The Informer – 16th July 2024

Te Kai Whakarongo

Important conversations about water

BY PAULINE STEWART

The Informer paid a visit to a lake and dam construction that is part of the southeast Queensland landscape called Wivenhoe Dam.

This visit was about family, but because the themes of water supply, water treatment and paying for water are crucial to the future of the development of Coromandel Peninsula; thinking about comparisons and opportunities for our local context were foremost.

The lake wasn’t too large; the dam was sufficient but not drowning all the valley. It had become a place of leisure, education, community play and also energy and irrigation production.

The drought of recent years; the need for combining resources, the motion of rainfall, storing it and treating it for times of both scar-

city and plenty are all challenges before us. In addition, using water for energy generation and paying for water are to be added.

This visit to the very peasant Queensland dam and its lake prompted me to make a mini video raising some of these water matters and upload it to Facebook (now on The Coromandel’s Informers Facebook).

The visit also stimulated a lot of thinking and reading about what has been sent to The Informer over the past two years.

Mayor Len Salt’s response to the Facebook video is a most constructive, and hopeful statement on the subject and it is very encouraging to know that it is on the current agenda in terms of the next Long Term Planning period.

The statement connects with a brief conversation The Informer had with the Mayor some months back.

It had become a place of leisure, education, community play and also energy and irrigation production.

“We are working on it,” Len said, and I am confident that ratepayers can be assured that this is not recent thinking, but has been sitting with Len and local government for some time and was important enough to Len for him to establish the Residents and Ratepayers in Whitianga before he was elected as Mayor – a means to get conversations and action going on water storage certainty and high capacity water treatment.

MAYOR LEN’S STATEMENT ON FACEBOOK

I started working on this four years ago, led and inspired by one

of our extremely dedicated committee members who prefers to stay behind the scenes.

It was the key reason for establishing the Whitianga Residents and Ratepayers Association. This came about as a result of the 2019/20 drought which devastated Whitianga. Remember the griselina hedges on the bypass before the Joan Gaskell roundabout? All gone.

Remember the three kauri trees on the mound above the Whitianga sign? All died from lack of water.

Signi�icant work has already been done on looking at options for a water supply, including consultation with Leigh Hopper and leading businesses in Whitianga. Council is due to be considering the next stages of the proposed ideas shortly. Whatever options are considered, will still need funding and possibly some creative thinking around mixed use options. There is

lots of work still to do, and it’s well advanced, but not yet at the stage where we can take some information to communities.

Mercury Bay Councillors and Community Board members as well as senior council staff all got behind the project at the time, which got it this far. This was, and is, a great example of constructive and collaborative working between the Residents and Ratepayers Association and Council. Let’s hope we can continue that model.

The next steps will be continued preparation until we are ready to bring something to the Long Term Plan for the 2027/30 period. Communities will be asked for input well before then, but that’s where the funding decisions will be made. Nothing in Local Government works quickly which is why longterm strategic thinking is so important.

Glitz, Glamour and Coro Quirkiness at Bizarre Auction

BY MICHELLE DELLABARCA

Those people fortunate enough to purchase tickets to the Bizarre Auction, were treated to an amazing Sunday afternoon of laughs, bargains and fun.

The event was completely sold out and it was estimated that nearly 5% of the Coromandel town population attended the auction – a reflection of the community support. MC – local celebrity Jim Davies and Auctioneer Kim Raddick from Richardsons Real Estate, kept the ball rolling with quick fire auctions and lots of laughs. With over 50 items up for sale, punters with an eye for a bargain had

to keep on their toes. The Bizarre needs a new roof. It is a local Op-shop, located on the main street of Coromandel Town – an Aladdin’s cave of quirky second-hand items and pre-loved clothing. It was originally set up by the Anglican Church in 1965, to raise funds for the church renovation project. It has operated ever since, with various organisations running it, and is currently under the supervision of C.I.L.T. – the

STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2024 – your guide to the night sky

Tuesday, 16 July - Wednesday, 24 July

The morning sky has a trio of red objects in the east just before sunrise. The lowest is the red giant star Betelgeuse in Orion with another red giant, Aldebaran in Taurus, to its left and further up is much fainter but distinctly reddish Mars. Sitting below them is a very bright Jupiter while Saturn appears as a faint slightly yellowish star high above them all. The early evening sky just after sunset has bright Venus on view but it is very low on the northwestern horizon with much fainter Mercury just above it. Saturn will rise around midnight. There will be several International Space Station (ISS) passes to enjoy this week but, as usual, always best to check the website heavens-above. com for updated timings.

Tuesday, 16 July: There will be another early and low ISS pass from 5:46am in the north which moves right beside Mars. Wednesday, 17 July: We have a long ISS pass from 6:34am in the west passing high overhead. Thursday, 18 July: We have a bright ISS pass starting high overhead at 5:48am as it comes out of the Earth’s shadow. Friday, 19 July: Mars has now climbed up towards Regulus after sunset and there is a low ISS pass from 6:35am in the SW. Sunday, 21 July: There will be a very low ISS pass from 6:36am moving right through the Southern Cross. Full Moon tonight. Monday, 22 July: Mars now sits just below Regulus after sunset and bright Venus lies very low on the western horizon under them both. Around midnight we can see the Moon high above slightly yellowish Saturn. Tuesday, 23 July: The Moon has now moved closer to Saturn around midnight. Wednesday, 24 July: The Moon is now just above Saturn around midnight in the east.

The business team who organised the auction gathered together at its close and Glenda, the key organiser, centre, thanks the team and the community for its success.

Photos by Tala Blundell

Coromandel Independent Living Trust.

C.I.L.T. is a local institution which serves the community with various services including transport assistance for medical appointments, social and family assistance for those in need of support, addressing rural isolation, helping to improve digital connectivity and literacy; and running programmes to support people with disabilities and other barriers to participation (https://www.cilt. org.nz/about/).

The funds raised last Sunday will go towards the repairs and maintenance of the Bizarre’s roof.

Right from the start, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. The Club rooms were packed with people, all there to support their local icon and to bag a bargain.

Donated goods were beautifully presented and available for inspection prior to the auction.

They included a treasure trove of items, ranging from glitzy evening dresses to original local pottery from renowned Coromandel potters.

Volunteers from the Bizarre modelled a variety of outfits, all of which were donated by the local community.

Local potter Paul Armstrong was a popular model and strutted his stuff on the catwalk, much to the delight of all present. His pottery vase and ceramic lidded bowl fetched good prices too – a double contribution to the cause.

A vintage milk urn received furious bidding and finally sold for the highest price for the night.

Multiple items stimulated buy-

ers – a fluffy ram, backpacks, vintage proton bags, signed Coronation Street memorabilia and carved paddle sets. All fetched amazing prices and organiser Glenda Heath was delighted with the provisional result on the night.

Glenda (formerly the Promotions co-ordinator for the DB group, with huge events such as Opera in the Park in her portfolio), has been the co-ordinator of the Bizarre for about four years, after moving to Coromandel from Auckland. This is the first Bizarre auction and may be the forerunner to many more. Glenda has been amazed at the generosity of the people of Coromandel town and beyond who contributed fabulous and quirky items to the cause. She commented that they could not have put on this event without the community and their generous donations, or without her dedicated team of volunteers, who have gone beyond their normal volunteer roles to ensure this event was a great success.

Glenda added that the provisional total raised on the night hugely exceeded expectations and the proceeds are expected to fully cover the cost of remedial work on the roof of the Op-shop. Glenda said there were too many people to mention individually, but she wanted to thank all her wonderful volunteers, and of course the wider Coromandel community who both support the Bizarre and C.I.L.T. and in turn receive support from them. It’s a great relationship and shows how ground-roots level support makes a huge difference in a small town.

We went to Te Papa

BY SOPHIA ADSHEAD

During the first week of the school holidays, my father and I travelled to Wellington to visit Te Papa. Luckily, we were able to stay with family and so we stayed for several days and went to a number of places.

At Te Papa we were greeted by a member of the Education Team who gave me a small present in the form of some books and games. One of these is a newly published book about spiders (NOT my favourite creatures!) that my father thought was pretty cool.

Then we went into the Te Taiou (Nature) exhibit and spent time admiring the seabirds and other creatures that are found off our shores. I got to see an albatross, though sadly it was not alive. I would say this was my favourite exhibit because it’s really interesting to see how we can take better care of the environment, and seeing the impact we can have – for better or for worse.

We looked through the ANZAC exhibit with its huge mannequins demonstrating the horrors of what the soldiers had to go through. It is really interesting to see what people had to go through in the eyes of a soldier. I was

within a predator-proof fence. The walking tracks were good, and it was lovely to be in the bush and to see and hear so many birds. We got to see kaka, a takahe, whiteheads and several robins. We even saw a tuatara! We visited several parks in the area with my cousins – the best was a huge skatepark with a double flying fox where we spent a lot of time. There is definitely a lot to do for young people but it is not as peaceful as Coromandel. It’s always nice to go away for a little bit, but it’s always just as nice to return home.

NOTE

surprised by the amount of bodies that got buried in no man’s land, and how stressful it must have been to bury the bodies while trying not to get shot in the head.

