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Bookings recommended
20 and 21.
PRIZE-GIVINGS AS A YARD STICK OF OUR SOCIETY’S HEALTH
BY PAULINE STEWART
Iam talking about the prize-givings for our college senior levels, Year 12 and Year 13.
We worry about our young people. We wonder whether they will have the survival and resilience skills to cope with the world we have left them.
Remembering back, we can be tempted to think we were managing better, but in reality we were more often not.
The leadership demonstrated by many of the young adults graduating from Year 13 was outstanding. This was evident in their gracious appreciation of the help of others, their ability to communicate clearly and with depth. There was an appreciation of community and of the history which brought them to this point in their lives.
There is no mistaking the vital role teacher splay in encouraging, imparting knowledge, being there in the good and hard times. Those student leaders who gave speeches all referred to this.
The leadership demonstrated by many of the young adults graduating from Year 13 was outstanding.
There is no mistaking the value of the community’s role in supporting the school and the students – volunteering, fund raising, tutoring, coaching. There are umbilical cords that give life to the environment in terms of belonging, learning and thriving. In terms of this school, the role of the teachers and the community are two of those cords.
No school is perfect and no school can provide everything.
At senior prize-giving, there cannot be awards for everyone. That lessens the esteem in which awards are held.
But where this country area school rates in terms of the tenor of young people graduating and funding a successful future path would have to be a very high level.
I commend some specifically as they are head and deputy head students, and or achieved very high levels academically, or with sport, art or music on in community-based work.
Francie Lidgard, Hugo Smith de Zeeuw, Samuel Ribet, Tinca Samson, Poppy Carpentar, Sienna Reader, Euan Stewart, Siobhan Cox, Awa Illingworth, Indaria Bainbridge-Davies. The Principal Ross Dunn and The Deputy Principal, Michael Wilkinson are to be commended with their inclusive leadership across such a wide age range. This is no easy task. The prize-giving is a yard stick of the health of our young people. In our region there are some who have not fitted the school system and we must face this and find a way forward young people to succeed. However, at this stage many are succeeding and have found path forward. The speeches were inspiring and I include excerpts from some of these.
Continued on pages 6 & 16
One happy family enjoying the Trick or Treat Trail. Dad, Jake with Hutch are the werewolves; Mum, Charlotte and Samantha, centre, are scarecrows; and Willow, front right, is the witch. See page
Council may revisit transparency options
BY GEOFFREY ROBINSON
Facing sustained public opposition to their ongoing policy of conducting public-excluded “workshops”, networking, briefings and forums, TCDC councillors are exploring options to put the issue back on the agenda for reconsideration and a fresh vote. Council sources have confirmed behind-door discussions of a possible Notice of Intended Motion to revisit the recommendations of NZ’s chief ombudsman (and the council’s own governance manager) to increase transparency and accountability in local council business. Councils have been urged to adopt a policy of openness by default for all informal meetings – sessions that continue to be conducted privately and out of public view at TCDC, as they have been for years. The recommendations for meetings transparency were rejected by Council at its June 27 meeting.
A Notice of Intended Motion is a mechanism under Council’s standing orders whereby any councillor, or group of councillors, can put a motion on the agenda for consideration at a future meeting. Notice must be made in writing to the council chief executive at least five days prior to the meeting at which the motion is to be considered. Grounds for refusal of the notice are extremely limited.
In his June 7 report, Chief
Ombudsman Peter Boshier called for greater transparency in local council business across New Zealand, including provision for public notification, public attendance, detailed record-keeping, and options for recording.
“Transparency supports accountability, encourages high performance, and increases public confidence,” Boshier noted. Within weeks of the report, councils large and small across the country changed policy in favour of greater transparency, or reaffirmed such policies already in place.
In contrast, TCDC councillors voted 4-3, with little discussion, to reject calls for workshop openness by default, with two members including the mayor absent and a third member abstaining. Council voted for informal meetings to continue as they currently do with no advance notice, no public attendance, no record of who was present, and no formal public record of the proceedings.
While the chief ombudsman and several councils have noted that public and media attendance at workshops is very limited, they note that even the perception of transparency is important for democracy and public trust. Boshier also noted that the principle of “open by default” is supported by the 2022 Local Government New Zealand “Guide to Local Government Standing Orders”.
But with local body elections looming next year and summer holidays approaching, councillors may be inclined to quell simmering opposition and put the controversial workshops issue to rest as soon as their next scheduled meeting on December 10. Councillors would be expected to reach agreement informally in advance on their preferred option for a new open-workshop policy. Senior council staff presented two workable options to Council back in June, including one with recording or, possibly, livestreaming. With councillors unlikely to file a Notice of Motion unless they are sure it will pass, three additional votes for transparency will need to be lined up in advance.
As an advocate of accountability and best practice, Mayor Len Salt can be expected to lead by
example and support one of the open-workshop options his senior governance management recommends. Cr Gary Gotlieb, who also missed the June vote, has repeatedly expressed his support for openness as well. And at least one councillor who voted against transparency in June has indicated interest in revisiting the policy if cost concerns can be addressed, noting also that the festering public controversy may be hindering council efforts to advance its agenda in other areas.
Apart from the negative public response to its closed-door policy and its perceived intransigence on the issue, TCDC is increasingly isolated among its peer councils. District councils from Clutha and Timaru to Taupo and Waikato have opened workshops
SIX RECOMMENDATIONS
MADE BY THE OMBUDSMAN
1) Adopt a principle of openness by default for all workshops…
2) Publicising times, dates, venues and subject matters of all workshops in advance..
3) Clear audit trails of all workshops and internal guidance for the keeping of records of workshop proceedings;
4) Publishing workshop records on the council website as soon as practicable;
5) Formalising a process for
and briefings to the public. Auckland changed policy in favour of open workshops on the same day TCDC rejected it. Local boards in Franklin, Manurewa and Papakura just opened their workshops and briefings to the public in October. Howick joined the long list and will open its meetings in early 2025. As if to highlight the problem with TCDC’s current closed-door policy, the last item on Council’s most recent (October 15) meeting agenda was Mayor Salt’s regular “Information Only Report” to members. Among the mayor’s roster of important meetings and activities was a “Council Workshop September 24”. For the public record – no information was included as to who was present, what the agenda was, who said what, or what was decided. Enough said.
considering the release of information from closed workshops; 6) Consider sign posting on the council website that members of the public are able to complain to the ombudsman in relation to the administration of workshops.
“Transparent decision-making in local government increases public confidence in councils and their processes. This is an underlying principle of our democracy.”
24 Oct 2023
Peter Boshier Ombudsman
a clear horizon to see. The Moon can help to locate it and faint Mercury will be getting higher each day. Slightly yellowish Saturn remains high overhead all night with bright Jupiter joining it in the early morning hours and faint and slightly reddish Mars rising much later on to the right of the twin stars of Gemini’s heads. Mars is getting rapidly closer to us over the next few months and will get considerably brighter as we approach the New Year. Planets can be distinguished from stars as they generally don’t twinkle except when very low on the horizon. Tuesday, 5 November: The thin crescent
Moon lies just above and to the left of brilliant Venus at dusk. Wednesday, 6 November: The crescent Moon at dusk is now directly above brilliant Venus. Thursday, 7 November: A crescent Moon sits high above brilliant Venus at dusk with much fainter Mercury near the horizon. Friday, 8 November: The Moon now lies about halfway between Venus and Saturn after dusk. Saturday, 9 November: The First Quarter Moon is approaching Saturn high overhead. Sunday, 10 November: The Moon now lies above and to the left of Saturn. Monday, 11 November: The Moon has moved to be just below and to the right of Saturn. Tuesday, 12 November: The Moon now lies below and to the right of Saturn.
Peter Boshier, New Zealand Ombudsman.
A very special, quirky, fun park
BY PAULINE STEWART
On arrival at The Waterworks you immediately realise that this is something different. The carpark surrounded by hundreds of porcelain toilet bases dressed with planted fresh flowers and its large, water sculpture sporting work, safety helmets, are obvious clues that this park is different.
The reception area and café are re-assuring - welcoming, well-lit with curiosities everywhere and prices are very affordable. Waterworks is well established and obviously has many visitors. We had lunch at the café – lots of room. It was delicious.
