Issue 1132 - 19th November 2024

CHRISTMAS THEMED ROAST NIGHT

Join us for our last roast night on 26th November from 5pm

Bookings recommended

MAMMOGRAM PROJECT REACHES TARGET

BY PAULINE STEWART

There was already confidence that the Flight of Fancy event - fashion show and auction which had sold out within days would

raise the amount of funds required to reach the target of $350,000. After all, the amount was already at about $340,000.

with Annah Stretton and Maree Smith, owner of Get It On. This event had successfully raised funds for the Mammogram machine.

Mike Brown, the Chairperson and driver of Project Mammogram, announced on the night, ‘We have made it!”

This brought lots of cheers and acclamation from a packed hangar – over 160 seated at tables.

It really was a gala evening – festive lighting, huge and beautiful floral arrangements, and everywhere stylish fashion. This was a big part of the incentive for the evening’s popularity.

Annah Stretton with the backing of Get It On fashion stores in both Tairua and Whitianga organised a very funky fashion parade.

Mike Brown caught on to the idea of doing a similar event at the Coro Club’s hangar space in Whitianga. This received Annah Stretton’s enthusiastic support, and she was present for the entire evening providing everyone one with a beautiful and inspiring book she has authored and sharing life and business through a very relaxed interview including her business partner and daughter, Sami Stretton.

The event was inspired by a similar one held recently in Tairua

Michele A’Court, renowned comedian, was in hilarious and fine form, hosting the evening and Harcourts Glen Walls from Coromandel brought the auction to a successful conclusion. Continued on page 16

The fashion parade included the latest Annah Stretton summer collection, including swim suits and beachwear. Photo Vaughan of Stephenson’s Pharmacy

Mike Brown, Chairman of Project Mamogram.

No compliance leads to demolition

BY PAULINE STEWART

Steve Hart and his wife, Martina live a simple life in Puriri. They have four young girls whom they homeschool. On the Coromandel Peninsula, homeschooling is practised widely. Their home is simple and sufficient for their needs. Both parents of the children are focussed on making their 13 acres of freehold land self-sustaining. That focus has resulted in a degree of success. The Hart family has grazing stock, a large organic vegetable garden, off the grid electricity, water tanks, waste-water treatment system (but not council approved), and bordered by the Puriri River.

Everything appears to be fully functional.

How is it that a letter from Rice Spier, lawyers representing TCDC, has communicated in writing to this family, a judgement sought by TCDC that on Monday, 18 November, a day after this paper is distributed around the Coromandel Peninsula, a “building team’ will arrive at their Puriri property and render their home and two other structures uninhabitable?

The letter instructs Steve Hart to leave by 12noon for this work to take place, for health and safety reasons. The cost of this undertaking is to be paid for by Steve and Martina. The letter does offer

assistance by providing them the phone number of the Ministry for Social Development if they need accomodation. That reads like a cruel touch. I have read the letter, and it is harsh. Seems hard to comprehend that this situation has developed. It

seems too extreme. The news of this and the family’s plight is on Whiti Chit Chat, on Facebook, in New Zealand Herald. Interviews have been conducted with Steve on Radio NZ and Reality Check Radio.

With Steve’s knowledge of

permaculture and Martina’s experience and years of study in ecology and organic farming, they have chosen a life self-sustaining from their land and while living in their simple structures, they plan ahead for a time when they can improve and expand their home.

Their home in essence is a converted shed. The shed is over 100 years old. It was refitted by Steve to be a home for their family. It is not finished as he would like and definitely not finished as the building code requires.

However, Steve is a qualified architect. He has the piece of paper to prove it. Martini has a doctorate in environmental ecology.

Their ideas are unconventional to say the least. Steve built a two-storey office which is set on wheels and another structure on their property has pride of place - the children’s tree house. It is rather grand and very spatial. The children love it.

But lifestyle, even if it is largely self-sufficient, still requires standards and regulations that apply to all property and to all structures that serve as dwellings.

When Steve first started making the alterations to the farm shed, he visited the offices of TCDC and spent a very positive initial exchange with the building consent person at the time. This was over seven years ago. But the second visit to progress his journey to get consents and plan approvals underway was met with a change of staff and a less amicable interchange. The two clashed, with Steve of a mind that he was communicating with someone who knew far less than

sits about halfway between bright Jupiter and faint Mars after midnight with a Tiangong pass in the west from 4:58am. Wednesday, November 20 –

There is a Tiangong pass from 4:02am in the SW when it pops out of the Earth’s shadow closely followed by a very low ISS pass from 4:06am in the NE starting near to Mars while the Moon lies just to the left of the red planet. Thursday, November 21 – The Moon now lies to the right of Mars after midnight. Friday, November 22 – Venus lies right beside the lowest star in the teapot’s handle in Sagittarius in the early evening while the Moon has moved to be below Mars. Saturday, November 23 – Last quarter Moon tonight and it lies well below Mars in the very early morning sky. Monday, November 25 – Brilliant Venus has just passed above the Teapot’s handle in Sagittarius after dusk. Wednesday, November 27 - Venus is now well past the Teapot’s handle in Sagittarius after dusk.

Left - The two-storey structure which serves as Steve’s office. It also has plumbing facilities and is on wheels. Right: The entrance to the children’s tree house.

he did about building and about his situation. Communication stalled. Steve stopped trying to go through the process and what followed over months and years was confrontational and argumentative communication. Steve didn’t cope with the directives and instructions and challenged them to an annoying level. He proceeded to keep on with his home using his own building code. Steve still maintains his builds are stronger than the code. But that is not a substitute for following the regulations set down for the general society.

Seven years of back and forward regulatory letters that were just laid aside by Steve with sometimes a confrontational and defiant stance, finally brought down the heavy hand of ‘the law’ in the form of a legal letter promising what was really an ‘eviction’. These structures have survived cyclones and floods. They pro-

vide a home. However, they are not compliant, and if they are rendered uninhabitable by the building team, the home the Hart family has is gone altogether.

Steve and Martina are in the wrong in that they have not followed the building code and this has lead to their they very much on the radar of the council.

But that should not make their family homeless and they must surely have the right to stay on their own freehold land. The reality is that many structures on the Coromandel have never seen the light of day of a building code or a consent. They are simply not on the radar and hope every day that it will stay that way.

This is a dilemma in which we all share.

Despite this letter with its Monday 18 November deadline, as late as last Friday, the CEO of TCDC, Aileen

Lawrie, was confident that a winwin situation could come about. It is what the council desires.

Steve is willing to alter his home structure to the building code but he is insistent that he does not enter into any contract with TCDC. This is a sticking point. The Council is considering adjustments that can be made quickly to the fitted-out shed . This would satisfy them but the tree house and the two-storey structure on wheels remain non-compliant and are to be rendered uninhabitable.

One rule for all - that is the way it is and for seven years, the council has attempted to apply this with the Hart family, but it hasn’t worked. It is time for a compromise, which could be regarded as a ‘win-win’ by both parties. Then, the four little girls can enjoy their tree house and live in their home even if it is a refitted shed.

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A

statement from ThamesCoromandel District Council

RE Possible demolition of private buildings – home, two-story office and treehouse on freehold land in Puriri

Council has been involved in an ongoing compliance issue at 18 Neavesville Road over the past seven years. This relates to an unconsented conversion of a barn structure to a dwelling which includes an unconsented wastewater disposal system and a fireplace, a separate two-storey structure with a fireplace and sanitary facilities, and another structure with risks relating to its height. The unconsented work has not been completed to the Building Code and poses safety risks, including Council being made aware that the fireplace in the dwelling caught fire.

We have issued multiple notices to fix in an attempt to direct and encourage the property owners to remedy the non-compliant building work themselves. The property owners did not comply with the direction notices and Council reluc-

tantly sought orders from the Court to carry out work to remove the safety issues on the property.

Following the Court decision, productive dialogue has started between the property owners and Council. Council staff attended a meeting at the property this morning that was cordial and positive and there is hope that agreement on the compliance issues can be reached. Council has reserved any final decisions until we hear back from the property owners early next week.

Council’s preference has always been, and remains, that the property owners rectify the issues themselves without further actions needed by us.

This is the fitted out shed that is the home of the Hart family.

280 years celebrated together

BY PAULINE STEWART

What if four friends who all celebrate the same birthday decide to share their 70th birthday together?

That’s what happened at Mercury Bay Club last Saturday night, 16 November.

Three of the four birthday celebrators came to Whitianga four years ago. They joined dance lessons at the Mercury Bay Club. The fourth person in this birthday quartet was already at the dance lessons and part of the Mercury Bay Club committee. Their birthdays fall within a day or two of each other. We congratulate Kelvin Callahan, Colleen Gifford, Hillary Scott, and Liz Sims. They gave a great night out to about 200 people.

The four had made many friends in common; so decided to share a community celebration. Each invited their special friends and family members, and in many cases, there were shared friendships. With relatives travelling from afar to join; it was a packed Club with over180 people. Some travelled long distances - family

members, children and grandchildren came

Mike Walker, Chaplain of Mercury Bay Club and a friend of all four, was asked to make a speech honouring these four friends who were also his friends. His message was humourous and caring. Mike spoke of their qualities as individuals and of the enriching contribution their lives make to

their community.

The dance band was a hitfour excellent Filino musicians. How these young men had become friends of the four seventy-year-olds is testament to the power of shared music and the MBC has been a drawcard for these connections.

This bodes well for the Club to have such an emerging talented

younger age group already planning New Years Eve for the full age span.

The four hope that others who share calendar birthdays might do something similar.

Seeing the energy and vigour for life and friendship of these four, there will be a combined 80th and 90th but who knows?

Do it soon, rather than later.

Four birthdays – Kelvin, Hillary, Liz & Colleen ready to cut the cake; the band – The Filipino; Mike Walker making a speech to the four friends

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Tairua celebrates four nights of cabaret

Tairua celebrated the 1930’s last week with a cabaret that highlighted the glamour and challenges of that era in New Zealand.

Tairua Heritage Players entertained with “Back to the 30’s” – A Night at the Cabaret” for three nights at Tairua Bowling Club. A special feature was the inclusion of historical footage from the Depression and Napier earthquake as well as high society at the races. Old photographs of Tairua also added interest.

There were lovely harmonies, plenty of humour, hilarious characters and gorgeous costumes throughout the colourful show. An impressive Can Can performance was a fitting end to the cabaret.