We also went to the Pasifika exhibit which was full of interesting information about the Polynesians and other cultures.

Wellington has a lot more to offer than the area around Whitianga because it is obviously much larger, so there is more space for shopping malls, enrichment places and facilities for a larger number of people.

We also visited Zealandia, an area of bush that is held

Sophia was the winner of a Coromandel wide essay competition earlier this year.

The essay competition was organised by Ann Ward of Southern Birds Trust in conjunction with The Coromandel Informer who published the articles on the sea birds and awarded the prize. Sophia’s essay on The Albatross won first prize which was a trip to Wellington to Te Papa in Wellington. Sophia is 13 years old, a student at Te Rerenga School. Well done, Sophia!

Sophia Adshead (centre) with her cousin, Kylie and Dad, Darrell Adshead in the Te Papa foyer.

Whitianga Oceans Festival – national award finalists

BY WHITIANGA OCEANS FESTIVAL TEAM

We’ve been named a finalist in the Best Sustainability Initiative 2024 category in the 2024 New Zealand Event Awards!

We work really hard to create a fun food and wine festival for you, but we also work just as hard to make sure that we tread lightly on the planet and in particular the Coromandel.

Highlights of our achievements include only using line caught fish (no nets),

Weekly Kitchen Calendar

serving locally sustainably harvested shellfish (Oysters and Mussels), recycling all of our waste including cans and, working with the amazing people at Kōparepare wines to help raise over $10,000 for LegaSea.

So when you attend our festival, know that you are helping to keep the Coromandel pristine for years to come…

It’s time to get your tickets to the festival and see what makes us a finalist!  Grab your tickets at oceansfestival. co.nz

Thirty modellers display their exhibits

BY PAULINE STEWART

Trains, planes, boats, ships, Lego, miniature houses, matchbox toys, porcelain dolls, mini scenes, were all there at the seventh Whitianga Modellers Club Exhibition in Whitianga Town Hall the first weekend in July.

This represented the work and creations of 30 different exhibitors who are all experts in their field. Over 500 visitors came to explore the exhibition and enjoy all of its moving parts.

Ken Gibson, on of the exhibitors said, “It was a very good weekend with lots of people. The Tauranga model club brought two of their train layouts for us and we will probably reciprocate with our club taking some of our exhibits to their model exhibition.”

“It was wonderful to see the exhibitions from children who had made their own models. It was beautiful intricate work they had done,” says Trish Gibson who was one of the team providing hospitality for all the exhibitors over the two days.

The principal organiser, Damon Christensen of Diode Electrical was very pleased with the outcome. Damon is himself an exhibitor and a modeller. The community thanks him for his outstanding work and the organising team thanks Guthrie Bowron for the generous use of their vehicle to transport models to the Town Hall, something they have done repeatedly for this very worthwhile winter holiday exhibition.

30 exhibitors, below, took part in the Whitianga

– all of them experts in their particular field of exhibiting. Flo, right, was the winner of the People’s Choice exhibition. She created this model all by herself.

Funding confirmed to reopen walking track at Cathedral Cove

FROM SCOTT SIMPSON, MP

Reopening the walking track at Cathedral Cove will be a significant boost for the entire Coromandel Peninsula, says National MP for Coromandel Scott Simpson.

“I’m delighted that Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has underpinned his intention to get the walking track at Cathedral Cove reopened by this coming summer.”

“As part of a wider funding package, the Department of Conservation has been allocated $5m to plan, build, reopen and maintain an overland track as part of continued recovery work from Cyclone Gabrielle damage.”

“This funding is supported by the International Visitor Levy and ensures that New Zealanders, as well as tourists, can experience our natural beauty.”

“While water access to Cathedral Cove has remained available, it’s been over 17 months since the walking track was closed. This closure has been felt by local businesses who have dealt with lower visitor numbers and the uncertainty surrounding the track’s future.”

“Today’s news should give them confidence that there is plan and budget to get this iconic destination fully reopened for the summer.”

“Like everyone, I’m keenly anticipating the day that we will be able to walk to this awe-inspiring part of the Coromandel Peninsula again.”

Monday- ursday 9.30am-3.00pm Friday & Saturday by arrangement. If the ag’s out we’re open, parking in the driveway.

4 Yankee Lane, Whitianga www.teatimequilts.co.nz Now in stock: Quality knitting yarns by Lana Grossa, Blue Sky Fiber, Rowan & Tea Time hand-dyed yarn.

The damaged track leading down to Cathedral Cove. Photo credit DOC

Colouring competition was won by Daniel, left, and sponsored by Michelle of Coromandel Hobby Supplies, Tairua. Over

Modellers Show

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

RESPONSE FROM COUNCIL RE SEGMENT OF SHORELINE ON BUFFALO BEACH

Regarding Oscar Hill’s letter to the editor in the 9 July issue of The Informer, about ongoing work on an eroded section of Buffalo Beach shoreline: Firstly, our Council would like to make it clear that reinstating a section of the shoreline following erosion last year is something our wider organisation has committed to do. We strongly dispute any implication that one individual has not performed or is not committed to supporting Council to resolve this issue.

Secondly, we acknowledge the time that has passed without any significant physical work on site. Previous updates indicated Council is awaiting consent approvals and that remains the case. The fact that the existing seawall structure as well as the planned extension must be included in the consent complicates the process. An update will be provided following receipt of the consent. Those interested in keeping up with Council news can subscribe to our email newsletters atwww. tcdc.govt.nz/subscribe, or keep an eye on our website and social media profiles.

Michael Dobie Communications Team Leader TCDC

INTEGRITY OF COUNCIL

(Ref: Council disregards advice from Ombudsman – The Coromandel Informer, Issue 1113, 9 July,2024).

Good on Cr Morrissey for standing up for the integrity of Council process against the performative nonsense of American refugees and pompous Mahakirau and Moehau poets.

Dal Minogue, RD1 Whitianga

LAST WEEK’S CARTOON

Interesting cartoon in last week’s issue of the Huntly Power Station.

It seems somewhat puzzling to this ancient relic when we have a perpetual source of power on the Power Stations doorstep in the Waikato River with today’s technology it is not put to good use. It is bewildering that unlike other countries around the world, we are reluctant to use river flows and especially tidal flows to generate much needed cheap power. Perhaps reluctance to use the Waikato River at Huntly has something to do with “Tuku Morgan’s underpants”.

John Reece, Manurewa

RE WELCOME SIGNAGE TO MERCURY BAY

I so believe and endorse efforts to set up a more welcoming sign/s for folk coming to Mercury Bay and the Coromandel Peninsula. Many towns both within New Zealand and internationally have such signs with an icon which portrays the uniqueness of the area. Mercury Bay has ,I believe a plethora of attractions which cannot be portrayed with one attraction being high lighted.

If asked why this town is the best in the world it is impossible to say why in one sentence. Consequently some statement that is all encompassing would be more suitable than one that signifies one aspect of our area .

I see the word smorgasbord as one that offers a wide selection on offer where the participant can indulge to the level they desire in whatever is on offer.

A possibility could be:

“Come sample the smorgasbord of attractions and delights” Or something along these lines. I would envisage a board with a collage of attractions behind the sign showing some of our attractions. There have been some absolutely beautiful photos of our region posted on facebook and these could hopefully be put onto a sign in collage form.

There could be several different collages in different venues .

 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.

Local photographers could be asked to design a display board. Also do we just need one welcome phrase?

Why not have several?

We have so many attractions here which could be shared.

Back to the use of the word smorgasbord it to me allows the reader to indulge in one attraction fully eg. Fishing or hiking or where one could have a small taste of a variety of delights eg the stunning scenery, the beaches, the thermal attractions, the sea, shopping, or food and restaurants. Or try something else on the menu.

Just a thought to add to this much valued discussion.

Ron Morgan

WORLD HERITAGE STATUS FOR MERCURY BAY. PUBLIC MEETING DATE SET

Thank you to all who contacted me so positively over my World Heritage Site article in last week’s (9 July) The Informer.

An incredible and very rewarding response. Including those who live outside of our area very much in support of extending the proposed boundaries.

I can now confirm that we have a definite booking at the Mercury Bay Club for 2.00pm on Sunday, 4 August, for you all to meet, listen to, and ask questions of, Prof. Gordon Maxwell, FRSB,FLS.

One of the questions that I have been asked; and I will address it now is; Would Maori retain their Customary Rights under a WHS?

Prof. Maxwell answered as follows. “Yes. Maori would most certainly retain their customary rights under any WHS situation. Indeed, the respect for, and highlighting of, customary rights is one of the top features of a WHS. In my direct experience of WHS processes, this aspect is always handled with great sensitivity. I did mention Ngati Hei in my 2019 evidence against the proposed mussel spat farm. This was with

the roles of all people to understand and be mindful of kaitiaki. In essence to support Ngati Hei in expressing kaitiaki of Mercury Bay.

Onward, Haere whakamua.”

G.Max.

Please join us at the Mercury Bay Club for what promises to be an informative and exciting event – 2.00pm Sunday, 4 August, Mercury Bay Club. Ady Cole-Ewen, Wharekaho

PIGS AND POISON

Kuaotunu resident, Tim, wants some pigs taken away.

