Issue 1133 - 26th November 2024 by theinformernz

Sixth annual Double Trouble complete

AS TOLD BY JONATHAN KLINE TO THE INFORMER

It was not just out of town competitors from Tauranga, Auckland and Rotorua but one couple crew, from France, who were here on their cruising sailboat, competed in this year’s Mercury Bay Double Trouble regatta. They heard about the regatta, and were able to charter a boat from one of our members so they could race. It turns out he is a former European Champion and he stomped the fleet on the first day and would have on the second day as well, if he had not missed a couple of races due to gear failure.

Multi-hulls from around the region congregated on the shores of Mercury Bay for two days of exciting racing.

The boats were rigged and launched from Ohuka Reserve, next to the wise old Macrocarpa Tree on Saturday and Sunday morning, with the race course being set nearby.

There were between 50 to 60 sailors and an assortment of Hobie 16 catamarans, Tornados and A-Class catamarans, providing lots of action on the waters of Mercury Bay.

This is the local Mercury Bay Boating Club’s premier multihull event - Double Trouble - for the 6th year in a row.

The Mercury Bay Boating Club’s Commodore and Principle Race Officer Philip Hart and the Race

Management team, were ready to host and welcome the competitors who come from all over the country to participate in this event. The weather conditions on both days were challenging. On Saturday, day one, the winds were light and shifty, but on day two it was a fresh breeze keeping our sailors busy.

On Saturday night, the sailors, family members and friends spent time in the backroom of Grace O’Malley’s enjoying recounting

their hard day’s work.

Huge effort from, and thanks are due to, the volunteers who managed the shore and on-water teams. Philip Hart was supported by two mark boats manned by our youth sailing coaches and youth sailors.

Parents of junior sailors acted as marshals on the beach and reserve. This was a wonderful pooling of resources to achieve an admirable result.

Double Trouble is established

as one of the nation’s premier multi-hull regattas, with a bay and a thermal ocean village that these competitors will drive hours to visit. It should be noted that the Mercury Bay Boating Club organizes regattas like these and they benefit the entire community, despite the fact that we still have no clubhouse. It is the passionate members who stoke the fire and keep the flame burning bright. We want our clubrooms back. Still we rise.

YOUTH SAILING A FEATURE OF MERCURY BAY BOATING CLUB

The Mercury Bay Boating Club’s sail training program for youth and adults kicked off mid-November and runs through the end of March. The Double Trouble event this last weekend was part of their training and experience and it is exciting and hard work that every young personon the training relishes.

The club offers courses for our youth aged 8 - 18 and will also be offering adult learn to sail options. Youth courses in November - December are after school and on weekends (depending on the age group). Adult course days and times are yet to be announced but will likely be a total of 9 hours spread over late afternoons and a weekend. During the summer school holidays, our youth courses will be run in “blocks” of 4 days, spread over a 5-day week, with younger sailors training in the morning and older sailors in the afternoon.

For more information and to receive their registration letter and Google form, please email mercurybayyouthsailing@gmail.com or visit their FaceBook page Mercury Bay Youth Sailing.

STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2024 – your guide to the night sky

November 26-December 3 – Mars is a lovely sight in the early eastern predawn sky and is unmistakable with its reddish glow. It is steadily getting brighter as it approaches us in its two year orbit of the Sun. Meanwhile brilliant Venus lights up the western dusk sky and is the brightest object apart from the Moon. Saturn is much dimmer but slightly yellowish and high overhead all evening. Only a few International (ISS) and Chinese Tiangong space station passes for us this week and they are mostly in the very early morning hours. Tuesday, November 26 – A very early ISS pass in the SW starting at 4:06am as it pops out of the Earth’s shadow. Wednesday, November 27 - Venus is now well above the teapot’s handle in Sagittarius after dusk. Friday, November 29 – Mars is rising about 3am at present and is distinctly reddish. Saturday, November 30 –There is a Tiangong pass from 10:13pm in the NW. Sunday, December 1 – New Moon tonight. Monday, December 2 –There is a Tiangong pass from 9:55pm starting near Venus in the west. Tuesday, December 3 – A minute crescent Moon sits well below and to the left of Venus at dusk just above the horizon with a Tiangong pass from 8:56pm in the west.

The prizegiving for the regatta took place under the great Macrocarpa tree on Brophy’s Beach. Fortunately the weather was ideal for an outdoor ceremony. However we are reminded that the boating club has no venue to hold its prizegiving preparation meetings for the indoor training aspects for the young people.

Photo credits: Jackie Dagger and Rosemary Stewart

Whitianga waterfront redevelopment up for discussion

This article is from The New Zealand Herald, journalist Al Williams, Waikato Herald.

Whitianga is being called on to have its say on how best to improve the town’s wharf, waterfront and boating ramp areas, but costs and timelines are yet to be determined in what looks set to be a multimillion-dollar project.

Thames-Coromandel District Council has released six concept plans for the redevelopment project but says specific details around costs, timelines and funding streams are not available until at least the end of the week as the project manager is on leave.

In a written statement, the council said the concept plans had been broken into three avenues: improvements to marine structures, improvements to the waterfront area and improvements to the Robinson Rd boat ramp area.

The first concept would see a new public pier, with the existing wharf dedicated to fishing activities. Concept two would see the existing wharf expanded to create separate public/commercial use.

Concept three would see a

multi-use open space, with the creation of a reinforced grassed area for boat trailer parking and events. Concept four would see the waterfront playground relocated to nearby Taylors Mistake and the area used for boat trailer parking and events.

