BIG SCRUB FIRE AT
access.
on Saturday, 11 January, and was not able to be contained by the end of the day due to lack of accessibility to the fire and the prevailing winds sending it up the hillsides very quickly.
Black Jack Road was closed to the public all day on Sunday to enable firefghters to work. A pilot vehicle was there for residents and emergency
The two helicopters teams working on Saturday were increased to three with four ground crews on Sunday. As The Informer goes to press, four local ground crews are working on the eastern and sourthern flanks and three helicopters are attacking the fire on the steep and inaccessible western flank. They were making steady progress to contain the Black Jack Road fire. Incident Controller Shane Bromley said that weather conditions were relatively favourable.
There were no evacuations due to the fire. One resident The Informer spoke to on Saturday night, said “I can see the flames from my bedroom, though it is quite a distance away, it doesn’t bode well for sleep.”
It is not known how the fire started at this stage but it appears to have started very close to the edge of the road. An investigation will take place to determine the cause. For locals, the fire has ravaged their maunga (mountain).
Note: The entire Coromandel Peninsula is under a fire ban. No lighting of fires without a permit from RENZ.
Photo courtesy of Kuaotunu Volunteer Fire Brigade
Terrible tragedy at Hahei
Ateenager died after being found at the bottom of a cliff face in Thames-Coromandel on Saturday evening, 11 January. Two young teens were attempting to climb up the cliff face when one fell. This was right at the end of the beach where there are lots of rocks. The other teen was trapped on a ledge unharmed. One resident said it is the first time I have heard of anybody trying to attempt such a climb. There are so many rocks.
Emergency services responded to the scene at Hahei Beach around 8.15pm on Saturday.
The young boy at the bottom of the cliff face was found in a critical condition, police said. He later died at the scene.
Four fire crews were involved in the successful rescue of the other teen. Two crews came from Hahei, one from Tairua and a Level Three crew from Hamilton. This was due to the inaccessibility of the young person on a ledge and the instability of
the cliff face. Mayor Len Salt says there will be an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the young person.
Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of the two young teens and also the community of Hahei. This is a holiday paradise for so many families from all over New Zealand and overseas and this tragedy is difficult to absorb.
The cliff face near where the tragedy occurred at the northern end of Hahei Beach.
Local Water Done Well – work has started, a long way to go
This is from the TCDC report from the 3 December full Council meeting – Compiled by Pauline Stewart
TCDC and all territorial authorities are required by The Water Services Preliminary Arrangements Act (WSPA) to (i) identify their existing approach for delivering water services, and (ii) consider future service delivery options.
The output of this work needs to be submitted to Department of Internal affairs (DIA) as part of Council’s future Water Service Delivery Plan, by 3 September 2025.
FIVE
OPTIONS
WORKSHOPPED - TWO SELECTED
The options for future water services delivery were workshopped with Council on 8 July and 8 November 2024, TCDC engaged consultants Martin Jenkins Ltd (MJ) to carry out the assessment for future service delivery options for 3 waters.
The consultant’s progress report was available for presentation and discussion at the 10 December full council meeting. Through these workshops and the Council report, elected
members were provided with an opportunity to highlight concerns / opportunities for future three waters service delivery. This feedback has been incorporated into the work done to date and will also be incorporated into the Water Service Delivery Plans (WSDP).
At the two workshops Martin Jenkins Ltd. presented to elected members on the work they had undertaken on the TCDC Assessment of viability and sustainability of water services delivery.
This covered:
1. An overview of water services delivery
2. Assessment framework that was used in analysis
3. Ten Year outlook
4. Longer term challenges, and
5. Implications for council
At the 3 September 2024 Council meeting, staff tabled a council report “Water Reform” which contained the final Martin Jenkins Report “Assessment of viability and sustainability of water services delivery”. At this meeting Council endorsed the findings and recommendations from the Martin Jenkins report. Council then resolved to keep all
its options open for the future water services delivery until all new water services legislation becomes available and a detailed assessment has been completed.
ABOUT TRANSPARENCY
Workshops by TCDC do not follow the principles of transparency as recommended in the Obudsman’s report on local government. Thus the content of the two workshops
as well as the staff presentation to council are not available to the public.
The Martin Jenkins report does summarise the present status and is available on the TCDC website.
The long discussions on 10 December which resulted in the following recommendations were preceded by debate where several councillors extolled the advantages of transparency. However, the Council then moved into a lengthy ‘public excluded ‘session for ‘Local Water Done Well’.
The report sent to The Informer and on the website has had all commercially sensitive content removed.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THAMESCOROMANDEL DISTRICT COUNCIL
1. Receives the ‘Local Water Done Well – Water Service Delivery Options ‘ report dated 2 December 2024(Martin Jenkins).
2. Approves two shortlisted options for public consultation in 2025 on future water service delivery:
Option 1: Internal business unit or division within Thames
Coromandel District Council, (preferred option) and
Option 2: Regional / Sub-regional asset owning water organisation. (Potential partners include: Hamilton City Council; Tauranga City Council; and Waikato Water Done Well)
3. Authorises the Chief Executive to:
3.1 Explore synergies through shared working arrangements (where possible) with neighbouring Hauraki District Council.
3.2 Further explore opportunities with Hamilton City Council and Tauranga City Council for a potential joint water services council-controlled organisation with either council in the longer term.
4. 4.1 Confirms that the Council will not be signing the Waikato Water Done Well Heads of Agreement at this time.
4.2 Instructs the Chief Executive to work with Waikato Water Done Well to understand if Council can fund Waikato Water Done Well to complete modelling activities only.
Turn to page 20
If
or some local news, please let us know.
Email info@theinformer.co.nz or phone 07 866 2090
The Coromandel Informer would like to thank all our advertisers – our paper relies on you to keep our community informed of local news and upcoming events.
Special Exhibition at Hauraki House
ART IS IDENTITY are opening an exhibition at Hauraki House Gallery, Coromandel, this Friday, 17 January at 5.30pm.
Art is Identity new works by Hauraki-Coromandel Māori and Pasifika artists with guest artists Sofia Tekela-Smith and Ron Te Kawa are on display. It is open daily from Saturday, 10.00am -4.00pm until Tuesday, 22 January.
The opening is not a ‘boring sit-
down hui with pen and paper’ but an invitation to a great night out, good kai, and forging new connections. Nau Mai Haere Mai, all welcome! Creative Coromandel | He Mana Toi Moehau Trust is the central arts network for the Coromandel Peninsula and the Hauraki rohe..
Art is Identity is collaborating with Creative Coromandel / He mana Toi Moehau Trust in this Maori-Pacifika artists project.
Determination to get results in 2025
BAY
– NEW YEAR’S DAY
It was not a day to rest after the merriment of New Year’s Eve –this was the annual meeting of the Mercury Bay South Residents and Ratepayers at the Cooks Beach Community Hall.
There wasn’t a spare chair. Just about all of the 80 attendees were dressed in holiday attire, but there was a shared sense of ‘work to be done’. Mayor Len Salt had come as well as TCDC Councillors, Deli Connell, and Peter Revell and the local TCDC Manager, Heather Bruce. Chairman, Paul Hopkins, welcomed everyone.
Some matters discussed relate to those that echo around the Peninsula.
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS AND CONCERNS AND FRUSTRATIONS
Storm water – Frank Geoghegan reported that a detailed drone survey had been done of all of Cooks Beach and that was an excellent foundation for consequent flood study work. A con-
sultant had been engaged by Council and they have set up a model showing the high and low points. People can see where the water will run according to the contours of the land and they can see where their property sits in relation to the contours.
What is on residents minds is the effectiveness of the major drains that feed into the lake and the way they might assist effective drainage of the Domain in future weather situations. Tree roots and rocks had caused a blocked drain resulting in past
flooding. CCTV cameras had been put down into the drains.
Disappointment was expressed that the $1.7 million allocated in the Long Term Plan to address the issue of the Domain drainage was for 2027 to 2032. A submission to have it pulled forward had been unsuccessful. Cooks Beach was third in the queue.
The reality is that this amount was primarily based on maintenance and not a future plan. Stormwater planning is still in the feasibility and investigation stage. Frank described future work.
“Swales need to be dug out and recontoured. Further swales have not been properly contoured to any particular direction and will end up in the Domain, this is wrong. There are other places where the swales have not been maintained. Others need to be redirected.
