BY PAULINE STEWART
Exploring and Informing on the possibility of a World Heritage Site (WHS) for Mercury Bay was the agenda for last Sunday’s very special and well attended meeting held at Mercury Bay Club.
The meeting or forum was organised by a small group who have actually been thinking and learning about the WHS process for
a number of years. It has had some starts and stops over the years and has been principally initiated by Warwick Wilson, but the dream of a World Heritage Site being possible for wider Mercury Bay is still cradled by this group - Annie and Warwick Wilson, Ady Cole-Ewen, Helen Vivian, Kate James and of course, Professor Gordon Maxwell. Kevin Neal has been providing a Ngati Hei perspective. The principal organiser of the meeting was Ady
Cole-Ewen, local Wharekaho resident and long time campaigner for the environment. Those interested came to listen to Professor Gordon Maxwell and to learn more, ask questions, as well as offer their opinions. All of that happened. Key community leaders attended. Kevin Neal opened the meeting and a number of senior members of Ngati Hei who had received special invitations and were present including Acting Chair of the Charitable
Trust, Shelley Balsom. TCDC Councillors -Deli Connell and John Grant, Waikato Regional Councillor - Warren Maher, as well as Caroline Hobman and Bess Kingi from the Mercury Bay Community Board.
In terms of understanding what World Heritage means for a site, Professor Gordon has had invaluable experience in the long process of how to apply World Heritage status and would be able to give the benefit of his expertise in this.
Turn to page 2
Continued from front page
He is a farmer in Hikutaia when he is residing in New Zealand and was pleased to be available to speak at this special meeting.
At the outset, Host and MC, John Freer of CFM provided a framework for the meeting – not a talk fest but a gathering to determine the level of interest and if there can be a plan to go forward. He described the three WHS in New Zealand, each very distinctly different and alluded to how distinctively beautiful and different is Mercury Bay.
For some of the meeting, this bigger picture was confused with some of the participants thinking the meeting was about stopping a proposed local spat farm. While that issue is very close to the organiser’s heart and of course would not be something Professor Maxwell supported, that matter was not intended to be in the agenda. Agreeing to work on a WHS is a very long journey and a much bigger project than a particular spat or mussel farm. The point was made that we must consider larger threats such as seabed mining for valuable minerals like lithium which could bring the attention of huge and powerful international commercial interests. John Freer brought people back to the topic at hand, but there was no avoiding his having to direct questions about the effects of a spat farm to Professor
Maxwell. Councillor, Deli Connell expressed her concern that this meeting was attempting to disguise the real agenda - the spat farm, though opponents of the spat farm have exhausted all legal avenues and accept the decision to grant resource consent for it.
The need to add a further layer of protection to the Bay was questioned, because Ngati Hei were already involved in projects which would preserve the bay and add to its mana. A number of questions were also raised about the level of control from outside organisations such as the United Nations that would take away the freedom of local people to manage their own conservation of the environment. Professor Maxwell assured the meeting that this was not the purpose of World Heritage and that local people’s culture, customs and important historical
sites would be respected and preserved.
Shelley Balsom one of the Ngati Hei leaders, asked about the resulting huge tourist influxes that could destroy the very thing a World Heritage Site was supposed to achieve through sheer numbers. It was her opinion that this would not only destroy the physical beauty from constant visits by cruise ships and large vehicles, but also change residents’ lives forever. The Professor pointed out that tourism can be managed but harmful exploitation of the ocean is often irreversible.
Shelley spoke later in the meeting urging that if people wanted to protect the area, to please support Maori.
Professor Maxwell not in a position to answer the mechanical details of the WHS journey but he
did address the need for a group to prepare a document that stated the case as to why this greater bay needed to be preserved. The document didn’t need to be long but it did need to be factual about the features that deserved to always be preserved and how unique they were and it also needed to be visionary as to the commitment of people and organisations that made up the Bay. Such a document must demonstrate a wide and deep level of support from the people of the bay. Professor Maxwell emphasised that this was not about the current climate of where we are at with various opinions. Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today and what we pass on to future generations.
John Grant addressed the value of more discussion and that he supported this as something to preserve the Bay’s legacy. Ady Cole-Ewen raised the fact that at this stage the thinking about the area for the WHS did not include land but the coastline, and ocean - about 7,000 hectares and that having World Heritage status would not impact on how people used and enjoyed this area unless their activities might cause it harm.
A request was made to provide a map of the proposed area a WHS application might cover.
Perhaps the most encouraging and uplifting moment was when Raukawa Balsom spoke. Earlier in
the meeting she had asked what were the downsides of becoming a WHS. But this time she spoke as the oldest Ngat Hei tribe member present, and someone who had lived over 80 years in Whitianga and whose whanau dwelled here long before. She spoke of a spirit of coming together and working together and dismissed as unnecessary, any previous displays of anger by others. She then led a waiata to which the entire room responded standing and singing. Raukawa was not saying she agreed with the WHS but that her people wanted progress and were committed to preserving and caring for the bay and coming together for that purpose. They always had.
Goodwill prevailed and the variety of discussion concluded with a show of hands requested by John Freer as to the level of support for the idea. That clearly indicated that most present were interested in knowing more and progressing the idea, thus not rejecting the big picture proposed.
A significant number of people stayed back to talk more with one another.
Thanks to Mercury Bay Club for their use of their venue and to CFM for providing the sound equipment and personnel. It was an important beginning for working more together. There will be more information in future issues of The Coromandel Informer.
STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2024 – your guide to the night sky
August 6-14: This week in the dawn sky we can watch slightly reddish Mars getting ever lower from day to day as it approached much brighter Jupiter. Meanwhile in the western dusk sky similarly faint Mercury also gets lower and lower each night as it gradually approaches brilliant Venus low on the horizon. There will be several International Space Station (ISS) passes to enjoy this week but, as usual, timings may change, especially towards the end of the month, if it has to be moved to avoid space junk. Tuesday, August 6 – Faint Mercury and brilliant Venus are joined by a very thin crescent Moon low down in the dusk western sky accompanied by a low morning ISS pass from 6:38am in the west. Wednesday, August 7 – The Moon now sits above and to the right of Venus at dusk and
there will be a short ISS pass in the morning from 5:51am in the NW. Thursday, August 8 – Mercury has moved lower down at dusk with brilliant Venus next to it and the crescent sits Moon higher up. Friday, August 9 – The crescent Moon at dusk is now high above both Venus and Mercury. Saturday, August 10 – Mars is rapidly approaching brilliant Jupiter in the dawn sky. Monday, August 12 – The First Quarter Moon lies half way between the red giant star Antares in Scorpio and whitish Spica below in the evening. Tuesday, August 13 – The Moon now sits just below the head of Scorpio with reddish Antares just above and there is a bright ISS pass from 7:17pm in the NW moving into the Earth’s shadow as it reaches Scorpio. Wednesday, August 14 – We have a long ISS pass from 6:29pm in the NW.
BY STAN STEWART
It is one of Whitianga’s most successful businesses – ‘DIVE ZONE – Whitianga’, currently employing eleven full time, and four part time staff. The growth of this business is a testament to the energy, drive and stickability of Darrell Bird. Darrell is supported in administration and marketing by his wife, Linda who also organises Dive Zone’s overseas expeditions.
