Kids Drawing & Art Competition
How do we assess a successful performing arts on the Coromandel Peninsula?
BY PAULINE STEWART
People love music and live music is at the forefront of choice. People love drama, comedy, pathos – it does not have all the colour, graphics, and action dimensions of a big screen movie but there are other dimensions of involvement and participation in live theatre that are equally thrilling. Every aspect of the per-
forming arts except for the big commercial concerts, requires a huge input of volunteer time and expertise.
Those who do the hard yards of creating the content, those who actually are the performers and those who work to bring the living art to the people are the force behind what makes the performing arts.
A feasibility study done recently by He Mana Toi Moehau Trust/Creative Cor-
omandel regarding the kind of Community Arts Facility needed for the future in Mercury Bay, is commendable. However, the calibre of performing arts and the creativity and passion required to have performing arts does not rely on the success of that ever eventuating. Neither do trusts and agencies receiving funding to promote other people’s productions and events. Often the people trying to produce
something receive no outside funding.
For the performing arts to succeed in smaller communities, there has to be committed and talented volunteerism partnered with sheer grit and indeed, somewhere to perform and present.
There are also those bursts of self-sacrifice and passionate belief that enable huge undertakings to become a reality.
Continued on page 2
Our society needs the performing arts
Continued from front page
Meet two champions of bringing performing arts to the people in Mercury Bay and nurturing local performing arts.
Molly Burke and Kaspur Franke are the proprietors of the Monkey House Theatre in Coghill Street, Whitianga. For the last three years they have worked to establish a living theatre and performance centre bringing weekly entertainment to residents and visitors as well as encouraging the development and showcasing of local musical and dramatic agent.
Both Molly and Kaspur come from theatre, promotion and marketing backgrounds. Both Molly and Kaspur have international experience they have brought to this community’s ability to attract artists. They have used their national connections to bring performers over those hills again and again. Kaspur’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the past and current music scene if great assistance.
‘Molly works the phones for days to lock in high calibre and well-known singers or comedy acts,” says Kaspur.
“Sometimes the audience numbers have been disappointing and many occasions the event has been at personal cost.
“We know the risk of bringing a big name,” says Molly.
“You may not cover your basic costs. Sometimes the income
from ticket sales does not cover the artists fee let alone the lighting, sound and accomodation costs. The key is to bring in the highest calibre possible.”
As well as stand up comedy nights, Molly and Kaspur have introduced Wednesday Open Mic nights and there have been collaboration events with Mercury Bay Twin Cinemas.
“We have loved the partnering with Twin Cinemas, says Molly.
“They show the movie and we run the review and entertainment following themed with the movie especially when it has a dance or music theme. People come in their themed fancy dress.”
Well known artists are brought in regularly, at the same time as encouraging local talent.
Many artists who have national and international stage status have come to Whitianga to perform at The Monkey House.
They encourage the local talent to do their own shows.
They have built the market and they have built a comedy business.
“People have said to us, “We have never seen stand-up comedy.”
They believe it is necessary to be as generous as possible to the artists. Molly and Kaspur pay for their accomodation and travel and are grateful for the occasions that friends and local businesses have helped out.
There is a lot of disappointment
They believe it is necessary to be as generous as possible to the artists. Molly and Kaspur pay for their accomodation and travel and are grateful for the occasions that friends and local businesses have helped out.
along the way.
“We are not sure if Whitianga really wants the performing arts. Sometimes it feels as if people just like the idea of it.”
Recently there was an objection filed when their licence was up for renewal. That has been withdrawn to their relief, but it was an anxious few month.
“We were below the sound levels required; we had sufficient car parking and we don’t sell alcohol to under age young adults,” says Kaspur.
“We are a theatre, and we happen to have a bar. We work to get a variety of things for everyone in the community, some for which we get criticism. We have had classical, standup comedy, blues, rock, DJ’s, country bluegrass and everything in between.
“Performers, without an exception, say this is an amazing venue. We think it is. So much more could be added to it, adapted to it. Whitianga is not on the radar like Tauranga but it could be.
This theatre is intimate but still holds a good number. It can be
adapted for dance as well.
Molly and Kaspur have at times felt that a rocket launcher is coming at them, but what is very clear is that they believe whole heartedly in what they are trying to do – create a flourishing performing arts business and culture.
The Informer is of the view that the Monkey House is the theatre and venue for now – flexible and it has people who live and breathe performing arts.
Outside funding is needed and is deserving to develop this venue further and to enable Molly and Kaspur to continue their ministry of developing performing arts of all kinds.
Their work is preparing the way to be able to afford and occupy fully, the arts facility of the feasibility study.
A SKIMMING OVERVIEW
Until December 2024, Whitianga had a thriving dance studio with students from across the Coromandel - Enpointe -with over a hundred students learning ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip hop. The leader, teacher and coordinator, Lisa Gifford, was a powerhouse and built a great team developing some very high achieving dancers on a national level and two excellent showcase concerts every year. Lisa and her family, after 17 years, have moved to Australia. Enpointe has closed its doors and the community waits for a new beginning.
Dramatic societies and theatre groups are not a thing of the past.
There are the Tairua Heritage Players, the Coromandel Players, the Whangamata Theatre Society, Thames Music and Drama(MAD), each one producing a feature once or twice a year for their communities often to packed venues for a number of performances. Thames offers free Lunchtime concerts and Sunday afternoon features.
We have bras bands, the most notable and legendary, the Kerepehi Brass Band.
On any weekend, especially long weekends Clubs and Pubs in Whitianga, Whangamata, Waihi and Thames would feature a cover band, or guest entertainer from out of town. Regularly, local artists and local bands are featured at the restaurants and pubs. For anniversary weekend, Whitianga had live performances had five venues as well as the Summer Concert which attracted 10,000 concert goers. The coming weekend 8 February will see thousands of young adults and many older ones at the SHIHAD Concert near Whangamata.
The upcoming local production in Whitianga of the children’s musical, is an excellent initiative. For the colleges in our region, the performing arts are in every curriculum to a greater or lesser degree, often produced by students who have a love for theatre or the concert stage.
increasingly low as it approaches the Sun. Meanwhile bright Jupiter is visible all evening in the northeast. A small telescope will show its four biggest moons that move from night to night. Tuesday, February 4 – Jupiter lies half way between the crescent Moon and the red giant star Betelgeuse in Orion. There is a bright ISS pass from 5:54am in the SW. Wednesday, February 5 – The Pleiades or Matariki lie half way between the First Quarter Moon and bright Jupiter. There is a long low
ISS pass from 5:06am in the SW. Thursday, February 6 – The Moon now sits just below Matariki. Another very bright ISS pass from 5:56am in the south followed by a short one from 10:35pm in the NW. Friday, February 7 – The Moon has moved to be below and just to the right of the Pleiades or Matariki. There is a very bright and long ISS pass from 9:47pm in the NW. Saturday, February 8 – The Moon sits half way between bright Jupiter and red Mars. There is a good ISS pass from 8:58pm in the NW tracking near to Jupiter. Sunday, February 9 - The Moon is now just below and to the left of red Mars. We have an ISS pass from 9:48pm starting next to Venus in the west. Monday, February 10 – Mars is now just to the left of the bright Moon with another ISS pass starting near Venus at 8:59pm. Tuesday, February 11
For bookings please call 07 866 0645
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How are you funding your retirement?
There’s a lot to look forward to in the lead up to your retirement. But like most things in life, it pays to have a plan.
Approximately 40% of retired New Zealanders rely on superannuation alone to fund their retirement.
The rest use their savings and other sources of income to bridge the gap between what they’re entitled to, and what they need (or want) to maintain their standard of living.
Ideally, you will have a retirement plan sorted before you get there, allowing you to spend your golden years the way you want. Begin by figuring out how much money you will need. This will vary depending on your circumstances, finances and retirement goals.
