WAYS
NZTrio In Whitianga
This remarkable trio of acclaimed musicians –NZTrio or He Taonga Wairere, will perform Triptych 2 Untrodden Ways in Whitianga this Sunday, 15 September.
After thrilling Whitianga audiences in 2023, NZTrio returns this year as part of their “Triptych” series, which is touring throughout Aotearoa and will also head across the Tasman.
The intimacy of Whitianga’s St Andrew’s by the Sea allows audiences to get right up close to the music, something not possible in concert halls and theatres, and is a perfect setting to experience this exceptional group. Pianist Somi Kim is back, following her maternity leave and can’t wait to return to the stage. “It’ll be great to have Somi back in the team and we’re all really looking forward to bringing this incredible music on tour. It’s such a fascinating mix of intimate and intense music, it’s going to be a wild ride!” says Ashley Brown, NZTrio’s cellist.
Described as a “national treasure” and “New Zealand’s most indispensable ensemble” (William Dart, NZ Herald), NZTrio
is renowned for its eclectic repertoire, outstanding talent and warm kiwi stage presence. Bringing together three incredibly accomplished artists: Amalia Hall (violin), Ashley Brown (cello) and Somi Kim (piano), every NZTrio performance powerfully reaffirms the importance and cathartic nature of a live musical experience in
today’s digital world. As their bi-line implies, you can expect to be affected.
The programme of Triptych 2 Untrodden Ways begins with Mendelssohn’s emotionally charged and passionate Trio in C minor Op. 66, considered one of his finest chamber music works. Then NZ composer Reuben Jelleyman, known for his inven-
tive melodies and harmonies, takes inspiration from Bach’s chorales in Büchlein Reimaginings. The journey continues with Jennifer Higdon’s Piano Trio, and to finish, we venture into the rich work by Arno Babadjanian’s Trio in F-Sharp minor, a compelling masterpiece that resonates with the soulful melodies and profound emotions of Armenian culture.
St Andrews by the Sea Community Church, 82 Albert St, Whitianga. Sunday 15 September 2024, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Book tickets via Eventfinda: https://www.eventfinda. co.nz/2024/nztrio-triptych-untrodden-ways/whitianga Visit nztrio.com What’s On for all concert dates and booking details.
Thank you to all NZTrio funders: Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa; Foundation North; Auckland Council; Chisholm Whitney Charitable Trust; NZTrio Patron Programme; Freemasons Foundation; Four Winds Foundation; The Lion Foundation, Pub Charity
FROM FREYA MARRA
The primary school students have been learning dance moves to do with different decades dating all the way back to the 1920’s and we are performing a dance show called Dancing Around the Decades to which we would like to invite you.
Thursday, 19 September at 1.30 pm is the dance concert we hope residents and especially seniors can come and enjoy. Tickets are $10and available from the school office. Under 5’s are free. There are two other showsWednesday and Thursday night at 5.30pm, but these are proving popular with parents. Freya is Year 3/4 Teacher & Primary Arts Co-ordinator at Mercury Bay Area School Mercury Bay Area School is 20 South Highway, Whitianga.
STAR and SPACE STATION
in the
and travelling
overhead as the evening progresses. It is unmistakable with its slightly yellowish tint and the fact that it doesn’t twinkle distinguishes it from the stars. The Moon can also help us find it this week. The western dusk sky has brilliant Venus low on the northwestern horizon, and it continues to rise slightly higher each evening as it moves away from the recently set Sun. The predawn sky showcases bright Jupiter with much fainter and slightly reddish Mars lying lower down in the east. Tuesday, 10 September: The Moon is now
Thursday, 12 September: The Moon lies in Sagittarius above and to the left of Saturn in the late evening. Friday, 13 September: The Moon now lies in Capricorn to the left of Saturn in the evening and in the morning, there is a long ISS pass from 5:47am starting next to Jupiter and passing right beside Mars. Saturday, 14 September: The very bright Moon is just to the left of Saturn and there will be a low ISS pass from 5:00am in the north passing just below Jupiter and Mars. Tuesday, 17 September: The Full Moon lies immediately to the right of Saturn – binoculars might just spot it in the Moon’s bright glow. Wednesday, 18 September: The bright Moon now sits well below Saturn and from 5:03am there is a long ISS pass moving below Jupiter.
Amalia Hall - violin, Somi Kim - piano, Ashley Brown - Cello
Photo credit Katherine Brook
BY FLEMMING RASMUSSEN
PREAMBLE Council met in Chambers Tuesday, 3 September 2024, to decide whether to affirm (keep) or rescind (withdraw) its 2023 decision to establish a General Maori Ward for our 2025 local government election - a 2023 decision made with no prior public consultation and incorrectly communicated as a unanimous decision (by all Councillors).
THE DEBATE ON THE DAY
Paraphrasing Fred Dagg’s “We Don’t Know How Lucky We Are”, the meeting was a good day for local democracy. In the Council Chamber (temporarily relocated to the Civic Centre in Mary Street to increase capacity), we had a good turnout (a little over 100), passion, good oratory, and respectful listening.
Public opinion was invited and given. Everyone was heard. Councillors presented their views, which are now on public record.
Remit: To affirm the decision to establish a Māori Ward
In Favour: Len Salt (Mayor), Crs. Giri-Percival, Connell, Gotlieb, Sinclair, Rodley, Morrissey, and Revell Cr Revell was absent 3/9/24. He voted in favour of the decision to establish a Maori Ward in October 2023..
Against: Cr Grant. Abstaining: Cr Walker (Deputy Mayor)
• Curried sausages, mash potato & peas.
• Ham & prawn cheesy pasta.
• Beef rissoles, mash potato, gravy & beans.
• Moroccan chicken on roast vegetable salad.
The photos on the cover and above include the mayor, Len Salt, and our TCDC Councillors, as well representatives ofn the community who spoke for or against keeping the current status of Maori Wards.
Corocine - First local film festival
BY PETER H WOOD
Having lived through the local anti-mining period and been involved , I expected a set of cobbled together bobby films. Not so. It was a professional effort with a Hollywood style storyline. A goodies (villagers) and baddies (American miner and local farmer) plus stereotyped authoritarian police. A very New Zealand set of bush beauty and back country infrastructure featured.
Many of the drama’s set pieces were from actual Coromandel happenings. Or example, the occupation
of a drilling rig; helicoptering in to the forest of a mining camp and drilling rig; posters of the vast open-caste Waihi hole; one gunshot causing machinery withdrawal.
One disappointment was how the government was not held to account or Prime Minister, Helen Clark’s effect (in the film).
The Twin Cinemas owner, Anne Marree McDougall, addressed the gathering for opening night. She spoke of the editing and camera work involved and with the applause, the lights came up. The opportunity to give reasons for each side of the con-
flict were not clearly delineated in favour of the portrayed drama. Other than this later comment, I certainly got my money’s worth and yes, there are shots of Z nails and other large nails. Z nail gang will be shown again over the next few weeks and during Summer.
Note: The film festival of three days was a great first. 200 people came over the three days for seven films. Well done to the McDougall team for highlighting our film making talent on the Coromandel and the pertinent social messages that we cannot afford to forget.
Kitchen Calendar
Annemarie, Matt and Phoebe McDougall - cinema owners
Local democracy in action
Continued
With Councillors voting to affirm their decision for the 2025 election, s 39 of the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024 Act states we must have a 2025 binding poll about a General Maori Ward for the 2028 local government elections and beyond. This binding poll allows the electorate to decide;
A PERVERSE OUTCOME
Because of the decision on 3 September, we potentially face the perverse situation whereby a General Maori Ward Councillor is to be elected in 2025 (for 2025-28) whilst the electorate contemporaneously decides it does not want a General Māori Ward for the 2028 election onwards. A Maori Councillor would, therefore, become a oneterm Councillor, having been elected without a mandate from the
people but a mandate from eight Councillors who unilaterally decided to establish a General Māori Ward.
THE DEBATE TO COME
The decision to have, or not to have, one or more Māori Wards is structurally a critical decision for our local democracy. Genuine, transparent consultation underpinned by a rigorous process should be non-negotiable. Without it, any outcome or decision will be challenging to justify. When followed and adhered to, the decision, whilst potentially unpopular amongst some, the integrity of the decision itself becomes beyond approach.
