Issue 1124 - 24th September 2024

Sophie Jack with Lamington and Marie Jack, with Lamy, left, Whenuakite School; Sisters Ella and Aria Hill with their lamb, right, Coroglen School.

Mischa Evanson 0273246018 www.roomshomestaging.co.nz info@roomshomestaging.co.nz

Lambs & horses at Whenuakite and Coroglen

BY FRAN JACK

WHENUAKITE SCHOOL

Living in rural NZ, offers many children a unique experience: rearing a lamb, goat or calf. At Whenuakite school farm pets, as well as domestic pets were celebrated on Monday, 23 September at the school wide Pet Day. Students, teachers, parents, members of the community and the children from Whenuakite Country Kids came to see the students, proudly presenting their pets.

Presenting your farm pet at school involves many weeks of preparation and generally continues after the school event. The lambs and calves must be bottle-fed, up to 7 times a day when they are little, so it is a project and commitment for the whole

family. Other pets like horses or ponies, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens are often already part of a family’s life.

The children are not only asked to show their practical skills, like leading and calling their pet. They keep a pet journal and create a booklet or poster to show what they have learned about their pet. General questions, about breed, origin, development and anatomy must be answered, and specific aspects of their pet’s behaviour and the bond they formed must be documented.

The posters and journals

were marked by the teachers, while the practical part of Pet Day was judged by Graham Harsant. He gave points for rearing and leading. When asked what he likes about Pet Day he responded: “I used to be involved in Pet Day as a kid and then again with my kids. It’s great to now be back as a judge.” As a parent, I can say, that it is definitely a project worthwhile. The learning I have seen in my children has been impressive and heartwarming. I truly believe that this is a memory my daughters will share with their children and grandchildren.

BY KARLOS BOSSON PRINCIPAL OF COROGLEN SCHOOL

COROGLEN SCHOOL

- A HOOF OF A FANTASTIC DAY!

The sun was shining bright as Coroglen School hosted its annual Pet Day, a vibrant community event that brought together families, friends, and furry companions.

The day was filled with exciting activities for everyone. From the thrilling Daisy Dung Drop competition to the adorable best dressed pet, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

position of the Daisy Dung Drop. The school grounds were abuzz with excitement as children and adults alike interacted with lambs, and even a majestic Kaimanawa horse.

Her insightful conversation about the work she does with horses inspired our future learning opportunity in equine welfare.

The school’s annual Pet Day is also a valuable opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their shared love for animals.

Congratulations to Spocky from the Whitianga Fire Brigade for drawing the winning

One of the highlights of the day was the appearance of Shannon, a dedicated equestrian who shared her passion for these beautiful animals with the students.

It’s a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

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

September 24-October 2. Earth’s virtual twin Venus remains as a lovely bright beacon in the northwest after dusk and is by far the brightest thing in the sky then. It is the same size as us but totally covered in clouds. When it gets a bit darker slightly yellowish Saturn can be seen much higher up in the northeast and stays visible all night. The fact that neither planet twinkles distinguishes them from the stars. The Moon can also help us find Mars and Jupiter this week. There will be several early morning International Space Station (ISS) and Chinese Tiangong passes to enjoy this week but, as usual, timings may change, especially towards the end of the week if they have to be moved to avoid space junk. Always best to check the website heavens-above.com for updated timings. Tuesday, September 24 – The crescent Moon sits just below bright Jupiter late in the evening with an ISS pass from 5:08am very low in the SW. Wednesday, September 25 – The Moon now sits half way between bright Jupiter and fainter Mars much lower down with a very low ISS pass from 4:23am in the south. Thursday, September 26 – The Moon now sits right below Mars just before dawn. Friday, September 27 – The Moon now

Isla Walker with Cracker and Ana van Beynen with Josh.

The small Coroglen community enjoyed the pet day.

An editorial on Challenging Councils

(TheEditor’sopiniononly)

BY PAULINE STEWART

In this last week there have been a series of meeting on the Coromandel Peninsula led by a gentleman called Mark Quinn. The meetings are called Challenging Councils. But it is more than a meeting. It is a movement and has the involvement of a considerable number of our citizens.

Mark Quinn is a retired businessman and one could say, has been a successful ‘heavy hitter’ in the world of business. He is no fool and very well able to interpret figures and has studied carefully the workings of local councils across New Zealand. Mark led five meetings on the Peninsula – Thames, Whangamata, Whitianga, Colville and Coromandel.

SIGNIFICANT POINTS:

His theme was addressing the way local government works – the increasing debt we have to a point where we will never be able to pay the debt and that administration costs and debt payment would reduce to almost nothing the ability of communities to ever get ‘bang for their buck’ in terms of the rates and fees they pay. He spoke about the burden of compliance in all areas of our communities which was crippling initiative and results.

A lot of what he said made sense. Our debt is indeed high. Our regulations are eye watering.

Where money is borrowed and how much we have borrowed is a point of consternation and should be more openly discussed with the community.

I am asking residents and ratepayers to be more alert and to ask more questions. Mark was making some valid points.

TWO ALARMING ASPECTS:

The first: Mark’s attitude did not win him points in mana and ability to take people with him.

At the one meeting I attended he was almost boastful that in the South Island there were hardly any maori names and he was flippant about that as he struggled to pronounce things This is not a minor point. The inability to pronounce names which are not of your native language is a minor point but being flippant and arrogant isn’t.

Bess Kingi, one of our four Mercury Bay Community Board members, came to the meeting because she has been a rate payer for 33 years. Bess, like everyone else, wants her rates to work for her and her whanau and her community. She came to the meeting in that capacity only. She tried to speak up and left frustrated and disappointed at the racial slurs. Others were embarrassed and hurt.

The second: Mark speaks a lot of conspiratorial inference – how there is a greater plan to decrease our western civilisation and democracy by subversive economic and health control methods which somehow involve the United Nations, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and others. There is no proof supplied. I find it distasteful and lacking in wisdom.

It was said in private that our Mayor, Len Salt had asked for that meeting to be cancelled. He apparently did this just a short while before the meeting.

• Roast pork, roast potato, veges & gravy.

• Lemon chicken, mash potato, peas & beans.

• Bacon & three cheese macaroni.

• Chicken lasagna & cheesy veges.

I believe he asked that for the right reasons.

However, we have a democracy and that cancellation did not occur.

If these meetings can raise energy and commitment to address the problems with our local government’s efficiency, openness and budgetary operations, then good.

But if these meetings and the movement of Challenging Councils destroys our respect for one another, and the leaders do not love our multi-cultural country of which Morori and Maori are the first peoples and should share in all leadership, then we are doomed. There are other leaders and communities taking Challenging Councils very seriously. But let’s not start tearing down the very thing which keeps us whole and peaceful most of the time – our democracy. We are not people running at the gates of the Capitol Building tearing down pillars of decency as in USA 6 January, 2021.

It is not for us to shout angrily but to work in our local communities for more openness and to expect and get from local government great service and results that improve the human spirit, increase our enterprise and our sense of moving forward wth confidence in a future where we trust those who govern on our behalf.

World clean-up in Whitianga

Many from the community joined the Wāhi Tukurua team initiative to ‘Clean up Whiti’ last Saturday, 21 September at 9.30am. This was part of an international action, Clean Up the World Campaign/ World Clean Up Day set for the third weekend in September. Everyone met at the Buffalo Beach Reserve decked with gloves and hats. The organisers had large rubbish bags to give all comers.

The CFM caravan was there with Jason reporting live and encouraging everyone.

It was heartening to see children with their parents helping and young adults up early dressed to clean up a piece of Whiti and the Bay.

LET’S KEEP WHITIANGA BEAUTIFUL!

For a sober reminder of the amount of litter that is out there - read Letters to the EditorRoss Liggins page 17.

Paul and Sol, above, clear up the beach; Jason Myatt, below, bringing live commentary on the clean up day from the CFM retro caravan.

Cat Nielson-Jones and Tracey Bell of Wahi Tukurua with Tiffany Jones and Summer and Hunter Reid.

UP:

„ Next Thirsty Thursday is 26 September at the Earth Store. 7.30am to 10.30am. Bring you reusable cup.

„ Lunch time Concert – at St George’s Church Thames. Waikato University Instrumental students Concert. Friday 27 September 12.15-1.00pm. FREE.

„ Chess in the Park – Coromandel Town, 9.30am-12 noon, Saturday 28 September outside Weta Cafe.

„ Mini Golf Family Day at Mini Golf Whitianga. Saturday 12 October. There will be a model

train exhibit there as well.

„ Mercury Bay Family Expo Fundraiser, 12.303.30pm Sunday 13 October at Whitianga Town hall. A Kids Zone, face painting and tattoos, bake sale, family friendly stalls.

„ Halloween is coming. – Get ready for the Trick or Treat Trail around Whitianga from 3.30pm to 6.00pm.

„ Whiti City Markets are back after the winter - Saturday 5 October at Soldiers Memorial Park. 9.00am to 1.00pm.

AT THE MONKEY HOUSE

Lion Rezz: The Lion’s Here, at The Monkey House Theatre, Friday 27 September, 9pm-1am. Tickets are available at Eventfinda. This talented solo artist is all about combining the edgy grooves of reggae, with the charming melodies of R&B.

Supported by local award-winning hip hop artist, C33Y. Chance has recently won Waiata Māori Music Awards 2023 - Te Tohu Kaipūoru Rangatahi Hou & will get the vibes up as the opener. Amazing night of music for only $20.