Pigs have been here since before the European settlers arrived and for centuries have provided a much-needed source of food. Demand was always bigger than the supply and pig numbers never got out of hand.

This was before DoC arrived and began poisoning everything.

Kuaotunu has been freely exposed to numerous different poisonings which means all those pigs in Tim’s picture are likely to carry an amount of some poison or other. A hunter does NOT want to take home a pig which is full of poison and will go hunt somewhere he believes has not been poisoned rather than risk catching a Kuaotunu pig.

Tim, if you want someone to come and control the pig numbers at your place you’ve got to get rid of the poisons first.

John Veysey, Colville

AN OPPORTUNITY TOO GOOD TO MISS

Recent articles and letters about the Lost Spring and an entrance sign to Whitianga bring up interesting ideas. One of the things

that make NZ unique on an international scene is its geological youth and consequent volcanic and geothermal activity. Auckland sits on an active volcanic field with over 50 volcanoes; no doubt soon to be host to a new one, perhaps in our lifetime. Yet for some reason it is the ‘City of Sails’, not ‘City of Volcanoes’. Many great cities have sails, few have active volcanoes. A great marketing opportunity lost I feel. We should not let Whitianga succumb to a similar same fate. Whitianga has had its own geothermal gem, The Lost Spring, since 2008, all due to the persistence and the realised vision of one man, Alan Hopping, to the great benefit of us all. A truly unique and beautiful refuge in the heart of our town that he has created for locals and visitors to enjoy at great personal and financial risk. Nearby is ever popular Hot Water Beach, also unique in NZ and extremely rare on a global scale. Sadly, we have lost a few of our geothermal spots in recent years with the public pools at Miranda now closed and, further north, Waiwera becoming an abandoned wasteland and eyesore.

So, we need to think how Whitianga can capitalise on its uniqueness. Hot Water Beach is an integral part of what makes us special so needs to be included. Maybe The Informer could run a competition for a new entrance sign with a prize perhaps donated by the Business Association. I personally think we are more than just ‘Whitianga Thermal Ocean Village’ as has been suggested as that excludes Hot Water Beach. How about ‘Whitianga Thermal Zone’ or ‘Thermal Region’ or ‘Thermal Playground’? There are lots of people out there much smarter and better at marketing than I, so let’s collectively put our thinking caps on. This is an opportunity too good to miss. Alastair Brickell, Kuaotunu

RURAL LIFE COUNTS

A 1983 United Nations Report led to the RMA

BY MALCOLM CAMPBELL

In 1983, The United Nations, formed a special committee chaired by Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Norwegian Prime Minister. That special committee was called the World Commission of Environment and Development (the Brundtland Commission). The results of the ensuing report affect, directly or indirectly, every living soul in New Zealand.

The report was delivered to the United Nations in 1987 after four years of consultations, meetings of experts, and so on. In previous issues of ‘The Informer’ I have pointed out the major changes in Local Government since 1980 and how, by and large, the ‘Local Input’ has been side-lined in favour of ‘Top-Down Planning.’ Councils now know what is best for ‘Sustainable Development’, ’The Environment’, your ‘Social and Economic Wellbeing’, all straight from the Resource Man-

agement Act.

The RMA has the same wording as the Brundtland Report to the UN. It is no accident that the UN report was tabled in 1987, and barely three years later the RMA was passed into law. The Government of the day in 1989, swept away what was truly local Government in the form of Catchment Boards, Counties and Boroughs, ready to enact the Brundtland Report morphed into the RMA.

The timing of all of this drama is beyond dispute. Why did Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Simon Upton not inform the New Zealand Public that they were introducing ‘law’ based on UN deliberations? What were they hiding, or if not hiding anything, why not front up?

Move forward to news ‘hot off the press’ so that an evaluation of the RMA in action can be witnessed. A farmer near Hamilton has been fined $94,500 in the Environment Court by Judge Melinda Dickey for not disposing

Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Norwegian Prime Ministerdelivers the Brundtland Report with far reaching consequences for all regulations regarding farming and what was considered sustainable.

correctly of effluent, which accumulated in such a way that it may enter ground water. The emphasis here on the word ‘may’. It may enter groundwater. The RMA permits prosecution on the ‘potential’ to cause contamination. The contamination could be a fuel spill, silt runoff from a construction site, or as illustrated, farm effluent.

Almost anything, including contamination, does not have to happen, it is just ‘the potential to happen’. So, on the Coromandel Peninsula, there will not be a single car not capable of exceeding 100kph; therefore, all those motorists should be fined as they clearly have the ‘potential’ to exceed the speed limit. Back to the Court Case report 21 June 2024; a hefty fine on what ‘may’ happen and be clear, this effluent is ‘biodegradable’ a very natural product of life, is imposed.

Let us look at what has already

happened in the Waikato, and Environment Waikato is aware of these factors. Herbicides are already in the ground water, cadmium a deadly poison is rising to dangerous levels in soils, insect life is in crisis, the amphibian life non-existent and there is more; but I’m leaving that for the moment. Before we got all this weird legislation that permits poisoning and pollution by the authorities, the natural life was prolific with locusts, cicadas, grasshoppers, stick insects, waterfowl, and so on. The rot starts at the top and this carnage started in Wellington. As Murphy’s Law states, “Your life liberty and property are all at risk while ‘Parliament is in Session’.

Jump in Rescue Helicopter Visits to Coromandel Peninsula

Missions by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to the Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki districts last month were eight more than for the same month last year.

The jump has prompted Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust chairman, John Stephenson, to reinforce the importance of the service and the need for on-going community funding support.

Last month the rescue helicopter was called to the district 24 times, John pointing out that for the same month last year, 16 missions were required.

During June the service was required from Kennedy Bay in the north to Paeroa in the south.

“Due to the remoteness of the region, it is not uncommon for calls to places such as Little Bay and the likes of Port

“We ask that individuals, businesses and community groups consider providing financial support to the trusts activities.”

Charles to assist people experiencing medical events or requiring treatment for injuries,” said John.

“The increase from 16 to 24 missions is very significant when you consider during the summer peak in January, there were one less mission at 23.”

Over the summer peak one of the Auckland-based Westpac Rescue Helicopters and its crew are based at the Coromandel hanger and accommodation at Whitianga Airfield.

John said the increase in the number of missions provided a timely

reminder of the financial support required to keep the service operational and available when residents of the Coromandel and Hauraki needed help.

He said the service was experiencing increased operational costs now to operate. The helicopter alone costs around $8500 an hour.

“We are very fortunate in that people appreciate the service and understand its value and therefore donate towards ensuring machines and personnel arrive when required.

“We ask that individuals, businesses and community groups consider providing financial support to the trusts activities,” said John.

All donations are charitable, details can be found at the Coromandel Trust’s website at coromandelrescue.org.nz.

Drama workshop was a treat for many local actors

BY PAM FERLA

Taking the opportunity to improve their acting skills were a group of local enthusiasts attending well known actor Mark Wright’s drama workshop, held at Mercury Bay Area School on 7 July.

Characterisation was the focus of the day, with those taking part giving monologues, and their performances improving throughout the day as they learnt new skills.

Mark said his aim was to share tips and devises to help actors identify and grow their characters, plus tools to make their work more successful and more enjoyable. And that is what they received.

Mark is best known in his comedy characters, and is still remembered for his role in the old TV commercial for Allen’s lollies. He is a National Theatre Sports Champion and represented NZ at the International Improv Festival in New York and Amsterdam. Mark is a regular cast member for all of New Zealand’s top theatre companies and has many prestigious TV and film awards. His solo show, “The Gallipoli Monologues” was performed at Whitianga’s Monkey House Theatre last month.

FABULOUS FEEDBACK

Whitianga’s Offbeat The-

atre committee member, Sharyn Morcom, said that as well as receiving excellent techniques to add to their acting toolbox, participants were treated to some superb demonstrations of Mark’s diverse talent and a wonderful insight into the inner world of professional acting.

“I think we were incredibly lucky to have an actor of Mark’s ability and level of experience to bring his knowledge to our wee town. The feedback from participants has been fabulous and we were particularly delighted to see young Mercury Bay Area School student, Connor McLean take full advantage of the

opportunity, treating us to his interpretation of Hamlet’s ‘To be or not to be”. Mark commented favourably on Connor’s prowess and future as an actor and reportedly Connor was buzzing after the workshop.

“This is what it’s all about, giving people an opportunity they would otherwise have to travel several hours away to achieve.“

Sharyn said she is very grateful to the committee of Offbeat Theatre Company for supporting the workshop through funding and also to Mercury Bay Area School for generously allowing the use of school facilities.”

Mark Wright acting in the Gallipoli Monologue.

THROUGH THE PORTAL Opinion

Where is NZ Governance Going?

– Part 2 –

Part One was 25 June, 2024

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

Afew weeks ago, I wrote about our political landscape evolving into clear left and right factions with minor parties providing the flavouring for any government that is formed from this landscape. The minor parties will no longer “cross the floor” so to speak. NZ First will no longer back a Labour government and likewise the Maori Party will no longer support a National government to gain benefits for the Maori people. The result will probably be a dominance of conservative governments as the socialists will find it difficult to form stable, credible governments in this virtual FPP environment.

