The Informer - 28th January 2025 by theinformernz

Whitianga’s great Summer Concert

BY PAULINE STEWART

Ten thousand concert goers were determined to negate the showers of rain and hovering grey sky. Sunshine and blue heavens won for most of the day and the high spirits of the people made up for the rest. It was an excellent concert, a fantastic day out at the Whitianga Waterways Arena in

Tuesday

so many ways, marking a celebratory return to the Coromandel after four year’s absence.

For 2025, the entertainment was everything expected and expectations were high – familiar songs and favourites, energetic presentation and smooth mix of vocals and instruments – professional in every aspect.

The programme began with Vegas Brown and his band, the

one local act in this national and international lineup of Everclear, Bic Runga, Icehouse and Cold Chisel. Locals felt very proud to see Vegas up there on the big stage. Every artist brought their distinctive music style and personality and clear, surround sound was the norm right across the concert venue.

Continued on page 3

• Meat loaf on mash potato, beans, carrots, & gravy.

west. Friday, 31 January: There will be a good bright Tiangong pass from 10:10pm in the west. Saturday, 1 February: There is a bright Tiangong pass from 9:13pm in the west. Sunday, 2 February: The is a low but long ISS pass from 5:54am in the SW. Monday, 3 February: Another long but very low ISS pass in the south from 5:06am. Tuesday, 4 February: Jupiter lies half way between the Moon and the red giant star Betelgeuse in Orion. There is a long and bright ISS pass from 5:53am in

• Roast chicken, roast potato, veges & gravy.

• Cottage pie with pea & potato mash.

• Sweet n sour pork, Asian veges & noodles.

Photos Garry Brandon

possible an excellent venue. Another 5,000 in the arena would not

have seen it too crowded. Groups of friends, workplace groups and family groups were a feature of the audience . The spirit of the day was one of mutual appreciation – every one of the artists expressed eloquently their appreciation of the audience and the concert organisers, and in return, they had the attention and admiration of

the crowd. Everywhere, there was a mix of security, police, and volunteers to help with information, and directions. People looked so relaxed and pleased to be there and interactions are so accommodating that security and police hardly seem necessary. Yet they are part of the fabric of these events and the crowds are glad of their company.

A super day out! Thank you to Greenstone Entertainment, the artists, the Waterways, Hopper Construction and the community of Whitianga. Last but not least is recognising the rigour and effort people go to in preparation for the day and for getting to the event – pulling trolleys of picnic supplies, carrying chairs, pergolas, chilly bins – it’s a commitment to make the day

a success!

From across New Zealand, Greenstone Entertainment, who are renown for delivering high-calibre events, upheld their 15 year reputation as fans remarked on 2025 being one of the strongest line-up of iconic artists yet.

Others praised the fantastic atmosphere, the range of vendors and the overall seamlessness of the day.

Young entrepreneur gives to Toes in The Water

BY LYDIA TURNER

Toes in The Water (Beach Wheelchairs and Walkers for disabled and chronically ill) was approached before Christmas by a local young lady about fundraising for the TITW. Charlotte Hayward is an 11year old who has made 300 floating keyrings and has been selling them from her own stall at the Whiti City Markets. She told us that she would like to donate $1.00 per sale. On Saturday, 25 January, at the markets where the wheelchair and walker were displayed, Charlotte handed us her $300.00 donation. What an amazing thing for a young girl to do. Her business venture is called

“River Drift” and now both Hunting and Fishing and Well-Stocked Deli (in Whitianga) have her floating key rings in stock. Both of these businesses have encouraged and mentored Charlotte.

Toes in the Water (TITW) is well into the first summer of operation and it’s pleasing how many people have borrowed the Beach Wheelchair and on loan Beach Walker. The trial of the Beach Walker has worked so well TITW are now fundraising to buy their own.

Stop in and see the multi draw raffle at The Family Op Shop in Coghill Street, Whitianga. TTIW Bank Account 020496 0145077

000 If you or someone you know

Charlotte gives the $300 to Toes In The Water representatives, Lydia Turner and Anne Pendray.

would like to borrow the Wheelchair or Walker, please contact TITW on 020 434 8489 to make a booking.

Charlotte with her floating keyrings has raised awareness of

Toes In The Water and perhaps her story will inspire other young people to undertake projects that will benefit their community in some way. Email: charlottehayward665@gmail.com

Waitangi Weekend – international standard Art Show in Whitianga

Waitangi Weekend brings a festival of art to Whitianga with the Elementa 5 Group exhibiting in the Whitianga Arts Centre, 23 School Road. The exhibition starts with an opening on Waitangi Day, Thursday, 6 February at 5.00pm and runs through from Friday to the Sunday. The Art Show is open each day 11.00am to 4.00pm with artists in attendance.

Elementa 5 is the brainchild of Peter Augustin, an exhibition of artists’ work reflecting the elements based on Euro/Asian culture, Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Metal, as elements in the creation of the artist works. Last April the Elementa 5 exhibition was held at the Barry Brickell Gallery, Driving Creek, Coromandel. This year in Whitianga four artists, well established and known in New Zealand and Internationally, are showcasing works in paint, printmaking, ceramics, photography and jewellery.

Paula McNeill is a local wellknown artist, a passionate painter, printmaker, tutor and mentor. As an experienced exhibitor and award winning artist, Paula has works nationally and internationally. She is a multidisciplinary story teller drawing on her imagination to create a new expressive reality. Working in paint, printmaking, collage, and sculpture. Paula is currently based is Whitianga with a planned move to a new home, studio and gallery (The Whitehouse) in Coroglen by June.

Peter Augustin has exhibited and been awarded in many European countries. He has aldo been national recognised and is ti amazing that he lives right here in Whitianga. Peter is described as a lyrical, abstract painter and printmaker creating emotive

Peter’s recent exhibits include Zurich, Wellington and at his studio gallery in Whitianga.

works of figures and landscape. His work is symbolic, expressing his environment and love of stories and music. Influenced by the bright colours, nature, and the sea, his works attempt to make a positive contribution to people’s lives. Peter moved to Whitianga nearly four years ago from Kapiti Coast and formerly Switzerland.

Dianne Caton describes herself as a passionate clay worker and tutor creating ceramics with local identity. Her work is a culmination of more than 50 years working with clay, keenly exhibiting her love of fishing, nature and New Zealand. Works often incorporate driftwood and relief carvings (sgraffito). Dianne lives in Waihi after many years of living in the USA. Exhibitions include ‘Clear as Mud, Waihi’ and Thames Gallery and a Merit award in the 2024 Portage Ceramic Awards.