“Gabriel was only a one in tenyear flood. The rain before Gabrielle brought the water table right up. It was so high that there was no ground storage available. Fortunately, we only had the fringe of Gabriel. With a high tide situation the water flows backwards, the water at the lake comes to a standstill and it can’t empty. The ultimate solution is to not have all the water go down to Cooks Beach in a peak flood.
“There is not much we can do about extreme events but there is a lot we can do regarding smaller events.”
THE SLIP
This is on Purangi Road and occurred during Cyclone Hale. Resident Mike Franklin reported that the slip has been there for
over two years and is still moving. Underneath the road is a sewerage marker and the slip is going to give way further.
“We can use the plentiful supply of rock that we have here underneath the sand to remove the slip. We need to spend a few hundred thousand now to save us millions. I can’t believe that council has done nothing. The TCDC representative said that it would be done by the previous October.”
THE LAKES
Cooks Beach has two small lakes which are storm water storage but also leisure spaces for water activity.
Summary update given by Steve Lloyd: They are a great community asset. Presently they are clogged with weeds – unsightly and unhealthy.
“Three and a half years ago, we went to the Community Board to try to get the lakes cleaned up. Diquat spray wasn’t working. We proposed grass carp. We had researched it well and our report was welcomed with great gusto.
Continued on page 19
Glazing
• Balustrading • Pet Doors • Security & Insect Screens
• Shower Doors & Mirrors
The mechanical harvester commencing the cutting of the weed.
We visit homes and businesses anywhere in the Coromandel Peninsula at no extra charge.
TRISH COMER
(07) 2420042 or 02041714916 trish@mobilelawsolutions.co.nz
PEDICARE SERVICES
Home visits by appointment
Practical education at Emergency Services Festival
TREGISTERED NURSE
MERCURY BAY
PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC
Robert Lindsay Dip Phty(Otago) ADP(OMT), Dip.MT.
Co-author of ‘Treat Your Own Shoulder’, ‘Treat Your Own Knee’ & ‘Treat Your Own Hip’ and Associates Rebecca Wood BHScPhysiotherapy
Crystal Vause BHScPhysiotherapy, Post Grad Cert Acupuncture
Manipulation / Back and Neck Pain / Work Injuries
Sports Injuries / Post Surgery and Fracture Rehab
Acupuncture Hand Therapy / Women’s Health Clinic
Physiotherapists with the qualifications to provide excellence in physical health care
24b Lee Street, Whitianga (Next door to Pathlab) Kuaotunu & Hahei Clinics 0800 868 9579 027 663 2320
Medical Pedicures
Removal of ingrown toenails, corns, thickened and yellow toenails, callus/dry skin – suitable for diabetic patients.
Permanent Make-Up
Natural looking eyebrows and eye-liner. Free consulation to discuss your requirements.
European trained Now operating full time out of Whitianga
Other services:
• GUINOT advanced facials • Eye trio - Lash tint, brow tint and shape
• Dermaplaning • Body and Brazilian waxing Phone 0211990222 – www.sylvialok.co.nz
Phone to discuss:-
Personal grievances
Unfair/unjust dismissals • Disciplinary meetings
• Unpaid wages or leave
• Work place harassment
• Health and Safety at
he Emergency Services Festival in Whitianga town centre, Monday, 30 January, was a demonstration and information day for St John, Coastguard, Fire Brigade, Police and would normally also include Search and Rescue and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
People on holiday and locals took the opportunity to check out their blood pressure, to see a demonstration on how to respond in a fire emergency, meet their local police officers, and learn about practising safe boating. The CFM caravan was there to broadcast live the activities in the town centre.
We can’t do without the emergency services. They are always there in the background but only until something happens. Then they are front and centre. It could be a car accident, a heart attack, a beach incident, a fall in the garden, the boat breaks down, a fire starts in the house, someone is in trouble at the beach, someone is missing in the bush.
Some kind of emergency happens in New Zealand every few minutes and on the Coromandel an emergency requiring one of these services happens every day, sometimes several times in a day.
In an emergency or accident, they are often times working in tandem. All of these services except police receive only limited funding from government sources and rely on their local communities to fill the funding gap.
Volunteer Fire Brigades are found at Thames, Tapu, Manaia, Colville, Coromandel, Whangapoa, Matarangi, Kuaotunu, Whitianga, Hahei, Cooks Beach, Tairua, Onemana, Whangamata, Whiritoa, Waihi.
Coastguard Tautiaki Moana - In an emergency call 111 or use VHF Channel 16.
Call *500 for non-urgent on-water assistance. There is a Coastguard in Whitianga, Whangamata and Waihi.
an Ambulance Membership these charges are covered for a year. This means you can concentrate on getting better, and not worry about unexpected bills. Phone. 0800 STJOHN 0800 785 646. Email. info@ stjohn.org.nz.
From top: Senior Firefighter, Peter
Fire
from
and Darren
St John Hato Hone – If you are not a member of St John, then don’t wait till you need an ambulance. In a medical emergency such as a stroke or a heart attack, a possible life-saving trip in our ambulance will normally cost you $98 in part charges. With
demonstrate the right way to deal with a fat
and how NOT to deal with such a
new Firefighters in Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade - Josh, Kevin and Paul assisting at the Emergency Services Festival and going out to the people with the fundraising bucket; Coastguard members, Reece and Israel; St John officers demonstrate how blood pressure is taken and what the readings mean; CFM caravan getting out the message of the local emergency services through live broadcasting.
Mangin
Hartley,
Station Officer (absent
photo),
fire in the home
fire; Three
Greenstone Entertainment are proud to present the return of the Whitianga Summer Concert Sunday, January 26, Anniversary Weekend. It is less than two weeks away. The 2025 all-star, powerhouse bill will feature renowned artists: COLD CHISEL, ICEHOUSE, BIC RUNGA and EVERCLEAR in one mammoth anniversary celebration.
Cold Chisel has just completed a gigantic sell out tour of Australian venues celebrating 50 years in entertainment. It is 45 years since their first New Zealand tour.
COLD CHISEL:
Piano player and chief songwriter, Don Walker said the band was going all out. ‘We’ll be doing a set which reaches back across our whole song catalogue, which should all make The Big Five-0 a tour to remember,” Guitarist and singer Ian Moss has reassured fans they’ll hear the most popular hits in the setlist.
“There are a minimum of 15 songs that our audience demands to hear. This time we’ll be playing all of them plus we’ll be throwing in lots of musical surprises.”
ICEHOUSE:
“We loved touring New Zealand in 2017 with the Summer Concert Tour and can’t wait to be back again to be part of the 15th year celebrations in January.”
BIC RUNGA:
“I’m excited to be part of the Summer Concert Tours 15th year celebrations. I can’t wait to perform alongside an iconic line up of artists that I’ve admired for so long. Whitianga is an epic summer location!”
EVERCLEAR:
“We’re stoked to be joining a lineup of such legendary acts. It’s been seven years since we’ve been to New Zealand and
we couldn’t be more excited to get back and connect with our Kiwi fans and to be included in this awesome festival”, adds Art Alexakis.
9:00am Car Park Opens
10:00am Express, Corporate, VIP and Greenstone Club Entry Open
11:00am Main Gates Open
11:15am NZ Opener
12:30pm Everclear
2:00pm Bic Runga
3:30pm ICEHOUSE
5:00pm Cold Chisel
6:30pm Concert Ends Book tickets at: greenstoneentertainment.co.nz
Bus will run fromWhitiangaTown to concert and back 11:15am NZ Opener 6:30pm Concert
• Coromandel – Information Centre – 9.30am
• Matarangi – Matarangi Fire Station – 9.45am
• Kuaotunu – Kuaotunu Reserve – 10.00am
• Whangamata – Whangamata Rugby Club – 9.00am
• Pauanui – Community Hub carpark – 9.15am
• Tairua – Tairua Information Centre – 9.45am
FRIDAY 5PM TO 7:30PM Happy Hour
Fun in the Sun in the Northern Coromandel
Celtic Fair and Wild Gold Panning
BY MICHELLE DELLABARCA
This last week has been perfect for a holiday in the north of the Coromandel Peninsular!
Coromandel Town was bursting at the seams for the annual Celtic Fair – throngs of happy people wandered around the Coromandel Area School Grounds, checking out the hundreds of stalls, eating some yummy treats and listening to some relaxing summer music.