Kitchen Calendar

Spaghetti September – It’s easy

All over Aotearoa, Bellyful branches ask their communities for their support this September. It is easy as: just grab another bag of spaghetti this month on your next shop at the supermarket!

Bellyful nourishes and connects communities by cooking and delivering free meals to whānau with babies or young children, who need support. One of their delicious meals is Bolognaise sauce, an absolute favourite amongst children and toddlers and therefore of all mums, because the last thing anyone needs is fussing children at dinner time. Bellyful Whitianga aims to add a packet of pasta to each delivery that contains their Bolognaise sauce, to ensure that dinner time with Bellyful is as easy as possible.

“It’s called Spaghetti September, but any pasta is most appreciated.” Says Fran, the Whitianga Branch Coordinator. “ I often chooses to add “toddler-friendly” pasta like Penne, Spirelli or Maccaroni to the deliveries.”

Bellyful Whitianga is also kindly asking for pre-cooked rice to add to their vegan curry, they offer to families in the area.

COLLECTION POINTS FROM NOW UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER,

• New World Whitianga, who generously support Bellyful

Whitianga with monthly grocery donations for their cookathons.

• Richardsons Real Estate office on 49 Albert St, Whitianga also accepts any pasta or rice donations on behalf of Bellyful. Richardsons is already supporting Bellyful Whitianga by supplying a space for the branch’s freezer,

which holds all the delicious and nourishing meals for Whitianga and surroundings. This enables volunteers to collect the meals during business hours, from a central and easy to access location.

• The Informer newspaper in 14 Monk Street also receives the packets of pasta and rice

If you would like to support Bellyful Whitianga beyond a much appreciated rice or pasta donation, or have any questions, please visit their website https://bellyful. org.nz/bellyful-branches/ whitianga/ or email whitianga@bellyful.org.nz

There are three venues for the collection of your donated pasta packets in Whitianga – New World, Richardsons Real Estate and The Coromandel Informer.

Suppliers and restaurant owners – a good mix

BY PAULINE STEWART

Basker, the modern beach kitchen on the Waterways, Whitianga was a bustle with food suppliers, restauranteurs and café owners last Tuesday night. It was the annual Anchor Coromandel Supplier event, hosted by Campbell and Sue Angus of Anchor Coromandel and Coromandel Food Services Ltd.

Those who prepare and serve food and drink were able to meet with those who have sourced the different foods and beverages from around New Zealand. There were complimentary drinks and nibbles, new season

products, an incredible Kapiti cheese board, and a range of new drinks on the market all produced with sustainable methods and natural kiwi grown food. Suppliers were ready to demonstrate their products and detail the ingredients.

Sustainability is a dominant theme and it was noted that several of the food products delivered by Anchor Coromandel are not just dairy products.

For example, the Alternative Dairy Company displayed five varieties of land based milk.

This event is hosted annually by Campbell and Sue Angus of Coromandel Food Suppliers.

Some of the food suppliers

present were Regal Salmon, Fonterra, Barkers, Hellers, Luv A Pie, Anchor Food. And then there were the beverages Lemon & Te Aroha, Karma Drinks, Almighty, Alpro, Serious Smoothies, Remedy, No Ordinary, No ugly, Bobby and Good Buzz.

Campbell and Sue distribute to major food chains, 4 Square Stores, dairies, delicatessens, cafes, restaurants, and clubs all across the Peninsula. In the peak of summer, the Anchor trucks make daily visits. The entire evening had a ‘Good Buzz’. Thank you to Campbell and Sue and to the Basker team – excellent hospitality.

Happy Hours

Thursday 4pm to 6pm

Friday 5pm to 7:30pm

Over 60 people gathered at Basker – a mix of restaurant and cafe owners, food and beverage suppliers and the hospitality team from Basker, for the Anchor Coromandel event.

Dancing through the decades

The show at MBAS was vibrant in movement, colour, energy. What a huge undertaking!

There were 355 students involved. We did the 1920/1930’s, 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960, 1970’s, 1980’s 1990’s 2000’s 2010’s and today. 10 Decades in total. This was orchestrated by Freya Marra. The class teachers were in charge of their decade and they chose the music and chose the dance style. If they were stuck, help was sought through Lisa Gifford from En Pointe Dance Studio. Teachers sourced costumes with the help of all the parents. The three main dancers were Paige Thackray, Indie Hutt, Ivy Drennan. Ivy said “I loved getting to go in the time machine and being a part of all the dances and getting different accessories. I also loved practising with all the different classes.”

What I saw was every child loving it, even the shy ones. The music was all streamed together so nonstop dancing through the decades was the go - entire classes moving on and off the stage within seconds, all to the music.

Everyone who watched was smiling. There was not a spare seat in the school auditorium. Congratulations to Freya and all the primary teachers. For something to go so smoothly and be so joyful would have taken weeks of work. Congratulations to the children - you give us all a boost to live life better.

Sudden unilateral (one sided) hearing loss – the importance of urgent action

BY LESLEY HINDMARSH

There are times when the hearing in one ear will decrease suddenly. This is a case where urgent diagnosis needs to be made. Your GP will see you as an urgent appointment, likewise we, as Audiologists, will also see you on the day for a full diagnostic hearing test.

The importance is that if a sudden hearing loss is ‘left’

for days or weeks, then there may not be improvement, and you may be left with a permanent hearing loss in one ear.

If diagnosed quickly and appropriate medication is taken, the chance of the hearing recovering is much higher.

Full diagnostic testing is required to determine if the hearing loss is due to fluid behind the ear drum or wax in the ear canals, versus the more serious sensorineural

(or cochlear) hearing loss. We see a few cases of this each year and can happen to anyone at any age.

If you suspect that you have a sudden hearing loss, then please ring your local Audiologist to have the testing performed as soon as possible. No GP referral is needed for this. We have a clinic here in Whitianga and there are also clinics in Thames and Hamilton. All Audiologists are aware

of the ‘sudden hearing loss protocol’ and will refer you onwards to your GP.

The take home message is that if you have a sudden hearing loss in ONE ear only, then please have it investigated as soon as possible, as urgent treatment may assist recovery.

A full diagnostic hearing test is free of charge at Bay Audiology if you are an AA member; otherwise, there is a small fee.

Lesley Hindmarsh, Audiologist at Bay Audiology in Whitianga.

Saying ‘NO’ to shifting ‘All’ boat trailer parking to Hilton Park and Robinson Road Reserve

BY PAULINE STEWART

The rain poured down. The meeting was relocated to a garage on Robinson Road, Whitianga. It was organised and run by Thames Coromandel District Council TCDC) District Manager, Dean Allen, but fronted by Lorenzo Canal, Consultant from Urban Solutions, engaged by TCDC to manage a feasibility study of the $12.57 million-dollar Whitianga Esplanade Redevelopment Project.

However, the meeting was not really the idea of TCDC. It was prompted by a group of local residents collecting signatures for a petition which is ongoing. Over 500 signatures of local residents objected to the idea that Hilton Park and Robinson Road Estuary Reserve could be used for All trailer boat parking, as part of the Esplanade’s redevelopment.

The residents are saying that the two areas are at capacity now, as is the infrastructure around getting to and from them. Despite

the rain, over 60 people gathered, equipped with strong vocal opinions and umbrellas. Both were needed.

Dean Allen chaired the meeting amicably. Lorenzo was very clear, “I am here to listen.” Frustration

and dismay were expressed to the Chair that the council had not engaged with the residents prior to this; hence a demand to be listened to. There had been several meetings regarding the Esplanade redevelopment, which

included presenting concepts and listening to and addressing different user groups about aspects of the Esplanade redevelopment. But these had been by invitation only. Most of the people gathered in the garage, or huddling under

the umbrellas had not known about these meetings and had not been invited.

Questions were asked as to why had there not been wider consultation first? The response was simple. ‘We are not at the consultation stage yet; we are at the concept stage,” said Lorenzo. Meeting with interest groups such as the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club, the commercial fisher people, the Rugby Club, Tourist operators and the Marina had been more about presenting concepts which were essential in the early stages to get an understanding of what was needed regarding the Esplanade.

The explanation that there is a huge difference between informed consultation and concept gathering, didn’t wash. Attendees were reminded that the item, Esplanade redevelopment had been in the Long-Term Plan for three years and that information was on the TCDC website.

Continued on pg 10

Cooks Beach, 3 Voyager Place

home nestled in a friendly culde-sac. Beautifully presented home set on a flat level 976sqm section.

• Extensive covered deck areas, beautifully landscaped & fully fenced.

Tairua, 293 Main Road,

FOR SALE

Over 60 gathered in the rain, spilling out of the double garage wet weather venue.

Saying no to shift ing all boat trailer parking

Continued from pg 9

However, this statement was contested because information was very sparse and until a few days prior, there had been no detail at all. The ‘workshops’ conducted by TCDC for user groups had not been put on the website until one week prior to this gathering in the rain, when some summary information was posted. Apparently, there is no obligation to put workshop information out to the general public.

Hence the issue of lack of transparency remains. Some degree of compromise will be needed in the future to bring about new developments that belong to the people.

Lorenzo was adamant that nothing has been decided and that every idea/suggestion was being explored by presenting options to different user groups. The residents gathered in the garage were very clear that they represented a user group, and the meeting was at the very least overdue.

Once the frustration was aired, there was a wide range of positive suggestions and questions.

Mike Brown spoke on behalf of a group of ratepayers in Robinson Road and Hilton Park that initiated the petition and addressed the meeting, outlining a document he had prepared and distributed.

In discussion with those signing

the petition It became obvious that the rate payers wanted the basics done properly before considering ‘nice to haves’. ‘Note we didn’t canvas these views,” said Mike.