DECISION TIME
October 2025 is decision time with the local government election and binding poll. It is when we hold our Councillors to account. Before that happens, the Councillors supporting the remit and those who didn’t all need to ensure appro-
priate funding is available for an informed, robust public debate. We must get this decision right to avoid it becoming a recurring, central government political football. This is about us, our local community.
We cannot just be spectators. We must be the driving force behind our local democracy. We owe that to ourselves, our representatives, and our democracy.
What do you think?
Please refer to the TCDC website for the replay of 3 September meeting.
From the Editor
News and Changes
Change of leadership Tony Fox is now the acting Chair of Whitianga Residents and Ratepayers Association (WRRA). This change is due to Richard Shelford-Woodcock stepping down from the role of chair to take up the reins of the recently formed Coromandel Alliance Association. The Alliance is the combined voice of 15 of the residents’ and ratepayers’ associations (there are 21) from around the Coromandel Peninsula who will speak on and raise common concerns and requests regarding the priorities and practices of the Thames Coromandel District Council.
Richard has accepted taking on this role which means he cannot be chair of the local WRRA.
“I am willing to support Richard as he chairs a district wide, combined voice on key issues,” says Tony. “This is a very valuable role. We have come a long way in the last year with strengthening the WRRA. and I am fine with stepping into the role of Acting Chair with Flemming Rasmussen as vice chair. These roles have to remain as “acting” roles until the WRRA’s next AGM.”
The ratepayer associations are simply a group of people who voluntarily come together to represent the residents’ and ratepayers’ and to be a go-between for the people and their Community Board members.
Five priorities: Late last year, WRRA ran a local survey. There were ten things that were priorities and Tony has listed FIVE of these key issues from WRRA as a local change agent, to now place in front of the residents’ and ratepayers’.
1) Rates where are the rates collected; where are they spent; what is the quality of the spend and is that spend necessary?
2) Community Empowerment - how is the community engaged and how does it get listened to. We want to go back to the situation when the community was empowered and where Council had a transparent budget and did not indulge in their own spending outside of infrastructure and core services.
3) Rescue helicopter
4) Civil Defence and emergency services
5) Safer communities - crime. Being safe when you walk on the footpath; when you go to bed at night; safe when you park your car. In terms of crime, much is unreported. This needs to be quantified.
“We are very keen to get the feedback of readers,” says Tony. Become a member of the association - just $15 per annum. Go to the website join up as a family. We will send an agenda for our monthly committee meeting and I will write a small summary of that meeting for the website. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hilarity and hard questions at MBAS Quiz night
There were 120 people at last Friday night’s auction, all in teams and many of the teams dressed in a theme chosen around a period of time in history.
Fabian Robert’s of CFM was the intrepid Quiz Master and MC with his spectacular techno threepiece suit. He did a great job. Com-
petitions were rife. There was the ‘best dressed in theme team’ competition won by The Life of Greta Gabo team who were very spirited and might I say dressed in Gabo style and were full of laughs with their Viva Mexico energy. Some auction items were competed for between table-teams
and Rob and Angela Ball of Ball and Co Real Estate were an entertainment feature in themselves and really got people spending on the big items for auction. Sunny Tiger and Poppy Carpentar provided gentle vocal and guitar melodies for periods of the evening. These young women were excel-
lent. The Quiz was the real competition and with the ten rounds, the winning team was Beach AZ. They also won last year. Some of the answers were very obscure but even the difficult questions provided humour with extraordinary guessing. We were all spoilt by the fun and good humour.
Congratulations to the organising team. MBAS hosted an excellent evening. The Quiz Night is essentially a fund raiser and these funds are very much needed for projects at Mercury Bay Area school. The exact amount raised will be published in next week’s issue.
Cocktail lounge
Happy Hours
Thursday 4pm to 6pm
Friday 5pm to 7:30pm
The Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour is coming.
OCTOBER 5-6 12-13 10AM –
4.00PM
Open Studios is a treat over two weekends for all those who appreciate artists and enjoy being able to meet the artists at their work, enjoy their studio space and see the breadth and variety of their displays .
Open Studios means you get to meet the artist and be closeup to their work. In some places there will be a group of artists to meet. Gallery 6 in the centre of Coromandel town is one of these. There you will meet five artists. At 860 Tiki Road you will meet three artists. In other places on the tour, you will visit where the artist has created their works, such as Jacquie Ellis’ studio, Oaks Gallery. The 2024 Arts Tour covers 36 artists and the detail is in a beautifully set out brochure which has grouped the studios in a geographical locations for visitors with a little about each artist and a snapshot of one piece of his/her art.
There are 36 local artists working in all kinds of media – ceramic, sculpture/stone, paint/mixed media, pastel, textile, jewellery/ resin, screen printing, nature photography – all very creative,
accomplished and exhibiting work of high quality.
There will many studios where you will find that painting, or sculpture, or print or piece of jewellery that you have been looking for.
A number of the studios are walkable distance around and from Coromandel town. Some are just beyond the town centre, a 10 minute cycle ride.
5-6, 12-13 OCTOBER
Keep these two weekends to come and enjoy the Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour.
It is somewhat similar to Art Escape which is held annually in March on the east coast, Whitanga -Tairua and outlying communities being the focus. However, a totally different group of artists are part of the Open Studios Arts Tour, and Coromandel town and its surrounds have a creativity, freedom and liveliness that sets them apart. You will be made very welcome.
This is a free self-guided tour.
Just follow the flags.
Get a brochure from the Coromandel Information Centre, Whitianga isite or The Informer office 14 Monk Street, Whitianga. Visit their website www.coro-
Follow the flags for the Arts Tour!
Gini Collin - Jewellery/resin is part of the Arts Tour
Two Sunday Concerts in September - a big deal for Thames
The Thames Music Group has an exciting month of music, highlighting young performers for both the Friday lunchtime and Sunday afternoon concerts in September at St George’s Church, Thames ” To have the two youth groups mid-September at such a reasonable entry door price of $20 is a real coup.” says concert and programme organiser, Beverley.
On Sunday 15 September, the 2.00pm concert features the Auckland Youth Orchestra, presenting a program including works by Smetana, Strauss, Dvorak, and New Zealand composer, Jenny McLeod. The musical director is Antun Poljanich, and this concert features pianist Charles Sang, plus more than 75 talented young musicians, aged 14-26.
On Sunday, 22 September at 2.00pm Auckland Youth Choir, directed by David Squire and accompanied by pianist Claire Caldwell, will present their gold award winning recital from the World Choir Games, held in Auckland in July 2024, and the North Island premiere of Elaine Haganberg’s ‘Illuminaire’. This year the Auckland Youth Choir is celebrating 40 years of music making, and are bringing more than 100 young singers, aged 16-27, to Thames for this concert.
While it is rare for the Thames Music Group to host two Sunday concerts in a month, the calibre of the young performers, and their programmes will be of great interest to the audience.
Tickets for both concerts can be purchased (cash only) at the door of St George’s Church, Thames.
The Auckland Youth Choir will be performing in Thames on Sunday 22 September
UOW Instrumental will also be performing
Auckland Youth Orchestra will be performing this Sunday 15 Sept, 2pm
Lodestone Energy enables Coromandel’s first solar farm
ON LAND THAT WAS A DAIRY FARM FOR MANY YEARS, THERE IS NOW A SOLAR FARM. THE LOCATION, A FEW KILOMETRES SOUTH OF WHITIANGA, IS SET OUT IN THE DIAGRAM. LAST FRIDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER, THE PROJECT WAS OFFICIALLY COMMEMORATED.
The term, and indeed the reality, of a solar farm was unthinkable twenty years ago. This land will also accommodate sheep grazing and horticulture so the aspect of solar farming partnering with agriculture and not replacing agriculture is important and was highlighted by neighbours of the solar farm who were guests at the opening.
It is a very big project, Whitianga is Lodestone Energy’s fourth farm in its Phase One programme and follows solar farms near Kaitaia, Edgecumbe and Waiotahe. Further sites in Dargaville, Manawatu and Canterbury are set to commence construction starting in 2025.