Peter Muller is an abstract photographer and silversmith ring maker. His photographic works are colourised B&W of landscape

and abstract digital images. Peter has exhibited photography in New Zealand, Japan, and twice selected as a finalist for the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award (2014 & 2017). Following a past history in silversmithing from his hometown of Nelson and moving to Whitianga nearly four years ago, he has renewed his work in making jewellery. Peter’s jewel lery reflects a modern European decorative approach to incorporating greenstone/ponamu and imported semi-precious stones.

This is quite a rare opportunity to see an international standard exhibition right here in Mercury Bay, 23 School Road, Whitianga Pop into the Whitianga Art Centre for an exciting exhibition and meet the artists. All welcome.

Paula McNeill

Peter Augustin

Dianne Caton

Peter Muller Whitianga Arts Centre-Gallery 23 School Rd, Whitianga 7-9 February, 11am-4pm Opening 5pm 6th February

4 Artists, Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics, Photography & Jewellery

From top left: Dianne Caton - Ceramic & wood; Paula McNeill - Hello1Summer has arrived; Peter Augustin - Orpheus. Below left: Peter Muller - Corrugate ring Colloseum image. These four artists have together created an exhibition reflecting the connectedness of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Metal.

The Lions Club Book Fair – a great cause and very popular

There was a long queue right out into the street, well before the doors were to open.

It was the opening Lions Club Book Fair, a two-day event at the Paeroa Memorial Hall. Saturday and Sunday last weekend. Wei Zhang is the President of the Book Fair organising committee and was very pleased that so many people were lining up before opening time. People of all ages still love books!

“It is not easy organizing such an event. There are so many little things to get done well in advance and you need the help of lots of people. We had over 500 boxes of books to sort and display. Without all the volunteers, the Book Fair would not be possible. I feel proud to be a part of it.”

Wei explained that the Lions Club started the Book Fair last year. The Cancer Lodge in Hamilton had been struggling with finding sufficient funding since Covid. They wrote to the Lions Clubs asking for support. The Paeroa Lions Club had responded positively to this request and held their first Book Fair in 2024.

“This is such a good cause.

Some of my friends have used the Cancer Lodge. Personally, I have heard so many great stories of the value of the lodge especially when the hospital is so far from your home.

“It means so much to be near the one you love who is in hospital. Cancer is a global matter and Lions International supports a lot of cancer initiatives. This project is well supported locally. Not every community is as fortunate as we are to have such a facility, I hope our Book Fair encourages other communities.”

The Informer was very interested in Wei’s journey to lead-

ership and fund raising in a country town of New Zealand. She has been a member of the Paeroa Lions Club since 2018. We decided to move to Paeroa ten years ago. My husband’s (Richard) parents lived in Kopu and were not so well. We thought by living nearby, we could help them when they needed us. “

Paeroa is in a straight line to three cities - Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland. It is a very friendly community, and we hope other immigrants will make the choice to live in this area. Wei’s husband Richard is President of Thames Camera Club.

Paeroa Memorial Hall was packed with books and puzzles ready for the book fair; right, Wei Zhang, chairperson, organising committee.

PINKY’S

AND RESTOCKING THE OFFICE AT HOME

Poker Run 2025 boosts local fire brigade funds

BY VICTOR MCLEAN

eninsula Riderz

PWhitianga SMC, from our annual Round the Peninsula Poker Run was able to donate $3070 to the Whitianga Fire Brigade. This was our 23rd year of the Poker Run.

The ride started at our local Fire Brigade where we enjoyed their hospitality with the traditional sausage on bread, tea and coffee and we drew our first card for our Poker Hand. At 10 .00am it is Stands up. We are led out by the Local Fire Engine which pulled over at Brophy’s Beach and then it was Ride your own Ride, stay upright and safe roads ahead. Second stop is the Coromandel Top Pup for

the second card. The third card is at Tapu Tavern and fourth card at our home bar, the Coroglen Tavern where we stop for Lunch. The final part of the ride is heading back to the paddock for our fifth card draw, where we announce the poker hand winner and do spot prices.

It was a good day. The roads were dry; the riding was safe and the scenery riding the peninsula was magic. The Poker Run is enjoyed by Riders from the Bay of Islands, Whangarei, Hawkes Bay, Napier, Tauranga, Taupo, Rotorua, Waikato and within those areas. The camaraderie is a chance to catch up with fellow riders whom we get to see once a year due to the Poker Run.

What makes the evening is settling in to enjoy the hospitality of the Peninsula Riderz Kitchen crew and rocking it to Captain Snappy Raman and his whanau playing the tunes. Appreciating our sponsors, we asked Charlie from Charlies Workshop, Whitianga who has been a sponsor since the early years, to hand over the funds raised, to Roly Chaney, the Fire Chief of the Whitianga Fire Brigade. We thank all our sponsors and riders for the support we get annually. The sponsorship from our local businesses shows how much they appreciate our local voluntary Fire Brigade for the great work that they do. Until next year, Let’s Ride. PRFFPRZ

SPONSORS – THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

johnny Simpson,Mercury Bay Upholstery, Fish Upholstery, Coromandel Top Pub, Tapu Tavern, Coroglen Tavern, Charlies Workshop, Whitianga Ice, The Lost Spring, Twin Oaks, Zee Zee Top Fencing, The Coromandel Informer, Hopper Construction, Christensen Cartage, Laser Electrical, Hamr Homes, Plastic Logistics, Liquorland, Super Lliquor, Grape Fruit Gully, Blackjack Surf, Whiti Farm Park, Gulf Mussel Farms, Peninsula Home Kills, NV Motorcycles Morrinsville, Thomassen Roofing, Whitianga Towing Ltd, A2BSigns, Rough Water Ltd, James Marine Ltd, Z Service Station Whitianga, Recreational Services, Overdrive Total Automotive, B Stitched Embroidery, Bobs Takeaways, Peninsula Hi Ab Towing and transport, Gull

Service Station, ERL Eastern Recreational ltd Peninsula Hire, Mercury Bay Motor Camp, Lukes Kitchen, Kui Kawne Lisa, Florean and Sara, Mecrury Bay Club, Kickstart Motorcycles, Whitianga Screen Printing.

Top, Roly Chaney, Fire Chief, Whitianga Fire Brigade receives the amazing sum of $3070 from Charlie on behalf of Peninsula RiderZ Whitianga SMC. From left: Toni Johnson, Gavin Johnson, Ian Cox, Charlie Cunningham, Roly Chaney, Darren Hartley, Tania McLean, Vic McLean; Above, Coroglen Tavern, the riders on the Poker Run gather for the 4th poker card draw.

More on the Cooks Beach lakes - Will they ever be clean?