Then, figure out whether your superannuation entitlements will see you comfortably through your retirement. If they fall short, factor in any retirement savings (including KiwiSaver) and how you might reduce costs and free up extra money to cover daily expenses.
Many retirees invest their money into investments that can supply a regular, reliable
source of income throughout their retirement.
We recommend working with a financial adviser to guide you through your options and build an investment portfolio that’s suited to your age, stage, risk appetite and need for liquidity.
At Southern Cross Partners, we understand that navigating the investment landscape, especially when you’re using your hard-earned pennies, can be a daunting exercise.
That’s why we’re hosting a free information event on Tuesday 25 February 2025 so you can learn more about Southern Cross partners and our first mortgage investments.
ABOUT SOUTHERN CROSS PARTNERS
Southern Cross Partners is 100% New Zealand owned and operated, and the country’s largest property-backed peerto-peer lender.
We have been providing short-term mortgage finance
to borrowers since 1997 and matching them to investors since 2009. With over 27 years in the business, we have honed our ability to identify quality, premium loans and provide first mortgage investments built on trust.
Our conservative approach ensures that we offer only high-quality loans to our investors and provide borrowers with loans that are tailored especially for their needs.
Grounded in the family values of our founders, we are transparent in who we are and how we operate, and we offer a personal investment approach where all investors have direct access to the people handling their investments.
DISCLAIMER
Southern Cross Partners is licensed to provide peer to peer lending services under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. This article is general in nature only and has not taken into account any particular person’s objectives or circumstances. We recommend you speak with a financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
News from Whitianga Lions
EXCERPTS FROM NEWSLETTER BY
CYNTHIA DALY
MAMMOGRAM PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS:
With $350,00 now raised for Project Mammogram the focus has now moved to establishing a trust that will administer the processes going forward. These will include finding a radiography company to operate the mammogram machine, assisting with the purchase of the machine and where it will be stationed. The trustees are Dayle Baker, Barb Nippert, Suzanne Fisher (chartered accountant), Flemming Rasmussen (lawyer). These four trustees will select one further trustee to represent the community once the trust is up and running.
$3315 RAISED FROM MAMMOGRAM PROJECT RAFFLE:
Last Friday, under police supervision, the raffle was drawn. The winner of the donated first prize – a Windborne private sunset cruise for up to 15 people, was Jack Dykes of Tairua who plans to take members of the local search and rescue team and St John ambulance, who assisted in rescuing his wife, Jane in a water incident at Pauanui last year.
John Pelham, also of Tairua, won the grocery hamper. A big thanks to everyone who sold raffle tickets. The money will be divided between Project Mammogram and The Cancer Society Lions Lodge in Hamilton. PINK BUN DAY is the next fundraising project – Friday, February 14. Pink buns will be sold outside Woolworths Whitianga from 9.00am. A Pink Bun is a pretty decent Valentine’s Day gift!
Pink buns will be sold at Whitianga Bay Bakery (above), Woolworths Whitianga (left) and also at Coromandel and Matarangi 4 Square stores.
SOUTH FOR WINTER
NZ-formed and Nashville-based trio South for Winter is in NZ for a 27-date tour. Promoting their new album, Of Sea and Sky. Christchurch-born Nick Stone and Coloradan Dani Stone, as well as Michigander Alex Stradal. Together they combine percussive acoustic guitar, cello, mandolin, suitcase stomp, resonator guitar, and effortless harmonies.
Local Mini in national Pork Pie Charity Run
Kelvin Hyde loves Minis and his mini has a real purpose. His mini takes part in the Bi-Annual Pork Pie Charity Run which is a fundraising road trip for all Mini owners, based loosely on the route taken by the Blondini Gang in the original movie, ‘Goodbye Pork Pie’ (see ‘About the Movie’ below}.
Paula McNeill
Peter Augustin
Dianne Caton
Peter Muller
Whitianga Arts Centre-Gallery
23 School Rd, Whitianga
6-9 February, 10am-5pm
Opening 5pm 6th February
4 Artists, Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics, Photography & Jewellery
“I wanted to do this run and be a part of it, because I love minis and KidsCan is such an excellent charity for children, supporting their needs for school books, uniforms, shoes and other essentials for children,” says Kelvin.
“This run is every two years and is just for Minis; that appeals to me.”
Kelvin is a Whitianga resident and has not got far to travel for the start of the 2025 Pork Pie Run. It will leave from Paihia on 4th April, and six days and approximately 2,300km later, finishes in Invercargill.
There are fifty Minis doing the run, and in 2023, with all the income from each team added, $400,000 was raised. The goal for the 2025 run is to raise $500,000.
All those who enter are in teams with a ‘gang’ name. Kelvin, with his friend Greg Moyet, make a two-man team called the Mulvaney Gang, once again based on the Goodbye Pork Pie movie plot.
“Our mini has done six runs, and the next one will be the seventh,” says Kelvin.
“I have had this little gem for four years and this will be my third run since owning the car.”
Kelvin invites his Coromandel community to support this great cause. To donate, google: https://porkpiecharityrun.org. nz/donate
ABOUT THE ORIGINAL MOVIE
Goodbye Pork Pie is a 1981 New Zealand comedy road movie about two friends who steal a car and lead the police on a chase. It was the first New Zealand film to be shown at Cannes and was a huge hit in New Zealand, selling 600,000 tickets. The film was made for less than $500,000 and was a collaboration between local people and institutions.
Being filmed in Invercargill, it was great publicity for the city.
Plot: Two friends, Tony Barry and Gerry (Kelly Johnson), steal a yellow Mini and travel south from the North Island to Invercargill. They pick up a girl (Claire Oberman) along the way. The friends outwit the police until the film’s dark conclusion
Kelvin Hyde with his beloved Mini is preparing for the charity run from Pauanui to Invercargill.
Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo
Saturday 8 February – 9am-9pm at The Paeroa Domain
COMBINED AND EXCITING 2025 START FOR AFTER-SCHOOL YOUTH GROUPS
Anita Prime, well known entertainer composer and youth leader has a very special Friday 14th February planned for the very first after school programme of the year, Friday 14 February.
The Na Ihowa Āhau youth group from Coromandel is coming over to join with Whitianga’s youth group and all children are welcome. A feature of the programme is becoming part of a 4D experience.
“We usually leave the content as a mystery, as it keeps the kids guessing and excited each week,” says Anita.
“However, this will our biggest programme
to date , and we want to let everyone know. The local children are very welcome to join. We are presenting a mini production on the universe and just how amazing it is. The town hall will have lots of surprises for the children in what they see, hear, feel, taste and touch!”
Anita and her team have prepared the first term’s programme which will be focusing on the uniqueness of planet earth, the fascinating facts on different animals, bugs, plants and finally the human body, giving the children an increased appreciation of the life and beauty that is all around us.
KI WHITIANGA WAITANGI
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• Summer Skin Renewal – Hydra 4 Facial + Back Treatment + Head Massage – $199
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• Perfect Eyes and Toes – Express gel Pedicure + Eye Trio – $80
Tairua Heritage Centre finds a home
BY PAM FERLA
There is an exciting year ahead for Tairua Heritage Society, which has just moved into its first premises and recently launched its latest publication about the town’s history.
Sunday 9 February at 3.00pm is official opening of the Tairua Heritage Centre on 223 Main Road (next to Heaven and Earth Crystals).
Thames Coromandel District Council mayor, Len Salt, deputy mayor, Terry Walker and chairman of Tairua-Pauanui Community Board, Warwick Brooks, will attend the event.
Chairman of the society, David Rushforth, is delighted with the outcome, which follows a challenging year for the society.
day to Sunday, 10.00am-2.00pm and may extend these hours if more volunteers come forward.