The size and number of the solar panels is hard to get one’s head around. Once operational, Lodestone’s Whitianga solar farm will generate about 50 GWh of clean renewable energy each year – enough electricity to power more than 6,800 households. The site will have more than 53,000 solar panels supported by 7,150 piles. Construction is slated for completion by November 2025.
The nature of this solar farm ‘opening’ was notable and affirming of the companies and community leaders who had made this possible.
Some of the business representatives in attendance were:- Chris Jewell, CFO of Lodestone Energy, Nick Murray Project Management and Delivery for Lodestone, James Kilty CEO of Powerco., Gary Holden, Managing Director of Lodestone; Dan Edmonds Infratech Site Manager; Grant Smith CEO Infratech; Noel Hutchings Project Manager Obertech – electrical cabling contractors; Scott Walls Managing Director, New Energy. Two of the Lodestone Finance team, Pamela and Jenny, had come from their Auckland office.
Infratech was engaged early by Lodestone to put it place the EPCC process - Engineer, Procure, Construct and Commission. Connell Contractors have done the civil engineering work; New Energy has done the mechanical installation and Obertech is connecting the electrical cabling. The panels are not fixed. The mechanical louvres follow the sun mechanically, so they are absorbing sunlight
whenever there is sun.
A GOOD LOCAL STORY
Story Whitianga story of the solar farm has been one of five years and it’s a good story. The business leaders spoke of this.
Chris Jewell of Lodestone addressed the gathering. “These things don’t happen if communities and Councils don’t get behind them. To get a new solar farm going every quarter and deal with all the local challenges of that is quite a feat, but that’s our goal. We hope to see an asset like this in every community. We, Lodestone, can’t do all of them but we have started the idea- using the sun to power each small town. It’s the story of Whitianga that helps make that happen.
The role of the TCDC was affirmed, but first and foremost, it was the Iwi, Ngati Hei to whom Lodestone Energy and the companies working on the solar farm project expressed deep appreciation. Joe Davis - Kaumatua Ngati Hei, Raukawa Balsam and Kelly Balsam represented Ngati Hei and Joe was there to bless the occasion and to speak on behalf of his people.
Chris continued; “The team would like to thank you Joe for your support from day one. You explained this area to us, its history; the significance to your people – fishing, the river, the Pa, and you have been most supportive of the project, enabling the different stages to go forward. There have been some real challenges you have helped us overcome.”
PAMU RA I WHITIANGA:
Joe Davis responded “It’s been fantastic working with Lodestone; to see this project come about. We have appreciated that always our Urupa sites have been considered as well as the areas of battles of the past. When we have wanted
to visit the places of our ancestors, we have had ready access.” Joe reminded the gathering that transport was once always done by the rivers, no roads.
Joe concluded, “We needed something like this. Whitianga has risen to the occasion. Moving into the future, working in unity, acknowledging what has gone on in the past, and adapting to new technologies is the way forward.”
His words were greatly appreciated by everyone, particularly when he suggested a catch phrase or name for solar farms Pamu Ra, meaning, A Sunshine FarmWhitianga’s Sunshine Farm.
Our local elected leaders were well represented. Scott Simpson MP, gave a strong message. “This is solar ‘at scale’ and it is the kind of scale we need as a nation. It is a significant piece in the jigsaw puzzle to make the transitions to renewables.”
It was good to see Councillors, Deli Connell and Rekha Giri-Percival and our TCDC Executive Officer, Aileen Lawry whose presence was acknowledged. The landowner, Brian Johnson and family and the neighbours, Scott, Fiona and Bill Lee were also acknowledged and thanked. The welcome, blessing and speeches from the business leaders concluded with a tree planting ceremony.
The Whitianga project includes a unique partnership with the local electricity network operator, Powerco, who is building a new substation on the same site. The new infrastructure will deliver significant value to the Coromandel region by injecting low-cost renewable electricity into the Coromandel Peninsula economy..
Lodestone Energy has plans for a total of 18 utility-scale solar projects across Aotearoa, New Zealand, with the addition of its Phase 2 and Phase 3 development plans.
Coromandel Community Market starting this Saturday, 14 September - 9am to 1pm
The market venue is right in the heart of Coromandel Town, opposite the 4Square Supermarket, just look for the flags and gazebos. Come on down to the market, pick up your local produce, have a bite to eat, maybe a late breakfast, brunch or early lunch, have a chat and experience what homegrown Coromandel has on o er. New stallholders are welcome. For bookings, or more information, please contact Susanna - 0211 596
From left: Dan Edmonds - site manager Infra Tech. Sarah McCardy - Marketing Lodestone. James KiltyCEO Powerco. Gary Holden - Managing Director Lodestone. Joe Davis - Kaumatua Ngati Hei
Neighbours to the solar farm, Charmaine and Bill Lee, standing in front ofnof one of the solar panels.
Garry Holden speaks to the gathering on behalf of Lodestone Energy
Joe Davis, Ngati Hei with Scott Simpson MP for Coromandel at the opening of the solar farm.
A Golden Opportunity Awaits at Subway central Whitianga
Nestled in the heart of Whitianga, Subway is known as the place to grab a tasty and nutritious meal at an affordable price. Known for its freshly made-to-order subs, salads, and wraps, Subway Whitianga has consistently delivered quality and convenience to locals and tourists alike. Now, a unique opportunity presents itself for an entrepreneur to take the reins of this established and successful business.
Subway is a global brand synonymous with health-conscious, customizable fast food. Subway Whitianga benefits from this strong brand recognition, and current owners Paul and Yvonne say that this is evident with the number of International tourists that are drawn to eat here. The location, right in the bustling centre of Whitianga, ensures high foot traffic and visibility and there is dedicated car parking right at the front door.
One of the most appealing aspects of this sale is that it’s a turnkey operation. The business is fully equipped with everything needed to continue its success from day one. With a well-trained and reliable staff, established
supplier relationships, and streamlined operations, the transition to new ownership will be seamless. The business is already profitable, with room for further growth and expansion.
While Subway Whitianga is already thriving, there are numerous opportunities to take the business to the next level. Expanding delivery services, catering for local events, or even extending operating hours could further increase revenue.
With Whitianga continuing to grow as a popular tourist destination, there’s a significant upside potential for an ambitious new owner.
As a part of the Subway franchise, the new owner will benefit from initial training and ongoing support, including marketing and operational guidance.
This support network helps mitigate risks and provides resources that independent businesses might not have access to. Subway’s proven business model and extensive training programs ensure that you’ll be well-prepared to run a successful operation.
Subway Whitianga is more than just a business; it’s an opportunity
to be a part of the Whitianga community while owning a profitable and growing enterprise. Paul and Yvonne have immensely enjoyed their time in the business but it is now time for them to move on to do something different. If you’re looking for a business that offers
stability, growth potential, and the backing of a globally recognized brand, Subway Whitianga could be your perfect match. Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity - take the next step and become the next proud owner of Subway Whitianga today.
PURCHASE ANY ITEM OFF OUR SEAFOOD MENU FROM MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER AND GO INTO THE DRAW TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO THE OCEANS FESTIVAL
To be drawn on Friday 13 September during Happy Hour 4-6pm Thai Red Curry Prawns $23 7 prawns cooked in Thai red sauce served with rice. (3) Prawn, Chorizo & Haloumi Kebabs $25
With green side salad with ramesco sauce Fish & Chips $28.50 Speights ale battered fish, fries, wedged lemon + tartare sauce. Add side salad for $4.50 Seafood Chowder $22 A medley of seafood pieces simmered gently in our creamy seafood sauce + sour dough bred
(3) Mussell Fritters $24
Mussell fritters, salad + fries with lemon and mayo
(2) Scallop & Bacon Skewers $30
With green side salad with lemon & caper sauce
O’Malley’s Surf and Turf $40
250g prime scotch fillet, salad, fries, 3 garlic prawns with creamy mushroom sauce or garlic herb butter
Salt + Pepper Squid $20
Golden fried squid + lemon alioli on the side.