HE OUTLINED FIVE AREAS OF PRIORITY FROM THOSE THAT SIGNED, AND WHICH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED WITH RATE PAYER MONEY BEFORE THE ESPLANADE PROJECT.

1) Rock walls for Buffalo Beach and the Whitianga Estuary Robinson roadside.

2) The ‘Affordable Waters’ restructure, so we don’t have restrictions in the summertime and Wharekaho has mains water reticulation.

3) Roading repairs, particularly the one-way subsidence area from Cook’s Beach to Ferry Landing.

4) CCTV in the main street of Whitianga to help reduce crime.

5) Safe street lighting and footpaths especially where there are none.

Mike also listed the specific concerns around the idea of using Hilton Park and the Robinson Road reserve. Many of the attendees supported these concerns, raised their own questions and provided a range of alternative ideas.

A SUMMARY OF THESE FOLLOWS:

• The roading infrastructure in the area won’t cope with the increased traffic. Roads are too narrow and when congested, won’t allow ready access for emergency vehicles.

• Removing the health and safety issues from one end of town to the other i.e. a commercial area to a residential area.

• The fact that MBAS (local area school) had not been consulted or invited to a meeting.

• The increased amount of coastal erosion along the estuary is not addressed in the proposal.

• Hilton Park becomes a quagmire and has a natural under-

ground spring. To that Lorenzo said it could be solved through engineering but at what cost and for whom?

• You will be ruining two green spaces here to make one green space closer to the ramp in town.

Lorenzo asked the meeting if anyone present supported the proposal and there was a unanimous, ‘NO’.

Reclamation was frequently mentioned but Lorenzo raised that the RMA 1991requires that TCDC must work with the NZ coastal policy statement and that reclamation is very unlikely to be approved.

He affirmed that the ideas put forward have been very con-

structive and posed the question, “What are your dreams for the waterfront?”

Tony Fox highlighted that the trailer boat parking is a heightened problem for 20-30 days of the year.

“Boaties will resourcefully work out the issues themselves. But what everyone needs to see is what is the ‘Cost Benefit Analysis’ We need to know what it is going to cos and what is the funding impact statement the complete information. Let’s be careful what we wish for.”

Dean explained that as the parameters of discussion around the project expanded, then their reach to community user and interest groups had expanded. “The Council can’t go out and decide anything until we know the range of views. We don’t have the level of expertise to work with all the alternatives and this is why Lorenzo of Urban Solutions has been engaged.”

‘Together we can achieve great things” is an important motto for Lorenzo. The Council will know from all the different meetings thus far, and the ongoing petition of 500 signatures that it is the ‘together’ aspect that will create the best outcome and that is yet to emerge from the current strategy. „ The Petition can be signed at the office of The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street Whitianga.

Robinson Road Boat Ramp Concept Design.

Two weekends in and around Coromandel – a remarkable Arts Tour

These two upcoming weekends, October 5-6 and 12-13, offer a remarkable insight into the studios of 36 local artists and there is such a range of exceptional quality work by local artists and crafts people to enjoy and to find that very piece you have been looking for - art, jewellery, sculpture, photography.

One of the artists featured in the Coromandel Arts Tour, and The Informer has been able to visit her, is Jacquie Ellis.

‘Jacquie has her own gallery which is open all year not just during the Arts Tour.

Her whole studio is full of light and colour, and her pieces - a range of oils, acrylics and pastels are vibrant and original - and the energy of light and colour is exciting.

As well as paintings Jacquie has resin designs on coasters and wood platters. She is a prolific artist and her works have been chosen for several New Zealand wide calendars.

Jacqui came to Coromandel town only two years ago, at the time of the 2022 Arts Tour and she decided to ‘dive in’ to become part of a wonderful artistic and creative community as a professional artist.

“This is my life, my livelihood and something I feel privileged to be able to do,” says Jacquie. It is easy to find Jacquie’s studio called The Oaks Gallery, 30 Driving Creek Road, not far from Driving Creek Railway just north of Coromandel township. It’s right on a corner and her striking mural, the size of her outside garage wall, greets visitors and is worth a visit for its own sake.

Another artist, The Informer was able to visit as she was adding finishing touches to a piece she will be exhibiting as part of the Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour is Saskia Riemersma, a very gifted artist, especially in pastel work. Saskia’s works not only cover subject material from the Coromandel but from all of New Zealand. She is one of three artists located for these two weekends at 860 Tiki Road. All three artists will exhibit and sell their paintings, drawings, pastels and mixed media.

The Coromandel Arts Tour brochure which is available from Coromandel Information Centre and Whitianga isite presents every artist clearly and the addresses are marked and easily found. It’s a leisurely adventure in a most soothing scenic region of the Coromandel.

www.coromandelartstour.co.nz 5-13EXHIBITIONHAURAKIOCTOBER10am-4pmHOUSE Daily5.30pmOpeningNight 4October

Jacquie Ellis, above, at home in her gallery – The Oaks; this beautiful painting, top right, greets you when you arrive at The Oaks Gallery; Saskia Riemersma, below, applies finishing touches to her exquisite pastel work of a South Island scene. This will be exhibited as part of the Coromandel Open Studios Art Tour.

Twenty-four hours in Whitianga

BY SABINE AND BENJAMIN MELESE

We don’t often have the chance to go on an extended holiday, but sometimes we have one night to spare. We thought; why not visit our friends in Whitianga and experience its treasures in 24 hours?

That’s exactly what my young adult son and I did recently.

We departed from busy Auckland on a Saturday morning, crossing the bridge on our way to the Coromandel Peninsula. All work and chores were left behind for our mini holiday and adventure.

It was still raining but the beautiful NZ bush of Coromandel Forest Park greeted us as we crossed over from Thames to Tairua. The mist of the warm spring air ascended revealing luscious green trees and the clouds parted for a bright blue sky.

There was no time to stop at lovely Tairua this time, but we enjoyed the sight of beautiful Mount Paku sheltering the amazing blue harbour.

After a very scenic drive, we arrived in Whitianga and its small-town charm enchanted us. Our friends were excited to see us. They had moved to Whitianga a few years ago. We could see they had achieved something

meaningful and inspiring and had integrated well into the local community.

THIS IS HOW WE SPENT THE NEXT 24 HOURS

First of all, we found ourselves enjoying a delicious lunch and excellent coffee at the ‘Earth Store’ offering organic whole food products and a sit-in café. As a coeliac, it was even more amazing to see the huge variety of gluten free food. The store itself impressed with very friendly, warm service. Its set up had something visionary about it.

We experienced that same visionary vibe when we entered the ‘Embassy of Friendship’ that Steffen Lindner showed us soon after. He had transformed this little historic cottage into a very welcoming, safe space that granted room for counselling and psychotherapy as well as occasional art events. His passion led him to get another part of the house renovated and as we watched a local builder insulating the roof, Steffen shared how he wanted others to have a chance to hire rooms in the future.

From here we had a brief shopping spree. Our friends informed us of a Spring Ball happening that same night and we loved that idea. Since it was late in the afternoon, we were lucky that ‘Harry and Hers’ was still open. We had

great service and were offered a wide and very diverse range of good quality clothes. My son found just the right shirt. Afterwards, there was a chance to go to Whitianga’s Wharf to soak up the last rays of sunshine. We watched the cute passenger ferry crossing back and forth. So many happy memories popped up in my mind as we had crossed over a few times many years before and walked to the unique Eggsentric Café, near Flaxmill Bay, with its gourmet meals and great live music. This time, because of winter hours, the cafe was not open for dinner.

Not to worry though, as our friend had organised a dinner

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

QUESTIONING DAIRY FARMING NORMS

I grew up with an implanted view that New Zealand was a dairy utopia and its products were healthy and safe. A film at the Corocine Festival (Milked) showed how the need/greed for extra income has forced dairy farmers and others to stock higher and higher cow numbers. This has destroyed the environment and my view.

I had thought the methane farts of a grass-fed cow would be small in scale but when there are more cows than people, the methane affects climate change. So many cows need more grass, so extra

fossil fuel manure is used plus palm kernel crushings to feed them.

Unfortunately, this pollutes the ground water with nitrates and blooms. Not enough grass in winter means, for incompetent farmers, the use of a ‘sacrifice paddock’ where the herd stays in one place and stands in the pugged mud to save the other paddocks for grass growth. This also means the soil wastes away when it rains.

Treating cows like walking milk factories is part of capitalism, not farming.

Is this another problem caused by the banks?

Peter H Wood, Whitianga

booking at ‘Basker’ which granted us a tranquil sunset view onto the new Whitianga Waterways, a canal development that allows property owners their own private jetty in their backyard.

Then as per the plan, we arrived at the nearby Mercury Bay Club for the Spring Ball. Again, Whitianga showcased its wonderful community spirit.

The crowd was really enjoying themselves and we could see from the screens that these people enjoyed many activities together and regular entertaining events were organised at the club for the community.

People had dressed up beautifully and their ballroom dancing

was exciting to watch. We were invited to join in and had lots of fun, especially when everyone joined for some line dancing. We would become club members if we were to live here.

Our good night’s sleep was at the Bayside Hotel on Whitianga’s Esplanade, offering very clean, spacious rooms and very hospitable service.