One of the team of people who organised this fair, Abby Morgan, says she has had lots of positive feedback about the success of this event. The weather was perfect – not too hot or cold, and people just relaxed and enjoyed the vibe. They haven’t tallied the gate takings from the gold coin donations, which are a big fund raiser
for the school, but Abby says that she thinks that they will give the school funds a good boost this year.
Another fun activity that is new in town is the Wild Gold
Panning Experience which is a great thing to try after visiting the Gold Stamper Battery which has recently reopened in Buffalo Road. I took my 3 grandchildren and two visitors from Switzer-
land, who were staying at my bnb. We spent a good couple of hours at a secret spot near Driving Creek, learning about the Coromandel Gold Rush and panning for gold. Our tour guide Ash
Elevate your lifestyle with views forever
Embracing the sounds of the waves gently lapping the shore below you, this stunning freehold 814sqm (more or less) property with 180° Pacific Ocean views has been tightly held by the same family for over thirty years. Positioned perfectly on iconic Simpsons Beach this substantial waterfront property is a rare opportunity to realise your dreams. The possibilities are numerous. Exceptional versatile floor plan perfect as a permanent, or holiday home. Enjoy stunning wide beach views from the open plan living oasis that opens to an expansive deck. North facing with all day sun and beach views that will take your breath away. In addition, there is a separate two-bedroom sleepout so you can readily accommodate family and friends. A short drive to local shops, restaurants and cafes in Whitianga. This is a place to unwind and live the dream so start your endless summer here. bayleys.co.nz/2201247
Franklyn gave an interesting presentation, while we paddled in a picturesque stream, in the cool bush. We were visited by several small eels, much to the delight of our Swiss guests, and everyone found gold at the bottom of their pans after Ash’s excellent tuition on panning technique. My grandchildren now have gold fever and are using a locally purchased pan in every creek they come across. In the wild country further north of Colville, there are some excellent, secret beaches, hidden along both coasts. We were lucky enough to walk over private land to visit Three Stone Bay, normally only accessible by boat. It’s an absolutely magic place, sparkling blue water, great diving and deep water swimming. It was one of the best days yet.
Oceana Walkway blocked to walkers
BY PAM FERLA
Part of one of Tairua’ stunning walking tracks has been closed by Thames Coromandel District Council.
The Oceana Walkway was created as part of TCDC consents for the Oceana development, which was given the go ahead in 1996. It goes from steep steps at the south end of Ocean Beach, across the breath-taking vista of ocean and offshore islands, and finishes at the top of Oceana Heights.
The council recently put up signs saying ‘PRIVATE PROPERTY – NO PUBLIC ACCESS – ENTRY CONSTITUTES TRESPASS’ on part of the walkway.
The Coromandel Informer understands this follows discussions between a nonresident homeowner and the council.
About 30 people walked the track on Monday in protest at council’s move and on New Year’s Day, a group of 20 walked it. Since then, many individuals and groups have continued to walk the track.
The Oceana Walkway is a pedestrian walkway over private properties which is maintained by the Oceana Owners Group, a Body Corps set up for that purpose as part of the original subdivision consent conditions.
The part of the walkway that has been closed to the public is on private land with an easement vested in Council.
Chairman of Tairua Environment Society, John Drummond, said the society has been aware of people trying to close the eastern end of the track over the last few years and the council’s recent sign has been antagonistic and ‘raised the ante’.
He said a lot of the people joining the peaceful protests were older people who had
THIS COULD BE YOUR SPACE
Imagine how many other readers were drawn in by this SPEC-tacular ad! You’ll have customers hopping into your business when you advertise your products and services in our newspaper. Take a leap of faith and get noticed by our 9000 readers from all over the Coromandel.
enjoyed the track over the years and would be very sad to see it lost. Many of the younger walkers were not aware of the history behind the walkway and want it to be held for the future.
The Coromandel Informer requested an explanation from TCDC and this was received –see side panel on this page.
Response from TCDC
Re recent part closure of Tairua’s Oceana Walkway
and protests from peoplethatuseit(following a request from The Coromandel Informer.)
“The easement for a right of way over a private property on Oceana Heights was required and approved by Council when the subdivision was created in the late 1990s, but it does not include a pedestrian walkway available to the general public.
“It extends to Council staff and contractors and ‘invitees’, which in agreement with a former owner of the property, and the Oceana Owners Club, was taken to allow property owners of the Oceana Heights subdivision (the Oceana Owners Club) as invitees, to access the walkway to the foreshore on foot, within specified hours, with any dogs kept on a lead, and on the basis that they were crossing private property and must respect the privacy of the landowners.
“Signs to this effect were put in place in mid-2021 but have since been removed. There is dispute about the ‘invitees’ agreement, but while this is being resolved, Council has agreed with the property owner that those signs, with different wording, should be replaced, which has now been done. The right of way also allows access for Council staff and contractors to a piece of water services infrastructure.”
Phone 07 866 2090
This group of walkers are disappointed at the sign which disallowed entry and the public had not been notified.
Fairies, Princesses and Pirates Picnic in the Park
Matilda, the Time Trav elling Fairy is one of the Coromandel Peninsula’s best entertain ers of children. Eloise Green (her offstage name, is also the bringer of fun and fantasy, not just for children but for families and adults.
The festival she organised on Sunday, 12 January at Sol diers Memorial Park in Whitianga was about all of these aspects. For just two hours Matilda and her great team of volun teers brought delight, creativity and happiness to many local children and holiday visitors
“This is very import ant to me personally,’ says Eloise. “Involving my team, developing talent, and demonstrating how simple fun can be, is a priority in my work.”
“If you look around, there is no one using a device. The children are so busy drawing, writing, using the
outdoor toys, enjoying the art or playing with their friends. This is a low-cost picnic with bubbles and fantasy and art added in. I think I am enabling children to enter another world for a brief passage of time.”
THANK YOU:
Eloise wished to thank everyone who helped make the day such a happy and successful fair and picnic. No one can omit the amazing talent and support of her two daughter fairies, Seren and Cerys. Then there was the fairy, face-painting and bubble team - Cazza Duffield, Virginia O'Sullivan, Michelle Rhodes, Hilary
Whitianga, 11 Parkland Place
Emerson Lay and Melissa.
To the Toy Library for loaning their outdoor toys, the Lions Club for the sausage sizzle and to Windborne Charters for their generous raffle prize, Derek Collier at Whitianga Sports for the dive tank, Lotta Love for their delicious vegetarian food, Wild Wood Mini Golf and Toys and Paper Plus for games and spot prizes, Stewart Pedley for music, Mercury Bay Museum for their creative activities, Shannon Molloy Photography, Whitianga Bike Park for loaning the games, The Warehouse for providing the lollies, the Filipino community for their delicious doughnuts and cakes sold to raise money for cyclone damage in the Philippines. Finally, a thank you to Thames Coromandel District Council for their practical support.
• 4 bdrm/2 bth dbl storied 70’s near original character family bach • Well located in a private, quiet, tightly held cul-de-sac close to Brophy’s Beach
• It’s a MUST SELL. First time on market in 27 years
• 843 sqm flat site borders on public reserve off a stream. Decks on 3 sides
• Plenty of parking for extra boats, mobile homes &
FOR SALE Auction 8th February 2025 at 2.00pm On Site (unless sold prior) VIEW harcourts.co.nz/L32364138
169 Buffalo Beach Rd • Experience gorgeous views from this coastal gem • Presenting a unique opportunity on sprawling 1185sqm section
• Situated across from dog-friendly Brophy’s Beach
SALE Auction 8th February 2025 at 1.00pm
Tairua, 4 Ocean Beach Rd
Hahei Market Day remarkable
The people of Hahei turn out a festive mix of carnival, fair and market and every year, though there are some things the same, there are new stalls, rides, games and new people on the team.
Lorne de Pape is the key organiser along with Robyn Dalzell and together, they involve a huge team of volunteers. “We had the usual feedback from store holders and visitors alike enjoy expressing their enthusiasm for the response, the setting, the vibe of the whole event,’” says Lorne. “It’s a pleasure for us to organise this day.”
Lorne and Robyn are keen to thank the community. This event raises funds for new books and resources for the Hahei Library and when there are funds left over, local charities and organisations such as The Fire Brigade, and Emergency Services and Lifeguard receive remaining funding. One fo the best aspects of the Hahei Market Day was the way in which this event dodged heavy rain and inclement weather which plagued other events on the Coromandel. There was a little threat towards the closing time but well done to Hahei and Lorne and Robyn’s team.
