Christmas Parade – a big success despite the unfavourable weather
BY JACK BIDDLE
In spite of steady drizzle for most of the day, an enthusiastic family-oriented crowd still lined the main street of Whitianga to watch and applaud the annual Christmas Parade last Saturday afternoon. And just as enthusiastic, were the brave souls who took part in the parade itself, which of course included the star of the show and traditional children’s favourite, Santa Claus. Not far away was his arch enemy, The Grinch.
The parade had its largest number of entries for many years with 28 floats registered and only two withdrawing due to the forecasted inclement weather.
The local Coastguard, Ambulance and Fire services were all actively and prominently involved in the parade which highlighted the wider community spirit that makes these occasions so special. Apart from the eagerly awaited float carrying the man in the red suit, the parade also featured the En Pointe Dance Studio, Falun Dafa Tian Guo Marching Band from Auckland, Evakona Language School, the Filipino community, and Coromandel’s CFM, to name but a few.
Sadly, the Christmas Night market which was to follow the parade
was hindered by the persistent rain. This resulted in a low vendor and crowd turnout leaving the closed off main street looking somewhat deserted.
While those out-of-town vendors who had travelled from as far as Auckland and Tauranga were obviously disappointed with the wet weather, they were keen to return next year. They could see
the potential of a street market in Whitianga to complement the Santa parade.
Regardless of the weather, the day was hailed as a huge success by event spokesperson Clare Tod of Wanderlust Media, who organised both the parade and street market on behalf of the Mercury Bay Business Association.
“With postponement not an
option, the decision around whether to cancel or proceed certainly took a lot of discussion, it didn’t dampen the spirits of all those volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes leading up to the event and on the day itself. It was also great to see the young children and their families from the wider Mercury Bay community lining the main street to
celebrate the start of the festive season. We are already looking forward to next year.”
To bring the day to an official close, the lighting of the town Christmas tree took place at 7:30pm, with the honours of turning on the lights going to Rueben Davis and Kieran Clayton from the Te TiihiNui Trust.
Continued on page 4
the west moving beside Venus. The very thin crescent Moon lies just below and to the left of brilliant Venus just at dusk. Thursday, December 5 – The crescent Moon has now moved to be just above Venus after dusk. Friday, December 6 – The crescent Moon now sits well above and to the right of bright Venus and about 1/3 the way towards Saturn above. Saturday, December 7 - The crescent Moon is now about 2/3 the way towards Saturn and there is a long ISS pass from 9:36pm in the north and again from 11:13pm in the west. Sunday, December 8 –The First Quarter Moon is almost touching Saturn with an ISS pass from 10:24pm in the west. Monday, December 9 – The Moon now sits to the right and above Saturn and we have a long bright ISS pass from 9:35pm in the NW. Tuesday, December 10 –Saturn lies half way between brilliant Venus and the Moon which is itself half way towards bright Jupiter very low in the east. There is a low ISS pass from 10:23pm in the west passing right beside Venus. Wednesday, December 11 – There is a good ISS pass from 9:34pm in the west passing right beside Venus again.
Toffee apples work at all Santa Parades, no matter the weather; The Grinch was popular, second to santa. Photo credit Stephen Holmes
Mautohe Cathedral Cove reopens to walkers
The Government has delivered on its promise to restore public walking access to the popular Mautohe Cathedral Cove in time for Summer 2024-2025.
The walking track to the famous Coromandel beach - renowned for its natural rock arch feature and idyllic waters – was severely damaged by extreme weather events including Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle in Summer 20222023.
Speaking from Mautohe Cathedral Cove, where he officially reopened the track today, Minister of Conservation, Tama Potaka thanked staff from the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai, tangata whenua Ngāti Hei, the local community and civic leaders, contractors and all others who worked to get the track open for public enjoyment.
“This hike offers spectacular coastal views and is truly one of the most stunning beaches the world has to offer,” said Tama.
“Mautohe Cathedral Cove plays an important role in supporting the local economy and this reopening is an exciting step in the region’s tourism recovery following storms and COVID-19. Visitors to the area are predicted to bring an estimated $12 million
into the region annually.
“The work has been enabled through $1.4 million funding from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. The second stage of development is intended to provide more resilient access to better withstand ongoing challenges from strong weather and land movement over the long-term.
Tama reminded everyone present of a very kiwi basic summer
message. “With high numbers anticipated here this summer, I remind people to visit responsibly - keep an eye out for the place, and each other – slip, slop, slap and wrap.”
No one could be more relieved and thankful than our Mayor Len Salt, who was among the dignitaries present. It was over twelve months ago since Mayor Len had personally written to Minister Potaka imploring the Minister of
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the urgency of repairing the walking track, and offering to bring a local delegation to Wellington to outline the many aspects of the Coromandel economy being adversely affected by its drawn out closure.
Scott Simpson, National MP for Coromandel was also in attendance.
“While I and the community have been frustrated that it’s taken close to two years to get
Cathedral Cove fully reopened, I want to thank DOC and their team for getting the track open in time for summer. Local businesses will be relieved. Now they can get back to doing what they do best; - welcoming visitors to our region and ensuring they have the best experience possible.
“My message to everyone, far and wide, is that the Coromandel Peninsula is open and ready to explore,” said Scott.
Tama Potaka, Minister of Conservation; Scott Simpson, National MP for Coromandel; Tinaka Mearns, Head of Conservation for Waikato region; and Mayor Len Salt enjoys the moment of the walk opening.
Santa’s Grotto in the Whiti Town Hall
Continued from page 2
It was in fact a full-on day for Santa who, after stepping down from his float, headed straight for the town hall where children had the opportunity to meet with him one-on-one, in his Christmas decorated magical grotto. There they whispered their Christmas present wish list to him and then had their photo taken. The meet and greet with Santa and photo sittings were organised and run by the Whitianga Toy Library and was a sell-out success. Shannon Molloy, on behalf of the toy Library adds some extra details.
“Families were invited to come and meet Santa and have a photo with him. The event was a wonderful success and all the sessions were sold out in advance, although we were able to accommodate some walk-ins. Huge thanks to Santa for coming all the way from the North Pole to meet our local children. We hope he’s got his feet up after a busy time in Whitianga! The candy canes were donated by Matarangi Plumbing, venue hire was covered by En Pointe Dance Studio and Santa photography by Shannon Molloy.”
Thank you: Clare said the event
would not have been possible without the support of local and community organisations.
“Special thanks need to be extended to The Mercury Bay Community Board, The Lost Spring Whitianga, Chesters Plumbing, Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill, Peninsula Party Hire, Hoppers Construction, Te Tiihi Nui Trust, Matarangi Plumbing, Mercury Bay Hi-ab, Carl Gubb Electrical, CFM, The Coromandel Informer, Whitianga Toy Library, and the Mercury Bay Lions all of whom were involved in donating either prizes or valuable resources and time”.
Gordon Barnaby was a very popular Santa. Shannon Molloy
O Christmas tree –how lovely you are!
BY PAULINE STEWART
Christmas 2021 was the first year for the wonderful Christmas tree to stand twinkling in the town centre of Whitianga.
Purchasing the tree was the initiative of the previous owners of The Informer, Stefan and Petra Bosman and also Espy Cafe. They enthused many local businesses to contribute to the cost which added up to a considerable sum. It was a great thing to do.
The Mercury Bay Business Association is now the caretaker of this beautiful asset and The Whitianga Lions Club has very generously taken on the responsibility of setting it up, ensuring the lighting is all checked and then packing it down carefully in the new year to be ready for the next Christmas season. It is a huge undertaking, done vol-
untarily.