Next morning a beautiful blue sky and sunny day greeted us . Our friends shred an excellent breakfast with us at The Lost Spring Soon followed by peacefully soaking in the geothermal pools. This was truly a luxurious oasis. We couldn’t help feeling that when we entered the gates, we had just been propelled into a tropical paradise offering beautiful food, soaking in the mineral rich pools surrounded by landscaped gardens, warmly lit, romantic caves and spa treatment in the treetops. The staff offered superb service that made us feel very special. We found out later how the geothermal spring water 16,000 years old, had been found. It was after this blissful experience that our time was up. We had to say farewell to our friends. It was an amazing unforgettable 24 hours. We are planning to come back but for longer!!

„ Sabine is a clinical psychologist in Auckland and Ben is a chemical engineer in Wellington.

„ 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.

GOOD CRITIQUE BUT MISSING THE IMPACT OF NOT USING COWS

Well done to Stan Stewart for his courageous and provocative article about the New Zealand dairy industry (The Coromandel Informer, 17 September). Stan’s columns haven’t always struck a chord with me, but this one showed real grit.

It takes bravery to call NZ dairying “an environmentally damaging way of farming” and note that it is “less efficient by a mile than other forms of food production.” Anyone who’s seen the documentary Milked would be convinced.

What I found particularly insightful was that it took Stan’s daughter, from a younger generation, to point out these hard truths and guide him toward nondairy alternatives like oat milk. It is a generational shift indeed.

However, where I diverge from Stan’s analysis is his suggestion that New Zealand could feed the world with fruit and vegetables. Given our geographic isolation, supplying fresh produce to major markets is neither cheap nor efficient.

Stan’s article also missed a critical issue – one that Milked addresses – precision fermentation.

This method of producing identical dairy proteins without cows could decimate New Zealand’s dairy industry by the end of this decade. Yet, both the industry and the government seem asleep at the wheel.

I explored this in detail in my article “From Moo to Microbes” (Informer, 13 February 2024theinformer.co.nz/community/ guest-editorial/from-moo-tomicrobes-is-this-the-end-of-nzdairy/).

Denis Tegg, Thames

More letters to the editor on pages 16 & 17

Sabine Melese and son Benjamin arrive at The Informer to get information for their 24 hour visit.

Time to repair our national rugby

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

From time to time the question comes up of “should overseas based players be eligible to play for the All Blacks?” This is such a time, with our current team’s apparent inability to play for both halves of a game.

Many wistfully remember the days when players such as Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick and Aaron Smith were still playing properly after 80 minutes. Wouldn’t it be great to have them back, passing on the secrets of how to finish a game of rugby well?

The New Zealand Rugby Football Union doesn’t agree with this thought. They demand that players be part of the New Zealand Rugby scene if they are to be selected for the All Blacks. Their reasoning is that they wish to protect the strength of the game in New Zealand and while this is often questioned, they do not show any sign of changing their stance. Despite this year’s poor performances, I agree with them. Since the seventies there has

been a gradual but strong growth in the number of professional sports people plying their trade in our world. In the early seventies we would have had a couple of golfers, similar number of tennis players and a few poorly paid Rugby League players. The numbers of professional sports people would have been bolstered by the ‘shamateurism’ prevalent in sports such as athletics and rugby union where so-called amateur sports people were supported by illegal payments or excessive expenses. The changes since that time have been quite dramatic for our society.

Professional sport is now a valid career path for children in our country. I use the word children quite deliberately. After all, Lydia Ko was 16 when she turned professional and our youngest representative at the last Olympics was 18. To become a pro at such a young age demands a commitment at an even younger age hence any budding sports pro needs to define their career and start doing the hard work at a young age.

It is great that there are these opportunities for our young ones and it is nice to view them on TV every so often. There is a problem however, in that we do not have much to keep them in the country so that we can view their performances in person. I realise that sometimes a golfer may interrupt their Christmas break to play a couple of rounds here and the ski people come back for training most winters, but what we lack

is a solid competition which we can attend in person most weeks to watch the best play the best. This means a competitive league of some sort. We do hang onto the coat tails of some Australian competitions but the only genuine International class League we have is currently the Super Rugby competition, and possibly the Premiership Netball Competition but I’ll talk about that another day.

So this brings me back to Rugby and the NZRFU desire to protect professional rugby competitions in this country. I agree with their goal but part company with the NZRFU when it comes to their method of achieving that goal. If you cast your mind back to 1995, you will remember that New Zealand had the best provincial rugby competition in the world and in their desire to be part of the new professional world of rugby, agreed to slaughter this by forming Super Rugby and turning our NPC into a second level competition. While this showed promise and was entertaining for a few years, both competitions

Huge crowd expected for Heartland

Championship Game – Sat,

Mercury Bay Rugby is proud to again host a Heartland Championship match.

It is the final game of the round robin. Thames Valley is currently in third spot on the ladder.

Should Thames Valley

finish the round robin in top 2, they get a home semi, which would also be played in Whitianga on 12 October.

Local, Connor McVerry, a senior player and vital member of the Thames Valley Swamp Foxes, is a

have gradually declined and it is past time for the NZRFU to fix them. But how?

This can be done quite simply by having a structure that makes the NZNPC the top competition with the winner and runner-up going on to compete with the top two Australian teams for Pacific bragging rights. Let us think about the New Zealand competition first. This would probably be about 12 or 14 teams, so with every team playing the others and a semi-final and final the competition could be finished by the middle of June. The top two teams could then play the Pacific competition over two weekends and then we would be ready for the internationals from mid-July.

That is a real skinny description of a year’s calendar (the editor limits my space) but I could describe in a lot more depth if there is interest. The main point is it can be done, the NZRFU just needs to come to Whitianga for some idea gathering sometime soon. And it should be soon, before they kill off our rugby all together.

5 October

player to watch.

The curtain raiser will be Thames Valley U16 boys - v- Waikato U16 boys, features five boys from MBAS.

We have plenty of room for a large crowd in our spacious grandstand. It is

going to have a real party atmosphere,” says Mike Skeen, Club President.

Bring the family for a great day out - Saturday, 5 October.

Curtain raiser at midday. Kick off for main game is 2.00pm.

The Swamp Foxes mascott.

A Thames Valley Swamp Fox player.

Photographic Club winners

The challenge for Whitianga Photographic Club for August was Fantasy.

We had one overall winner as our images were judged externally by a member of The Photographic Society of New Zealand.

HERE’S WHAT THE JUDGE HAD TO SAY…

Winner - Kitty Full Moon by Anita RuggleLussy

“This image reminds me of a children’s story book – I can almost hear my grandmother reading to me. The contre jour lighting on the tree, the moon, and the lovely colours in the sky add strength to the image. The addition of the five black cats adds to your spooky story. A great image”

PHOTO OF THE MONTH.

Cherry Blossom by Kate Beauchamp

Honours

“This image could also be in the fantasy section. It could be in a children’s story book. The components of the image all tie together because of the muted colours and the soft focus throughout.”

Honours

The challenge for September is Double Exposure Photography.

We’d love to hear from new members, please email our admin team whitiangaphoto@gmail. com for information on how to join.

The work and achievements of our members can be viewed on the Whitianga Photographic Club public Facebook page.

RURAL LIFE COUNTS

Impartiality necessary for a free society

BY MALCOLM CAMPBELL

The Resource Management Act has always been open to abuse simply because one sector of the community has been put in charge of the rest of the community.

For the system set up to operate in a fair manner, those in charge would have to be scrupulously honest and also completely impartial, an almost impossible situation.

If all people were completely impartial, there would be no need for political parties and no need for any decisions to be made until all of the circumstances pertaining to the issue were known.

New Zealand is now in the grip of a Communist style economy where whether people can develop their own ideas or not is decided by a third party. The third party, who has most likely no knowledge of a would-be developer, can resist or aid the development and this is where

partiality rears its head, as the third party can recommend or give the thumbs down on any request based on personal judgement.

In any completely free society, there are invisible links where development of a variety of activities leads to yet more development.

In a town such as Whitianga where tourism is promoted, more tourists need more accommodation for a start and then more eateries and perhaps more fishing charters and so on.

This is where all this consent waffle completely breaks down.

The people making decisions for the people who simply want to get on with their lives, are in an extremely privileged position. The decision makers are almost certainly being paid a salary, which whether the local economy is booming or busting, the salary will continue to be paid. There is no

New Zealand is now in the grip of a Communist style economy where whether people can develop their own ideas or not is decided by a third party.

link between the decision makers and the wider economy.

Therefore, firstly it is relatively unimportant as to whether a development succeeds or not.

In a real world the person in business can live or die by good or bad decisions. An engineer, shopkeeper, stationer, may believe some item is about to boom and if it does not, he or she has stock that has to be severely discounted simply to get shot of it. There is no profit in this situation.

However, we have arrived at the situation where the decision makers are immune, and there has been plenty of flak flying this past year, over rate

rises and struggling earners.

A QUOTE:

Again in Whitianga, the shilly-shallying that has gone on over the Cathedral Cove access, would have had a hurry-up if the Department of Conservation salaries had been linked to the success of the tourism sector involved. But as pointed out they are immune, unless there is a total financial melt-down.

Cathedral lifeblood.”

“We must beware of trying to build a society where nobody counts for anything except a politician or an official, a society where enterprise gains no reward and thrift no privileges. Of all the nations of the world, ours is the last which would consent to being governed by a bureaucracy. Freedom is our lifeblood.” Winston Churchill. Sorry to say, Winston’s worst fears are here in New Zealand, governed by politicians who do not listen and officialdom.

Kitty Full Moon by Anita Ruggle-Lussy - judges away, left; Cherry Blossom by Kate Beauchamp – photo of the month.

No green Utopia possible

Note: There have been four articles in the form of a debate between Alastair Brickell and Denis Tegg. This is the closing chapter on the energy debate.