Director/producer, Auriol Farquhar, said it was an enjoyable experience working with

a talented bunch of people who brought to the stage the flavour of the era of the 30s. “What was very special was

weaving in aspects of New Zealand and Tairua history during that period; this is what the Heritage Players are about.”

Wrapping up a box for Christmas

Kupe Drive, Whitianga has letterbox Christmas fever.

Every resident with a letterbox in Kupe Drive has been invited to participate in the annual Christmas letterbox competition.

Judging is taking place on Friday, 20 December during the day and the night, as some letterbox holders are using lights as part of their creations.

Everyone will need to have their letterbox decorated by the end of Thursday, 19 December.

SPONSORS:

This year’s judge is from Sandy Paws Dog Grooming

Studio.

This year’s top 3 entries will each receive a lovely Christmas hamper courtesy of Bayleys Real Estate. The 3 next best entries will each receive Runner-Up vouchers courtesy of Mat’s Café.

All other entries will be acknowledged with a handmade Christmas gift courtesy of one of our residents

Ken Andrew, organiser of this project, says, “I’m sure you’ll agree that every decorated letterbox is worth the effort because of the seasonal happiness they bring to our community.”

funds for a

THIS SATURDAY, 23 NOVEMBER

The 50th Birthday (Jubilee) of Freemasons Lodge in Whitianga. It is an open day at the Lodge rooms, 68 Cook Drive, Whitianga from 3.00pm-4.30pm and the community is invited to drop in. See advert page 22.

THIS SUNDAY, 24 NOVEMBER

Crank-up Day in Ngatea - a carnival organised by the Hauraki Vintage Machinery Club, Sunday 24 November 2024 – 10am-4pm, Club Grounds, Kaihere Domain, 1559 Kaihere Rd (just off Highway 27).

CHRISTMAS PARADE SEASON HAS BEGUN

Whitianga is Saturday, 30 November

Coromandel is Sunday, 1 December Santas Christmas Market, Tairua 7 December

EVERY SUNDAY

Coroglen Farmers Market Gumtown

Community Hall – produce galoreThis Sunday and every Sunday until Easter 9.00am – 1.00pm.

Proceeds from Tairua Heritage Players’ performances help

heritage centre in Tairua.

Can Can dancers were a loved feature; Frankenstein was also part of the caberet.

Ryszard Borowicz by his 2023 winning letterbox, decorated with his wife Vicky.

Inaugural Ridge Runner Race – “Epic!”

BY MICHELLE DELLABARCA

At the ripe old age of 65, I had a sudden rush of blood to the head when I read an article in The Informer about a new event coming to Coromandel. Offering soaring ridges, coastal views and exclusive access, the inaugural Coromandel Ridge Runner Race looked like an exciting local challenge.

Three months seemed like a reasonable time to get my flabby old legs back in shape and enter the 24km back country run along the gnarly spine of the Northern Coromandel. My ‘Ironman’ husband offered to be my training partner and personal coach and to walk the whole course with me to make sure I finished. I was a little doubtful about this at first as all I wanted to do was complete the event – not race it!

Three months later after nearly doubling my dog walks and completing several long training tramps, I was up early and on my way to Colville to White Star Station. After a very wet night, the day dawned cool and cloudy, with a brisk breeze – actually pretty good walking/running conditions. We arrived at White Star with very little idea of what to expect. Over 150 people of all ages were milling around the start line, collecting their race packs and supplies of electrolytes, jet planes and jelly beans. I was slightly nervous, looking at

Our intrepid reporter Michelle at 15km doing the Ridge Runner; Winner of the Ridge Runner – Dane Schnell, and 3rd place holder Matthew Gould with their medals – looking like they have just had a stroll in the park!

the fit, young, elite looking runners lining up at the start line.

The shotgun went off BANG and we were off! I didn’t see those fit young athletes again until I staggered over the finish line some five and a half hours later. They leapt like gazelles over the dirt tracks, up some of the steepest hills I have ever tramped up, and down slippery slopes that I needed two poles to navigate safely! The course was well marked with big red arrows, and it was easy to navigate. As one of the slowest entrants, I was able

to pause occasionally to check out the amazing views. Honestly, the views themselves were worth every hour of painful knees as I clambered up and down the hills.

At the 19km mark we were offered home baked cookies to supplement the jet planes and lollies that I was furiously munching, trying to keep my tired legs moving forward.

Finally, after a steep descent over a grassy sheep track, we hit flat land, and like a horse heading for itsstable I sped up my pace and strode out to the finish

line, a further 4km away. To stop would have been fatal – I would never have got moving again. I finally crossed the finish line in 3rd to last place, over three hours behind the intrepid leaders of a very spread-out field.

Congratulations to Dane Schnell who crossed the line in just 2 hours 12 minutes, and first woman, Helen Baggley (2 hours 32 minutes). Congratulations too to the 150 brave guinea pigs who entered this first Ridge Runner race – the brainchild of Nick Reader, founder of Elemen-

tal Events. What a wonderful job Nick and his team did for this event. An epic and challenging course, a well-run event, the offer of camping before and after the race at White Star Station, home baked cookies en-route and home-made hamburgers afterwards, live music while everyone waited for the late stragglers to finish (Sorry folks!), and a big bonfire to complete the day. I loved the whole day – sore knees and all, and might just attempt it again next year, once I’ve recovered!

BY STAN STEWART

he Mercury Bay Community

TChoir did their thing on Sunday afternoon, November 10 in the Whitianga Town Hall. It was their 20th Birthday; the hall was packed and the Community Choir and The Ensemble gave everyone a terrific concert. Kate Neilsen, Choir Director, did a magnificent job. At the outset, she gave a brief summary of the choir’s history and acknowledged the presence of Jan and John Wright who had done so much to support the choir in the past. Jan had been one of two who initiated the choir twenty years ago.

I’m not sure if all their guiles to involve the audience were completely kosher? At one point one of the bright- faced singers sent me a kiss. It came bouncing over eight rows of grey heads and landed square on my cheek. I’ve

heard of members of the audience throwing clothes at rock stars, but the talent sending kisses to the audience? I wondered, “Is this legal”?

The whole show was wonder-

20th birthday concert very popular

ful. It was generous and good hearted, thrilling us with old favorites and moving us with pieces not so familiar. The presentation was fun and life affirming. Four generous raffles were drawn

to conclude the programme, followed by a gourmet afternoon tea.

What an achievement, that individuals in our small community can nurture such an excellent choir. They represented the life and generosity and welcoming spirit in the community. Scenery on the Coromandel is thrilling but so are our people when we work together.

Cathrine Lee is thanked; Members of the Ensemble – Gian MacGregor, Manami Ito, Sue Greig, Kate Neilsen; Kate Neilsen – Choir Director; Judi Foster, Edie Windsor, Lon Peters; below, the choir relaxes at the end of their wonderful concert.

RURAL LIFE COUNTS

You have to laugh or you would cry

BY MALCOLM CAMPBELL

A major daily paper reported on 03/09/2024 that a builder had been censured for allowing people to live in a shed. The shed had toilet facilities and other normal facilities. The owner of the shed was a qualified carpenter, but the authorities involved took such a dim view of his actions that they thought his building licence should be cancelled. There was no mention of the likes or dislikes of the tenants in the shed. When my late wife and I married for a time we lived in a caravan which was not road-worthy and it was in a shed. My brother and his wife lived for a time in the woolshed while their home was being built. Now here is another little comic opera. A school teacher decided to build his home and the building inspector came for a pre-build inspection. In

the course of the conversation the inspector asked “Where are you going to live while you are building the home?” The teacher replied “I will build a shed and live in that while I am building the house.” The inspector said “You cannot live in a shed.” The teacher then asked “Can I live in a tent?” “Yes you can live in a tent.” The inspector agreed. The teacher then said “I shall build the shed erect the tent in the shed and live in that.” I know of people right at this moment living in a shed, but they are living comfortably so whose business is it other than their own. Were there not relatively recent reports of families living in garages, cars and even shop doorways? A well equipped shed would beat a shop doorway any day. So how and why has this level of regimentation arisen and some of it is in direct contradiction of previous policies.

It takes only 50 cents

BY JACK BIDDLE

Transport incentives in Queensland Australia - 50 cents is all it takes to hitch a ride on Queensland’s public transport system currently

On 5 August this year, the Queensland Government rolled out its exciting and ambitious initiative to make public transport more affordable and accessible for Queenslanders. During this six-month trial period, all public transport fares across Queensland on the Translink network will be a flat 50 cents per journey, no matter how far you travel (conditions apply).

Airtrain fares have also been reduced by half when travelling from all Brisbane City stations to the Brisbane Domestic and Brisbane International stations during this time.

to all Queensland Rail City Train services and includes buses (excluding dedicated school buses), Brisbane City ferries, trams and Southern Moreton Bay Island Ferry.

day trip into Brisbane itself to check out the tourist hotspots has suddenly become a lot more affordable and a lot less stressful especially so for visitors. A saving in fuel, car parking alone can buy a decent meal out.

This initiative is part of a $150 million investment aimed at easing the cost of living pressures facing many Australians currently and promoting public transport usage. Plus, there are the obvious environmental and health benefits of targeting fewer vehicles on the road and therefore less tail pipe emissions especially in built up areas.

The 50 cent flat fare applies

The good news for visitors such as Kiwis on holiday soaking up the Queensland sun is the cheap travel applies to them as well.

So if you’re planning on holidaying in either the popular Gold or Sunshine Coast for example, then it’s only a 50 cent trip by train per person to connect the two popular holiday destinations. A

For many tourists it may even mean money saved on rental car hireage plus fuel costs which could add up to significant savings.

The Queensland Government has stated that the six month trial period is to judge whether there has been a change in public thinking when it comes to using their vehicles less and subsidised public transport more. They have made the message, ‘use it or lose it’ very clear.

From an outsider looking in perspective, it sounds like a great way to give people a monetary hand up as opposed to a handout, as well as trying to reduce peak hour traffic flow on many main arterials around Queensland.

For those of us who cross the ditch on a regular basis, you have until 5 February 202 to see wat its like to spend 50cents and get a major transport experience. I hope the scheme succeeds and continues once the trail period is over.

ENQUIRIES FOR STAGE 2 ARE WELCOME!