Turning on the switch to light the Christmas tree is now an established ceremony and last Saturday night at 7.30pm two local young men shared the honour – Reuben Davies and Kieran Clayton.
Vandalism causing damage: The Christmas tree had a brilliant first innings in 2021, spoiled only by vandalism on New Year’s Eve, with an inebriated climber
breaking many of the lighting connections. This was repaired for the following 2022 Christmas, but at some cost.
There has been some vandalism again this year. The tree belongs to the community, so we are all asked to be watchful and care for it.
Security cameras are now going to be in place over this period to ensure the tree continues to give pleasure and brightness to everyone.
Kieran Clayton (The Informer) and Ruben Davis, both from Te Tiihi Nui Trust threw the switch to bring the Christmas tree to light. Photo credit Stephen Holmes
Noel Hewlett – the first nöel The Christmas nativity
50 years of fire service and firefighting
BY PAULINE STEWART
Just over a week ago, Ian Carter of Hahei was awarded the 50 Years Service Medal as a firefighter. His name is synonymous with Hahei, its history and its life and vigour as a community.
There are so many facets of Ian Carter to write about but we will focus for this issue on his role as Chief Fire Officer for more than 28 years and his service as a member of the Hahei Fire Brigade of 50 years.
Ian Carter was born in Tauranga and came to Hahei as a little boy of three and half years. He came with his mother, brother and sister. Their father had died, and his Mum was to marry Vaughan Harsant. The children grew up in the Harsant Homestead which was originally the homestead of Robert Wigmore built in the 1870s. The Harsants purchased the farm and homestead in the 1900s and it was Vaughan and Dawn Harsant who gifted to the crown, the portion of his farm which was the land on which Cathedral Cove stands.
Ian lived in the Hahei Homestead throughout his childhood attending Whenuakite School. Later he went to boarding school in Auckland followed by working as a surveyor in the city. “I was asked to come back to help out on the family farm at the end of the year. It was Christmas time. I had broken a bone in my foot and so working outside on jobs became untenable. My boss let me go early and I returned home to Hahei.
I joined the Fire brigade. My first night of training was on crutches.
“We started as a Fire Party, not a Brigade. The state of our party was very basic, and our equipment was even more basic,” says Ian. I wasn’t a founding member but was there in its infancy.
In about 1975 or 1976, Hahei became an auxiliary of the Whitianga Fire Brigade and Ian
became the officer in charge on 20 May,1976. He remained in that role until September 1982. Ian was appointed second in charge on 19 April 1989 until May 1996, becoming again the Officer in Charge from May 1996 to September 1996. At this point the regional office declared Hahei was to become a Fire District and be an official Fire Brigade as an auxiliary of Whitianga. “They left us to run our own operations,” says Ian. It was in September 1996
that Hahei and Cooks Beach became full fire brigades. Ian was appointed Fire Chief at the same time and has been the Fire Chief ever since – 28 years.
Ian reflects on this time as a privilege. He is drawn to thinking about the future even though at times his words can push people out of their comfort zones, and they struggle with different changes. “We have actually been able to change things from within the fire service from our small centre of Hahei.”
For example, Ian saw tiny blue lights in Hawaii. They were located adjacent to all the fire hydrants making the fire hydrants very easy to find especially at night. Ian spread the word of their effectiveness and how they would help firefighters locate hydrants in poor vision fire fighting situations. They tried them out on the Hahei fire hydrants. Now these little blue lights are all over the country.
As for being able to respond to medical emergencies; the use of cell phones in trucks was starting to be practised. However, for that to work for Hahei, cell phone tower coverage was essential. Ian gave consent for Spark and Vodafone to install cell phone towers on his property making the consent process easier. The presence of the cell towers made communication more streamlined and effective.
LEADERSHIP
“I put my business hat on when I look at our brigade but at the same time, I know they are all volunteer employees. They come here out of a sense of commit-
ment and service to their community. My task is to affirm that and to develop the comradeship and the enjoyment of belonging.
“We are a quasi-government organisation run by volunteers. Sometimes it’s really hard as when Covid was on. Management was about motivation and keeping people together. The effort to prevent polarisation into different opinions on the vaccine was really hard.
“That matter is passed, and we have some brave new recruits. Hahei has 25 firefighters. Our three new firefighters are under thirty and this has lowered the average age of 58 considerably. This has a good vibe effect and a good conduct effect throughout our organisation. The young ones and the women firefighters change the dynamics and all for the better.
“Principally, I am part of the fire brigade because I enjoy helping people; that’s the crux. So does Shell my wife and best friend. I found her on a rock, literally. Her transport from the beach had gone without her and there she was, stranded on a rock, like a shell. I knew she was the one for me and I have regarded myself as very fortunate, ever since. I am the fire fighter but she is always there to support.
‘As for the future, Ian is focussed on keeping the momentum going, constantly improving the skills and preparedness of the Hahei brigade. “A lot of the focus has to be on getting the firefighters ready and out the door. We had a fire call the other night and we had a full crew out the door in 5 minutes. This would be true of many of our volunteer fire brigades around the country.
“In the end we are one whanau. We look after each other. We train, we socialise, but we are also called to help our greater whanau, our village. If we are strong and resilient here, we can be the same when there are major disasters.”
Ian Carter, fourth from the right, front row, celebrates 50 years of service with his Hahei Voluntary Fire Brigade; left, Ian and Shell Carter.
Tairua’s paradise of flowers tops most botanical gardens by far
BY ADDIE LANE
Flowers galore with wedding bells afar! One cannot miss the sign of the humble presence of a flower orchard consisting of 2-hectares of land with freshly pickable flowers; on the right about one kilometre out of Tairua when driving towards Pauanui. When you see the sign, simply turn right and drive up a driveway into a heavenly paradise of beautiful flowers.
Mrs. Linda Hart can tell you a thing or two when it comes to flowers because she learned it all from her grandmother during her childhood between Titirangi, Auckland and Turua on the Hauraki Plains with her parents and siblings. These are private gardens open to the public for visiting and selecting their own fresh flowers. The rates are very economical, not to mention, it is a perfect site for those wedding photos.
Linda, married with two adult children, tells the story of when she moved from Paeroa. It took three truck loads to move her flowering pot plants from Pareoa to Tairua. From there, it took her 34 years to build this flower paradise. She spoke further of a very exciting time during COVID, when she put an advertisement on Face-
book, offering free flowers for those who were suffering with COVID. After 430 bunches of flowers went out, she had to put a stop to it to enable flower regrowth.
It has not been all flowers for Linda. She has previously served as a medical officer with the police, assigned to the Police Booze Bus and responsible for taking blood
tests from “over the limit” drivers. Whilst she calls herself a mere “Flower Grower”, given her good samaritan character, a more suitable title would, of course, have to be, “The Queen of Flowers” for Tairua.
Linda is now settled into retirement which is her fulltime passion, devotion and enthusiasm for
her beautiful flower garden. Her children are abroad, so she visits her girlfriends, and spends time with her husband Brian and her lovely dog Richie. Her bubble personality and gracious character make the title, Queen of Flowers, most fitting Way to go, Linda! Linda Hart Ph: 027-3999982.
More than just a car show - Beach Meet 2025
BY JACK BIDDLE
Event organisers of the Whiti Beach Meet 2025, to be held at the Buffalo Beach reserve Whitianga on Saturday, 4 January, are putting the call out to locals to bring along their dancing shoes and/ or a vehicle, motorbike, truck or retro caravan of public interest (some conditions may apply) and to play an active part in this significant summer event.