BY ALASTAIR BRICKELL

It’s rather charming that we still have people on the Coromandel who live in their own green Utopia; totally divorced from the real world the rest of us inhabit. Correspondent Denis Tegg claims: “There’s no energy crisis” (17 September).

Well, tell that to the scores of Kiwis losing their jobs as rural timber mills and Auckland paper recycling factories close and the Tiwai smelter becomes increasingly uneconomic, largely due to ongoing high energy costs thanks to parasitic wind and solar generation in our grid. I fear Methanex will be the next big industry to go overseas taking their skilled workers with it. But the greenies love to hate industry, so that’s all good.

His “solar panels can withstand 2.5cm hailstones” just fine… unfortunately the Texan panels in this image lived in the real world this March.

He has faith in ‘reputable sources’ like the Electricity Authority whose CEO is one of the worst. She recently stated that her brilliant solution to our unreliable solar and wind is building more unreliable solar and wind generation! This was part of a

major rethink of our electricity generation and distribution system. She needs to go.

Mr. Tegg claims that magical perovskite solar panels are the answer having “no silicon”. In fact their base is still polysilicon made with abundant coal just like the others with perhaps some

Uyghur slave labour added in too. They also degrade faster. Lodestone claims that their NZ panels are ethically sourced but have been unable to verify this on the ground in China, having to accept ‘assurances’ from their Chinese suppliers instead. He is right that coal power sta-

Coal and gas generators regularly last for 50-80 years while the energy output from his renewables degrades after only a decade or so and are requiring much earlier replacement than had been thought. Over the longterm, coal and gas are a far better option and have the important advantage of providing 24/7/365 base-load generation which NZ’s grid desperately needs at night when there is no wind.

Grid scale batteries are horrendously expensive, both in economic and environmental terms, and only provide power for a few short hours. They sometimes spontaneously catch fire with serious consequences as the Melbourne plant discovered recently.

Unfortunately, in the real world we are not “on the cusp of unprecedented super cheap renewable energy”.

tions are not 100% efficient, yet solar panels and windmills only convert 20-30% of their energy to electricity and only when the sun is shining and the wind blowing. At other times they are just expensive blights on our rural landscape waiting for the next hailstorm.

Those countries with the most renewables generally have the highest electricity cost, with Germany being the ‘crash test dummy’ for us all. Only when their energy prices become the lowest in Europe, not the highest, will I believe in our glorious renewable future.

However, let’s not let cold hard facts get in the way of Mr. Tegg’s great green energy dream.

Enter the Auckland Rescue Photo Competition and be in to win an Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. rescuehelicopter.org.nz

Through the ongoing commitment of our supporters, we fly all over our region, to be there in the moments that matter. To celebrate the connection we have with our community, we are running a photo competition.

If you’ve ever taken a shot of our Rescue Chopper we’d love to see it! Simply upload your shot of the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter to enter. For more information about the photo competition or to submit your entry, please visit our website.

Together, let’s capture the spirit of our service and local people.

Hail damaged solar panels.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

FRUIT TREES FOR THE COMMUNITY

This happened this last week assisted by recreation services. These trees will help low socioeconomic families accessing free fruit for our community- to help birds, bees and butterflies, to support bellyful and Monday Meals with fruit for their dishes in the future

Neera Giri , Whitianga

SEAGLIDER – LET ME BUY THE FIRST TICKET!

Call me unimpressed but a twoyear-old promotional video of a

tiny model plane on a dead calm bay and images of a half constructed bigger version do little to give me confidence that Mr. Tegg’s battery powered flying boat dream will come to pass in 2025 as originally promised, if at all.

The Seaglider is an unusual plane and will, I predict, require a lengthy certification process in both the US and NZ before it is ever allowed to carry the first fare paying passengers over NZ’s often very rough waters. However, we might just be lucky and get a handful of small ones in a few years but the larger models apparently won’t be ready until

2050.

„ 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.

With ticket costs already doubling and flight times getting ever longer I retain my skepticism that Mr. Tegg’s $30- and 30-minute flights from Whitianga to Auckland will ever be achieved; but I could be wrong. I will therefore be more than happy to pay for his first one-way flight to Auckland. However, it must be in 2025, take 30 minutes and only cost the $30 we were promised; there is after all a limit to my generosity.

Mr. Tegg failed to realise that the letter he refers to mentioning him as a WRC councillor was from 2½ years ago and apparently reprinted by the Informer to remind us of what he was promising, so is understandably a bit out of date regarding his great green dream machine.

Alastair Brickell Kuaotunu

MORE REASON, LESS BLAMING CLIMATE CHANGE

I recently watched the news reports on TVNZ regarding the wildfires in Greece. It was heartbreaking, and Simon Dallow, in

his usual way, was straight down on Climate Change in such a way that you HAVE to believe him. I’m not sure if it is just his job, or if he really believes it, but he is very convincing.

What concerns me about our “fake” news is that when an explanation comes forward there is no follow up. There is no apology, no broadcast of the truth; it’s simply forgotten.

The Greek authorities have come forward suggesting that arson is to blame, not climate change, and that several people are under investigation.

In 2023, just 12 months ago, similar fires were raging in the same region, and I remember seeing on TVNZ the dreadful chaos and around 20 people died. Over 140,000 hectares burned away due to to extreme dry conditions which is usual for that part of the world at this time. A total of 667 fires were started by arsonists and 79 arrests were made.

NO mention of course on TVNZ, only the deaths and Climate Change!

Let us not deny climate change,

it is there on a daily basis for all to see, as it has been for hundreds, thousands, millions, if not billions of years.There are “experts” on both sides of the explanation and “could be” “maybe” “possibly” “perhaps” are words that come into play. I really don’t think anyone on this earth has an explanation or a solution. I just know that trillions of dollars worldwide are in play here and some people somewhere are getting VERY rich. It’s high time we mellowed down the hype and all do our bit to make life a little better for our short time on earth.

Rob Barnes Whitianga

EVERYBODY GETS ONE VOTE

It’s hypocritical that those who oppose Māori wards demand “one person, one vote” but overlook the clear inequality in local elections, where wealthy landowners can vote multiple times in different cities or districts where they own property.

This archaic loophole gives them far more influence than the average voter, yet the “one per-

OPEN LETTER TO THE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF NEW ZEALAND

We are a group of ratepayers’ who are increasingly concerned about the lack of transparency in how Councillors of the Thames-Coromandel District Council are operating and the way in which scarce ratepayer dollars are being committed without the public being fully informed or consulted.

The Chief Ombudsman of NZ advised in October last year that a principle of openness by default be adopted for all workshops and briefings, with public notice in advance and a range of options for effective record keeping. With minimal discussion about this report or options for compliance, and showing disrespect for the weight of the Ombudsman’s warrant, Thames-Coromandel District Councillors have voted against accepting these recommendations.

The TCDC continues to conduct informal Council “workshops” and briefings in closed sessions, without any formal record of proceedings, what was discussed, or even who was present. Decisions are possibly being “pre-negotiated” and to be announced at a later date. Only then, what are judged “feasible options” will be announced to ratepayers and the public, thus giving them limited and seem-

ingly directed choices. The information on which these options were decided and what arguments were advanced by which councillors are shrouded in secrecy.

AN EXAMPLE:

In the latest TCDC Long Term Plan (LTP) an amount of $12,570 million was budgeted for Esplanade Redevelopment in Whitianga. This project was carried forward from a previous LTP and the proposed amount adjusted for inflation. This size project would involve – how it was costed, why it was necessary and how it fits into the avowed “focus on essentials and absolute priorities” or, why it should be prioritised over other urgent basic needs. None of this has been explained to residents and ratepayers.

Council has engaged in a series of eight focus groups or workshops, though only three are documented in any way on the TCDC website. These have been by invitation only, with attendees chosen by the TCDC, from “a wide variety of user types”. It is not clear how these people are chosen or whether they reflect wider community concerns. Actually, just about everyone who lives in or visits Whitianga would use the Esplanade area or

be extremely interested to know about any planned construction in this harbour, which is of outstanding natural beauty.

In at least one case, several interested local people were told they were not welcome to attend a focus group and, despite making their opposition to an aspect of the proposal quite clear, it was recorded as being unopposed. The editor of a local newspaper insisted on attending one of the supposedly public meetings (workshops) after being told by the consultant she wasn’t invited. Attendance at closed meetings is described as “reasonable” even when invited major stakeholders are absent.

“Conversation notes” are kept but these are notable for their generalisations and lack detail. Coming from the Whitianga Esplanade Redevelopment Project, they are unsigned by any person. They do not need to be published on the council website because they are not official minutes.

It seems that seeking input from user groups, and eventually the public, may be merely lip service. One previous significant experience demonstrates this. Having been asked for public input in one area, a retired consulting engineer, after consultation with local residents

and users, challenged the council’s design pointing out design flaws in the project. These were recorded in minutes but the residents were told the design was already done and couldn’t be changed.

The next stage of informing the public about the Esplanade project appears to be community drop-in meetings but these are still not being widely publicised and are effectively by invitation only. The general public and ratepayers remain largely unaware of the major $12,570 million project for which they will be liable through future rate increases needed to service council debt.

A consultant has been engaged and is attending these ‘meetings’ (workshops) and presenting at them but his brief is unclear. Given that no money is budgeted in the current year for this project, we are led to understand that he is being paid from unspent monies from a previous years budgeted project.

Provision for growth and safety issues is mentioned in a general way as justification for the Esplanade project, but these apply even more strongly to less “sexy” issues like water, sewage, footpaths, roads and a tsunami alarm system.