Add side salad for
$5
(6) Battered Oysters $30
With green side salad with lemon and tartare sauce
Whitebait Fritters $32
With green side salad, bread with lemon
NOTE: For all enquiries contact Linda Bird at Bayleys Whitianga: Mobile +64 27 4827273 | Office+64 7 866 0098 M. H. Realty Limited, Bayleys, Licensed Under The REA Act 2008.
Yvonne and Paul Simpson ready to hand over the reins to new owners
Case for early consultation with ratepayers & residents in council projects
BY MIKE BROWN
In this article I will give a reasoned argument based on fact, a relevant example and my experience as a consulting engineer and contractor on some of New Zealand’s largest Construction projects, why early consultation with all stake holders is vital for good design development and reducing life cycle operational costs.
As a consulting engineer the early design inputs of all stake holders are the very essence of good design development of any project.
The project I have chosen as my example is the 2017 design pro cess of the Robinson Road ramp and pontoon in Whitianga.
As residents we were involved in consultation at the detailed design stage of the project. Upon getting the documents to look at, the residents then went and looked at the Cooks Beach ramp which was of a sim ilar design and operating. We discussed the design with the ramp users at Cooks Beach and it immediately became appar ent there were significant design flaws in their ramp design.
The primary issues were.
1. The combination of wind and tide on a pontoon at 90 degrees to the flow often meant that only one side of the pontoon was useable as it was too hard to land a boat due to wind and current without damaging boats.
2. The pontoon and ramp areas at 90 degrees would be subject to the collection of slash and silt requiring dredging and clear ing maintenance on a regular basis.
3. The design of the head of the ramp should be well thought through for health and safety reasons and to prevent conges tion.
We then asked the boaties how they would correct these items. They said the following:- Design the ramp and pontoon at 30 degrees to the shore so that the
slash dredging and wind issues are mitigated as much as possible. Then design the staging area to allow straight reversing of the trailer to the pontoon.
Armed with this information, we went back to Council and discussed these issues. We were told the design was done and only minor alterations could be accommodated because there was no money left in the budget for any redesign at this stage of the project.
Given that the capital cost of building the ramp is 20 % maximum of its total life cost and 80%
effective to rate payers over the life of the ramp. This is justified due to significant maintenance being required on the pontoon with damaged plastic sections from heavy wear and tear and slash, and accidental crashing of boats due to wind and tide.
Dredging has also been carried out to keep it clear of silt build up where as a 30-degree pontoon would be self-clearing of the majority of slash and silt build up.
There are also significant issues at the existing ramp regarding flow of traffic, turning circles and health and safety that we docu-
There is no protected pedestrian path from the staging area to the pontoon meaning pedestrians have to take their chances amongst drivers backing their boats to get to the pontoon. For the elderly and young children this is a nightmare and we have witnessed many close calls.
There are cars parked at the estuary side of the staging area. This has the effect of blocking the line of site to the pontoon for drivers trying to figure out if it’s their turn to use the ramp. Our solution was to shift the staging area to the seaward side so this would be
the ramp.
The Staging area has entry and exit from both sides of the road causing congestion and confusion especially to visitors in the busy season.
CURRENT COUNCIL PROJECT - DESIGN QUESTIONED
The new conceptual plan included in this article for Robinson Road boat ramp and Hilton Park includes a jetty and small pontoon. The idea of the jetty gangway and pontoon is to pro-
Continued over
Consultation
drop off and short term berthage while parking or retrieving their trailer or waiting to use the ramp in busy periods. This will also shorten the walking distance if they have elected to park further away without congesting the boat ramp.
I contend that nine times out of ten, skippers of trailer boats are also those skilled at backing boat trailers and they will be at the ramp and have to walk to Hilton Park to retrieve the boat trailer so I doubt if the jetty and pontoon will achieve its intended purpose of reducing congestion.
The second idea is to extend the existing pontoon towards the channel so more boats can berth there and possibly add another ramp and pontoon to the existing ramp.
I question this design as the congestion points are not the number of ramps or pontoon space required but the design of the head of the ramp staging area and narrow roads leading up to it. In my opinion until this infrastructure is fixed, putting in additional pontoons at the Robinson Road ramp is a complete waste of ratepayer’s money. This design also brings
the pontoon very close to the main channel which exposes it to more wake from the larger boats travelling to and from the Waterways. The safety of such a design also needs to be taken into account as any congestion in this area will spill over to the main channel.
The last planned change is to use Hilton Park for boat trailer parking. Those of us who regularly walk across Hilton Park know that after a couple of showers of rain, it’s like a sponge and heavy Utes towing trailers will cut it up in no time. Also, it’s not as underutilised as the council would have us believe. The residents who back on to the park use it for recreational purposes with their children and grandchildren. It’s also a safe walking area for children going to school as it reduces the number of road crossings they have to negotiate.
We note that the proposed trailer boat exit from the park is adjacent to a narrow partially obscured corner and suggest this will be a safety issue for ute and trailer boats of up to 12 metres long.
To conclude, in my experience as a consulting
Tairua,
engineer the best designs emanate from having all the stakeholders fully engaged in the process from the beginning of the project. This in my view produces designs that endure and minimises long term maintenance costs. The example presented clearly demonstrates this. Whether 30 degrees is the right angle for the pontoon or not we will never know, as there was no chance to model it and find out.
Note: The minutes of that last meeting had with council in 2017 support the above information as well as identify further health and safety issues that have never been addressed. However, due to space issues The Informer could not include the minutes, but they are available on our website adjacent to this article.
Editor’s Note: I suggest readers turn to Letters to the Editor for TCDC’s response to the letter written by Mike Brown and Dr Jane Buckley 3 September on this matter. Dean Allen District Manager TCDC, explains their process for the Esplanade Development Pre-concept stage.
Whitianga, 59 Aquila Drive
• Immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home.
• Spacious open plan kitchen & dining area, dbl garage with internal access, & drive through for boat.
• Peeps of the Canal, excellent views & is close to transport, shops & schools.
FOR SALE By negotiation VIEW harcourts.co.nz/ L30416295
Noelene Bellingham 027 280 8477
• Lots of charming character, with plenty of potential, this home ensures comfort & privacy.
Trevor
•
Minds” A Tribute to Elvis Presley
SATURDAY 28th SEPTEMBER 2024
MERCURY BAY CLUB 69 Cook Drive, Whitianga SHO W TIME: 7.30PM
TICKETS Contact 07 866 5576
DINNER & SHO W $50.00 pp SHO W ONLY $25.00 pp
• Quiet 2 bed, open plan apartment with dbl ranch sliders overlooks the Whitianga estuary.
• Enjoy the gym, heated swimming pool & spa.
• Ideal for retirement, holiday living or just a bolt hold in the much-loved Whitianga.
Whitianga, 17/86 Albert Street FOR SALE By negotiation
91 Pepe Road
•This property is a must see to fully grasp the size and features it has to offer.
Tairua, 2 Summer Lane
Suzie & Jannine
Toes in the Water has rolled in!
BY GRACE BELL
Four locals - a Hospice Nurse (Jody Bower), Occupational Therapist (Grace Bell) and 2 avid volunteers (Lydia Turner and Anne Pendray) whom all care about inclusion in our community and accessibility for all, got together… and Toes in the Water Whitianga rolled in!
In the last recorded accessibility audit (CCS Disability Action, 2014), Whitianga had an estimated 150+ people using a mobility aid due to permanent disability, and with the population swelling by 50% since that time, the four of us know first-hand through our experiences that the disabled population has also grown.
TITW Whitianga is now a registered charitable organisation and with significant support and guidance from our affiliated friends - Toes in the Water Whangamata, we began the task of establishing if beach wheelchairs were going to be suitable in our region, and confirm the need was there.
At the end of summer 2024, Grace and Jody rallied up mutual community clients who would otherwise be limited to the footpaths, and borrowed the Whangamata beach wheelchair to give it a test run.
Success! Our incredible local, now ‘poster girl’ for TITW, Vicki, gave it the first go.
Wow! The size of Vicki’s smile
was enough for the four of us to realise the significant impact and therapeutic benefit of getting out onto the sand, under the sun, in the water and immersed in the salty air. Why else would we live here!?