The American Muscle Street & Custom Club (AMS&CC) Whitianga is once again promoting the event which has, since its inception in 2019, always drawn a large and enthusiastic crowd of locals and holiday makers.
Club spokesperson, Reg Smith, says the Beach Meet originally started out as a gathering of only its club vehicles, parked up in the main street of Whitianga. Then they threw the doors wide open to encourage a wider range of
vehicles. Providing live music and dancing to suit the occasion, was the next great addition.
Hence the move to the Buffalo Beach reserve. The AMS&CC organising committee is very grateful to the TCDC for allowing
them to use Buffalo Beach reserve which offers plenty of space and provides a great family-focused location.
As well as a large collection of some very cool muscle cars, the 2025 Beach Meet will have mil-
itary vehicles, motorcycles and caravans, plus a very famous 1923 race car and also race trucks, that when fired up, will certainly be attention grabbing for spectators.
Live music courtesy of The Longhorns, a country rock band, and local artists headed by the popular Phil Hart, will keep the rock’n roll and line dancers on their feet.
“While we are expecting a large number of vehicles from outside the Coromandel region to enter, we are also encouraging local participation,” says Reg.
“No club affiliation is required and all entrants are in the draw for sponsor’s spot prizes.”
The vehicle display fee of a mere $20 helps raise much needed funds within the community which are donated back to local charities.
Last year, $9,000 was split between two great causes, Project Mammogram and the Mercury
Bay Cancer Support Trust. General entry to the show for the public is free with proceedings getting underway at 9.30am and concluding at 3.30pm. The 2025 show is jointly sponsored by John and Lynda Grant of CFM, Ron and Bronwyn Tops of Peninsula Cars & Auto Service Centre, Whitianga, who have also helped with the overall fundraising of prizes etc.
As well as Reg, behind the scenes is the American Muscle Street & Custom Club Whitianga Beach Meet organising committee – Julie Smith, Bruce and Di Andrews, Pete and Penny Murray, Ron and Bron Tops, John Colebourne and Jenny McKinnon-Bell. For more information on entering, email Reg Smith at glasspro@xtra.co.nz or text/call 0274935822 or check out the American Muscle Street & Custom Club Facebook page for a registration form.
Linda Hart with her picked fresh flowers on display for customers to select; Linda and her dog Richie – the flower orchard is their heavenly place.
Drone photo of The Beach Meet on Buffalo Beach Reserve.
Photographic Club
The challenge for Whitianga Photographic Club for October was Complementary Colours.
We only have one overall winner as our challenge image was judged externally by a member of The Photographic Society of New Zealand.
HERE’S WHAT THE JUDGE HAD TO SAY… ‘Floral Twirl’ by Wendy Pemberton
Art Centre and Bayleys – A 25+ Year Partnership
“The photographer has magically created a captivating abstract that uses complementary colours to create a sense of movement and depth. The vibrant swirls of red, yellow, pink, and blue blend together beautifully, forming a dynamic composition that draws the eye towards the centre. As I look at the image, the twirling lines and layered colours give the feel of a flower blooming or spinning, adding to the piece’s hypnotic appeal. The fluid shapes and curved lines create a lovely rhythm, and the choice of bold colours adds an exciting energy to the image.
I find this a striking and creative use of complementary colours, with a compelling flow and balance that invite exploration. I’d very much like to know what magic the photographer used to create it.”
Our members voted ‘Dipped in Floral’ by Annah Stretton as ‘Photo of the month’
A joyful image of ladies having fun at the beach, which made us all smile.
The challenge for November is ‘water in motion’. The work and achievements of our members can be viewed on the Whitianga Photographic Club public Facebook page.
Since 1999, Bayleys Real Estate have been proud sponsors of the Whitianga Art Group. Over the past 25 years, this partnership has flourished, growing alongside the group and the wonderful effort they put into the community.
Bayleys’ connection to the Whitianga Art Group runs even deeper. During a recent conversation between Jenny Cotterell, Group President and Shaun Paterson, Bayleys Coromandel Director, they realised the sponsorship dates back to the 80s.
Former team members championed the group’s work as far back as then, laying the foundation for a relationship built on mutual respect and a shared passion for the arts. This enduring partnership reflects Bayleys’ commitment to supporting creativity and celebrating the people and events that make our community special.
This year, the Art Group is holding a 45th Annual Summer Exhibition which will take place from December 13th to January 12th, at the Whitianga Art Centre, 23 School Road.
It promises to be another stunning showcase of local creativity, with 20 talented artists exhibiting brand-new works. Thanks to the event’s open format, visitors can expect the exhibition to continually evolve - sold art-
works are replaced with new pieces throughout the exhibition, ensuring there’s always something fresh to discover.
Adding to the excitement, this year’s event features special guest artist, Nick Fedaeff, an internationally acclaimed surrealist painter. Nick will open the exhibition and offer attendees the chance to engage with his extraordinary work, a unique opportunity for art lovers in the Coromandel.
The Whitianga Art Group has been bringing the community together through art since 1981, and Bayleys is honoured to have been a part of that journey for so many years. Supporting events like the Summer Exhibition is more than just a sponsorship; it’s about celebrating the incredible
work of groups like the Whitianga Art Group, whose passion and dedication make a lasting impact on our community.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a holidaymaker exploring Whitianga, or simply someone who appreciates a great community event, the Summer Exhibition is a must-see. Entry is free, making it easy to pop in, admire the creativity, and maybe even take home a piece of local artistry.
Join us at the Whitianga Art Centre, 23 School Road, this January to celebrate 45 years of art, community, and an enduring partnership that continues to inspire. We’ll see you there! Whitianga Summer Art Exhibition, 13 December to 12 January, Whitianga Art Centre, 23 School Road, Whitianga.
Artists at work in the Whitianga Art Centre
They love the Whitianga Bike Park
BY PAULINE STEWART
When there is time for dad to take William and Wyatt on any weekend, they are there. Most days in the school holidays Mum (Pearl) or Dad (Brendan) will find a couple of hours to take them. Sometimes the whole family is there together and a picnic or barbque is part of their special time.
Soon, there will be another edition to this Whitianga family. A baby will arrive this month.
When dad comes home from a fishing trip (he is a commercial fisherman), they can spend a longer time at their favourite place of fun, adventure and play.
For William, 5 years, there is a great choice of bikes he can ride. Some are a little bigger than he is used to, but he likes to test himself.
He loves the tiny stream that follows the open grass area and he loves the bush. With both, William goes on all kinds of imaginary adventures.
For Wyatt, almost four years, apart from the bikes, there is one tractor that he would gladly take home. Dad is kept busy pulling him along. In his mind he is a farmer making hay and harvesting lots of food.
Wyatt also loves Bluey, the large ride-on mower (a gift to the Bike Park, no longer used for mowing), and spends time sitting on Bluey every visit.
Brendan comes to gather both boys to go on a longer ride, up and down beautiful wooded tracks.
“Our family is very thankful for this park,” says Brendan.
“It’s a great place for families across this whole region. It is so relaxed and safe here. We could spend all day, and we do when we have time. On weekends, William and Wyatt bring a friend and they play and ride the entire time.”
When The Informer went to see Brendan and the boys, some of the Collier clan arrived at the
park. They were early, wanting to play before a friend’s birthday party would begin under the covered and very shady, wooden shelters, just right for lots of people to enjoy a special occasion. Owen and Ilara, cousin, Carter and friend, Lars, revelled in the swings near the entrance before the party began. All of this is offered to everyone who comes.
enjoy the swings before going to a weekend birthday party held at the Bike Park.