Beginning from scratch in October 2004 – ‘DIVE ZONE–Whitianga’ is now the largest Dive Shop and Dive Training establishment in New Zealand. Scuba Diving is one of the fastest growing water sports worldwide, so watch this space. DIVE ZONE Whitianga will definitely be part of Whitianga’s future growth.
Darrell grew up in Palmerston North. He was an outdoor person but with no particular interest in playing rugby. His Dad owned and operated a sheet metal workshop and his Mum ran the motels they developed and operated.
Darrell’s OE (Overseas Experience) drifted on for five years. Finally, in Egypt on the Sinai Peninsula at a Red Sea resort, scuba diving caught his attention. He decided to take a PADI diving course. To earn the tuition fees,
he worked odd jobs around the resort. He obtained his first PADI Dive qualification in Egypt and over the years he has earnt many more, to the point that he now holds PADI’s highest qualification, ‘Platinum Course Director’.
By the time he returned to New Zealand, he had the ‘Dive’ bug. The idea of opening a Dive Shop was burning in his brain. At that time all the Dive Shops were located in
the main centres, not close to dive locations. Darrell began searching for a location where interesting and varied dive sites were close at hand.
He had never visited Whitianga. His first journey to Whitianga was in April 2004. He still remembers the excitement he felt when he first viewed Mercury Bay, the beaches and the islands. The locations amazed him. “This is
it,” he thought. And that is why he decided to establish his Dive Shop in Whitianga. When he opened in October 2004 he had one student – Craig Rasmussen. Believe it or not, Craig never left. Craig is part of Dive Zone Whitianga’s staff and Darrell’s right-hand man. Craig is a testament to one of Darrell’s strongest qualities, loyalty, especially to employees. This is a foun-
dational value of this excellent business.
The Dive Zone’s premises are notable, eye-catching. When I first viewed them, I thought the building looked like something out of the Rocky Horror Show. Thereby hangs a story.
The large two-story premises began life as a restaurant. It was prominently located on the Esplanade and built with a nautical theme and fittings, but it gave way to re-development. In 2005 it was transported on a huge truck to its present location at 10/12 Campbell Street, Whitianga. The premises became a restaurant-bar but didn’t thrive in this location. Darrell re-located from Blacksmith Lane and rented the property for his Dive Shop and teaching location in 2017.
In 2021, Darrell and Linda purchased it. The premises are full of the atmosphere of the sea and diving. The second floor is now the location of a most suitable class space for the many courses which now take place at Dive Zone Whitianga.
Dive Zone Whitianga’s capacity for large groups of divers has seen it become the country’s largest Dive Training facility. It is also a retail outlet and filling facility for all dive related needs.
Albert St Whitianga
WILL BE CLOSED
from Wednesday 31 July to Sunday 25 August
We will re-open on Monday, 26 August after our winter break. We look forward to seeing you then.
e are excited to announce the Jordan Luck Band will be our headline act on the main stage this year!
Every gig, the Jordan Luck Band play the best of all those iconic Exponents tracks we all know and love as well as a collection of the bands favourite
Kiwi classics.
As front man and pop-writing genius with the legendary Exponents, Jordan Luck clocked up a staggering 18 Top 40 singles over the years, with ‘Victoria’ recently voted by the public as the 8th greatest New Zealand song of all time.
The iconic Kiwi band will
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have you up and dancing to all those classic Exponent songs we all know and love featuring hits such as ‘Victoria’ ‘Why
Does Love Do This To Me’, ‘Who Loves Who The Most’, and ‘I’ll Say Goodbye (Even Though I’m Blue)’.
BY PAULINE STEWART
“What do we want?” the voice over the loud hailer called. The people reply, “Cheap fuel.” He continues. “When do we want it?” The people shout, “Now!”
The loud hailer leader calls out. “Petrol stations in Thames are ripping you off. They are greedy. They do not care about the community.” There are the shouts of communicable agreement.
There would be 150 people participating in the protest march Saturday morning from 11.00am, 3 August. This march took the crowd to each petrol station I Thames Everywhere there was a lot of support from honking motorists.
This ‘cheap fuel’ demand is about getting a price much the same as every other town offers on the Coromandel Peninsula. People are asking for a fair price.
That is justice.
The Thames people drive out of town because of the much higher prices that they pay for fuel. It is an issue across Thames that has been there for some time. They are fighting the greed it represents and are demanding that Thames people and visitors to Thames get a fairer deal. Why not?
The owners of the petrol stations sign agreements with the
fuel companies which prohibit any discussion about pricing. The companies who distribute the fuel are silent. The only resource the people have is to protest which they have done, and use the petition that CFM has organised urging the Securities Commission to investigate fuel prices in the area, to support their case This petition has had well over a thousand signatures.
Credit goes to Goldie Anderson,
local resident who has led this full foray into social and community action. Goldie is pictured on our front page calling out for some transparency as to why the prices are higher in her town. There has been some response with some of the petrol stations lowering their prices but it is still not in the ball park of other tons.
One would think the further north a traveller goes the more expensive the fuel. However, the
price of 91 this last Saturday in Whitianga was Gull. 2.73; Z 2.79; New World 2.690; Mobil 2.73. The cheapest in Thames on Saturday morning, the day of the protest was Gull 2.81 and Mobil 2.79 for 91.
When and if it does come down as a stable situation and not a knew jerk reaction to protests, the question must be asked, how did the fuel stations justify the high prices for so long?
BY MICHELLE DELLABARCA
It was a cool evening for The Coromandel Colville Business Association’s (CCBA) July Meeting but the topics were hot.
The meeting was well attended with about 35 members turning out to hear Mitch King and Jessica Black from the TCDC Economic Development Team.
Also attending were Mayor Len Salt and TCDC councillor and Community Board member, John Morrissey.
The Economic Development team of Mitch and Jessica was well received. They presented relevant statistics for businesses in Coromandel Town and explained their role in promoting business development and growth in the TCDC region.
Some of their role includes bringing big events to Coromandel, administering Coromandel Peninsula’s tracks and trails, and bringing creative ideas for promoting the Coromandel region to the rest of NZ and the world.
They also support community organisations who want to start new initiatives and help to develop infrastructure to support
these projects.
Local business owners were very appreciative of the Mayor’s and John Morrissey’s attendance. This gave the business owners the chance to ask some hard questions face to face. “At least they have the balls to turn up,” was one comment.
A contentious issue that was raised was the length of time and increasing complexity of getting resource and building consents processed, specifically for business owners trying to build premises to carry out their business. Their frustration about this issue was obvious and was directly addressed by the Mayor.
Len Salt explained that TCDC is currently about 40 staff members down and that repeated advertising and recruitment campaigns have not been able to secure suitable applicants for these positions. He said that part of the challenge was finding long-term accommodation in Thames or other towns in the Coromandel for successful candidates.
During discussion after the conclusion of the meeting it was
speculated that the delay in getting building consents processed could be contributing to the very problem Mayor Len shared. Questions were raised from the floor about stalled or rejected projects that would have benefitted Coromandel Town, such as the proposed development at Jacks Point, and the Blue Highway proposal – investigating and funding ways to routinely use the east-
ern seaway to bring in supplies to Coromandel Town, both dayto-day and also in times of Coromandel’s isolation due to natural disasters. Mayor Salt explained that both these projects involved a huge investment in infrastructure such as upgrading the wharf and subsidising a ferry.