Vicki tells us she had not been on the beach for over 2 years, and yet the view is right outside her window, so it is a truly magic experience for her and her husband to once again share since becoming a wheelchair user.
Funding was promptly put together with the generous assistance from Tony and the Whitianga Community Services Trust involving Community Op Shop raffles and other support, as Tony also recognised the need for such resource in our community.
The Mercury Bay Boating Club was similarly quick to jump on board and offer assistance with storage. The community response to this initiative has been incredibly generous, with most recently John Grant from Coromandel Insurance Services on board to contribute towards insurance costs. We can’t wait to see more smiling faces in the beach this summer, of all ages and function.
The beach wheelchair is ready to roll on enquiry, no need to wait for the warm weather if you are up for it! Labour weekend is our official kick-off date for the un-official start to summer.
We also have further ideas and
plans in the making to continue meeting the needs of our varied population, including alternative chair options and strollers so we can cater for all needs.
MANY HAVE ASKED HOW THEY CAN SUPPORT OR DONATE.
Please get in touch if you would like to volunteer to assist our registered users accessing the wheelchair over summer. This could involve taking bookings, opening the storage container and other tasks (not necessarily actually getting in the water!).
Soon you will see collection boxes located in stores around Whitianga, which will contribute to our running costs.
Or, if you are able to financially support, donations are welcome through our TITW Whitianga bank Account : TOES IN THE WATER 02-0496-0145077-000
Phone: 0204341647
Email: titwwhiti@gmail.com
World Heritage Site Mercury
Bay Area needs to be decided
This is not about the land. It is about Mercury Bay and defining the exact area of a World Heritage Site. It is vital to have an area that preserves the natural treasures in our waters and the native sea life and fauna. We need to consider the following
• Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove need to be included.
• What about Mercury Islands?
• What beach coastlines are to be included? This is very important for the application.and we are asking for your feedback.
Please reply to:
Email: worldheritagemercurybay@gmail.com
John Bertrand Collectables Buying in the Coromandel Region
This Friday and Saturday
Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Limited are visiting the Coromandel Region this Friday and Saturday. Mr Tony Grant from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in”. “This will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant. Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables.
“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant. “Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said. The buyers will be in the Coromandel Region this Friday and Saturday (see details below). As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.”
Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices
During these uncertain times
we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.
Interesting Small Collectables Wanted
The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting the Coromandel Region this Friday and Saturday, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.
“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.
Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes
E arly New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue. Mr Grant is in the Coromandel Region this Friday and Saturday on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound
banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before.
Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant. Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.
Collectors Need War Medals
Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.
Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity
Do you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to “bring them in and let us have a look”. “No need to sort anything out just bring them in ‘as is’ and please don’t clean them! We can go through coin accumulations and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 10 times their face value (more for quantity). “In any event we will buy All Coins,” said Mr Grant.
Mr Anthony (Tony) W. Grant
(Collectables)
Catalogue
STAN’S STUFF
Michelle – what a gift!
How could they do it! What courage! What dedication!
The Para Olympics focused attention on individuals who from birth or because of accidents are not fully bodily able. They enlarge our concept of what is possible. They challenge all of us, the able bodied to make the best of our physical and mental gifts. Few live up to this challenge.
My first child, Michelle, a daughter born to my first wife, was strangled by the umbilical cord in birth and consequentially she was delivered with partial cerebral palsy. We were told she would never walk or talk. It took her longer than usual but in time she did both. Her most obvious handicap was that she could not close her mouth and this meant her speech was unclear and she constantly dribbled.
My wife’s care of Michelle was nothing less than heroic. I now know that in respect to the care and parenting of disabled children, women, usually their mothers do most of the heavy lifting. In these circumstances many men are whimps. I include myself in this catergory. In families where there is a handicapped child many fathers leave the marriage.
However, my bond with Michelle had some depth. It was generally difficult to understand what she was saying and for most it was impossible to decifer writing. But thankfully not for me. True! We were on the same wavelength. I couldn’t always catch her meaning but generally I could. It was a cousin’s wedding that revealed to me and through me to others, the depth of Michelle’s character.
On the morning of the wedding, she thrust into my hand a crum-
pled piece of paper covered with her scribble. She said, “Give it to them. It’s my wedding gift”. I said “They will never read it”. Michelle said, “You read it for me.”
\Word by word I went over that page. It took a long time but when I was finished, I was amazed. My twelve-year-old daughter had written a poem – a free verse poem – about married love.
Here is a couple of lines.
My wish is not that you will be happy every day
Because life does not go like that;
My wish for you is that you will be patient
And never stop trying to understand each other.
I was struck dumb. How did my twelve-year-old daughter know these things? After I read the poem at the reception, there was silence and wet eyes. People looked again at this little girl with a twisted face and realized she was much more than they imagined.
It was difficult for her handsome younger brother and beautiful younger sister to be with Michelle. People always stared at this dribbling girl. When they moved into teenage, her brother and sister had a few tries at including her in peer gatherings but usually it didn’t work.
Michelle was super insightful and usually very outspoken. For instance, in a lounge room full of bright and bubbly teens, Michelle would sense that someone was staring at her. She would immediately confront that person in a most aggressive manner and then storm out of the room. The result was predictable. Her socially
active siblings would not invite her to their fun gatherings. This increased her isolation. In her adult life she made friends with the dropouts, addicts and misfits who hung out in the lanes and back streets of down-town Melbourne.
Michelle and I had a tempestuous relationship. At times it was pure bliss and at other times red-hot conflict. When we lived in Karangahake Gorge she would ring me often from a Melbourne pay phone. These calls were always short – some sweet and some sour.
In March 1996 without warning, Michelle died in her sleep.
It is the Para Olympics that has bought all this to my mind. Michelle taught me about living with a child with disability. For one thing it brought me in contact with other parents with disabled children. Many of these children can never compete in the Para Olympics or any competitions. With the help of wonderful people they can play and have fun in their own way.
One thing I have learnt is that individuals with disabilities are greatly loved and cherished by their parents (sometimes only one) and care givers. They give gifts of insight, understanding and joy to those who love them.
One of my fantasies of retirement involved Michelle and me. We would be on a beach, talking, arguing laughing about politics, theology, poetry and rock and roll. Well, I have the beach but… This is a New Year poem that Michelle wrote when she was sixteen. I will take it as a gift for my birthday next week.
Your new year Has just begun It will take you high Make you laugh It will take you low Make you cry Take it!
Stan Stewart with daughters, Kathy, left, and Michelle, right, taken 40 years ago.
GAMES AND PUZZLES
Imps (5)
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. Name:
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
TCDC REPLY ON WHITIANGA ESPLANADE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Mike Brown’s and Dr Jane Buckley’s letter to the editor in the 3 September Informer issue (TCDC’s proposed Robinson Road boat ramp expansion and the use of Hilton Park for trailer boat parking) is connected to current work to address health and safety issues at Whitianga’s Esplanade, but doesn’t mention this wider bit of work, which is still in the feasibility stage of exploring options.
Funding has been included in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan (LTP) for the years 2027-2030 to improve the Whitianga Esplanade area, to allow for growth in the activities taking place there and alleviate safety issues. Our Council has appointed a consultant to lead this early feasibility work.
Several initial sessions have been held so far this year with the project’s advisory group and a wide range of local waterfront users to listen to their needs and aspirations in the early stages of exploring options, and to better understand requirements and concerns. We are adding people to user focus groups as we go and as concepts are raised and explored.
The latest user group meeting was on 26 August. It sought feed-
back into the wharf arrangement concepts which have been developed in previous meetings, and then explored the challenging topic of trailer boat ramps and parking. The initial user feedback emphasised the importance of keeping all existing boat ramps as there are no feasible all tide local alternative sites. One potential option discussed at this meeting was using Hilton Park for recreational trailer boat parking as an overflow during peak times.
These meetings have been exploratory, to work out what might be viable options to take to the wider community for feedback, including residents and property owners in the Robinson Road/Hilton Park area. At the moment we’re still talking. There will be wider public engagement once we have some feasible options for the community to consider, but we are not there yet. No decisions have been made on any of this, except the allocation of funding in the Long Term Plan.