The cost of entry is simply a gold coin for each person.
Such a magnificent site right near the airport in Moewai Road is maintained through volunteers, who have skills and an interest in a lot of fields of maintenance and improvement – bikes, parks,
bush, grass and bike tracks. Have a think about that. For further information, ph the Manager, Jon Maud on 027 366 4606.
A message from the Whitianga Bike Park
Open 7 days
To all our supporters and users, we wish you a very Happy Christmas and hope to see all bike riders in Mercury Bay over the summer. 2025 will be a year to stay super positive. Being at the Whitianga Bike Park will help you.
CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING COMPETITION
December 8 – 10am-2pm – $5 entry per tree
Bring your own decorations or there will be some provided. Wonderful prizes for best dressed tree or most creatively decorated Christmas tree.
Contact: Ernest Raina 021 716 852 or 07 211 9793 (Matarangi office) ernest@rainest.co.nz
Brendan, dad and commercial fisherman, leads Wyatt, his son, on the beloved tractor at the Bike Park; William, left, Wyatt’s older brother, enjoys the Bike Park tracks every week; above, Carter, Lars and Owen
Jon Maud, Manager
BY STAN STEWART
Ihave been flying, mostly for work for fifty years. Things have changed massively. I can remember sitting next to chain-smoking passengers. I remember one telling me, “I’m afraid of flying and smoking calms my nerves!”.
Walking, sometime running to the departure gate, I would pass or be passed by, trolleys loaded with persons who apparently would have found it difficult to walk to the departure gate. I felt superior to them. I wondered secretly if it was a kind of scam. I sometimes detected looks of superiority from the trolley elite. These days the trolleys are not in use. On my latest trip to Brisbane, I saw six of them parked-up in an alcove beside the ramp to the gates. Actually, I wished they were still running. I would have hitched a ride.
In the matter of a couple of months things have drastically changed for me. My body, moving past 87years, is asserting its ‘past the use-by date’. I refuse to listen but my body is insistent.
Our late November flight to Brisbane was the source of great anxiety for me. “Would I
be able to make it from check-in to the departure gate?” My wife had a cunning plan. She told the check-in person that I had an irregular heart beat (true).
Within minutes I was plonked in a wheelchair which my wife volunteered to push. Embarrassing! I looked at the floor for the whole journey.
People in wheelchairs go in a special queue. We zipped past the maddening crowd and in a short time, we were in the departure lounge. Something similar happened in in Brisbane. My embarrassment was definitely a small price for such an easy exit from New Zealand and entry into Australia. I am grateful for my wife’s plan and her energy in making it happen.
In my brother-in-law’s house we do our TV-watching facing a room-spanning cabinet. Family photos are displayed on the top of the cabinet from one end of the cabinet to the other. Many of the people on display are dead. This morning a strange thought occurred to me. If I stepped off this mortal coil (died), would the gallery be shuffled a bit so they
could display a pic of me?
Now on reflection, all these thoughts unsettle me. Why? I hardly ever think about dying. The reason is that this is not something I am going to do – at least not anytime soon. Maybe when I’m past 100 but not at this time. I’ve got things planned out
and dying is not in the plan.
However, I have just gone through two airports in a wheelchair. Never anticipated or planned that?
In Whitianga, I am surrounded by people who have made a good life. They have the house, the view, the car, the boat and now it’s just a matter of pulling on their shorts and jandals and enjoying themselves for, well who knows, years probably. What could possibly interrupt the perfect life they have worked for?
My recent experiences have brought one thing to mind.
Ageing is weird! It moves into a life, uninvited, no beg your pardons, nor waiting for a convenient time. I have read about ageing in books. Not my favourite light reading. Now I think that’s what’s happening to me. Yuk!
When it seemed possible that I might live in Whitianga for a time, access to health services concerned me. The thought of going to Waikato hospital in an ambulance worried me. Round and
round, up and down – surely a car-sick spectacular. Now I know in many cases it’s not like that. In this last year, two of my friends have been whisked to hospital by helicopter. And as for medical services in the town I have found them to be tops. When I lived 20 minutes from Auckland hospital, I found accessing medial services to be problematic. Now living in Whitianga the medical services available to me are accessible and top quality.
At a family party last night, during a lull in conversation, one of my family members asked me “What are your plans for retirement? Hobbies? Trips? Etc. “I have never thought about it,” was my response. I sensed people were surprised. For a moment I felt guilty. Then in an instant the feeling passed. I like what I do such a lot.
In my bed, I came up with something like this. I want to live each day to the full. I look forward to being with loved ones and making new friends, especially young friends.
Reluctantly, I will take the pills but I’m not giving up on my longlife vision.
As I do this, I’ll take on Old Father Time ‘One day at a time’.
Indaria is The Cat In The Hat
– End of an era
This coming weekend is the Whitianga En Pointe Dance studio’s Christmas presentation and Indaria Bainbridge-Davies last year with En Pointe Dance Studio, she will dance in one of the lead roles. The show is called ‘Seusstastical’ and it promises to be spectacular, involving all of the students and all of the dance genres taught at En Pointe Dance Studio. Owner and Director of En Pointe, Lisa Gifford, has once again achieved an excellent show with her support team of teachers, tutors and parents and over 100 dancers involved in the show.
There will be two performances of ‘Seusstastical’ in the Whitianga Town Hall - Saturday, 7 December 4.00pm and Sunday, 8 December at 2.00pm. The community is invited to purchase tickets and enjoy the show. As well as The Cat in the Hat, the show also features Horton, Jo Jo, Yertle the Turtle, Fox in Socks and many more Dr Suess characters on their fantastic adventure with their epic moves! Indaria is excited to be The Cat in the Hat. “I pop up as the Cat in The Hat throughout most of the show, and I help out with the little ones.” 2025 will be very different for Indaria. She has just completed Year 13 at Mercury Bay Area
School and at 18, she has earned a full-time place at Dance Arts New Zealand in Christchurch for a full-time, two-year dance and performing arts course.
“The audition process was quite intense,” says Indaria. “There were 12 of us auditioning at the time and there were fourteen people on the committee decid ing if we have what it takes. It was a bit like a trial. The audition included being taught a few dance pieces to see how flexible and skilled we are as dancers and how quickly we can learn them,” says Indaria. “With the experience I have gained with teaching and improvising at En Pointe, I have learned to not be self-conscious and I have learned to give every thing a good go and enjoy it!”
Indaria loves all of the styles of dance she has learned – ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, acro (acrobatics). She is an excellent dancer in all of them.
“Ballet and tap are the most diffi cult. With tap you have to be very strong and have an innate sense of musicality – the counting of the beats needs to be a part of you. Ballet requires strength too. Partner work is something I haven’t done much of in my dance journey and this is an experience I
will get in Christchurch which is not so easy to come by here. I will be closer to the big events being in Christchurch.
“When competing throughout my dance journey there was always the long travel distances
which have been a part of our family’s life ever since I have been dancing.”
This year has been the hardest for Indaria. In addition to her dancing, she was part of the leadership team at school and also the Board of Trustees representative which she loved, but it’s been a real exercise in time management – balancing responsibilities at school, rehearsing and teaching dance, studying, and fit ness too is a commitment.
“You can’t be a high-level dancer without your health and a high level of fitness,” says Indaria.
“Though I have been dancing since I was two, I still need to work hard at it. These last couple of years, I have had to give up my social life and even some family things, so I could focus more on dancing and study. This has been easier than I thought. It is not a chore for me. I am more than happy to do with my life.