Thames’

participation in all activities and amenities at your

‘Run For Your Life’electric and harrowing

BY STAN STEWART

Understated – no film clips or videos, simply a beautifully set stage and three persons, Nick Stride, Anna and Michael and Stride talking with Molly Burke and also their audience through questions. The audience was transfixed.

Paper Plus organised and advertised this event at the Monkey House, with the customary professionalism of Kaspur Franke and Molly Burke, staged it. Nibbles were laid out in the entrance and the venue was filled to capacity.

The Stride family’s experiences are almost unbelievable.

How a Brit, Nick Stride, became a trusted supervisor of a vanity building project for Igor Shuvalov, who at the time was Deputy to Vladimir Putin, is an amazing story.

In time, Nick’s employment led him to be a fluent Russian speaker and gave him a bird’s eye view of how power and wealth in Russia was fostered.

He married a Russian

woman with whom he had two children, Michael and Anna. In the context of Russian society, they were able to access the good life of the Russian elite. However, this privilege also had its downside, and the family secretly planned to start a new life in Australia.

It was a desperate and difficult decision to leave Russia and be able to safely leave.

As it turned out, Australia the land of promise, was not

a land of promise for them.

Millions of people were wanting to live in Australia and successive governments had established all kinds of legal barriers to prevent this from happening.

As it happened these barriers kept Nick and his family from obtaining permanent residence in Australia. To avoid having the family split up and sent back to Great Britain, and Russia, Nick led his family into the bush, the isolated Kimberly coast in

West Australia. Their trials and tribulations were more than most bush-bash Aussie enthusiasts like me, could imagine.

Their story is told in the Simon and Schuster 2024 book, ‘Run For Your Life’. This book is on sale at Whitianga Paper Plus.

Unable to put it down, I read the book in a day. Forget the endless supply of intrigue novels, murder and spy dossiers, this is the real thing.

It’s hard to believe that we are fast approaching Christmas celebrations, preparing for visits from family and friends and enjoying what should be a warm, sunny Summer, if the forecasts are accurate! And that means it’s also time for our annual Christmas luncheon being held on 5th December at the Mercury Bay Club from 11.30am-2pm (doors open at 11 for seating and the entertainment begins).

If you have questions or would like to bring someone else please contact our President Merle Edwards on 867 1737. Reservations need to be made before 29th November.

ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE;

Police response to an attempted Hamilton home invasion which left a wheelchair-bound woman shaken and frightened has been labelled by Grey Power as “falling woefully short”. This incident is alarming.

Our Grey Power Federation president Gayle Chambers is encouraging all seniors to be cautious of admitting anyone into their home unless they have proven who they are, and ensuring your home is secured at a reasonable time in the evening. She also recommends having a neighbour or friend close by, that can be contacted if you are frightened, as well as contacting the police who may not be able to attend straight away.

Unfortunately, there are many scammers who take advantage of our elderly and Christmas is no exception. If you have concerns about elderly neighbours you can anonymously report to crime stoppers – 088 555 111

Merle Edwards, Pr ident

Ph: 07 867 1737

e: greypower.mercurybay@gmail.com fb: Grey Power Mercury Bay/Whitianga Inc

Molly Burke of The Monkey House interviews Nick, Anna and Michael Stride.

SPORTS

Continued from page 21

THE

DUNES GOLF

Tony Cotton Shootout

Quali�ier Net

Wednesday 13

November

1, Peter Mathias; 2, Robin Fleming; 3, Geoff Atmore; 4, Norman Gilbert

Twos – Doug Smith, Barry Bowen, Norman Gilbert, Geoff Atmore, Geoffrey Hill

Nearest the pin – Mark Hope from Waihi Golf Club

9 Hole Men Stableford back 9 Thursday,14 November 1, Lance Croawell; 2, Robert Fiskin; 3, Rey Bertlin

Twos – Peter Murphy, Robert Fiskin 18 Hole Women

Three Blind Mice Stableford Thursday, 14 November

1, Cathy Drake-Wells; 2, Brenda Riggs

Saturday Haggle 16

November

1, Russell Barnett; 2, Geoff Atmore; 3, Tim Bodle; 4, Karen Bodle; 5, Tony Nicholson; 6, Gavin Allden

Twos – Norman Gilbert, Rus-

sell Barnett

Nearest the pin – Russell Barnett

MERCURY BAY PICKLEBALL

CLUB-LEAGUE Q4

Round 11- 12/11/2024

Court 1 - 1,Hakan Nedjat 2, Dan Emmott 3, Jim Gavegan

Court 2 - 1,Ian Hogg 2, Trevor Hayde 3, Andrea Williams

Court 3 - 1, Emma Graves 2, Tony van der Drift 3, Rachel Johnstone

Court 4 - 1, Brenda Reid 2, Trish Graves 3, Karen Schaumkell

Round 12- 12/11/2024

Court 1- 1,Hakan Nedjat 2, Tony Minto 3, Dan Emmott

Court 2- 1, Justin Woolley 2, Emma Graves 3, Trevor Hayde

Court 3- 1, Geoff Garrett 2, Tony van der Drift 3, Rachel Johnstone

Court 4- 1, Yolanda Wills 2, Vicky Blok 3, Trish Graves

See page 27 for pickleball awards.

MAF gives wings to remote communities

BY DOROTHY PREECE

Representatives of Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) paid a flying visit to Whitianga last weekend, where they promoted their work at an open day at the Whitianga Aero Club.

MAF is a Christian charity which provides air-based help and support to churches and charities working in remote areas throughout the world.

On Saturday 9th MAF NZ CEO Mark Fox, Community Liaison Officer Andrew Pound and pilot Kylan Diprose flew in from their Tauranga base, where church leaders in Whitianga were invited to take scenic flights over the Bay in the Cessna 206, a six-seater plane that has been retired from MAF work in Cambodia.

On Sunday 10th they spoke at churches in Whitianga to inform and promote the work.

In the afternoon they held a Community Open Day at the Aero

Club, where people could inspect the plane and watch videos about the work MAF undertakes in the most remote parts of the Pacific and beyond.

MAF operates throughout the world to support any charitable organisations at work on the ground. They go to places where air support is needed to fly in

personnel and supplies, evacuate people to the nearest emergency medical help, bring in building supplies or whatever is needed.

CEO Mark Fox said, “MAF operates an international fleet of 120 aircraft, currently in 28 developing countries. MAF gives wings to any charity needing our support.” www.maf.org.nz

Innovative Organic Waste Treatment for the Coromandel

BY LOUISE DEANE

The Seagull Centre is pleased to announce that it has secured funding through the Ministry for the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund for a pilot project to investigate the commercial viability of using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to process organic waste.

In partnership with Environmental and Scientific Research (ESR) and Canterbury University, and with further funding from the Waikato Regional Council, the Seagull Centre will conduct trials using a climate controlled enclosed system to breed and use the BSFL to process organic wastes such as food

wastes and biosolids from sewage treatment. The Seagull Centre will use the BSFL as insect protein for animal and fish feed and other uses. The trials will be conducted using technology developed in Finland that is being used in over 20 countries worldwide, with the aim to optimize the system for New Zealand conditions.

Working closely with the Thames Coromandel District Council, the trials will be conducted initially in Thames and will expand to other sites in the Coromandel through the course of the 3-year project.

Seagull Centre Chair, Ian Coatsworth commented “The Seagull Centre is pleased to

be in the position to support and advance this project. This has been the culmination of 18 months of effort by our team, led by Lou, and our partners. We are excited to be able to contribute to a technology that reduces organic waste going to landfill that also produces a beneficial byproduct.”

Project Lead, Louise Deane added, “with the cost of landfill disposal set to increase significantly in the near future, this technology provides a sustainable, cost-effective organic

waste processing solution, particularly for provincial, rural and smaller communities. The added benefit of this technology is that it produces a high-quality protein that can be used for animal feed and other beneficial uses…. will allow us to bring the processing to the waste rather than shipping the waste, which is much heavier than the resulting high-quality products”.

The pilot project will trial a number of post-consumer food and organic wastes to assess the commercial viability in New Zealand. Trials will take place in Thames as well as other locations in the Coromandel over the next 3 years.

The aim is to develop a decen-

tralized model that works for isolated, rural and provincial locations. This will provide a cost-effective solution, create local jobs and make these communities more resilient to disruptive events such road closures and weather-related events.

The Seagull Centre is a community resource recovery centre based in Thames. Now into its 19th year, the Seagull Centre has become a significant driver of the circular economy in the Coromandel and surrounding areas. As a charitable trust the Seagull Centre is committed to reducing waste products going to landfill.

Enquiries : Louise Deane –louise@seagullcentre.co.nz

Ready for take-off: MAF NZ CEO Mark Fox, Public Relations Manager Andrew Pound, and Pilot Kylan Diprose, with church leaders Kevin Pringle (St Andrew’s) and Denis Acraman (Crossroad).

BUYING IN WHITIANGA!! ANTIQUES

Good brew with beer, wine, liqueurs & spirits

BY PAULINE STEWART

This year, 2024 marks 45 years of making beer, wine, liqueurs and spirits. We are not talking about a brewery or distillery, but the Mercury Bay Home Brewers Club.

What fun the members had this last Saturday at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club premises. They meet twice a year for their brew tasting competitions and enjoy a bar-b que in the summer.

This year, these very passionate hobbyist home brewers brought in 25 entries for the beer competition, 8 for the wine and liqueurs, and 4 entries for the spirits.

This is not a competition that takes place quickly. There are three judges, a pourer and everyone brings their brew in a bottle. Every entry is logged carefully and then the pourer and the judges prepare for the tasting.

It takes about four and half hours for the three judges to come to their decisions.

For wine and liquers, it’s all about the taste and the body.

For spirits, the judges are looking for that clean, pure taste; and with the beers, it is about the flavour, the body and the texture.

“We have had a number of new

entries this year, says Andy Santos, chairman.

“The quality of the beer has really improved in the last 5 or 6 years. The brewers are really crafting their beer and those entering the spirits section are becoming very sophisticated with their processes,” says Andy.

In recent years, Neil Reynolds is the local who holds it all together.

Neil admits it isn’t a natural role for him, but after his wife, who ably did all the administration, passed away, he felt with time, he should step up. Neil is gentle and

Message – Hon Scott Simpson

BY SCOTT SIMPSON

Summer is just around the corner, which means plenty of people, both locals and visitors, will be eagerly anticipating taking a break and experiencing what our region has to offer.