ALLEMANO
Popular food stalls, & chairs/tables to relax & enjoy lunch.
Kombi Train, kids & adults loved it.
Cathedral Cove Macadamias popular.
Giant slide, fun for kids & adults too!
Fresh fruit & veggies always busy.
Lots of visitors enjoyed shopping.
‘Hand-crafted by Carroll’, hand woven woolen rugs & scarves. Pottery & flax weaving too.
CFM’s Fabian did great job on-site.
Popular Ice Cream Team from Hahei.
I’ve a feeling 25 is going to be a good year
BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN
should start by acknowledging the Who’s Pete Townsend who wrote the lyric line that forms this week’s title. He was writing about 1921, over a century ago, whereas I have adapted it for the year we have just started. The last few years, since 2021, have been bad ones for New Zealand. Despite the proclamations of the Labour Government COVID deaths still occurred, 6966 as at 15th December 2024. And, as predicted by many, Grant Robertson and his team successfully smashed our economy and we have yet to recover properly. So why do I think we are going to have a good year? It’s because people that matter will read this article and gain some insight. The most important good ideas must be directed at the economy where we need a leadership that shows courage and the ability to think. We cannot continually run the country at a loss and expect to do better for our people. So we need to cut costs and one way we can do this is by means testing benefits, including superannuation. I realise that many people rely on their fortnightly super payment but many don’t need it. Our
Deputy Prime Minister receives a salary of $354,100 – does he need Super on top of this? Our richest people are worth billions, do they need it. The list is long and the savings would be significant if means testing was implemented. The current government has started to look at our bureaucratic costs and this is to be commended, but should be escalated, and faster. Just get rid of the dead wood. I have looked through a list of Government Ministries, there are 32, hundreds more if you look for Departments, many of which seem unnecessary, double ups or just confusing as to purpose. Let’s just agree on the functions we want our Government to carry out and trim our Ministries down to the size needed.
The Government needs to start earning funds from our national balance sheet. To explain this, imagine using any surplus monies you have saved to build a house that you then give to someone to live in. By not charging rent you make no money from this exercise so plenty of people will want you to build a house for them. If you charge rent it becomes a different exercise, you earn money which you can use to build other houses, pay for your grandchildren’s edu-
cation or whatever pleases you. Our Government needs to use partnerships with other parties, ones with significant funds, to construct the infrastructure we need. It also needs to consider how all partners involved with such infrastructure are reimbursed, tolls for roading, rentals for buildings etc.
Having got these two items underway our financial managers need to develop real courage and severely attack the tax system. We need to migrate from operational taxes (wages and companies) that significantly hurt the aspirational and needy to a tax system that is more asset focussed (financial movements, capital gains) that generally focus on those more
able to pay. There you go, three things for our Finance Minister to get her teeth into, wonder if she is brave enough.
There are other things our politicians could do to benefit the country. First off, why can’t they work as a team for the benefit of the whole Country, with a few personal biases for sure, but work as a team to get gains for us all. We could make a good start by having Te Pati Maori drop their juvenile Treaty Terrorist theatrics and actually work with the rest of the Government on policies of improvement, not just demanding bags of money. Most other parties could make similar improvements. We need continuity of improvement in New Zealand, not constant bickering and change.
We could go on about improvements to our Government’s performance but that is a fair bit for them to be getting on with. If they want to drop me a note I can give them some other ideas though.
OUR
ALL BLACKS
The next most important issue to be addressed though is the performance of the All Blacks. The 2024 year was pretty average, below average maybe. Attention has to
go on to the coach, Scott Robertson who probably acknowledges that he too had an average year. This year will be better as Scott will have learnt from 2024 that you cannot just pick Crusaders and expect international performances. A number he picked just aren’t at that grade. The core of the pack were fine but Scott Barrett probably realises that Ardie Savea needs to be appointed as captain; we all do. Ardie will also move to open side and Hoskins Sotutu should come in at Number 8, which along with Sititi at Blindside, gives us a world class forward pack for the next few years. A few changes are needed in the backs, the most obvious at Centre where Billy Proctor needs to be given a run and at First Five where Damien McKenzie needs the job full time. Other than that Scott just needs to drop Crusaders that aren’t up to it (there are a couple) and all will be good to go. So if the people that are in charge listen to good advice we will be good to go, significant improvement in our economy and sporting improvement. The only other thing that needs urgent care is our Local Government in the Coromandel, but fortunately we have an election for that.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
“FRUSTRATING AND DISTRESSING”
DOC appeals for information after seabirds killed
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is seeking information from the public, following reports of seabirds being captured in fishing nets and drowned from a boat near Slipper Island/Whakahau, Coromandel.
A concerned member of the public reported the incident, which happened around 12 pm on Friday, January 3.
DOC Hauraki Operations Manager, Avi Holzapfel, is dismayed by the report of harm to wildlife.
“It’s extremely frustrating and distressing to hear about this kind of wilful mistreatment of wildlife,” says Avi. “We’re very grateful to the person who reported this to us for their continued assistance.
“So far, we have images of the vessel alleged to be involved and have made enquiries with local marinas and databases to identify its owner.
“We are keen to speak with people on board two vessels pictured seen in the area at the time, one of which bears the name ‘Dad & Me’, and any other members of the public who may have witnessed the incident.”
If anyone has more information they can provide about this incident, please contact the DOC HOT line on 0800 362 468 or wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz, quoting CLE Incident CLE-8275.
Many seabirds are classified as absolutely protected under the Wildlife Act 1953. Hunting or killing absolutely protected wildlife can result in penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $100,000, or both.
A SMALL BALANCING ACT (NOT ACT)
It was amusing reading Trevor Ammundsen’s government awards column in last week’s Informer. So, I decided to add a few of my own just to balance things up.
My big business backed Divide and Conquer gold medal goes to the Association of (high end) Consumers and (low end) Taxpayers otherwise known as the ACT party, for its Treaty Rights Bill. The award for Extreme Timidity of course goes to our prime minister for excessive bowing to the demands of his coalition party leaders. The medals for best Corporate Puppets and Profit before People are shared by 3 people –Chris Bishop and Casey Costello (tobacco) and Shane Jones (fisheries and other resource exploitation.) And lastly the award for Abuse of Journalists and Winston Just Being Winston goes to, yes you guessed correctly, the one and only Winston. I hope old Trevor will have a bit of a laugh at my list just as I did at his. And again, in order to provide a little balance, and in particular as a response to the weekly put
downs of TCDC councillors and employees by a small number of Informer contributors (which could be a strategy aimed at a takeover of the council at the next local body election, who knows? We will have to wait and see who puts their name forward), I would like to thank our council for their hard work since the 2 cyclones which devastated our area, and to wish them a happy and productive 2025.
Ross Liggins, Kuaotunu
TONGUE IN CHEEK
Every community wants the health of its children and citizens. So when Thames found that a missing trace element in the diet was causing dental caries, they held a democratic referendum and fluoridated the towns reticulated fresh water system. Nothing nasty has happened because of it. Those who called his ‘unwanted medication’ were able to catch rainwater or buy easily available bottled water.
But we are a country with mental health issues so why not have the trace element, lithium, added to our water as well as fluoride? Will the result be a healthy community of happier people? To find out, our Community Board should have a referendum to find out what the Whitianga folk want. Cost is not a factor, either in local governmaent admin or in addition to the water supply.
Peter H. Wood, Whitianga
WELL DONE TCDC!
Rightly or wrongly TCDC gets a lot of criticism in these pages, including from myself from time to time. However, I would like to say a hearty ‘Well Done’ to all the staff in charge of parks and reserves at Kuaotunu. All the reserves have been looking well mowed and attractive and are in great condition this summer to be very much enjoyed by locals as well as our numerous visitors. So many thanks to everyone involved in the planning and execution of this maintenance work, especially over their very busy summer period.
Alastair Brickell , Kuaotunu TALK IS CHEAP
Excuse the Biblical reference, but it’s this everyday proverb that came immediately to mind reading Mr Rasmussen’s latest blatant political posturing in The Informer, 7/1. “Talk IS cheap” Mr R, especially when you have such a sturdy platform from which to keep taking pot shots at Len Salt and his current Council.
