The Informer - 4th June 2024

10 BONFIRE SEE PAGE 12

BY PAULINE STEWART

Leigh Hopper of Whitianga has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to property development and philanthropy in Mondays King’s Birthday Honours. Leigh is synonymous with Hopper Developments and Hopper Lifestyle.

It is a rare experience when

you can read about a person online or in the paper in your hometown and be able to look out the window of your home or of your car and see the achievements of that person and what they have made possible for others to achieve. This is true for Leigh Hopper. He would say don’t forget those who have gone before him in his family and the people who are now his family

and his team.

However, this is Leigh’s day and his achievement and he is most deserving.

We congratulate him and urge him to keep going.

Leigh Hopper says his proudest achievement continues to be the building of a solid New Zealand-owned legacy brand which is now successfully transitioning to a third family generation.

“Maintaining my involvement at directorship level across the various activities provides me with a great deal of satisfaction,” he said.

Leigh is just 68 and says he has been fortunate enough to be able to support a range of worthy community endeavours and deliver significant public benefit within the developments he had overseen.

Whiti Beach Meet 2025

Saturday, 4 January, 9.00am–3.00pm, Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga

It’s all go now. A permit has been re- secured to use the Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga, to hold a full on car, truck, bike, retro caravan show.

“So, we won’t be limited to the amount of vehicles entering due to loads of room,” says leader of the organising team, Reg Smith.

YOUR SUPPORT PLEASE.

The event asks for your support.

“There are no restrictions on year, model, make or type of vehicle,” says Reg. “If you know anyone that might like to enter their toy, we

encourage you to invite them along.

We also invite car clubs to have their own displays.”

Entry forms available: These can be found on their FB page.

Either email it back to glasspro@ xtra.co.nz or text/call Julie on 0274516406 with your details or post to 87 Tarapatiki Drive, Whitianga 3510. Payments can be direct credited to 0204960126087-000 reference your name.

Event Shirts: The event shirts have higher quality in garment printing that can be pre ordered via

the entry form.

Category prizes: The committee are accumulating a comprehensive spot and category prize pool, so be in to win!!

Sunday, 5 Jan picnic cruise: There is a picnic cruse to Kuaotunu on 5 January for those still around on Sunday.

Entry Fee: $20 after covering costs to run the event

The $20.00 entry fee is to help cover some of the costs to run the event, any surplus funds will be donated to a local charity/cause.

$2 billion export goal for mining

Doubling mining’s export value to $2 billion over the next 10 years is a great goal, says Straterra chief executive, Josie Vidal.

“It is a relief to see the draft strategy announced by the Government that will set clear, and hopefully enduring, policy to allow New Zealand to fully contribute to the global supply chain of minerals that are critical to development and economic growth,” Vidal says. “It will also be good to see the Government

investing in updated geological modelling and resource potential by mapping our mineral resources. For too long there has been insufficient attention given to research and science to give a clear picture of exactly what is sitting under our feet.

“It has been said many times that there will be no energy transition without mined minerals. But that is just one area reliant on mining - technology, medicine, music, aviation, transport, food

production, infrastructure, heating, housing, and almost every other aspect of life can be traced back to mined minerals.

“We can’t expect other countries to supply minerals New Zealand and the rest of the world needs, while we sit on mineral wealth but contribute nothing.

“Unfortunately, we have seen in the debate over the Fast-track Approvals Bill that there is little understanding of the environmental work done by mining

companies, or of what mining on conservation land means.

“The conservation estate is onethird of New Zealand’s land and not every hectare has the same conservation value.

“Mining takes place on just 0.04 percent of that land, and we are not seeking to mine on National Parks or other land listed on Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act.

“Applications to mine on conservation land are considered on

a case-by-case basis, considering environmental measures.

“Consenting conditions require mining companies to restore sites when mining ends. New Zealand has some world leading examples of water treatment and environmental restoration work, leaving areas that can be enjoyed and shared by surrounding communities and visitors.

An excerpt from the report from “Straterra Inc. – minerals for a sustainable future” report 27.5.24

Once again, most of the planets are only visible in the early morning just before

this week with

and Mars on

Jupiter is the brightest followed by Mercury and slightly reddish Mars. However, Saturn can be seen rising after about 1am very low in the east. There will be one Chinese Tiangong and several International Space Station (ISS) passes to enjoy this week but, as usual, timings may change, if they have to be moved to avoid space junk. Always best to check the website heavens-above.com for updated timings.

June 5 – Jupiter lies next to fainter Mercury very low on the eastern pre dawn horizon with a sliver of the Moon above and reddish Mars much higher up and to the left with an ISS pass from 5:59am in the SW and will pass just beside Mars in the NE.

June 6 – New Moon tonight so a great time for viewing fainter things in the sky and there is a low ISS pass from 6:45am in the W.

June 4 – The thin crescent Moon lies roughly half way between Mars and Jupiter which is very low on the pre dawn horizon. The is a good long ISS pass from 6:46am in the SW.

June 7 – We have a short but bright ISS pass from 5:58am in the NW.

June 9 – A thin crescent Moon sits next to Pollux, one of the heads of Gemini, with the other, Castor, not far below it.

June 12 – The Moon lies just next to Regulus, the brightest star in Leo tonight and there will be a long Tiangong pass from 6:43am in the NW.

Grand book signing with Judy Bailey – ‘Evolving’

BY PAULINE STEWART

Judy Bailey and her book, ‘Evolving,’ were the focus of the book signing evening and Q and A held Monday night, 27 May at the Monkey House, Whitianga. ‘Evolving’, a very fine book about finding health and happiness as we age, was the motivation behind this very special night organised by Paper Plus, Whitianga.

The store had received a lot of enquiries about Judy’s book, prompting the owners, Derek and Mabel Murie, to invite Judy as their special guest to a community social evening which would include a book signing and time of questions and answers for the author who remains a national identity. And Judy said yes!

I led the Q and A for The Informer, with Judy being welcomed and introduced to everyone by Mabel Murie and Molly Burke who set up the Monkey House, and hosted the venue for the evening.

There were many questions about the media and Judy’s experience as a national face and voice of TVNZ One News for 19 years as well as about her book, which had

taken three years to research and write.

It was not that Judy was a stranger to this kind of event, as her work in media continues in many areas and her book has already attracted interviews on national television and radio as well as magazine articles.