These lakes have featured in The Informer for over two years - they need cleaning up; weed control needs to be sustainable and affordable; they need to function as intended as well as look presentable and not be foul smelling, a health hazard or an eye-sore.

Their poor state and on going developments regarding improving their ability as storm water storage lakes was a significant item on the agenda of the Mercury Bay South Residents and Ratepayers AGM on New Year’s Day. This was also the case for their AGM in 2023.

There has been a lot of work done but it has not lead to any improvement. It appears that two ideologies or environmental world views conflict. The local residents have an idea, well researched, that just wont be accepted by TCDC staff. They have acknowledged the research but have employed consultants to look at other approaches that they believe superior. Reports have been commissioned, large machinery has been brought in at considerable cost to take on the weeds, many meetings have been held. However, these have

not progressed the health of the lakes at all. There is frustration and impatience from residents.

The issues are not simple, but certainly there has been reluctance to take the local residents seriously. They have done their homework, have spent considerable time as volunteers presenting to staff, assisting with weeding the lakes and cooperating with what TCDC has implemented.

Now, the residents just want to implement their grass carp proposal.

After much discussion at the AGM on New Years Day, Mayor Len Salt did mention that having grass carp in the lakes seemed to be the only solution. That was good news for the resdients who wait to get that final go ahead.

It seems that elected representatives are in a governance role and make recommendations. Staff make the decisisons. So far there have been a number of decisions made and costly ones which have not resolved the matter. Surely, to facilitate the research and suggestions of the local residents would be in line with the governance culture of a local council?

Operations must reflect good

governance.

This summary of a report stating the current situation shared with Cooks Beach residents this past weekend could herald a change.

“The lakes have deteriorated to a most unsatisfactory state. In fact the worst I have ever seen in the last 20 years.

The recent dry spell and warm water temperatures have resulted in the weed exploding to cover approximately 70% of lake A (big lake). Algae and the associated

bloom has also flourished under these conditions. This can kill bird life on the lakes if consumed.

Regrettably the mechanical harvesting operation that took place over 5-6 days during October ‘24 on Lake A has proved to be a total waste of money. I had approached Council staff in December ‘24 pointing this out to the local council water representative but despite emails and follow up ‘phone calls I’ve had no response. I would have thought that if someone is engaged to do a job for the Council, then a follow-up visit to check the work would be rather standard procedure. However not in this case.

Clean up of lake B (back lakefore bay) began in December ‘24. The idea was to reinstate the banks which have encroached into the lake area proper with overgrown grass, trees etc. A suction dredge/ digger operation would then be used to clean out the approx. one metre of sediment filling the lake bottom. This operation lasted about 2 weeks with the contractors departing the area prior to Christmas having only scraped the edges from the stream around to the channel. A lake B resident advised me (from council infor-

mation) that the contractors have departed the scene to another contract and won’t be back until later in the year!

Following our AGM for the Mercury Bay South Residents and Ratepayers Association (MBSRRA) on 1 January ‘25, I have since had contact with Councillors John Grant and Deli Connell over the lack of action on the lakes. This resulted in John coming over and having a look for himself at the state of the lakes a couple of weeks ago. I think it’s fair to say that both councillors agree that the previous measures of weed control viz. diquat spraying and mechanical harvesting only provide a shortterm fix meaning an expensive repetitive process. The grass carp weed control option as submitted to the Community Board in July ‘22 is the only other option left that council staff haven’t seriously considered. Why? Only staff know the answer to that.

John Grant is making enquiries with the Group Manager Infrastructure for answers. Here’s hoping this maybe something to do with the grass carp question!?”

From Steve Lloyd, Cooks Beach

We have a history of divisiveness

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

Iwas sitting on our porch the other evening, enjoying the company of my good lady wife along with a pleasant glass of pinot noir. We were discussing the bill on Treaty Principles and the division caused when she stated “we have always had division in this country, just think back to Raglan”. So I did, I am an obedient husband, and the more I thought about it the more obvious it became that she was right. I hate it when that happens as she is going to remind me about this for the next few years. Let us discuss Raglan however, and the division caused.

During the Second World War the Government took a piece of Maori land at Raglan to use as an airfield to defend us from the advances of the Japanese forces. It was never used for that purpose

and should have been returned to the original owners. However, the Government decided to make it available to be used as a golf course. Fast forward to the seventies and Eve Rickard lead a movement by local Maori to have their land returned to them. Bear in mind this was not a Treaty issue, it was a Government theft issue. Talk about divisive – local golfers versus local Maori, and a lot of the golf club membership was Maori. The issue got resolved eventually, but it was divisive and that was caused by a government not acting honourably.

At about the same time, Maori occupied land at Bastion Point that the Government was intending to sell for a housing development. The Maori, led by Joe Hawke, were non-violent but resolute and their occupation lasted 506 days before they were forcibly removed. This was divisive as

it was generally believed that this was Government land, not Maori land.

It was true that the Government had taken it, by confiscation, and they had never bought it from a willing seller. Unlike Raglan, this was a Treaty issue and eventually ownership reverted to the rightful owners. The divisiveness was clearly due to previous Government actions but eventually, we all settled down and life carried on.

If we move forward a few years, we get to the 1981 Springbok Tour to New Zealand. This was extremely divisive with rugby

169 Buﬀalo Beach Rd

fans conflicting with many thousands who marched to protest about our support for an apartheid regime. There were fights, marches, battles, flour bombs, barbed wire and other negative things. Eventually, the tour ended, we won the series, only just, and New Zealand set about repairing the damage. This is probably the most divisive I have seen our country and this was caused by a rugby board who couldn’t see, or didn’t care, about the harm they would do just so they could have their precious game of rugby against South Africa.

Moving forward a few years and we had a new Labour Government who set about dramatically changing the way the nation’s economy was run. One action they took was to remove all export subsidies which formed a significant part of a farmer’s income. The result was serious for farm-

• 3 bdrm, 2 bthrm, home with 2 living areas, also a 2 bdrm,

ers with many losing their farms and deep personal costs. City folk did quite well during this period but I am sure most did not realise how detested they were by our rural community. Not as divisive as the rugby tour but divisive never the less. This was caused by the previous National Government making a dogs breakfast out of economic management.

Moving forward to 2003 and the High Court ruled in favour of Ngati Apa in their application to have the court consider that the seabed of the Marlborough Sounds be defined as Maori Customary Land.

Well that court ruling was certainly divisive; some Maori feeling they now owned all of the beaches with the rest of the country being aggrieved about the traditional use of these being under threat.

Continued on page 23

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Photos taken at the prizegiving on Saturday night.