The park itself is in a very attractive, spacious, bush setting. Immediately there are quaint pumps and machinery, activities of interest to children. There is nothing that is ‘fairground’ spectacular, but as you walk along the paths, there are quirky, enticing, inviting and intriguing attractions to the small fry and their parents, as well as challenging things to try - old bicycles, figures made from remarkable combinations of materials that
all move to the power of water. The ponds are alive with water life but also are used to power and display the quirky, quaint machines. The children can use some of the machines to move water, spurt water, amaze and surprise your friends and dampen your parents. For adults along the paths, there are large easy-to-read story boards containing an amazing variety of bites of information, from history, science, and everyday life. These are amusing and provocative stories, all displayed on specially designed boards, so very easy to read. Scientific facts you have forgotten or never known, stories of characters, ancient and modern, accounts of controversies with government and local councils are all presented on these
boards. Just when you think you will never read another board, a topic cleverly catches your attention. The paths and the boards in the park are for wandering, not for hurrying.
Waterworks is set in beautiful bush and bounded on one side by an exquisite mountain stream which is accessible for wading. There is a very open and close swimming hole. Near the stream is a large gas barbecue and facilities for picnics. This is a most delightful setting, and you can see why a family or group could easily spend an entire day or two at Waterworks.
Don’t go to Waterworks to be overwhelmed by attractions. Go to be surprised and enchanted by natural things. Be reminded of how simply water can power so
Robert Lindsay Dip Phty(Otago) ADP(OMT), Dip.MT.
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much of life. The playground is relaxing and spread out, all created by the owners. We watched children and families enter into the spirit of the place. Waterworks is different. Go there to give it time. It will surprise and delight you.
All of this is the brainchild and work of the owner, Jeff Howarth, along with his partner, Chunmei. Jeff, with his knowledge of language, science and history, is the author of all the story boards and the creator of all of the water inventions. When he purchased the property, it was already a playground park with lots of water, so he began building on that theme. This was 18 years ago.
Recently The Waterworks was the Supreme Winner at the Richardsons Real Estate
Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards. Well done!
The Waterworks is on the 309 Road, 8km from Coromandel town and 24k from Whitianga. Look for the great spider sitting on the cutting opposite the entrance. The 309 Road is an iconic winding journey through the most beautiful bush. Enq: jeffhowarth@mac.com
Armistice Day
Monday 11th November 2024
e Mercury Bay RSA are having a small service at the Flag Pole in the carpark of the Mercury Bay Club, 69 Cook Drive, Whitianga at 11am.
Please assemble in the carpark by 10.45am.
All welcome to attend.
Armistice Day – almost here. Give two minutes
The Armistice was an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations. These began at 11am on 11 November, 1918. Armistice is Latin for to stand (still) arms. To this day we mark Armistice Day around the United Kingdom with a two-minute silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month. Wreath-laying ceremonies mark Armistice Day at the National War Memorial in Wellington and at many local war memorials throughout New Zealand, including our own Mercury Bay Club’s which is the home of the Returned Services Association (RSA) in Whitianga. Two minutes silence as part of a brief service, will be observed at 11am on Monday, 11 November, in memory of those who died while serving their country. It will be held outside the Mercury Bay
Club at the gun emplacement.
The community is welcome to attend this brief but very meaningful ceremony. We all long for peace, yet our humanity has us at war in some part of the world at any one time. Even on Armistice Day in 1918, there were many components on all sides who chose to keep fighting to finish things off. We cant judge as we sometimes have the same attitude on a mini scale in our communities and in our families. Just read the police reports we have and see the ‘family harm’ events.
Thankfully, New Zealand is a peaceful country. It’s a precious gift and it comes at a cost. Remembering those who have died in war and who lost their lives fighting for their country’s peace is an honourable thing. Spare some time, on Monday 11 Nov.
Driving Creek Railway celebrates its 50th birthday
BY MICHELLE DELLABARCA
Barry Brickell’s life and work was celebrated in style this weekend at Driving Creek Railways. The weekend commenced on Friday evening with an official welcome to the Driving Creek 50th Celebration and the launch of the Notta Potta exhibition showcasing Barry Brickell’s art collection and writings – “Wrertings” as he personally names them. This was followed by two film screenings – ‘Breaking the Mould’ and ‘Spontaneous Combustion’ accompanied by a short Q&A with the directors.
Saturday was a full day and Driving Creek Railway Station, Studio and Gallery all looked spectacular in the bright sunny, early summer heat. Welcome shade was provided by shade sails, and seats ranging from elderly sofas to plastic chairs were all full, as hundreds of people came to cel-
ebrate together. We were treated to traditional Turkish music by Mr Mahsuni. Three panel discussions pondered over topics including Barry Brickell, Driving Creek over the years and what the future may hold for Driving Creek. David Craig gave an entertaining talk entitled “Onopoeamatic,
dyslexic Barry: Word murdering, the odium of the podium and the infinite radius of transitional curves”! A selection of Barry’s poems was read by Kate de Goldi prompting me to purchase his book “A Barry Brickell Reader”, as I found them to be both entertaining and profound.
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Trust Chair Laurie Steer and Company Chair Ross Abernathy both addressed the gathered supporters then Story Time was hosted by Peter Lange. The evening finished with dinner and a late-night party, held within the DCR complex.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Notta
Potta exhibition, at the Driving Creek Gallery. It is scheduled to be on display until 1 February 2025 and is well worth a visit. Barry’s “wrertings” are daubed on the gallery walls in sloppy clay, and they are overlaid with a selection of Barry’s own collection - works as diverse as paintings he bought from local artists, to those gifted to him by famous national and international artists. It’s a fascinating and diverse body of work, and creatively displayed by Karl Fritsch who “put all the things together in one room.” It will be well worth taking a drive across to Coromandel Town to see this exhibition.
Ian Barry Brickell OBE (26 October 1935 – 23 January 2016) was a New Zealand potter, writer, conservationist and founder of Driving Creek Railway.
The sunny day was a bonus for the crowds of people attending the Driving Creek 50th Celebrations; Barry’s special writings were available for perusal; Traditional Turkish music delighted the audience; Barry Brickell, the visionary who established and built Drive Creek Railway..
FROM HUGO SMITH DE
ZEEUW – HEAD BOY
Now if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this; Grasp as many opportunities as you can. Sitting on the sideline is boring but as soon as you jump on that field, its so much fun and time will fly. It’s up to you and there’s something for everyone. …..
“I would never have imagined being a firefighter at 16 but through a bit of a chance and ushing by my dad, I have had the most memorable experience of my life standing at the end of a fire hose battling a burning building.” Sometimes the rewards of these opportunities can be hard to see at first….”
FROM TINCA SAMSON, DEPUTY HEAD GIRL
Kiaora whanau, family & friends. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Tinca Samson and it is an honour to stand here before you today as this year’s Academic Leader & Deputy Head Student. We are all gathered to celebrate many achievements across our kura, to recognise the success of others and
to champion our teachers. The opportunities I’ve experienced during my time at both Whenuakite and Mercury Bay Area School have been incredible, and I can’t express enough gratitude for them. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the teachers who have guided me along this learning journey……..
Continued on page 16
Monday–Friday: 9.30am – 4.00pm Saturday: 9.30am – 2.00pm Please park in the driveway. If the flag’s flying, we’re open.
A Night at the Cabaret
Where:- Tairua Bowling Club
When:- Wed 13th; Thu 14th; Sat 16th November 2024 at 7pm
$26 Tickets from Tairua Information Centre.
Light supper & raffle included. Bar opens from 6:30pm
TONY PILMER
SeniorNet Whitianga lost a valued friend and community minded gentleman last week. Tony passed away on 28 October 2024, aged 93.
Tony was a founding and life member of SeniorNet Whitianga. He was one of the group of community minded people who came together to form SeniorNet Whitianga in conjunction with Mercury Bay Area School.
Tony was experienced in the inner workings of Charitable Organisations and was an immense help in the setting out of the constitution and managed all of the interface with the Charities commission. He was our go to man in the runup to AGM’s. He made sure everything was in place for a smooth meeting that met all of the constitutional requirements.
Tony made a lot of detailed applications for funding from GOGS and Pub Charities. His applications
were always successful and that was a huge help to the financial side of the Club.
Tony was our printing press, he printed and bound thousands of manuals for our members. He helped maintain our equipment, he designed our storage cupboard that at that stage stored all of the SeniorNet equipment safe and secure at Social Services.
These are but a few of Tony’s achievements for SeniorNet Whitianga.
Tony’s wife Heather passed away a few years back and after a period Tony moved to Pacific Coast Retirement Village in Tauranga to be near his family. He became a valued member of that community. He enjoyed village life for the activities and the social life it offered.
RIP Tony, thank you for all you did for SeniorNet Whitianga.
Active English is the best
From one of the students at Evakona education – centre for language teaching and life experience in Whitianga.
BY KOTA INOUE
Hello, my name is Kota. I came to Whitianga, New Zealand, in April, and I’ve been living here for 5 months. I’m going to talk about some of my favourite school activities that I did on Fridays.
My favourite activities are Laser Tag, Soccer Golf, and Kayaking.