There is one group that I didn’t mention in the previous article and that is ‘the workers’. The average worker has been largely ignored by major parties in recent years, much to the detriment of those parties and of the workers. National continue to support the middle classes and the well-off but the traditional champion of the worker – the Labour Party,

has been more focussed on beneficiaries and developing policies to help them fight off the improving Green and Maori parties.

A couple of weeks ago, I was discussing politics with my brother-in-law, aged 80 and a Labour voter all of his life, as were his parents before him. When discussing the last election, he said, “I voted Labour because that’s what I do. I know they are as useless as sXXX and stuffed the place up, but I wasn’t sure the other side would be any good.” He went on to voice his criticism of Labour politicians in general as “none of them know what it is like to be a worker!”

This is an area Labour must get back to, if it wants to become a credible force. Relying on Chippy’s crumbs of thought will not do it. Likewise, it is an area the other

side could concentrate on if they want to help the Greens press the knife into the Labour back a bit more. The way for either side to provide any real gain for the average worker is incredibly obvious; give them more money but do it genuinely through a rework of the tax system, not by making them into State dependent beneficiaries with schemes such as Working for Families.

SO HOW COULD THIS BE DONE?

Providing Workers with more money is the easy part. Firstly, change Working for Families into the tax deduction it was meant to be, rather than the social welfare payment it became. Apart from anything else it would automate the payment and remove the

necessity for a bureaucracy to manage these payments which would be a significant cost savings for the country and free up some administrative staff for a healthy outdoor job, picking apples or working on infrastructure projects. The second part is quite simple also, and that is, to alter the tax rates on the various breaks. For example, earnings up to $15,600 per annum are now taxed at 10.5% and I suggest this rate should be zero. If we then start applying our tax rates in the next bracket we see some really beneficial effects on Workers. For example, someone on the minimum wage with two children would have no tax to pay giving them an additional $141 per week. Likewise, if the same person was on an average wage their

TAO DO MARTIAL ARTS

AOTEAROA

A mixed martial art, incorporating Judo, Jui Jitsu, Muay Thai, TKD, Karate, Thai Chi, Wing Chun and Boxing.

Aims: Self-defence, Self-control, Confidence and Discipline.

Suitable for children and adults.

Tuesday and Wednesday Whitianga Town Hall 6:00 – 7:30 pm Instructor: Tony 0273335146

take home pay would increase by approximately $250 per week. Next question is how does the government function if it forgoes screwing workers for the level of tax for which it has previously screwed them? The answer once again is quite simple, get your money elsewhere. Consider what other countries do. The OECD average for percentage of tax taken from income is 24%. In New Zealand it is 41% so there is great room for improvement using taxes such as financial transaction tax, social security taxes, land tax etc.

A major change could be made to our nation’s tax structure and if a Labour opposition was to announce this, they would break the path of doom that I see currently lying in front of them. The challenge for them is to find the intellectual rigour to form such a policy and unfortunately intellectual rigour is an area of weakness for them. Conceivably, a National led government could come up with such a policy, but they would be reliant on ACT to do the thinking for them. May happen, may not.

Come try Wing Chun Kung Fu at the Coromandel Hospital

“The Art of Simultaneous Defence and Attack”

BY KELVIN MOURITSEN

Wing Chun Kung Fu

is a Chinese Martial Art known for its devastating effectiveness and is now officially being taught at the it is described by Sigung Chu Shong Tin (Grandmaster - Man’s disciple) as “Genuine Old School Hardcore Kung’

This Martial Art is what gave Bruce Lee his edge and was introduced to the Western World by him. It relaxes the body and exercises the mind and is very different from any other Martial Art. It is also known as the “Science of Street Fighting “or the “Thinking Man’s Martial Art” even though it is the only style created by a woman, a 5’2-inch Buddhist Nun who was one of the top five fighters in China at the time.

It is one of the few Martial Arts where woman can have true equality. (It’s actually a system).

Wing Chun is based on simple scientific and logical principles and does not use brute strength or muscles for power. There are no high kicks or fancy moves and, as no athletic ability is required, it can be performed by people of any size, shape or age regardless of fitness. A skilled Wing Chun practitioner could realisti-

It is one of the few Martial Arts where woman can have true equality (It’s actually a system).

cally defeat a much larger and stronger person. It is an internal style and corrects postural alignment, reduces stress and enhances wellbeing, fundamentally simple and easy to learn, but also incredibly profound, thus offering a lifetime of enjoyment. It is also very, very good for the spine. It is more relaxed and less rigid than most Martial Arts Schools and classes are run

more like a gym, eg arrive, leave or sit down whenever you want.

Classes are run Hong Kong style and very different to more commercial schools and there are no belts, levels, gradings or compulsory uniforms, just Kung Fu without the extra expense.

Chi Sau club Sifu and Instructors are Recognised by the World Wing Chun Association, the International Wing Chun Academy and Hong Kong Wing Chun in that order. Everyone welcome.

 Classes at he Coromandel Hospital every Wednesday between 5:00pm till 7:00 pm except statutory holidays.

Winter Holiday activities at the Tairua Library

BY PAMELA FERLA

It’s not been very quiet at Tairua Library during these school holidays – in fact it’s been packed with happy children making slime, ‘launching’ marshmallows and lots of other fun things as part of the Winter School Holiday Programme.

Tairua Community Librarian Kayla and other Thames Coromandel District Council library staff came up with these novel activities that have attracted up to 60 children in one session.

“It has been controlled chaos and we’ve loved it,” says Kayla.

“We’ve try to cater for everyone and it’s been so popular.”

One of the most popular mornings was ‘making your very own cooling winter slime’. Making slime involves mixing PVA glue with a pre-made solution then adding bright colours and teeny bits of sparkle. Apparently, some parents aren’t keen on the mess involved in making slime in their kitchen, so going to the library to do it is a good alternative.

Creating a furry pom pom polar bear

pet was another first week activity and beaded icy snowflakes was also a creative challenge.

Winter wonderland in a snow globe is part of the second week’s programme, which also includes creating penguin pals. The chance to let the imagination go wild includes constructing a snow man launcher to launch marshmallows. Wow! Who thought of that? Kayla was laughing when she said that in spite of a lot of vacuuming, she still spotted little bits of glitter around the library.

The holiday programme will continue Wednesday and Thursday mornings, 10.30am-11.30am at Whitianga, Tairua and Thames Libaries.

Spotted enjoying Saturday morning at Tairua Library were the Newall family, who are big fans of the library and its holiday programme. Mum Sheree said when they visit Tairua from their Hamilton home they love spending time at the library.

Meanwhile Noodle, Kayla’s fascinating blue-tongued skink, who resides in a vivarium at the library, missed most of the fun as he was in brumation (a type of hibernation).

Young student of Wing Chun kung Fu.

Pictured having fun with art at Tairua Library are (from left) Taine Newall (6), Keena Newall (8) and Lachie Newall (3).

STAN’S STUFF

Disasters – shopping & dream kitchens

BY STAN STEWART

We often stay with good friends who live north of Melbourne. A while back, after making do for years, our friends installed a dream kitchen. The master of the kitchen, in this case, the wife, gave us the tourbeautiful, functional, gleaming black and gold bench tops, with the latest mod cons including a huge gas and electric stove. The oven is large enough to bake two turkeys side by side. Our friends never eat turkey but just knowing they could cook two of these large birds side by side, something no other member of their family could do, filled our friends with pride.

Shortly after the installation of the new kitchen, tragically, and unexpectedly, this dear woman died.

A couple of years ago, while attending to family responsibilities I stayed for one week in the house alone. Knowing my weakness for home made bread, my friend, the widower, had made a loaf especially for me and left it sitting ready to cut on the still gleaming, black and gold kitchen bench. But I had to find a knife to cut this crusty, aromatic mas-

terpiece. Would you know, in this miracle of modern-design kitchen, I couldn’t find a bread knife or any large sharp knife anywhere!

I searched drawers and cupboards for a bread knife, or any large sharp knife. It was hopeless. I reached the conclusion that in this ultra-modern kitchen slicing and dicing must have been achieved by a laser device. It was only after I had brutalized and mangled the loaf with a table knife that I saw them. Sharp knives of every shape and size, attached to a magnetic strip on the wall, under an overhanging cupboard. So simple; so elegant. To my mind, these knives had been invisible.

I needed to heat some soup. Like everything else in the kitchen, their microwave was top of the tech world, gleaming with metallic surrounds and settings that every French gourmet cook would demand and you could actually speak to it. But, this was not helpful for an ordinary bloke. I wanted to heat a bowl of soup. The best I could manage was a ten seconds thawing cycle. In desperation I phoned my friend who had baked the bread for me and who thought I was enjoying his home, to request a decode

of the instructions. However, he also was mystified by this spaceage microwave’s instructions. If I had asked him how to load rampaging bulls from a holding pen onto a stock truck, his instructions would have been clear and precise. But how to work this pinnacle of microwave cooking was clearly beyond him. I pretended I understood and hung up. Minutes later, my friend’s daughter who is a gourmet cook, phoned in and in plain language, she explained how to activate the heating cycle.