Photos by Garry Brandon

PRESS RELEASE FROM WAKA KOTAHI - NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY FRIDAY 24 JANUARY

Work gets underway onsite next week to prepare for the replacement of the 48-year-old Onetai Stream Bridge north of Paeroa on State Highway 26. A wider, stronger bridge will make this route on the eastern side of the Waihou River safer and more resilient.

Road users on SH26 between Paeroa and Kōpū will see NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) contractors on site from Tuesday 28 January to begin work. There will be lane closures for the first 2 weeks, and then a full road closure for up to 4 weeks from Monday 10 February.

Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery (Acting), Darryl Coalter, says NZTA appreciates the closure will be disruptive.

“Onetai is a small bridge, and the road approaches are very narrow. Unfortunately, it is not practical to replace the bridge in stages, so the highway will need to be closed here while the old bridge is demolished, and its replacement is installed.

Visitors flock back to Mautohe Cathedral Cove

MEDIA RELEASE FROM DOC - 21 JANUARY 2025

Hundreds of people a day are visiting Mautohe Cathedral Cove’s famous beach following the reinstatement of walking access to the popular Coromandel location.

In December, DOC reopened the main walking track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove after an extended closure due to damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, and concerns about visitor safety at a site with known risks. Funding from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy delivered reinstatement of walking access through a temporary re-route of the damaged track.

Tinaka Mearns, DOC’s Hauraki Waikato Taranaki Regional Director, says staff are pleased to see visitors enjoying the cove again.

“We have been manually recording the number of visitors on the Mautohe Cathedral Cove beach since 19 December, including Boxing Day and January 2 when

“It has taken a long time, but with the track finally open the level of visitors to Mautohe Cathedral cove is climbing to pre-Covid

levels”.

visitor numbers peaked at more than 800 people.”

“The Coromandel DOC team says visitor levels at Mautohe Cathedral Cove are returning to pre-COVID levels, which indicates high demand for the experience offered at this picturesque site,” Tinaka says.

“The number of people enjoying the beach demonstrates the value of the investment in reinstating walking access - and the hard work of the staff, iwi, and contractors whose efforts ensured we could open it for this summer.”

Visitors to Mautohe Cathedral Cove are reminded there are no toilets on the beach, people should not linger under the archway or near the cliff faces, and anyone visiting the beach should take their waste with them when they leave. Toilets are provided near the Lees Rd entrance. An ideal time to visit is during low tide, which provides more space on the beach including distance from the risk of rock fall from the cliff face.

“Staff and ambassadors have been monitoring the site to ensure people have

a great time and the place is well looked after,” Tinaka says. “We are really pleased visitors are making good use of the new toilets at the Lees Rd entrance, and are helping us care for this beautiful place.”

Meanwhile, DOC has implemented a new process to manage weather and landslide-related risk at Mautohe Cathedral Cove.

The Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) for natural hazard risk management at Mautohe Cathedral Cove establishes criteria for inspecting the site to manage public safety regarding landslide, rockfall, and treefall hazards.

“Ongoing geological risk at Mautohe Cathedral Cove is one of the main challenges we have at this site,” Tinaka says.

“Having the TARP in place gives our staff a clear process and guidelines to manage visitor safety and minimising risk for visitors to Mautohe Cathedral Cove – and that’s an important priority.”

Enq: media@doc.govt.nz

STAN’S STUFF

Love them or loathe them

Reflections on six hospitals

BY STAN STEWART

For almost a year I was in large city hospitals every day as a visitor. More recently I have been in and out of hospitals as a patient. I think I have gained some insights from my experience with six hospitals that are worth sharing.

HOSPITAL CAFETERIAS

They all have pretty much the same food. What varies is the item price. When it comes to price by far the best cafeteria is the one associated with the Waikato Hospital. I was amazed by the item price. Also, the Waikato Hospital cafeteria has a very pleasant out-door dining area. So, if it’s hospital cafeteria dining bang-foryour-buck you’re after, go to the Waikato Hospital.

I’ve found the best food in the big hospitals to be purchased from ‘Subway’. If you want a break from hospital food, ‘Subway’ is just the thing.

HOSPITAL SECURITY

This is a significant matter these days. It seems that hospital grounds are a mecca for people just waiting to buzz in and snatch a packet of aspirin, a roll of bandages or a laxative or two. I was most aware of hospital-lifters (a species of shop-lifters) in Brisbane. It seemed they lived in the bushes or the lanes behind offices etc. and came out when the hospital was open for business. I know this because I would eat my midday sandwich in the beautiful Brisbane sunshine on one of the seats at the front of the hospital. I would see the hospital-lifters walking up the path to the entrance. On their way they would pass by me and ask for money.

The newest hospital I regularly visited had a very sophisticated security system. The guard or security room was located at the front door. On one occasion when I was making an after-hours visit, I gained a peek into this security space. The guards would answer

the late-night buzzer by opening a very small peep hole into their office. On one occasion the slide was left open for a few seconds. What I saw were banks of computer screens. It was clear that every space, passageway in the hospital was under security surveillance 24-7. I suppose that this is shades of things to come

HOSPITAL CLEANLINESS

Clearly, hospitals are against dirt and grime. Armies of sweepers, wipers and disinfectors are constantly at work in the wards and passages. For me, much of my time in hospital was killing time. Being of a curious nature, I set my mind to work examining hospital cleanliness. Here is the result of my very non-professional observations of the hospital spaces in which I spent hours.

All hospital spaces, hallways, showers and toilets look clean. They are all regularly doused in detergent and disinfectants, but they are not all equally clean.

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In some hospitals, there were noticeable build-ups of yesterday’s soaps (disinfectants), finger marks in the corners and around the edges. The reason for this is that they have a daily surface clean and then a weekly super clean. In one hospital things were different. Believe it or not, this was in the smallest hospital – Thames Hospital. No soap build up or finger and hand marks were to be seen. The corridors and facilities sparkled. Good work Thames!

HOSPITALS POINT THE WAY TO FUTURE HOPE

They demonstrate how in the future our world can survive, cope and thrive. What I am talking about is the racial mix of the hospital staff. Our hospitals work because people from all around the world, especially Asia, staff our hospitals. Any notion of a master race, a superior culture are dashed in hospital. Who pushes my wheelchair, who analyses my blood, who wakes me at 2.00am,

who interprets the data obtained from my nostril, where do these people come from? The hospital staff for our largest hospitals, here and in Australia and for our smallest such as Thames, come from around the world.

If you believe as I do that ‘What we need is great big melting pot” then our hospitals are proof that this idea can work. There it is before our eyes. None of the original tastes need be lost.