This event was, in Judy’s ‘home’ community and she admitted to

“being a little nervous.” Towards the close of the question time, Judy described the Coromandel as ‘heaven on earth’.

Of course, being in her early seventies, Judy is definitely different in appearance than when she was presenting the nightly news bulletins which concluded in 2005. She glowed with vitality, attractiveness, and compassion

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“The

most beautiful thing a person can wear is confidence.”

Blake Lively, Actor

and the wisdom in her responses about life and ageing was edged with confidence and vulnerability.

Over a hundred people were present, no room for any more; a good mix of ages and of men and women with a variety of questions forthcoming. People asked about coping with big unplanned changes, and the grief that confronts when you lose a job and vocation, and how to build a different life. Judy spoke directly, openly – there was common ground to share, including those a lot younger – busy with parenting and full-time professional careers.

One of the key points Judy addressed during the evening and that figures large in her book, was that the way we live in our 40s and 50s is a key indicator of how we will cope with living when we are in our seventies and eighties.

She gave comprehensive responses and referred people to her book where there are learn-

ings and practical accounts from experienced practitioners of what does work for people.

It was an inspiring evening for everyone who came and the Filipino people, led by the Paper Plus owners, provided a beautiful array of nibbles and snacks and every detail of hospitality for the evening was attended to with care.

Judy’s work with the Brianwave Trust was mentioned during the evening and is briefly described in the book – the power of nurturing relationships in forming happy, meaningful lives – but that’s a subject for another event or a workshop.

Memorable quote: “The most beautiful thing a person can wear is confidence.” Blake Lively, Actor. „ Judy Bailey’s book is available from Paper Plus, Whitianga. Cost: $40.

Judy Bailey with Maddie Johnson, Kaspar Franke and Molly Burke with their signed books following the Q&A and book signing evening at The Monkey House.

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Tender Tuesdays At the Tav 200g Sirloin Steak, eggs and chips! $19 Available All Day!

Anzac Day commemorations have passed for another year, but a one-man play from well-known NZ actor Mark Wright is about to remind local audiences what the spirit of Anzac is all about.

Mark, who has appeared in numerous stage productions, is perhaps best known for his TV work with the likes of Billy T. James and McPhail and Gadsby. He wrote his one man play, Voices From Gallipoli, after being inspired by a trip to the Gallipoli Peninsula in 2014 on the eve of the 100th commemoration of the landings.

It was part of a TVNZ documentary he was fronting titled, “Our sons”

Mark says, “It fulfilled a lifelong dream of mine but also proved to be a life changing experience.”

Members of Mark’s family had suffered tragedy and injury in the First World War.

Voices from Gallipoli has since played in a number of towns, it is magnificently performed, poignant and inspiring.

„ Voices From Gallipoli - Tickets at Eventfinda or at the Monkey House venue.

KIWI MUSIC PARTY

The first of two great music nights at the Mercury Bay Club

Both events are organised by local, Roger Smith and a team who love dance and music.

Kiwi music party is the first – great music for dance and songs people know and can sing along to – Saturday 15 June, at 7.00pm. Entry $20

“No one has to dress in theme,” says Roger. “It’s not the night for blue singlet and gum boots, but you can dress in theme if you want. This is a night of Kiwi party music, guitar playing and singing songs. There is a segment of open mic as well; if someone wants to get up and song a song they can, as long as they are prepared and know their song,” adds Roger.

This Kiwi music night finishes when the last person walks out the doors. A very fine menu at Mercury Bay Club provides meals from 5.00pm.

Cabaret – a variety show – Saturday 20 July exactly 7.33pm

Yes, that is the time the Cabaret is set to start.

“Some will come a bit later but it is going to start at exactly 7.33pm,” says Roger Simpson, organiser.

“So don’t be late, as there are going to be a few surprises.”

It will be a floor show of excellent music – in song and in dance. More details in future issues.

Mince & cheese

Mark Wright performing Voices of Gallipoli.

WHITIANGA LIONS CLUB ART EXPO 2024 – A WONDERFUL SHOW

This was clearly the best Whitianga Lions Club’s Art Expo yet – more variety and with a new feature, the Youth Exhibition, the Town Hall was a-buzz over the three-day holiday. The project manager for the Whitianga Lions, Mike Brown, said his club was well delighted with the results of their effort.

Friday evening opening was a grand affair. Nibbles and drinks provided a warm welcome for the opening night crowd. A feeling of positivity and goodwill filled the air.

There were 585 individual

King’s Birthday Weekend 2024 More art – More people

exhibits. The art varied from trinkets at $5 to art pieces well over $500. This year an added feature was the exhibition of youth art which was part of a Secondary Schools Art Competition sponsored by the Art Expo.

At 6.30pm the winners of this competition were announced.

The largest number of entries came from Whangamata Area School though MBAS entries were close behind. First place went to Rin Otsubu, Whangamata Area School for her acrylic painting,

Thames District Council for providing the premises at a reduced rental.

The Informer and the town wish to thank the Lions Club members for giving their time over this past weekend to make this Expo possible. Well done, men and women of Whitianga Lions.

EUAN STEWART

Euan, 17 years and a Year 12 student at MBAS, is very keen on aerial photography.

He is pleased to have earned third place in the art competition.

‘Beach Hop Mania’. Second place was a beautiful oceanside photograph by Liam Roger, Mercury Bay Area School (MBAS), and third place went to Euan Stewart, MBAS, for his Aerial Summertime View.

Jenny Cotterell, judge of the competition, spoke of the high level of artistry and the variety of mediums in the entries. This aspect was definitely a success and will be included in future expos.

Whitianga Lions Club wishes to thank all the sponsors for their support. Thanks also go to the

“I am aiming to be able to capture moments and different dimensions of scenes in my aerial photography. It is not easy but I’m learning all the time about photography and videography.

Euan explains that the videos he makes are relatively simple but he is slowly getting more skilled.

“There is a lot of planning and considerations involved when you go out with your drone. First there is the weather to consider; property access is first and then, is it a controlled air space? If there

are people involved – how to get appropriate permission, and then on the day at the actual site, there are decisions to make. Nothing is exactly as you plan.

I like landscapes but I am willing to explore other styles.