The winding down of the year also draws us closer to the deadline set by Conservation Minister Tama Potaka to reopen the walking track at Cathedral Cove. It’s taken longer than many would have hoped, but I’m pleased to hear that this project is on track. All going well, the walking track should be reopened to the public in early December.

Reinstating walking access to

Cathedral Cove will be a massive boost to the wider Mercury Bay and the Coromandel Peninsula.

It’s an internationally recognised destination and often draws tourists to our region. When they’re here, they visit our communities and spend time and money at local retailers and hospitality providers.

It’s been almost two years since the walking track was closed due to damage and I can’t wait for it to finally reopen.

Down in Wellington, Parliament is sitting right up to Christmas and there’s plenty of legislation moving through the House which

Contact me anytime 0800 550 330 • scottsimpson.co.nz mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz scottsimpsonmp

jovial and his preparation and care for the tasting gatherings and the competitions are valued by everyone.

“We owe a lot to our sponsors,” says Neil. A BIG thank you to Whitianga Ice, Old Mate Distillery, Hamr Home, PC Electrical, Smitty’s Bar and Grill, Basker, Glasshouse Emporium, Mainly Casual, Whitianga Hair Co., Amped Speaker Hire, Hair Quarters, Drainage Systems Ltd.

“You forget about yourself, when you realise you are making others happy,” says Neil. “That’s the way I see it.”

WINNERS

Spirits: Grant Adams; Wine and Liquers: Craig Beetson.

Beers: First - Stuart Tucker, Second – Grant Adams, ThirdSam Astwood.

Judges: Boyd Kaska, John McLellan, and Steve Epsworth. Pourer: Neil Rose

will have an impact on our region.

The Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill will see the creation of 12 new high protection area (HPAs), 5 new seafloor protection areas and 2 extensions to existing marine reserves.

HPAs are intended to protect, restore, and enhance indigenous biodiversity within the protected area. They will provide comprehensive protection to biodiversity on the seafloor as well as in the water column above it. A wide range of activities will be regulated within HPAs, including commercial and recreational fishing.

There will be a range of views on this Bill; some will be upset that their favourite fishing spot is being protected, others will be disappointed that the protec-

tions aren’t greater. In my view, it strikes the right balance between protecting the Gulf and leaving plenty of space for boaties and recreational fishermen to enjoy a day out fishing.

MP For Coromandel

Construction of critical stair access is underway. Image: DOC

Boyd Kaska – judge, Grant Adams, Craig Beetson, Stuart Tucker, Neil Rose – pourer, Steve Epsworth –judge, John McQuillum - judge. Front Row: Sam Astwood, Neil Reynolds, Andy Santos.

A tale of the arrival of “Your Summer” 2024/2025 magazine

BY PAULINE STEWART

‘Your Summer’ magazines arrived in the big Superfreight truck – 15,500 copies. We were very excited – eight palettes each weighing about two tons.

The truck reversed, edging its way carefully between the perimeter posts of the driveway. Casually, the driver pleasantly said, “Let’s get the forklift and we’ll unload”. “We are a newspaper, no forklift here” was the response. “Aren’t you a factory?” he responded. “No, we are not!”

“Oh No!” After several phone calls and some visits to businesses – no forklift available in Whitianga. Two were not working, one with no brakes and one too far away to be driven to The Informer office. What to do?

There was no way we could unload the magazines from the palettes remaining on the truck. It would take all day and into the night and no team of humans can lift those palettes off a truck a metre and half off the ground. Superfreight had a schedule, and the truck needed to be on its way.

We felt very frustrated and quite desperate. A ray of hope and pos-

sibility shone when we sighted the A1 Whitianga Towing truck parked in a long bay on the Esplanade. A phone call to the owner, Grant Hamilton followed. “I’ll come and have a look,” was the reply.

Grant’s solution: “We can’t use a normal forklift because the palettes have been loaded the wrong way. The slots for the forklift are at the side, not at the end so tilting the truck won’t work. The forklift can’t get to the slots. Get the truck to follow me to the A1 Whitianga Towing yard and we will unload the palettes there and put them on one of our trailers.”

That’s exactly what happened.

The Superfreight truck went on its way and Grant brought to The Informer office his long trailer loaded with four of the palettes. With his help and two good friends of The Informer, Paul and Sol, we opened the palettes where they were on the trailer and started carrying bundles of twenty into the building – 7,000 magazines to unload. Grant had a callout. He would be back with the rest of the palettes when he finished. By the time he returned we had exhaustedly finished all 7,000. It was 4.30pm and the A1 towing truck returned with the remaining four full palettes.

Our small team of unloaders were very tired and needed help. “Why not ask over at the basketball court?” said Grant. I went across to a group playing hoops and before I finished my sentence to ask for help, the five boys said, “Yes.” In less than an hour we had the other 8,000 magazines unloaded. Stan bought the boys some Subway. Grant hooked up his trailer to the A1 towing truck and was on his way. 15,500 magazines were safe and dry.

A1 Towing saved the day. Grant Hamilton not only used his forklift and truck and trailer but personally carried in a thousand or so magazines. Paul and Sol worked till the

last magazines were inside. Those five boys – strong, energetic, and willing, made short work of the second load of four full palettes. The Informer is very thankful for the generosity of effort from the community; the goodwill and ingenuity demonstrated. Each bundle of magazines weighs 8kg so the lightest weight carried from the truck to the inside of the building was 16kg. Please get a copy (copies) of the magazine. They are available at grocery outlets and stands on the footpaths in town centres around the Coromandel and from The Informer office, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga. info@theinformer.co.nz

Grant Hamilton, owner of A1 Towing with good friends of The Informer helping unload; above, these young men said yes immediately to helping.

A night of fashion

Continued from page 1

Another highlight was the brief and very informative message from Dr Sugania Reddy, Director of Mercy Radiology detailing the advantages of the particular 3D Mammogram machine which will come to Mercury Bay as a result of the fund raising. Everyone was aware that many in the room had experienced breast cancer, some undergoing current treatment and others remembered poignantly, those who had died from breast cancer. Every woman went away encouraged by the community involvement and commitment to improving outcomes in breast cancer. That voucher offering an

excellent discount at Get It On in Whitianga was a great reminder of an excellent night. The Mercury Bay community and the Coromandel region have a great deal to thank Mike Brown and his

committee for, and behind that team are two excellent Lions Clubs - Whitianga and Mercury Bay Lions. The creative and caring force of that large team of women in their pink shirts is an inspiring asset.

THROUGH THE PORTAL Opinion

What can unify us, strengthens us

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

There were a couple of passing’s recently that caused me to pause and think a bit. The first was of a 99-yearold man, Sir Robert Gillies. This gentleman was 99 years old and was the last survivor of B Company of the 28th Maori Battalion; that fought for our country and our allies in the Second World War. He was knighted by two countries, becoming Sir Robert in 2022, but despite the accolades he received he encouraged the young not to go to war saying “Kārekau he take o te pakanga. Pakanga, pakanga, pakanga. Kei te haere tonu. Kārekau he rongo. Moumou tāngata” (There’s no point to fighting. Fighting, battles, war. It still carries on. There’s no peace. It’s a waste of human life).”

The second passing occurred a year ago at Temuka. This was of a gentleman named Herb Keen who was 106 when he passed away. He served with the 26th Battalion in Fiji, Egypt and Italy during World War II, receiving a small land allotment upon his return which he used to develop a thriving market garden business.

The reason the NZ Herald brought him to our attention is that it was recently confirmed that Mr Keen left $200,000 to various charities including $50,000 to Ronald McDonald House. A generous legacy for the community.

When reading stories such as theirs, I inevitably cast a thought to my grandfather who fought in World War One, serving with the 1st Otago Battalion. He fought in the trenches at Armentières, having a rest period after he was shot in the knee, before recovering and being sent back to the front.

Eventually he was captured when on a scouting mission and saw out the war at the Parchim POW Camp.

Two common threads through the lives of these three men are humility and community. Two of them received Government assistance onto small farms upon their return, but this was a ballot system so not all received these. There was no help for the mental issues that arose following both wars. In essence, these soldiers were not looked after very

well. All felt however, that what they did at war was not something special. All of them felt attention was undeserved. All of them cared about the people around them.

Great people, not really created by the adversity they went through, but definitely shaped by it. So why can we not develop more of such inclusive attributes in our people? I suggest we need unity of respect and ambition for our communities. For such development to actually happen, we need to work together.

Unity comes more naturally in times of adversity. The ultimate such time is one of warfare, a common enemy who wants to invade and kill tends to encourage us to cover each other’s back. At a lesser level, a major international sporting event such as a Bledisloe Cup challenge can unify us, but it is for a shorter period, so its effect is less dramatic. The challenge our country faces is living together in unity, with common community spirit without needing to invade another country.

This challenge could be immense due to the myriad of different ethnicities in this country, 75 in just one Auckland school I read recently. So probably more than that in total. Unifying these ethnicities when natural behaviour can often be to accentuate them, is at the core of the challenge. Fortunately, we have a founding document to help all of us to meet this challenge; this document being the Treaty of Waitangi. This is a treaty between Māori tribes and the English Head of State, representing first and second immigration waves, and has been ignored, abused, honoured and whatever else over the years; but it still stands as our founding document even though it is not our constitution.

An issue with the Treaty

of Waitangi is that it has two versions in two different languages. The English language version is clearly defined, meaning now exactly what it did in 1840 when signed. The Māori version however has evolved. As the Māori language evolves, with the meaning of words changing and developing, so too does the meaning attributed to the Treaty change. This leads to dissention and is at the core of the diversity growing in our country.

To try and overcome this, previous Governments have necessitated that the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi be accommodated in any new legislation being prepared. Unfortunately, when making these laws our Government forgot to define the principles which were to be accommodated, so for the past few years they have been defined by the Waitangi Tribunal and some court rulings. This is not very satisfactory as it is definition not by agreement but by one party. Recently the Act Party have introduced a bill to define these principles which has antagonised Māori, I suspect mainly because they preferred being the party that defined any principles. This bill is a step in the right direction but still not perfect as it is a “majority rules” bill, whereas the Treaty is an agreement between parties.