He said that the current government is not interested in financing such projects and their current priority is improving roading, so there are no government funds available for this project.
John Morrissey commented that the cost of infrastructure for these projects is high, and with no public funding available, TCDC could not help with funding without substantial rate increases, so they are currently “Dead in the water”.
Further comments from the floor indicated that the feeling is that councils generally have become too risk averse rather than risk neutral, and it was noted that the role of the council is to serve and enable their region rather than enforce ‘roadblocks’.
CCBA Chairperson, Jennifer Ashman, said that the discussion was cordial and lively throughout
the meeting. She felt that the business owners and other interested parties, had had their concerns listened to, responded to and feedback was promised within the next six weeks.
The Economic Development Unit and TCDC are expected to have their feedback ready to report in time for the CCBA AGM in September.
People stayed behind for some time to further discuss and network with each other. Jenny sees this as evidence of a successful meeting.
“The CCBA is a vehicle to raise collective business concerns and these networking meetings are open to anyone, “said Jenny. “They aim to bring topics for discussion to the community.”
The business network meetings are the last Wednesday of every month. August will include the Hillary Trust speaking about their new venture at the old Tangiora Retreat Centre near Port Charles. The September meeting will feature the feedback from the Economic Development Unit. It is also the AGM.
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For the Auckland & Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopters 1-31 July 2024
02.07
02.07
03.07
05.07
07.07
Whitianga Assist a male patient in his 80s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
Whitianga Assist a female patient in her 50s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
Thames Assist a female patient in her 20s involved in a motor vehicle car versus power pole accident. She was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
Thames Assist a female patient in her 40s involved in a van versus car accident. Extrication by fire was required. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
Thames Assist a female patient in her 50s suffering a medical condition. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
09.07 Coromandel Assist a male patient in his 80s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.
11.07
Coromandel Assist a female patient in her 60s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
13.07 Whangamata Assist a male patient in his 40s suffering an accident with a knife. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
13.07 Colville Assist a male patient in his 50s suffering a walking injury. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition.
15.07 Tapu Assist a male patient in his 70s involved in a motor vehicle accident. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
23.07 Thames Assist a female patient in her 70s suffering an injury from a motor vehicle accident. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
25.07
Thames Assist with the interhospital transfer of a female patient in her 70s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
Contact me anytime 0800 550 330 • scottsimpson.co.nz mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz scottsimpsonmp
BY PAULINE STEWART
ir-Am Clothing is a relatively new shop in Shop 3, The Depot 715 Pollen St, Grahamstown, Thames. The proprietor is Maria Autridge. She is a designer and sewer of fashions for women and Air-Am Clothing is her label.
Maria does not dress or design to conform. Her designs are avant garde, sophisticated and original. Maria generally makes only one of her designs so one is purchasing something unique. There are occasions on request that Maria will make another garment the same, but only as long as the risk of it being worn in the same town is very low.
“I started sewing in my teens,” says Maria. It was here in Thames where I grew up. I hired a shop across the road for $50 and started working with calico, yards and yards of it (not metres then). Tie-dying was quite the fashion statement at that time and I tie-dyed the lot and made baggy shorts and tops.” Maria was successful with her first clothing design enterprise but then along came family and children.
Maria lived in Australia for many years and worked as a financial counsellor and advisor but always nursed that love for sewing and making her own clothing. When she returned to Thames, Maria followed this passion and started Air-Am Clothing. Her first decision was to put a little studio shop in her garage. It was big enough for her sewing with room to spare to display her
clothing creations .
But she soon learned that people don’t really come down to ‘shop’ any distance from the town centre. Then it seemed to rain for nearly two years and of course there was Covid.
“Going from my sewing studio to retail has been a big jump for me.” Maria is talking about the move from her small factory shop in her garage where she did all her designing and sewing, to her own shop in The Depot in Campbell Street, Thames.
A woman by the name of Trish Malanaphy set up The Depot. It was the old bus depot. Thames was quite the bus travel centre.
Now The Depot is a boutique mall with a number of special character shops fronted by a fine café.
One of those shops is Air-Am Clothing.
“I was offered this space when a lease had finished,” says Maria. “I thought to myself, I think my clothes will work in Thames in this setting. At the time I did not realise how many ladies who love fashion would come through here! It is a good place to be.”
“Unless someone is actually wearing your clothing and feeling good and groovy, the whole concept of designing a garment doesn’t mean much. It’s not fulfilling. The work doesn’t come to
life. I love designing but choosing the fabric to bring that design to life is so very important.”
Maria explained how she spends a lot of time on testing and feeling the fabric and that was very apparent when caressing the clothes hanging in her store. “When a customer sees a garment, likes it and then tries it on, that’s the start. Then you wait to see if the garment is right for them, if the customer loves it and she feels it’s a match for her. When that works, it’s magic.”
The old brick work (the bricks were made in Thames and came from the old Pump House), the framed photos of the glory days
“Unless someone is actually wearing your clothing and feeling good and groovy, the whole concept of designing a garment doesn’t mean much. It’s not fulfilling."
of bus travel, large plant pots and comfortable seating makes this rather chique mall very attractive.
Maria’s store fits well.
“A lot of tourists and travellers from Auckland and Hamilton come through here, but there is also a strong local community,” says Maria. “In fact, the number of people who have decided to move to Thames has surprised me. People are also doing B& Bs – staying over. They get a nature reprieve here. The backdrop of nature seems to rejuvenate. You can relax here.”
Maria explained that the Saturday markets are very popular. “They add so much and they are here every Saturday of the year. There is a good supply of organic natural produce which is attractive to people and they come a long way to participate and to purchase. The markets are right outside The Depot!”
Maria’s label is very striking – the red on black. “I started off with the three red crosses. For me it represented the struggles of life, which I think are opportunities. My motto is ‘I can do this. I can rock this’.”
Maria Autridge’s store is full of her designs – edgy, avant garde clothing. There are also her self – made and crafted soaps. Air-Am Clothing is well worth the visit.
Monday, 22 July to Sunday, 28 July 2024.
GENERAL: 24 July: A burglary was reported as having occurred at an address on Albert St. Various household items were stolen. Enquiries are being made to locate the suspect.
Also, on 24 July, a Mazda utility was stolen from a Cook Drive address. This vehicle was quickly modified by the offenders prior to being located by police. Several people are assisting police in their enquiries.
25 July: A stolen vehicle was located at an Albert St address. A search of the vehicle and location revealed numerous items of interest. Several persons are assisting police with their enquiries.
28 July: Enquiries were made at a 309 address regarding the locating of a stolen vehicle from Auckland. As a result, a male has been arrested and charged with this offence. Further enquiries are being made regarding other property at the address.
ARRESTS: 1x male arrested for Breach of Bail, Unlawfully Takes Motor Vehicle.
OCCURRENCES: 23 July, a Family Harm occurred at a Jackman Ave address. The male party was served a Police Safety Order and warned for breaching a trespass notice.