“Hopefully, I can be a good dance teacher – perhaps have my own studio. I would like to pass on the knowledge I have gained, I couldn’t of done any of this with out my awesome dance teacher Lisa,” Indaria adds with a smile. Indaria is off to the Saba Dance
Studio Summer school in Auckland in January. She chose this over an Australian based national dance competition which she qualified for in August.
“This will provide a focus to work on all the aspects of the way I dance. It is excellent preparation for the time in Christchurch.”
See page 6 for details on the tickets and performances for ‘Seusstastical’.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
NOT CONVINCED
Thanks for arranging for TCDC comments on Mr Amunsden’s article about TCDC excesses to be posted on your website.
My summary on the TCDC comments by their “Communications Team Leader”
1. 82 Staff being paid more than $100,000 p.a.
Mr Dobie has a full para of beaurocratic speak such as “fair pay to attract the right people” etc etc. I can’t believe so many highly paid staff are needed.
2. Full time staff budgeted for FY 24/25 increased by about 40 to 277.
Mr Dobie justifies this by, “increase in infrastructure management staff to replace contractors,” “weather events” and “increase in capacity to deliver building and planning services.”
I find none of this very convincing and one would need an investigative reporter to dig deeply at TCDC to get the background figures. Why do they need more planning staff in the midst of a recession?? Thanks again for putting the info on your website.
David Innes
LEAVE THE PEOPLE CAUSING NO HARM
About 10 years ago the then CEO of the TCDC Steve Ruru hired a new gun Sam Napia. Sam was going to destroy every illegal dwelling or shed on our Peninsula.
He started with the Wilderland community. I was a trustee at the time having been friends with the founder Dan Hanson. Some of the building there were truly works of art made from the earth they sat on and recycled Toyota car crates.
Sam and Steve were going to bulldoze these “illegal” dwellings that people from all over the world had occupied short and long term for up to 50 years. Wilderland worked with the local building inspector (not a bad bloke) and after much effort and expense they made their buildings legal. Steve and Sam then slapped an $80,000 bill on Wilderland for “change of use consent”.
Who are our district Council?
By the way they manipulate the rate demands by bumping up the valuations it’s clear they are broke. Then why are they still hassling rate payers with threats of demolition when they clearly havent got the basic infrastructure sorted. Are the water systems all sorted?
Are the roads up to scratch? Do we have enough public toilets to deal with the high influx of tourists? Councils have a lot to do, so get on with it and leave the people causing no harm and paying rates alone. Leave Steve Hart and his family be.
By the way, Wilderland is still providing community for those that choose to live there. Petty bureaucrats like Steve and Sam are long gone, off to spread their
misery else where.
Roger Harwood
QUESTIONING THE USE OF “UNUSED” FUNDS
Ady Cole-Ewen’s letter to the editor was published 1 October in The Informer. This is the Council’s response sent to The Informer. The Esplanade Project is now in concept presentation stage.
Ady has defended her letter in this issue page 15. Her letter to the Editor contains factual inaccuracies that need to be corrected in order that The Informer readers not be misinformed on the Whitianga Esplanade Redevelopment Project.
Ms Cole-Ewen asks whether $90,000 to fund investigations into the Esplanade project was ‘unused funding from a Wharekaho project that did not proceed?’ No Wharekaho project has been cancelled and no funds have been diverted or ‘casually uplifted’ as Ms Cole-Ewen states. In July 2022, the Mercury Bay Community Board resolved that investigations should proceed (subject to Council confirmation) into redeveloping the Esplanade waterfront area in order to alleviate the known health and safety issues and to provide for growth in the activities taking place in the area.
In September 2022, the Council confirmed that the investigations should proceed and be funded from Mercury Bay retained earn-
ings, subject to the funds being available. Retained earnings weren’t available until late 2023, after which a consultant was appointed to begin the investigations.
Retained earnings are operational underspends from a variety of sources across a local area and are retained in the area from which they are rated. They can be used for local purposes, such as work that doesn’t already have budget allocated. Use of retained earnings requires a decision of Council, and are not ‘casually uplifted’. In the case of the Esplanade redevelopment project, capital funding had been allocated in previous Long Term Plans as far back as 2018. This included specific budget figures, contrary to Ady Cole-Ewen’s statement in her letter. However, the operational budget to do the pre-engagement, investigative work and community consultation had not been allocated.
The meeting agendas and minutes where all Council and Community Board decisions are recorded are publicly available on the TCDC website or Council staff are always happy to provide this type of information to anyone who asks.
The report to the Community Board for their 13 July 2022 meeting provides a good summary of the scope of the project that the Board approved. The minutes
record that Councillors Tony Fox and Murray McLean moved and seconded the Board’s resolution to approve the project, including a recommendation to Council that capital funding for it be retained in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan. $12.57 million of capital expenditure funding was allocated to the Esplanade redevelopment through the Long-Term Plan process earlier this year, earmarked for the 2027-30 financial years. There will be another Long-Term Plan drawn up before then, so people will have another chance (in early 2027) to provide Council with their feedback on this allocation – if they wish.
In the meantime, Council’s investigations into the Esplanade redevelopment so far this year have included pre-engagement meetings with user focus groups (primarily waterfront/boat ramp users and residents), so that we can have some concepts and rough cost estimates to take to the wider community. Council has added people to those user focus groups as they’ve made their interest in the project known.
Mercury Bay Community Board members and Council staff met with the chairs of the Wharekaho and Mercury Bay ratepayer/resident associations on 11 September. A number of projects were discussed - including the funding of the Esplanade project - questions were answered and council-
Authorised by Scott Simpson, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
lors, community board members and staff said they were available for further discussion.
The Council is expecting wider community engagement to take place in early December. Those interested in the project can check the TCDC website, where there is a page dedicated to project updates: www.tcdc.govt.nz/ whitiangaesplanade. More details on the community engagement and how to provide feedback will be available once we’ve got things confirmed. The project web page is being updated as gaps in the community’s knowledge of the project become apparent or the Council hears of misinformation circulated.
Michael Dobie is Communications Team Leader, TCDC
ESPLANADE PROJECT –COSTINGS AND PROCESSES UNDER EXAMINATION
This is a public response to Michael Dobie’s defence of the strategy, and processes undertaken by TCDC regarding the Whitianga Esplanade development proposals.
Firstly, I would like to clarify my use of the term “Unused Funds” as opposed to Mr Dobie’s accountancy terminology of “Retained Earnings”. Retained Earnings are the amount of money a company has left over after paying dividends shareholders and making other distributions. Retained Earnings are an important indica-
tor of a company’s financial health and profitability. ‘Unused Funds’ are exactly that, funds that have not been used.
As the council is not a company and the description of retained earnings does not include shareholders dividends, “unused funds” is a more accurate assessment of the left-over funds referred to by Council.
Clarification of why these additional funds had to be used on top of the funds already allocated to the Esplanade Project still needs clarifying. Funds were allocated in the 2018 budget, or thereabouts, to investigate the Esplanade project and were used up by fees in 2022 to produce the plan ratepayers saw when asked to consult on the 2024 Long term Plan. That option was costed at $21 millionwhich investigations show could never return a pay back to ratepayers.
Standard commercial project planning would have looked at the return on investment required before even considering proceeding with the project.
Some simple sums could have been used to calculate the maximum capital cost afforded against the pay back from the proposed operational revenue from the development. This would have avoided cost to the rate payer of whatever the original consultants’ costs were; (Circa $500,000) and now, another $90,000. The result
is we are back at the same point we were at originally, albeit with a totally different process and design.