The solution seems quite simple to me. Māori select their team, the Crown selects theirs and the principles are thrashed out and agreed, with these agreed principles being defined in the Act Bill.

Or as my dear Mum used to say to my brother and myself; “You two sit down and learn to play together, else I’ll bang your heads together”. Seemed to work for us, my brother remains my best mate after all of these years.

Herb Keen 26th Battalion WWII died aged 106, Sir Robert Gillies 28th Māori Battalion WWII died aged 99.

Four the of pink shirt team of Mercury Bay Lions Club; Dr Sugania Reddy, Director of Mercy Radiology; below, Annah and Sami Stretton.

Corrections and clarification to TCDC rates and personnel costs

PROVIDED BY MICHEL DOBIE

On 5 November The Informer published a Fleming H Rasmussen article “Unsustainable rate rises imposed to fund ever-increasing council headcount”. The article contains nine errors or misleading information about Thames-Coromandel District Council’s 2023/2024 Annual Report.

It also infers criticism of the Council, which was not approached for a response. Had the Council been approached, these errors and misleading information could have been prevented.

The errors and correct information have been provided to The Informer, in detail. As the list is long and technical the Council leaves it at the discretion of The Informer’s editor whether to publish the list.

The article was based on concern at rates and Full Time Equivalent employee figures as part of the Annual Report, yet the figures Mr Rasmussen cites are incorrect. In addition to these errors, the article ignores the significant challenges the district has faced recently both from the severe weather of early 2023 and the global and national economic factors contributing to significant cost increases to deliver our core services.

Despite the workload and challenges, Council achieved a great deal and the Coromandel community should be proud of the organisation’s performance over a very difficult and challenging 12 months.

INTRODUCTION

1. The claimed overall rates

increase of 16.8% is incorrect.

This is either 11.4% for the 2023/24 financial year (FY) or 13.3% for 2024/25 FY.

2. The claim of inflation being below 3% is misleading. Inflation for the comparable period (June 2024) was 3.3%. However, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has little relevance to Council’s costs.

In fact, Council rates are a substantial contributor to the recent CPI increases. Council used the more appropriate Local Government Cost Index + 2% for the 2023/2024 FY (6.5%) as per our 2021-2031 Financial Strategy.

3. We question how the writer concluded a compounding rate increase of 30-34% over “most areas”. Wards have differing rates increases but for the two-year period ending 30 June 2024 the cumulative increase was 17.97% on average, and for the two-years ending 30 June 2025 the average cumulative increase was 26.10%.

4. The claimed increased rates for Mercury Bay to an average of $4610 is incorrect. The residential property rates range from $3880 to $4560, providing an average of $4220. Rates for other residents in the wider district sit mostly within the average range for residential properties.

COUNCIL’S RATES GRAB,

5. This aspect lacks critical context. In the 2022/2023 FY the rates increase was 5.9% which was 1.8% lower than planned for in the LTP. Council recognised the cost of living crisis and reduced projects and operating costs where possible. Some operating costs were funded from reserves to offset rising inflation and help keep rates down. Materials shortages and supply-chain issues were identified and our Annual Plan (AP) indicated this wasn’t sustainable and that the significant changes would need to be

responded to.

Four severe weather events in the first six weeks of 2023 and a state of emergency followed. Our 2023/24 AP became a rebuild and recover plan, advocating for government support while also grappling with cost drivers such as high inflation, global economic factors of supply chain demands, escalating contract costs, constrained labour market, increasing interest rates, the hangover from the Covid recovery and the fast-changing legislative environment - all culminating in increased costs to deliver our core services. Our rates increase should have been a percentage in the early 20s but hard decisions were made to keep it to 11.6%. Our 2024-2034 Financial Strategy highlighted that the previous approach was unsustainable and investment in our future was needed.

TCDC’s response to Rasmussen’s further paragraphs - Coun-

cil’s 2023/24 Annual Report, Personnel costs will be placed on our website. We have no more space.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Our paper goes to print between 12noon and 3.00pm every Monday. Opinion pieces arrive from Friday to Sunday. TCDC office is not open or available on weekends. We are a small staff. The Communications team requires a phone call between Mon to Friday or an email to be sent to the Communications team. The Informer waits for an email response in return which comes from the Communications team, not the person who directly has oversight of the issue.

Thus we offer a level playing field whereby the rate payers and or councils and organisations send in material and any response to their content then has a week to be sent to The Informer. This council response was received Friday 15 November, 10 days after the Rasmussen opinion piece was published 5 November. There was nothing received before this from TCDC.

Every article is scrutinised for hate speech or derogatory use of personal names. These are opinion pieces. We recognise there are various ways to interpret figures and interpret the order of priorities. As the initiator of this exchange, we will provide Mr Rasmussen right of reply but then the conversation ends.

„ Michel Dobie is the Communications team leader for TCDC . As there was no other name provided as the author of this article, please communicate directly with Michael.

The

The Ideal investment

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

REPLY TO SCOTT SIMPSON RE FISHING IN HAURAKI GULF

I have received responses from Scott Simpson previously. However, I find his reply to my previous correspondence (5 Nov) evasive, condescending and somewhat arrogant. Instead of answering my questions, he suggests that I (and by inference) other east coast fishers, find somewhere else to fish. I don’t think he’s read the room. Let’s stick to the subject. What I’d like to know is:

1. Two of the HPA’s will be open to Commercial fishing. Are there any guarantees in the legislation that other HPA’s will not allow

commercial fishing in the future?

2. What surveys were done to establish where the HPA’s would be of best value. Can we see them?

3. Moyle’s Promise – In 1989 when the quota management was first introduced, Colin Moyle, the Minister of Fisheries, said, and I quote, “Government’s position is clear, where a species of fish is not sufficiently abundant to support both commercial and non-commercial fishing, preference will be given to non-commercial fishing. This position reflects Government’s resolve to ensure all New Zealander’s can enjoy and benefit from our resources.”

Have we now reached the point where commercial fishermen are in control of the entire resource and we need a serious discussion? This also brings into question, can a politician’s word can be believed. Scott?

4. Regarding the original ‘Sea Change’ plan for the Hauraki Gulf, I understand that after 10 years of meetings involving many stake-

„ 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.

holders a set of initiatives were agreed upon only for commercial trawling and purse seining to be allowable activities included at the last minute. How did this happen? Once again can we see the minutes where this was decided?

5. The PR spin on allowing commercial fishing within two of the HPA’s mentioned the need to supply cheaper fish to Maori and Pacific Island families in South Auckland. How will this work? For example, how Maori or Pacific Island do you need to be and what streets do you have to live in? What species? It seems there has been no thought put into it whatsoever.

„ Public Meeting Challenge

I’d like to challenge Scott Simpson to a public meeting to discuss HPA’s and the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Anytime, local venue of his choice. Whitianga, Tairua or Whangamata.

Scott Lee, Just Another Angry Fisherman, Tairua

THE TREATY PRINCIPLES BILL

In reply to Dennis Tegg’s “melt down” over the Treaty Principles Bill as proposed by David Seymour, I suggest that you (if you have not already seen it) watch Jenny-May Clarkson’s interview with David Seymour on TV1’s Breakfast. (Available on You Tube, Facebook and Whiti Chit Chat).

Testament to the negative attitude of the majority of NZ media, Jenny-May described the Bill as divisive. But that’s not everyone’s view. And let’s remember that the media’s job is to represent the view of all New Zealanders, not just a vocal minority.

Jenny-May also asserted that the Bill changes the Treaty. Absolutely not true. It changes the principles created by Parliament back in 1975.

As a media spokesperson, Jenny-May is required to present a neutral stance. However, she disgraced both her profession (and TV1) with a negative comment – referring to her next inter-

view (with David Seymour) as being “divisive”. This was prior to her introduction to – or any statement from David Seymour. She remained uncompromising throughout the interview. (Is this the inclusivity and mutual respect as eluded to by Dennis Tegg?)

It is very apparent that the media are determined not to give the Bill a fair hearing so it is important for us all to commit to a campaign to spread the truth. We know from public polling that when New Zealanders are told what’s actually in the Bill, many more support it than do not. In David Seymour’s own words, “Here’s what it says in a nutshell”

1. “The Crown has the right to govern”.

2. “New Zealanders’ rights will be protected – including those of iwi”.

3. “We all have equal rights”. It’s way past time we had a national conversation on the Treaty Principles.

Continued on page 19

Commercial Fishing in Hauraki Gulf

NOTE: These conversations about fishing from different points of view are very long letters. It is not our policy to print them as space is costly. But as the Coromandel’s future is vitally connected to the health of our gulf and the state of our coastline and the fish and bird life, we have accepted this conversation.

BY PHIL CLOW

A commercial fishing perspective on the ongoing angst surrounding bottom trawling and the proposed Marine Protected Areas in the Hauraki Gulf

As a recently retired commercial fisherman who has fished the waters of this Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (HGMP) since 1976, I offer a different point of view to The Coromandel Informer letters to the editor 05/11/24. This one is from the coal face where I spent most of my working life.

My response to “Bulk of the damage caused by unacceptable bottom trawling”.

As a rule we generally have smaller type bottom trawlers and Danish seiners working these HGMP waters whose trawls have to skim over the seabed to enable the vessel to maintain at least 2.5 knots in order to catch species like snapper, tarakihi, John Dory and gurnard.

You cannot do this if your gear is digging into the seabed. Have a look at the YouTube video, “What does bottom trawling really look like?” This is how we trawl here. Other bottom trawling YouTube videos usually show poor fishing practices and can involve large foreign vessels. This is not what is prevalent in these local waters.

All NZ commercial fishing methods have changed with the times. Fishermen have accepted the financial risk of trialling new technologies such as the larger cod end mesh and sensors on the net showing catch volume. A lot of fishing companies demand larger fish for maximizing returns, so fishers are now using six-inch mesh cod ends fastened onto the tail end of the net so that it is towed “on the square”. This enables smaller fish and bycatch to escape and continue

being part of the ecosystem; a move that would not have been achievable even ten years ago.