And there is more. I try and see beyond this person from the Philippines who is checking my stats. I know that many of them are supporting their families. Their income supports others, young and old, in good or poor health and gives opportunities for education. These highly disciplined, fun-loving individuals want kiwi citizenship for themselves and their family. I know we need them. They inspire me and I will do all I can to make it possible for them to become part of our great, multi-coloured kiwi family.

GLASS & SCREENS GLASS & SCREENS

•

• Balustrading

• Pet Doors

• Security & Insect Screens

• Shower Doors & Mirrors

Kids Drawing & Art Competition

Print an entry form from www.theinformer.co.nz or www.facebook.com/theinformernz or pick one up from The Informer office, or any information centre on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Draw yourself and your favourite seabird. Tell us why you like it and an interesting fact about the bird.

Win!

a family pass (2 adults, 2 children) to Tiritiri Matangi Island. Includes return ferry trip and guided tour of the island.

Entries close 31 March 2025

Winners annouced 11 April and published in The Informer 15 April

Storm water a stormy issue at Whangamatā Ratepayers’ Meeting

It is the season for Thames-Coromandel district Residents’ and Ratepayers’ associations to hold AGM or public meetings. This is largely due to the availability of non-resident homeowners during the summer months.

The Whangamatā Ratepayers’ Association held a public meeting at the Whangamatā Club, Sunday, 19 January was a large turnout of 100+, like the attendance at the Mercury Bay South Resident’s and Ratepayers’ Association’s AGM held at Cooks Beach held on New Years Day. What was also similar was the focus of their meeting – stormwater issues. Another similar aspect was the atmosphere of the meeting. There was an air of impatience and frustration with the Council (TCDC), not just over matters to do with stormwater but related to a perception that the council did not conduct its work as if it were listening to the people.

In both regions, stormwater is a major problem. However, whereas in Cooks Beach, for example, the discussions are around swales, pipes, tidal flows and getting the lakes cleaner, Whangamatā residents are concerned about ponding and runoff from roads flooding their properties.

The first agenda item was a statement prepared by the Council to be read out to all in attendance. This was defending their action of sending letters out to homeowners with reference in their LIM reports to risks of flooding.

The residents had complained about ponding and water not draining away for a long time. Any “likely-to-flood”-note on a property’s LIM is not value-enhancing.

Residents felt it was due to the Council’s inaction on the matter of stormwater that had led to this situation.

Despite the objections expressed and the sense of injustice held by many, the Council was doing what was required by local government legislation. This was ably explained by the Acting Chair of the meeting, Flemming Rasmussen – homeowners and other stakeholders must be informed of potential risks to a property.

Local newspapers had reported that the Council’s actions were not legal.

Thus, the statement from the Council read out as the first item on the agenda clarified the Council’s position.

STORM WATER WORKGROUP

Ian Holyoake is the representative the ratepayers‘ on the storm water working group set up by the Council.

His report reflected the frustration of many. There had been discussions, staff time involved as well as consultants, in preparing modelling to protect the community from a 100year event.

“No council can afford to put the infrastructure in place for a 100-year event, and that’s not what people want. Ratepayers’ were asking the Council to resolve the everyday or regular rain and runoff problems.

“A small amount of rain results in ponding on some properties for three days. That issue has not been addressed,” said Ian. “It is no good putting pipes in the ground if the water can’t get to them. Presently, there is no infrastructure that will handle the runoff.”

There was reference to the six workshops conducted as part of the local storm water working group and that progress had been made.

At the meeting and referencing a similar meeting in quarter 4 of 2024, Ian reported that the letters sent to ratepayers’ with added hazard notes to their LIM reports were a ‘red herring.’ Seven reasons have been given for why the flood letters have been issued to homeowners, but nothing resembling a solution that will stop the flooding. He felt that the Council had failed to comply with or fulfil the District Plan; that basically, people were kept in the dark with the word, ‘confidential.’ A report to the ombudsman is currently being prepared on this aspect to make the Council more transparent.

“The goal sought by the meeting is a master plan so that the community can see how the infrastructure is going to be changed so that the flooding that has been ongoing ceases.”

FROM THE CHAIR

Rob Boston is the Chair of the Whangamatā Ratepayers’ Association (WRA). He is an active and strong leader. His report, presented by Graham Marson, the Treasurer of WRA, was forceful and persuasive. Rob, however, stepped down from this role after this public meeting.

a) Community involvement from property owners and residents:

“The Association has 120 paid-up members. We have 4,000 homeowners with whom we don’t have an active link.” We want them to be a part of this Association and sign up. We need people to register to vote in local body elections. Each Non resident home owner has one vote per property.

“We need engagement from the communityexpertise in marketing and lobbying skills. Our town is undergoing a major change. The housing developments work like this. The batch gets removed, and two townhouses are built in that space. These get used only a few weeks in a year. That presents a social challenge. Many of our retirees are looking at the cost of living just to continue living in this lovely town.”

b) Changing the Culture:

“We have come a long way in terms of accountability and transparency. An objective for the Whangamatā Ratepayers’ Association is achieving a culture change from the Council so that the ratepayers know the who, how, when, and where of what will happen.”

c) Rates and getting back to basics: Ratings are unsustainable on an ongoing basis. We are seeing yearly rate increases in double digits. The only choice for

Over 100 attended this special public meeting to address concerns of the community with the Council.

Councils in the foreseeable future is to get back to basics and core essentials. It is up to ratepayers to elect councillors and community board members whom they believe will deliver these core essentials and listen to the people.

d) Local Water Done Well

There is now “Two Waters” What are the options left on the table? The hope was expressed that the plan doesn’t go back to what it was under the ‘Two Waters’ proposals.

OUR COMMUNITY BOARD:

WRA has a good working relationship with the TCDC Whangamatā Community Board members. They need more autonomy. We want to get back to the empowerment of the community.

FIGURES ON SPEND OF RATES INCOME IN THE HOME AREA:

Only 10-15% of the rates income from Whangamatā is spent back on core values in the Whangamatā area. Mercury Bay and Whangamatā Wards provide 75% of the $107m raised in rates across the TCDC council area in this fiscal year.

The possibility of an extra Councilor being elected from Whangamatā was raised. Deputy Mayor, Terry Walker’s response, “We need more non resident ratepayers to live here and not be absentee voters.”

This meeting was a Sunday afternoon. Not only were there 100+ people in attendance, but there was almost full rollout of TCDC councillors, which is very commendable –Mayor Len Salt, Deputy Mayor and Councilor Terry Walker, Councillors Gary Gotlieb, Peter Revell, Rekha Giri-Percival, John Grant and Deli Connell. The meeting Chair expressed his appreciation for this.