Euan has recently applied for a Drone Operators certificate. “You need this to operate within 4km of an aerodrome or airport.” He is doing the theory aspect which is quite involved. As part of his study at MBAS, Euan enjoys the Plane Build programme and intends to study some form of engineering when he is finished at college. Aerospace engineering is on his mind.

Bookshelf dioramas, artist Louise Green of The Time Travelling Fairy; left, Rin Otsubu, first place winner with Beach Hop Mania; far left, Liam Roger’s oceanside photo, 2nd place; Euan Stewart, right, 3rd place winner;

Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute

Fantastic

night at Mercury Bay Club

The bands title is Born On The Bayou and their fame is the performing of the songs, lyrics and spirit of the original Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Bayou played song after song exhaustively –great performance by all five – their rock jazz improvisations were exceptional – lead vocalist and guitarist, lead guitarist and vocal backup, keyboard plus guitar duet, bass guitarist, drummer and percussionist comprised this excellent band. Tom Fogarty would be pleased.

Over 180 tickets were sold; the dance floor had never been so full. Mercury Bay Club got it right. The crowd didn’t want the night to finish.

National Day of Activation 30 May

–

Whitianga’s

All around New Zealand last Thursday, 30 May, there were protest marches against this years Coalition Budget. These took place earlier in the day before the budget was announced.

Whitianga had its own protest march headed by Madeline Johnson. It was a peaceful early morning march, around 60 people of all ages making a strong statement that they were joining other protests across the country. A megaphone was passed to Maori community leaders who made brief speeches of concern and thanked everyone who had

own Activation Day

attended. Some of their number were able to go to Thames to join the protest organised there later that day.

The platform for the protest was that there is a lot of unhappiness with the current government and Budget Day was a relevant opportunity to protest.

THE MAIN POINTS OF PROTEST ARE:

„ Fast Track Bill - grants powers to three ministers to approve infrastructure and development projects ministers without the normal process of public consultation.

„ Repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 Maori children are more likely to be put in care – making care for children accessible and appropriate.

„ Disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ors (TAWO) established to give Māori equitable or more appropriate health care.

„ Repeal of the Smoking Bill and the greater impact on Māori due to their higher smoking rates. Everyone who participated in this national Activation Day would be of the same mind that these bills passed by the government and decisisons against which they are protesting, if con-

tinued, are more harmful to Maori and Maori Culture and therefore to New Zealand society.

FURTHER PROTEST AGAINST THE FAST TRACK BILL IN AUCKLAND 8 JUNE

Forest & Bird, Greenpeace, Communities Against Fast Track (CAFT), Coromandel Watchdog, WWF-New Zealand, and Kiwis Against Seabed Mining have announced a ‘March for Nature’ June 8 down Queen Street in Auckland to protest the FastTrack Approvals Bill and the coalition Government’s “War on Nature”.

Forest & Bird

CEO Nicola Toki says, “Along with the climate crisis, the world faces a biodiversity crisis, and New Zealand is already ground zero with the highest rate of species extinction in the world. Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki spokesperson Catherine Delahunty says, “The Fast Track Bill is a direct attack on the forests, mountains, waters and communities of the beautiful Hauraki Coromandel..”

Buses organised by Coromandel Watchdog from Thames, leaving 10.00am, Saturday, 8 June from Thames War Memorial Civic Centre. Book please.

Kids have fun through manufacturing and selling

Over the last three months Rubylee, 9 years, and brother Jayde, almost 8 years, with the help of friends, have been manufacturing and selling jewellery and novelties.

Funded and assisted by Grandmother Julie Johnstone, they have created their own small business. I stumbled on this enterprise at a Saturday morning Whiti Citi Market where they had a stall. This led to a welcome into their manufacturing space.

It was Gran Julie’s recuperation from lung cancer that is the beginning of this story. She needed something to fill in the long, slow days of recovery. That’s when she discovered Temu.

Temu is an e-commerce company, based in the US that markets online an amazing number and variety of goods from all over the world. You could say they sell everything. Julie ordered sheets of bright coloured items which, when joined to other Temu items, could be made into jewellery.

Rubylee and Jayde were immediately hooked. They started putting together the sparkling bits to make bright and beautiful jewellery, necklaces, bangles, broaches, clothing and shoe decorations and so on.

Their manufacturing sessions would go on for hours. The enthusiasm was infectious. Nana (grandmother 2), Krystal, Shania and other friends lent a hand. On one occasion the manufacturing proceeded on the floor of the church. In

this way, with the help of all these people, the stockpile of product grew.

The next step was selling. This involved deciding on a fair price and facing the public. For the youngsters, this has also been a crash course in handling money, bargaining and making change. From designing, manufacturing and selling, they have learnt so much.

“It’s been a wonderful adventure for all of us,” Julie says. “Who would have thought that such a time of family fun and sharing with friends would have come from my time of convalescence”?

„ Like to know more: Julie Johnstone 027 2106302.

Reflecting back in time

Well-known Whitianga local, Peter Grant, has fond memories of The Whitanga Hotel. He has been frequenting the hotel since the 1970s. He remembers the days when Whitianga was pretty much a holiday town and you could always find The Whitianga Hotel packed to the rafters on New Year’s Eve, with holiday makers singing along with guitars and enjoying a good time. Even the local constabulary standing outside the door, amicably keeping an eye on things, enjoyed the festivities.

Those days were remembered for having a few drinks at the pub, buying a few roadies from the wholesale next door and walking home, calling into the houses of a few mates all the way home. “When the garden bar was too busy, some guys were known to buy crates from the wholesale and throw

them over the fence to save waiting in the queue,” says Peter.

Peter remembers the older patrons of The Whitianga Hotel who claimed their regular Friday evening corner spot over the years, a piece of bar real estate that was out of bounds for all others. Those who trespassed were soon moved on.

There was also a corner outside which was favoured among a group of older regulars. The corner was nicknamed “Twentymans Corner,” after the

highly-regarded Coromandel funeral business. It was later renamed the “Departure Lounge” and a sign was erected. The sign was eventually taken town after the passing of one of those regulars, who probably would have appreciated the irony. „ The Whitianga Hotel is closed at this present time, undergoing quite major renovation work. The Informer had prepared an updated report on what is happening, which cannot be published yet but will be in the near future.

Jayde, Rubylee and Julie Johnstone.

The early Whitianga Hotel (top photo), and the photo above was taken just last week.