THE AREAS OF CONCERN ATTRIBUTED TO THE EFFECTS OF COMMERCIAL FISHING BY SCOTT WERE:

• no bait fish inshore;

• no work ups out wide;

• sea bird population fluctuations;

• kina barrens and milky white flesh snapper. On MWF (milky white flesh) snapper: Bottom trawling and Danish seining have been

accused of causing this MWF in some snapper by modifying the sea floor biogenic habitat and affecting its associated food production. For that to be the case our HGMP trawlers and Danish seiners would have to have their nets and equipment digging into the seafloor, which, as already mentioned, is not the case. As yet there isn’t a definitive reason for the MWF syndrome. However, in mid-2024, Fisheries New Zealand funded NIWA to undertake some research into the likely cause of this and while it’s still ongoing they do have some

interim results which all point to malnutrition:

1. Warming of the seas on the east coast of northern NZ is resulting in lower levels of phytoplankton. The base of the entire aquatic food chain is phytoplankton, this is the “grass of the sea” and changes to its availability will have downstream effects on many things from shellfish on the seabed right through the food chain to seabirds. The anomaly here is that the Firth of Thames at the time of the study had high levels of phytoplankton which was thought to be generated by land based nutrient runoff.

2. A prevalence of La Niña type conditions has meant easterly quarter winds which cause less upwelling of oceanic waters along the east coast. Oceanic upwellings are rich in nutrients and are needed to fertilize surface waters.

3. Increased snapper biomass in the Hauraki Gulf. This means more mouths to feed.

4. With warmer water, snapper are known to increase their metabolic rate. This means they need to eat more, resulting in a high demand on their various food sources.

The above-mentioned points may also be attributed to the perceived lack of bait fish inshore, work ups out wide and sea bird population fluctuations; due to the reliance of these species on phytoplankton/zooplankton in the food chain.

ON KINA BARRENS:

As a 1976-1991 Whitianga based crayfisherman, I saw the results of what large wave generating storms could do to suitably exposed headlands and their corresponding foreshores. These underwater areas would

be bare after the removal of tonnes of the prevalent ecklonia kelp which could be seen washed up on the associated foreshore. Because of our local island’s exposure to large storm events I think we have a high prevalence of kina barrens due to Mother Nature.

Regardless, to combat the high number of kina, my suggestion is perhaps a “slot rule” for all fishers which could be introduced so that large snapper and large crayfish are returned to help keep kina numbers down somewhat.

REGARDING THE

SEA CHANGE TAI TIMU TAI PARI SPATIAL PLAN AND COLLABORATION:

I also did a year’s mahi and the associated travel with the formation of this spatial plan. I believe now what I believed then; that this was to help provide population-proofing of our workplace and playground. The proposed nineteen marine protected areas (MPAs) have hurt commercial fishers and recreational fishers alike. In our case sea floor protection area (SPA) 8b - a large area surrounding the Mokohinau (Figure 1), has disallowed static bottom fishing methods, such as bottom longline. This has been said to be due to the likelihood of encountering black coral, however, most forms of recreational fishing are allowed - despite posing a similar threat. This was a change to an outcome determined by the collaborative process, without consultation. Next week - Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Planning Advisory Groupthe plan. Phil Clow, President, Whitianga and Coromandel Peninsula Commercial Fisherman’s Association

„

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from page 18

Thank you David Seymour for your balanced dignified and inclusive approach to tackling a subject that no other party has the guts to address.

Categorising people by their race used to be called racism, but today some people consider it to be a legitimate view.

“We cannot keep sweeping difficult discussions like these under the carpet and hoping they will go away”, David Seymour.

And that’s the commitment ACT has made to government, and all of us as New Zealanders.

„ Parliament – Thursday 14 November

The very situation that David’s Bill sorts to avoid, with the three points listed above forming the basis for moving forward together, was either beyond the understanding, or selectively ignored, by those present. Referred to as “simplistic”, it was used to promote rhetoric both dramatic and hostile, and was the excuse for an unprecedented outpouring of hate by Maori speakers against the current government. In fact their outpouring was against anyone who was not Maori. A sad testimony to the state New Zealand is in today. There is no understanding or recognition of the progress in place under the new coalition Government, and absolutely no room for any discussion or investigation into David

Seymour’s possible way forward; just hate and closed minds. A very sad and shocking day for all kiwis.

Ady Cole-Ewen,

Wharekaho

POSITIVELY – MERCURY BAY UPDATE

Well, the initiative that was reported in The Informer some three weeks ago is moving on but rather slowly. The postal box that is firmly based at the Whitianga Bike Park but needs signage and location to be clarified. People who are unable to put their positive messages at the Bike Park, can place them in the letterbox at 22 Springbok Avenue, Whitianga.

Thank you to all who have supported this project.

Noel Hewlett, Whitianga

YES TO MR RASMUSSEN

This letter is in support of the detailed Opinion Piece by Flemming Rasmussen in the recent Informer issue.

As a long-time resident of The Coromandel and being concerned about the ongoing year-on-year rates increase from TCDC, I was very interested in Mr Rasmussen’s article and his concerns regarding the ever-increasing and high level of rate rises.

I would be surprised if these concerns are not being echoed by many residents and especially the level of increase (which in my case is 21%). Rates increases of this level are simply not sustain-

able and one has to wonder what planet our Mayor and Councillors are on to think that this is acceptable to TCDC ratepayers.

The Prime Minister, at the recent LGNZ conference, signalled to Councils to look at ways and means of reining in their levels of expenditure. The subsequent appointment by the Minister for Local Government as an Observer at the Wellington City Council must surely be more than a hint to Councils that they need to review their capital investment and operating expenditure levels to more acceptable and sustainable levels.

If there is no appetite from current incumbents to address the issues related to the financial future of our District, then it is clear that those running our Council either don’t want to or are incapable of working through options to fix the issue of ongoing unsustainable increases. In either case, a groundswell of property owners and ratepayers will have the opportunity in October 2025 to rectify the situation by voting out the current incumbents with people who are capable of running our Council more efficiently and effectively.

Ian Collinson, Hahei

OUR TELEPHONES – NOW, ALL FOR PROFIT

An unwise government decision under Roger Douglas sold our telephone (soe) system off-shore,

so instead of being in existence for the welfare of New Zealanders it is now after profit for its wealthy owners. Like the banks they are finding any form of profit.

I have noticed a missing stamp from the reply-paid envelope that used to come with the bill. Then a $1 charge was added monthly to the invoice to persuade us customers to buy a computer and do the banks’ job for them online.

Then to make their life easier they put up the invoice fee to $2.50. The banks took away cheques for payment so the pressure to use a long line of numerals was stronger.

But habit is ruling so the private business put up the invoice fee to $3.50. What percentage increase was that?

To add a menial attitude to this corporation they then sent me a letter saying $5 would added to my monthly bill for the service.

Time to nationalise the greedies as a warning to large, monopolistic corporations. Does our government still run this country?

Peter H. Wood

DOWNHILL FOR HAURAKI GULF

As someone who’s spent a lifetime fishing in the Hauraki Gulf, I’ve seen our waters go downhill big time. Kina barrens everywhere, crays almost wiped out, and the fish and bird life thinning out.

And now, Minister Potaka reckons letting commercial fishing

into “high protection areas” is a good idea? It feels like a slap in the face to everyone working their guts out to save the Gulf. The scientists at DOC were crystal clear – this move will gut biodiversity. So why’s the government backing the commercial big boys instead of listening to the experts?

Scott Simpson reckons these new rules are progress. Really, mate? Jumping from 0.3% to 6% “protection” doesn’t mean squat if you’re still letting commercial fishing in areas that are supposed to be untouched. That’s not protection; that’s window dressing.

Simpson talks about balancing conservation and community needs, but even his own government’s officials said these changes are risky and unfair, and then Potaka sneaked through a late amendment.

And don’t give me that yarn about helping low-income families get a feed. This is about lining the pockets of a few commercial operators, plain and simple. Simpson loves banging on about the Leigh Reserve from 50 years back. But here’s the thing: back then, they didn’t let any fishing happen in the reserve – and that’s why it worked.

If Simpson and Potaka really cared about the Gulf, they’d stop listening to the industry lobbyists and start listening to the people who actually know what they’re talking about.

Anton Taylor, Whitianga

Paku

Tairua, 56 Rewa Rewa Valley Rd

STAN’S STUFF

What is cuddlier than a baby koala? Answer: A baby wombat

BY STAN STEWART

Our friends, when driving along a bush road at night, came across a *wombat that had been killed by a motor vehicle. The carcass was in the middle of the road. To clear the road, they moved the body to the verge only to find a live baby wombat huddled against the stomach of the dead wombat. They were moved by the plight of this tiny, helpless creature and wrapped it in a towel and brought it to their home.

They fell in love with it. The baby wombat became their baby. They carried it in a basket downtown. They showed it to their friends. Everyone who saw it loved this friendly, furry creature. “Can I hold it?”

In the cold Victorian winter, baby wombat slept in the house, and often in the bed of the couple who saved her.

Baby wombat thrived and grew. Teenage wombat became demanding. Full size wombat was sure she was a part of the family. Cute – but tricky. My friends decided it was time for wombat to make her home outside, not in

their house. Wombat disagreed. She liked living in the house.

One stormy night this disagreement came to a climax. Wombat was locked out for the night but she did not accept this arrangement. The storm was severe. The wind howled. Wombat was frightened and needed her parents’ protection. She bashed at the back door until she broke down the door. (Wombats are slow but they are immensely strong). She galloped down the passage and jumped into her sleeping masters’ bed. She had previously been digging and was covered with mud. Mud mayhem!

Next day as her adopted parents recovered from the night’s ordeal, they made a decision. They loaded wombat into their station-wagon and drove to a bush location where wombats were plentiful. There they said ‘Farewell’ to their loved wombat.

“It was hard but it was the best for all of us,” they told me.

This story is 45 years old. Why am I thinking about it now? It might have something to do with politics. It might have something to do with overprotective societies, nanny states. Donald Trump’s

sweep to power was a protest against too much regulation, too much government control. He talked about setting business and commerce free so that they could, Make America great again”. This comes at a time when the obligations of government, and the expectations of the populace in the UK for instance, are weighing down that economy and stifling growth.

The Informer is a small newspaper in a small part of a small country. Every week we run stories/ comment/letters referencing what government, national and/ or local should/could or should not do. It seems no endeavour, no project, no innovation is possible without the government, the authorities, the consultants whoever they are, allowing it to happen and sometimes financ-

ing it or asking the requester of the permission to finance it (The government only has the people’s money). This is happening in the land that prides itself in ‘number 8 wire’ mentality. “We innovate, we modify, we make the impossible, possible, and we do it on a shoestring”. Whoops! That is how it used to be. Not now.