“Our committee is full of enthusiasm and our next step is aiming to raise sufficient funds to buy, rather than rent, the building, so it becomes a permanent place to celebrate and share Tairua’s rich heritage.”
the Marquesas Islands – which makes it very special.”
The lure is on display at Auckland War Memorial Museum.
FUNDRAISING
“After having all our funding for a heritage centre taken away in the district council’s latest LongTerm Plan, we urgently needed a place to store and display material. Our collection of photographs, documents and old maps was growing and library space was becoming tighter.
the committee decided to take the plunge.”
“So, when a prime spot became available for rent on Main Road,
David points out that the society’s lease is until February 2026 and the move is a “work in progress”.
Initially the centre will open Fri-
At Ferry Landing with a snapper and a hungry shark
Lee Slade and his boy, Jasper, 8 years, went fishing off the wharf at Ferry Landing (near Cooks Beach). You can see from the images that a shark was very interested in what was on Jasper’s line.
Lee described what happened.
“Jasper went from reeling the snapper in just
fine to really struggling when the shark got a hold of the snapper. I helped him reel it in while the shark was on it. When we threw the remainder of the fish back into the water the shark came past and ate it. That’s when we got the video of the shark and
some photos. The shark was likely around two metres in length.”
Lee was at first told it was a thresher shark because of the tail but after going online and carefully comparing images, he is sure that it was definitely a bronze whaler shark and not a thresher shark.
David says that Tairua has one of the longest histories of any place in New Zealand.
“This is because of the pearl shell fishing lure found at the foot of Mount Paku by archaeologists in 1964. Scientists agree that it is about 700 years old and certainly came from Polynesia – possibly
The society’s fundraising includes the sale of books on Tairua and its history, with latest book “Baches of Tairua – memories of bygone days” launched on Anniversary Weekend. About 70 people were present to hear about how the project started, some amusing memories associated with the baches, and how they are gradually becoming an endangered species. Other books for sale at the heritage centre are “A Ship, a Bay, a Drowning”, “Buried but not Forgotten”, “Tairua Locked Down”, “Tairua in the News, 1960 – 2022” and “Tales of Tairua”.
The Heritage Players’ annual productions also raise funds for the society and work is already underway for this year’s show.
New Year, New Gut, New Me
BY THERESA COLLINS-JOHNSON
Last year, after the Christmas indulgences and long weekends, I was at my worst. Too much unhealthy food, alcohol, and a leg injury left me lethargic, depressed, bloated, and carrying extra weight. I reached a point where I knew something had to change—I didn’t want to feel like this anymore.
I’d tried every diet you can think of. Some worked in the short term, but the weight always crept back. Meal plans felt restrictive, calorie counting was exhausting, and exercising with an injury was impossible. I needed something different. I needed help.
A friend introduced me to a gut health programme. I was sceptical—let’s be honest, we’ve all heard big claims before—but I was also desperate. The idea of a 30-day plan that focused on healing my gut, not just weight loss, sounded like a breath of fresh air. No exercise required? I was in.
With my supplements ordered, food lists downloaded, and app ready to track my progress, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time – hope. I even took those dreaded “before” photos, as much as they made me cringe.
The first three days were tough as I detoxed from sugar, but the results kept me going. The scales started moving, and I felt my energy shift. I learnt about mono eating—a simple approach of one protein and one vegetable per meal, giving the gut a break to heal. As my body shed toxins, the weight started dropping steadily.
I wasn’t perfect (who is?), but even with a few small cheats, I managed to lose 8.9kg in those 30 days. By the time I moved into the maintenance phase, I’d lost a total of 10.7kg and gained something priceless –energy and vitality I hadn’t felt in years.
A year later, I’ve kept the weight off, even with the occasional takeaway and glass of wine. My gut health is so strong that my body doesn’t cling to extra weight anymore. I stick to the 80/20 lifestyle –80% nourishing foods, 20% treats – and it works.
The impact wasn’t just on me. My friends, family, and even my husband
noticed my transformation and wanted in. Seeing the positive changes in others inspired me to become a Gut Health Mentor. I now help others achieve weight loss, energy, and wellness.
This journey isn’t just about weight loss. I’ve seen incredible health benefits in people – relief from Type 2 diabetes, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, bloating, fatigue, brain fog, and even menopause symptoms. In upcoming columns, I’ll share health and wellness tips, explore the best local food options in Whitianga, and give insights on living your healthiest life. Got questions? Send them my way, and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll find someone who does.
Here’s to feeling your best and living your fullest.
Contact Theresa Collins-Johnson Email: theresajohnson@xtra.co.nz Ph: 021 1469 553
Visitors at Tairua Heritage Centre checking out the photographs and displays prior to opening day. From left, Klaas and Marjan Kasper and Melissa Kasper.
Theresa Collins-Johnson
Jasper Slade trying to haul in his snapper, on which there was also a shark chasing his catch.
Disney’s Aladdin Jr. is coming to the Coromandel!
Excitement is building as Mercury Bay Performing Arts
(MBPA) prepares for its debut production, Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Led by musician, songwriter, and CFM Breakfast Host, Fabian Roberts, MBPA is dedicated to inspiring tamariki and rangatahi through musical theatre, helping them gain confidence and lifelong skills.
“This production is inspired by my children and the incredible potential of local youth,” says Fabian.
“We’re not just putting on a show; we’re creating a community.”
We’re incredibly grateful to Coromind Magazine for stepping up as our major partner. Their passion for supporting the arts is helping bring this vision to life.
MEET THE TEAM
Emma Fletcher – Director, experienced stage director and teacher.
Amanda Roche – Assistant Director, Leni Whale – Year 13 student and choreographer, Fabian Roberts – Musical Director and Producer, Corban Duerre & Niky Boerdyk – Sound and lighting experts. Isi Cox – Makeup technician and community contributor.
Kathy Moylow & Jenni Bell – Stage Managers.
WORKSHOPS AND AUDITIONS
“We have 50 local kids already signed up for the workshops that cover all the skills you need for auditioning! Workshops are a prerequisite for auditions.”
Date: Monday, 10 February
Location: The Monkey House, 18 Coghill St, Whitianga
Times: Workshop One is FULL 4:00pm-5:30pm. Workshop Two has space available 5:30pm-7:00pm Age: 8-18 years
Register: mercurybaypa@ gmail.com Audition
DATES FOR AUDITIONS FOR SINGERS/DANCERS
Tuesday, 11 February, 4:00pm5:30pm.
AUDITIONS FOR LEAD ROLES
Thursday, 13 February, 5:00pm6:00pm.
SHOW DATES ALADDIN JR
Month of May - 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 in the Mercury Bay Area School Hall. Tickets go on sale 25 March at the Whitianga Information Centre.
THANKS TO ALL OUR CURRENT SPONSORS:
Gold Sponsors: • The Lost Spring • Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill • ADG Automatic Doors and Gates • The Warehouse Whitianga.
Silver Sponsors: • Storcom • Coromandel’s CFM • Peninsula Scaffolding • Whitianga Information Centre • The Coromandel Informer • Slice Slice Baby.
Bronze Sponsors: • Subway Whitianga • Monkey House Lounge and Cabaret Whitianga.
“We invite local businesses to jump on board. It takes a lot to put on a production and your support will help shape the next five years
of youth theatre in the Coromandel. Let’s make magic together!” says Fabian.
For details, visit our Facebook page or email mercurybaypa@ gmail.com
Representing the Museum and Mercury Bay on the global stage
“Lets get Becs to Belgium” trip 2025
In 2020 the HMS Buffalo Re-examination Project was created to complete the first ever detailed archaeological survey of the HMS Buffalo. The project was the recipient of the Australasian Institute of Maritime Archaeology (AIMA) Scholarship for 2021, and the funds were used to complete the survey in March 2021.
From this the Re-examination Project has grown, and we have completed many more community-focused projects focusing on the HMS Buffalo. The project team consists of Kurt Bennett & Matthew Gainsford (Maritime Archaeologists) and Becs Cox, Manager, Mercury Bay Museum.