She even offered FaceTime step by step instructions. I declined that offer but said “Yes, yes” to her explanation. When her call ended, I was no wiser.

In the backyard there was an old-style barbecue and plenty of twigs and dry wood; but that also seemed too much trouble to heat a cup of soup. Finally, I heated the soup in the gleaming micro-wave, ten seconds thawing cycle at a time. Tedious!

My friend’s daughter’s dreamkitchen is quite different to her mother’s creation. I don’t think her oven (if she has one), could ever roast two turkeys, side by side. The 2024 dream kitchen is spacious, uncluttered and gleaming white. No sign of bowls and whirring blades of older style appliances. In the one corner of the bench in what was obviously pride of place, sat a large, white, egg-shaped ‘something.’ “I do most of my meat preparation and cooking in this,” she told me. This celestial looking cooking appliance or device is computer controlled. I think she uses her phone to set it up to cook. Believe it!

It’s not just dream kitchens that are different. I recently had an unsettling encounter in Australia’s top department store, David

Jones. The glam and the glitch is the same, but staffing is different. In the section I visited, my impression was that it was staffed by high-school dropouts. I was poking through the racks, as you do, looking for specials. As to be expected, none of the sale items were my size. While doing this, I heard the staff being briefed to look out for a little old man who looks rather confused. As I wasn’t in any hurry, I took up the challenge. I have always been keen on helping seniors, especially old men. But my scouting bore no results. Bratty children with inattentive parents, yes; but no sign of a confused, little old man. I was going to report the results of my search to the retail assistants. Then one looked up and fixed his gaze on me. Suddenly, it hit me. These young bumpkins had characterised me as the confused, little old man. The cheek. The bloody cheek! I don’t think it has dawned on the David Jones emporium empire, but right at that moment they had lost a potentially, big spending customer. Look and learn retailers. Don’t push your customers into categories. We will teach you who is confused. Seniors of the world ‘unite’.

A modern day kitchen, similar to my experience.

Fun recipes for better coalition leadership

BY ROSS LIGGINS

Most of us would prefer the government, no matter what its colour(s), to do well for the country. Here are a few suggestions for the present coalition which may prove helpful.

At a time when the promises of globalisation appear to be failing, it seems like the right time to develop systems promoting unity and cohesion in Aotearoa. To begin this process, I would humbly suggest, that our foreign minister, being statesman-like while overseas, then resorting to bullying and abusing local media back at home, would do better by employing a less emotional, more reasoned approach. His party deputy Shane Jones resorts to cynical, abusive language when asked the hard questions. He was also recently reported as saying “the leader is never wrong” after said leader’s statement, “Maori are not tangata whenua,” a sentiment that Shane disagrees with. Talk about confusing korero. Shane also disagrees with our high level of immigration, while at the same time pushing very hard for rapid, extensive resource exploitation projects which will require thousands of skilled workers that we haven’t got and will have to source from overseas, putting even more pressure on our infrastructure. If you feel a bit confused by this and all your fast-

track stuff Shane, may I offer you two words – “slow down.”

I could be wrong, but I presume that most of our politicians are on board with climate change. So in view of the long-term commitments we have signed up to, shouldn’t we be fast tracking the uptake of alternative energy systems – initiatives like making it mandatory for all new-builds to have solar panels and incentivising their uptake for existing housing, and taking advantage of the ample wind and tide resources we have?

Perhaps we could fund it by a wealth tax, which polls have shown, a majority of voters would support.

Of course, oil and gas will be required during the transition period towards alternative

energy, but is fast tracking longterm oil and gas exploration projects that take us in the opposite direction the way to go? I can’t see the logic in that, but Shane defends these policies using his usual “unicorn thinking” analogies when confronted with the question of rising sea levels in Pacific countries like Kiribati and Tuvalu, and the potential future climate-induced catastrophes that await us here at home.

The coalition leaders are big on evidence-based policy-making, but when faced with this evidence, the profit motive often takes priority. The Act leader is a master of answering questions with another question that he says needs further research. So, he avoids having to give a logical answer. How about considering

the scientific evidence that unless 60% of existing oil and gas and 80% of coal stay in the ground, there is no chance of coming anywhere near the goals we signed up to.

What are we going to tell our grandchildren when they ask, “Why didn’t your generation do something to stop the effects of climate change? Why was our environment so compromised in the name of economic growth and what did you do to preserve it?

Speaking of unity, our future deputy PM David Seymour is planting the seeds for serious division in the country with his slippery logic justifying a possible treaty referendum. Do we really need this fear mongering in these times of turmoil? Do we really need a minority libertarian party of predominantly white, well-off New Zealanders, telling us what the treaty means.

One would think that given Act’s obsession with personal property rights, they would be fighting tooth and nail for Maori land rights.

And enabling all this is the National party leader, our PM. There is a widespread perception that he and his party have compromised too much in their dealings with their very much in the minority coalition partners. I would have to agree.

We live on a planet with finite resources. Do we really want more billionaires in the world?

ENQUIRIES FOR STAGE 2 ARE

apartments are within walking distance to Thames’

Are we ever going to moderate our mad scramble for more and more stuff, most of which will, in 50 years’ time, be in the ocean as micro-plastics or in a rubbish dump, as disposed of consumerism. It’s time for unity, a coming together of all races and religions with considered compromising debate on contentious issues, to develop a way of living which is beneficial for all, not just the fortunate few.

So, in addition to the recipe I have offered above, I would also respectfully suggest we send minister Shane on a taxpayer-funded holiday to Kiribati to assess sea level rise outcomes, with the condition that he doesn’t charge personal entertainment expenses to his parliamentary credit card. Winston could possibly benefit from some domestic press relations supervision, while David could spend some useful time at a Te Tiriti workshop.

I am not sure where we could send Christopher Luxon, perhaps to assertiveness training classes? All these men undoubtedly believe they are doing the right thing for the country. It’s just that, according to some polls (but not the ones Trevor Ammundsen cites), there are a growing number of voters who, like me, have the different view, that the country should be governed with more emphasis on humanity and unity and a little less on economics and division.

Chris Luxon, Prime Minister and Shane Jones, NZ First MP.

Message from Hon Scott Simpson

MP For Coromandel

It might be winter and a bit cooler here on the Coromandel but the political year has been as hot as ever with the Government going full steam ahead implementing the policies announced in the Budget.

We’re working to ease the cost of living and this month several initiatives come into effect.

One is the Family Boost policy already underway. This package allows eligible families to claim up to $150 per fortnight for childcare costs.

Another positive change will kick in from 31 July when income tax thresholds will shift, meaning average income households will receive tax relief of up to $102 per fortnight. Every bit counts for households struggling to get ahead and we take the view that you know better how to spend your money than governments do.

Updating skills

The funding boost is set to cover up to 26 cancer and 28 other treatments. An estimated 175,000 people will benefit in the first year alone. It is an unprecedented investment into the health of New Zealanders and the impact will be felt now and into the future.

We all know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. Beyond the natural, understandable worry and the often physical side-effects of treatments, cancer places a heavy financial burden on individuals and their families. Too often people must make heart-breaking decisions when determining how or if to fund further treatments.

I’m pleased to be a part of a government which has prioritised access to these life-changing medicines.

Boosting the funding to Pharmac will be a relief to many New Zealanders and it is a huge step forward for cancer treatment in this country. Some of the newly funded cancer treatments

The coalition Government also announced a $604 million funding boost to Pharmac, which means more Kiwis are able to access life-changing medicines. This delivers on the pledge we made to New Zealanders in 2023 and it’s a statement that when we say we’re going to do something, we’ll follow through.

ENTERTAINMENT

A FULL HOUSE FOR KIDS DISCO

Last Friday was a full dance party experience for local children and those on holidays at the Monkey House KIDS DISCO there were party lights, glow sticks, a haze machine, face painting by Matilda the Time Travelling fairy. It was a great offering for just $10 for children-

A FULL HOUSE FOR DANIEL CHAMPAGNE

Daniel Champagne was at The Monkey House last Wednesday 3 July, 7.00pm - Singer, songwriter & true guitar virtuoso, Daniel not only sings and plays that guitar like a champion, but his guitar seems to come alive as a partner in his presentation. The guitar seems to sing by itself. Daniel is

will be available from October/November, with more phased in over the next year.

Back in June we also had our first-ever ‘scrutiny week’ at Parliament, which required Government Ministers to brief Parliamentary Select Committees about their portfolio. While chairing the Environment Committee, I had the opportunity to raise the walking track to Cathedral Cove with Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. He confirmed that restoring walking access is a priority and he’s receiving regular updates from his officials.

There is a plan and budget in place to get this iconic destination fully reopened. I’m delighted that just last week we had confirmation from him that $5m would be made available to ensure the track is open for the coming summer.