Saturday Out and About

MERCURY BAY CLUB SMITTY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL

The Longhorns – Peter Lawrence – lead vocalist, Terry Shoston – guitar, Rob Perks – drummer, and Lindy O’Neill – bass brought their country pop rhythm and great vocals to a good crowd that was ready to dance at Mercury Bay Club on Saturday night. Smitty’s Bar and Grill was packed and Tom Petty Tribute Band, The

Refugees with a rocky style also had the dance floor full.

At Grace O’Malleys, the music was a little quieter but there wasn’t a table or chair to spare. Those going to the Summer Concert and Whitianga locals were out enjoying the summer evening in New Zealand’s ocean paradise.

Whitianga is a wonderful place to exercise and these two ladies were doing that to the best of their ability and sharing their positive energy.

Anniversary & Waitangi weekends BBQ BONANZA

Weber BBQs

*For a limited time. Offer ends 9th February. Does not include accessories

Photo Michelle Rhodes

Photos Garry Brandon Photos Garry Brandon

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LET’S NOT END UP IN ECONOMIC SIN BIN

I’ve got to call out Dal Minogue’s piece about climate change (The Informer, 7 January). His argument that we’re too small to bother reducing emissions is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

If we’d used that logic back in the day, we wouldn’t have sent our boys to fight in World War II because, “We’re just little old New Zealand.” Yeah, nah.

Minogue’s having a moan about the economic harm of going carbon neutral, but seriously has he looked outside lately? Many Thames Coromandel properties are becoming uninsurable thanks to these climate change-driven extreme weather events, and many ratepayers in flood-risk areas will soon face $1000’s extra every year for climate change adaptation.

And our trading partners aren’t mucking around. They’ll slap sanctions on us quick smart if we don’t pull our weight.

Meanwhile, we’re burning billions importing fossil fuels when we’ve got heaps of clean cheaper energy options right in our backyard.

And Dal, using China is a weak excuse for our freeloading. Get this – they’ve dropped their emissions by 3% last year. Nearly half of their new cars are electric, and every city bus is powered by the

plug. They have more wind and solar under construction than the rest of the world combined. Meanwhile, we Kiwis are pumping out 16 tonnes of CO2 per person each year compared to China’s 9 tonnes.

So come on, Dal. It’s time to pull your head out of the sand. Being a good global citizen isn’t just about doing what’s right – it’s about making sure New Zealand doesn’t end up in the economic sin bin.

Anton Taylor, Whitianga

MERCURY BAY’S BEST KEPT SECRET

I think that’s what the Whitianga Bike Park is. This is especially true in the heat of summer when the dogs cant go on the beach. It is such an absolutely peaceful place. I visit three or four times a week. Thanks to all the volunteers.

I.D K, Whitianga

CLIMATE ALARMISM

One climate alarmist (Dal Minogue) has been told that man’s pollution of the planet began in the 1980’s, when China entered the industrial fold.

Had he been around in the earlier part of the 20th century he would have experienced the real extent of man’s coal-powered pollution – decades of black smog. Yet somehow the planet survived. During the 1950’s, the European countries took this pollution in hand and made a massive clean-up; a clean-up sufficient to

ensure man’s survival.

The purpose of the Letters to the Editor column is to enable members of the public to express an opinion, about an article or a topic of interest/concern. Please keep them to 200 words or less. These letters do not reflect the editor’s view. The editor reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.

No matter what we do, humankind cannot repeat such a massive effort, because the human level of overall pollution is so much less today than it was in the countries where the industrial revolution had taken hold in the first half of the twentieth century.

To make PCPCPC’s (politically correct per capita pollution comparisons) between a Pekinese living in Beijing with a country farmer in New Zealand is absurd.

John Veysey, Colville

HONOUR THE ORIGINAL OCEANA WALKWAY AGREEMENT

Those of us who have lived in Tairua for some time will remember when the Oceana subdivision on the ocean side of Paku was first proposed. This was to be an eco-subdivision with houses tucked into native bush. Somehow this never eventuated and the development proceeded with very narrow streets and large, mostly holiday houses built on the sections. The one saving grace was that a public walkway was to be provided along the cliff edge of Paku down to the Ocean Beach, with each property owner levied an annual fee for its upkeep.

This has been a joy to many walkers over the years. It was always the case that the path crossed private land and notices to this effect were displayed at each end of the walkway, asking

people to respect the privilege.

Over time of course, houses change hands, and we now have a new non-resident owner who does not wish people to cross his driveway and he has managed to persuade TCDC to erect notices advising that anyone walking through his property is trespassing.

By blocking off access through his shared driveway, he is effectively also closing off a beautiful section of the path as walkers must exit to Motuhoa Rd, up a steep difficult track fit only for the most able, or double back when they reach his property.

It is disappointing to see TCDC give into this kind of pressure and not support the local community.

I suggest TCDC honour the original resource consent which clearly provides for a public walkway.

Joyce Birdsall, Tairua CONCRETE RAMP ON THE BUFFALO BEACH RESERVE?

I have written to the Council-about this-matter. My first letter was 25 September, 2022.

My request relates to the beach front and the right of people who are physically disabled to be able to get on to the beach.

I am encouraged that Whitianga (Community Board) has been upgrading the sand dunes with planting and a new set of steps to the far right of the Buffalo Beach Reserve looking seaward near the

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rubbish bins and on an in-road to the reserve.

If new steps can be erected there, why can’t a concrete ramp be placed beside them? The steps don’t give wheel chair access. What constitutes that bank and can a ramp be constructed? I am asking can it take a ramp as well as steps?

Most people park on the left side of the reserve. That’s where the ramp could be placed or right beside the news set of stairs.

Putting a couple of ramps down (even one) would allow people who are incapable of walking up and down stairs or across sand dunes, to access the beach and water.

I have been told that in a public area (such as our Buffalo Beach Reserve) there should be access to the beach for all. I am hoping that at a future meeting of the Community Board, that such a motion be put forward and acted upon.

‘Toes In the Water’ (See page 4 in this issue) is working to give people in their wheelchairs access to the beach and the water. I know their activities are oriented towards Brophys Beach and they use the boat ramp. However, we have a public reserve where there are access opportunities but no access for our most vulnerable.

Could our Community Board take this up?

LV (Volunteer), Whitianga

(unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 13 Feb 2025 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 10-10.45am Sat 1 Feb & Sat 8 Feb Glenn Tanner 027 486 2399 glenn.tanner@bayleys.co.nz

Johnson 027 435 3853 daniel.johnson@bayleys.co.nz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COOKS BEACH LAKES SAGA

leave 10% of the streams low flow to sustain biodiverse aquatic life.