This is deeply concerning and in light of this error I request the release of the budget calculations that show how the $12,570,000 million for this project has been calculated so the same error is not made again. For the sake of honesty and transparency, the amount of funding sitting in the “unused funds” account should be made known. Who decides where this funding is spent?
My tongue in cheek comment about “funding” in “Wharekaho” was understood by all who are aware of the lack of even the most basic infrastructure in Wharekaho:- no reticulated water, no sewage and not even a safe footpath along SH25. Yet, we are a suburb of Whitianga!
Our first request for a safe footpath along SH25 was made 35 years ago. The $90,000, as I pointed out to the councillor with whom I discussed this situation, could have been well spent elsewhere on the basics. The comment I got back was, “I hadn’t thought of that”. My comment that the funds were “casually uplifted” is somewhat justified.
Surely any available funds should be allocated to the next scheduled rate payer confirmed project, depending on urgency. Is there a council policy document
that governs how the unused funds can be spent and who can spend them? It seems ratepayers do not get a say on how these funds are spent.
Michael Dobie’s response states that Council has conducted pre-engagement meetings with “user focus groups” into the Esplanade redevelopment. It is more correct to say that the meetings were attended by council selected userfocus groups most likely to support the project. Residents who found out by chance and turned up at the meetings either forced their way in or left after being told they were not invited. (I can back this up).
There was limited available information on the TCDC website regarding the Esplanade Project prior to the stormy meeting held by concerned residents at Robinson Road (over 60 attended) Following this meeting, a mass of information on the Esplanade Project appeared on the TCDC website. Thus, TCDC’s defence, “The information was available online” was not online at the time the letter to The Informer was written.
The latest community engagement document is missing one important option. It gives six options to proceed with some form of the project, but doesn’t give the community the choice to not proceed with the project and reallocate the funds to much
needed basic infrastructure.
This is undemocratic and council is virtually saying to its ratepayers, and we will do what we want regardless.
The ratepayers and council are technically a team. Public service requires openness and a sense of working together. Having a say at the outset regarding major projects is vital in building a supportive and involved community as well as economic efficiency.
Ady Cole-Ewen
LIFE IS FOR LIVING
When reading a book a number of years ago, I came across a quotation that I believe was one of the best ever written. It had significant impact on me.
“If you live without making a difference what difference does it make that you have lived.”
After living on the Coromandel Peninsula for over 40 years, I have met with and worked alongside many people who would be worthy of this quotation. These people have served their communities unselfishly, with dignity and respect.
Christmas New Year is a good time to recognise these people and for friends and family to value what they have done for their district. They are the salt of the earth and the fabric of a healthy community.
“Life is for living”
Noel S. Hewlett, Whitianga
A great colouring-in or painting-in competition
Daena Young is the administrator of Shoreline Painters, Whitianga. Daena is a force of sunny ideas and positive energy. Through Daena, Shoreline Painters has initiated a Christmas colouring competition for children in The Informer.
COLOURING OR PAINTING-IN COMPETITION
Two levels- 5-7 years and 8-12 years; starting last week and running for three weeks in December. Your entry must be in by 9.00am the following Monday of each issue.
First colouring-in or painting-in appeared in last week’s issue of The Informer and can be downloaded from facebook and the website, but you can use the version in The Informer if you choose. The quality of the paper is bet-
Exceed
ter when printed from your facebook or website but no child will be penalised for colouring in the newspaper edition of the colouring in.
Each entry will increase in level of difficulty to colour in or paint.
Second entry in by Monday 9
December Third Entry in by Monday 16 December
CHRISTMAS EVE
The winning finalists (there will be two winners, one for each age group) will be announced on CFM and published in The Informer, Tuesday, 24 December. They will be personally notified as well by Shoreline painters.
Prizes: The winner (8-12years) receives a $100 voucher from Paper Plus and a Banana Boat ride for four.
The winner (5-7 years) receives a $100 voucher from
The Warehouse plus a family pass to Fun Zone. Send in your colouring in each week for three weeks The two winners will be announced in the Christmas Eve edition and their prize can be picked up that day. The judges require all three colouring-ins or painting-ins from each entrant to decide the winners.
There is a colourful box outside The Informer office in Monk Street Whitianga for placing in your named entries, but those living outside Whitianga township can post or email their colouring-in or painting. Daena welcomes that.
Name:
Address:
Phone no:
Age:
Hand deliver, mail, scan/photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 12.00 noon on Monday each week.
Daena Young – the initiator of the colouring or painting-in competition and Administrator at Shoreline Painters
Christmas, NewYear & Summer events!
Hello Sailor
Iconic Kiwi Band to play at Waihi Beach Hotel –8.30pm-11.00pm, Saturday, 7 December – 60 Wilson Road, Waihi Beach. Plugged-in, five-piece rock band with a set packed with hits. Tickets: $54.55 each –available on eventfinda.co.nz
Whitianga Bike Park Christmas Tree decorating competition Sunday, 8 December
Christmas Parades
PAEROA SANTA PARADE and AFTER PARTY 6.00pm
THAMES SANTA PARADE 11.00am Saturday, 7 December in Pollen Street.
COROMANDEL TOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE AND CHRISTMAS MARKET 3.00pm Sunday, 8 December.
WHANGAMATA CHRISTMAS PARADE AND FAIR 5.30pm - 8.00pm Friday, 13 December.
NGATEA CHRISTMAS PARADE 5.45pm – 7.30pm, Thursday, 12 December.
Later in December : Tairua Santa’s Picnic on the Pepe and Matarangi Santa Parade, Saturday, 21 December; Turua Christmas at the Domain Sunday, 22 December.
Coromandel Jazz & Folk Artist Fei Lin
7pm Friday 13 December
The Monkey House Theatre, Whitianga Tickets $10 from UTR.co.nz
-in
Sponsored by Shoreline Painters see page 16.
GAMES AND PUZZLES
Iguana or monitor (6)
Spheres (4)
Ship’s unloading site (5)
8. Blocking vote (4)
9. Heavy criticism (4)
10. Gowns (5)
11. Representing, on ... of (6)
13. Snake-like fish (4)
14. Chocolate choux pastry (6)
18. Happened next (6)
21. Door handle (4)
22. Engraved with acid (6)
24. Peru beast (5)
25. Short skirt style (4)
26. Impulse (4)
27. Nook (5)
28. Doe’s mate (4)
29. Discreetly (6)
DOWN
1. Endearing (7)
2. Smell (5)
3. One of Snow White’s friends (5)
4. Rubbish (7)
5. Counterbalances (7)
6. Writing for visually impaired (7)
12. Hawaiian garland (3)
15. Comprise, ... of (7)
16. Sauntering (7)
17. Love affair (7)
19. Almond or pecan (3)
20. Feeble with age (7)
22. Roof edges (6)
23. Cake morsel (5)
Informer
Sudoku instructions
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of 9 boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
WHAT'S ON
OP SHOPS
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop
– Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every 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 – Friday 13 December and Monday 23 December.. 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 Buffalo Beach Reserve 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 Alison 021 0508 772 or Sally 027 3962 383. Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed of the month. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com.
Mercury Bay Model Railway Club – Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650 Mercury Bay Shooting Federation – Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email mbsfsecretary@gmail.com
Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) – Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Joan on 07 866 3801 or 027 275 1372.
BI-MONTHLY
Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc – We meet bimonthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737.