Information on the project is being updated periodically on our website atwww.tcdc.govt.nz/ whitiangaesplanade. If anyone would like to speak to a Council staff member about the project please get in touch with us atcustomer.services@tcdc.govt.nz, pop into our Whitianga customer service centre at 10 Monk St or give
us a call at 07 868 0200.
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. These letters do not reflect the editor’s view. The editor reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.
Dean Allen, TCDC District Manager
OOPS! THEY FORGOT TO MENTION $12,570 MILLION
Also they didn’t get around to asking anyone whether it would be a good idea to spend that money on a Whitianga Esplanade Redevelopment or to explaining how that fits in to the “focus on essentials” and “absolute top priorities” that we’re assured is guiding TCDC expenditure in these challenging times.
It wasn’t mentioned in the glossy online publicity that is designed to inform us and guide our thinking about the proposed expenditure of our rates. You might have come across it if you’d been able to find and dredge through a copy of the full draft Long-Term Plan. It’s at the bottom of page 14 of 17 of Capital Expenditure figures in an appendix at the end.
No one seems to have any idea what this Esplanade Redevelopment would involve or why it needs to be done.
$12,570,000 is one of the largest spends in the LTP. It would be enough, for instance, to buy a new water reservoir for Whitianga (1.9M) and fund the replacement of one at MoewaiRd (3M), water and sewage for Wharekaho which currently has neither (3.1M and 3.2M) as well as planned Mer-
have never been any accidents, Health & Safety will say but someone could fall. A few years ago, I was at a Paeroa Sale and a man had a heart attack. The shock treatment was administered while he was stretched out on this ‘dangerous boardwalk’. The world has gone mad. I do enjoy reading Stan’s Stuff -his observations. Malcolm Campbell, Waihi
SEA GLIDERS: A REALITY, NOT A DREAM
I write in response to Alastair Brickell’s recent letter dismissing sea gliders as “another green dream that is not going to happen.” Such scepticism has often proven embarrassingly misguided, reminiscent of those who once doubted cars would replace the horse and cart or who said the internet is a fad.
Mr. Brickell’s assertions are riddled with inaccuracies. Contrary to his claims, a quarter-size prototype successfully flew in 2022. A full-sized version is under construction and set to fly with humans this year. New Zealand is slated to receive its first five sea gliders from 2026. He seems confused as to whether I am a regional councillor. I’m not, but I was. Ocean Flyer has secured NZ$145 mil-
lion from Monte, a respected UK-based investor with a track record of financing over NZ$42 billion in transportation assets. The company has also signed MOUs with Northport and Northland Inc for infrastructure development in Whangerei, and with MetService for essential ocean and weather data.
Regent, the seaglider manufacturer, has received NZ$15 billion in commercial orders from major airlines like Japan Airlines and a strategic investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures. This hardly sounds like a pipe dream.
Seagliders offer versatile applications in both civilian and defence sectors, including logistics, cargo transport, and search and rescue. They’re particularly well-suited for island nations like New Zealand, especially considering the inevitability of climate change cutting off local road access again.
Far from being a fantasy, seagliders represent a serious, well-funded project with significant potential for our future transportation needs.
Next time before making personal jabs, Alastair, do your homework.
Denis Tegg, Thames
cury Bay footpath rehabilitation (.83M) and tsunami warning sirens (at $80K each) in Mercury Bay. The TCDC has asked us to engage in considering the LongTerm Plan but if they’re not being upfront and straightforward with us about a huge $12.57 million Whitianga Esplanade Waterfront Redevelopment Project, you’d have to wonder what else might be there that is not being drawn to our attention.
Helen Vivian, Wharekaho
GET A GRIP ON ALARMISM
Wow, Neville Cameron wants a Government appointed Commissioner to take over the TCDC. And For what? Oh, for complying with the law with regard to the administration of Workshops and Resource Consent applications. Get a grip Neville. If you don’t like the law of the land, then petition your local MP to get it changed or else stop whinging like a puppy about - well, nothing at all.
Conspiracy theories and alarmism have sure become attractive life-style options for some wonderful, though bored, Coromandel residents.
Dal Minogue, Whitianga
VESTED INTERESTS VERSUS DEMOCRACY
When is a vested interest in a community decision allowable?
When it matches your own of course.
David Gibson’s letter in The Informer, 20 August, pushes for apartheid by claiming (undefined) indigenous rights are being ‘assaulted’. Further, that, the parliamentary bill is fixing a ‘non-existent problem’. I’ve seen this problem for some time where the treaty guaranteed all citizens the same rights and protections, yet it has been subverted by a group manufacturing ’principles’ to advantage an ethnic group. Why am I against apartheid? Splitting citizens off into tribal groups seems to promote violent confrontations, and further up the chain, nationalist with their atrocities and miseries.
So, David Seymour is representing the electorate in presenting this bill which will be discussed and voted on by the representatives of all of us. Why oppose this form of democracy?
Peter H Wood, Whitianga MADNESS?
Talking to my next door farmers yesterday - Environment Waikato are instructing them to upgrade their effluent pond, a mere estimated $6000 worth.
A stock agent called on Tuesday -news at Paeroa sale yards is there must be an upgrade of the platform buyers walk on, Health and Safety are ordering this; a cost $100,000 If anyone says there
Rate Rises Year on Year & Growing Council Debt
Where Does it End..?
Join Mark Quinn for a discussion around ‘Why it is time to challenge council borrowing which secures debt over rates notices, future rates revenue and our local assets.’
Meetings
Thames
Whangamata
Tuesday 17th September Whangamata Memorial Hall 326 Port Road 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Whitianga
Colville
Friday 20th September Colville Hall 2310 Colville Road 5:30 - 7:30 pm
All Welcome
While there is no door charge - please donate upon entry or exit to help cover venue hire and contribute to the roadshow costs.
Sea glider fuselage under constuction
MADNESS? - CONTINUED
TAIRUA CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB
Aldermans Pairs Week One
Mon 2 September
North/South: 1Ron Baker and Rob Stewart 55.00, 2Chris Death and Peter McNeil 54.00, 3 Robyn Waters and Lynnette Flowers 51.00.
East/West: 1 Mary Castles and Jo Feasey 60.00, 2 Denise Knutson and Carol Baker 57.00, : Diny Naus and Liz Young 47.50,
HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
Cooks Beach Pairs – Tues 3 September
North/South: 1Myra Hoogworth and Dave Dylla - 63.5, 2 Val Dwight and Chris Hilford – 58, 3 Maggie Beattie and Sue Gill - 49.5.
East/West:1 Jean Myles and Robyn Waters 61.5, 2 Angela Butterworth and Peter Clark 53, 3 Denise Knutson and Sheryll Roberts 51.
MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB
Championship Singles Round One.
Wed 4 September
1 Kate Palmano & Gavin Hedwig 63.5; 2 Bob Schibli & Giorgio Allemano 57.1; 3 Rose Tegg & Anne Knowles 55.6. Championship Singles (Thurs) Round Three
Thurs 5 September
North/South: 1 Rose Tegg & Gavin Hedwig 60.4; 2 Julie Rutledge & Ischelle Stevenson 56.3; 3 Amy Hyde & Jenny Layton 42.7.
East/West: 1 Pat Doube & Geoff Jervis 68.8; 2 Angela Cook & Steven Knowles 53.1; 3 Kathy Moy-Low & Shay Geach 47.9.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wed 4 September
Best of three frames: A good field of
11 players and it was Brian Codyre, Peter Schultz and Ian Baumgren with two straight won each to challenge the finals. Brian won the bye and Peter and Ian battled out the semifinal with a win to Peter who went on to have a comfortable win against Brian in the final. Runner up was Brian Codyre and with two wins were Peter Challis and Ken Gibson.
Sat 7 September
Best of three frames: 11 players on Saturday and Doug Pascoe, Greg Murphy, Peter Schultz and Bob Haase had two straight wins each to battle out the semifinals. Doug dispatched Greg in the first semifinal and Peter took the next semifinal over Bob. So our two finalists Doug and Peter met for the final frame. A great match this was, but Peter grabbed the victory at the very end on the pink and took home the cash prize as well as winning the highest break of 26. Runner Up was Doug Pascoe and with two wins were Bob Haase, Warren Bellingham and visitor Andrew.
MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Thursday, 5 September
Winners: Ken Lack, Judy Cullinane and Lionel Lawrence.
Runners Up: Ray Rout, Heather Walker and Shirley Marshall.
Good Sports: Keith Denney, Cheryl Henderson and Glynne Jackson.
THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB
Nine-hole Mens Front 9 Stableford Haggle Mon 2 September
1 Ray Green 20, 2 Robert Fisken 18.
Ladies Nine- hole Best Stbfd – fold back 9 Tue 3 Sept
1 Joanne Nicholson 24, 2 Ruth Fisken 22, 3 Merrin James 20.
Eighteen-hole Men Monthly Net Medal
Sports
Wed 4 Sept
1Trevor Martin 68, 2 Brian Tomlinson 68, 3 Quentin Francis 70, 4 Murray James 71, 5 Barry Bowen 72
Eighteen-hole Men Monthly Gross Medal
1 Gary Bancroft 74
Two’s: Gary Bancroft on Hole 11 and 18. Robin Fleming on Hole 7, Quentin Francis on Hole 7.
Nearest the Pin 18: Gary Bancroft. Nine-hole Men B9 Stableford Thur 5
Sept
1 Lance Croawell 19, 2 Steve Airey 18,3 Peter Murphy 18. Eighteen-hole Ladies Stableford
1 Noeleen Mulligan 33, 2 Mary Sharp 32, 3 Sheren Parry 30.
Mixed Haggle Meat Pack Stableford Sat 7 Sept
1 Glenn LeLievre 43, 2 Noeleen Mulligan 40, 3 Allison Drake-Wells 39.
Two’s: Noeleen Mulligan on Hole 5, Tracey Mulligan on Hole 7, Ross Alexander on Hole 7, Quentin Francis on Hole 18.
Nearest the Pin#18: Quentin Francis.
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
Nine-hole Mixed – Stableford
Tues 3 September
1Peter Chaffin, 2 Roger Pheasant, 3 Bob Holliday.
Eighteen-hole Women – Strokeplay Rd1
Wed 4 September
1 Diane Andrew,2 Debbie Holmes, 3 Ali Bryson.
Nearest to Pin #4: Debbie Holmes, Nearest to Pin #18: Fiona Gardien.
Longest Putt #9: Lynne Butler. Eighteen-hole Men – Stableford
1 Ron Campbell, 2 Carl Mitchell, 3rTrevor Hayde.
Two’s: Roger Booth, Mark Boe, Matty Menzies
False alarm!
The siren went for a very long time. It was Whitianga mid-afternoon. The thinking was that something has gone very, very wrong. The reality might be that it is difficult to muster an emergency crew at that time of day. However, within minutes two fire trucks were at the scene. The location was Mercury Bay Area school. But don’t worry, it was a burnt piece of toast.
That is a costly piece of toast and I am sure more care will be taken in future. I can remember this happening in my own experience. Let’s be thankful for the Fire Emergency Service, and support them. I am aware our Fire Brigades around the Coromandel all need volunteers. Think about it.
Gross: Div One: Mark Boe, Div Two: Trevor Hayde. Nine-hole Mixed Scramble - Stableford Fri 6 September
1Ron Watson, 2 Roger Pheasant, 3 Bob Holliday.
Nearest Pin #3: Les Walbridge, Nearest
Pin #4: Roger Pheasant
Eighteen-hole Men - Stableford
Sat 7 September
1 Ron Watson,2 Carl Mitchell, 3 Richard Bennett.
Div. One: Gross - Mark Boe, Nearest Pin - Nathan Wilson, Longest Drive- Sam Murphy.
Div. Two: Gross - Graeme Butler, Nearest Pin - Trevor Hayde, Longest DriveRohi Ranchhod.
PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
P Howarth Stableford Trophy Round 3 of 3 Tues 3 September
1 Steve Borlase, 2 Mark Bell, 3 Wayne Morrison
Winner of Trophy Best 2 Rounds of 3
First women Anne Costello
First Man Steve Borlase
Cooks Beach Hardware Monthly Medal Thurs 5 September
1 Callum Murray winner of monthly medal
2Wayne Morrison, 3 =Neil Robertson, Catherine Borlase.
Cooks Beach Hardware Monthly Medal Saturday 7 September
1 Catherine Borlase, Bob Walker, 3 Donna Dinsdale, 4 Neil Robertson
Winner of monthly medal on count back Catherine Borlase
4BBB NETT: Bob Walker and Neil Robertson.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
REDUCING CO2 EMISSIONSLITTLE IMPACT
I am grateful for Mr. Farrelly’s comments (The Informer 3 Sept) that reducing human carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions “ will have little impact on the rate of increase of atmospheric CO2.” It follows that it will have little impact on climate and in any rational debate that would be the end of it, but climate alarmism is not rational.
Mr Farrelly mentions (but confuses) the allegory of the full bath in which adding human CO2 is ‘ the last straw ‘ causing the bath to overflow into crisis. This is a plausible belief but it doesn’t hold water ( sorry ! ) because it can never be proved or disproved.
There is sufficient uncertainty over the recent temperature hiatus that ‘global warming’ is now out of fashion and ‘climate change ‘ is in. However, once this proves to be wholly natural, the follow-up fashion will, no doubt, be a WHO inspired ‘ fossil fuel health crisis’ ! As for Mr. Tegg (Informer 27 August) he cannot plausibly defend Govt. policy by merely quoting yet more Gov. Policy (MBIE and Electricity Authority).
When Mr. Farrelly says only “advocates of the fossil fuel industry” will call out fraud, he insults
many thousands of independent scientists and observers:-
“Climate change catastrophism is the biggest scientific fraud that has ever occurred“ Ian Plimer, Prof. Earth Sciences, Uni of Melbourne.Prof Mining Uni Adelaide
“ Global warming is the costliest scientific mistake ever visited on humanity. “ Garth Paltridge, Prof. Institute Antarctic and Southern Ocean Studies.U. Tasmania
“Most pervasive and damaging example of scientific fraud in the history of mankind” Bruce Bunker, PhD Chemist, 100 peer reviewed publications.
“The Kyoto Protocol was a fraud from day one.” Fred Singer. Prof. Emeritus at the U. of Virginia plus many distinctions. and “Climate change orthodoxy has in effect become a substitute religion”.
Nigel Lawson. UK House of Lords.
There is much more and complete details can be made available to the Editors.
Most worrying is the deepseated belief that because human CO2 affects climate, it must be reduced despite pandemic evidence that doing so has no effect. Until this belief changes, expect our energy costs to keep going up. Gerry Sanders, Whitianga.
SPECIFICATION WORK IS POOR
The TCDC contractor Ventia
THROUGH THE PORTAL
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. These letters do not reflect the editor’s view. The editor reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.
recently came down our street at Otama with a digger and cleared the roadside drains (we have no kerbing and channelling).
We have always looked after our verge and drain even though we recognise they are Council property, as we have tried to keep the appearance of our home and section well-presented. Our drain was grassed and mowed and nicely sloped to facilitate the free flow of stormwater. Then the contractors came and dug it out anyway.
The digging is of uneven depths leaving ponds and puddles that take days to drain away, and the edging is jagged and unsightly.
We wrote and supplied photos to Council and received a rather terse reply saying that they had sent Ventia to have a look and that Ventia were satisfied that they had done the work to specification.
Let the reader be the judge.
MAORI WARDS - THE MEETING OF 6 SEPTEMBER
I was asked to attend last week’s TCDC meeting on the Maori Wards.
If Mayor Len was looking to create the most divisive meeting possible he most certainly achieved it. Far from being an unbiased Chair, catering for all ratepayers in attendance, he announced that he had in place three speakers in favour of the motion being asked, and, if anyone else wanted to say something different they could put their hands up after that. Prior to this, he had introduced Flemming Rasmussen as “someone with different views, but would we please all give him a good hearing”. Flemming thanked him politely for his ‘negative’ introduction and proceeded to legally advise all present as to the how and why of Maori Wards. He was not there to tell us how to vote. He was giving his time to support our community and ensure we fully understood what was at stake here; Democratic Process as opposed to a highly emotional leap into unchartered waters.