Shortages have already shown up in some areas. For example, Maratoto with its dairy farms, and Whitianga with its lack of gravity storage. However, the fathers of Coromandel town put a dam high in the surrounding hills and serviced the area with cheap water for many years despite erosion debris building up.

So, what is wrong with having our ow n town reservoirs and individual roof water tanks? There must be some narrow valleys in this mountain range that will make storage dams affordable.

tures and award and celebrate the capture of the largest fish, which are the breeding stock, which threatens the species.

• All fishers want to bring home fresh fish, so if they don’t catch a big fish, they will target the smaller fish that feed the big fish. Do they ask themselves how many fish they want or need today? Or do they keep fishing until their bins are full?

ST JOHN

The TCDC continue to be totally incompetent over their lake management. The Tauranga Council have managed the lakes at Tauriko well with grass carp. The TCDC have wasted rate payers money for years and achieved nothing.

Of course, it will need a ‘gate’ at the base to clear the erosion debris that continually flows down the streams. It will also n4eed an overflow strong enough to cope with the floods that occuir.

Dennis Shepherd Cooks Beach

PLANS FOR WATER –WHAT AND WHO?

ST JOHN FIRST AID COURSE

FIRST AID COURSE

ST JOHN FIRST AID COURSE

DATES: TUESDAY 11th & WEDNESDAY 12th MARCH 2025 LOCATION: ST PETER THE FISHERMAN CHURCH 7 DUNDAS STREET, WHITIANGA

• Hopefully over the next hundred years people will realise that sportfishing, especially the big-finned fish like marlin, are hunted for fun rather than food, is a blood sport where sentient beings are tortured, stressed, and wounded for the pleasure of the hunter. Would those pleasure seekers like to be dragged around for hours on end with a hook in their mouth or gut, only to die exhausted? Hardly sporting! More about ego: why should magnificent beings be sacrificed for the gratification of the few?

1ST

act Diane Collins at

How hard is it to plan for the future? Who is responsible? If it’s our elected representatives, then they’ve failed, because the government has had to step in with insisting on three waters planning.

It can’t be that difficult because our over-populated planet understands that climate change has seasons of drought and torrential rain. We also know that predicted population increases will have a future need of thirty litres of water per day per person and 72 litres per day per dairy cow; plus an amount for commerce.

On our peninsula, will we have enough, water in the streams to service any ‘progress’? This is especially as the Waikato Regional Council wants to

The storage will build in winter and be available during the expected droughts. Each of the seven or eight communities could have a small dam built of multiple prefabricated concrete panels. All these needs is planning, but by whom?

Peter H Wood Whitianga WILL THE FISHING CLUB STILL BE AROUND IN 100 YEARS?

I want to make a bold statement and say no because:

• More people and more boats are fishing in the same area, so there is increased pressure on local fish populations.

• The boats are becoming faster and bigger, the fishing and tracking equipment will become more sophisticated, so more fish are caught.

• Fishing competitions and the sports fishing industry are lucrative money-making adven-

• Unless there are enforced quota systems, marine protection areas, and sustainable big game fishing that involve using methods that minimise environmental impact, protect fish stocks, and maintain balanced ecosystems, then this will severely impact the future of fishing.

contact Diane Collins at

• A hundred years from now nobody will care that in 2025 a big, shining trophy with the name of the fisherman and the name of the boat engraved upon it was presented to the person with the biggest/ heaviest/ longest fish. They will say, Why didn’t they do everything possible to protect the kai mona for future generations? The trophy will gather dust, and the big game fish will be gone, reduced to a picture in a history book.

Verna Carr

Whitianga

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WHITIANGA - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST

W H I T I A N G A - F R I D A Y J U L Y 1 S

W H I T I A N G A - F R I D A Y J U L Y 1 S T

WHITIANGA - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST

id for anyone wanting to t to recognise & treat common ening medical emergencies. ffer vital assistance and CPR ced help arrives. evel 1 certificate valid for two completion community members. A charge applies workers along.

This one day course is ideal for anyone wanting to learn the basics of first aid.

Gain the confidence to recognise & treat common injuries and life-threatening medical emergencies.

Gain the confidence to recognise & treat common injuries and life-threatening medical emergencies. Learn the skills to offer vital assistance and CPR before more experienced help arrives

Gain the confidence to recognise & treat common injuries and life-threatening medical emergencies.

Learn the skills to offer vital assistance and CPR before more experienced help arrives.

Learn the skills to offer vital assistance and CPR before more experienced help arrives

Receive a First Aid Level 1 certificate valid for two years upon successful completion.

Receive a First Aid Level 1 certificate valid for two years upon successful completion

Provided free to community members. A charge applies for businesses sending workers along.

DATE:

Provided free to community members. A charge applies for businesses sending workers along.

Date: F

Date: F Bookin mbsj.se

Provided free to community members. A charge applies for businesses sending workers along.

Date: Friday July 1st

DATE: THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST

BOOKINGS: Please contact Diane Collins at mbsj.sec@gmail.com

Bookings: please contact Diane Collins at mbsj.sec@gmail.com

BOOKINGS: Please contact Diane Collins diane.collins@stjohn.org.nz

BOOKINGS: Please contact Diane Collins at mbsj.sec@gmail.com

GAMES AND PUZZLES

Sudoku instructions Fill in the boxes using the numbers

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 31 January & 14th

February. 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 bi-

monthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737.

FORTNIGHTLY

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

Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone Vanessa 027 896 5037. Email vandoo555@gmail. com.

Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016.

Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information. WEEKLY OR MORE

Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street.

Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.

Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for more info.

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

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

Chinwag Café – Every Friday from 10.30am12.30pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag. 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 6.15pm-8.15pm, The Music Room, Mercury Bay Area School. Start date 3rd February. All welcome. No auditions needed. Phone Kate 027 2709058 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.

TRADES AND SERVICES

If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Coromandel Informer know. Call 07 866 2090, email info@theinformer.co.nz. Our What’s On page is not guaranteed to run every week as often space is restricted. Consider paying for a classified advert if you want to guarantee your activity runs every week.

Mercury Bay Pickleball Club – At Mercury Bay Area School Gymnasium, Every Tuesday Members Night 5.30-7.30pm; Sundays 3.006.00pm- Open to New players (Training & equipment provided, first session free) and all members and visitors. $5 per session. Moewai Sportspark Outdoor Sessions-weather dependant & advised per our facebook page. Matarangi (Matai Pl Courts) Summer Hrs-Thurs 5-7pm, Sat 9-11am. Contact Grant 0223836351. Hahei Tennis & Pickleball Club Thurs & Sunday, Contact Tim 0278432683 or refer their facebook page. 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

Spiritual Conversation Mornings – Every Tues and Wed, 10.30am-12pm, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in some great conversation where we talk about topics and subjects that have meaning. $5 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 – Tuesdays beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.45-2.30pm; Thursdays absolute beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, inprovers/seniors 12.45-2.30pm. Contact Margaret 027 463 8850 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.