The cost of complying with

the Ombudsman’s directions for transparency has been mentioned by some councillors as justification for voting against complying with them, yet this long drawn-out series of invitation-only focus groups and workshops must surely be extremely costly for council to run – and still the general public remains largely uninformed and ignorant of what is being proposed.

The wilful lack of accountability and transparency by four elected members of our Council should not be tolerated in a functioning democracy. The TCDC is well out of step with other NZ local bodies in this. A culture of secrecy and gatekeeping can infect the whole organisation.

We appeal to you, Mr Brown, as the Minister of Local Government of New Zealand, to use the influence of your office to investigate the lack of accountability and transparency shown by the TCDC and to ensure that this council does not treat with disdain the recommendations of the Ombudsman but puts them into immediate effect.

Ratepayers for Council Transparency Mercury

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

son, one vote” brigade are never outraged about that. But mention Māori wardscreated to ensure fair representation for tangata whenua and recognise the Treaty of Waitangi as our founding documentand suddenly it’s a national crisis?

In any case Māori voting in Māori wards still get one vote like everyone else.

And why are only Māori wards singled out for a referendum when other types of wards aren’t subject to the same scrutiny.?

The establishment of Māori wards follows rigorous democratic processes. 43 out of 45 councils, (including TCDC and Waikato Regional Council) representing 96% support, have voted to retain them because their democratically elected councillors recognise, often unanimously, the huge added value of Māori representation.

These wards are essential for ensuring that Māori voices, so often marginalised, have a say in local governance.

The opposition to Māori wards isn’t about fairness. It’s about protecting power structures that exclude Māori from meaningful representation.

David Gibson Tairua

POSITIVE JOURNALISM

I was inspired to write a letter to the Editor after reading articles from two journalists in the Business Section of the New Zealand Herald – Saturday 14 September edition. The first journalist was Oliver Hartwich economist and secondly, Bruce Cotterill a professional director and advisor to business leaders.

Oliver Hartwich was born in Germany in the 1970s, grew up in a war torn country and experienced cataclysmic changes which helped instil in him a passion for both economics and public policy. He travelled to many countries and did a degree in Business Management. We are so fortunate that Oliver and his family settled in New Zealand 12 years ago and now heads up one of New Zealand’s most influential think tanks – the New Zealand Initiative. His article is really worth reading and is full of many sensible solutions to our problems.

As for Bruce Cotterill, a regular journalist in the New Zealand Herald, he personifies the positive side of our country and the need to stabilise to survive the future. I liked his paragraph on TVNZ where he stated that the huge loss in the station was due to issues dominating the agenda and lacking positive news.

I personally have friends and colleagues who don’t watch the TV news because of so much negative content.

In closing, I would recommend reading the positive news from the two gentlemen mentioned.

Noel S. Hewlett Whitianga

of Nigel Lawson. Lawson was the founder and chairman of the opaquely funded Global Warming Policy Foundation, a pro-fossil fuel think tank at the heart of the current backlash against climate action.

In his book, An Appeal to Reason: A Cool Look at Global Warming, Lawson expounds his thinking about the way we should make decisions to address current world problems.

“We care about our children and our grandchildren,” he writes, “but we do not normally lose sleep over the welfare of our grandchildren’s putative grandchildren.”

This explains the thinking of all proponents of fossil fuel usage, irrespective of any environmental damage they might cause, let’s use them up now and bugger future generations. I’d like to think that we are better than that.

Bernard Farrelly, Whitianga

CLIMATE CHANGE – TREVOR IS AT IT AGAIN

Trevor Ammundsen’s weird Lord of the Rings analogy about renewable energy in The Informer (10 September) is a thinly veiled attempt to deny climate science.

Trevor’s claim that human-caused climate change is based on “beliefs” or “ideology” is straight from Big Oil’s climate denial playbook. Climate science is as well-established as the science of gravity. Don’t “believe” in gravity? Try jumping off a cliff and see what happens.

99% of 88,000 peer-reviewed climate science papers agree that human activities primarily cause climate change. (Mark Lynas, 2021). 191 out of 193 nations, including the Key and Luxon governments, have committed to the Paris Agreement to curb emissions.

A 2023 Ipsos poll shows 80% of New Zealanders are concerned about climate change, while a 2024 IAG poll found 90% expect increased flooding from storms and rising sea levels.

Opposing the Whitianga solar farm, which creates local jobs and cheaper electricity, is the opposite of “pragmatic”.

Opposing $95 billion in savings for Kiwi households by 2040 from switching to renewable energy is pure lunacy. (‘Rewiring Aotearoa’ report, August 2024).

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=dkUhQvnKCgA.

The Rewiring report confirms Denis Tegg’s recent article rebutting Alastair Brickell’s nonsense about using dirty coal. (Informer, 3 Sept)

On climate change, Ammundsen and Brickell are fringe ideological extremists, not pragmatists.

Meg Beston Mercury Bay

COWARDLY LITTERERS

RE:

REDUCING CO2 EMISSIONSLITTLE IMPACT

It is with some sadness that I read Mr Sanders spirited denial that humans have little if any impact on climate change, and his continued support for the fossil fuel industry. It is clear we will never agree on this issue.

If we scour the internet we can find supporters for just about any opinion, on any issue.

He cites five scientific “experts” to provide weight to his argument; a rudimentary internet search shows their work on climate change selective in detail and largely discredited by the wider scientific community. In another piece of “work” one of them actually questioned the harmful impacts of tobacco. Some of their work in other scientific areas is very well respected.

But the icing on the cake is his quoting

Thanks to Wahi Tukura for organising the Whitianga town clean up. I chose the main highway from Harbour Lights down to the entrance of the new Wharekaho subdivision where, on 200 metres of roadside, I picked up about 13kg of rubbish, most of which was beer cans and plastic bottles. The Ohuka (Brophy’s Beach) side of the hill was rubbish free while the side leading down to Wharekaho was littered with it, as is the Kuaotunu hill.

This tells me something of the character of those responsible. Not only do they have dubious tastes in beer, most of the cans being Double Brown or Waikato, but they are obviously a cowardly lot as they seem too afraid to wind the window down and throw stuff out in front of houses where they might be seen. They wait till they can do it where there are no prying eyes – gutless individuals. Let’s hope they never become soldiers defending our country.

or

Four from the Filipino community in Whitianga up early cleaning up rubbish.

So, what happens to this rubbish if it is just chucked out the window of a car? Well, the plastic disintegrates and becomes tiny micro-plastic pieces and eventually ends up in the ocean to be devoured by fish and us when we eat our finny friends. Bon appetit! The aluminium cans will take 200 to 500 years to break down so they will just litter our roadsides, beaches and the ocean floor.

Enjoy your beach walk.

So, my wish for those who participate in this environmentally unfriendly activity is for them to man-up or woman-up and throw their rubbish out in front of the houses at Ohuka so they are easy for volunteer garbologists to pick up. Or better still, do the planet a favour and don’t be lazy. Take them home and place them in the nice recycling bins that our council has provided for us. Thank you.

I hope this letter may give you a little more courage than you are presently displaying.

Concerned garbologist - Wharekaho

Ross Liggins, Wharekaho Rd

RE STAN’S STUFF – MILKED COMMENTS ISSUE 17 SEPTEMBER

Don’t worry about disliking highly processed fake foods like ‘oat milk’ (since when did oats have nipples and produce milk?). Itt is your tastebuds telling you it’s not what your body needs. When it comes down to it, it’s just very runny porridge, yuck! Sarah Hobcroft, Whitianga

BATTLE OF BRITAIN COVERAGE

To the Editor and photographer; many thanks for the excellent, comprehensive coverage of the Thames Battle of Britain Commemorations in last week’s edition of The Informer!! This time next year (Sunday, 14 September 2025), the commemorations will be back at the Thames Airfield, hail, rain or shine, as we will have a statue of Sir Keith Park to inaugurate.

Geoff Furkert Commemorations Organiser, Thames More letters on page 12

Coromandel Our

News from Thames-Coromandel District Council

Bu alo Beach seawall

Erosion from Cyclone Gabrielle took out a section of the Buffalo Beach foreshore approaching State Highway 25.

The plan is to extend the existing rock protection by about 30 metres north while gradually tapering it to help minimise the ‘end effects’ of wave action on the end of the proposed wall, a byproduct of all coastal hard structures. Waikato Regional Council and our Council (via an independent commissioner) have both issued the necessary consents, and our Council appreciates the community’s patience while these consents were processed. The next steps are to finalise the design, secure quotes from contractors, award the contract and then complete the work.

WHITIANGA ESPLANADE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Over the last few months we’ve been having initial discussions with a wide range of local waterfront users and businesses to listen to their needs and aspirations in the early stages of exploring options for the Esplanade redevelopment.

There is a wide variety of user types in the area, from commercial fishing and tourism charter operators on the wharf, local bars and restaurants, the marina, game fishing club, coastal guard and harbour master, local iwi, event organisers, families at the playground and recreational boaties using the boat ramp – all in close proximity. The redevelopment would look at allowing for growth in the activities there and alleviate the health and safety issues.

One of the issues identified at our meetings with waterfront users is the challenging topic of boat ramps and the need for alternative overflow trailer parking sites during peak times. Using Hilton Park near the Robinson Road boat ramp was raised as a possibility for overflow parking during peak periods, and last week we met with neighbourhood residents to hear what they think. These discussion have all been part of early consultation with key users, businesses, and residents on the Esplanade redevelopment project. There will be wider public engagement once we have developed some feasible options for the community to consider.