I don’t believe there was anyone present who opposed Maori Wards, but people were puzzled t at the way the Mayor chose to chair the meeting. It appeared
that his desire for gratification and popularity with one section of the community outweighed the common-sense approach of Democratic Process. Democracy may not be perfect but it is the best process currently available. Democratic process was bypassed.
Two Councillors, (both apparently in favour of Maori Wards), had the integrity to stand by Democratic Process. Terry Walker abstained from voting, as requested, following consultation with his constituents who, 7 to 1, wanted to wait for the referendum. John Grant voted against.
At no stage were we, as ratepayers in Whitianga, consulted by either Deli Connell or Rekha Giri Percival with regard to how we wished to be represented. Is this what we expect of the Councillors we voted for? I acknowledge that being a Councillor is not for the faint hearted.
What I do believe in is One People - One vote. United we stand, divided we fall.
Ady Cole-Ewen, Wharakaho
Debate with Lords of the Climate
BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN
Over recent editions of the Informer we have been treated to some debate on the issue of our countries energy supply, this issue being tied up with the on-going Climate debate. I have quite enjoyed following this debate, feeling that it is a little bit like a chapter from Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings. On one side you have Alastair Brickell striding down the hill, much like Gandalf the Gray wielding his staff of pragmatism. Skirting around issues and trying to offer the resistance of ideology is Radagast the Brown, also known as Denis Tegg, sending off small volleys of logic butterflies in an attempt to defend us from the power of pragmatism.
The debate has been manifested in two articles about the perilous state of the country’s Energy Industry from Alastair which elicited one response (at time of writing) from Denis. The battle is fierce, unrelenting, and can be read in full in issues 1119 to 1121 and now in this current issue of The Informer ( page 14).
The essence of this battle is quite simple. The ideologues, represented by Denis, believe that the planet is over-heating due primarily to human use of so-called fossil fuels for various purposes. The pragmatists, represented
by Alastair, do not agree with this. Discussion has gone back and forth over the years with no meaningful resolution. None is likely while people cling to their beliefs.
Practical people will point out that our society needs power to be available for 24 hours a day, seven days a week which means we need reliable sources of power. Traditionally, this was provided in New Zealand by hydroelectric power backed up by coal, natural gas and thermal steam. If this type of power generation had been kept in place and extended, which would mean keeping the destructive objection industry in check, we would not have an energy Industry in such dire straits and emissions of CO2 would be rela-
tively low. By keeping our power generation to this model and concentrating our resources on the reduction of emissions from the coal and natural gas facilities we would have one of the most efficient and sustainable energy industries in the world. But would the ideologues go along with this common sense approach?
Well of course they wouldn’t, silly people want to do silly things and when we got lumbered with the silliness of the Ardern Government we really started shooting ourselves in our national foot. It has been well publicised how the Ardern Government, much revered by Radagast, slaughtered the natural gas and coal industries, forcing us to import
more grubby coal to keep our power “on tap”. This attack on our energy Industry was done in the name of Climate Change with the stated aim of reducing our emissions by getting rid of fossil fuels. To replace these reliable methods of generating power we have drifted into unreliable and inefficient methods of producing power such as solar and wind. Neither help us with our energy needs on still nights, we still need fossil fuel.
If emissions are the problem, we want to address why do we not just concentrate on reducing them rather than getting rid of fossil fuels. After all, if the coal power station has an emission control system which means emissions are extremely low,
then we don’t really have an issue do we? The vehicle industry has certainly been focussing on this. The figure used by bureaucracy to calculate emissions from vehicles is 231 grams per kilometre. In actual fact the national average for emissions has been reduced to 180.7 g/km so you can see great improvements have already been made and the figures publicised about our emissions are likely to be over stated and incorrect. So it looks to me that Radagast has been listening to the wrong butterflies, has been picking the wrong battles. It is time he listened properly to Gandalf, who was not called Gandalf the Wise for nothing. Pragmatism and common sense are needed when the times of darkness grow near.
Many countries have little option but to build nuclear power stations. The energy source of wind farms is very suitable renewable energy for a number of countries with a reliable wind patterns. New Zealand has a plentiful supply of energy resources.
Rod Wain, Otama. Maori Wards - as dictated by TCDC.
SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
• Thames’s Valley Swamp Foxes(14) versus Wanganui (16)
• The Chiefs Heartland (0) versus Waikato Division Colts (67)
• Thames Valley U 16 Girls (5) versus Harlequins (42)
• Thames Valley U 19 Boys (24) versus North Harbour(26)
Alex Pollock
Colville Green
Philip Hart Chartered Accountant
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Tasks would include delivering a home cooked meal Mon, Wed, Thurs & Sun evenings. Providing transport to and from local weekday activities and providing general companionship as required.
An agreed hourly rate plus all expenses will be paid to the appropriate person. If you are interested Please phone 0211054942 to discuss further details.
MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY POOL TRUST AGM
for this event!
SPORTS
Mercury Bay Junior Boys - Waikato Champions
WSSFA
Div. 3 Champions!
Mercury Bay Football Club Junior Boys played Rototuna Reserves in a top of the table clash on Saturday at home. Our boys needed a draw or a win to secure the WSSFA Division 3 title with a game to go. The Bay dominated the first half, hitting the woodwork twice and missing a penalty, and somehow went into halftime at 0-0.
Interim coach Dean Allen assured the boys they were playing well and goals would come if they kept their shape and were patient. Elijah Bianchi opened the scoring from a scrappy corner much to the delight of a good crowd.
The pressure started to show on the Rototuna boys as the Bay kept attacking
and were rewarded with goals from Joel Iggulden, Yugo Kawai and Curtis Treherne. Special mention to very good performances by Arlo Hert in goal, Ben Collins who controlled the midfield with Yugo, Leo Renall who kept the right side free from danger, and Noah Palmer whose pace and crosses troubled the Rototuna defense all game.
The boys still have one game to go next week where they will be looking to finish the season unbeaten in the league away to St Johns. A big thank you to Dean Allen, Carl Gubb for refereeing, our great supporters, and the Tuinier family for an awesome after match feed.
Tandy Ito, their Coach was in Japan on business, but his team did him proud.
Onehunga Weed (Prickle Weed) Control
The TCDC contractor will be carrying out weed control of Onehunga Weed (Prickle Weed) in susceptible areas throughout the Thames-Coromandel District.
Our application dates will start from 30 August to the 30 September, between the hours of 7am and 2pm.
The application will be carried out by knapsack, boom sprayer and spray gun. The chemical that will be used is Clopyralid. Signage will be used at all appropriate areas.
We will start in Pauanui, Whangamata, Mercury Bay, Thames and the Thames Coast, finishing in Coromandel Town.
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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.
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What’s that Number?
Mercury Bay Football
Mini kickers, eighth, tenth and twelfth grade
It has been a great few days for Mercury Bay Football. The prize giving was held at Mercury Bay Area School late last week and on Saturday the Junior Boys won their game to become Waikato Division 3 Champions. It was a classic 4-nil game (see page 27)
PRIZE GIVING: This year every playing member of the club was presented with a medal at the end of their season of playing. What is clear is that this Football club is well cared for by coaches, the team managers, and supportive parents. There is a lot of driving to be done to games for any team on the Coromandel. These people are to be congratulated and thanked by our com-
munity for the hard work and commitment to the children who range in age from 5 to 16. Mini Kickers: 1. Ari Battaerd
- Most Improved Player; 2. Finn Collier - Most Valuable Player.
8th Grade: 3. Jasmine JonesMost Improved Player:; 4. Jack Fearnley - Most Valuable Player.
10th Grade Marlins: 5. Kian Biesheuvel - Most Improved Player; 6. Jessica Allen - Most Valuable Player.
10th Grade Orcas: 7. Dominic Thomassen - Most Improved Player; 8. Ryan Martin - Most Valuable Player.
12th Grade: 10. James McGrath
- Most Improved Player, 9. Caleb Mahoney - Player’s Player of the Season
The coaches: Kylie Phillips, Jamie Morgan, Ross Dunne, Haylie Berry, Mark Berry