The team has won the New Zealand Archaeological Association’s Public Archaeology Award in 2022, the Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology’s Public Archaeology Award in 2023 and most recently were awarded the Best Paper at AIMA Conference 2024 – titled HMS Buffalo: Connections, collections and community.
As a results of these successes, the team have been invited to present a paper at the International Kongress of Underwater Archaeology (IKUWA8) to be held at Oostend, Belgium in October 2025. The team will be presenting in the session where the focus is on underwater cultural heritage focussed avocational archaeology and citizen science groups and the need for more of these groups! The HMS Buffalo Re-examination project and Museum team are a perfect fit for this cate-
gory and are out there doing this mahi regularly in our community.
This is very exciting for the HMS Buffalo Re-examination Project Team and the Mercury Bay Museum – not only to be recognised, but is an opportunity to showcase the amazing mahi we do in promoting maritime archaeology and history within our community.
The HMS Buffalo Re-examination Project Team and the Mercury Bay Museum would love to send Becs to attend this conference along with Kurt to represent us and the Mercury Bay Community.
“It’s a great honour to be asked to present at this global confer-
ence and to represent Mercury Bay on the world stage. The work we do here in the Museum around the HMS Buffalo and our history is so rewarding and it is amazing to think we can share that with colleagues in the same archaeological/museum fields.
“Through public interaction and education, we have seen a real ownership of the HMS Buffalo wreck by the community, and this grows more and more each time we are seen out there – whether it be on the land or on the boat over the wreck. We just love being a part of this amazing work, protecting and promoting our amazing heritage to the world” says Becs.
While in Belgium, Becs will also be spending time visiting world war memorial sites to learn more about the involvement of Aotearoa New Zealand and specifically Mercury Bay in the World Wars.
Becs will visit the Commonwealth War Grave Cemeteries and monuments in Belgium and France to pay respect on behalf of our community to our fallen soldiers who lie at rest there far from home.
At this stage the total cost of the trip looks to be $12,000 – airfares, accommodation, conference registration etc.
Let’s get “Becs to Belgium” was launched 30 December 2024.
AMAZING RAFFLE
This has been kindly supported by businesses in our community. Tickets are $10 each and available from Mercury Bay Museum, Whitianga isite Information Centre, Dive Zone & Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill.
The raffle will be drawn 9 February, 2025 under police supervision.
Prize one is two dive courses valued at $1600 from Dive Zone.
Prize two is a Mercury Bay Escape Package including the following:
• $200 accommodation voucher from Peninsula Motel
• 2 x 2-hour pool entry including towel & robe hire to The Lost Spring, Whitianga
• $100 voucher from Smitty’s Sports Bar and Grill, Whitianga
• $100 voucher from Coroglen Tavern, Coroglen
• 2 x scenic boat trips on Mercury Bay Discoveries, Whitianga
A big thank you to A2B Signs for printing the tickets for FREE. This is amazing!
We are excited and humbled by the support from our community for this. We are planning more fundraising in 2025 with a special event in March to be held in the Museum and a quiz night later in the year.
Please get in contact with Becs at the Museum (manager@mercurybaymuseum.co.nz) if you would like to know more or if you would like to support this amazing project in a different way.
The wreck of the HMS Buffalo off Whitianga in Coromandel.
Photo credit Mercury Bay Museum
MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS
20 players this week, so 501 doubles were played. Two teams went through unbeaten in all 4 sets, so a one-game shootout was required. The teams were Mike Gillett and Nan and John Munro and Steve Pointing. Mike Gillett and Nan came away with the win. Steve has just come up from Wellington and has bought a house here, so look forward to seeing him on a regular basis.
Highest finish for the men this week was 79, scored by Kevin Taylor. No high finishes from the ladies this week. No 180s scored this week.
MERCURY BAY TENNIS CLUB
Business house
Tuesday 28 January
Gubb Electrical defeated The Cut Hut 9-3. 3-9. 4-0.
R.U. Surveyors defeated The Misfits 9-8. 4-9. 4-0.
MERCURY BAY CLUB
SNOOKER
Wednesday, 29 January
Best of three frames: A great field of 15 players and it was Greg Murphy, Dave Colman and Ian Baumgren with two straight wins to challenge the finals. Ian won the drawn bye and Dave despatched Greg in the semifinal to go on to meet Ian in the final. A very close match this was but Ian grabbed the win and the cash prize. Runner up Dave Colman and with two wins were Greg
apartments
Murphy, Bob Haase, Kevin Taylor, and Doug Pascoe.
Saturday, 1 February
Best of three frames: 11 players on Saturday and it was Wayne Malcolm, Rob Rielly and Bob Haase with two straight wins each to challenge the finals. Wayne won the alley drawn bye and in a close game Bob despatched Rob to move on to meet Wayne in the final. A good win here to Wayne over past Club Champion Bob to take home the cash prize. Runner up Bob Haase who also had the highest break of 22 and with two wins were Rob Rielly, Kevin Taylor, Ian Baumgren and Doug Pascoe
MERCURY BAY PICKLEBALL
CLUB – LEAGUE Q1
Round 1- 28 January,
Court 1: 1, Tony Minto; 2, Eisaku Tsumura; 3, Hakan Nedjat.
Court 2: 1, Jim Gavegan; 2, Dan Emmott; 3, Chris Hawthorn.
Court 3: 1, Tom Duncan; 2, Janine Hayde; 3, Geoff Garrett.
Court 4: 1, John East; 2, Brenda Reid; 3, Vicky Blok.
Round 2 - 28 January
Court 1: 1, Hakan Nedjat; 2, Eisaku Tsumura; 3, Justin Woolley.
Court 2: 1, Graeme Eady; 2, Tim Stephens; 3, Udo Gladbach.
Court 3: 1, Ian Hogg; 2, Geoff Garrett; 3, Josh Muwanguzi.
Court 4: 1, Fiona Gardien; 2, Allen Nicholson; 3, Vicky Blok.
Tuesday 28 January
9 Hole Women - Ambrose
1st Team: Alison Goodlet, Jean Hancock, Felicity Sanders, Bobbie Preston
9 Hole Mixed - Stableford
1, Bob Holliday; 2, John Bubb; 3, Phil Drane
Wednesday 29 January
18 hole Women’s Opening Day – Teams Day 1, Chrissie Smith, Pamela Price, Patricia Hale, Julie Rutledge; 2, Carol Jaques, Chris Van Veen,
Anita Ellmers; 3, Sheree Henderson, Juanita Dinicola, Kim Allan, Lynne Butler
Nearest the pin: Debbie Holmes, Sharyn Smith
Longest Putt: Joanne Geoghegan
18 Hole Men – Stableford
1, Kevin Swney; 2, Ken George; 3, Roger Pheasant
Twos: Steve Collins, Kerry Allan Friday 31 January
9-Hole Mixed – Stableford 1, John Bubb; 2, Phil Drane; 3, Eddie Lyle
Twos: Johnny Day
Saturday 1 February
Club Opening Day – 18 Hole 1, Jenna Leach; 2, Colin Jaques; 3, Tom Sutcliffe
Twos: Kerry Allan, Colin Jaques, Chris Mason, Ed Gardien, John Pachoud, Richie Blake, Brett Goodger, Gary Paetai, Geoff Lowe 9 Hole
1, Phil Drane; 2, Paul Bradley; 3, Eddie Lyle
THE DUNES, MATARANGI
Tuesday 28 January 9 hole Men’s Golf - Stableford 1, Ray Bertling; 2, Graham Kemp; 3, David Macdonald
Twos: Phil Rodgers
Wednesday 29 January 18 Hole Men - Stableford 1, Tony Nicholson; 2, Russell Barnett; 3, Tony Joblin; 4, Glenn LeLievre; 5, Norman Gilbert
Twos: Norman Gilbert, Selwyn Knaggs, Glenn LeLievre, Nick Lambert
Nearest the Pin: Nick Lambert
Thursday 30 January 9 Hole Men Stableford
1, Jim Dale; 2, Rey Bertling; 3, Barry Titchmarsh; 4, Robert Fisken
Nearest the Pin: Robin Fleming Ladies 18 holes - Stableford 1, Ann Dale; 2, Noeleen Mulligan; 3, Marie Dunn
Saturday Haggle 1 February 18-hole - Stableford
1, Noeline Mulligan; 2, Trevor Marti; Tracey Mulligan
ENQUIRIES FOR STAGE 2 ARE WELCOME!