No decisions have been made on any aspects of the redevelopment, except the allocation of funding in the Long Term Plan. To find out more or get involved, visit tcdc.govt.nz/whitiangaesplanade

NEW MAORI WARD COUNCILLOR FOR 2025

Our Council decided at its 3 September meeting to establish a new Māori ward, reaffirming our earlier decision from last October. That means we’ll be welcoming a new Māori Ward Councillor at the next local body elections in October 2025.

The decision to establish Te Tara o Te Ika Māori Ward was passed with seven councillors for, one abstention, and one vote against.

The new ward will cover the whole district and have one councillor elected from the Māori electoral roll. Our other wards, community boards and councillor numbers remain unchanged.

A referendum will be held at the same time as the 2025 local elections to determine if our district continues to have a Māori ward.

Read more at tcdc.govt.nz/maori-ward

TRANSFER STATIONS

DAYLIGHT SAVING HOURS

From Sunday 29 September 2024 all Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations have moved to their daylight saving operating hours, opening for an additional hour at the end of the day 8.30am–5.30pm, seven days a week, including most public holidays. tcdc.govt.nz/rts

A word from our Board Chair

Krissy Robinson

“We hear people complain that crime in our area is going up, but if you don’t report it to the Police, not only can they not do anything about it, they can’t build up an accurate picture of what kinds of crime are taking place in what locations, in order to effectively allocate Police resources. So if you’ve been a victim of crime, even if it seems minor to you, or you think the Police can’t do anything, please report it anyway, so at least the Police have accurate data to work from. As the old saying goes, ‘if you don’t measure, you can’t manage’. It’s good to see momentum on a couple of projects: We now have resource consents to extend the Buffalo Beach seawall to cover the erosion site. And, early discussions are taking place with users of facilities on Whitianga’s Esplanade to explore ways to allow for growth in the activities there. It’s important to understand that we’re at the beginning of the process and no decisions have been made. There will be wider public consultation once potential solutions have been identified.” krissy.robinson@council.tcdc.govt.nz

At its meeting on Wednesday 18 September, the Board recommended that Council approve the final right of renewal of three years for the Whitianga Information Centre Charitable Trust’s lease of their info centre site at 66 Albert Street. Once Council approves this at its next meeting, the lease will be extended to 30 November 2027.

The Board also agreed on the name Ara Matā for a road being created in a new subdivision at Cooks Beach.

The Board’s next meeting is on Wednesday 30 October, at 9am at the Council board room at 10 Monk Street, Whitianga. Agendas are available two working days before meetings at tcdc.govt.nz/meetings where you can also find links to recordings of our Council, Standing Committee and Community Board meetings.

STAN’S STUFF

BY STAN STEWART

After a recent accident where I hit the pavement hard and knocked myself out, I have been prescribed medication that makes me frequently, urgently go to the toilet. As a consequence, I am always checking, searching, remembering where the nearest toilet is located. And in a way I’ve become a connoisseur of toilets.

I now believe I have seen the best on the Peninsula – slightly worn but superior to any other public facility I have previously seen. These toilets are located in Matarangi – a little difficult to find, but worth the search.

I knew I was going to need the facility in Matarangi and I assumed it would be in the small shopping centre. It was not.

However, from the central car park, looking to the east a small building was visible, which I assumed could be a toilet block. It was.

After a short drive, I was in front of what clearly was a double-booth toilet. The toilet units lacked a handle or lever. Instead, there were buttons – buttons that worked. One push and the door slid open revealing the swept up, spacious toilet facility with beau-

tiful surround-sound music. The door closes automatically, and you are in a five-star toilet. But, a poster makes it clear that the maximum stay in this space is ten minutes. I can see that this time-limit is necessary. Perhaps on a cold and blustery day, the user might be tempted to stay and enjoy the beautiful music in this pleasant space. Whatever is the source of the music is a little scratchy, but nonetheless the music was upbeat and soothing.

A few years ago I was required to go to Helensville for an afternoon seminar. I noticed that in the coffee shop I visited and then in the seminar, people were laughing. Something had clearly tickled the fancy of a great many people. During the afternoon I found out the reason for their merriment. This could be the best toilet story ever.

close to the historic cinema.

Helensville is a quaint town with some historic buildings – the cinema being one of these. About this time I had noticed a number of pop-up space-age looking toilet blocks had appeared around Auckland. Helensville had one of these units and it was located

On the day before my seminar, a busload of seniors were viewing the Helensville wonders which of course included a visit to the new toilet block. One of the senior men had a special interest in one of the ladies. As he was a gentleman, he helped his lady friend on and off the bus. When a toilet stop was required, he assisted his companion into the toilet booth. As his

companion was a slow-mover he jammed his walking stick in the door track to prevent the automatic door from closing. He did this to allow his lady friend adequate time to make her way into the booth.

He removed his stick and the door closed and then ‘disaster’. By delaying the door from closing according to its preset rhythm he had upset the computer programme in the unit. These space-age toilets are self-cleaning. They achieve this by squirting water and detergent from upper corners of the cubicle. The walking stick in the door track triggered the cleaning cycle.

Screams erupted from inside the booth. But, there was no stopping the computerised programme. The door had electronically locked and the cleaning cycle was unstoppable. When according to its computerized logic, the cleaning cycle was finished, the door slid open. Not only was the toilet thoroughly cleaned so was the elegantly dressed lady – who now looked like a drowned muppet or mop. Her thoughtful gentleman friend was devastated. She was rushed to an op-shop where she was kitted out from head to toe in

Matarangi’s Marvel – best on the Peninsula

second-hand items.

It must have been terrifying for the lady involved. However, it set the town laughing and that was the reason for all the chuckles and wink-wink nods I had experienced. Remembering it, still makes me laugh.

Writing on toilet walls has diminished in recent years. I remember two phrases that still make me smile:-

“Help. I ‘m being held prisoner in a toilet paper factory.”

“Don’t mind the camera. It is for research purposes only”.

In my teens I lived opposite a wood cutters camp. They never had a toilet, at least one I could find. All I knew for sure was that the bush flourished around their camp. It made me think that human excrement could be a valuable resource in the cycle of the planet’s life.

I think it would be great if the coming space-age toilets could help return our excrement to the soil as nutrient. To me that’s a link in the cycle of life worth working on.

There’s a next step for the Matarangi planners might want to work on to maintain their status as providing the best toilet on the Peninsula.

GAMES AND PUZZLES

Complete (6)

Negative consequence (8)

Units of sound (8)

Non-transparent (6)

Music style, rhythm and ... (5)

21. Release from restraints (7) 22. Grew dim (5) 23. Scanning book (7) 24. Prominence (8) 25. Earlier (5)

Relinquished (8)

Reviewer (6)

Foliage part (4)

Martial art (4)

5. Chronicle (7)

6. Depletes (4)

10. Outside limits (5)

11. Noosed rope (5)

13. Resting on knees (8)

14. Person charged with crime (7)

16. Formed a crowd (6)

18. Polish (4)

19. Prosecuted (4)

20. Go out of focus (4)

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.

THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB

Nine hole men F9 Haggle

Stableford

Monday 16 September

1, Noel Rogers; 2, Paul Dixon; 3, Mark Deutsch.

Eighteen- hole men Nett

Wednesday 18 September

1, Geoff Hill; 2, Graham Harrison; 3, Geoff Atmore.

Twos: Paul Mellow on 18, Charlie Chilwell on 18.

Nearest the Pin#18: Brian Tomlinson.

Nine-hole Men B9 Yellows

Stableford

Thursday 19 September

1, Paul Dixon; 2, Steve Airey; 3, Mark Deutsch.

Twos: Steve Airey on 18

Eighteen-hole Ladies

Stableford Marie Jones Cup

1, Polly Lambert; 2, Mary Coughlan-Mason; 3, Sandra Bowen.

Mixed Haggle Eighteen-hole

Stableford

Saturday 21 September

1, Ross Adams; 2, David Lang; 3, Tracey Mulligan.

Twos: Tony Joblin on 5, Chris Palmer on 7, Chrissie Smith on 18, Glenn LeLievre on 18, Brian Tomlinson on 18.

Nearest the Pin#18: Noeleen Mulligan.

PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Nine-hole Stableford

Tuesday 17 September

1, Paul Hopkins; 2, Neil Robertson; 3= Lauren Stephens, David Young.

Nine-hole Stableford, Putts

Thursday 19 September

Stableford: 1= Richard Duckworth, Callum Murray; 3, John Hughes; 4, Paul Deverall. Putts: Richard Duckworth.

Eighteen-hole stableford

Saturday 21 September

1, Dean Goodwin; 2= David Young, Neil Vowles; 4 Wayne Radonich; 5= Bob Walker, Tim Bartlett, Lauchie Phillips.

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

Nine-hole Mixed – Stableford

Tuesday 17 September 1, Don Maguire; 2, Peter Chaffin; 3, Gavin Green.

Eighteen-hole Women –Strokeplay Rd1

Wednesday 18 September

1, Sheree Henderson; 2, Kim Allan; 3, Barbara Bradley. Nearest to Pin #4: Dianne Gilm-

our Nearest to Pin #18: Dianne Gilmour

Longest Putt #9: Diane Andrew

Eighteen-hole Men – Stableford

1, Mark Kilgour; 2, Rohit Ranchhod; 3, Ed Gardien.

Twos: Cam Walls, Rohit Ranchhod, Nathan Wilson, Roger Booth, Dave Enright.

Gross: Dave Enright (Div 1), Rohit Ranchhod (Div 2).