First, we played Laser Tag at Whitianga FUN ZONE. My mates and I split into groups of five and had a great time running around, trying to tag each other with the laser guns. It was exciting and I moved my body a lot. I would like to do it again someday.
Next, we played Soccer Golf. At first it was a bit challenging for me, but as I played it, I got better and better. By the end, I won first prize among our group, which made me feel really happy. It was a fun mix of soccer and golf that I hadn’t tried before.
Lastly, I’ll talk about Kayaking. Out of all the activities, I enjoyed Kayaking the most.
I went kayaking with one of my group mates, and we had a great time paddling together. The peaceful water, beautiful surroundings and the sunny, calm weather made it a memorable experience. It was both fun and relaxing. I will remember this for a long time.
I’m really glad I had the opportunity to study abroad here, because I’ve been able
to experience many activities that I wouldn’t have in a Japanese high school. I hope I can do more and more fun school activities on Fridays! Also, I try my best to improve my English skills, especially speaking skills at Evakona Education, so I can go to New Zealand’s public high school without any worries for next year.
Kota out enjoying kayaking with his friends on the Waterways, Whitianga.
The day Tony was made a Seniornet Life Member. With the original Life Members. Left to Right – the late Ada McCallum; Tony Pilmer; Peter Bethell).
Tony Pilmer and Peter Bethell
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geotech report available, options galore!
Tairua,
ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS
Choir’s concert is 20th birthday gift to the community – Sunday 10 November
The Mercury Bay Community Choir Concert this Sunday 10 November, 2.00pm startWhitianga Town Hall will be a great Sunday afternoon‘s entertainment . Cash door sales - $15 for adults, $10 seniors, children free. Great afternoon tea provided. Enquiries: suegreig8@hotmail.com
A Night at the Cabaret –three performances
BY PAM FERLA
Tairua Heritage Players are ready to entertain you with humour, glamour and lovely songs in their latest production “Back to the 30’s – A Night at the Cabaret”.
This will be performed on Wednesday 13, Thursday 14 and Saturday 15 November, at Tairua Bowling Club.
A special feature is the incorporation of film showing aspects of life in New Zealand and Tairua
during the 1930’s era. Skits that are sure to make you laugh include drama in a classy dress shop, a two-timing
cad and surprise visitors at the doctor’s surgery. The novelty of knowing what people really think will also keep you entertained.
Proceeds from the Tairua Heritage Players’ performances go towards fundraising for a heritage centre in the town.
Ticket Sales: Tickets are on sale at Tairua Information Centre. They can also be booked by phone, paid for online, and picked up at the door. Tairua Information Centre 078647575.
Hauraki Vintage Machinery Club ‘Crank Up’ day
Kaihere Domain, Ngatea Sunday 24 November, 10am-4pm
This community event with a difference attracts exhibits of members’ tractor and machinery collections, demonstrations of old-time hay baling, sheep shearing, vintage tractor rides, food and drinks and ‘old time’ craft stalls. Enthusiastic participation by three neighbour clubs - Franklin, Waikato and Tauranga adds a great deal to the fun and energy of the day.
The Kaihere Domain is a very picturesque park/picnic setting, “It’s perfect for this kind of carnival event,” says Shaun. “We are on the lookout for those artistic people who create things a little bit ‘old world’ style,” says event organiser, Shaun Hurst. Enquiries and details: shservicesnz@gmail.com Ph 0274 973 865 or 0272 807 687.
Whitianga Freemason 50th jubilee
e Whitianga Freemasons cordially invite the community to visit the Lodge Rooms at 68 Cook Drive, Whitianga.
e aim of the open day is to “let people know who we are, and what we do”.
me anytime 0800 550 330 • scottsimpson.co.nz mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz scottsimpsonmp
Authorised by Scott Simpson, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
Tairua Heritage Players practise to entertain you.
The concert will feature the full choir and a special singing group from within the choir, The Ensemble Not included in photo- Lon Peters, Sharyn Morcom, pianist Catherine Lee.
See the advert on page 8.
Tairua’s Art Show – a really great day
BY PAM FERLA
Picasso reckoned art is the only way we can find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.
That’s deep and meaningful, but it seems to work when browsing art exhibitions, including the creations by local artists at Tairua Art Exhibition.
There was a good turnout for the exhibition held at Tairua Community Hall on Saturday October 26, and plenty to please those attending. Twenty-four members of Tairua Art Group displayed a total of 135 pieces.
Charming portraits, refreshing beach scenes, fine sketches, lovely felt work and a quirky little mannequin were all part of the multimedia displays which included acrylics and water colours.
An interesting display showed neurograhic art, which is said to help regenerate neuron connections and create mindful calmness. It’s also fun and easy and can be found on YouTube.
Art club member, Sue Foster, was happy with the day. She says the group has a friendly and informal atmosphere and as well as encouragement, members have a lot of fun.
“We have a wide range of skills from beginners to the pros and we love to see new members,” she says.
The club meets every Wednesday from 9am till noon at Tairua Fishing Club. Demonstrations and workshops are organised throughout the year. For more details contact tairuaartgroup@ gmail.com.
Swap till you drop with Playcentre
BY REBECCA TRETHOWEN
Whitianga Playcentre is a whanau-centred early childhood education service. Everybody is welcome, and the best part is that you get to play alongside your children, encouraging them to interact with others whilst you meet other parents and educators, who in turn become good friends and a support system that ‘gets it’. The days are long, but the years are short whilst you are deep in the trenches of early childhood.
Our centre has a number of different play environments so our tamariki are given the option to explore, create, climb, read, sing, dance, experiment, play musical instruments, paint, wear costumes, garden, do carpentry (with real tools!), bake and cook, build sandcastles, swing, slide, blow bubbles, spend time in nature, and get messy!
Getting messy at playcentre has been great for my girls. I love that they get to experience the different ideas that other parents come up with for experiments and activities, and it gives the house a bit of a rest too. The second rule of Playcentre is “always bring a change
of clothes”, with the first being “Have fun!”
A PARTY TO REPAIR AND RENEW THE PLAYGROUND
Unfortunately, our playground needs a bit of TLC due to excessive fun and too much play. We need to make some costly repairs to keep it safe and usable until we are able to replace it which will be a major project. So, with the silly season fast approaching and the weather warming up, we have decided to host our very first Swap Till You Drop party!
The legends at the new and improved Whitianga Hotel have agreed to host us and 50 fabulous ladies for a night of guilt-free shopping, spot prizes, silent auctions and giveaways!
Your $25 ticket includes a welcome glass of bubbly & delicious canapés. Simply bring your high-quality unwanted
Stay, play or profit your way
• Six bedroom lodge style home
• Five self-contained cottages
• 10,000 sqm (more or less) fully fenced metal yards
This expansive 10.1665-hectare property on the edge of picturesque Whitianga offers diverse income potential, making it an exceptional investment opportunity. The property is ideal for developing a campground, event venue for weddings and corporate functions, or even industrial activity (subject to approval). With its prime location, multiple income streams, and versatility this is a standout opportunity for investors looking to expand in the region. bayleys.co.nz/2201670
items to donate (this can be dresses, tops, bottoms, shoes, accessories etc) and an eagleeye for your next favourite outfit!
We all have those items in our wardrobe that are too good to throw away but unlikely to ever be worn again, I for one have a stunning Max dress that’s only been worn once but just too long for me and so this will be included along with other ill-fitting prior purchases to be found by their new more appropriately heighted owner.
Act quickly to secure your ticket for a unique night of fun, fashion, food, fizz and finds! Call or text Bex on 021 171 5470 or email rtrethowen@gmail.com to book your spot!
Thank you sponsors: A special thank you to Peninsula Business Services, The Glass Bottom Boat, The Lost Spring and Mercury Bay Discoveries for their generous donation of some AMAZING prizes to be won at our silent auctions.
We are actively seeking further donations for our silent auctions for the night, so if you are capable and would like to get involved, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Enquiries: rtrethowen@ gmail.com 021 171 5470
Tairua Art Group member, Sue Foster, enjoyed being part of the club’s Labour Weekend exhibition.
Bianca’s Appeal for the GE 3-Tesla MRI, in Gisborne
BY STAN STEWART
You will find fifteen-yearold Bianca selling candy floss on most market days at the Whiti Citi Market.
But her side hustle is raising $1000 for the Matai Medical Research Institute in Gisborne. The research facility is focussed on brain and heart research and more, for which they have dedicated a GE3-Tesla MRI machine, also known as Amplified MRI (aMRI). It is the only one of its kind in New Zealand and its ground-breaking research contributes to scientific experimentation with other research centres world-wide.
Gisborne is a long way (438k) from Whitianga. How Bianca became interested in this Kiwi Research Institute is quite a story.