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
Mercury Bay Golf Club life member Joan Roseman teeing off the first shot of the women’s 2025 season.
Mercury Bay Art Escape 2025 Open Studios
Members of the 2025 Mercury Bay Art Escape are currently hard at work putting the finishing touches to their work and getting their studios ready for the first two weekends of March. Here’s a sneak peek at what they’ve been up to.
Artists’ Studios will be open from 10am to 4pm over the weekends of 1st, 2nd 8th and 9th of March.
Look out for the official blue ‘Art Escape’ flag outside artist’s studios.
Mercury Bay Art Escape 2025 opens with the annual Gala Event on Friday, 28th of February 6.00pm at Hot Waves Cafe, Hot Water Beach. Our keynote speaker this year is acclaimed Pasifika artist, Jeff Lockhart. For more information visit the Mercury Bay Art Escape website: https://www.mercurybay-artescape.com
Come along and discover local art that you’ll love.
These are all works in progress. The artists are working to prepare for you to visit their studio. Come and see the finished works. Thank you to Bayleys, the major sponsor of the 2025 MB Art Trail/Art Escape.
generous laundry and two sheds provide ample storage. This property combines coastal views and functional spaces offering a wonderful lifestyle. bayleys.co.nz/2201751
New to town, but feeling ‘at home’
Kieran and Becky Corliss moved to Whitianga in September of 2024.
Kieran Corliss 027 783 1967 kieran@ballandco.nz
“We have been here previously on holidays,” said Kieran. Our experience of those times is what drew us up here. We love the coastal lifestyle, the friendly people, and that small town feel. I think you really appreciate it when you’ve lived elsewhere.”
Since coming to Whitianga, Catherine, their first child, has arrived, somehow confirming their sense of belonging. “This is such a good place to bring up a child,” says Kieran. “We are surrounded by ocean, beautiful beaches and scenery, and Catherine will be so fortunate to grow up here knowing the beaches and the waters of the Coromandel.”
Kieran and Becky have come from Wanganui where Kieran worked in residential property management and operated a renovation business transforming homes. Prior to that, he studied at Massey University in Palmerston North completing a post
Philip Hart
graduate degree in finance and then worked in financial client services for the Public Trust in Wellington. Both he and Becky were ready for a change vocationally and geographically, particularly with their starting a family.
“We want to settle down here and be a part of the Whitianga community,” says Kieran.
“Becky is already engaged in some Mum’s groups. I am getting to know some community organisations and can see this town thrives on volunteers. When it comes to Real Estate, it feels like it’s more about people than just sellers and I am in the right place wit that approach at Ball & Co.
“I love connecting with
people through my real estate work. It’s all about their story and focusing on what they are looking for and why they are moving to a different place. It is my priority to sense what they are looking for in terms of a home or property and match them with what they are aspiring to and what they can afford.
“This gives me a real sense of satisfaction. I will be proudly presenting the coastal dream. Becky and I are doing that now and we can relate to the people who move here. We are less than three hours from three major cities. There is a lot we as a region can do. We feel like we’re in the Monte Carlo of New Zealand.”
There is a real calmness about Kieran. It’s clear that this is their home now and that he is ready for the challenge, long-term.”
When he is not supporting clients, you will find Kieran, out hiking and exploring trails around Mercury Bay.
Kieran’s contact details Ph: 027 783 1967 E: kieran@ballandco.nz
Kieran Corliss of Ball & Co Real Estate.
High achievers at New Zealand Scooter nationals 2025
BY PAULINE STEWART
Seth Smith is a veteran at scootering. He has been New Zealand champion and won titles internationally. For the first time, in 2025, at the National New Zealand Scooter Championships in Napier, Seth entered as a beginner in the adult category of scootering, as his age promotes him to compete with all the adult athletes, many in their twenties. Seth was pleased to get a sixth placing nationally.
He was not alone at the nationals. There was another competitor from Whitianga – Jacob Foulkes. Jacob was a first-time competitor in national competition and is largely self-taught. He was thrilled to win first place in the 11 years and under, age grouping, in the ‘Street’ category.
There are two categories, ‘Park’ and ‘Street’. The competition is intense, and the sport is also very popular. Out of all the entrants in this category, this little guy, Jacob, came first in New Zealand.
The Skate Park in Whitianga’s town centre is such a great resource for skating and scootering. Jacob and his family are there every week. Though Seth travels out of town to practise sometimes, the skate park is still home for keeping up the skills required for this sport. Well done to our two young men.
Seth Smith and Jacob Foulkes at the Whitianga Skate Park.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
JOHN
VEYSEY
- POETRY IN MOTION
As usual John Veysey’s logic (in his reply to my letter of 7 January) is impeccable. Just not sure what it has to do with what I had written however. But good on you John. So I am thinking about starting up a ‘give a little’ page to help buy him an electric vehicle so he can run over his possums on the 309 road with a low carbon footprint. OMG, Poetry in motion.
Dal Minogue, Ferry Landing
OUTRAGE AT MINING AND GREED DRIVEN AGENDA
I write in outrage at Resources Minister Shane Jones’s shameless and contemptuous assault on our conservation estate. His sneering demand that New Zealanders “get over ourselves” and accept the destruction of our protected forests and coastlines lay bare the government’s true agenda: selling out our natural heritage to overseas mining corporations.
We’ve seen this cynical, greeddriven agenda before. The last National government tried to carve up our National Parks and the Coromandel for mining, only to be met with fierce public opposition. Now, Shane Jones - whose troubling financial ties to the mining industry demand scrutiny – is reviving this toxic, rejected scheme.
His claim that conservation land is “overrun with pests” is nothing but a calculated attempt to devalue it in the public eye. But we know the real pests: predatory mining companies and the politicians willing to betray New Zealand’s natural treasures for profit.
National must immediately reject this disgraceful proposal and vow to block all mining on conservation land, including in Thames-Coromandel. Opposition parties must go further—declaring that any mining permits issued under this corrupt plan
will be revoked without compensation. It worked for oil and gas permits and it can work for gold mining.
Our forests, rivers, and coasts are not political bargaining chips. They belong to all of us. We’ve stopped these reckless raids before – we will do it again.
Meg Beston, Mercury Bay
THE VAXED AND THE UNVAXED
My wife and I were visiting from the UK in 2020 and staying in Kuaotunu, soon after our arrival the problems with Covid hit the globe. New Zealand acted swiftly and stopped most people at the border.’ Track and trace’ was a marvel to see compared to the UK who gave up trying. So, with Jacinda Ardern enjoining the ‘Team of 5 Million’ to work together, be kind and follow the rules. As far as we could tell that
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.
is what happened by and large. Lock down level 3 was accepted by most and people went out of their way to be kind. Checking on the old and vulnerable, keeping their distance, wearing masks and all the rest. The sense of community and support was evident wherever you went. ‘The Team of 5 Million’ was united against the threat of the virus. When we went down to level 1 and The Team were asked to go and be tourists to support the economy, especially the hospitality sector, that is exactly what we did.