John Bertrand Collectables Buying in the Coromandel Region

This Coming Sunday and Monday

Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Limited are visiting the Coromandel Region this coming Sunday and Monday. Mr Tony Grant from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in”. “Sunday and Monday will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant. Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables.

“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant.

“Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said. The buyers will be in convenient locations in the Coromandel Region this coming Sunday and Monday (see details below). As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.”

Gold & Silver At Near Record

Prices

During these uncertain times

we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.

Interesting Small Collectables Wanted

The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting the Coromandel Region this coming Sunday and Monday, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.

“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company.

“We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

E arly New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue. Mr Grant is in the Coromandel Region this coming Sunday and Monday on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One

Pound banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before. Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant. Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.

Collectors Need War Medals

Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.

Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity

Do you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to “bring them in and let us have a look”. “No need to sort anything out just bring them in ‘as is’ and please don’t clean them! We can go through coin accumulations and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 10 times their face value (more for quantity). “In any event we will buy All Coins,” said Mr Grant.

Mr Anthony (Tony)

Catalogue

THROUGH THE PORTAL

The greatest of all time

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

It was quite sad to hear of Sid Going’s passing recently, at the age of 80. Sid was the nation’s top rugby halfback at the end of the sixties through to the late seventies, playing for the All Blacks over 10 years and Maori All Blacks over 12 years.

He was “the man” to us young fellas at that time because of the way he played the game – innovative, strong and very quick to spot an opportunity. Was he our greatest half back of all time? Technically he would not be. Aaron Smith would probably take that crown, but he would be close and in terms of entertainment value, I think he would be top of the tree.

Musing on this one day, I gave myself a challenge of picking the greatest Maori All Black team from the era beginning in the late sixties when I started watching rugby at the higher levels. The reason I decided on Maori All Blacks rather than the full All Blacks was that I wanted to see if the other Going brothers would

make it because the three of them together were often quite amazing to watch.

So, this week’s article is the first part of my team, the backs. Forwards will be covered in another article. I’m sure there will be those that disagree with some picks and that’s fine. This is not an exact science.

Fullback – I am picking from players who were playing since I started taking an

interest in Rugby, hence players such as the great George Nepia miss out. This made the selection at full back quite easy. Christian Cullen (2003) was possibly the most potent running full back the world has ever seen and deserves this spot.

Wings – A number of options here but in the end I went for two consistent finishers who were also good defensively. Rico Gear (2002 to 2005) and Cory Jane (2006) took these spots.

Midfield – To me, the two midfield positions of Centre and Second Five go together, a team within a team. This means fine players such as Bill Osborne miss out because the midfield partnership they formed was not with another Maori player. The standout midfield combination in my eyes was Arthur Stone (1982 to 1983) at Centre and Steve Pokere (1981 to 1987) playing inside him.

First Five – Everybody will have an opinion for this position. The most popular one will be for Carlos Spencer although I also admired Eddie

Dunn. Every team needs a reliable goal kicker however, so my pick is Frano Botica (1985 to 1989), great goal kicker, fine runner with the ball and good controller of a game. Perhaps not quite the same level of erratic genius Carlos offered, but with my Half Back pick, you needed a first five who could calmly tidy things up a bit.

Halfback – You knew I was going to pick Sid Going (1965 to 1977) so I will not let you down. Unfortunate to miss out would be Aaron Smith. Ken and Brian Going couldn’t make my team but Sid was entertaining without them. For young ones, get on You Tube and search for Going Brothers Rugby and you should be able to see a few of their moves. Well, that’s the first part of my team. I am sure others will have their picks which is understandable. There are a lot of talented players to pick from. The career of these players as Maori All Blacks is shown by the numbers in the brackets. All of them also played for the full All Blacks at some stage in their career.

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Sid Going

Night Alight revelry at TOP 10 Hot Water Beach

BY PAULINE STEWART

“How did you come to stay at the TOP 10 at Hot Water Beach?” That was my question of the three guests I met – Peter, Karen and Thibaut. I assumed they had heard about the Night Alight festival weekend.

Peter replied,” We did not know about Night Alight until we arrived. We are from Auckland, and we met some people in Paihia who were from Puerto Rico and they enthusiastically recommended that we come to TOP 10 at Hot Water Beach and ask for Dean and Toya.” So we did.

“I’m from France and they passed on that recommendation to me,” said Thibaut. “So I came too!”

Another was a grandmother from Australia who had come to spend time with her extended family and this was their special treat for her.

Two young woman who work in Whitianga had brought their children to enjoy the excitement of the fire and the night outdoors.

The evening sky was so very clear and no wind meant just the right touch for a perfect night’s weather.

Everyone, I spoke to loved and appreciated the special effort that the owners of TOP 10 had gone to.

People love staying at the TOP 10 Holiday Park on any weekend and for their summer holidays. Comfort, great facilities, attractions and adventure mix well here.

But for a weekend in the cool of winter – King’s Birthday Long Weekend – to add a huge bonfire, a full pop music band, face painting and balloons, decorated and festive lit units, caravans and mobile homes; it is just the best event for

families.

Wherever you looked, it made for a festival light hearted atmosphere in the most beautiful setting just a few kilometres from Cathedral Cove and a such a short walk to the warm thermal waters of Hot Water Beach.

A great night out for that community of over 300 from all over the world. This is an event sure to be repeated.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ABOUT ROVER’S LETTER

I was lucky to have my letter in The Informer in October last year. It was not only words, but also a photo of me, so everyone recognised me when out walking. Rover – so many people and dogs are wondering who you are. Please try to get a photo in the great Informer – especially for me to be informed.

I really want to know which dog you are because we seem to have a lot in common.

Cruze

THE VALUES DEBATE

In a Letter to the Editor (“Incorrect Re our Residents and Ratepayers”, 28 May), the writers state that they are distressed and disturbed to have been (in their view) wrongly associated (Editorial, The Informer, 21 May) with key goals as expressed by the ‘Alliance’ because these do not align with their values.

This is not only with their personal values but with the values of ‘their’ community (I assume, Kuaotunu, since the letter states that KRRA have withdrawn support of the Alliance).

In the letter, The Informer is being blamed of being strongly biased against the Council which caused the alleged ‘incorrect reporting’. The Informer has an excellent record of providing a voice for diverse views and probability is high that there would have been some miscommunication between parties. People call

out bias when they do not see their views and values reflected. It would be interesting to see whether the same people would call our ‘Mainstream Media’ biased for distributing disinformation; maybe not so much.