In 2013, Bianca’s Dad had a debilitating brain injury. It looked like he and his family would be living with the severe accident consequences for the rest of his life. It was through conversations with an Auckland brain specialist that he was made aware of the recent Matai Medial Research Institute in Gisborne.
It was known that this
institute was using the latest ground-breaking equipment and programme to photograph the brain slice by slice. In a world of pain with no hope, the specialist and Bianca’s family decided her Dad should make the journey to the Gisborne research facility.
The results were amazing.
Because of the scans, his specialist was able to make a more definite diagnosis and initiate new treatments. This has changed Bianca’s Dad’s life. He no longer lives with the many severe consequences that were
evident after his terrible accident. He’s not back to normal but he is able to enjoy a much better quality of life. The whole family is grateful. It is her Dad’s recovery which prompted Bianca to set herself the goal of raising $1000 as a gift to the Matai Research Institute.
With little fuss, relying mostly on a small poster and leaflets on the Matai Research Institute on the candy floss stand at the Whiti Citi Market, she has so far raised $500+. This is a great story. The
Informer commends Bianca’s initiative.
If you would like to contribute to Bianca’s appeal for this world-leading, NZ Research initiative you can find the appeal jar on the Candy Floss stand at the Whiti Citi Market.
Or you can drop off donations at the Informer Office, 14 Monk St, Whitianga. Donations to be included in a sealed envelope addressed to ‘Bianka’s brain research project’. There is more information on the Matai Medical Research website: www. matai.org.nz.
50th birthday Open Day, at Lodge Whitianga
The to visit the Lodge rooms at 68 Cook Drive, Saturday 23 november 3.00pm-4.30pm. community is invited . The Lodge was formed on 9 November, 1974 with over 300 Mason attending from around the region. Their present building in Cook Drive was opened on 14 March 1988.
The Freemasons are keen to dispel any rumours that they are a secret society and they want people to know they are very committed to supporting their local community. The Lodge has been and continues to be committed to, supporting cancer relief, the Mammogram project, publicly located wheelchair, Bellyful, the community Christmas appeal, the purchasing of five defibrillators and supplying veggie pods to schools for the children to look after.
“We want to let people know who we are and what we do,” says Peter Van der Putten, Master of the Lodge.
See advertisement page 10.
This is the machine that helped Bianca’s dad so much; Bianca, second from right, with her mum and her grandparents at the fairy floss candy store, Whiti Citi Markets.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
DOG ATTACKS:
The letter below was published a few weeks ago. It was a request for information. The Informer passed this on to the TCDC communications team and TCDC kindly responded.
To the Editor: “After the August dog attack in Tairua, where a woman was injured by unregistered dogs, what action has the TCDC taken against the owner?
The dogs are both dangerous, is the TCDC no longer enforcing registration? This is the second event after one in May involving the same dogs, is this not taken seriously? Does someone have to die?”
Neville Cameron
Response from TCDC
Our Council has completed its investigation into the dog attack that took place in Tairua on 22 May. As a result of our investigation, and given the seriousness of the attack, we’ve initiated a prosecution for offences under the Dog Control Act 1996. Those charges have been laid at the District Court and while the matter is before the court we cannot comment further. However, we can confirm that two dogs impounded on the day of the attack will remain in our Council’s care until the court makes its decision.
GOVERNMENT’S RELAXING NOT RIGHT
This government is relaxing freshwater rules, and it’s a slap in the face to local people like me who care about our rivers and coast. They talk big about “local control,” but then they stomp all over it. Take Waikato Regional Council, for instance - yeah, they ain’t perfect, but at least they’ve been putting in the work. They’ve been meeting with people, planning for years to try and clean up our waterways, which, let’s be honest, are a mess because of all the dairy farms.
Look at the Firth of Thames, for one. It’s trashed, mostly from dairy pollution. But instead of letting our regional council keep trying to fix degraded waterways like this, the government just stepped in and made one big decision from Wellington to push their pro-farm agenda. That’s it –no questions asked.
It doesn’t seem right, does it?
The government is supposed to care about what locals want, but clearly, that’s out the window. All they care about is dairy, dairy, dairy. It’s like they’re in dairy’s pocket or something. So much for them saying they support local decision-making.
They’re holding councils back from protecting our water while pushing for more harmful projects. It’s bad for us, bad for our
rivers, bad for the land and bad for local tourism. And what about all those election promises? Just gone. We deserve better than this bulldozing.
Anton Taylor, Whitianga
OPEN LETTER TO SCOTT SIMPSON RE HAURAKI GULF MARINE PARK DREADFUL LEGISLATION
This is an awful piece of legislation and an even more dreadful process to get to this point. I do not believe you or your National Party are reading the mood of the public at all well. Despite our best efforts, there remains a widespread obliviousness to this legislation - and you and your Parliamentary colleagues are well aware of that. When the people do understand what is being done to them and how superficial and shallow are the measures being adopted to restore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (HGMP), they will experience the full spectrum - waves of dismay, bewilderment, anger, contempt, loss of faith in the leadership, and, in some cases, rage. Is this really how the National Party wishes to be remembered sailing into the next election? I do not think so!
The silliness of now allowing gill netting back into several of the HPAs is a distraction. Irritating and bewildering, however still a distraction. To suggest that passing into law some ‘pseudo’ HPAs (with as yet undefined customary harvest practises) and expect us to wait and see what sort of management measures are to be adopted is asking too much. When we wake up and find that so many of our favourite places are to be off limits forever whilst it is business as usual for the commercial sector who have done the bulk of the damage to carry on with their unacceptable bottom trawling how do you expect people to feel? Obviously, we will be outraged.
This back to front stuff makes a mockery of our democratic processes. Scott, it is not too late for a ‘voice of reason’ to hit pause on this madness. In good faith and as a senior member of your party, I ask that you consider being that voice of reason.
1. Press ‘pause’ on this ill-conceived legislation
2. Request that your Parliamentary colleagues get the sequence right -
a. Firstly, declare the management measures (or lack thereof) being contemplated – i.e. the extent to which trawling, Danish seining and dredging are to be allowed in the HGMP.
b. Acknowledge the necessity of establishing a separate Fisheries Management Area for the Park if we are to ever reduce the number of fish being killed in the HGMP.
c. Initiate a meaningful and respectful conversation with the public about what we are pre-
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.
pared to give in order to achieve restored abundance. You will be surprised and delighted with the outcomes of such a (unprecedented) process when framed in a respectful and intelligent manner.
As a signatory to the unanimously agreed upon Sea Change Tai Timu Tai Pari spatial plan, I am disgusted at where it has landed. Massive betrayal and a huge blow to any future attempts to undertake so called ‘stakeholder collaborative processes’.
I stand by to serve the Parliamentarian who blows the whistle on the unmandated Revitalise the Gulf nonsense.
Please feel encouraged to call Scott Macindoe President, NZ Sport Fishing Council - LegaSea support crew Scott Simpson’s response will be published next week.
MARINE RESERVES - HIGH PROTECTION AREAS ARE A DISASTER FOR COROMANDEL FISHERS
The new High Protection Areas (HPA’s) that are about to be signed into law are a disaster for Coromandel residents, holiday homeowners and visiting fishermen.
Not only will the HPA’s lock up many of our favourite fishing spots but purse seining and bottom trawling will still be allowed within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
I feel we have been seriously let down by Scott Simpson our local CONSTITUENT MP.
Scott Simpson chaired the committee that passed this legislation through the select committee process ready for signing into law. He is very aware of all the issues, yet these decisions were made under his stewardship.
The proposed High Protection Areas have been chosen with no thought for the local community and no local consultation. All our official submissions and personal pleas were ignored. HPA’s seem to have been chosen to satisfy a want to increase the total area of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in protected status to satisfy some United Nations commitment rather than what will work to increase abundance overall.
Also, there is little scientific evidence to support closing the High Protection Areas at all. For years, communities have tried to stop commercial netting in our local harbours, only to be told by Scott Simpson that there is no scientific evidence to support such a ban. Yet this legislation allows the closure of these HPA’s with NO substantive research as to whether there is a problem in the first place. If there is no baseline research for measuring results, what will success look like?
The original Sea Change document identified many reasons for the depletion of the fish stocks and the degradation of
the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
Amongst these was the destructive commercial fishing practices like bottom trawling and purse seining. Despite a mountain of scientific evidence of the destructive nature of these practices, they are still allowed in the new legislation.
Ask yourself why there are no bait fish inshore, workups out wide, or seabirds; not to mention Kina barrens and mushy flesh, poor condition snapper.
But wait, there’s more… As a last-minute slap in the face for recreational fishers, commercial fishing will be allowed within some of the HPAs – unbelievable! This is not a Tui ad.