Having been ‘stuck’ here for 6 months until flights home became available again, we didn’t return until 2022. By then the vaccine had been developed and rolled out. What now confronted us was not a ‘Team of 5 Million’ but total division between the Vaxed and the unvaxed. Businesses were closed down if all their staff were not vaxed. The wonderful fish restaurant ‘Fleurs’ in Moeraki had to close because she would not insist on her staff being vaxed. This was illustrative of many others. People were ostracised by their community if they were not vaxed. You couldn’t go into public places without your certificate. We could not comprehend this, the vaxed acted as though they were under threat from the unvaxed, but surely they were protected by the vaccine.
I am not stating any point of view as to the rights and wrongs of vaccination, what we observed was a united supportive country split apart by the vaccine and the regulations.
Chris Southwell, Kuaotunu West ENVIRONMENTAL HERITAGE IS BEING TRAMPLED
Minister Shane Jones’ reckless announcement in Waihi on Friday - adding gold and coal to New Zealand’s “critical minerals list”tramples our environmental heritage, mocks fiscal responsibility,
and disregards international climate commitments.
The economic absurdity is staggering. In 2023/24, the coal industry contributed just $3.7 million in royalties, while taxpayers spent nearly the same - $3.67 million - treating acid mine waterway pollution from a single mine.
The Tui gold mine on Mount Te Aroha, once New Zealand’s most contaminated site, required a $21.7 million taxpayer-funded cleanup. This policy isn’t just irresponsible, it’s financially senseless.
Jones’ dismissal of DOC stewardship land as worthless scrubland is either deeply ignorant or misleading. His claims contradict the government’s own reviews, which found over 77,000 hectares of West Coast stewardship land worthy of National Park status - the highest environmental protection available. Many stewardship areas in Thames Coromandel are pristine forests and rivers that deserve similar protection.
Jone’s announcement defies the International Energy Agency’s 2021 directive against new coal mines, which are dangerously heating our planet. It also ignores global financial trends, as banks increasingly abandon coal investments.
We must protect our conservation lands, which sustain local tourism and our threatened species, from short-term profits for overseas corporations that leave us with devastating environmental and financial costs.
Denis Tegg, Thames DENNIS TEGG
We worked so hard to replace you on the WRC with Warren Mayer, but you still come back to haunt us. This time with, to use your own words, a “Character Assassination” of Flemming Rasmussen.
Obviously you have never met the man, and have no idea of what he brings to our community.
He has a deep commitment, not just to the Peninsula as a whole but a growing number of individuals he has taken the time to support, encourage, and inspire, bringing a new confidence and a lifeline to their future. For privacy reasons I am unable to name any of these recipients. I am also aware that he will not be pleased with this letter as he does not seek gratification or acknowledgement.
When I first met Flemming some years ago I had no idea he was a lawyer. He was just a “good, and very astute and capable, guy” who always made himself available to assist members of the community in many different capacities.
I felt a bit guilty when I later discovered he was indeed a highly respected member of the legal profession who I had rather taken for granted. Flemming does not suffer fools gladly and his words express just that. He has been pressured by residents and ratepayers to speak out on our behalf, as he has the knowledge and understanding of local government and the issues with TCDC, which he is able to express much more effectively than we can, or do. No matter what any of us have said, done, or requested in the past has been acknowledged in any way by TCDC and our community has moved from frustration to anger.
TCDC unfortunately remains completely out of touch with residents across the Peninsula.
Like you Dennis, Flemming is a lawyer, but he also has an extremely good grasp on finance and the story that numbers tell. What has been revealed with regard to the financial expertise at TCDC leaves a lot to be desired. One could say that Flemming is like a good NZ pavlova – Crunchy on the outside, but marshmallow in the middle.
Ady Cole-Ewen, Wharekaho
STAN’S STUFF
I should never have believed that woman – and a few others beside
BY STAN STEWART
Ihad functional school education up until my fourteenth year. After that I became a devious school drop-out, skipping school days and avoiding classes in an enormous, impersonal inner city technical college. When my deceptions were discovered, that was the end of my time in school.
However, in my mid-teens I received my ‘calling’ to be a minister of the church. That greatly impressed my relatives, near and far, and super-charged my self-esteem.
Between 17 and 19, I attended night-school to obtain the necessary high school grades for University Entrance. What it entailed was swotting up on the answers to questions on old exam papers. I had a good memory, and it was a piece of cake. Come my 20th year, I was qualified to commence the course at a ‘well-thought-of’ theological college. It was in that new situation where my lack of brain power was revealed and my reputation as the dumbest student in the college was born.
Part of the problem was my
concept of what education was. I imagined education was a search to understand the meaning of things, of situations, of discoveries – a kind of serious exploration that students undertook. To this end, on any subject, I would consult not only the set text, but also other books on the subject I found in the college library and other sources.
This led me down a thinking path which was different from that set out by my lecturers. This approach led to abysmal marks and many an ill-tempered rebuff from my professors. To add to my troubles, I could not spell.
Professors/tutors annoyed at my ramblings, found satisfaction in putting red lines through my many spelling mistakes.
My training course concluded in ignominy; I felt I was passed on the warmth of my personality with no mention of any academic work.
Years later, a very bright academic, who was not involved with my college, took me aside and explained to me the ‘real’ aim of formal education. He told me to get high marks all I needed
to do was to give the professor back the golden insights which he taught and were imbodied in the course notes. The professor has no interest in anything other than his insights. “It’s a game” my friend told me. “Forget your original ideas or quotes from other sources; just give him back his course notes”. From that time on, I did this and moved from ‘fail’ to “A”. This sounds egotistical but I now believe I am more intelligent than the professors and academics of my 20’s judged me to be.
Best value section in town
They devised ways of looking at things which affirmed their way of thinking. In doing this, they closed off other approaches which had validity. Certainly, they pushed me into a way of thinking and speaking that went against my insights.
This leads me to reflect on ‘the woman’ I mention in the heading. More than any other, she restrained and inhibited me in my most creative endeavors.
Writing plays and scripts comes easily to me. My work has been performed in venues large and small across Australia and New Zealand and on screen. Despite my life-long association with productions, I have only belonged to one community drama group. It was in this group that I met ‘the woman’. She was a ‘real’ thespian. Her whole life was plays and theatres. She looked exotic and she was. The first time I attended the group she welcomed me as ‘Darling’ and kissed me on the mouth, something she did at every subsequent meeting.
When she found out I was more interested in writing plays than performing, she took me aside
and gave me her ground rules for play writing. I wished she didn’t. Up till then, I wrote plays that welled up inside of me. She said that would never do. There were rules about play writing which must be adhered to. Reluctantly, from that point on, I followed her advice. In some ways and in some plays it took the zing out of my productions.
In the last few years, I decided her rules were rubbish and have gone back to writing as I feel. For what it’s worth here are my thoughts about intelligence and writing now. Beware of rule makers. Knowingly or unknowingly, they might be just protecting their own space. When all is said and done, we live in the country of ‘number 8 wire’ approach to life. Use it in your thinking. Go for it!
Wikipedia:… the term “number 8 wire” came to represent the ingenuity and resourcefulness of New Zealanders,[6][7] to create or repair machinery using whatever scrap materials are available on hand. Number 8 wire thinking means thinking outside the box.
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THROUGH THE PORTAL
How do we select a good mayor and council?
BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN
Local Body elections are on the program for later this year and at some stage we will need to consider who we would like to represent us on the TCDC. Voter turnout for local body elections is generally low, around the 30% level, and many suggest that voter apathy is the cause of the standard of political representation we get. Possibly, but I would suggest it is the candidates and their inability, or unwillingness, to state clearly what they are standing for that is the problem.
As an example let us consider Mayor Len Salt. When standing for Mayor in 2022 his three policy objectives, as reported on the Policy.nz website, were to review the “contracts” model, to support council efficiency to lower costs and debt and to future proof services and infrastructure.