Beyond his thumping-the-table repetition, both within the piece & from issue to issue, what is scary is how well informed Mr R is on all the background. It feels a lot like ‘insider trading’ when even if we weren’t standing for office ourselves, no-one could easily get their hands on that sort of detail (i.e. ‘ammunition’). May I remind many of you who are
only relatively new arrivals in this ward, that from 2010-22, TCDC was a cohesive, heavily National-slanted group with possible pink edges, who had, together with developers and the business community, a very (non-transparent) LTP of their own making for the region.
Such ongoing and largely ‘outof-sight’ political manoeuvring is also occurring at central govt. level. Note the current Treaty Principles and Regulatory Standards Bills call for submissions by (now, the same day, 13/1. Right on the edge of our summer holidays, the current Coalition Govt. is asking NZers to consult on two different sets of major constitutional changes without us having any real understanding of the impact of such major proposals. NB: Both are of course engineered by ACT (only a minor member of govt) and espouse a very ‘wealth-orientated’ (and non-equal) business model.
Hey, I took Rod Stewart’s advice long ago…. But in view of the misinformation being spread and the political manipulation currently out there in our government and media (incl. online social) at all levels, we NZers really DO need to “WAKE UP”.
Thank you for publishing Anna Horne & Brenda Smythe’s Letters, (also 7/1) who each made valid key points about needing neutral objective debate.
Maggie Johnson, Whitianga
Revamped Tauranga waterfront:
Some inspiration for our own situations on the Coromandel Peninsula.
FROM BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
8 JANUARY 2025
Tauranga’s revamped waterfront – including a $5 million playground intended as a “drawcard” for the city centre – has received a big thumbs up from locals and tourists visiting over summer.
Nearly $43m of a planned $92.2m has been spent on Tauranga City Council’s ongoing waterfront revitalisation programme.
CBD retailers and hospitality businesses the Bay of Plenty Times spoke to were positive about the changes, though one thought they were a “waste of money”.
“Having the playground close to cafes, restaurants and shops is fantastic. I had no trouble finding a parking space.”
The destination playground – which features an 8m tower, nature trail and water play zone –opened last month.
The new Tauranga waterfront destination playground is proving to be a massive drawcard for locals and tourists. Photo / Tauranga City Council
The new Tauranga waterfront destination playground is prov-
ing to be a massive drawcard for locals and tourists. Photo / Tauranga City Council
Other completed projects include the Northern Waterfront Reserve green space, revamped Masonic Park, the Southern Waterfront boardwalk and rail underpass, and a living seawall to attract marine life.
The Beacon Wharf and Dive Cres park were also upgraded and The Strand waterfront carpark removed.
The projects are part of the council’s ongoing $92.2m waterfront revamp, which will
eventually link to the under-construction $306m civic precinct, Te Manawataki o Te Papa via Masonic Park.
The Bay of Plenty Times spoke to locals and tourists visiting the waterfront over summer to gauge their reactions.
“We usually go to one of the playgrounds at Mount Maunganui. But this one is just amazing. It’s got everything you could think of and lots more. I love everything about it and it reminds me of the playgrounds you see in nearly every park in Queensland.
“Having the playground close
to cafes, restaurants and shops is fantastic. I had no trouble finding a parking space.”
EDITORS NOTE:
The Mercury Bay Community has great interest in how the development of the Whitianga Esplanade and its wharf will proceed. We are not Tauranga but there is a great deal of space along our esplanade and the vision of what is possible along with what is needed is not yet properly formed. Public consultation will be a big part of this year’s progress. The Council can only do what the people decide
together. The current Long-Term Plan re the esplanade development available to rate payers, up until December 2024, has lacked detail and the necessary budget information around which to conduct discussions. Now that the results of eight meetings with users and some concept drawings are online on the Councils website, it is worth looking at what other cities are doing and what is possible for rate payer’s money. We will have to be the opposite to risk averse to achieve something outstanding regarding this aspect of Mercury Bay’s development.
Artist’s impression of the new waterfront playground. ; Panekuhukuhu Muru, 37, her daughter Ale’a Muru, 14, and her nephew Te Whati Rau, 4, all from Hamilton visiting the new Tauranga destination waterfront playground. Image/ Tauranga City Council – Photo: Sandra Conchie
STAN’S STUFF
A great project for 2025
A straight, level road connecting Tairua to Whitianga.
BY STAN STEWART
Recently, returning from Thames on SH 25A, we were tagged, passed, we passed it and were passed again by a little bee-like car. Its size and shape reminded me of my teens with Morris Minors and Minis in which my set used to roar around. However, although this car was small and compact, it clearly wasn’t vintage. It was streamlined and up-to-date and it was being driven like a rally competitor of my youth.
We stopped in Tairua where we spotted it parked. At the start of the climb out of Tairua, the bumblebee passed us again. The bends and twists limited its speed and so we twisted and turned up the incline together. Suddenly without warning, the bumblebee left the road and nosed into the foliage on the side of the road. As we passed the passenger door opened and a figure emerged. I know nothing more, but I am certain the problem was ‘car-sickness’. This affliction has laid low many people on that stretch of road. We never again saw the lit-
tle car.
Years ago, that stretch of road ruined my plans on a couple of occasions.
We love to get people singing, especially children and young people. When I was working at St Andrews by the Sea, on a number of occasions I organised children and youth choirs to visit and present afternoon concerts. My efforts usually failed because of the road from Tairua.
I clearly remember the youth choirs, looking pasty faced and singing at 60% of their normal volume. Worst of all it seems that the really great singers, the leads, are more prone than others to the dreaded lurgi. They sat out for these performances
The saying that ‘there is a stunning view around every corner’ is true for the Coromandel. However, it must be acknowledged that on the highway out of Tairua to Whitianga there are many ‘every corners’. It seems like they will never end. My proposal as set out in the heading above would remove these corners. It can be done. It has been done. Travel the magnificent Walkworth Motor
Way and you’ll get the idea.
The east coast of Australia also has many wonderful beaches. But driving between most of them is quite a different experience. The roads are inland, straight and mostly boring, with very few glimpses of the beaches and oceans. My experience of these journeys is the source of my carsick-busting idea – a straightish, level road between Tairua and
Whitianga. If it’s slightly boring, too bad, it will be worth it to arrive ‘refreshed’.
I write this on the 13th day of the new year. Reading it over, I have to acknowledge it’s pie-inthe-sky rubbish. No government or community could afford it even if it were possible. The drive to Tairua and other locations on the Coromandel will always be an adventure, and to the car-sick prone, a challenge. This is a price that living in this fantastically beautiful location extracts from all of us and this will not change.
I heard of a young woman, recently arrived in Whitianga, who told her spouse she didn’t like driving around corners. My first thought was she has come to the wrong town. But the truth is she likes it here. Certainly, the journey is a challenge to queasy stomachs, but once here, individuals acknowledge it is worth it. Whether we will be happy in 2025 will not depend on travelling here or there, but what we do when we arrive and stay.
Amongst eight billion people on this planet, we on the Coromandel, – big house – small house
Unrestricted and full of potential
This 9,170sqm (STS) section offers the ultimate freedom to create your dream lifestyle. Free from covenants, it’s a blank canvas where you can bring your vision to life with no restrictions. With flat to sloping contour and rural views, it’s the perfect backdrop for your next project. Maybe you’re looking to build your forever home or a weekend getaway, the choice is entirely yours. Just a ten-minute drive to Whitianga township, you’re close to everything you need, from all local amenities to the beach. Might I add, you’re also just a short drive from all the other stunning beaches and activities the Coromandel has to offer, making this an excellent choice for permanent living or a holiday retreat. No limits, no restrictions, just potential waiting to be unlocked. Contact us today to secure your future! bayleys.co.nz/2201435
– no house, have hit the jackpot. We are surrounded with beauty in a pristine environment and are part of a warm and welcoming community. I know there are a few narks and people who get on your goat but there are many more who do not. The invitation to friendship is all around us, the welcome mats are out.
Postscript on my fantasy proposal: In the event of my proposal being acted upon, I have some concerns. Here I’m thinking of the ribbon-cutting ceremony which will be necessary to declare the new straight road open. I don’t want local power brokers horning in on the significance of this ceremony. I suspect that the big-time local contractor, Sunny Wood will be involved in the project. Who else would give it a go? What I don’t want to see is him being feted as the originator of the scheme. Certainly, all praise for the part he will play, no doubt, but he should not be the principal ribbon cutter. It sounds egotistic, but I feel I should be one of the people with the scissors on that auspicious day. After all I suggested the project. Only fair!
