga. Cost is $10. Contact Verna 027 320 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com.

Mercury Bay Athletics

For information contact alana.baker@ bayleyscoromandel.co.nz.

Mercury Bay Badminton Club

Thursdays 5.00pm-7.00pm, 4 courts - All levels welcome with coaching available. At the school gym (adjacent to swimming pool). Mercury Bay Area School. Contact: Steve 027 211 3568

Mercury Bay Badminton

Every Wednesday from 9.00am-11.00am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Social badminton. Casual players and visitors are welcome. Players of all levels, ages 16+. Phone Carol on 027 474 7493 for more information.

Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports Club Cook Drive, Whitianga. Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772.

Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club

Restarted on 7 March. Every Thursday evening, Whitianga Town Hall, 6.45pm. New members and visitors welcome. Phone Cheryl or Alan on 027 452 7887 for more information.

Mercury Bay Community Choir

Mondays 6.15-8.15pm, Music Room Mercury Bay Area School. Inclusive, open, friendly choir – no prior singing experience needed, no auditions.

Contact Kate 027 2709 058 for details.

Mercury Bay Environmental Trust

Every Tuesday and Friday from 9.00am-11.00am, location advised prior. For more information, please email mbenvironmentaltrust@gmail.com or go to www.mbet.co.nz.

Mercury Bay Pickleball Club

Every Tuesday 5.30pm – 7.30pm and every Sunday 4.00pm – 6.00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School gymnasium, Whitianga. Outdoor sessions every Thursday 4.30pm – 6.30pm, Matai Place courts, Matarangi. $5 per session, includes equipment and training. Contact Tony Minto on 021 426 150 for more information.

Mercury Bay Quilters

From 10.00am-4.00pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. 2 Cook Drive (Social Services building). Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016.

Mercury Bay Table Tennis

Every Tuesday, 9.00am – 11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on 07 869 5162 or 027 565 5575 for more information.

Mercury Bay Tennis Club

Social tennis at Lyon Park is on from 6.00pm on Thursdays. All welcome. Ph. Jason - 022 186 7992 or Steve - 021 256 6865.

Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club)

Fourth Monday of every month, 10.00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Joan on 07 866 3801 or 027 275 1372 for more information.

SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated

Learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Sheryll Carruthers on 021 022 62504 or email seniornet.whitianga.admin@gmail.com.

Spiritual Coffee Mornings

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10.30am-11.30am, 19 Monk Street, the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in some great conversation where we talk about topics and subjects that have meaning. Gold coin donation. Contact Verna 027 320 0079.

Strength, Balance and Mobility classes for Seniors – men and women

Every Thursday morning from 10.00am to 11.00am at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. $2.00 per session. Contact Lisa Jury on 027 351 7110 for further information.

Tai Chi for beginners

Town Hall, Mondays 6.00pm-7.00pm. Gold coin donation. Ph. Tony 027 333 5146 for more info.

Tai Do Martial Arts

Town Hall, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 6.00pm7.30pm. Ph. Tony 027 333 5146 for more info.

Whitianga Art Group

Every Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for more information.

Whitianga Bike Park

144 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Open 24/7. Many bike tracks available, picnic areas, barbeques and walking trails. Donations welcome on entry. If you wish to volunteer or for programme enquiries, contact John 027 366 4606.

Whitianga Menz Shed

Open every Tuesday and Thursday, 9.00am – 12.00 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel truck stop. All welcome.

Whitianga Playcentre

Every Tuesday and Friday 9.00am-12.00pm,1F White Street. Contact. whitianga@playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947.

Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor bowls and card games

Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk St, from 1pm-4pm. Join us for a fun time and afternoon tea, 55+ age group. Phone Lionel Lawrence (president) on 027 274 6964 for more info.

Whiti Stitchers

Embroiderers meet every Tuesday at 9.00am start. For more information phone Margaret on 027 7802 744. All levels welcome.

Women’s

Whitianga

Wellbeing

and Weight Loss

Wednesdays 5.00-6.00pm, Room 10, Whitianga

Social Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals, eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information.