Scott Simpson should front to his CONSTITUENTS and explain how these decisions were reached.
Scott, the doors of our fishing clubs are open… If you’d like to contact Scott Simpson and tell him what you think of the new legislation here are his contacts: ph.078683529 or email, scott. simpson@parliament.govt.nz.
Ask for a written reply!
Scott Lee
Just Another Angry Fisherman, Tairua
A GREAT THING FOR MY SON
Last Wednesday at the school was the senior prize giving. Reuben was called up for recognition, which took him by surprise and overwhelmed him.
The reaction of those there was fantastic, and supportive of their fellow classmate.
The student leaders read the situation and bought the certificate down to Reuben.
Normally Reuben would be pre advised and practice what procedure is expected for him to follow.
At MBAS, the staff and students are outstanding, they treat my son with respect and honour, and we are very fortunate to have the awesome team at the learning centre.
My son is Neurodivergent (autistic spectrum) and attends school as a regular kid.
To you all, thank you.
Rob Davis, Whitianga
SUGGESTING A SOLUTION RE REQUEST OF SCOTT SIMPSON
Further to my letter of last week regarding the damage caused by pine trees poisoning our coastal and marine environment, I would like to propose a solution.
I suggest that firstly pine trees that can cause damage are removed and new planting ceases. We could then plant Kahikatea to replace them. This native tree was once used extensively for boat and house construction. It was also used to make butter boxes which resulted in the destruction of vast forests which were not replaced. It will grow readily in most areas and sustains soils and landscapes while providing a natural habitat for our flora and fauna. In the longer term, there will be economic opportunities with the timber.
We need to act now. I implore Scott Simpson to use his influence in whatever way possible to address this problem before it is too late.
Chuck Edwards, Whitianga
IGNORING SCIENCE FUELS CLIMATE DISASTER
The latest UN Emissions Gap Report is clear: without drastic emissions cuts, we’ll overshoot the Paris 1.5°C target John Key signed up to by 2030. Current rates push us toward 2-3°C warming, fuelling severe cyclones far worse than Gabrielle, devastating flooding around our coast and rivers, massive economic losses from uninsurable property damage, and higher rates and taxes in vain attempts to provide “protection.”
Globally, expect collapsing ecosystems and food production, mass starvation, and migration on a catastrophic scale.
Trevor Ammundsen, Alastair Brickell, and others’ “opinions” may foolishly ignore reality, but sensible readers know firsthand that scientists are right. They know that climate change is real, is human-driven, and causing serious harm already, with far worse to come.
Astonishingly, our government also favours destructive industries over clean energy. Offshore wind developers abandoned New Zealand after an iron sands mining project was fast-tracked - sabotaging renewable energy progress, 10,000 jobs during construction and 2,000 ongoing ones for maintenance, and pushing us closer to climate disaster.
And let’s not forget New Zealand’s dairy industry - a major methane polluter. Successive governments have lacked the courage to curb dairy emissions from synthetic nitrogen, imported palm kernel, and too many cows. This inaction is reckless.
Our future depends on political leaders and the media having the courage to confront oil and dairy big emitters and their mouthpieces spreading misinformation. This crisis demands decisive action, not denial and delay. The stakes couldn’t be higher; our children and grandchildren will bear the heaviest cost.
Meg Beston, Mercury Bay
WRECK OF THE KETCH “NELLIE” AT HOT WATER BEACH
I am researching the wreck of the sailing Cutter “Nellie” that ran aground at the north end of HWB in 1894.
It was built by Mr H McGregor of Whangapoua in 1884 for Mr C H Harris. The length was 73’ 6”, beam 17’ 2”, depth 7’ 10”. In 1891 it was converted to a ketch rig. I would like to get a copy of a photo, drawing, sketch, plan or painting of this vessel. I realise that there is quite a bit of information available in papers past but would just like to get some sort of image.
When we first went to HWB 50 years ago there was a part/rib off this boat in the raised garden outside the beach shop – but now long gone.
I wonder if there are any family of the original builder or owner of the Cutter/Ketch that still live on the Coromandel Peninsula? Can you help?
Hot Water Beach/Rothesay Bay Reply to: csmytheman@gmail. com Lane Smytheman
MBAS PRIZE-GIVING
Continued from page 6
TINCA SAMSON – DEPUTY HEAD GIRL
I have learned the value of resilience, the effects of being kind to others, that sometimes other’s needs should come before our own and that we are all vulnerable to the things life throws at us.
Some days school sucks and some days so do I. Some days school is the best place to be, some days it’s not.
But what I do know is that we all have a future to find……..
……I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, especially my parents, who have provided unwavering support throughout this journey. Your encouragement and belief in me have opened countless doors, allowing me
to pursue my dreams with confidence. I look forward to embracing the future, empowered by the love and guidance you’ve given me.
SAMUEL RIBET – DEPUTY HEAD BOY AND SCHOOL DRAMA PRODUCER
My path has been full of enjoyment, particularly being part of the plane build programme … Passion for something will take you further, than hard work ever could . Find the right path and you will want to work hard at your passion.”
Ross Dunn spoke powerfully and matter of factly about the achievements of the students and how proud he was of what they had done and how they had achieved their results. He paid tribute to his staff and to the Board and thanked the
team who were this year leaving to other colleges and some to retirement. The theme of collective achievement is based on so many students and teachers working to achieve for themselves and for others.
FROM FRANCIE LIDGARD HEAD GIRL AND THE RECIPIENT OF A WIDE RANGE OF AWARDS.
Francie struck gold when she referred to the fact that ahead of all of them was tin soe ways the same hard effort and striving.
But the difference was , it was their turn to earn the money and pay the bills, and make decisions with a fir degree of independence. Everyone could identify with that even though it was going to be difficult for many of them.
Double vision
• Residential zoning
• 21.694ha (more or less) in two titles
• Flat easy contour
Two substantial blocks of greenfield residential development land in a flourishing coastal town are placed on the market for sale - meeting the local authority's commitment to supporting private enterprise to build new homes in the region to sustain an ever-increasing population. Subject to planning approval, there’s potential to create up to 300 residential sections, with scope for a hotel development alongside the housing. bayleys.co.nz/2201675
STAN’S STUFF
If we open the gates millions will come
BY STAN STEWART
Ihave just watched a documentary drama on desperate people who have been detained trying to reach Australia. It was sad, and depressing.
I am proud to be Australian but I am not proud of the measures my country takes to keep would-be migrants away from our shores. Australia spends millions patrolling oceans and skies to stop desperate people from reaching Australia. For years it used Christmas Island, in the Indian Ocean (2600 K from Perth) as a detention centre. That expensive experiment ended in failure and helped create the most obese population (the locals) on the planet.
The same desperate people who want to reach Australia would be glad to come here. But, the stretch of ocean between their starting point and New Zealand is just too far. In this way the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea form an impassable moat. If it were not for that moat, if there were no legal obstacles, how many would come? What is certain there would be a flood of humankind.
It has been my privilege to know many people who made it to citizenship through the ring-of-fire of obstacles the Australian and NZ
From the corners of the earth they came to the USA.
governments put in their way. I share the story of two of them.
Hugo spent part of his childhood, 10 years to 14, in an internment camp in Victoria. Internment camps were set up during the 2nd World War to house the nationals of Australia’s enemies, German, Italian and Japanese. In many cases the camps were rows of tin sheds.
However, for Hugo it was a rich and rewarding environment.
Many of the German interns were academics from the Melbourne University and these became his teachers. Professors tutored him, one-on-one in physics, scientists
coached him on the properties of matter. At the end of the war, the camps were disbanded, and the residents of the camps went back to their pre-internment jobs. In Melbourne Hugo had to sit a test to determine his academic level. At just 15 his knowledge surpassed the level necessary for entrance to University science. His internment tutors had prepared him to excel, and he went on to pioneer ground-breaking science. He became a world leader in the design of generators and of efficient electricity distribution. In later life when I knew him, he told me, “I was able to lead my scien-
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tific field because of the wonderful one-on-one tuition I received in the camps”.
Ella’s situation was different. Employed as a research scientist in a military university she did not like her job and despaired at the direction the country was headed. With her husband who was also a scientist, they planned to escape from their own country and make a new life in a new country which had free and open government. Leaving their country was very difficult as they were considered key personal in an essential service (the military). They packed holiday attire and took a flight to a well-known European vacation destination. They never intended to use the return leg of their air ticket. Instead, from the holiday destination they took many flights ending up in New Zealand. They had no English, but the proof of their academic achievements was sufficient to for them to obtain temporary residence in our country.