Cooks Beach prioritises storm water
Continued from page 5
As a result, council commissioned a consultant’s report.”
This report, which took many months, resulted in a rejection of their suggestion. However, the consultants had done their work on the wrong kind of carp. Steve reported that they still do not know what that consultant’s report cost the ratepayer.
The local community organised a visit of the leading proponent of grass carp in New Zealand to present to Council and residents. This resulted in no action.
The Cooks Beach team pushed for more action. Council then had to approach Waikato Regional Council as the resource consent for the lakes is held by WRC. NIWA was then engaged to do some quality water testing.
“It should have been done every 5 years; but it had not been done for 20 years.”
NIWA’s report was comprehensive which subsequently enabled TCDC to proceed with mechanical harvesting of the weed in the big lake (lake A).
“The forebay (back lake – lake B) is badly silted up. Its designed depth is approximately two metres but according to the NIWA report, it is holding a metre of silt and also the banks have been closing in. The mechanical harvester machine is approximately $2500 a day. It was engaged for 5-6 days. Now after all that, the
weed has gone ballistic. In back of the envelope costing approximately $155,000 has been spent for nothing.”
Steve reasserted that grass carp could have been in the lakes doing the work. “The carp are strictly controlled – saline intolerant and are bred sterile. Diquat spraying works for a limited period of time. However, its downside is the composting effect on the bottom.
Grass Carps are right through NZ. They are in the ponds in Milbrook, widely used by Auckland Council and in Tauranga stormwater systems. Council has sent someone down to have a look at these in
Tauranga. Because of their ability to graze a weed source rather than clean it out, they are known as the cows of the ponds.”
RESOLUTION?
After some intense discussion on lack of action and too much money spent, Mayor Len responded stating that the carp seems to be the only viable alternative.
FROM THE CHAIR –PAUL HOPKINS.
Following his welcome, Paul had referred to progress on some important matters as ‘occurring with glacial speed’. However, the
meeting was much more than about frustrations and concerns.
Work reported and applauded:
Dune care track maintenance
Annual Children’s Day Camp
The big team of the annual Cooks Beach Carnival
Community Patrol volunteers
The sound improvements and AV additions for the Community Hall
TCDC are upgrading the toilets at the Mill Reserve.
“Thank you to all our voluntary workers in the community. We are very lucky to have so many people willing to give back.”
GOOD NEWS ON CCTV CAMERAS
Brayden Jack reported on behalf of the team asked to research and implement this project. He spoke about the machinery chosen and that with funds already raised, plus what has been funded through a Give A Little page, the CCTV cameras would soon be set up. Paulette Tainsh, the treasurer thanked Kane Jones for the research that had been done and the consulting with other local communities before making their decision on the system to use.
STRATEGIC MATTERS
The development of the Alliance –a number of Residents and Ratepayer’s Associations forming a united voice to TCDC to focus on the core and priority values of a district council – infrastructure, roads, water.
The need for more transparency – a word often spoken but the evidence is seldom seen. “We have a community survey to find out whether we putt in a jungle gym but when it came to Maori Wards, we did not have that option.”
“On the east coast, we are responsible for 75% of the income of the ratepayers.”
“We are a community that has thrived without much put back back from our Council.”
“We are going to try and help make everyone honest and we will try and do the very best for you.”
ENQUIRIES FOR STAGE 2 ARE WELCOME!
apartments are within walking distance to Thames’
open plan, single level apartments feature covered balconies with fantastic views of the sea, Kauaeranga River and mountains.
The mechanical harvester at work in the lakes.
Water Done Well
Continued from page 3
5. (There was no number 5.)
6. Is willing to engage with any territorial authority (territorial authority as defined under the Local Government Act) that has a formal mandate and a shared vision, on the design and implementation of a mutually beneficial water services asset owning organisation that is compliant with relevant legislation.
7. Instructs the Chief Executive to prepare the future water services delivery public consultation documents and consultation plan.
8. Establishes a Local Water Done Well working group comprising Mayor Len Salt, Councillor Grant and Deputy Mayor Walker, to assist staff to develop recommendations to support options development.
9. Delegates to the Chief Executive the authority to implement decisions made by the Local Water Done Well working group as established in Resolution 8.
CONSULTATION PLANNED
Council is required by the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024 to consider and consult with the community on at least two options for the future delivery model for water services before making a decision on its anticipated or proposed model or arrangement for delivering water services in its water services delivery plan.
Consultation on options for Local Waters Done Well is currently planned to take place in April 2024.
A landing page to house all current communications on LWDW has been created. You can find this at www.tcdc.govt.nz/LWDW
These two options are set out in the recommendations stated above.
The Martin Jenkins report recommended that TCDC further assess and consult with the community on these two options. There is more detail on these two options onilne on the TCDC website.
SOME BACKGROUND
The current government repealed the previous water services legislation in February 2024.
On 2 September 2024, government enacted new water services legislation the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024.
Key aspects of this Act include:
a) Requirements for territorial local authorities to prepare Water Services Delivery Plans (WSDP) within 12 months of enactment.
b) Provision for ministerial assistance or intervention if territorial authorities find it difficult to prepare a WSDP
c) requiring territorial authorities to publicly disclose specified foundational information in relation to delivering water services, for the purpose of supporting economic regulation; and
d) providing specific consultation and decision-making processes for territorial authorities to use when–
(i) establishing, joining, or amending council-controlled organisations or joint local government arrangements that will deliver water services; or
(ii) consulting or making decisions on a water services delivery plan, including in relation to an anticipated or proposed model or arrangement for delivering water services.
At journey’s end, imagine
BY CYNTHIA DALY, WHITIANGA LIONS CLUB
Your cornet lies silent now, but your talent, inspiration, achievements and motivation will live on as we remember you, Kevin Robinson – Whitianga Lions president, 7 November 1948-14 December 2024 RIP.
Kevin, Kevie, Kev, Robbie, Mate – to many he had one of those titles, each meaning something different according to his relationship, and often used with a smile, warmth and respect for this quiet, sometimes mischievous man.
Kevin Robinson was known in the Coromandel region for the life he brought to this community, his unwavering service to the Whitianga Lions Club and Lions International, his initiation of and involvement in the Men’s Shed, and for his love of band music as one of New Zealand’s most talented big band members… and in his retirement a member of the Whitianga Dixieland Band. He was far more than a cornet player.
On Thursday, 9 January, a large section of the community –friends and family – gathered at St Andrews Church, Whitianga to farewell Kevin and send him on his way to his beloved wife Lyn, who passed away 17 months ago. They had been married for 53 years, life-long sweethearts and parents to Grant and Katherine. Back in 1969, a night of dancing at the Crystal Ballroom in Auckland with a beautiful young woman, was the beginnings of his lifelong romance with Lyn. They married in Stratford in 1970 and embarked on their OE sailing to the UK in 1971, returning in 1973. During their voyage, John Lennon’s song ‘Imagine’ was released. Kevin was inspired by his message of a world as one and at the close of his memorial service that melody and message rang out as a final note of farewell.
A natural storyteller himself, Kevin’s life in itself is a love story with the central thread that bound his commitments to so many things, the love he had for his wife Lyn. It was said that Kevin, while having achieved so much in his life, had always focused less on himself and more on motivating others.
KEVIN – MUSICIAN
Kevin had grown up in Onehunga, one of three children. As an eightyear-old he showed a strong interest in music, and fascinated by the cornet, he joined the Onehunga Boys Band and began lessons. “Whether it was on stage or just in general, it was clear that our Dad loved to perform with a flair for the dramatics that he might have denied but we could all see as clear as day,” said Katherine.
To have risen to the top of the ‘banding’ music sector is even more of an achievement with the knowledge that Kevin was born with medical problems affecting his ears, nose and throat which plagued him all his life, eventually permanently losing hearing in one ear.
In music, specifically banding, Kevin gave 68 years of his life.
“He was a great musician, a brilliant administrator and true team player… a keen competitor in the musical sphere. He loved testing
himself at band contests,” said Grant.
“Dad was selected for the National Band of New Zealand in the 70s and on two occasions led that band as their principle cornet…
“In the 80s he joined the Continental Airlines Brass Band and won multiple national titles with them as well as a world title,” said Grant, who followed his father into banding often playing alongside him.