25 July a Family Harm occurred at Onerere Drive address. The male party left the address prior to police arrival.
TRAFFIC: 22 July, a near miss occurred between a vehicle and a mobility scooter using one of the pedestrian crossings. Enquiries are continuing to speak with the driver of the vehicle.
23 July, a collision occurred between a motor vehicle and cyclist on Joan Gaskell Drive. The driver failed to see the cyclist whilst turning into a driveway.
With an estimated 250,000 Throwaway / Single-UseCups (SUC) going to landfill each year in Mercury Bay, the Wahi Tukurua / Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Team and coffee selling friends are on a mission to change the way we have our coffee – reducing waste, one cup at a time!
SUCFree Thirsty Thursdays are a fun step in helping our community see that change is easy and can be rewarding.
One Thursday each month, a participating cafe will host the Thirsty Thursday event promoting reuse options and offering prizes for customers bringing or buying reusables.
Mercury Bay is not alone in this mission to protect our beautiful environment. Promotion events like these are popping up all around the country - raising awareness and providing options for everyone to join the Reusable Revolution!
The inaugural Whitianga event, hosted at Nook Grover & Refills on Thursday, 25 July, was a resounding success, with 95% of Nook customers bringing their reusable cups or enjoying the amazing edible cups exclusive to Nook!
The support from locals and visitors alike shows a growing awareness of the environmental impact of single-use cups and a willingness to adopt reusable alternatives.
A key feature of the SUCFree Thirsty Thursday events is letting people know about Chunky Cups. As a national not-for-profit initiative, Chunky Cups offer a cost-effective reusable cup for just $10, with no profit made throughout its lifecycle. This means the cup is sold at cost price, making it an accessible option for everyone. One
of the best aspects of Chunky Cups is the convenience they offer. You can drop off your dirty cup at any participating cafe and walk out with a clean cup and a fresh coffee. How easy is that!
The team extends heartfelt thanks to CFM for their support and engaging on-air conversation about reusable options. Their involvement helped spread the word and encouraged more people to participate in this event.
Enthusiasm for the Reusable Revolution is clear, with nine cafes already signed up. They
will all be hosting Thirsty Thursdays events in the coming months. This growing support from local businesses is crucial for the success of our campaign and demonstrates a collective commitment to sustainability.
Are you a cafe owner interested in promoting sustainability and attracting more customers? Hosting a SUCFree Thirsty Thursday event is a great opportunity for free promotion. Head to the SUCFree Mercury Bay Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/p/SUC-Free-Single-UseCup-Free-Mercury-Bay) or the Wahi Tukurua website (https:wāhitukurua.co.nz/ sucfree) for more information and to sign up.
SUCFree Thirsty Thursdays are a monthly event hosted at a different participating café each month between 10am12.30pm. We look forward to seeing even more community members come out with their reusable cups and support our mission to make our town Throwaway / SUCFree. Join us in our journey towards a cleaner, greener future. Together, we can make a significant difference, one cup at a time!
Last week’s Informer carried the fourth part of John Veysey’s views on 1080. I have endured the falsehoods of the first three he has written but finally, I am incensed enough by his blatant misinformation and emotive purple prose to write a response.
I have a small rural block on the coast with a large catchment of DoC Forest Park behind. The large stream fed by that catchment runs along two sides of my property and then a very short distance to the sea.
Some years ago when I was approached by DoC about the first 1080 drop for the catchment, I was apprehensive, quite ignorant of the issues, but determined to approach my concerns with an open mind. I read a number of books for and against, and analysed what could be proven and what was just opinion. I spoke with numerous local people with knowledge; well respected pig hunter and trapper Derek Boyd, Arthur Hinds and others of the Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group, local volunteer environmentalists maintaining trap lines, and DoC staff.
The clear consensus was that although 1080 was far from ideal, there were really no other options. There was no one shooting possums commercially. The wild pigs were in part, progeny of
pink and black and white domestic breeds that it would seem had been released to increase the numbers for sport. Trap lines were getting just a small fraction of the mustelid (stoat and weasel), rodent (mice and rats) and wild cat populations.
After the first year’s drop, I noted no change to the bird populations about my property. But the following year there was a huge increase, and then after that a gradual reduction each year as the pest populations re-established. Despite those reductions, when the next drop happened, the bird life was still well ahead of what it was before the first drop.
Over the years, bird numbers (including kiwi counted from my property) have increased sig-
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.
nificantly. Contrary to claims on social media and by people such as John Veysey, I have seen no poisoned birds, no dead eels or fish in the stream, no poisoned fish washed up on the beach and heard of no kids becoming ill from playing in the stream. There have been no reports of people getting sick from shellfish they’ve collected along the coast from the stream mouth.
Mr Veysey is correct in his assertion that a contractor is now doing the work previously done by DoC but wrong to suggest property owners will not be visited or informed. I can confirm both Lance Pucket and Ian Cutler of the contractor ECOFX visited me on my property and gave full information before the latest
drop in my area late last year.
I acknowledge that 1080 is not the perfect solution. But what else is there ?
My challenge to John Veysey is that rather than just promulgating false anti 1080 information, he should come up with a feasible alternate. Can he muster (and pay for) the army needed to shoot all the possums, get rid of all the pigs and goats, capture all the feral cats and eliminate the rodent and mustelid populations? Is he prepared to do the mahi?
My challenge to the Informer is to not hide behind the right of individuals to have their opinions published but take on the responsibility to publish fact checked contributions.
• Footnote: For a comprehensive rebuttal of the claims of the Anti-1080 campaigners, read ‘PROTECTING PARADISE – 1080 and the fight to save New Zealand’s Wildlife’ Author Dave Hansford
Ben Grubb, Tairua HOMO SAPIENS - SLOW TO LEARN
What a time to be alive and selfaware. Just at the start of the extinction of so many species including homo sapiens.
This planet took millions of years (from the Devonian period through the Mesozoic era into the Cenozoic era), to store plant and animal carbon underground per-
manently. This gave equilibrium to the atmosphere. Then along we came to dig it up and burn it in the twinkling of an eyelid geologically speaking.
Even when we know that this equilibrium is upset, we still use the three fossil fuels without thought for the future. ‘Progress and profit’ are our driving motivation not global care. If you think we are not responsible, just drive around Whitianga and see the billions of dollars invested in vehicles and boats by this society. Cement is made by burning coal - about a third of the volume of each. How many weather events and broken records do we need before we have to do something extreme?
Planting trees in the human’s existence time span will be enough to keep the air breathable, but that will not protect us from the continual heat build-up. Nature failed with dinosaurs. What excuse will it have when we are all gone?
Peter H Wood, Whitianga
IBY STAN STEWART
n the religious environment in which I have lived my life, there has always been someone telling me, “The end of the world is near.” and “Jesus is coming back any moment now.”
Although in Australia and New Zealand, church attendance has been falling, plenty of smaller religious groups have stepped into the gap. Their proclamation of these same sentiments has grown louder and shriller.
When I was around nine or ten years old, I wanted to go to picture shows. These Hollywood spectaculars screened in a local hall on Saturday nights. My very religious stepmother forbade it. “Jesus is coming back soon. How would it be if when He came back you were in the hall watching a film?” I had a smart answer for this. “How would it be if I was sitting on the toilet?” Clever, but such comments just made my troubles worse.