Finally, news that the Whitianga Summer Concert will return in 2025 is a huge boost to our region. It’s a vote of confidence that the Coromandel Peninsula is still the best place to spend the summer and will be welcomed by local businesses anticipating another busy holiday period.

one of Australia’s top artists on the acoustic guitar. He recently toured USA and his current tour of New Zealand has had all venues sold out. As well as performing at Whitianga on the Coromandel, Daniel had two performances at the Waihi Theatre. His unique sound on the guitar – a mix of outback Australia and travelling through verdant green countryside and adding his pop/folk clear vocals with a humble style of conversation have made him a very popular and loved entertainer.

As so many times before we are in awe at the calibre of coming to perform to perform in Whitianga due to the proprietors of The Monkey House theatre, Kaspur and Molly Burke. We are very fortunate indeed

LOCAL CHOIRS IN INTERNATIONAL SINGFEST ROTORUA

The Mercury Bay Community Choir is participating in this fantastic event and so is the Thames Community Choir.

Both choirs are part of the Waikato/Bay of Plenty branch of the New Zealand Choir Fellowship which is hosting a Singfest in

Winter is upon us, and these cool days are an incentive to curl up indoors with a book, tablet or eReader. To be able to fully utilise all the features of your eReader whether it be an iPad, iPhone or tablet, SeniorNet offers User Group sessions on iPhones and iPads for Apple users and Android User Groups.

IPHONE USERS GROUPS

Scheduled from 2.15-4.15pm on Tuesday, 23 July; Wednesday, 24 July; Tuesday, 6 August; Wednesday, 7 August.

ANDROID USERS GROUPS

Tuesday, 30 July, 2.15-4.15pm and Wednesday, 7 August. Cost. $8 per session

GENEALOGY INTEREST GROUP

July 23, 10.15am-12.15pm; Tuesday, 13 August, 2.15-4.15pm.

BEGINNERS GENEALOGY INTEREST GROUP

Tuesday 30 July, 10.15am-12.15pm. Cost. $8 per session

CLASSES.

File it or Lose it (2 parts) For Windows users.

File Explorer is the file management software in Windows 10 and 11. It is the heart of your computer.

Rotorua on 21 July 2024!

This will be just after the World Choir Games finishes in Auckland and all the regional Waikato and Bay of Plenty choirs have been invited to come and share their music with each other and with choirs from around the world. There will be sessions throughout the day where each choir will be given a chance to perform a 15-minute set. In the evening there is a Gala concert at 7.30pm where each choir will get to perform one of their songs. There’s no competition, no

Keeping Safe Online or How to avoid Scams.

If you were unable to get to our June presentation on Scams or want more in-depth guidance, join this class to bring you up to speed on the latest scams and how to avoid getting sucked into them. Wednesday, 14 August, 2.154.15pm. Cost.$8

Photobook Workshop (2 parts).

Pam will walk you through putting together a wonderful photo book to commemorate a special anniversary, holiday, or addition to the family! Tuesday, 27 August, 2.15-4.15pm and Wednesday, 28 August, 2.15-4.15pm. Cost. $16 for the course.

ONE ON ONE SESSIONS

Just you and a tutor to guide you through whatever tech problems or questions you have. There will be 37 sessions during Term 3 – plenty of opportunities for you to find a convenient time. All our classes and one-on-one sessions are conducted on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Room 9 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive.  To sign up for a class or one-onone session, call our admin, Sheryl on 0210-226-2504 or email her on. seniornet.whitianga.admin@gmail. com

In this 2-part course Megan will show you how to tell your computer where to put stuff. When you know how, it is easy for you to sort through your files, name them and put them in folders. Take control of your files and photos! Wednesday, 31 July and Wednesday 14 August at 2.15-4.15pm. Cost $16 for the course.

comparisons - just the sheer enjoyment of sharing music with like-minded individuals from the region and around the world.

Kate Nielsen, the director and conductor of Mercury Bay Community Choir, shared her excitement about the Singfest and said there would be choirs from China, Nigeria, Austria and USA singing as well as many local choirs. At the close of the Gala concert, all the choirs will unite to sing Pokarekare Ana. Kate said that just eight of their singers are going and maybe they will be the smallest choir. Email: waibop. singfest@gmail.com for more information.

WORLD CHOIR GAMES IN AUCKLAND

This last weekend Thames hosted a Danish choir who had come to New Zealand for the 13th World Choir Games being held in Auckland for the very first time 10-20

July with 11,000 voices participating from choirs all over the world. The Danish women’s choir “Ungklang”consists solely of women and are known for their beautiful harmonies and folk music. They were established in 1989 and performed for barrack Obama which hurled them to world fame.

MERCURY BAY MUSEUM AND NIGHT @ THE MUSEUM PRESENTS ... NOCTURNAL FRIENDS!!

Join us on our new detective adventure through the Museum at night. Friday, 19 July 5.30pm-7.00pm. Entry $7.00 each - children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets can be pre-purchased from the Museum. Don’t forget your torch.

• Stunning 2021 cleverly designed 4 bdrm, 2 bthrm, 2 lounge, double internal access garage, family home. Sunny open plan kitchen/dining/family area with superb indoor/outdoor living sun-drenched deck with barbecue/dining & spa area.

• Separate butler’s pantry, great storage, bathroom heated floors, ducted heat pump.

Whitianga, 89 Centennial Drive

• Exceptionally gorgeous contemporary home & mesmerising panoramic sea views.

• Polished timber floors & high stud ceilings.

• Easy grounds, beautifully landscaped & fully fenced with an electric gate for secure off-street parking.

FOR SALE By negotiation

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/ L29076051

Katrina Carlyon 021 724 200

Cooks Beach, 10 Tinirau Place

• Generous 1009 sqm north-facing section tucked away down a private road. Power already connected, a water tank, a cabin, &

FOR SALE $630,000 VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L25321275

Paulette Tainsh 027 241 2001

Hendry Tainsh 022 658 4818

• Sunny, private and dressed to impress!

Tairua, 28 Kauri Place

• Manicured gardens, private entertaining and plenty of storage.

• Caravan, spa pool and shipping container included!

Whitianga, 6 Dotterel Place

• Delightful & charming Initial 3 bdrm, 2 bthrm home, double glazing, underfloor insulation, blonde timber interiors & a heat pump. Separate laundry & fabulous sunsoaked decks to stamp your initials on, your new home, holiday home or investment property. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac & close to the beach.

FOR SALE $829,000

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L29152228

Katrina Carlyon 021 724 200

• 3 bdrm, 3 bthrm home nestled in an enviable elevated position.

• This home offers breathtaking estuary & sea views.

• Stylish open plan lounge, kitchen & dining area.

FOR SALE By negotiation

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/ L26112428

Paulette Tainsh 027 241 2001

Hendry Tainsh 022 658 4818

SALE $1,280,000

Paulette Tainsh 027 241 2001

•Positioned perfectly, breath taking views and a world class sun set.

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and room for the whole family.

• Overflowing with value and definitely a one of a kind.

FOR SALE By negotiation

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L28920145

Adam Fuller 022 018 0856

• Stunning harbour views and a real connection to the water.

• Relaxed bach style vibe, equipped with all you need for weekends away.

• Plans designed for modern three-bedroom, three-bathroom home.

FOR SALE Price on application

VIEW harcourts.co.nz/ L28437402

Philippa Evans 021 266 9295

Cooks Beach, 6 Joyce Harsant Pl

Tairua, 34 Motuhoa Road

Tairua, 161 Paku Drive

Cooks Beach, 8 Fred Harsant Dr

WHAT'S ON

OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop – Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Mon-Sat 10am-2pm.

St John Opportunity Shop – 29 Albert St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm and Sat 9.30am-2pm.

St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Whitianga. 9.30am-1pm Wed-Sat. Social Services Op-shop – 15 Coghill St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-2pm. Donations welcome.

SPCA Op-shop – 2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 9am-4pm.

MONTHLY

AA Driver Licensing – Mon 22 July. In the Mercury Bay Service Centre Community Board Room in Monk St (behind the council offices).

American Muscle Street and Custom Club Whitianga – Club meetings first Sunday of the month, 11am at Smitty’s for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822.

Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New members welcome. Ph Anne on 07 866 0268 for more information.

Craft Group – Meets first Saturday of the month 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr, carpark 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 ph Marilyn 021 1806 530 or Kim 021 1200 469.

Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed of the month. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com.

Mercury Bay Model Railway Club – Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650

Mercury Bay Shooting Federation – Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email mbsfsecretary@ gmail.com

Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) – Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Joan on 07 866 3801 or 027 275 1372.

BI-MONTHLY

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.

FORTNIGHTLY

Greeting Card Making – The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up.

Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph 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, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone Vanessa 027 896 5037. Email vandoo555@gmail.com.

Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016. 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. Boys Brigade – An adventure, activity, and values based ministry for boys. For boys aged 5-13 years old. Tues 5.30-7pm For information contact Robyn 020 409 39674.

Chess Club – Monday nights 6.309.30pm, MB Bowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost $2. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or brettsoanes16@hotmail. com

Chinwag Café – Every Friday from 10am-12pm 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, 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Wood.

Cooks Beach Care Group – Join our friendly team and learn about coastal conservation. Come weeding and planting. Thursday mornings. Register www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz

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. All levels welcome. Contact Leanne Barnes 021 468 533.