FORTNIGHTLY
Greeting Card Making – The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up. Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone Vanessa 027 896 5037. Email vandoo555@ gmail.com.
Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016. Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information. 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.
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.
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
Santa’s Grotto – 77 Buffalo Beach Rd, 14-24 December (inc), 7pm-9pm. $2 entry pp. All proceeds go to Mercury Bay Cancer Support.
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. 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 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.
GIVE AWAY DAY
The Whitianga Baptist Church Saturday 7 December All donated goods are available from 8.30am to noon on Saturday. EVERYTHING IS FREE Everything donated can be taken on the day. The children of some families are able to select nice gifts for their siblings.
TRADES AND SERVICES
TRADES AND SERVICES
www.plannersplus.co.nz
Justin Toomey 021 797406 Rodney Gamble 021 2411
MOTORING
Numbers up with rental car sales
BY JACK BIDDLE
The good news for the Light Passenger and Commercial segments of the motoring industry in New Zealand is, new vehicle sales are on the increase this year. October 2024 was the second-best month of the year, with the 12,571 sales trailing the highest month way back in January, by only 78 units according to the sales results published recently by the Motor Industry Association (MIA).
Dig a bit deeper into the reasons for the increase in numbers however and one of the standouts is the number of rental vehicle registrations recorded. They made up 36.5% of Light Passenger Vehicle (LPVs) sales for the month, rising from 31.7% in October last year (check out the sales numbers below to highlight the impact of the rental sales).
Overall, the October total was 2.9% (373 units) lower than the same month last year, while year-
to-date sales are down by 14.7% compared to 2023 (18,410 units) and 22.5% lower than 2022 (30,965 units).
So, not great news for those new vehicle distributors who are not big players in the rental car space, nor for those who choose to stick with the more mainstream retail market. It’s still hard work to get a sale across the line in the retail world, while high stock levels must be an ongoing concern.
The other notable trend was the slight market share decline in the LPVs and the increase in the Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) registrations. The LPV market share declined by 2.1% in October and by 5.5% year-to-date, while LCVs reached an 18.9% share in October, up from 16.9% in October last year.
Year-to-date, LCVs represent 26.9% of total industry sales, an increase from 22.3% in 2023.
The MIA Chief Executive, Aimee Wiley, noted that the October data revealed distinct patterns across
vehicle categories, reflecting the market’s evolving dynamics. “The shift from LPVs to LCVs signals a growing preference for vehicles offering flexibility and versatility, particularly for mixed-use applications. October’s vehicle registration data indicates stability in core segments and emerging trends that reflect a gradual evolution in the market. With LCVs gaining popularity and LPVs [still] holding a leading position, the industry is adapting to changing consumer preferences and economic factors”.
Seems like utes, which are only growing in representation with more and more players joining the lucrative Kiwi market, to challenge the big three (Toyota, Ford and Mitsubishi) never really went away.
Instead, they sat in silence and patiently waited for the previous Government’s dirty diesel tax to be abolished before returning to the market in force.
Heavy Commercial Vehicles
(HCVs) continued their consistent performance year-to-date driven by commercial and business demand.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) continue to struggle to gain traction in the NZ market, currently with the Ford Mustang Mach-E (143 units), BYD Atto 3 (59 units), Tesla Model Y (48 units), MG4 (35 units) and Volkswagen ID.5 (34 units) rounding out the top 5 models in October.
It’s a similar pattern for the Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (124 units), Škoda Superb (37 units), BYD Sealion 6 (28 units), Mitsubishi Outlander (26 units) and Cupra Formentor (10 units) leading the way.
In contrast, Hybrid Vehicles, and Toyota in particular, continue to dominate the electrified fleet with the top five models in October being the Toyota RAV4 (1,354 units), Toyota Corolla Cross (215 units), Ford Puma (183 units), Toyota Yaris Cross (180 units)
and Toyota Corolla (176 units). Toyota is now offering a Hilux hybrid as a model option in their ute range.
TOP 8 CARS/SUV MODELS FOR OCTOBER
Toyota RAV4 (1354)
Kia Seltos (544)
Mitsubishi ASX (537)
Mitsubishi Outlander (429)
Kia Sportage (299)
Ford Everest (288)
Mazda CX-5 (249)
Toyota Corolla Cross (215)
TOP 3 COMMERCIAL MODELS FOR OCTOBER
Ford Ranger (732)
Toyota Hilux (652)
Mitsubishi Triton (251)
TOP 5 RENTAL MODELS FOR OCTOBER
Toyota Hilux (1094)
Mitsubishi ASX (328)
Mitsubishi Outlander (282)
Kia Sportage (204)
Toyota Corolla Cross (201)
SPORTS
THE HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
The Cathedral Cove Pairs Week 4
26 November 2024
North South: 1, Val Dwight and Sue Gill 61.50%; 2, Bev Dickie and Robyn Hogg 58.00%; 3, Lee Hughes and Johanna Bonnar 45.00%.
East West: 1, Myra Hoogwerf and Angela Butterworth 53.50%; 2, Jean Myles and Peter Clark 52.50%; 3, Pam Churchill and Dave Dylla 52.00%. Peter Hogg, Scorer
TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB
4th Round Slipper Pairs
North/South: 1, Celia Young & Nolene Kirkpatrick 57.29; 2, David Wilkinson & Robyn Waters 57.10; 3, Chris Death & Peter Clark 52.85.
East/West. 1, Sue Poland & Peter McNeil 56.85; 2, Sonia Botica & Kim van Diepen; 3, Ton van der Meer & Jocelyn Taylor 49.48.
MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB
Goulash session
Wednesday, 27 November
North/South - 1 Giorgio Allemano & Tadek Gawor 54.7; 2 Robyn & Pete Hogg 52.1; 3 Gavin Hedwig & Kate Palmano 49.5
East/West - 1 Hillary Scott & Terri Lipanovic 56.9; 2 Norma Hart & Augusta Canegallo 53.1; Amy Hyde & Geoff Jervis 52.5
Lost Spring Pairs round 3
Thursday, 28 November
North/South - 1 Hillary Scott & Gavin Hedwig 66.7; 2 Pat Doube & Jenny Layton 54.2 3 Ischelle Stevenson & Amy Hyde 45.8
East/West - 1 Norma Hart & Shay Geach
53.1; 2 Debbie Cragg & Paul Bradley 51.0; Rose Tegg & Geoff Jervis 49.0
MERCURY BAY CLUB – DARTS
22 players this week, so 501 doubles were played. After a lot of very close games. The team of John Munro and Kevin Taylor went through the evening unbeaten. Well done to you two. The highest finish for the men this week was 108, scored by Stoney, which just edged out Rex Donaldsons 107. No high finishes for the ladies this week and no 180’s scored. Our final night for the year will be on December the 17th.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wednesday 27 November
10 players and it’s Peter Schultz and Greg Murphy with two straight wins to challenge the final frame. It is Peter, past Club Champion on form today and takes a comfortable win and the cash prize and the highest break of 25. With two wins were Greg Murphy, Peter Challis, Ken Gibson and back from his travels Dave Colman.
Saturday 30 November
Best of three frames
8 players and it’s Bob Haase and Rob Reilly with two straight wins each to challenge the final frame. A close match this was with newcomer Rob Reilly snatching victory from 2022 Club Champion Bob and taking home the cash prize. With two wins Bob Haase( runner up), Peter Schultz, Doug Pascoe and Wayne Malcolm.
MERCURY BAY PICKLEBALL CLUB
League Q4 Results
Round 15 - Tuesday, 26 November
Court 1 - 1, Hakan Nedjat; 2, Tim Stephens, 3, Tony Minto.