I now understand that it is not just fundamentalist Christians who believe Jesus will soon burst through the clouds. Some Moslems, maybe most Moslems or all Moslems (not sure) believe that Jesus will appear in the skies on horseback to signal the end of the age. I have read that some Moslem leaders predict it will happen at any moment now – that is, soon!
Surprisingly, this end of the world thing is getting some of my non-religious friends twitchy.
I’ve heard a couple of them mutter that middle-east conflicts will spread. They seem to be suggesting this expanded conflict will/ could engulf the world. I’ve even seen tucked away in some corners of the internet, mention of a third world war. Wow! This raises anxiety a notch above what Greta Thornburg has been telling us.
Central in many of the Christian end-of-the-world scenarios are two predictions. One is the great judgement. Everything you ever did in secret will be revealed
– not just revealed but shouted from the roof tops. I know that religious teens like me thought this had something to do with sex – masturbation and sexual experimentation, looking at dirty books etc. The main point was that everyone in your family, in your street, your town would hear the sneaky things you have been up to. Yuk!
The second of the ‘end of the world’ predictions was that if you made it through the great judgement, you would live forever in a perfect world.
Moslems believe in a similar scenario – first the judgement, then for those who get through this examination, the perfect world. However, for the Moslems the perfect world would be more pleasurable, especially for males, than the Christian heaven. Mormons also have very pleasant next world scenarios – especially for pious men.
My generally fundamentalist dad had a couple of reservations
about heaven. One was to do with what it would ‘look’ like. He told me, “The Bible says that the holy city will have streets of gold, gold clear as crystal. What’s the point of gold you can see through”?
I really agreed with him about his second reservation.
“The Bible says we will sing praises to the Lamb for a thousand years”. Almost under his breath, he would mutter “That doesn’t sound like great fun”. My dad liked singing but singing the same song forever was something he could not grasp. It certainly did not appeal to me. However, despite this, my dad was enthusiastic about heaven. The main reason for this is that he would be re-united again with his first wife, my mum. I gained the impression that he wouldn’t mind the marathon sing-along if he could stand next to her.
Moslems I have lived with seem to have little appreciation of natural beauty. I remember bussing with a Moslem friend along the
Fatherhood is central to this Dad’s work. Tane is the proud father of the wee boy, Zion (8 months), and uncle to Kara Ana and Ra Kairoa. They are enjoying the sunshine on the deck of Espy Café having purchased from Whitianga's well known and very popular ice cream bar.
These children are our future. They don’t need to worry today about anything tomorrow but we who are preparing for the future of all our children, do have that responsibility.
This family is enjoying the moment. It is as if ice cream takes all the worry away.
A mixed
incorporating
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
waterfront from St Heliers to the city. It was a perfect morning. The sea sparkled and the Pohutakawas were in full bloom. I said to him, “Isn’t this beautiful!” He replied, “Not really”. It was later that I realised that in his understanding, nothing on this world was beautiful compared to what will be revealed in the next. To gush over a seascape or a flower was to be trapped by this world. ‘Real’ beauty could only be experienced beyond the grave or after the end of the world, which he believed was very close. I’ve just perused the world news. Troubles everywhere, but thankfully, as yet no declaration of war – conventional or nuclear. Who knows what the next five minutes will bring!
Imagine that to get away from it all you did take a cruise. In fantasy I imagine the captain saying over the PA, “War has been declared and we are now heading for Patagonia. I hope you like fish.”
BY PHILIP WILSON, CLUB SECRETARY
The club enjoyed their drive through Whiti on their Sunday outing, the total round trip being from Paeroa to Wahi.
Pictured here are Michelle and Carey Marsh who are local Whiti members.
BY FLEMMING RASMUSSEN
INDEPENDENT LAWYER
Arebuttal of local Mercury Bay Councillors’ rejection of transparency.
In life and the law, seeing a debate in a broader context can help avoid misunderstandings, unproductive arguments, and speaking past each other in spiralling discourses of bile.
Cicero said we should avoid attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do. At this point in life, not many things surprise me. However, our Councillors' 27 June decision genuinely surprised me. This decision left me disappointed and concerned.
In recent years, my interest in and respect for local government have taken a nosedive, mirroring many others’ sentiments. Our Councillors’ decision to reject the Chief Ombudsman’s recommendation was a stark reminder our disinterest is not an option. We must actively engage in the decisions affecting us.
In a move that caught many off-guard, our Mercury Bay Councillors and Cr Morrissey carried the motion (4–3), deciding TCDC should go against the Chief Ombudsman’s recommendation for greater transparency, accountability, and openness. Instead, opting to adopt a cloak of secrecy
and continue TCDC’s broad use of publicly excluded “workshops.” Being elected to public office inherently comes with public scrutiny. This scrutiny is not a burden but a necessary part of democracy. Transparency, openness, and access are not just ideals. They are fundamental pillars of democracy. We must uphold them, as their erosion may further decrease public engagement and trust in local government.
Instead of owning their political decision, they now attempt to defend the undefendable by hidingbehind a thinly disguised veil and ill-conceived argument that they are concerned about costs: “a consistent position and … being prudent in how ratepayers money is spent” (per Cr Grant’s piece in “The Informer” 23 July 2024) and Cr Connell’s statements that it [the Chief Ombudsman’srecommendation] “…. come[s] at an extra cost to ratepayer and… pressure on staff” (p8, “The Informer” 30 July 2024).
Respectfully, proverbially, their cost-conscious defence of the undefendable contrasts with the political record.
In their brief time in office, TCDC has presided over and actively supported a 2023/24
Flemming Rasmussen
peninsula-wide average 11.6% rate increase. On the same day, the council opted for secrecy, a 13.2% average 2024/25 rate increase. That is a 26.3% compounding increase in two years. For Mercury Bay, our rate increases average 15-16% in both years, a compounding +33% increase in two years.
Importantly, what have we got to show for this “cost-conscious” approach to spending our money?
THEY HAVE SUPPORTED BUDGETS IN WHICH WE :
• Spend a staggering +25.7% of rates income on an ever-increasing number of staff (2023/24 $24.4m staff cost, $94.4m rate income). Add $3.5m in 2024/25, increasing staff cost to $27.9m this year (LTP2024/34).
• Triple our debt (borrowings) from $79.4m (2023/24), ballooning to $225.8m (2031/32) thereby;
• Quadruple interest costs annually from $3.6m (2023/24) to $14.5m (2033/24).
Consider what we get for the close to $90 per week we pay in rates (average Mercury Bay residential property $4,610 p.a.). We also pay for our rubbish stickers, water usage, etc. The list of TCDC’s taxes is long and growing. Importantly, we have extraordinarily little to show for it.
Publicly elected representatives must accept the rigour of public scrutiny (comes with the job). They are there to interpret and interrogate material matters. Despite the horrendous rate increases and spending under their watch, if they indeed are cost-conscious, maybe our Councillors could consider focusing on material areas when administering their duty of care and the principle of “being prudent in how ratepayers' money is spent.”
Excluding the public from the process is not such an area!