The major election issue in 2022 was Three Waters and the potential loss of our assets, yet Mr Salt appeared to have no stance on this.
After the election however, the Mayor announced he had no problem with Three Waters and had no concerns about Co-Gover-
nance. He is entitled to his view but it should have been spelt out for voters.
Likewise, his obvious enthusiasm for a Maori Ward was not a policy platform, yet this has been hurried through without any mandate from the region. Ratepayers will finally be able to have their say at the coming election. Don’t forget we are not having our say because of the Mayor and Council, but despite them (Transparency).
So if you look back at the pre-election campaign statements, Mr Salt was being portrayed as a mild mannered
person who was concerned about the electorate. His performance however, doesn’t measure up to this portrayal.
Instead we have runaway rates bills (2024/25 will be about 4 times the rate of inflation), a refusal to preserve the foreshore at Buffalo Beach despite his publically made statements and an apparent agenda that he was not prepared to test with the voters.
From a voter’s point of view such a record does not appear honourable but we do not know if the alternatives to be offered will be any better.
This is the crux of the problem
of low turnout; there is a general view that politicians cannot be trusted and always do what they want regardless of what they told the electorate. The politicians performance generally make voting look pointless. We have all heard people say of candidates “they are all the same” or “don’t vote you’ll only encourage them” but while such views are allowed to prevail we will always have a lesser level of local governance than we deserve.
To change people’s negative views of voting we need to provide knowledge of candidates, what their background is, what their achievements have been and what they are standing for.
We need to get an idea of how the potential Mayor and Councillors will work together as a team. Then of course we need the media to hold them accountable for delivery of documented commitments.
How do we do this? A starting point would be to gather a list of local issues, from locals not politicians, and gain clear statements from candidates on their stance on these issues. Examples are the protective rock wall along Buffalo Beach or the footpath at Wharekaho. There are quite a
number so let us prepare a complete list for candidates to consider.
In order to establish our thoughts on team work we need to know what common threads exist between candidates. The easiest way of establishing this is to have candidates disclose which party they would support if a General Election was held today.
It would seem obvious that, if environmental policies are of prime importance to you, a group of candidates that support environmental issues would be a good team for you to support. The background of candidates is also important; what have they done; what skills do they have.
Candidates cannot be trusted to just provide this data as they will omit parts they do not think will help them, exaggerate some aspects and so on. There really needs to be an interview process, after all this is a type of job interview. Possibly this is a job for The Informer, perhaps CFM, perhaps both could be involved. After all it is about securing information and distributing it as widely as possible.
And finally a disclaimer; NO! I am not standing for Mayor, am unsure if I could handle the self-criticism.
Preparing to have your say
EXCERPTS FROM TCDC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
You can stand as a candidate for local elections but the most essential is you need to vote.
This October, Thames-Coromandel residents and ratepayers will have the chance to shape local decision-making by standing as candidates or voting for those who represent their interests.
KEY DATES
• 4 July 2025: Nominations open
• 1 August 2025: Nominations close
• 6 August 2025: Public notice of candidate names
• 9–22 September 2025: Voting documents delivered
• 7 October 2025: Last day to post votes by mail. After this date, votes must be dropped off at Council ballot boxes.
• 11 October 2025: Election Day –
Whitianga, 11 Parkland Place
•
•
•
votes close at 12 noon. Preliminary results announced.
• 16–19 October 2025: Declaration of results
INFORMATION FOR RATEPAYERS
If you are a ratepayer, you will receive a rate notice insert. This information has been sent as you may like to vote in this election, and you may qualify to vote in both areas at the local authority elections in October 2025.
HOW TO ENROL AS A NONRESIDENT RATEPAYER
If you own property in Thames Coromandel District but live elsewhere you may qualify to enrol as a non-resident ratepayer elector and vote in both areas. Fill out a Non-Resident Ratepayer Roll form. It is one person per property, not everyone who owns the property. To check your eligibility and enrol, visit the Election Services ratepayer enrolment portal.
MĀORI WARD VOTING INFORMATION
Council resolved to establish a Māori Ward Councillor for the 2025 elections. You must be on the Māori electoral roll to vote for a candidate standing in a Māori ward.
For more information on how to enrol, visit https://www.votelocal. co.nz/information-for-voters/maori-wards/
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Poisons and their symptoms
BY MALCOM CAMPBELL
n The Informer, Issue
I1140, a list of poisons in everyday use was set out with trade and actual names. This list is a repeat of some of those names but has information on the warnings from the labels on the containers.
1. HALOXYFOP
Harmful if swallowed. Can cause serious eye damage. Has long term hazardous effects to aquatic life. Not to be used over water.
2. IMAZAPYR
The drift or runoff is hazardous to plants in water. Treating plants in water can result in depletion of oxygen with damage to organisms in water.
3. METASULFURONMETHYL
Low toxicity to fish birds and insects but irritates eyes and has long term effects in soil and do not replant for almost two years.
4. TRICLOPYR
Breaks down in soil but has a half-life of up to 90 days and remains active for up to 90 days in decaying vegetation. Slightly toxic to ducks and fish. Can cause severe eye damage to birds and humans.
5. GLYPHOSATE
‘Roundup’ New Zealand experts believe it to be safe. Banned in thirty countries. Banned in some US states as per cancer causing. Monsanto said not to be applied to aquatic environment.
6. REGLONE
Damaging by ingestion and also by inhalation, eye contact, skin contact.
7. GRAZON
Very toxic to aquatic organisms and repeated exposure can cause organ damage.
Environment Waikato and eleven district councils regularly, annually, use any or all of the above herbicides in over and around water. Water that Victor Schauberger described as the ‘Life Blood’ of the earth and these ‘experts’ are using your money (rates) to poison your water and the evidence of their success is plain to see as a list of endangered species grows longer and longer. I have printed in previous editions, that which was previously natural life from the insects, to the birds, to the fish, are all in danger of terminal disappearance. And the authorities claim to be saving the environment.
Malcolm Campbell is a Waitako farmer with over 70 years’ experience.
Mitsubishi Heatpumps Specials
or
‘Just In Case’
BY JOHN VEYSEY
SPATINA GRASS
Department of Conservation (DOC) is going to poison the Coromandel and Manaia harbours with another of their extremely toxic poisons to control something called spatina grass.
The danger from spatina grass is not yet apparent in either harbour.
The danger is supposedly a collection of silt but, in reality, the silt must collect before the spartina can get established. Despite. the fact that
the harbours are perfectly safe from spartina invasion, and have been for decades despite the grass’s presence, the poisoning is going ahead “just in case” - much like the 1080 drop which went ahead last year in the Manaia valley - “just in case”.
For decades now DOC and Regional council have been spreading vicious toxins “just in case”.
Remember when a couple of rooks were spotted nesting in the tops of trees in the Waikato? They were poisoned out of existence before they could get a hold - “just in case”.
Endowment fund on the way for the Coromandel
BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN
Most people who have been concerned about getting some improvements carried out for our town will have become frustrated with achieving this. Money is hard to come by. Big projects that will help our future seem to take forever.
This situation is not unique to Whitianga and some other towns in New Zealand have taken it upon themselves to do something about it; by raising their own pool of funds which is invested, with the profits being used to facilitate the improvements they want in their town and region.
Peter Farmer has begun an important undertaking to accomplish this very thing. He is forming a Coromandel endowment-oriented community trust, similar to other very successful foundations that encourage individuals and families to set aside a small portion of their Will (estate)to be assigned to the community endowment fund.
The Coromandel Commu-
nity Fund will be established in 2025 with Momentum Waikato Community Foundation, one of 18 regional community foundations. This has the support of our local council, which Peter sees as critical for the fund’s success. The Momentum Foundation is a community trust which receives money from the community, much of it from legacies and some from cash donations. Over the years this has grown to a sizeable fund and the returns on this investment are used to make grants for
community projects.