Whitianga Markets

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

Mercury Bay Historic Society will be holding a Coffee Morning for all members and friends 10.30am Thursday 30 January at The Lost Spring. We suggest you arrive a little early to arrange your coffee at the front desk before the meeting commences.

LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE

The Mercury Bay Bridge Club in Whitianga is offering a series of weekly lessons beginning in mid-February. If you would like to join the class, and/or would like more information about the course, contact: Gavin Hedwig, ph: 021 1469203 E-mail: g.hedwig@xtra.co.nz

BJOLI BUILDERS

Contact John 0276 425 654 •

•

TRADES AND SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS

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

DESIGNER/ LAYOUT PERSON

The Coromandel Informer are looking for the right person to work part time (approx 20-24 hours per week).

You will need experience in Indesign and Photoshop so you can lay up our weekly local newspaper and make up adverts, proof them to the client and send the paper to the printers once completed.

Must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines and still maintain a high standard of design.

Previous newspaper experience is essential.

For more information contact office@theinformer.co.nz or phone Pauline on 07 866 2090

WORKSHOP CONTROLLER

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

Whitianga • Full Time

For 33 years, Farmer Autovillage has been the trusted name in motor vehicles in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Our family-owned and operated dealership has grown over the years to now proudly hold the franchises for Audi, Volkswagen, Škoda, Fiat Commercial, Jeep, RAM, Seat, Cupra, Nissan, Subaru, GWM, Haval, Ora, MG and Roller Team Motorhomes.

Our award-winning dealership employs 160 staff over 5 different sites. You will enjoy working with cars, and a passionate team of professionals that love coming to work every day.

We have a great role at our Whitianga site that we need the right person for – are you that person?

About the Role:

As an experienced technician at Farmer Autovillage, your responsibilities will include service, diagnosis, and repair of vehicles. We offer regular working hours Monday to Friday.

NB: Please only apply if you have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. We regret that we cannot consider applications that do not meet this criteria.

Key Beneﬁts:

• Join a successful and continuously growing business that creates new opportunities for its team every day.

• Competitive remuneration.

• Provision of uniform and personal protective equipment.

• Subsidised Southern Cross Medical Insurance.

• Staff purchasing beneﬁts.

Skills and Experience:

• A Full or Restricted (Clean) New Zealand Driver’s Licence.

• Ability to effectively communicate vehicle issues to customers, if needed.

• A high standard of workmanship.

• Keen eye for detail.

• Strong sense of pride and ownership in delivering quality work.

• Punctuality, reliability, enthusiasm, energy, and excellent team player.

• WoF Ticket.

• Experience with oversight of staff would be a bonus.

What you will bring to the role:

• A high standard of workmanship at all times.

• You’ll take pride in what you do and have an eye for detail.

• Ability to work unsupervised, in an efﬁcient manner.

• You’ll have a great attitude, as well as being punctual, reliable, enthusiastic, with lots of energy and be a great team player.

OUT AND ABOUT SUMMER CONCERT

SPORTS

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday 23 January

A good field of 13 on Wednesday and it was Ian Baumgren, Wayne Malcolm, Dave Colman and Bob Haase all with two wins to move into the semifinals. Wayne Malcolm despatched Ian Baumgren and Dave took the win over Bob to then meet Wayne in the final. This was a very close match but veteran Wayne on great form took the win over 2023 Club Champion Dave and took home the cash prize. Dave was runner up and with two wins were Ian Baumgren (with the highest break of 20) Bob Haase, Ken Gibson, Brian Codyre and Kevin Taylor.

Saturday 25 January

Best of three frames – 10 players and it’s Ian Baumgren and Wayne Malcolm with two straight wins to challenge the final third frame. A great very close match this was with Ian grabbing the win and the cash prize. Runner up Wayne Malcolm and others with two wins Peter Schultz ( who also had the highest break of 24), Bob Haase and Greg Murphy.

DUNES GOLF CLUB MATARANGI

Sunday 19 January

Twilight Golf - Stableford

1, Lance Croawell

Monday 20 January

9 Hole Men’s - Stableford

1, Rob Fiskin; 2, Graham Kemp

Wednesday 22 January

18 Hole Men -Stableford

1, Geoff Atmore; 2, Nick Lambert; 3, Doug Smith.

History of divisiveness

Continued from page 10

The Labour Government of the day could see the threat they faced so introduced a Seabed and Foreshore Act that defined clearly, the title for seabed and foreshore lay with the crown. While this settled the divisiveness for some, it did not for all and was responsible for the formation of the Maori Party by Dame Tariana Turia who resigned from the Labour Party and her seat over the issue.

From this brief history you will see my good lady is right, much as I hate to admit it. There have been heaps of divisive events in

Twos: Nick Lambert, Doug Smith, Tony De Coek, Chris Palmer, Grahm Harrison

Thursday 23 January

9 hole Men Stableford

1, Steve Airey; 2, Lance Croawell

18-Hole Women - Stableford

1, Sandra Bowen; 2, Marie Murphy

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB RESULTS

Wednesday 22 January

18 hole Stableford

1, Greg Farrant; 2, Carl Mitchell; 3, Jenna Leach

Twos: Debbie Holmes, Graeme Butler

Friday 24 January

9-hole Stableford

1, Bob Holliday; 2, Alan Barradale; 3, Johnny Day

Saturday 25 January

18 hole Stableford

1, Mark Boe; 2, Bruce Massie; 3, Christine Lowe

Twos: Betty Tocker, Steve Geach, Paul Lupton

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS

17 players this week, so 501 doubles were played. One team were the clear winners this week, winning all four sets. They were Rex Donaldson and Kevin Taylor. Well done. The highest finish over 50 this week for the ladies was 57, scored by Karen McKenzie, and for the men was 120, scored by Greg Healy. Rex Donaldson scored the only 180 this week. New players most welcome, 6.15pm Tuesdays at the Mercury Bay Club.

this country, caused by multiple entities. This brings us to where our conversation started, the Treaty Principles Bill.

This is obviously divisive, being caused not by The Act Party who have introduced the bill, and not by Maori who oppose it. The divisiveness is caused by the morons who decided that having two bits of paper in different languages as the basis for one Treaty was a good idea.

This has given us multiple versions of what was agreed at Waitangi in 1840 and this will only be resolved when we have one legal version that is clear to all parties.

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

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communities across the Coromandel Peninsula

Photos Garry Brandon