KEVIN – ELECTRICIAN
From a young age he showed a keen interest in all working things, often pulling things a part and putting them back together. This began with his abilities in allied mathematics and physical sciences leading him to leaving school at 15 and starting an electrical apprenticeship, graduating in 1969. His career spanned the industry as an electrician; electrical contracting business owner in the 1980s; and rising to chief inspector of the Auckland Electric Power Board in the 1990s before joining a friend in an electrical contracting company, EMS, where he remained until retiring. His interest and involvement in electrical work lasted well into his 70s. Kevin poured a lot of energy into his career but rarely spoke about it. It was Lyn who mentioned some of his achieve-
ments pointing out places that he had “wired up” such as the Huntly Power Station, Auckland Airport and Aotea Centre.
LIFE IN WHITIANGA:
On retiring and moving to Whitianga in 2014, Kevin joined the Mercury Bay Big Band and a highlight of this was the Lest We Forget concert in the town hall. Later he joined the Whitianga Dixieland Band, a style of music he came to love despite not having anything to do with jazz styles previously Kevin recognised in Whitianga a need for men to have fellowship and was instrumental in forming the Men’s Shed, a community organisation that brings together men in the community to work on practical tasks or projects that serve community purpose. Kevin embraced the Men’s Shed concept and served as its secretary for a period of time.
As a member of the Whitianga Lions, Kevin served as secretary and then president until his passing. He was a keen fundraiser for community needs, a strong driving force behind Project Mammogram and always looked for other ways to serve the community. In 2024, he attended his first International Lions Convention in Melbourne where he was inspired by how other Lions Clubs fundraised to achieve their goals. For him it
was the experience of a lifetime. Kevin came back empowered for what Whitianga Lions could achieve.
Thames Coromandel District Mayor, Len Salt spoke of when Kevin had decided to set up a Dixie band. “I was a guitarist in the Mercury Bay Big Band…I was a pretty average guitarist, learning as I went. From the very onset, Kevie supported me and had faith in my ability to get up to speed and learn charts. He was a rock. He believed in others, and he believed in family, friends and community. I’m going to miss him always.”
Grant Robinson not only spoke of his dad’s involvement in many groups and communities throughout his life but of his character. “Dad was a tough character, driven and self-made, in many ways an unstoppable force once he decided to achieve something. He was a man who excelled in almost everything he did and his excellence came principally through hard work, but in other ways intelligence, personal gravitas and natural talent.”
The role of Whitianga Lions Club president has now moved to Dayle Howard, previously vice-president.
In closing Dayle said: Kevin was “…our president, our leader, our backbone and my mentor. He joined in September 2010 and was sponsored by his good friend Sherwin Lee. This community meant a lot to him and this community will miss him. His legacy of Whitianga Lions will continue to inspire others. Memories will comfort us and his love of Lions will unite us.
A remembrance native tree will be planted for Kevin at the Whitianga Bike Park; a kauri, maybe? It will grow tall and strong, not overshadowing other young saplings but inspiring them to grow and be all that they can be – splendid.
GAMES AND PUZZLES
Noble rank (4)
12. Overweight (3)
Swedish pop group (4)
Suggestion (4)
Shrubs (6)
Japanese martial art (6)
Inter (6)
Dental tools (6)
Enthusiasm (5)
Shouted, ranted & ... (5)
Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. 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. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Café directly.
week’s Sukoku
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.
Last week’s winner CONGRATULATIONS Natasha Courtney
RURAL LIFE COUNTS
Poison versus natural excrement
(Pee and poo)
BY MALCOLM CAMPBELL
Recently Juanita Packman expressed her hearty disagreement to The Informer (7 January Letters to the Editor) regarding my advocating that the Taxpayer /Ratepayer should pay for cleaning up pollution when the culprit should clean up his own mess. Of course the polluter should clean up his own mess. The problem here is, who is creating the biggest mess? What troubles me greatly is that the heavy fine imposed is a penalty and the culprit still has an inefficient system causing pollution and a lot less
Warning! This is a boring written piece, but important if you want good health.
cash to remedy the situation. The issue of what is actually happening in the wider environment is now at the crisis stage, with no sign of any let-up in the destruction. The following chemical list identifies most of the herbicides favoured by central government, local government and other agencies such as Department of Conservation. Almost all the products have a trade name and the trade name does not always identify the base chemical. The list follows.1. Arsenal. For control of woody weeds on roadsides, in forestry, not for use in crops, toxic for six months. Contains
chemical imazapyr. 2. Conquest. Disrupts photosynthesis and plant cell growth and contains chemicals Picloram, Triclopyr. 3. Crest 520. Contains Haloxyfop- R- Methyl Ester, also known as Verdict 520 and Firepower 520. 4. Associate. Contains Metasulfuron Methyl used for the control of woody weeds, gorse, blackberry, termed low toxicity, but can be absorbed through the skin. 5. Garlon contains triclopyr and controls aquatic weeds, but is only to be used in dry channels. 6. Terminate. Contains glyphosate and controls just about everything, the world’s most widely used
1080 persistence, regardless
BY JOHN VEYSEY
In 2005 DOC came to drop 1080 over the Manaia valley under a poisoning scheme called the “peninsula project”.
DOC’s Fin Buchanan was in charge. He delivered a lecture to the people of Manaia saying he had found a lot of possums up the Manaia valley and they needed to be poisoned immediately or else the whole valley would be eaten to bits; all that would be left would be dead trunks.
“What about trapping? We could trap those possums ourselves. We
know how.”
‘It’s in the peninsula project manual that DOC must manage the operation; it stipulates that no private landowners be involved.’
“Does it have to be 1080?”
‘There’s nothing else. There isn’t time. 1080 is the only way we can cover such a large area in time to save the trees.
Once we find so many possums in an area of DOC-managed land we drop 1080 on it. It’s in the regulations.’
The people of Manaia got their 1080 drop in 2005 and have been
getting 1080 drops ever since. They have had six in all so far.
After the 2005/6 operation the possum count remained very low yet the 1080 drops continued.
The New Zealand government has a tendency to install emergency measures with undue haste and then persist with the emergency measures once the emergency has passed –‘just in case.’
John Veysey is a retired journalist and long-time campaigner against the wanton use of chemical fertilisers.
IT’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TIME!
Maybe you have decided that in 2025 you want to get to know your iPhone, or Samsung/Android phone much better, or perhaps you got a new phone for Christmas and are wondering what it can do. SeniorNet is here to help. There will be a SeniorNet session that will meet your needs during Term 1 which commences Tuesday, 11 February and ends on Wednesday, 9 April. Our Tutors can answer your questions and teach you more about using
your phone in friendly, relaxed groups. iPhone owners can join the iPhone User group which meets on alternate Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 2.15-4.15pm all year. $10 per session for two hours group time.
New iPhone and Samsung/Android owners can come along to a One-onOne session where a Tutor will spend 45 minutes with you going over the various features of your phone and answer any questions you may have.
herbicide, but banned in thirty countries. 7. Reglone. This is a variation of the paraquat herbicide and paraquat. Although banned in NZ, it is still used in var ious forms in the market garden industry. 8. Grazon. Contains triclopyr chemical and is used to control weeds in newly sown pasture. 9. Tordon Brushkiller. This is another used for the con trol of woody weeds gorse etc. Termed as non-toxic to birds or bees. 10. 24-D. Controls pasture weed, thistles and buttercup in established pasture. The chemical hence the D Dichlo rophenoxyacetic Acid and is in widespread use and has been from my observation since the 1960s.
An interesting develop ment has taken place, the Environmental Protec tion Agency (EPA), in late 2023, were acting on ‘new’ information and beginning a study into these chemicals, - Imazapyr, Metasulfuron-Methyl, Haloxyfop R Methyl, Triclopyr Trethylmine, Endothall Dipotassium. This is typical, as history shows the ‘Authorities’
- banned years ago, although the residue is still detectable in some soils. 245T was banned because of toxicity; paraquat also banned some years ago, but derivatives still in market gardening and diquat dibromide which
fouled the Cooks Beach Lakes was banned in Europe in 2020.
Then of course we have 1080 in use for almost sixty years with no end in sight. The local councils throughout New Zealand make widespread use of these chemicals, sloshing them around like lolly water and you and me are exposed unavoidably through food, air and water. There will not be a single person in New Zealand who has the faintest clue as to the cumulative effect of the ‘cocktail’ set out above. However, the environmental loss of the creatures, especially the water-fowl and fish, so plentiful previously, says it all. We are paying the authorities to kill the wildlife. The small-time culprit is paying a fine when already struggling to run the farm. Yet, we are funding though our taxes, the large-scale culprit, to essentially poison our environment. This is my point.