It is hard to see how the letter writers’ emotive reaction, to the Alliance’s down to earth requests from the Council, will be conducive to allow for an educated and civilized debate about values.

The values debate on local government level has become more heated and political ever since the previous to current government repealed section 11A, “Core services to be considered in performing role” (Local Government Act 2002 amended in May 2019 by the Local Government (Community Well-being) Amendment Act 2019) introducing sweeping changes in line with the political flavour of the day.

These changes have opened the door for wide reaching interpretations with respect to the scope of local government activities. Councils can now, much more easily and legitimately, implement their political ‘values’.

During a time when many of us feel the economic squeeze, it would appear that asking the Council for financial prudence by focusing on ‘core services’ to keep the rates down, would go a long way to achieve overall ‘community-wellbeing’. Maybe some members of ‘our’ community might agree with that?

Disclosure: I am neither affiliated with any political party, not the Alliance nor the KRRA.

Elisabeth Resl, Kuaotunu

CORRUPTION WITH FAST TRACK BILL

I see Trevor Ammundsen did not take up the offer to expose potential corruption arising from the Coalition government’s FastTrack law. Never mind, Trevor has a fresh Fast Track corruption scandal to take up in his column.

This latest one involves a NZ First donor submitting amendments to directly benefit that donor in a legal dispute.

J Swap Company wants to quarry land protected in perpetuity under QEII covenants. The company is locked in a long-running court battle to access this protected land and has lost at every stage. They donated $11,000 to NZ First after the election, $5,000 to NZ First’s Shane Jones in August 2023, and $3,000 to National’s David MacLeod (former select committee chair hearing submissions on the Fast Track Bill) in September 2023.

Interfering with QEII covenants is a gross overreach into private property rights, so you’d expect the ACT Party to protest. But silence. This fiasco illustrates the inherent corruption in the fasttrack law.

Looking forward to Trevor’s next column calling for this awful law to be tossed into the garbage bin. Because if not, we’ll need a specialised Anti-Corruption Commission to clean up this mess.

Paul Sommerville, Tairua

NO TO INTEGRATION

OR BLENDING

Kia ora. I sincerely hope that Trevor Ammundsen’s views, What we need is a great big melting pot, 21 May, does not reflect the views of our wider community. His suggestion that we need to do away with barriers of geography, ethnicity and class that prevent peaceful co-existence. He calls this process blending but once upon a time it was called integration. I am mindful of the words of former Prime Minister Norman Kirk:

“The idea of one people grew out of the days when fashionable folk talked about integration… integration is precisely what cats do to mice. They integrate them. The majority swallows up the minority, makes it sacrifice its culture and traditions and often

its belongings to conform to the traditions and culture of the majority… We are one nation in which all have equal rights, but we are two peoples and in no circumstances should we by any law or Act demand that any part of the New Zealand community should have to give up its inheritance, its culture, or its identity to play its part in this nation. Norman Kirk, Prime Minister, 1974.

I am proud of my Maori heritage, its culture, its language, and its place in our society. That was forcibly brought home to me at the opening last year of the new, NZ War Memorial Museum in Le Quesnoy, France which I attended as a former Trustee. The locals made it clear to me that they were disappointed the original intention to build a wharenui on the site had not been carried through. They were inordinately proud of their link with this country and wanted elements of Maori culture to distinguish “their” museum from the other Commonwealth war memorials – to make it special.

Indeed, as we all know, it is Maori culture that differentiates us from our mates across the ditch. For example, when local French school kids demonstrated their skill at the haka to me! Les All Blacks fans even at that age! What do our young people travelling around the world wear to reflect their national origins? A greenstone or bone pendant in many cases.

His analysis of the Waitangi Tribunal vis a vis Maori Wards is also misplaced. The Waitangi Tribunal does not initiate complaints about breaches of Treaty principles; they respond to concerns raised with them by the community. The current governments proposal to send the question of Maori wards to referendum without consultation with those affected is such a breach. It is not just land issues that concern the Tribunal. No. There are a

whole raft of matters that are of concern. Government wind back of Maori health initiatives where the disconcerting stats are clearly shouting “the system is not working” is an example.

I suggest to Trevor Ammundsen that rather than seeking for a blending, he instead actively embraces the Maori elements in our world - after all, they belong to him too. Vive l’difference!

Buddy Mikaere,

Manaia

ACCENT THE POSITIVES –NEGATE THE NEGATIVE

I believe that as a country we must, as New Zealand citizens, work with the positives but first the negatives need to be called out for what they are. The negatives persist throughout the media at present. I have listed some negative issues that are currently circulating throughout the media channels and then I have countered these with views on accenting the positive.

Negatives:

• Bullying at school

• Total Reliance on internet, smart phones, devices.

• Lack of discipline and self discipline

• Gang warfare

• Racial tension

• Lack of education

Positives:

• Return to basic education

• Reduce use of mobile phones, devices.

• Don’t make it a cashless society.

• Encourage charter schools.

• Make Social Investment bonds local (Government backed).

• Get tougher on crime – no exceptions.

• Encourage discussion and service groups

• Support the Government. I could go on and on but point out some aspects of our community life and hope that to survive we must take cognisance of the philosophy to Accent the Positive and Negate the Negative.

Noel S. Hewlett, Whitianga

STAN’S STUFF

A shrink-wrap world to consider

It’s not going to happen – It has

BY STAN STEWART

n the coal mining town

II lived in, there were three hostels for men. The up-market one was the Staff Mess. I lived in one of the workers hostels, but on weekends I could visit the Staff Mess. It seemed to me that the engineers and accountants who lived in the Staff Mess had two major interests. One was scantily clad girls with big boobs whose pictures adorned the doors of their rooms. The other was classical music.

At one time, the men in the dorm were obsessed with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. At its climax this piece includes a volley of cannon fire. My friends were fixated on hearing the cannon volley with absolute, gut-shaking realism.

To achieve this resonance, they fixed large cone speakers into solid wooden surrounds. In pursuit of this music-you-can-feel goal, one of the residents installed huge speakers into a huge box he lined with concrete.

These days I listen to classical music on my iPhone. I’ve seen an iPhone without its case and there is nothing inside that looks slightly like a speaker.