It is a political falsehood “…no decisions, no issues; just some information sharing that is background…” occurs at these closed “workshops” (per Cr Grant, “The Informer” 23 July 2024). It is in “workshops”, the corridors, pre-council meetings, etc., that most politicking, negotiation,
and testing of the other side’s opinion and the weight they give to a topic/issue occurs. Formal Council meetings/hearings are often theatre, giving effect and serving as procedural ratification for decisions made (in a.o. closed workshops) - hence the importance of the Chief Ombudsman’s strong recommendation of greater transparency, accountability, and openness.
The 4-3 motion deserves a full council hearing and vote. Cr Sinclair abstained, and Cr Gottlieb and Mayor Salt were absent. They should go on public record and tell us their stand on this fundamental issue.
To our Mercury Bay Councillors: Please reconsider your position.
We vote for the Councillors we get. It is up to us all to actively participate in our local democracy. It is not just our right but our obligation to engage and constructively hold our elected representatives to account. Our active participation is critical and integral in shaping the local council we want. We cannot afford to be passive observers.
Cicero observed, “It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved, but by reflection, force of character, and judgment."
What do you think?
October 5-6 & 12-13
10am-4.00pm
This is a free self-guided tour just follow the flags. There are 36 artisits working in all kinds of media – all very creative with proven accomplishment of high quality.
Many of the studios are walkable distance around and from Coromandel town. Some just beyond the town centre are just a 10 minutes cycle ride.
Keep these two weekends to come and enjoy the Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour.
Get a brochure from the Coromandel Information Centre, Whitianga isite or The Informer office in Monk street, Whitianga.
Visit their website www.cormandelartstour.co.nz
BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN
Iwas sitting in the sun mulling over a number of the changes the current government is introducing and the scale of these changes, and their focus, caused me to wonder whether Christopher Luxon will become to be regarded as the most significant leader this country has had since World War 2.
I don’t personally remember all of the Prime Ministers on this list (despite the fact some will claim I do), but I do recall most of them. Prior to the late sixties our politicians were basically overgrown farm managers, reaping the benefits of selling our products to the UK with very little effort needed. It was only after the UK joined the EEC that real management became a requirement and the opportunity for significance arose.
Of the politicians since that time the most significant would have to be Roger Douglas, not a Prime Minister but a Minister of Finance, who managed the change of economic management of our country that ushered in a period of economic stability and comfort for the next thirty years.
But in terms of Prime Ministers, none stand out for the right reasons.
One of the reasons Prime Ministers struggle to achieve is that they have this ongoing battle with the management
would think that the government might be concerned about the economy, the population’s mental health and so on. His aim was most likely to publicly state a position that would get him off the hook if the Health Department stuffed up their response.
That Prime Minister’s unsuitability came to the fore when she just let the Department Head have his way.
It is in this handling of the upper levels of the bureaucracy that I believe Luxon may cement his significance to our country.
level of government departments.
If you want to know what I mean watch some re-runs of the fine English comedy “Yes Prime Minister”.
Many will just think this is good for a laugh but those who have worked in this environment understand that it is really a documentary. The general tenet of this series is that no matter what the Prime Minister wants to do the wily bureaucrats manage to work things so they get their way and their life and empires are largely undisturbed.
A great example of this that we should all be able to understand is the COVID response by our government. The head of the Health Department demanded that the country be locked down, that being his health focussed response.
He probably didn’t expect to get that to happen as he
He has had the benefit of having only been in politics for five minutes before becoming Prime Minister so he has not had time to be beaten down by the Sir Humphries of this world. On the contrary he comes from the top level of the commercial world and expects his middle management, his Sir Humphries if you will, to actually work diligently for company, or in this case country, aims. Those aims, or policies, have been driven home to Department Heads.
These are things such as Housing NZ must not lose $700 million a year.
In fact as the nation’s largest landlord it should ensure it is achieving the outcomes the nation desires from the same amount of money it received previously.
In other words it must make a profit to fund ongoing housing growth, much like
any other Developer.
Kiwi Rail must become a high-performance operation that not only funds its operations costs but also its capital replenishment. After all, for all privately or publicly owned companies it is necessary to run profitably, else what is the point?
The Inter-slander must be run as a profitable enterprise, as are the other privately run Cook Strait Ferries. This turn around will most likely demand a change to specialist shipping management.
The Health System is to move back to a target-based system of performance measurement; we tell them what we need and they provide it.
What Luxon and his team are doing is changing the governance and management of the country’s ministries. They are trying to re-direct these ministries to focus on targets including profit and run them efficiently.
This will help control government expenditure and improve outcomes for all. The present bureaucracy can see the change coming and are running for this hills so there will be a massive changing of the guard at the top of ministries to oversee the improvements called for.
This is a big challenge but if Christopher Luxon can cement in these changes then he will deserve the accolade of most significant Prime Minister since World War Two. I wish him all the best.
Saturday, 3 August
12th Grade Football
The team played Te Rerenga in a cold, windy day. Both teams started slow due to the cold but soon warmed up. Mercury Bay played some brilliant football but Te Rerenga had brilliant counter attacks. Both deserved to win but came away even on the day.
Dylan Castle x 1, Caleb Mahoney x 2. Great game by two awesome teams
10th Grade Orcas
Great game of football today against Mercury Bay 10th Grade Orcas vs Whangamatā on home turf. The boys worked hard as a team, supporting each-other and applying everything they have learnt this season. Our Player of the Day, Cooper Wood, was on fire, showing great sportsmanship and sinking a few goals at the same time.
Mercury Bay Junior Boys vs Huntly Junior Boys at Huntly
The Bay arrived in Huntly without their top striker and superstar midfielder.
Huntly fielded only tall strong
players and was only 1 win short of reclaiming the top spot equal with Mercury Bay.
They were desperate to beat us and as the game kicked off the Bay were slow to get going from lethargy induced by the long drive to the game. It was Huntly, who threatened to score first using a fast-paced striker and breaking the defensive line twice but the Bay's goalkeeper Arlo made a heroic one-on-one save to keep the score line to 0-0.
The Bay then scored 2 quick goals and at halftime it was 2-1 to the Bay.
The second half kicked off and the Bay continued to keep most of the possession and swatted any attack from Huntly. Curtis finished a nice shot that was thought to be a legitimate goal but the goal was crossed off by the referee who caused confusion by adding an extra 10 minutes to the game after normal time.
The Bay players kept their vital
victory for a 2-1 win to stay at the top of the table.
Thames College Football
Junior boys went to Hamilton to win 7-4 against St John Saints.
The junior girls were at Hauraki Plains College and had a 2-0 win.
The Senior Girls played Hillcrest at home and unfortunately lost.
Finally the senior boys played Hamilton Boys who won 8-3.
The senior girls got the school hall ready for their big fundrais-
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ing event the quiz night and the girls did an amazing job raising$4000 towards their national tournament week held in Palmerston North.
Massive shout out to Fabian of Coromandel's CFM who entertained the crowd and helped raise a big portion of the trip cost.
Well done everyone! Thank you to the supportive parents in the senior girls team who ensured a fantastic night was had! Finally home at 11pm
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.
AA Driver Licensing – Thursday 8 August and Monday 26 August. 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.
Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc – We meet bimonthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737.
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 6.30-9.30pm, 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
If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Coromandel Informer know. Call 07 866 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.