For a few months the government helped but then they were on their own. They lived in shabby accommodation and having no English could only earn money in low-paid work, house cleaning, laundry, ironing and menial laboring work. Their life in Auckland
was an absolute contrast to their privileged life in the country they left. However, as they became proficient in English they were able to communicate and demonstrate their qualifications and skills. Once these were recognised doors gradually opened to appropriate work in higher education and scientific pursuits. Eventually they became leaders in their fields of scientific endeavour.
Migrants, especially those who have risked greatly to live here want to work. In my teens working for the government the principal concern of the workers was getting more time off. The way the migrant’s worked, even taking two jobs, seemed anathema to us. Across Australia and New Zealand people who came to us as penniless migrants are now prosperous, and in some cases captains of industry.
We do the migrants a favour by allowing them to live in our country. However, it’s a two-way street. They seize opportunites we might not notice. Exploring their food is a culinary adventure. Their history and culture adds depth to our country. I know we can’t open the gates to all comers, however as our country is able we must continue welcoming as many as possible into our Kiwi family.
WAITAIA NURSERY
Waitaia Road, Kuaotunu Phone Colin or Cam 07 869 5910 www.waitaianursery.co.nz
Unsustainable rate rises imposed to fund ever-increasing council headcount
BY FLEMMING RASMUSSEN
INTRODUCTION
Our Council has imposed a 16.8% average rate rise on us this year (inflation is <3%). In the last two years, the Council has imposed 30-34% compounding rate increases in most areas (wards). For an average ratepayer, that is an additional $1,350 in rates per year. We now pay $4,500 - $4,600 in rates p.a. (Mercury Bay $4,610, Whangamata $4,553, Tairua-Pauanui $4,566). An average of approx. $90 per week.
COUNCIL’S RATE GRAB
Two years ago (2022/23), during a cost-of-living crisis, Council collected $83.4m (actual) in rates from us. Since we are so gullible, they decided to increase that with an additional $11m to $94.4m last year (actual 2023/24). This year, we are up for $108.6m (budget). All the while, the cost-of-living crisis prevails for many, if not most, of us.
Council is acting as if the Coromandel ratepayer is a mere ATM—a “gift that continues giving.” Instead, they should be relentlessly focussed on delivering value for our money! What do we get for our $90 week in, week out?
COUNCILS 2023/24 ANNUAL REPORT
Council’s fiscal year (FY) is from 1 July to 30 June. Council must prepare and adopt an Annual Report for each financial year. The report must outline the status of the Council’s business and its performance.
Friday last week, 31/10/24, Council, on the very last day the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) requires them to do so (s 98(3) LGA), adopted its 2023/24 Annual Report. It must be made publicly available no later than one month after adaptation (s 98(4)).
With respect, having read the publicly available draft Annual Report, I find it genuinely underwhelming, (you can download it on TCDC’s website, “Board pack Council Meeting 31/10/24”).
Have a look yourself. Start with “Highlights” (p.9). Having raised almost $95m from us in rates alone, topping off Council’s
major 2023/24 achievements is “Over 300 fruit trees started being delivered for community gardens.” Seriously!
PERSONNEL COSTS
As usual with these sorts of reports, one must wade through publicity, PR (spin), pictures and dummying down illustrations before getting more helpful information.
On page pp. 81 of the report, you will find part of the answer covering how the Council spends our hard-earned money. Sobering facts, indeed, when looking at our mouthwatering personnel costs. Some 82 staff members receive more than $100K in remuneration, with the Chief executive four times that amount.
The table below summarises the last two years’ actuals, the previous year’s (FY2021/22) actuals, and this year’s budget (per the adopted LTP2024/34):
The table highlights a 39.5% increase in personnel costs from
2022 to 2025. Our rate levels, the increases, and Council spending, are unsustainable.
PURPOSE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The LGA states that the purpose of local government is “to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities.” (s 10(1)(a) LGA). Simple. Succinct.
The previous Labour government reintroduced four well-being principles “to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future” (s 10(1)(b)) originally passed by Helen Clark’s 2002 government.
The four well-being principles, together with our mayor’s intent on bringing all delivery in-house (as opposed to outsourcing) (he campaigned on that) and specific Maori consultation requirements introduced by the Ardern government (s.82(2)) are key drivers of
the unsustainable, ever-increasing staff headcount and personnel costs (per above table).
THE SOLUTION: FUNCTION, FORM AND FUNDING
The government has confirmed it will repeal the four well-being principles before our upcoming Council elections on 11 October 2025, and it has challenged Councils “to rein in the fantasies and to get back to delivering the basics brilliantly.”
We pay taxes to central government for social services (health, education, pension, state highways, policing, justice, corrections, etc.).
We pay our rates to Council to receive clean drinking water, storm and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, rubbish pick-up, local roads and walkways (fill the potholes), and cost-effective maintenance of local assets.
Any expenditure for non-core infrastructure services must be community-led and based on a local area-specific cost-benefit analysis with local targeted rates paying for such services.
What do you think?
Christmas boxes on their way
BY DOROTHY PREECE
Christmas boxes packed with treasures galore left the Coromandel on Friday, bound for underprivileged children in the Pacific Islands and the Philippines, thanks to the generosity of our local communities and churches who have been adding to their collections for months.
Last Sunday, 27 October, saw the ‘packing party’ at St Andrew’s Church, Whitianga where a mountain of accumulated toys and gifts, stationery and toiletries were packed, adding 40 boxes to the growing pile already collected at St Peter’s Church in Dundas Street. Meanwhile, another pile was growing at The Informer office. Donations of money for shipping the boxes were also included.
On Friday, 1 November, Christmas Child Area Co-ordinator, Robyn Balfour, packed a total of 147 boxes from Whitianga and Kuaotunu into her van. She then called at Tairua, Hikuai, and Whangamata, making a grand total of exactly 300 boxes. Last year it was 206. The totals rise year on year, and this year more schoolage children have been filling boxes.
Off they go! Damon Christensen and Robyn Balfour (organiser of the Christmas Shoe Boxes), loading the Christmas Boxes at St Peter’s Church, Whitianga.
The Samaritans Purse charity ‘Operation Christmas Child’ operates worldwide. Their aim this year is to bring Christmas smiles to 12 million children in underdeveloped countries, regardless of any church or religious affiliation.
Boxes from our region reach children in the South Pacific and Asia. Robyn says the small treasures bring enormous joy to children who have virtually nothing to call their own. She is delighted with this year’s totals, but she hasn’t quite finished yet.
“This month I’m planning to have a Christmas Craft event in Whitianga, to raise some more money for shipping the boxes.”
COROMANDEL RESCUE MISSIONS
For the Auckland & Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopters
1-31 October 2024
03.10
03.10
Whangamata
Thames
04.10 Thames
04.10 Thames
13.10 Thames
20.10 Whitianga
Assist a male patient in his 70s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
Assist with the interhospital transfer of a child suffering a medical condition. The child was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
Assist with the interhospital transfer of a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
Assist a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
Assist with the interhospital transfer of a female patient in her 60s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
Assist a female patient in her 60s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
21.10 Port Jackson Crew tasked to Port Jackson to assist a male patient in his teens suffering an injury from a fall onto rocks and in a minor condition. Extraction by winch was required, transportation to hospital by helicopter was not required.
22.10 Whitianga Assist a female patient in her 20s suffering a medical complaint
22.10 Whangamata Assist a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical complaint. Unfortunately, the patient died.
22.10 Thames Assist with the interhospital transfer of a female patient in her 60s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
25.10 Tairua
25.10 Whitianga
Assist with a motor vehicle accident.
Assist a female patient in her 80s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
27.10 Whangamata Assist a boy in his teens suffering injuries from a bike accident. He was flown to Starship Hospital in a serious condition.
27.10 Thames
Assist with the interhospital transfer of a child suffering a medical complaint. The child was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
29.10 Tapu Crew tasked to Tapu (details unknown). Crew were stood down at scene.
There was lots of fun had on Halloween with the Trick or Treat Trail around Whitianga. There was also a Light Party at the Baptist Church.
QUICK RESPONSE
Within minutes of the siren going off in Whitianga, the fire brigade was out extinguishing a local grass fire on Highway 25. This was on Sunday, but no shortage of crew.
AEROVIEW GARDEN CENTRE GET PLANTING
NOW!