My previous understanding of how music is replayed through electronic devices is obviously well out of date. Monstrous wooden boxes

are being replaced by pocket-sized tiles. That’s true with a myriad of other developments.

Truthfully, I have trouble keeping up with the changes in the world, the wider world, and my world. But I keep going to the trouble of trying to keep up and understand.

I know a family in Australia who have phone contact with their relatives in Asia for at least two hours every day. They prop their phone up on the kitchen bench and go about their chores shouting towards the phone as they move around. Their loved two-year-old grandson in Asia does the same. I think he believes his relatives are next door. But the cousin and aunty he is talking to are 5000 kilometres away. This miraculous communication costs them nothing. It is free. And what’s next? AI (Artificial intelligence) bears down on us with the speed of a bullet train.

The Coromandel is no longer a quiet, hideaway. Like it or not, we are part of this shrink-wrapped world. The people of the world are on our devices, just waiting for us to pick up. Certainly, we can choose to live without devices, but this is a choice most of us won’t make.

I think of our young Scottish friend now living on the Coromandel. She tells me that she now has more contact with her family scat-

tered across the British Isles than she had when she was living in the UK. This is good and bad. Now she finds herself embroiled in family disputes from which she would have ben insulated with the long distances. Her world, our world, has been shrinkwrapped.

In this shrink-wrapped world, the number of grumpy and hostile people seems to be increasing. It’s noticeable here in beautiful New Zealand and nightly news shows us angry people from around the world. Many are in tragic circumstances, but quite a few are simply on-the-street clips of persons sounding off about this and that. Social media is an expanded platform for grumpy, angry people to use, – and they do. I have heard movers and shakers of public opinion say the situation is getting worse. The ones they find most annoying are from people who insist on being ‘anonymous”. One news person told me, ‘I just hang up on anonymous callers’.

So here we are in 2024. This is our shrink-wrapped world. What do we do? Step aside and let the negative shouters have their way?

My mind’s been circling back to a small poem attributed to Mother Teresa.

I note that this is disputed but for me, what is beyond dispute is the truth of these words.

happened already

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of sel�ish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you �ind serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the �inal analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

*Reputably –

This poem was found written on the wall in Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta.

Mother Teresa

A2B Signs– new owner and new premises

Lara Herbert has brought her 26 years of skills in screen printing, signage, logos, all kinds of designs, to Whitianga and the Coromandel Peninsula, as the relatively new owner of A2B Signs –Design and Print. Lara purchased the business late last year.

Lara and her partner, Warren, come from Rotorua, but they are not strangers to the area having holidayed at Otautu Bay near Colville for the last 15 years.

“Where I worked in Rotorua in this field, my work was more automotive based,” says Lara.

“It was very busy, and I never dreamed I would leave my job because I loved it. But when we saw tis opportunity, we thought, ‘why not?’ It is different, but yet it’s the same. Rotorua is a very different environment to Whitianga. We feel at home here.

“I still love my motor sports,” says Lara.

“I do a lot of voluntary official work for MotorSport NZ.

I am a Motor Sport NZ Steward and Licence examiner, the licences for motor sport have a more to do with safety regulations and rules. The major part is with Rally Sport which is on

gravel. I do the organising; I am not a driver,” she smiles.

“Warren is actually a car painter, but now works as a Technical Rep/Business Development for a Paint supplier but he helps me out when I bring work home which is quite often,” she says.

Lara and Warren love it here. “We love fishing, and we love the people. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming.”

Lara explains, “One day I was delivering signs to the Whangamatā just beforeBeach Hop and I stopped on Pumpkin Hill to check the trailer as they

were big signs. Someone from the council (TCDC) had driven past and stopped a little further on and called me to see if I was okay. That person wasn’t on duty, but had got to know her through doing a few jobs for her but she was checking to see I was safe and the vehicle was okay. That meant a lot and it has been indicative of how we have been received here.”

“That’s how we will receive people too”, says Lara. “Our welcome and our standard of service will create nothing but the highest quality products based on our customers’

requirements, and we do it New Zealand wide, whether they be for business, personal or anything in between.”

Lara hopes the Coromandel rally will come back. ‘Rally New Zealand have talking about bringing it back. That’s something I would love to see and can help with.”

Lara and Jorja are the A2B Signs team - a lot of graphic design work gets done here - in large and small signs, indoor and outdoor, clothing and caps. Lara explained that Jorja was away on holiday, but that the machines are never idle. Recently Lara obtained a new one, all set up in their new premises.

That is one detail Lara is keen to point out. A2B Signs are no longer in Monk Street, nor are they around the back of Monk Street. They are in a new place in Whitianga township, just around the corner on Mary Street adjacent to Worthy Glass and Windows (There is no sign to mark Mary Street).

For the King’s Birthday weekend, Lara and Warren were off to Otautu Bay to do some fishing and relaxing. Their website: a2bsigns. co.nz. Email: standout@ a2bsigns.co.nz

NEWSBITES....

COMMUNITY INVITATION TO

FILIPINO INDEPENDENCE DAY

CELEBRATION

June 12 is an important day in the Philippines. It is the day commemorating the declaration of Philippine’s independence “ Araw ng Kalayaan” from Spain in 1898. Since then, the Philippines as a nation has celebrated that day every year.

Our Filipino people in Mercury Bay have got together and we are proud to invite you to our Independence Day celebration with our community here on the Coromandel. Saturday, 8 June at 5.00pm in Whitianga Town Hall. We will share our cultural dance and music from different parts of the Philippines (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao). It is a pot luck dinner for everyone, and you are invited to bring your own favourite or specialty dish. Come and join the fun – bring a little money for raffle tickets.

Hope to see you there!

Marissa Tolon, Whitianga Filipino Society mariz_tolon@yahoo.com

NEVER MARRIED DATING

www.nevermarrieddating.com

Never Married Dating App – a dating platform for people who have never been married before, has now officially launched. It is a comprehensive, user-friendly dating website, offering mobile phone users a new way to find love online and it is now available to download from the Amazon app store.

Never Married Dating is the ultimate guide for single never married people in their search for love. The creator of this app said: “Never Married Dating understands the inundation of options in the dating app market can make it challenging for users to choose the right application. We want to help single never married people find love and happiness.”