Dog walking group – Every Thurs, 2pm, Lovers Rock, Robinson Road. All breeds and sizes welcome to a very sociable group. Ph Jenny on 021 186 5797.

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.

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 $10. Contact Verna 027 320 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com.

Meditation Stress Reduction Circle –

Whitianga – Mondays from 7.30-9pm 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

Mercury Bay Badminton Club – Thurs 5-7pm, 4 courts – all levels welcome

with coaching available, at MBAS gym.

Contact: Steve 027 211 3568

If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Coromandel Informer know. Call 866 2090, email info@theinformer.co.nz. Our What’s On page is not guaranteed to run every week as often space is restricted. Consider paying for a classified advert if you want to guarantee your activity runs every week.

Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726.

Mercury Bay Badminton – Every Wednesday 9-11am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Social badminton. Casual players and visitors are welcome. Players of all levels, ages 16+. Phone Carol 027 474 7493 for more information.

Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club

– Every Wednesday at 1pm and every Thursday at 7pm at the MB Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. For more information, phone Gavin on 07 866 2343 or 021 146 9203.

Mercury Bay Community Choir –Mondays 6.15-8.15pm, Music Room MBAS. Inclusive, open, friendly choir – no prior singing experience needed, no auditions. Contact Kate 027 2709 058 for details.

Mercury Bay Environmental Trust –Every Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised prior. For more information, please email mbenvironmentaltrust@ gmail.com or go to www.mbet.co.nz.

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 Pickleball Club – Every Tues 5.30pm-7.30pm and every Sunday 4-6pm at the MBAS gymnasium, Whitianga. Outdoor sessions every Thurs 4-pm and Sun 9-11am weather dependant, Matai Pl courts, Matarangi. Equipment and training provided. Contact Tony Minto 021 426 150.

Mercury Bay Squash Club – New members/enquiries to Dawn Thurgood mercbaysquash@gmail.com

Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tues, 9-11.30am 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 6pm on Thursdays. All welcome. Ph. Jason 022 186 7992 or Steve 022 378 0648. Oneness Meditation Centre – The 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

Spiritual Coffee Mornings – Every Tues and Wed, 10.30-11.30am, 19 Monk St, 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 Thurs 10-11am at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. $2 per session. Contact Lisa Jury on 027 351 7110 for further information.

Tai Chi for beginners – Town Hall, Mondays 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 5146 for more info.

Tai Do Martial Arts – Town Hall, Tues/ Wed 6-7.30pm. Ph Tony 027 333 5146.

Tairua Contract Bridge Club – Every Monday at 12.30pm at the Tairua

Whitianga Art Group – Every Thurs/Fri 10am-4pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for more information.

Whitianga Menz Shed – Open Tues/ Thurs, 9am-12 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel truck stop. All welcome.

Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/ Fri 9am-12 noon, 1F White St. 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, 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 Tues 9am start. For more information phone Margaret on 027 7802 744. All levels welcome.

Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information.

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

Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@ catherinecorcoran.com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm.

Mercury Bay Dance Club – Recreational dance lessons. Thurs 6-7pm. Book with Kathleen 022 154 1702 and/or check out the Facebook page. facebook.com/ mercurybaydanceclub/. Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Tues, beginners 11.15am-12.15pm; seniors 12.30-2.30pm; Thurs, absolute beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, improvers 12.452.45pm. Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Ph Margaret 027 463 8850 or Glynis 021 1099 155.

SALSA/Merengue/Bachata and Cha Cha – Contact Molly, events@beatfairy. com. Every Monday from 6.30-7.30pm at Monkey House. $20 per class which includes a drink.

Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes – Town Hall, Monk St, $5 per session. Intermediate classes Wed, 12-1.30pm; Beginner/Improver classes Monday 10.30-11.45am. Contact Cecily 027 294 1750 or Kathy 027 4321 353 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. GROUP INFO

Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact alana.baker@bayleyscoromandel.co.nz

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

Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. Phone Barb 0274 075 268.

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

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

CORRECTION TO THE MENZ SHED ARTICLE FROM LAST WEEK

When referring to the founder and a past president of the Menz Shed The Informer was mistakenly given the incorrect name of Pauline Brown’s late husband. The correct name should have been Malcolm Brown and not Mike Brown. We sincerely apologise for the error.

EIGHTH GRADE MERCURY BAY FOOTBALL

The MBFC 8th Grade played

Whenuakite Saturday, 6 July at the Sports Park and we were fortunate that the rain held off for our games. We had a fantastic turn out of friends and family to watch us play. Our players of the day were McKinley Hale for playing a great game, scoring two goals and getting really involved and Beauden Flynn for his fantastic playing and scoring a goal.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Mahurangi Pairs Week 2

9 July 2024

North South, 1st Don Barry and Robyn Hogg 74.48 %, 2nd Anne Knowles and Sue Gill 53.65%, 3rd Val Dwight and Dave Dylla 43.75%.

East West, 1st Bev Dickie and Rose Mormede 65.63%, 2nd Ngaire O’Brien and Peter Hogg 63.75%, 3rd Peter Clark and Robyn Waters 46.25%.

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

Round 2, Shoe Pairs

North/South: 1, Chris Death & Robyn Waters 62.92; 2, David Wilkinson & Lynnette Flowers 55.42; 3, Robyn Hunter & Donna Harvey 47.92.

East/West. 1, Peggy Crosbie & Peter McNeil 60.00; 2 Ron & Carol Baker 55.83; 3, Liz Young & Jocelyn Taylor 55.42.

MERCURY BAY DARTS

Great night we had 17 players including 2 awesome players visiting us from Taupo darts. John Munroe hit a strong 180, Mike Gellett hit a very impressive 157 finish. Karen Mckenzie finished on a nice 83. Because of a shortage of time due to ferry departure times a play off for the winner will be played next week between Mike and Greg.

MERCURY BAY CLUB

SNOOKER

Wednesday, 10 July

Best of three frames: Ten players on Wednesday and it was Bob Haase, Ian Baumgren and Brian Codyre with two straight wins each to challenge the finals. Bob won the alley drawn bye and Brian and Ian tussled out the semifinal with a close win to Brian to go on to meet Bob in the final. A great match this was coming to black to win with Bob potting a great long shot to take the win and the cash prize.

Runner up Brian Codyre and with two wins Ian Baumgren, Peter Schultz and Greg Murphy. Highest break was 24 achieved by Bob Haase and Brian Codyre.

Saturday, 13 July

Best of three frames: Only Six players on Saturday and Peter Schultz with three straight wins took home the cash prize. No high break on Saturday.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Thursday, 11 July

Winners: Keith Denney, Heather Walker and Glynne Jackson; Runners-up: Cheryl Henderson, Bev McAllister and Sue Webb Good Sports: Ian Pudney, Shirley Marshall and Joy McGregor.

COOKS BEACH INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Wednesday 10 July

Winners: Garry Oppert, Coral Strong, John Maddren, Dave Vujcich; Runners up: Phil Costello, Jude Leabourn, Sumer Bartlett

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

Nine-hole Women – Net

Tuesday 9 July

1, Jandy Morton; 2, Noeline Boardman; 3, Jean Hancock. Nine hole Mixed - Stableford 1, Phil Drane; 2, Johnny Day; 3, Peter Chaffin.

Eighteen-hole Women

Area Stableford Rd5

Wednesday 10 July

Div 1: 1, Diane Eccles; 2, Diane Andrew; 3, Janine Hayde. Div 2: 1, Christine Lowe; 2, Jo Geoghegan; 3, Betty Tocker.

Closest to Pin #18: Betty Tocker, Longest Putt #9: Kim Allan, Eighteen-hole Men – Stableford 1, Sam Murphy; 2, Roger Pheasant; 3, Ken Goerge.

Twos: Jim Gavegan (2), Sam Murphy

Gross Div 1: Mark Boe; Div 2: Rob Baines.

Nine -hole Mixed Scramble –Stableford Friday 12 July 1, Jeff Dixon; 2, Johnny Day; 3, Don Maquire.

Twos: Kerry Hitchcock, Kelvin O’Leary.

Nearest Pin #6: Kelvin O’Leary; Nearest Pin #3: Eddie Lyle

Eighteen-hole Men - Stableford Winter Cup R2

Saturday 13 July

1, Ken George; 2, Roger Pheasant; 3, Les Walbridge.

Twos: James Duncan, Johnny Day, Wayne Kearney, Ken George, Osman Emer, Steve Geach, Alan Coubray.

Div 1: Gross –Mark Boe; Nearest to Pin, Rober Booth; Longest Drive, Bobby Rollinson.

Div 2: Gross – Gary Wheeler; Nearest to Pin, Rohit Ranchhod; Longest Drive,Rohit Ranchhod.

DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB

Nine-hole Men – Stableford

Monday, 8 July

1, Noel Rogers; 2, Steve Airey; 3, Rey Bertling. Eighteen-hole

Wednesday 10 July

1, Tony Nicholson; 2, Geoffrey Hill; 3, Brian Tomlinson; 4, Nick Lambert.

Twos: Barry Bowen (5), Tony Nicholson (7), Nick Lambert (7), Craig Munro (18).