Whitianga Gun Club

For information, phone Mike Deverell 0274 959 477 or Graham Sutcliffe on 021 846 655.

Whitianga Community Patrol

Monitors the township and neighbourhood. If interested in volunteering, ph Gary 027 391 3043.

Hahei Contract Bridge Club

Every Tuesday 12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Learners and casual welcome. Contact Don Barry 021 741 959 or Robyn Hogg 021543015.

Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club

Every Wednesday at 1.00pm and every Thursday at 7.00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. For more information, phone Gavin on 07 866 2343 or 021 146 9203.

Tairua Contract Bridge Club

Every Monday at 12.30pm at the Tairua Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726.

Mercury Bay Squash Club

Usually on a Monday night. In recess at present. Several levels offered.

Mercury Bay Model Railway Club

Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650

Greeting Card Making

The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10.00am to 12.00pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up.

Craft Group Meets first Saturday of the month 10.00am-3.00pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Car park end. Work on your own craft (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy mixing with other crafty people. $2 per visit. Any queries phone Marilyn 021 1806 530 or Kim 021 1200 469.

American Muscle Street and Custom Club

Whitianga Club meetings first Sunday of the month, 11.00am at Smitty’s for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

Kim Abrahamson: 07 866 5896 or 027 478 2232

Peter Bould: 021 923 198

Barbara Blair: 07 866 5181 or 021 310 351

Heather Bruce: 021 132 8878 or 07 866 5873

Derek Collier: 07 866 5893 or 027 436 8444

Bess Kingi Edmonds: 022 158 9782

David Harvey: 0274 878 363

Noel Hewlett: 021 177 4852 or 07 866 5115

Patricia Hynds: 021 935 780

Mary Kedzlie: 07 866 4096 or 027 290 4940

SPORTS

Raffle winner ready to jet off to The Masters

The winner of a Kiwi small-town golf club’s incredible raffle has begun packing his bags to enjoy his ‘winnings’ – attending the prestigious Masters championship at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA, which tees off at the beginning of April.

The $50-a-ticket raffle was won by Whangamata golfer Richard Abraham, who will attend the tournament with his wife, Nola.and is fizzing abut what lies ahead.

“I can’t wait,” said an excited Richard who plays regularly at Whangamata Golf Club.

Whangamata Golf Club organised the Masters Golf Raffle last year to raise funds for rebuilding its Titoki course amenities which were ravaged after torrential storms in 2022, and culminating in 2023’s Cyclone Gabrielle inunda-

tion. This future-proofing infrastructure upgrade work includes substantially improving drainage on Titoki’s ‘sister’ ninehole community orientated Williamson course in Central Whangamata.

BE A WINNER OF THE DREAM RAFFLE FOR 2024 – STILL TICKETS LEFT – DON’T MISS OUT

Richard’s dream Augusta trip comes as Whangamata Golf Club makes a final push to sell the last remaining tickets in its 2024 Masters raffle – with the prize doubled in size to this year offer up a trip and tickets for two to The Masters 2025. The ground breaking raffle covers flights, accommodation and a two day pass to The Masters. Because of the monetary value of the prize, the

raffle is licensed by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Raffle tickets this year cost $100 each, and numbers are strictly limited to 2,500 tickets – with anyone able to buy into the lottery, regardless of whether they play golf or not. Ticket sales can be made through the club’s dedicated e-commerce website www.wgcmasters.net, – with the supervised prize draw being made on April 18.

Whangamata Golf Club manager James Beston said: “While all golfers are obviously the key target market for ticket sales, who would turn down the opportunity to accompany their ‘other half’ to North America for a holiday, and to share in the excitement of attending one of the world’s most famous sporting events steeped in history and tradition.”

‘Trip of a lifetime’ raffle winner Richard Abraham with a rules-compliant armless deck chair he’ll be taking to The Masters golf championship in Georgia, USA in April.