DESIGN, PRINT & CLOTHING

or

Campbell and Mary

07 866 0545

Lara Herbert is at home in her new A2B Signs premises

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 MondaySaturday from 10.00am-2.00pm.

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

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

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

MONTHLY

AA Driver Licensing

Friday 14 June and Monday 24 June. In the Mercury Bay Service Centre Community Board Room in Monk Street (behind the council offices). 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.

Mercury Bay Shooting Federation

Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. For more info mbsfsecretary@gmail.com.

FORTNIGHTLY

Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc

We meet bi-monthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737.

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.

Mercury Bay Lions Club

New members are welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. Phone Barb 0274 075 268.

Whitianga Tramping Group

Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 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! 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 DANCING

Argentine Tango Dance Class Fridays, Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prior experience or partner necessary. Text Sergio for questions 027 410 2454

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 Tuesdays, beginners 11.15am-12.15pm; seniors

12.30-2.30pm; Thursdays, absolute beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, improvers 12.45-2.45pm. 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.

Boys Brigade

An adventure, activity, and values based ministry for boys. For boys aged 5-13 years old. Tuesdays 5.30pm-7pm For more information contact Robyn 020 409 39674.

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.

Cooks Beach Table Tennis

Every Thursday night. Juniors 6-7pm $2pp/ night; Seniors 7-9pm $5pp/night. Cooks Beach Community Centre. Players of all levels welcome. Contact Leanne Barnes 021 468 533.

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.

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

Meditation Classes – Thursday Evening

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

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 4.00pm-6.00pm and Sunday 9.0011.00am weather dependant, Matai Place courts, Matarangi. Equipment and training provided. Contact Tony Minto on 021 426 150.

Mercury Bay Quilters

From 10.00am-4.00pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. 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. Ph Anne on 07 869 5162 or 027 565 5575 for more info.

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 – 022 378 0648.

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

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 Wellbeing and Weight Loss

Whitianga

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. 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

Patricia Hynds: 021 935 780

Mary Kedzlie: 07 866 4096 or 027 290 4940

NORTH ISLAND SECONDARY SCHOOL TWO-DAY HORSE TRIAL

On 17 May, Lexi Ford and Ella Simpson left for Taupo with their horses to represent Mercury Bay Area School in the annual North Island Secondary School 2 Day Horse Trial.

Both girls rode really well finishing in the top 10 of their classes. Key achievements for the girls were Lexi achieving her best eventing dressage test to date, and Ella with a Clear Show jumping round in the Indoor Arena and both girls completing the tough Cross Country Course coming home safely which proved quite difficult for a lot of the other riders and horses. Huge thanks to the parents for the help and their support with getting the girls to and from the event.

MERCURY BAY PICKLE BALL CLUB

Q2 League Competition

Tuesday, 21 May Round 5 and 6 - 1, Hakan; 2, Dan; 3, Justin. Tuesday, 28, May Round 7 and 8 -1, Hakan; 2, Jim; 3, Dan.

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

Fourth Round Tairua Pairs, Monday, 27 May.

North/South: 1= Celia Young and Nolene Kirkpatrick 55.24; 1 = Doreen Wernham and Tony White; 3, Sonia Botica and Diny Naus 52.86.

East/West: 1, Jocelyn Taylor and David Wilkinson 66.67; 2, Peter Clark and Liz Young 52.78; 3= Chris Death and Kim van Diepen 48.89; 3= Robyn Waters and Sue

Poland 48.89; 3 = Denise Knutson and Lee Hughes 48.89.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Hahei Beach Pairs Week Four

Tuesday, 28 May

North/South: 1, Dave Dylla and Peter Clark 58.50; 2, Alison Tichbon and Robyn Waters 56.0; 3, Robyn and Peter Hogg 50.0.

East/West: 1, Anne Knowles and Myra Hoogwerf 57.0; 2, Carol Henwood and Lee Hughes 56.0; 3, Sheryll Roberts and Jean Myles 51.0.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday, 29 May

Best of three frames: Eight players and only Ian Baumgren and Brian Codyre with two straight wins to meet in the final frame. This was a great close match with Ian grabbing the win on the pink. With two wins Brian Codyre (runner-up), Greg Murphy, Doug Pascoe and Wayne Malcolm who achieved the highest break by potting all the colours and will get his silver star on the 27 Club Board.

Saturday, 1 June

Best of three frames: 10 players and it was Jason Smith, Greg Murphy and Wayne Malcolm to challenge the finals. Wayne Malcolm drew the bye and Jason and Greg battled out the semifinal with a very close win to Greg who carried on meeting Wayne in the final round. A great match this was with Wayne snatching the win and the cash prize. Greg Murphy was runner-up and with two wins Jason Smith, Doug Pascoe and Phil Jones. Highest break 20 was achieved by Doug Pascoe and Peter Schultz.

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS

22 players this week, so doubles 501 were played. Good to see some new players with one of them in the winning team. Only one team went through unbeaten in all four sets and they were John McGregor and Frano Allison. Highest finish this week for the men was 78, scored by Greg Healy. None of the ladies had a finish of over 50 this week. No 180’s scored this week.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Thursday, 30 May

Winners: Wayne McNeill and Ian Mitchell; Runners-up: Ian Sanderson, Bev McAllister and Glynne Jackson; Good Sports: Cheryl Henderson and Heather Walker.

THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB

Monday 27 May – 9 Hole Haggle Men – Stableford 1, Rob Fisken; 2, Paul Dixon; 3, Steve Airey. Ladies Russian Roulette –Stableford Tues 28 May

Winning Team: Pip Perry and Ruth Fisken

Tony Cotton Memorial Shootout 18 Hole – Net

Thursday 30 May

1, Brian Tomlinson; 2, Chris Palmer; 3, Paul Melloy; 4, John Rydwanski; 5, Tony De Coek; 6, Tracey Mulligan.

Nearest the Pin: Glen LeLievre

Twos: David Gaskell, Chris Palmer.

Nine-hole Men – Par 3 Comp

Stableford – Thursday 30 May

1, Rob Fisken; 2, Noel Rogers; 3, Rey Bertling.

Eighteen-hole Ladies Shootout

Qualifier – Stableford

Thursday 30 May

1, Sandra Bowen; 2, Brenda Riggs; 3, Noeleen Mulligan.

PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Nine-hole Stableford and Putts

Tuesday, 28 May

Stableford: 1, Richard Duckworth; 2, Catherine Borlase; 3= Wayne Morrison, John Hamilton

Putts: 1, Wayne; 2, Steve Borlase.

Jean Smith Trophy Putts

Thursday, 30 May

1st Woman: Anne Costello

1st Man: Neil Robertson

Buildlink Cooks Beach Monthly

Medal - Saturday, 1 June Net: 1, Tim Bartlett; 2, Callum Murray; 3, Bob Walker; 4, Richard Agnew.

4BBB: Bob Walker and Callum Murray.

Nearest the Pin: Tommy Tomsett

Birdies/Net Eagles: Callum Murray and Mark Osborne. Lucky Cards: Mike Farrance and Kevin Milroy.

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

Nine-hole Women – Stableford Tuesday, 28 May

Div 1: 1, Raewyn Whitt; 2, Pam Voigt; 3, Jandy Morton.

Div 2: Jenny Cotterell; 2, Jean Hancock.

Nine-hole Mixed - Stableford 1, Garry Morton; 2, Gavin Green; 3, Eddie Lyle.

Eighteen-hole Men – Stableford – Wednesday 29 May 1, Patrick Gonthier; 2, Johnny Lister; 3, Kevin Smith.

Twos: Micky Henderson

Gross: Mark Boe

Nine- hole Mixed Scramble –Stableford Friday, 31 May 1, Patrick Gonthier; 2, Jenny Layton; 3, Peter Chaffin. Eighteen-hole Mixed Stableford – Saturday 1 June 1, Paul Lupton; 2, Justin Wilson; 3, Vegas Brown.

Twos: Dan Ray, Richard Bennett, Roger Pheasant

Gross: Mark Boe

Lexi Ford and Ella Simpson competing in the annual North Island Secondary School 2 Day Horse Trial.

Photo credits, takeamoment.co.nz

MBAS First XV played against Paeroa College, a tough game with Paeroa winning.

GAMES AND PUZZLES

Issue 1108

Crossword Puzzle

© Lovatts Puzzles 365

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.

Issue 1108

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. Circle the letters not used and that is your answer.

Theme: BACKPACKING

ADVENTURE BUSES COACH CULTURE DESTINATION DISCOVER EXPERIENCE FESTIVALS FOOD GEAR HIKE HOSTEL INTERNATIONAL OVERSEAS SIGHTS SLEEPING BAG TENT TRAINS TREK VOLUNTEER WEATHER WILDERNESS

Genetically altered (7)

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(6)

(5)

(7)

(5)

(8)

Citrus fruits (7)

Strange (5)

Enormous (7)

Squandered (8)

Not sinking (6)

Haul (4)

desires (6) 18. Ear test, ... examination (5)

Broad (4)

5. Royal homes (7)

6. Song for two (4)

10. Hard iron alloy (5)

11. Loud (5)

13. Bright weather (8) 14. Bearer (of disease) (7)

16. Thin biscuits (6)

18. Wheel shaft (4)

19. Taste defeat (4)

20. Coconut tree (4)

Proudly sponsored by

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Last week’s winner – Janet Brown

Last week’s

Coastline Pool and Spa Ltd

info@spapool.co.nz

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021 0876 7084 paul@rusurveyors.co.nz 0508 4 SURVEY

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Keith Mahon Painters Ltd

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IN MEMORIAM

FIREWOOD

DRY PINE – SHED STORED

$150 a cube – Whitianga based –covering surround areas. Phone 07 867 1361, 0274 958 033

FIREWOOD FOR SALE

Tea tree $200 or Pine $150 load per metre2 delivered.

Phone (07) 866 3026 or text (027) 866 3026

$180 a cube delivered. Phone James 021 063 2037

BROWN, Malcolm

(Pinky)

My darling husband and soul mate passed away 4 years ago on 6 June 2020.

A special smile, a special face, You will always hold in my heart A special place.

Love you and miss you. Pauline xx

John SAUNDERS

1941-2021

The months pass into years, but your memory will never fade.

My dearest John remembered always by your family.

Madeline

PUBLIC NOTICES

CRAFT EXHIBITION 2024

All Mercury Bay craftspeople are invited to display their work and advertise their crafts at St Andrew’s Church Hall Friday 28-Sunday 30 June

No charge – koha appreciated.

To book contact Annie Lynch 07 866 3711 or 027 322 3332 standrewswhitianga@gmail.com

MERCURY BAY BOWLING & SPORTS CLUB INC NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of the Mercury Bay Bowling & Sports Club Inc will be held on Saturday, 29 June, 2024, at 1.00pm at the clubrooms 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. BUSINESS of the MEETING

To receive the Annual Reports, Election of Officers, Notices of Motion, General Business.

Two fishing competitions at Mercury Bay Fishing club

Fishing started at 6.30am on Saturday, 1 June and was continuous through to 3.30pm Sunday, 2 June.

It was a cash in, cash out prize plus $1000 worth of The Stunned Mullet vouchers.

The ten winners all appear in the photo adjacent.

Prizegiving was 6.30pm at the Fishing Club on Sunday night.

THE LADIES BLUE COMPETITION:

The prizegiving was held in conjunction with the Snapper Tournament with Kylie Phillips catching the heaviest Tuna and Rebecca Trethowen, the biggest Billfish.

Congratulations given and trophies were awarded to the teams/ boats for - Heaviest Billfish (Sirius) and Heaviest Tuna and Most Tagged and Released (Relief).

Champion Team scoring the most points was Sirius.

The ten winners of the Snapper tournament

CLASSIFIEDS

SELF EMPLOYED OPPORTUNITY

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

INFORMATION

021 113 7034

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The Coromandel Informer is published weekly and distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of them are entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name, telephone number or residential address. Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher and can be cut if too big. 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.

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Follow us on social media @theinformernz | ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2023 Mercury Bay Informer Limited

What’s that

Mark Franklin, Master of Ceremonies presents Kylie with her cash prize.

Ladies Blue winners. – Rebecca Trethowen –Heaviest Billfish; Kylie Phillips with Mark Phillips heaviest tuna for Rebecca and most tagged and release points trophy for their boat and team, Relief.

From left – back Joshua Heikell, Hayden Thompson, David Tucker, Mark Franklin, Gavin Loughton; Front - Kylie Phillips, Blake Wilkins, Levi Nicholson, Tawhiri O’ Brien.