The sooner it is established, the sooner benefits will be realised by the community. We are fortunate to have an experienced person in Peter Farmer to enable this Community Trust to be established.
Peter founded the Farmer Autovillage in Tauranga in 1991, and this company expanded into Whitianga with the acquisition of Sublab a few years ago. Now living on The Waterways with his wife Dianne, Peter has become established in our community. He has much experience with various commercial and community focused entities including the Waikato based Momentum Trust, the Acorn Foundation, and a $1 billion community trust called TECT.
The basis of the Coromandel Trust would be to encourage individuals and families to set aside a very small portion of their Will (Estate) to be assigned to the Trust. “When setting up such a gesture from your Will, you may also advise the Charity and/or cause you wish your
estate to support. A small percentage of your estate will be invested and the income from the wider pool would be assigned to your nominated cause, less a very small admin charge.
“I believe many donor funds will be focused on improving health care facilities, emergency access and other health care support infrastructure enabling all people on the Coromandel to be medically secure,” says Peter.
“I am confident that once formed within and for the Coromandel, it will receive strong and effective guidance and assistance from the Momentum and Acorn Foundations”.
Such Community Foundations are governed by local Community leaders with very strong input from the legal and accounting professions.
Peter Farmer has started the process of forming the Community Foundation for the Coromandel and invites any interested/qualified people to contact him.
Email: peter@farmermotorgroup.co.nz
Summer photography exhibition
BY KATE BEAUCHAMP
A selection of work by Whitianga Photographic Club will be on display at Eggsentric Café throughout the summer. All the work is available to purchase with 10% of all sale proceeds donated to the Purangi Conservation Trust.
The Photographic club is delighted to be able to share our work with the community. When Sam Fowell, owner of Eggsentric Café offered us some wall space to showcase our work and promote our photography talents, we didn’t hesitate. There is a variety of work on display, from local landscapes to abstract work and creative endeavours. Work is also displayed on different mediums from framed prints, fine art prints and on canvas.
Whether you love photography, are a holidaymaker exploring our beautiful area, or simply someone who appreciates a community event, the Summer Photography Exhibition is a mustsee. Pop in and admire the creativity over a great coffee, or lunch and maybe even take a piece of local art home with you.
Eggsentric café is a family run cafe nestled in the idyllic Flaxmill Bay, a pleasant 15-minute stroll from Ferry landing at 1049 Purangi Road. Open 7 days, 7.30am to 2.30pm.
Peter Farmer, initiator of Coromandel Community Trust endowment fund.
GAMES AND PUZZLES
1. Gangster (7) 2. Fossil resin (5) 3. Explode (of volcano) (5)
4. Rectangles (7)
Disperse (7)
Pungent gas (7)
Sense of self (3)
Worship (7) 16. Daily record books (7)
Administrator (7) 19. Large deer (3) 20. Walked like duck (7) 22. Sheltered from sun (5)
Abysmal (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.
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.
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 bimonthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737.
FORTNIGHTLY
Greeting Card Making – The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up.
Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone Vanessa 027 896 5037. Email vandoo555@gmail. com. Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016.
Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information.
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 – Starts back 26 February, Cooks Beach Community Hall, 1.45pm. First month free. Ph Coral 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.
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
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.
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
Have you seen this flag?
It is missing from out front of The Informer premises in Monk Street, Whitianga. At first, a few pranks resulted in our flag being found outside various offices in the town centre. Once it was found in Eyre Street, thrown in a bush. Locals were very good in letting us know or personally returning it. However, now the flag, the steel wire framing and the base have disappeared – taken from out front of The Informer office, sometime between Saturday afternoon, 4 January and Sunday evening, 5 January. It would be great if it can be returned – no retribution. The cost of putting in security cameras to deter any more pranksters and purchasing a new flag and base has hurt, and is unnecessary. After all we are a part of the community and working hard to play our part.
The Informer is asking if anyone has seen our flag and its frame, could you call The Editor, Pauline 027 271 6182.
Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran.com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm. Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Tuesdays beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.452.30pm; Thursdays absolute beginners 11.30am12.30pm, improvers/seniors 12.45-2.30pm. Contact 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.
PLUMBING
TRADES AND SERVICES
Email: stu@drainagesystems.co.nz web: www.drainagesystems.co.nz Whitianga
Stu MacFarlane Mobile: 021 914 226
FARRIER AND HOOF TRIMMING SERVICE
JIMMY RODLEY CONCRETE POLISHING LTD Owner/Operated
Markets
SPORTS RESULTS
MERCURY BAY BOWLING AND SPORTS CLUB INC
After two days of competition in the hot Whitianga sun on the first and second of February, the team of Ray Yearbury, Russell Farrant, Alan Roberts & Ross Hickey were the eventual winners of the Fours Club Championships.
The Foursome now go on to represent Mercury Bay Bowls Club at the Thames Valley Bowls Champion Of Champions tournament. were the eventual winners of the Fours Club Championships.
We have many times asked the vet clinic to stop expelling odours onto our property and into our home.
At times the odour is so strong and nauseating, we cannot be outside or have our doors and windows open in our house. We are retired residents now and we are home much more.
The vet clinic has declined to accept responsibility.
This is the 4th year of no fresh air on our property – just a dominance of strong chemical odours from the vet clinic. When we bang on the boundary fence and shout for them to keep the odours within the bounds of the vet clinic, it is because they are stinking us out. But still the odours keep being expelled.
We have had enough and want to enjoy our property.
The justification from the vet clinic is - the staff want fresh air, its only household cleaning products and there are no odours. Nothing should be coming out of the vet clinic and onto our property as per the Health Act 1956.
We have spent a $1000 on a legal letter to the vet clinic pointing out what they are doing. The vet clinic’s response was to continue expelling odours as usual.
Last year we obtained a report from the Chief Ombudsman about what the TCDC had done about the chemical odours from the vet clinic as it is council’s responsibility under the Health Act 1956.
This report stated that they had identified chemical odours being expelled by the vet clinic twice at the boundary fence and surgical odours once at our boundary fence. This goes back to 2022 and the vet clinic is still expelling their odours onto our property. The Ombudsman’s report states that the council acted within the law. Where does that leave us?
We realise that within the terms of the Resource Consent granted to the vet clinic, the council was not obliged to set out restrictions or requirements for odours. That is the task of The Waikato Regional Council. Surely there must be some cognisance of and allowances for residents so close to a vet clinic. Surely there is more to our society than just acting ‘within the law’.
We were here long before the clinic and yet it was a non- notifiable resource consent.
As residents we never got the chance to ask for some conditions regarding odours. Our home is close to the boundary fence and the vet building is less than a metre from our boundary.
Will the Waikato Regional Council enable something to be done by the vet clinic? Why wasn’t something set in place when the vet clinic was built?
Our little dog will not go out into our backyard -the odours from the vet clinic are extremely pungent to his sense of smell.
It seems that the problem is there are no systems in place in the vet clinic to remove the odours, so the only course is to open their doors and windows to expel the odours which is onto our property less than a metre from their open windows. Surely extraction systems can take the odours up into the atmosphere.
We feel that if TCDC offices were next to the vet clinic, this matter would have been sorted out. Why are we paying our exorbitant rates when the Council’s only defence is they acted within the law. What about ethical and moral obligations? We are asking for help. We have tried so hard to get some kind of action to remedy a situation. We have no enjoyment of our property.
We have had a gutsful.
Graham and Susan Pye
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)
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From left: Ray Yearbury, Russell Farrant, Alan Roberts & Ross Hickey the winners of the Fours Club Championships.
Personable, Practical & Professional
AMY BALME (CA) GEOFF BALME (FCA)
28 Lee Street, Whitianga
M Amy +64 27 373 1404
M Geoff +64 27 495 8923
E office@accountingbydesign.co.nz
Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Solutions
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