STORAGE AVAILABLE

CONTAINER IT SELF STORAGE

17 Moewai Road, Whitianga.

Ph: 0274 817 258

STORAGE SHEDS

Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660

FARRIER AVAILABLE

FARRIER AND HOOF TRIMMING SERVICE

Coromandel/Thames & Whitianga area.

Phone: Tony 027 494 7692

Enquiries

CHURCH SERVICES

GR8 STORAGE, WHITIANGA

Phil - 0273 433023, Car, boat, campervan storage, 20 foot containers available to store your belongings.

HOLISTIC HEALTH

CATTERY

KAIMARAMA CATS

2679 Tairua-Whitianga Road, KAIMARAMA 021 0283 0515

kaimaramacats@gmail.com

GRAZING

ST ANDREW’S BY THE SEA Presby/Methodist Church Albert St Whitianga (Est.1898) COMMUNITY WORSHIP

EVERY SUNDAY 9:30am Come, join us! Bring the family! Parish Secretary: ph 022 132 2061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Everyone Welcome

Sunday 10 am – 12 noon

@ 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga (Community Service Bldg)

Enquiries - 021 113 0566

WINDOW CLEANING

years

Hours 8.15am to 2.45pm

Monday – Friday

Kuaotunu Steiner Kindergarten has spaces becoming available for children aged between 3-6years. Sessions run from 8.15am-2.45pm, Monday to Friday. We ask that children attend a minimum of three days per week.

The Kuaotunu Steiner Kindergarten is situated in the Kuaotunu Village. We have beautiful grounds that are utilised to provide areas for learning, play, gardening and other craft activities for the children. The children also partake in bush kindy and a beach walk once a week.

Please go to https://kuaotunukindergarten.co.nz/enrolment/ or email our office admin@kuaotunukindergarten.co.nz

HOST A STUDENT FROM JAPAN

Evakona Educa�on is looking for short and long-term homestays.

$315/week. Hosts can have 2 students. Short term or long-term hos�ng.

Short term: 1 - 4 weeks

Long term: 2nd April – Mid Dec 2024.

Provide 3 - meals, own room & a caring environment.

Contact: Teresa 0273 059 144

Email: homestay@evakona.co.nz

Football mentor for local clubs appointed

Shane Comber has joined the WaiBOP Football team.

Shane will act as a coordinator and footballing mentor for clubs and schools in the eastern Coromandel Peninsula area – from Whangamata up to Coromandel town.

Based in Whitianga, Shane is very active in his local football community, using his experience, skills and network to help enhance the local game.

“There’s plenty of passion and enthusiasm for football in our area. One of my aims is to support and channel that by being a local point of contact and offering assistance to coaches, administrators and players,” he said.

“Having been a ‘local’ for a while now, I understand the challenges faced by the

game in what is one of the more remote parts of the Waikato – Bay of Plenty region. Hopefully that understanding, along with the support of WaiBOP, will help us organise and grow the game in a way that best works for our area.”

Shane will be well known to many involved in football across the Waikato

and Bay of Plenty region.

As a player, coach, and business owner he has been involved in the game for several decades.

Shane works remotely in Whitianga as Sales Account Manager for Fishing and Leisure NZ also Brand Manager/National Sales Manager for Mitre Sports NZ and Reusch.

Contributions

only

for publication when

number or residential address. Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher. Published by The Mercury Bay Informer Limited.

Editors: Pauline and Stan Stewart (027 271 6182)

Editorial: Jack Biddle, Michelle Dellabarca, Suzanne Hansen, Stephen Holmes, Dorothy Preece, Trevor Ammundsen, Lynette Gee.

Business Manager: Emma Gaunt

Newspaper Layout: Diane Andrew

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Circulation: 9000

Office: 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Telephone (07) 866 2090

Editorial: info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising: sales@theinformer.co.nz

Admin: office@theinformer.co.nz After hours: 027 271 6182 Follow us on social media @theinformernz | ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2023 Mercury Bay Informer Limited

Training and mentoring will be provided.

JOHN HUNT – 1965-2024

Loving

Shane Comber at home in his gymn/mans shed – trophies, team photos, have a prominent place.

Shane points to the football team he’s been supporting.