Tomatoes, chilli, pumpkin, capsicum and corn potatoes in store now! Largest range on the peninsula
GAMES AND PUZZLES
(4)
Skin irritation (4)
Curtain (5)
Restive (6)
Brave deed (4)
More effortless (6)
Be thrifty (6)
Karate blow (4)
22. Lessens (6)
24. Circle (planet) (5)
25. Load-bearing post (4)
26. Become weary (4)
27. Final figure (5)
28. Rock band’s sound boosters (4)
29. Long-handled spoons (6)
1. Salad leaf vegetable (7) 2. Rink (5)
3. Learn for exam (5)
4. Spreads out untidily (7)
5. Shorter (7)
6. Hail as (7)
12. Witness (event) (3)
15. Religious non-belief (7)
16. Brings from overseas (7)
17. Hare relatives (7)
19. Male swan (3)
20. Crayon drawings (7)
22. Coral isle (5)
23. Behaved (5)
Sudoku instructions
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of 9 boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
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 8 November & Monday 25 November
In the Mercury Bay Service Centre Community Board Room in Monk St (behind the council offices).
American Muscle Street and Custom Club Whitianga – Club
meetings first Sunday of the month, 11am at Smitty’s for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822.
Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New members welcome. Ph Anne on 07 866 0268 for more information.
Craft Group – Meets first Saturday of the month 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph Marilyn 021 1806 530 or Kim 021 1200 469.
Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed of the month. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@ gmail.com.
Mercury Bay Model Railway Club
– Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650
Mercury Bay Shooting Federation
– Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email mbsfsecretary@gmail.com
Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) – Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Joan on 07 866 3801 or 027 275 1372.
BI-MONTHLY
Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc – We meet bi-monthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737.
FORTNIGHTLY
Greeting Card Making – The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up. Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up.
Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am1pm, 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.
Writers’ Club – Tuesday fortnightly between 4-6pm at The Coromandel Informers foyer, Monk St, Whitianga.
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 10.30am-12.30pm 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 7.309pm 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
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.
12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772.
Mercury Bay 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 021 146 9203.
Mercury Bay Community Choir –Mondays 6.15-8.15pm, Music Room MBAS. Inclusive, open, friendly choir – no prior singing experience needed, no auditions. 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 – At Mercury Bay Area School Gymnasium, Every Tuesday Members Night 5.30-7.30pm; Sundays Social/ Training/ Newcomers 2.00-4.00pm & Intermediate Plus 4.00-6.00pm. $5 per session (first session free). Moewai Sportspark Outdoor Sessions - weather dependant & advised per our facebook page. Matarangi (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 4-6pm, Sun 1012pm. Contact Tony 021426150.
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 on Thursdays at 5.30pm. All welcome. Ph Jason 022 186 7992 or Carl 027 680 5570.
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, 9.3011.00am. 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 10am-4pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for more information.
Whitianga Menz Shed – Open Tues/ Thurs, 9am-12 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel truck stop. All welcome. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9am-12 noon, 1F White St. Contact whitianga@playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947.
Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor bowls and card games. Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk St, 1pm-4pm. Join us for a fun time and afternoon tea, 55+ age group. Phone Lionel Lawrence (president) on 027 274 6964 for more info.
Whiti Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every Tues 9am start. For more information phone Margaret on 027 7802 744. All levels welcome.
Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information.
DANCING
Argentine Tango Dance Class
– Fridays, Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prior experience or partner necessary. Text Sergio for questions 027 410 2454
Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@ catherinecorcoran.com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm.
Mercury Bay Dance Club –Recreational dance lessons. Thurs 6-7pm. Book with Kathleen 022 154 1702 and/or check out the Facebook page. facebook.com/ mercurybaydanceclub/.
Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Tues, beginners 11.15am12.15pm; seniors 12.30-2.30pm; Thurs, absolute beginners 11.30am12.30pm, 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 – Wednesdays at 5.30pm at gym for Zumba and Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk 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.
TRADES AND SERVICES
TRADES AND SERVICES
DEATH NOTICES
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
STORAGE SHEDS
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
Everyone Welcome Sunday 10 am – 12 noon @ 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga (Community Service Bldg) Enquiries - 021 113 0566 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
ST ANDREW’S BY THE SEA Presby/Methodist Church Albert St Whitianga (Est.1898) COMMUNITY WORSHIP NEW SERVICE TIME 10AM EVERY SUNDAY Come, join us! Bring the family! Parish Secretary: ph 022 132 2061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz
C3 Church Whitianga
Join Us, Expect Miracles!
Sundays 10am 22 Coghill Street, Whitianga
ANDREWS, Margaret (nee Lang)
Tuesday 29 October
Passed away 24th October, 2024; aged 93 years. Loved wife of the late Melvyn Bertram Goddard Andrews. Two fine people who loved one another dearly and who were together for 73 years. Finally Dad has come for his sweetheart. Loved Mother of Merv Andrews and Pip, Lorraine and David Vujcich, Sherie Andrews, Michelle Andrews, and Antoinette our adopted sis. Loved Nana of Ana-Maree, Luke, Jodi, Lydia, Adele, Joseph, Melvyn, and loved grand-Nana Margie of Amber, Brooke, Cerise, and Haylee.
‘Starlight Harmoneers’ together again. We miss you both so much.
In accordance with Margaret’s wishes a private cremation has taken place. Our mother’s celebration is taking place on November 16 from 11am, all day, at 3 Kawakawa Rd, Whitianga. Everyone is most welcome.
MOODY, Gloria Jean
Passed away at Whitianga on Wednesday 30th October 2024; Beloved mother of Jesse. Sister of George, Jocelyn, Margaret and the late Helen. Privately cremated.
9 Hole Women - Putting 1, Audrey Vickers; 2, Sharon Morrissey; 3, Christine Godden
9 Hole - Stableford 1, Roger Pheasant; 2, John Bubb; 3, Brent Carruthers
Wednesday 30 October
18 Hole Men – Stableford 1, Trevor Hayde; 2, Mark Boe; 3, Alan Henderson
Twos: Alan Henderson, James Duncan, Roger Booth Gross: Div 1 - Mark Boe; Div 2 - Trevor Hayde
Friday 31 October
9-Hole Mixed Scramble –Stableford
1, Peter Chaffin; 2, Kelvin O’Leary; 3, Roger Pheasant Saturday/Sunday 2 & 3 November
Mercury Bay Masters
Men’s Gross Div 1: 1, Jonathan Morley; 2, Dave Enright; 3, Matthew Greaves
Men’s Nett Div 1: 1, Trevor Hayde; 2, Patrick Gonthier; 3, Graham Eccles
Men’s Gross Div 2: 1, Gary Wheeler; 2, Graham Dun; 3, John Sedcole
Whitianga Markets are back!!
Soldiers Memorial Park Saturday 9am - 1pm Whiticitimarket@gmail.com
A memorial service to celebrate Gloria’s life will be held at Coromandel Bowling Club, 190 Woollams Avenue, Coromandel Town on Saturday 9th November, at 11am.
TWENTYMANS
VERNER, Beverley
Men’s Nett Div 1: 1, Ed Gardien 2, Les Walbridge; 3, Tom Sutcliffe
Women’s Gross: 1, Sian Stevenson; 2, Suk Hee Kim; 3, Jill Agnew
STORAGE, WHITIANGA
Anglican Worship
Phil – 0273 433023, Car, boat, campervan storage, 20 foot containers available to store your belongings.
Whitianga Total Storage, opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660
MBAS SECONDARY SCHOOL RUGBY ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING
TO BE HELD AT MERCURY BAY AREA
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
BAY RUGBY & SPORTS CLUB
Applicants are invited for the following positions for the 2025 Rugby Season.
• Coaches/Managers for the Premier Team.
• Coaches/Managers for the Senior B Team.
Please reply via email: mercurybayrugby@gmail.com
Sadly passed away on 30 October, 2024. Beloved wife of Jim (Gubay), treasured and precious Mum of Kim and Jane.
A gathering will be held for Bev at the Mercury Bay Club, 69 Cook Drive, Whitianga on Thursday 5 December at 2pm.
TWENTYMANS
Women’s Nett: 1, Fiona Gardien; 2, Jane Deadman; 3, Christine Van Veen
THE DUNES MATARANGI
GOLF CLUB
9-hole Men’s – Stableford
Tuesday 29 October 1, Paul Dixon 23, 2 Alex Fox 18, 3 Steve Airey 16. 9-hole Ladies – Stableford
Tuesday 29 October 1, Glenda Philpott
Tony Cotton Shootout Net Wednesday 30 October 1, Paul Melloy; 2, Steve Moss; 3, Geoff Atmore
INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER •WORKSHOPFACILITATOR•TAROTCARDREADINGS •SPIRITUALMENTOR•CLAIRVOYANT VERNA(027)3200079 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com
Youth Grade Year 9/10, Girls 1st XV, Boys 1st XV.
ENQUIRIES TO: SECRETARYSAMANTHA TOWORAI mbassrugbyclub@gmail.com
Due to large increases in printing, paper and delivery costs we have had to reconfigure the layout of our Trades & Services and Classifieds section. The size of the adverts have changed slightly so that we haven’t had to increase the cost of your advert.