We all applauded our friends for saving wombat. But little by little their saving amounted to coddling and finally it became an obstacle in the way of the creature’s survival. When storms come, wombats stay warm by burrowing deep. Running from a stormy night to the comfort of her saviour’s bed sheets is unnatural. The creature was corrupted by coddling.

It’s great news to hear that ‘Outward Bound’ has established a base in Port Charles on the Coromandel. I know many people, mostly young adults, whose lives have been changed by experiencing an Outward-Bound programme. I love their philosophy. “To change lives through challenge and discovery”. The Outward Bound courses are no cake-walk. My friends have told me of facing

real fear as they attempted tasks they felt were difficult and dangerous for them. At these times, they were supported to feel the fear but do it anyway. “We strive to create a culture where staff and students feel a sense of belonging and have the support they need to accomplish their goals”.

I am interested in Outward Bound’s stress on “belonging”. As I wander Whitianga and the Coromandel, I wonder how many of the people who live here have a sense of ‘belonging’?

I also like the idea of challenging ourselves to stretch our personal physical and intellectual horizons. A close friend says I’m all talk. Hmmph! Maybe, maybe not! What I am sure of is this. It’s better to venture out than to close in.

I used to think of myself as a ‘Muddled-headed Wombat”. I still do. But I don’t want to end my days trying to get into my parents’ bed.

„ Wombats are short-legged, muscular quadrupedal marsupials of the family Vombatidae that are native to Australia. Living species are about 1m in length with small, stubby tails and weigh 20-35kg.

Council spending priorities

BY MARTIN SPINKS

The government is calling on all councils to rein in their spending and stick to doing the ‘basics brilliantly’. A 13.2% annual rise in local rates (and 30% over 3 years), when inflation is currently running at 2.9%, would suggest that TCDC should be looking long and hard at its proposed spending.

Locals do not object to council allocating funds for core services, e.g. roading resilience, storm and wastewater upgrades and repairs etc. Even such things as a new local swimming pool and the provision of a serviceable workplace for council employees is acceptable. But there are some largescale spending proposals that should be scrutinised intensely, to determine whether:

1. They are a wise investment of rate payer contributions and

2. That they provide a benefit to all rate payers, not just a small minority.

Coastal flood protection is one area that needs careful consideration. The increase in major weather events is not the fault of those now living in harms way. However, this does not compel us to reduce these risks at any cost.

The term ‘managed retreat’ is one we have all heard, and must be part of the discussion. I believe that the costs of such work should be a central government respon-

needed to provide the basic infrastructure.

The central government would have to provide traffic management for 500 cars, all exiting Totara Valley Road daily plus the extra medical services, and extra schools, and the council would have to provide extra waste collection, additional drinking water etc. Where does all that extra money come from? Where is the benefit to all ratepayers?

(according to council figures). If each of the 50 current residents contributed $10k there would be no burden on the budget at all.

The recent refusal by central government to fast-track the consent for this work is a clear message to council that this project is not deemed important.

sibility. Once an area is designated at risk, anyone who buys property in a designated flood or coastal inundation zone, would be on their own should damage occur.

Another activity I feel TCDC should not be involving themselves with is speculative residential property development. The proposed development of the Totara Valley as a new residential subdivision for 500+ new houses will profit land owners, developers and a few large scale (out of town) builders, but at what cost to us, the rate payers?

The projected cost of road widening, storm, waste and freshwa-

ter upgrades, plus power supply upgrades, was budgeted at $15 million. Allowing for the time taken to complete, and the inevitable cost overruns, let’s optimistically assume a total cost of $20 million.

Over 25 years, at 5% interest, this will cost us $1.4mil per year, or $35 mil total.

Assuming 500 houses were built, this would bring in $1.65 mil per year in rates (assuming the current average of $3300 per house)

Thus, the additional rates revenue, once ALL 500 houses are built, would barely cover the interest cost on the money

The often-heard official line from council is that we are desperately in need of housing (a housing crisis) in and around Thames. Well as of today, there are 138 houses of all types for sale just in Thames, and just on TradeMe. This number has been consistently above 100 and sometimes nearer 200 over the last few years. Prices range from $200k to$ 4.2 mill. So anyone who wants to come live in Thames already has a good selection of properties to choose from.

Another question that needs answering is where council assumes the 1000 adults in the 500 houses are going to find work locally? I presume council has an agreement with several major employers to open new businesses in town?

The majority of residents along Totara Valley Road would appreciate a mains sewer connection. This portion of the proposed project accounts for only $500,000

By contrast, the central government contribution towards the new waste management facility in Whitianga is a message that there are some projects in our region that are worthwhile

MY SUGGESTIONS IS:

• Provide a new mains sewer connection along the existing valley road (with owner contributions)

• Reduce the rate bill for each of the 3400 homes in Thames by $400 ($1.4m p.a. loan repayment which is no longer needed).

• Release land for subdevelopment ONLY where there is existing adequate infrastructure, or where the developer is prepared to pay the entire cost of the infrastructure, plus a large enough contribution to the local community to pay for the ongoing provision of services.

„ Disclosures: I have owned a property in Thames since 2021 and now live here full time. I have no af�iliation with council, property developers or any anti council action groups. Email spinks@xtra. co.nz

Our council is extending infrastructure up Totara Valley Road, just to the south of the main Thames township, in order to open up the area for housing development. Photo with description from the TCDC Website File.

SPORTS

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

Round Two Slipper Pairs

North/South: 1, Celia Young & Nolene Kirkpatrick 63.50; 2, Chris Death & Peter Clark 54.50; 3, Jill Huston & Johanna Bonnar 50.00.

East/West: 1, Jo Feasey & Doreen Wernham 62.50; 2, Carol Henwood & Karen Murphy 52.00; 3, Sue Poland & Heather Buffett 46.00.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Cathedral Cove Pairs Week 2

Tuesday 12 November

North/South: 1, Bev Dickie and Robyn Hogg 63.33; 2, Myra Hoogwerf and Angela Butterworth 51.25; 3, Maggie Beattie and Alison Tichbon 49.58.

East/West: 1, Don Barry and Peter Hogg 60.00; 2, Ngaire O’Brien and Ann Scott 56.25; 3, Sheryl Roberts and Philippa Hall 53.75.

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB

Handicap Pairs Round 7

Wednesday, 13 November

North/South: 1, Giorgio Allemano & Don Barry 53.4; 2, Robyn & Pete Hogg 50.6; 3 Gavin Hedwig & Kate Palmano 48.7

East/West: 1, Sheryll Roberts & Johanna Bonnar 57.4; 2, Susan Swan & Anne Knowles 57.3; 3, Amy Hyde & Geoff Jervis 56.3. Lost Spring Pairs Round 1

Thursday 14 November 1, Ischelle Stevenson & Amy Hyde 75.0; 2, Kathy Moy-Low & Pam Churchill 54.2; 3, Hillary

Scott & Gavin Hedwig 52.1.

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS

20 players this week, so 501 doubles were played. Four teams went through with three wins from four sets of games, which made a one game shootout final necessary. The teams were, Stoney & Todd Moses, Malcolm Cryer & Roscoe Anderson, Selwyn Whatarangi & Karen McKenzie and Greg Healy & Chris Bennett. Stoney and Todd Moses took out the win.

Highest finish for the men was 83, scored by Malcolm Cryer. No high finishers from the ladies this week. Congratulations to Richie Neighbours for scoring the only 180 this week.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday 13 November

Best of three frames: Nine players and it was Peter Schultz and Peter Challis with two straight wins to battle out the final third frame. A close match this was with Peter Schultz snatching victory, the cash prize and the highest break of 22. With two wins were Peter Challis (runner up), Ian Baumgren & Greg Murphy.

Saturday 16 November

Best of three frames: Seven players and it’s Bob Haase & Phil Jones with two straight wins to battle out the final third frame. A long time between drinks for Phil who takes the win and the cash

prize. With two wins Bob Haase and Peter Schultz and with the highest break was Rob Riley with 19.

COOKS BEACH INDOOR BOWLS

Wednesday 13 November was our second to last day of the year and we played our last competition the 4’s , 2 teams – Tom Riddle, Keith Wright, Sumer Bartlett & Frank Cautton played Dave Vujcich, Colleen Hunt, Brian Hill & Phil Costello. After 7 ends of the last game, they “tied”, so another end was played and won by 1 point, the winners were Dave, Colleen, Brian & Phil. There was a lot of concentration, instruction, direction and visualisation, well done to both teams.

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB RESULTS

Tuesday 12 November

9 Hole Women – Stableford

1, Gaylene Imms; 2, Felicity Sanders; 3, Rose Tegg

9 Hole Men - Stableford

1, Gavin Green; 2, Peter Chaffin; 3, Kelvin O’Leary

Wednesday 13 November

18 Hole Women – Vice Captain Trophy – 4BBB

1, Faith Stock & Janine Hayde; 2, Joanne Geoghegan & Diane Andrew; 3, Alison Bryson & Lynne Butler

Two’s: Lynne Butler, Diane Andrew Nearest Pin #4: Diane Andrew

Nearest Pin #18: Chris Van Veen

Longest Putt #9: Dianne Gilmour

18 Hole Men – Stableford – All Irons

1, Johnny Lister; 2, Nathan Wilson; 3, Gary Wheeler

Two’s: Nathan Wilson

Gross: Div 1 – Nathan Wilson, Div 2 – Johnny Lister

Saturday 16 November

18 Hole Men – Par – Round 2

Captains Trophy

1, Johnny Day; 2, Brett Proctor; 3, Tony Foster

Two’s: Steve Collins, Steve Geach, Patrick Gonthier, Justin Wilson

Gross: Div 1, Nathan Wilson; Div 2, Johnny Day

Nearest Pin: Bruce Troughear

Longest Drive: Nathan WilsonCaptains Trophy Winner – Tony Foster

Sunday 17 November

Junior Scramble – Stableford 1, Marlon Stanley; 2, Blake McDonald; 3, Lucas McDonald

TAIRUA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB WEEKLY RESULTS

18 Hole Scramble Stableford

Saturday 9 November

1, Leon Smith; 2, Mike Koot; 3, John Fraser 36 9 Hole Nett

Tuesday 12 November

1, Robyn Hunter; 2, Jenny Cosford; 3, Brian Fellows

18 Hole Scramble Stableford

Thursday 14 November

1, Ray Russell; 2, Mike McCann; 3, Bruce Crawford

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PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

9-hole Stableford and Putts

Tuesday 12 November

Stableford: 1, Catherine Borlase; 2, Richard Duckworth; 3=, Mark Bell, Steve Borlase, Jo Geoghegan

Putts: 1, Richard Duckworth; 2, Jo Geoghegan; 3, Catherine Borlase.