Court 2 - 1, Jim Gavegan; 2, Grahame Christian; 3, Kevin Walmsley.
Court 3 - 1, Josh Muwanguzi; 2, Graeme Eady; 3, Janine Hayde.
Court 4 - 1, Jacqui Everett; 2, John East, 3, Brenda Reid.
Round 16 - Tuesday, 26 November
Court 1 - 1, Hakan Nedjat; 2, Eisaku Tsumura; 3, Tony Minto.
Court 2 - 1, Dan Emmott; 2, Kevin Walmsley; 3, Justin Woolley.
Court 3 - 1, Tom Duncan; 2, Jacqui Everett; 3, Graeme Eady.
Court 4 - 1, John East; 2, Geoff Garrett; 3, Brenda Reid.
MERCURY BAY TENNIS CLUB
Business House Tennis
Monday, 25 November
The Cut Hut defeated R. U. Surveyors 9-5, 5-9, 4-3.
Gubb Electrical defeated Rugby Club 9-2, 9-2.
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
9 Hole Women - Stableford
Tuesday 26 November
Div 1: 1, Christine Godden; 2, Audrey Vickers; 3, Jenny Layton
Div 2: 1, Jenny Cotterell; 2, Judy Hindrup; 3, Lee Rattray
9 Hole - Stableford
1, Bob Holliday; 2, Peter Chaffin; 3, Les
Walbridge
18 Hole Women – Hidden Holes
Stableford
Wednesday 27 November
1, Jillian Kent; 2, Gail Doughty; 3, Joanne Geoghegan
Twos: Marg Maher
Nearest to Pin #4: Saki Mosen
Nearest to Pin #18: Saki Mosen
Longest Putt: Betty Tocker
18 Hole Men – Stableford
1, Steve Geach; 2, Lachlan Tee; 3, Shane
Hardy
Twos: Steve Geach (2), Dom Szparagwski (2), Greg Farrant, Willie Jones, Shane Hardy, Ron Watson, Mark Boe, Rcihard Schofield
Gross Div 1– Steve Geach; Div 2 – Jay
Marshall 9-Hole Mixed Scramble – Stableford
Friday 29 November
1, Graeme Heathcote; 2, Rod Bott; 3, Les
Walbridge
18 Men – Stableford
Saturday 30 November
1, Geoff Lowe; 2, Ian McNally; 3, Johnny Lister
Twos: Sam Murphy, Wayne Kearney, Geoff Lowe, Kevin Smith, Johnny Lister
Gross – Div 1, Geoff Lowe; Div 2, Ian McNally
Longest Drive – Div 1, Kevin Smith; Div 2, Ian McNally
Nearest to Pin – Div 1, Don Szparagowski; Div 2, Ian McNally
TAIRUA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
18 hole Scramble
Saturday 23 November
Div 1 – 1, Jenny Tawa; 2, Alex Morrison; 3, Murray Fox. Div 2 – 1, Anna McGuire; 2, Linda Keyte; 3, Mark Ransfield. 9 hole Stableford
Tuesday 26 November
1, Arthur Larsen; 2, Jean McCann; 3, Brian Fellows.
Twilight Golf
Wednesday 27 November 1, Jenny Cosford; 2, Annette Eltringham; 3, Ken Edwards. 18 hole Scramble
Thursday 28 November
1, Rick McLean; 2, Ross Reid; 3, Ruth Crossman.
THE DUNES GOLF CLUB
Twilight Golf Stableford
Sunday 24 November
1, Steve Airey; 2, Peter Sharp; 3, Rowan Toms.
9 hole Ladies - Old 9, Stableford
Tuesday 26 November 1, Ruth Fiskin.
Men’s 18 hole Net Day
Wednesday 27 November 1, Gary Bancroft; 2, Graham Harrison.
Twos: Gary Bancroft
Nearest the pin: Russell Barnett
18 hole Men’s Shootout
Winner - Glenn LeLievre
9 Hole Men Back 9 - Stableford
Thursday, 28 November 1, Lance Croawell; 2, Barry Titchmarsh 18 Hole Women
Thursday, 28 November 1, Sandra Bowen; 2, Karen Bodle; 3, Polly Lambert.
Twos: Sandra Bowen
Haggle (Stableford)
Saturday 30 November 1, Gavin Allden; 2, Paul Barnard; 3, Warren Pye.
Nearest the pin – Paul Barnard
If you would like to publish your sports results email them to us before 9am Monday. info@theinformer.co.nz
home of BIG SCREEN entertainment on the Coromandel
Smitty’s Fishing Section
Twelve fisherman went out on 19 November on the Wadgee (Fishing Charters Coromandel).
It was not in the best conditions but quite bearable. We had caught our limit by 11.00am with most of the fish being in the 350mm range.
The largest fish and winner of the $60 prize pool was Ken Martin with a 560mm snapper.
We got back before conditions closed in thanks to our skipper, Russell Chesnutt. New members of the Smitty’s Fishing group are welcome. Phone Wayne on 027 279 5797.
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The Coromandel Informer is published weekly and distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of them are entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name, telephone number or residential address. Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher and can be cut if too big. Published by The Mercury Bay Informer Limited.
Editors: Pauline and Stan Stewart (027 271 6182)
Editorial: Jack Biddle, Michelle Dellabarca, Suzanne Hansen, Stephen Holmes, Dorothy Preece, Trevor Ammundsen, Lynette Gee.
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International Students Farewell Breakfast
BY JACK BIDDLE
As the school year draws to a close, the opportunity was taken to host the international students from the Mercury Bay Area School (MBAS) at a farewell breakfast at Espy Café last week.
It was an ideal way for the senior staff members and school Principal Ross Dunn, to thank them for their individual efforts during the year, for their being part of the overall school whanau and for their calling Whitianga home during their stay.
In total, 43 students mainly from Germany and Japan, aged between 15 and 17, were hosted this year by the school and local community, with the majority spending two full terms at the school and some opting for a longer fourth term stay.
Hewa Thomson, the International Student Director at the Mercury Bay Area School, labels the young overseas students as
risk takers for their willingness to leave family and life as they know it well behind them, to take on new challenges far removed from the comforts of their homes.
“The school sees this programme as not only an opportunity for international students to immerse themselves in the New Zealand culture and way of life, but also an equal opportunity
for us to bring the outside world to our doorstep”.
When students were asked why they chose New Zealand and Whitianga in particular for their overseas experience, they had no hesitation in saying it was to experience the natural beauty, beaches and protected marine life they had learned about back home as well as learning about,
7 866 5891
and being part of, the Kiwi way of life for a short time. As part of their studies, and it was a highlight for many of the students, they were able to take part in the schools marine academy which included several recreational local diving trips plus a 3-day trip to the Bay of Islands where they participated in wreck and reef dives, all under the supervision
Having a supportive homestay family network was also a major reason for the programme’s ongoing success added Hewa.
“We must acknowledge the continued support of our homestay families who have opened up their doors to our international students, invited them into their families and help them settle into a whole new environment. It’s a big commitment and investment of time, space and support, all of which is very much appreciated, not only by the school, but the students whose lives these home stay families have touched in such a positive way”.
No doubt students return back to their homelands with all expectations of their experience in New Zealand well and truly exceeded, thanks to a unique learning experience from MBAS and a supportive local community.
of local Whitianga operator, Dive Zone.
Ross Dunn, Principal, farewells the international students at MBAS and thanks them for their hard work; the international students enjoy their farewell breakfast at Epsy Cafe.