“Unthinking respect for Authority is the greatest Enemy of Truth” Albert Einstein
SeniorNet has 15 Oneon-One sessions scheduled in February so there should be plenty of opportunities for you to brush up on your skills or learn new ones. $8 for 45 minutes individual tuition. Classes are held in in the Social Services Building, Room 9, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. To get more information or book a class, call Sheryl on 021-02262504 or email her at seniornet.whitianga. admin@gmail.com
TRADES AND SERVICES
TRADES AND SERVICES
www.drainagesystems.co.nz
TRADES AND SERVICES
THUMBS
SELF STORAGE
Shed for rent - inc power, 7m x 7.5m $178 per week inc GST,17 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258
SHEDS
20 foot containers available to store your belongings. CONTAINER
433023, Car, boat, campervan
Whitianga Total Storage, opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660
be signposted and a site specific spray plan is available on request. For more information phone 07 868 0200 | //tcdc.govt.nz/Our-Services/Trees-andVegetation/ No-spray-register/
30 January, Mercury Bay Club, 69 Cook Drive, Whitianga
If you are interested in getting involved with this growing and rewarding club, please attend or contact us at: mbfootballclub@gmail.com for more information.
Notice of herbicide use
Department of Conservation advises that herbicide use on public lands may be carried out by DOC sta and/or contractors between February and April 2025 for the control of Spartina weed infestations within the Whangapoua, Whitianga & Coromandel Harbours and the Waikawau estuary. e herbicide
Miss Whitianga at the Whitianga Hotel
Yes, a real competition/ pageant to find a Miss Whitianga winner was held at Whitianga Hotel on New Years Day.
It was quite the attraction out in the Blacksmith Bar and a very well organized event.
Four local judges participated with three categories, each around beauty - swimwear sportswear and evening dress wear. Thus each entrant appeared before the judges and the public three times. There were entries from as far afield as Wellington, Auckland, Te Awamutu and Dargaville. In fact there
was only one entry from Whitianga and no others from the Coromandel region.
It was a very happy environment, lots of cheering and applause.
The winner of the first prize of $1,000 cash was Holly Dalbeth from Dargaville.
Well done Holly!
All the renovations down at Whitianga hotel are complete. It is a transformed garden bar, with a cordoned off playground for young children. The Hotel is enjoying the popularity of summer holiday makers and locals.
COROMANDEL RESCUE MISSIONS
1-31 December 2024
Assist with the interhospital transfer of a male patient in his 30’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
04.12 Pauanui Assist a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition. 04.12 Manaia Assist a male patient in his 50s suffering a medical complaint. Transportation to hospital by helicopter.
Coromandel Assist a female patient in her 30s involved in a motor vehicle accident. The vehicle fell down a bank approximately 25 to 30 metres. The patient was extricated at scene by bystanders. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
12.12 Whitianga Assist a male patient in his 50s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
12.12 Pauanui Assist a female patient in her 40s suffering a medical complaint. Sadly, the patient died.
14.12 Coromandel Assist a male patient suffering injuries from a shooting. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
14.12 Coromandel Crew tasked to Coromandel in co-response with other emergency partners to assist a male patient suffering injuries from a shooting. The patient was transported to Auckland City Hospital by Westpac Rescue 1. Westpac Rescue 3 returned to base.
17.12 Opito Bay Assist a male patient in his 80s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
19.12 Onemana Assist a boy involved in a non-fatal drowning. The boy was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a moderate condition.
19.12 Onemana Assist a girl involved in a water-related incident. Hoist extraction was required. She was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a moderate condition.
20.12 Whangamatā Assist a baby boy suffering a severe allergic reaction to egg. He was flown to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
28.12 Whangapoua Crew tasked by Police Search and Rescue to Whangapoua. Crew were stood down by Police at scene and returned to base.
29.12 Whitianga Assist a male patient suffering a medical condition. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
30.12 Waitaia Bay Assist a female patient in her 70s suffering an injury from a fall from standing height on a track. She was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a moderate condition.
30.12 Whitianga Assist a baby boy suffering a medical complaint. The baby boy was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
30.12 Whitianga Crew tasked to Whitianga. Crew were stood down and returned to base.
For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com
The Coromandel Informer is published weekly and distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of them are entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name, telephone number or residential address. Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher and can be cut if too big. Published by The Mercury Bay Informer Limited.
Editors: Pauline and Stan Stewart (027 271 6182)
Editorial: Jack Biddle, Michelle Dellabarca, Suzanne Hansen, Stephen Holmes, Dorothy Preece, Trevor Ammundsen, Lynette Gee.
Business Manager: Emma Gaunt
Newspaper Layout: Diane Andrew Social Media: EMD Agency Circulation: 9000
Office: 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Telephone (07) 866 2090
Editorial: info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising: sales@theinformer.co.nz Admin: office@theinformer.co.nz After hours: 027 271 6182
Follow us on social media @theinformernz | ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2023 Mercury Bay Informer Limited
Seven of the entrants in Miss Whitianga take a selfie; winner Holly Dalbeth, right.
Proudly locally owned and operated
Miss Pauanui – lots of winners
It was a total experience of fun times in the sun for a very old tradition, Miss Pauanui Pageant held at Pauanui Club, Thursday, 2 January, as part of the Pauanui Summer Festival.
Who would want to be a judge for such a fun event?
Fabian from Coromandel’s CFM kept the crowd informed. A huge thank you to local business Outback Surf School as the sponsor of this community event. All ribbon winners went away with some fantastic prizes and all who entered went home with Pop n Good popcorn and yummy lollies.
The community of Pauanui hopes this fantastic Pauanui tradition will continue for many years to come.
Who is your favourite number?
Please tag, share and spread the fun times around in our wee piece of paradise Pauanui.
#funtimesinpauanui
RIBBON WINNERS ‘MISS PAUANUI’
Tiny Master Pauanui: First Parker James Waiuku; Second Max Grey Waitoki; Third Bowen Hopper Pauanui.
Auckland; Third Louie Bowman, Papamoa.
Junior Miss Pauanui: First Tahlia Goldsmith, Tirau; Second Brooklyn Young, Te Kauwhata; Third Billie Barchan, Waterview, Auckland.
Mr Pauanui: First Cameron McCleery, Karaka; Second Craig Vare, Waiau Pa; Third Bob Gray, Hikuai.
Mrs Pauanui: First Emily Macaw, Tairua; Second Chantelle Vare, Waiau Pa; Third Sarah Goldsmith, Tirau .
Teen Master Pauanui: First Ashton Kirke, Westmere, Auckland; Second Ashton Morris, Pakuranga, Auckland; Third Christian Carmine, Queenstown.
Teen Miss Pauanui: First Jaya Baker, Hamilton; Second Sophie McCarthy, Bucklands Beach, Auckland; Third Gemma Fisher, Mt Eden, Auckland.
Tiny Miss Pauanui: First Kenna Wigg, Pauanui; Second Kennedy James, Gold Coast, Australia; Third Edie Dolbear, Western Springs, Auckland.
Mini Miss Pauanui: First Rio Waller, Pauanui; Second Gigi Dolbear, Western Springs, Auckland; Third Saylor Flaxman, Hamilton.
Mini Master Pauanui: First Jackson Vare, Waiau Pa; Second Soli Macaw, Tairua; Third, Mckenzie Woodyard, Pauanui.
Little Master Pauanui: First Bryn Black, Mangatawhiri; Second George Woodyard, Pauanui; Third Hugo Hay, Onehunga, Auckland.
Little Miss Pauanui: First Addison McRobbie, Bombay; Second Tess McRobbie, Bombay; Third Baylee Judd, Pauanui.
Junior Master Pauanui: First Fergus Woodyard, Pauanui; Second Kayd Colebrook, Takanini,
Master Pauanui: First Quinn Lodge, Hellensville; Second Henry Radich, Stonefields, Auckland; Third = Jack Petherick, Clevedon and Oliver Jewell Devonport.
Miss Pauanui: First Eva Sander, St Heliers; Second Lulu Fisken, Pukekohe; Third Leiana Tukia, Hamilton.
Whitianga
The judges had a very busy time selecting the ribbon winners from such a variety of entrants.