9 hole Nett

Thursday 14 November

1, Steve Borlase; 2, Jill Huston; 3, John Hughes; 4=, Callum Murray, Kevin Milroy

18 hole Stableford, Putts, Stableford minus Putts

Saturday 16 November

Stableford – 1, Callum Murray; 2=, Catherine Borlase, Jo Geoghegan; 4, Neil Vowles; 5, John Hamilton.

Putts – 1, Bob Walker; 2=, John Hamilton, Neil Vowles, Stableford minus Putts – Callum Murray

THE DUNES GOLF

Sunday 10th Twilight Golf

Stableford

1, Robert Fiskin

9-hole Men Ambrose

Monday 11 November

Lance Croawell, Ray Green, Noel Rogers

9 Hole Russian Roulette Stableford

Tuesday 12 November

1st Glenda Philpott 22 Turn to page 12 for more results

WHAT'S ON

OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop

– Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every MonSat 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 – 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 bimonthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737.

Stroke Support Group meets bi-monthly at The Lost Spring. The next get together is on Friday 22 November at 10.30 a.m. Anyone interested is welcome. Partners or support people welcome. Simply turn up, or call Dick Wilson for details. Ph 0786 71254.

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. 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 10.30am12.30pm 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. Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from 9am-1pm.

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 – On summer break. Recommencing 2025. 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.

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.

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 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 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 10-12pm. 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.

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 – 9.30am12.30pm 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 9am12 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 12.302.30pm; 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 Freemason 50th jubilee

AN INVITATION TO AN OPEN DAY AT LODGE WHITIANGA

Saturday 23rd November 3:00 to 4:30pm

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”.

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, 9.30-11.00am. Further info. text Linda 027 650 4881 or 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 1011am 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.

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.

GAMES AND PUZZLES

Phrase (5)

Impartiality (10)

12. Gaining knowledge (8)

14. Recited (4)

16. Niggles (4)

17. Of metal (8)

20. Countryside paintings (10)

23. Foolishly idealistic (5)

24. Puffed up (8)

25. Genre (5)

DOWN

1. Swirl (6)

2. Unknown writer (4)

3. Satirical sketch (4)

4. Notions (5)

5. Escapable (9)

6. Tattered (6)

9. Intends (5)

11. Type of dive (9)

13. Named before marriage (3)

15. Shelter (5)

16. Set in (design) (6)

18. Cheddar or Edam (6)

19. Hollywood award statuette (5)

21. Gorillas or chimpanzees (4)

22. Common seasoning (4)

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.

TRADES AND SERVICES

TRADES AND SERVICES

5 Monk Street, Whitianga Office Ph: 07 8671087 Email: info@plannersplus.co.nz

David: 027 4994833

Tracey: 027 4907988

See us for all your land development, planning, subdivision and resource consent requirements. www.plannersplus.co.nz

Toomey 021 797406

admin@kmahonp.co.nz

CLASSIFIEDS EXPERTS MANAGEMENT

Protecting native species from introduced predators in Southern Coromandel Forest

The Department of Conservation (DOC) in Thames is going to control possums, rats & stoats over 25,600 ha. The prefeed phase for this aerial operation was completed on the 16th October 2024 and is now in its toxic phase, which is scheduled for the first clear weather window

Native wildlife and forests need protection

The Southern Coromandel has large and rare native forests that are valued for their diverse flora and fauna.

These forests have mixed podocarp and broad leaf trees, remnant kauri, coastal pōhutukawa, and kanuka shrub land. Coromandel brown kiwi live on the Peninsula along with many other endemic and threatened native species including invertebrates, bats, birds, frogs and lizards.

Why we are controlling introduced predators

Native species are fighting for survival due to predation from rats, stoats and possums. Without protection, we risk losing the unique natural heritage and biodiversity within the Southern Forest. Through sustained predator control using 1080, there is a big increase in breeding success for native birds, their food source is more abundant, and the forest canopy is healthier.

Our plan to protect native species

The safest and most effective method we have to control possums, rats and stoats over large areas is to use biodegradable cereal bait pellets containing 1080. This bait targets rodents and possums. Stoats are also controlled through secondary poisoning as they feed on the carcasses of the dead rodents.

Helicopters distribute bait pellets across the forest area along pre-determined and monitored flight paths using technology that enables accurate placement. This is the only viable method to control predators in this area due to the vast and rugged terrain.

This operation begins with the distribution of non-toxic pre-feed bait pellets (sandy coloured). This prepares possums and rodents to eat the toxic bait (dyed green) that is applied afterwards. Both baits are about 16 mm in diameter and cylindrical shaped.

Consultation and permissions

DOC has consulted with hapū, iwi and key stakeholders including landowners adjacent to the treatment area.

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

DOC is delegated authority by the Environmental Protection Agency to decide applications for permission to use 1080 on land administered or managed by DOC. EcoFX has obtained permission from DOC and the Ministry of Health. DOC ensures that all legal and policy requirements are met, and that any potential risks of the operation are managed.

Managing risk

1080 is poisonous to humans, domestic and game animals. In areas where the toxin has been applied, dogs are highly at risk until poisoned carcasses have disintegrated. This takes four-toeight months or longer.

There will be warning signs placed at entrances to the treatment area immediately prior to the operation.

Risks can be eliminated by following these rules:

• DO NOT touch bait

• WATCH children at all times

• DO NOT EAT animals from this area or within the buffer zone outside the treatment boundary. The buffer zone is 2 km for deer and pigs, 200 m for rabbits, and 1 km for hares and possums.

• Poison baits or carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS

Observe these rules whenever you see warning signs about pesticides. These signs indicate pesticide residues may be still present in baits and poisoned carcasses. When signs are removed, normal activities can resume. If in doubt, check with your local DOC office. Please report suspected vandalism or unauthorised removal of signs.

Map of predator control area within Southern Coromandel

This map shows the area we are controlling possums, rats & stoats to protect native species. You can also see operational updates and detailed maps of predator control on public conservation land on the DOC website. www.doc. govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/pesticide-summaries

If you suspect poisoning, please contact:

• Your local doctor or hospital OR The National Poisons Centre: 0800 764 766 (urgent calls) or 03 479 7248 OR dial 111

• Seek veterinary advice for suspected poisoning of domestic animals.

For more information

Please contact: Operational planner Biodiversity Ranger, DOC Thames Office, 3/66 Ngati Maru Highway, Thames 3578, 07 867 9180 or EcoFX Aerial Operations Manager, 32 Huiputea Drive, Otorohanga 3900, admin@ecofx.co.nz, 07 873 8130.

Visit the DOC website: More information about DOC’s National Predator Control Programme is available on our website www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/national-predator-control-programme

Pickle Ball Mercury Bay is five years old

BY HAKAN NEDJAT

Mercury Bay Pickleball Club celebrated their 5th year anniversary over the last weekend of 9-10 November with an in-house tournament and evening celebration for the Club’s members at the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club.

The Club’s President, Rachel Johnstone, discovered the sport on holiday and went on to establish the Club in Mercury Bay.

Since 2019, the Club has turned into a thriving community of enthusiastic players, many

ROAD CLOSURE

Albert Street, from Lee Street to Hannan Road, Whitianga.

November 30 – 2pm-9pm

Any correspondence to: mbba@whitianga.co.nz

Mercury Bay Business Association

MOVING ROAD CLOSURE

Albert Street, from Lyons Park, The Esplanade & Mill Road, Whitianga. November 30 – 3pm-4pm.

Any correspondence to: mbba@whitianga.co.nz

Mercury Bay Business Association

of whom actively compete in national and international tournaments.

33 of the club’s members took part in the tournament, all competing for a chance to get their hands on a coveted medal. The competitiveness and ever improving skill base from members contributed to a great competition day and a fantastic celebratory event.

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MEDAL WINNERS: Full Singles: Hakan Nedjat

ver), Eisaku Tsumura (Bronze)

IN MEMORIAM BRIAN VINCENT

Skinny

B Grade Doubles: Emma Graves & Lauren Stephens (Gold), Fiona Gardien & Vicky Blok (Silver), Ian Hogg & Michael Holmes (Bronze)

Interested? For those interested in giving Pickleball a go, all are welcome to head along to social Sunday sessions, 2-4pm, at the Mercury Bay Area School Sports Hall.

Check out the website for more info: www.mercurybaypickleball. co.nz or Ph: 0220522159.

A Grade Doubles: Hakan Nedjat & Joshua Muwanguzi (Gold), Tim Stephens & Graeme Eady (Silver), Kevin Walmsley & Eisaku Tsumura (Bronze)

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held on Monday 25 November 2024, 7.00pm at the Mercury Bay Rugby & Sports Club Inc Clubrooms, Lyon Park, Albert Street Whitianga. Enquires or expressions of interest for office holders, please contact Wayne Smith - 021 233 3191, mercurybayrugby@gmail.com. THE MERCURY BAY RUGBY & SPORTS CLUB INCORPORATED

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. Meeting November 26 - fortnightly

Soldiers Memorial Park Saturday 9am - 1pm Whiticitimarket@gmail.com

Coromandel/Thames & Whitianga area. Phone: Tony 027 494 7692

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)

Business Manager: Emma Gaunt

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

Tairua-Whitianga Rd, Kaimarama 021 0283 0515

Editorial: Jack Biddle, Michelle Dellabarca, Suzanne Hansen, Stephen Holmes, Dorothy Preece, Trevor Ammundsen, Lynette Gee.

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

Emergency 24 hours (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 111 Police (Whitianga) 866 4000

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(Gold), Justin Woolley (Silver), Tony Minto (Bronze)

Singles: Tim Stephens (Gold), Joshua Muwanguzi (Sil-

A Grade and B Grade doubles winners with the Club’s President Rachel Johnstone.

stolen property reward