Nine-hole Mixed Scramble –Stableford

Friday 20 September

1, Phil Drane; 2, Don Maguire; 3, Bruce Godden.

Twos: Rodrick Bott

Eighteen-hole Men – Kiteroa Cup - Rd 2 - Net

Saturday 21 September

Overall Winner Kiteroa Cup - Ron Watson

Scramble: 1, Kerry Allan; 2, Ron Watson; 3, El Camino Wade.

Twos: Garry Wheeler, Richard Schofield

Div 1: Gross - Dave Enright, Nearest to Pin - Alan Henderson, Longest Drive -Nathan Wilson.

Div 2: Gross- Alan Coubray, Nearest to Pin-N/a; Longest Drive

- Tony Foster. Mixed Scramble – Stableford

Sunday 22 September

1, Diane Eccles; 2, Steve Mosen; 3, Kerry Allan.

Twos: Ed Gardien, Kim Allan.

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

Aldermans Pairs Week 3

Monday 16 September

Overall: 1, Chris Death and Peter McNeil; 2, Celia Young and Nolene Kirkpatrick; 3, Christine Meinhold and Jocleyn Taylor; 4, Jean Myles and Peter Clark; 5, Carol Baker and Sonia Botica.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Cooks Beach Pairs 3

Tuesday 17 September

North/South: 1, Val Dwight and Ann Scott; 2, Myra Hoogwerf and Dave Dylla; 3, Chris Hilford and Alison Tichbon.

East/West: 1, Jean Miles and Lee Hughes; 2, Denise Knutson and Philippa Hall; 3, Angela Butterworth and Peter Clark.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday 18 September

Best of three frames: Nine players on Wednesday and it was Peter

Challis, Peter Schultz and Wayne Malcolm with two straight wins to challenge the finals. Peter Schultz won the bye and Peter Challis and Wayne battled out the semifinal with Peter Challis taking the win to meet Peter Schultz in the final frame. A very close match this was with Peter Schultz snatching a close victory and the cash prize. With two wins were Brian Codyre and Wayne Malcolm. Peter Challis had the highest break with 21.

Saturday 21 September

Best of three frames: Eight players Sat and it was Peter Schultz and Ian Baumgren with two straight wins to battle out the final. A close match but Ian grabbed the win on the pink and took home the cash prize. With two wins Peter Schultz and Bob Haase. Highest break with 21 Greg Murphy.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Thursday 19 September

Winners: Keith Denney, Ian Sanderson and Alan Henderson. Runners Up: Ken Lack, Lionel Lawrence and Pat Fisher Good Sports: Wayne McNeill, Joy McGregor and Betty Russell.

Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship Thames

WHAT'S ON

OP SHOPS

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

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

St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Whitianga. 9.30am-1pm Wed-Sat.

Social Services Op-shop – 15 Coghill St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-2pm. Donations welcome. SPCA Op-shop – 2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 9am-4pm.

MONTHLY

AA Driver Licensing – Friday 13 September and Monday 23 September. In the Mercury Bay Service Centre Community Board Room in Monk St (behind the council offices).

American Muscle Street and Custom Club Whitianga – Club meetings first Sunday of the month, 11am at Smitty’s for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822. Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New members welcome. Ph Anne on 07 866 0268 for more information. Craft Group – Meets first Saturday of the month 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph Marilyn 021 1806 530 or Kim 021 1200 469.

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

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

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

Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club)

– Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Joan on 07 866 3801 or 027 275 1372. BI-MONTHLY

Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc – We meet bimonthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737. FORTNIGHTLY

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

Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up.

Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone Vanessa 027 896 5037. Email vandoo555@gmail. com.

Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016. Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information.

WEEKLY OR MORE

Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information. Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for more info.

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

Chess Club – Monday nights 6.30-9.30pm, MB Bowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost $2. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or brettsoanes16@ hotmail.com

Chinwag Café – Every Friday from 10.30am12.30pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag.

Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Wood. Cooks Beach Care Group – Join our friendly team and learn about coastal conservation. Come weeding and planting. Thursday mornings. Register www. cooksbeachcare.org.nz

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

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 at MBAS gym. Please note club nights currently limited to existing club members due to high attendance levels. 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 Bowling and Sports Club – 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday & Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772. 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.

MUZCO INSULATION SERVICES

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.

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.

DANCING

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

Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran.com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm. Mercury Bay Dance Club – Recreational dance lessons. Thurs 6-7pm. Book with Kathleen 022 154 1702 and/or check out the Facebook page. facebook. com/mercurybaydanceclub/.

Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Tues, beginners 11.15am-12.15pm; seniors 12.30-2.30pm; Thurs, absolute beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, improvers 12.45-2.45pm. 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 mercurybayathletics@gmail.com

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.

Craig 027 557 7023 shorelinepainters23@gmail.com

based but travel throughout the Coromandel.

Whitianga based but travel throughout the Coromandel. based but travel throughout the Coromandel.

Whitianga based but travel throughout the Coromandel. Whitianga based but travel throughout the Coromandel.

House wash, roof wash, fences, driveway, patios – soft-wash for best moss and lichen clean and treatment, exterior window cleaning or general waterblasting, 100m hose so access no problem. Cover the whole peninsula. Phone 0800 737 777 or andy direct 027 313 4386 email: atlasgroup@xtra.co.nz

TRADES AND SERVICES

Contact John 0276 425 654

• Residential / Commercial Construction

• Retaining Walls

• Renovations and Extensions

• Fencing and Decking

• Project Management

• Design and Builds

0274 343610 glfoote@xtra.co.nz Call now for a free quote Locally Owned and Operated

Sales and installation of Mitsubishi and Fujitsu heat-pump/air conditioning. Call Bill for a free no obligation quote. 027 2714803

www.dynamicelectrical-whitianga.co.nz

Warm up a medium sized bedroom with a Mitsubishi heatpump. Starting at $2000 installed.

Mike Hoey Carpet Laying

Carpet Laying and Repairs etc

Covering Whitianga and surrounding areas

Phone: 022 3123 241

mikehoey66@gmail.com

Coastal Asphalts 2020 Ltd

Contact Colin on 027 266 1133 or coastal.asphalts2020@xtra.co.nz

RUBBISH REMOVAL

CLASSIFIEDS

7692

CONTAINER IT SELF STORAGE Shed for rent - inc power, 7m x 7.5m $178 per week inc GST,17 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258

Everyone welcome for the Easter programme Sunday 10 am – 12 noon @ 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga (Community Service Bldg) Enquiries - 021 113 0566 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

C3 Church Whitianga Join Us, Expect Miracles!

Sundays 10am 22 Coghill Street, Whitianga

ST ANDREW’S BY THE SEA

Presby/Methodist Church Albert St Whitianga (Est.1898) COMMUNITY WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY 9:30am Come, join us! Bring the family! Parish Secretary: ph 022 132 2061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz

Every Sunday at 9.00am at St Peter the Fisherman 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga ALL WELCOME Enquiries phone 021 781 081 www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.org.nz Anglican Worship

GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 8AM-1PM 21 ENDEAVOUR CLOSE, WHITIANGA

Moving away – something for everyone. Tools, kitchenware, bric-abrac, homewares, small furnishings, coffee tables, pictures.

Whitianga Total Storage, opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660

GR8 STORAGE, WHITIANGA Phil – 0273 433023, Car, boat, campervan storage, 20 foot containers available to store your belongings.

MERCURY BAY

ART ESCAPE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held on Sunday 10 November from 4pm to 5.30pm at Kaizen at Go Vino, Cooks Beach.

Artists and others are welcome to come along to the AGM and join Trustees for drinks or for dinner after the meeting.

MERCURY BAY TENNIS CLUB

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held at the clubrooms on Thursday 3 October at 6pm followed by social tennis.

Phone Jason 022 186 7992 or Steve 022 378 0648

MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY POOL TRUST AGM

Monday 30 September 2024, 7pm Mercury Bay Medical Centre, Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga All welcome.

NEW GROUP WRITERS’ CLUB

4.00-6.00pm – Tuesday fortnightly at The Coromandel Informers foyer Monk St, Whitianga CONVENOR: Peter H. Wood

No cost except ‘hands-on’ participation. First meeting September 24 (then 1 Oct)

PAUANUI COMMUNITY CONCERT

Pauanui’s Owen Rogers a very talented singer - an afternoon concert for people who appreciate easy listening music and well-known songs.

Come and enjoy an afternoon concert of songs by Owen Rogers at Pauanui Community Church.

Owen is calling the concert ‘A Sentimental Journey’. He has been singing all his life in family quartets, choirs and musical shows and is guaranteed to give everyone an entertaining and heart-warming time.

Pauanui Community Church – Sunday, 13 October, 2024, 2pm Gold coin donation to defray expenses.

PUBLIC NOTICES

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.

BOATS FOR SALE

VALHALLA

• Doral Intrigue • 2008 (10.3m) • Twin 260 hp • Volvo Engines & Stern Drives

Valhalla is a great family boat for a days fishing or cruising for 5-6 people, or a weekend away for 2-4 people, all in style and comfort. This well equipped vessel is a great example of the Doral Intrigue pleasure cruiser which are highly regarded for their quality, comfort, handling and all round sea worthiness.

Valhalla has done just 780 hrs and had a major service/refurb in late 2023 covering the twin Volvo Penta engines, Volvo stern drives, water/oil coolers, heat exchangers, starter motors, steering system, fire and toilet systems, genset and water pumps. Over $50K spent locally with PC Marine. Canvas, clears & carpets replaced mid 2021. Full details and receipts available. Located @ Whitianga Marina, ph owner: 021-742929; Asking $167,500 ono

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