Eighteen-hole Ladies – Putts

1, Allison Drake-Wells; 2, Cathy Drake-Wells; 3, Marie Murphy.

Twos: Allison Drake-Wells (18 & 11)

Nine-Hole Men - Ambrose

Thursday 11 July

Lance Croawell, Peter Mathias, Rob Fisken.

Nearest the Pin: Ray Green Haggle – Stableford

Saturday 13 July

1, Barry Titchmarsh; 2, Tracey Mulligan; 3, Craig Batty; 4, Brent Holtom.

Nearest the Pin: Paul Barnard

Twos: David Gaskell (5), Tracey Mulligan (7).

PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Nine-hole partners Russian

Stableford – Tuesday 9 July 1, Richard Duckworth and Jude Deverall; 2= Steve Borlase and John Hamilton, Ryan Cochrane and Jill Huston.

Stableford

1= Catherine Borlase, Ryan Cochrane; 3 Frank Geoghegan.

Nine-hole Par

Thursday 11 July

1, Ryan Cochrane; 2, Jo Geoghe gan; 3= Anne Costello, Neil Rob ertson, Brian Keucke.

Eighteen-hole Stableford

Saturday 13 July

1, Callum Murray; 2, Bob Walker;

3, Grant Webster; 4= Jo Geoghegan, Frank Geoghegan.

Nearest the Pin: David Young, Nett Eagles: Jo Geoghegan.

NEW ZEALAND AREA SCHOOL NATIONALS

By Leisa McCleery

Thirteen Mercury Bay Area Schools Students travelled to Te Awamutu for this years New Zealand Area Schools tournament representing Central North Island.

The week-long tournament was a great success with Top of the South Region winning overall. The four regions that come together are Northland, Central North Island, Top of the South Island and South of the South.

“The Golden Boot” a stunning rugby boot carved by the Whittler was donated back from Mercury Bay Rugby Club after having been out of circulation for many years. The boot was awarded for games of rugby when North versed South. The tournament organisers were thrilled to be able to present this beautiful piece of work.

Congratulations to our athletes who enjoyed a great week of sports and represented us with pride and passion.

Selected for North Island teams - Rugby - Caden Swindlehurst and Leon Melde; Netball - Francie Lidgard; Football - Ella Simpson, Arlo Hert, Tom Lamason, Harry Williscroft; Basketball - Charlie Kelly and Payton Naylor. Named NZA Tournament teams - Football - Ella Simpson, Tom Lamason and Harry Williscroft; Basketball - Charlie Kelly; Rugby Barbarians - Caden Swindlehurst and Leon Melde.

GIRLS RUGBY AT MERCURY BAY AREA SCHOOL

We have had Girls Rugby team for many years but this is the first time we have had a female coach. Montana Taogaga is the Head Coach and Chris is the Assistant Coach.Montana teaches Year 6 students at Mercury Bay School. The team consists of mostly Mercury Bay players with four additional players from Thames. This season is a very short one. The girls have two home games and two away games.

Some of the Mercury Bay Golf Club ladies in their new club shirts.

Front - Arlo Hert, Leon Melde, Prezley Southon, Francie Lidgard; Back - Caden Swindlehurst, Tom Lamason, Charlie Kelly, Le Sueur Van der Byl, Tytan Adams, Harry Williscroft, Payton Naylor, Ella Simpson & Ellie Mikkelson.

GAMES AND PUZZLES

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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.

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(7:30AM - 5:00PM)

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TRADES AND SERVICES

P - (07) 211 9445 Nathan - 021 653 907

BJOLI BUILDERS

Contact John 0276 425 654

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WE MAKE THE EARTH MOVE Mobile: 0274 934 212 A/Hrs 07 866 0505

CLASSIFIEDS

FARRIER AVAILABLE

FARRIER AND HOOF TRIMMING SERVICE

Coromandel/Thames & Whitianga area.

Phone: Tony 027 494 7692

PILATES STUDIO FOR LEASE

Centre of town upstairs above Stirling Sports. 68 sq m comprising studio, kitchen, WC, and waiting/dressing room. Available 1st August. Email: jhs@xtra.co.nz Mob: 0274375321

Tea tree $200 or Pine $150 load per metre2 delivered. Phone (07) 866 3026 or text (027) 866 3026

FIREWOOD

DRY PINE – SHED STORED

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

DRY GUM FIREWOOD FOR SALE

$180 a cube delivered. Phone James 021 063 2037

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

2679 Tairua-Whitianga Road, KAIMARAMA 021 0283 0515 kaimaramacats@gmail.com

Everyone welcome for the Easter programme Sunday 10 am – 12 noon @ 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga (Community Service Bldg) Enquiries - 021 113 0566

Every Sunday at 9.00am at St Peter the Fisherman 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga ALL WELCOME

Enquiries phone 021 781 081 www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.org.nz

Passed away peacefully at home on 10 July, 2024. Loved husband of Patti, father of Wayne and Nikki, and father-in-law of Gemma and Phil. Loved Grandad of Shaydon, Josh, Mason, Liam and Hannah. Loved brother of Llyween, Wally and Sue. Honouring Rex’s wishes a

CHURCH

Sundays 10am ALL WELCOME 22 Coghill St – Whitianga www.c3whitianga.co.nz

New model MG3 a timely arrival and available locally

NBY JACK BIDDLE

ew Vehicle registrations in 2024 continue to spiral downwards at an alarming rate with the month of June recording the lowest sales for that month in over a decade.

It’s the fourth month in a row that registrations have been in decline according to figures released recently by the Motor Industry Association.

To highlight the pain the industry is currently going through is the fact that the number of new makes and models that have entered the market in those past 10 years has increased significantly. This makes it even more challenging to make a sale at the best of times without battling through the tough economic times the country is currently going through.

One of the hardest parts in endeavouring to begin a conversation with the buying public is trying to find a positive starting point. Having an all-new model come to market that is affordable and carries a range of high-specification features, including the popular hybrid option plus long term warranty, is therefore music to the ears of new vehicle distributors such as MG Motor New Zealand who are lucky enough to be in that position currently.

They have recently released the all-new MG3. Although now part of the rapid growth of Chinese produced vehicles onto the motoring stage globally, the MG brand name has routes that go back to the 1920s when it was a famous British sports car marque. It’s another niceto-have tick in the box for sales staff when endeavouring to strike up conservation with prospective buyers.

The MG3 is not for everyone but it does compete in a popular segment ideally suited for buyers looking towards the smaller end of the market but with no compromises on performance and safety.

It can also help start the discussion comparing the

differences and benefits of second hand verses new options.

The MG3 is offered with a petrol only or hybrid power train line-up with entry level Excite and top specification Essence models available. Prices range from between $25,990 to $31,990 and like all the Chinese brands on the market, these prices sit at the lower end of the scale in comparison to its competitors. The entire range also benefits from a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty program and 7-year MG Motor Roadside Assist.

Other makes competing in the same space as the all-new MG3 include the Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift and the Honda Jazz all of whom also offer the popular hybrid option of some sort. Non hybrid competition comes from the likes of the Kia Stonic and Mazda2.

MG Motors are calling their hybrid models Hybrid+ but there’s nothing overly special about the technology as it basically self-charges while driving with no plug-in option and like its competition, the recently introduced extra road user charges do not apply. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 4.3l/100km, a figure which potentially could be almost halved if the vehicle was used on short runs around towns like Whitianga.

While both models are identical in engine size, the 1.5 litre petrol engine fitted to the Hybrid+ uses what is known as an Atkinson-cycle design which compliments the electric motor better and produces a combined power and torque figures of 155Kw and 128Nm

respectively which is class leading by a country mile.

The only down side is this engine requires the higher 95 octane fuel in comparison to the non-hybrid option which can run without compromise on the cheaper 91 octane.

Seems very hard to fathom but the MG3 isn’t the only car in this category to stipulate the more expensive fuel.

Safety has also been a main focal point in the all-new 5 seater MG3 in all variants. Included are adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, emergency braking and blind spot detection.

The MG3 is a hard car to dislike for those in the market for a vehicle of this size and in this price range but it does have its quirks. The one outstanding omission is the lack of a split folding rear seat which the majority of Kiwi motorists have now come to expect. It cuts the occupant space down considerably if the rear seat is folded flat to accommodate extra luggage etc.

The big win however especially for those living on the eastern side of the Coromandel is the MG3 can be serviced and have warranty items attended to locally. Farmer Auto Village in Whitianga are MG agents (amongst other makes and models) and can take care of all things mechanical and even help negotiate a sale. It’s a huge advantage for potential owners and a massive point of difference in a time when the buying public are grateful for every dollar saved.

 The MG3 can be viewed at Farmer Auto Village, Whitianga by appointment.

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.

Business Manager: Emma Gaunt

Newspaper Layout: Diane Andrew Social Media: EMD Agency Circulation: 9000

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

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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 Number?

The new model MG3 available now.

The Mercury Bay Line Dancers came together for a 4 July social at the Whitianga Town Hall. The four levels of dancers were suitably attired in red, white and blue, and are pictured here surrounding their leaders Glynis Quinn and Margaret Tucker.