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
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 6.158.15pm, Music Room MBAS. Inclusive, open, friendly choir – no prior singing experience needed, no auditions. Start date 5th August 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 5.30pm7.30pm 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 Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726.
Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30am-12.30pm every Wednesday morning at the Hahei Community Centre. Ages newborn-5years. We invite all parents, carers, visitors and grandparents. Contact whenuakiteareaplaygroup@gmail.com
Whitianga Art Group – Every Thurs/Fri 10am4pm, 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.
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 12.45-2.45pm. 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.
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
TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB
Sunday, 29 July
North/South: 1, Sue Poland and Peter Clark 60.17; 2, Chris Death and Robyn Waters 56.25; 3, Liz Young and Jocelyn Taylor 50.00.
East/West: 1, Celia Young and Nolene Kirkpatrick 57.50; 2, Peter McNeil and Kim van Diepen 53.00; 3, Jenny Prince and Judy McKenzie 51.92.
HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
Mahurangi Pairs Five
Tuesday 30 July
North/South: 1, Don Barry and Robyn Hogg 62.08; 2, Val Dwight and Dave Dyla 57.08; 3, Anne Knowles and Sue Gill 50.83.
East/West: 1, Myra Hoogworth and Denise Knutson 62.5; 2, Bev Dickie and Maggie Urlich 59.58; 3, Johanna Bonnar and Mary Milroy 51.67.
MERCURY BAY CONTRACT
BRIDGE CLUB
July Competition Round Four
Wednesday, 31 July
North/South: 1, Jan Hawkins and Sue Gill 63.5; 2, Amy Hyde and Geoff Jervis 53.1; 3, Augusta Canegallo and Val Dwight 52.6.
East/West: 1 Robyn and Pete Hogg 63.8; 2, Kate Palmano and Gavin Hedwig 55.6; 3, Jan Autumn and Rose Tegg 53.1.
Moewai Pairs Round One
Thursday, 1 August
North/South: 1, Steven Knowles and Gavin Hedwig 64.2; 2, Ischelle Stevenson and Hillary
Whitianga, 155 Kupe Drive
Scott 55.8; 3, Ian Hogg and Kate Palmano 49.2.
MERCURY BAY DARTS
Tuesday, 30 July
East/West: 1, Kathy Moy-Low and Terri Lipanovic 59.2; 2, Amy Hyde and Geoff Jervis 52.5; 3, Rose Tegg and Augusta Canegallo 50.8.
Tuesday was very quiet probably due to the weather.
We had 11 players and an outstanding 2 x 180s played by Stoney and Mike.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wednesday, 31 July
Saturday, 3 August
We ended with a 4 way play off for 1st which was won by Stoney.
Best of three frames: A good field of twelve players today and it’s Ken Gibson, Peter Challis & Doug Pascoe with two straight wins each to challenge the finals. Peter wins the bye and Doug defeats Ken to meet Peter in the final. A close contest with Peter taking the win and the cash prize. Runner up Doug Pascoe and with two wins were Ken Gibson, Greg Murphy, Peter Schultz and Ian Baumgren. Highest break Doug Pascoe with 20.
Best of three frames: Nine players came and it was Bob Haase and Ian Baumgren with two straight wins to fight out the final third frame and a great frame this was with black to win and Ian pot-
ting it to take the cash prize. With two wins were Bob Haase (runner up), Phil Jones, Greg Murphy and Peter Schultz. No high break recorded.
MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Thursday, 1 August
Winners: Keith Denney, Sue Webb and Glynne Jackson
Runners-up: Cheryl Henderson, Heather Walker and Wayne McNeill Good Sports: Lee Pudney and Jan Harvey
DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB
Mens Nine-hole – Stableford Monday 29 July
• 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.
FOR SALE Auction, 10 August 2024, 12.00pm. On-Site (Unless Sold Prior) VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L29266453
Kirstin Brown 027 301 1775 Dayle Candy 027 433 6862
kitchen, open plan living area, conservatory, separate laundry and plenty of storage. No getting wet on rainy days with remote door opener and internal accessed garage, all this sitting on your half share of a flat centrally located site.
1, Noel Rogers; 2, Peter Mathias; 3, Steve Airey.
1, Andrew Fleming; 2, Ron Watson; 3, Jack Coldicutt.
Mens Eighteen-hole Tony Cotton Shootout Quali�ier - Net
Twos: Rob Baines, Dave Enright, Brett Proctor
Wednesday, 31 July
Gross: Dave Enright
Friday, 2 August
1, Rowan Toms; 2, Mark Hall; 3, Brian Tomlinson; 4, Tracey Mulligan; 5, David Gaskell; 6, Murray James.
9-Hole Mixed Scramble –Stableford
1, Bob Holliday; 2, Phil Drane; 3, Don Maguire.
Twos: David Gaskell 7th. Nearest the Pin#18 - Tracey Mulligan
Twos: Bob Holliday
Nearest Pin #2 & 4: Phil Drane
Saturday 3 August
18 Hole Men - Stableford
Ladies Eighteen-hole Shootout Quali�ier – Stableford
Thusday, 1 Aug
1, Bev LeLievre; 2, Sandra Bowen; 3, Mary Coughlan-Mason. Saturday Haggle – Stableford
Saturday, 3 August
1, Max Gaskell; 2, Tony Nicholson; 3, Shane Webster; 4, Tracey Mulligan.
Twos: Max Gaskell 7th & 18th, Tracey Mulligan 7th, Ross Alexander 11th, Kevin Adlam 18th, Gavin Allden 18th. Nearest the Pin#18 – Max Gaskell.
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
Tuesday, 30 July
9 Hole Mixed - Stableford
1, Don Maquire; 2, Bob Holliday; 3, Roger Pheasant.
Wednesday, 31 July
18 Hole Women – Roy Young Trophy
1, Debbie Holmes & Marg Maher; 2, Dianne Gilmour & Diane Eccles; 3, Kim Allan & Lynne Butler. 18 Hole Men – Stableford
• Affordable & flexible property is secure, private & situated in a superb location.
• Featuring two very tidy homes, providing a home an income opportunity!
• Secure parking for permanents, visitors & the boat! Plus separate dbl garage.
1, Rohit Ranchhod; 2, Craig Singer; 3, Ron Watson
Hole in One: James Duncan
Eagle: James Duncan
Twos: Neal Robinson, Roger Pheasant, Wayne Kearney, Craig Singer
Gross: Div 1, Neal Robinson; Div 2, Rohit Ranchhod
Nearest to Pin: James Duncan
Longest Drive: Div 1, Greg Brown; Div 2, Paul Lupton.
PURANGI GOLF CLUB
Tuesday 30 July
9 hole Stableford
1, Ryan Cochrane; 2, Steve Borlase
Thursday 1st August
Monthly medal 9 hole stableford
1st Ryan Cochrane winner of Monthly medal; 2, John Hughes
Saturday 3rd August
18 hole nett Monthly medal
1st Ryan Cochrane winner of Monthly medal; 2, Al Sims; 3, Jo Geoghegan.
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.
22. Breathe noisily (6)
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Ewe's offspring (4)
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Sudoku instructions
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of nine boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
Whitianga whitianga@gatewayglass.co.nz www.gatewayglass.co.nz
Coromandel/Thames & Whitianga area.