RESULTS
Twos: Charlie Chilwell, Mark Hall, Doug Smith
Nearest the Pin: Charlie Chilwell
9-hole Men
Thursday 31 October
1, Graham Kemp; 2, Lance Croawell; 3, Rey Bertling 18 Hole Ladies Shootout Finals
Thursday 31 October
Winner: Marie Dunn.
Dunes Club Champs 2024
Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November
Men’s Senior: Gary Bancroft
Men’s Intermediate: Jade Kennedy (playoff winner)
Men’s Junior: Jim Dale
Men’s 9-holes: Steve Airey.
Ladies Silver: Allison Drake-Wells
Ladies Bronze 1: Marie Dunn (playoff winner)
Ladies Bronze 2: Marie Murphy
Ladies 9-hole: Glenda Philpott
TAIRUA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
18-hole Scramble Stableford
Saturday 26 October
1, Neil Plummer; 2, John Fraser; 3, Alex Morrison.
9-hole Stableford “Putting Pearls”
Tuesday 29 October 1, Donna Hunt; 2, Jenny Cosford; 3, Jan Stanley.
18-hole Scramble Stableford
Thursday 31 October
1, Bruce Crawford; 2, Terry Kingham; 3, Leon Smith. 9-hole Stableford
Thursday 24 October
1, Kay van Lubeck; 2, Robyn Hunter ; 3, Annette Eltringham.
THE HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
Handicap Pairs Week 5
Tuesday 29 October
North/South:1 Lee Hughes and Alison Tichbon 56.68, 2 Val Dwight and Denise Knutson 53.09, 3 Judie Johnson and Ngaire O’Brien 52.81.
East/West: 1 Bev Dickie and Peter Clark 60.53, 2 Robyn Waters and Robyn Hogg 52.42, 3 Sue Gill and Dave Dylla 52.00.
MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS
Fifteen players this week, so 501 singles were played. Two players went through all four rounds unbeaten. They were Rex Donaldson and Stoney. Rex got away to a good start, but Stoney slowly climbed his way back into the game and came away with the win. Highest finish this week for the ladies was 62, scored by Nan, and for the men was 104, scored by Rex Donaldson. No 180’s scored this week.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wednesday 30 October
Best of three frames: Ten players on Wed and it was Peter Schultz and Wayne Malcolm with two straight wins each to chal-
Chocky’s Corner
BY RICHARD SHELFORD-WOODCOCK
The Coromandel Alliance Association (CAA) is a collaboration of the majority of the Coromandel District residents’ and ratepayers’ association’s chairpersons –from Port Charles in the north to Whangamatā in the south.
This has come about only recently and due to my involvement with this initiative, I have been elected to the Chairperson’s role. Consequently, I stepped down from being Chairperson of the Whitianga Residents and Ratepayers Association. However, I’m still on my local association’s committee.
We believe that there is greater value in unity and size, and that the larger group represented by the CAA will provide better ability to getting our district’s core needs met and contribute to the building of a shared vision for the Thames Coromandel District.
Local residents’ and ratepayers’ associations will continue to have their local dealings with their members in their districts, but when there are shared concerns, having a voice that has integrity and acts with respect when in discussion with Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and Community Boards, I believe is important.
The Coromandel Association aims to empower each of the TCDC Community Boards and their representation of the people of the Coromandel Peninsula by fostering a robust partnership between community boards and the council. It is dedicated to forging a constructive relationship with the council, emphasizing effective and constructive engagement.
Recent discussions among those affiliated with CAA, have reaffirmed the desire for amicable relationships with the council, prioritizing community core needs.
The CAA aspires to create a more connected and responsive governance model for the benefit of all residents’ and ratepayers’. Advocating on behalf of all of the
lenge the final third frame. Here Wayne had a comfortable win, took home the cash prize and achieved the highest break of 20. With two wins were Peter Schultz (runner up), Greg Murphy and Brian Codyre.
Saturday 2 November
Best of three frames: 9 players on Sat and it was Wayne Malcolm, Ian Baumgren and Peter Schultz with two straight wins to challenge the finals. Peter won the alley drawn bye and and Ian despatched Wayne to move onto meet Peter in the final. Ian took a close win here on the pink but also had the highest break of 31 which included all the colours to earn him a star on the 27 Club Board. Runner up Peter Schultz and with two wins Wayne Malcolm and Doug Pascoe.
MERCURY BAY CLUB PCKLEBALL CLUB
LEAGUE Q4
Round 7- 29 October
Court 1 - 1, Hakan Nedjat; 2, Justin Woolley; 3, Tony Minto
RRAs, we will endeavour to make the Coromandel Peninsula the best place to live for us all.
PART OF THE CAA’S MISSION STATEMENT:
Resolution 1: Agree to form a credible and enduring alliance of the Coromandel Peninsula residents’ and ratepayer’s groups.
Resolution 2: With the key objective to advocate to councils for strong ground up democracy through fiscal and operational empowered community boards.
Resolution 3: Achieving effective consultation and communication by councilwith the CAA.
As ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.
Richard Shelford-Woodcock, known as Chocky, will bring regular news form different local residents and ratepayers associations as well as the common concerns and positive actions across the Alliance as a whole. The Alliance does not include all the residents’ and ratepayers’ associations but certainly the majority.
Court 2- 1, Grahame Christian; 2, Jim Gavegan; 3, Graeme Eady Court 3 - 1, Trevor Hayde; 2, John East; 3, Josh Muwanguzi Court 4 - 1, Michael Holmes; 2, Brenda Reid; 3 ,Tony van der Drift Round 8 - 29 October
Court 1 - 1, Hakan Nedjat; 2, Justin Woolley; 3, Tony Minto
Court 2 - 1, Trevor Hayde; 2, Graeme Eady; 3, Richard Oram Court 3 - 1, Joshua Muwanguzi; 2, Dan Emmott; 3, Jasmine Lockhart Court 4 - 1, Rachel Johnstone; 2,Vicky Blok; 3, Yolanda Wills
MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Thursday 31 October
Winners: Ken Lack, Heather Walker, Ian Sanderson and Marie Grimshaw Runners Up: Keith Denney, Maureen Lack and Shirley Marshall Good Sports: Cheryl Henderson, Lee Pudney, Lionel Lawrence and Pat Fisher
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The Coromandel Informer is published weekly and distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of them are entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name, telephone number or residential address. Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher and can be cut if too big. Published by The Mercury Bay Informer Limited.
Editors: Pauline and Stan Stewart (027 271 6182)
Editorial: Jack Biddle, Michelle Dellabarca, Suzanne Hansen, Stephen Holmes, Dorothy Preece, Trevor Ammundsen, Lynette Gee.
Business Manager: Emma Gaunt
Newspaper Layout: Diane Andrew Social Media: EMD Agency
Circulation: 9000
Office: 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Telephone (07) 866 2090
Editorial: info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising: sales@theinformer.co.nz Admin: office@theinformer.co.nz After hours: 027 271 6182
Follow us on social media @theinformernz | ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2023 Mercury Bay Informer Limited
What’s that Number?
Mercury Bay ladies mystery golf trip
BY CHRIS VAN VEEN
Each year the Mercury Bay Golf Club 18-hole ladies get to go on a mystery golf trip – and a mystery it is!! Bus was all packed and on our way on an early Monday morning. We had to try and guess as to where we’re going.
Imagine 24 ladies on the bus all with different theories of where the mystery destination will be and what courses we would get to play on over the next three days…..
There is always a sheriff onboard keeping an eye out ready to fine us for any antics that may occur, and if you didn’t have your “compulsory band” on that was fined too (the fine being a gold coin that goes into the kitty for end of trip for donations). With this there was money left over, so it was decided by the ‘camp mothers’ to make the donation of $559 to Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust. This trust is an absolute asset for Whitianga and Mercury Bay. It has been accepted with their thanks.
7 866 5891
495 8923
Coroglen Tavern hosts pig hunt
BY DENISE ALLEN
A great day out at the Coroglen Tavern today for the 29th year of the Annual Joe Oliver Memorial Hunt.
Winners: The winners of both the Shield and the biggest tusks trophy were Blue Balle, Peter Fisher and Taylor Farac with a 51.8kg boar and a tusk measurement of 18 2/8.
Thank you to Sponsors: A huge thankyou to Stihl Shop Whitianga, Hunting and Fishing Whitianga, The Stunned Mullet, Okuma, Blackjack Surf and the Coroglen Tavern. Thanks to all involved.
Craig Hodge, Peter Fisher, Steve Crake, and in front, Blue Balle and Taylor Farac. Steve and Craig started the hunt after the death of their good mate.