Phone: Tony 027 494 7692
MAXWELL, Ian Robert 676396 AC1 Maxwell IR, Lions PDG MD202. On 31 July 2024 in his 90th year. Ian passed peacefully, surrounded by family. Beloved husband of the late Josephine (Jo).Father of Debby, Wayne & Amarjit, Jolene & Brendan, Michelle, Grant & Leah. Grandad of Shea, Jana, Flynn and Tara. Brother of Judith. Businessman, entrepreneur and huge contributor to his communities over many years through Councils, as New Zealand’s longest serving member of Lions International and any other worthy thing that needed a hand. And a top bloke.
2679 Tairua-Whitianga Road, KAIMARAMA 021 0283 0515 kaimaramacats@gmail.com
A service was held at Kapiti Coast Funeral Home and can be viewed on www. kc�h.stream. In lieu of �lowers, donations to the WHITIANGA VOLUNTEER COASTGUARD INC NOTICE OF
We are looking for someone to fill in when our layout designer is away, and when our workload is overflowing. Must be able to work in our office in Monk Street, Whitianga. You will need extensive knowledge and experience in Indesign and Photoshop, be a quick learner and be able to work under pressure.
We are looking for someone to upload our weekly newspaper and to add to social media. Previous experience a must. Contact the editor, 027-271-6182
Saturday, 31 August 2024 at 11am at the Whitianga Coastguard Training Room, Albert Street, Whitianga All members and potential members welcome.
WHITIANGA ART GROUP INC. NOTICE OF
Whitianga Art Centre and Gallery 23 School Road Whitianga Thursday 29 August 12:30pm All Welcome
Protecting native species from introduced predators in the Papakai Ecological Area.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Whitianga is going to control possums, rats & stoats over 11,750 hectares. This is scheduled for the first clear weather window after the 1st of August 2024. Native wildlife and forests need protection
Papakai is a nationally significant habitat for Coromandel brown kiwi, Archey’s frog, and Coromandel striped gecko. It is also an important conservation area for kākā, kererū and ruru/morepork, as well as a variety of rare and unique plants. This includes lowland podocarp to sub-alpine forest of kauri, tawa, and northern rātā.
Why we are controlling introduced predators
Native species are fighting for survival due to predation from rats, stoats and possums. Without protection, we risk losing the unique natural heritage and biodiversity within the Papakai Ecological Area.
Possums are browsing large amounts of native vegetation. This significantly impacts the health of the forest. Northern rātā, kohekohe, kāmahi, and Halls tōtara are favoured by possums and will die if possum numbers are not periodically controlled to low numbers. Possums, like rats, raid nests for eggs and chicks and compete with native animals for food. Reducing predators helps native forest habitats to recover.
Through sustained predator control using 1080, there is a big increase in breeding success for native birds, their food source is more abundant, and the forest canopy is healthier..
Our plan to protect native species
The safest and most effective method we have to control possums, rats and stoats over large areas is to use biodegradable cereal bait pellets containing 1080. This bait targets rodents and possums. Stoats are also controlled through secondary poisoning as they feed on the carcasses of the dead rodents.
Helicopters distribute bait pellets across the forest area along pre-determined and monitored flight paths using technology that enables accurate placement. This is the only viable method to control predators in Papakai due to the vast and rugged terrain.
This operation begins with the distribution of non-toxic pre-feed bait pellets (sandy coloured). This prepares possums and rodents to eat the toxic bait (dyed green) that is applied afterwards. Both baits are about 16 mm in diameter and cylindrical shaped.
Consultation and permissions
DOC has consulted with hapū, iwi and key stakeholders including landowners adjacent to the treatment area.
DOC is delegated authority by the Environmental Protection Agency to decide applications for permission to use 1080 on land administered or managed by DOC. EcoFX is in the process of obtaining permission from DOC for this operation. EcoFX is obtaining the required permission from the Ministry of Health. DOC ensures that all legal and policy requirements are met, and that any potential risks of the operation are managed.
Managing risk
1080 is poisonous to humans, domestic and game animals. In areas where the toxin has been applied, dogs are highly at risk until poisoned carcasses have disintegrated. This takes four-toeight months or longer.
There will be warning signs placed at entrances to the treatment area immediately prior to the operation.
Visit the DOC website: More information about DOC’s National Predator Control Programme is available on our website www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/national-predator-control-programme.
This map shows the area we are controlling rats, stoats & possums to protect native species. You can also see operational updates and detailed maps of predator control on public conservation land on the DOC website. www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/pesticide-summaries.
Risks can be eliminated by following these rules:
• DO NOT touch bait
• WATCH children at all times
• DO NOT EAT animals from this area or within the buffer zone outside the treatment boundary. The buffer zone is 2 km for deer and pigs, 200 m for rabbits, and 1 km for hares and possums.
• Poison baits or carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS
Observe these rules whenever you see warning signs about pesticides. These signs indicate pesticide residues may be still present in baits and poisoned carcasses. When signs are removed, normal activities can resume. If in doubt, check with your local DOC office. Please report suspected vandalism or unauthorised removal of signs.
If you suspect poisoning, please contact:
• Your local doctor or hospital OR The National Poisons Centre: 0800 764 766 (urgent calls) or 03 479 7248 OR dial 111
• Seek veterinary advice for suspected poisoning of domestic animals. For more information
Please contact: Operational planner Biodiversity Ranger, DOC Whitianga Office, PO Box 276, Whitianga, 0800 275 362 or EcoFX Aerial Operations Manager, 32 Huiputea Drive, Otorohanga 3900, admin@ecofx.co.nz , 07 873 8130.
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The home of BIG SCREEN entertainment on the Coromandel 1a
For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com
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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.
Business Manager: Emma Gaunt
Newspaper Layout: Diane Andrew
Social Media: EMD Agency
Circulation: 9000
Office: 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Telephone (07) 866 2090
Editorial: info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising: sales@theinformer.co.nz Admin: office@theinformer.co.nz After hours: 027 271 6182
Follow us on social media @theinformernz | ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2023 Mercury Bay Informer Limited
Mercury Bay welcomed Hamilton Boys Bronze with another clear bluesky day Saturday 27 July. Bronze arrived with 8 players so the Bay gifted 3 Bay players to even up the numbers.
The Bay players just returned from 3 weeks with school holidays and the Bronze and the Bay players were out of form with lack of energy and missed passes.
Joel Iggulden broke the deadlock with a first goal, soon followed with Noah Palmer and Joel scoring again to finish the first half 3 – 0.
After the break the Bay had woken up from their school holiday slumber and went on the rampage with goals from 4th Curtis, 5th Palmer, 6th Joel, 7th Yugo, 8th Joel, 9th Curtis, and 10th Palmer. The game finished 10-0 Win for Mercury Bay Junior Boys now in the top spot in Division 3.
Well done and great performance from a great team. Cooper Tuinier, Liam Robertson, Noah Gorden, Noah Greenfield,
Noah Palmer, Tylar Cornwall, Leo Renall, Ben Collins, Valo Gray, Eliott Ribet, Cameron Johnansen, Joel Iggulden, Arlo Hert, Levi Stewart, Elijah Bianchi, Yugo Kawai, Curtis Treherne.