Concept five would see an upgrade of the Robinson Rd boat ramp and trailer parking improvements, while concept six would also feature a new jetty and pontoon.

The project was first included

in the council’s 2018-2028 Long Term Plan (LTP) with a capital budget of $7 million anticipated over two years across 2023/24 and 2024/25.

In the 2021-2031 LTP, the capital budget was increased to $12m and the timing pushed out to three years between 2027/28 and 2029/30.

In the current 2024-2034 LTP, the budget and timing remain the same.

The council said the proposed changes would address

long-standing safety issues regarding multiple users being in a limited space and allow for growth in activity.

“The concept plans were borne from the wants and needs of primary users of the areas.”

The council now wants to hear from the wider community about what they most prefer, which can be done either online, via a paper form, or at one of several drop-in sessions being held in Whitianga this month and December.

The Mercury Bay Community Board had identified the need for community engagement, which was the main driver for stage one of the project, as buy-in from the stakeholders and wider community was required for its success.

Over the last few months, the council had been having discussions with a range of waterfront users and businesses to listen to their needs in the early stages of exploring options for the Esplanade redevelopment.

Those meetings had been exploratory, in order to work out what the viable options to take to

the wider community for feedback might be.

Discussions had included the Mercury Bay Business Association, and there had been ongoing conversations with members of user focus groups.

PUBLIC DROP-IN SESSIONS

Friday, November 29, Whitianga waterfront, 1pm-3pm.

Friday, November 29, Robinson Road Reserve, 4pm-6pm. Friday, December 6, Whitianga waterfront, 1pm-4pm.

Saturday, December 7, Whitianga markets, 8am-1pm.

The link to the online feedback form is: https://www.tcdc. govt.nz/Our-Community/HaveYour-Say/Current-Consultations/ Have-your-say-on-the-future-ofthe-Whitianga-Esplanade-area#form

We apologise for the sparse information but the TCDC provided us with none. Hopefully there is enough time for you all to check out the options and make your opinions known.

& beans.

• Devilled sausage, mash potato, baby

• Brisket, mash potato, gravy & veges.

• Pork Meatballs on tomato pasta.

• Honey soy chicken, noodles & asian veges.

Welcome UMINO HOSHIS Sushi

BY STAN STEWART

I am not a good judge of sushi. What I mean is that when I first encountered it, I felt sure that Kiwis and Aussies would not take to it.

Cold rice and raw fish would never appeal to ‘steak and eggs, fish and chips’ Kiwis and Aussies. I was completely wrong. When Umino Hoshi Sushi Cafe appeared in mid-town Whitianga recently, I felt sure it would take a long time to establish itself. The proprietors would have to be patient. They should be ready for a slow start. Wrong again! Each time I have been in their restaurant

there have been queues and the tables have been full. Congratulations!

Umino Hoshi is up and running full steam ahead. The Coromandel Informer welcomes them.

Yana Kwan will serve you with a smile and you will be glad you popped in. Already they are a tasteful and vigorous contributor to Whitianga’s gourmet scene. Part of the charm of the cafe is the delightful decorations on both walls. This imaginative work of Umino’s mum adds to the enjoyment of Umino Hoshis. UMINO HOSHI. 69 ALBERT ST, WHITIANGA

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Supreme award for Pahi Coastal Walk

Catherine Ward of Pahi Coastal Walk, located on the Coromandel Peninsula, has taken out the Supreme Award at NZI Rural Women New Zealand Business Awards in Wellington (Friday, November 24).

“Cath’s work in developing the three-day two-night Pahi Coastal Walk is an excellent example of the innovation and entrepreneurism of rural enterprises and their positive impact on rural communities,” says Sandra Matthews, National President Rural Women NZ.

After Cath’s three teenagers left the family farm in Port Jackson, she needed something to fill the gap. Cath and her husband Zander started the Pahi Coastal Walk as a hobby, but it quickly developed into a thriving business.

As demand grew, so did the need for extra hands to support the increasing numbers of visitors.

“One of the standout features of Cath’s entry was that the growing business has provided an opportunity to employ other women living on and around the farm. The sense of shared purpose for Cath and her team has lifted them all,” Sandra says.

“As the business has grown, the impact on the community has been significant and other local businesses providing bike hire, hospitality and artisan products have all benefitted from the walk’s visitors.

“We received the highest number

of entries for this year’s Awards and the diversity of enterprises owned and operated by women in regional and rural Aotearoa New Zealand continues to flourish,” Sandra says.

“We were particularly impressed by this year’s entrants who showcase that it is possible to build new businesses, create new income streams and build economic resilience in their rural communities.”

Premier Partner NZI’s Executive Manager for Agencies and Schemes, Christina Chellew, noted that it had been incredibly challenging for the Judges to select an overall Supreme Award Winner from the outstanding cohort of finalists.

“It is a privilege to have the oppor-

tunity to promote and celebrate the creativity and innovation of rural women through these Awards,” Christina says.

“Pahi Coastal Walk excelled across all aspects of the judging criteria to emerge as this year’s NZI Supreme Award Winner. I offer sincere congratulations to Cath, as well as all our deserving category finalists.”

“We received the highest number of entries for this years Awards and the diversity of enterprises owned and operated by women in regional and rural Aotearoa New Zealand continues to flourish,” National President Sandra Matthews says.

Content Sourced from Rural Women NZ and scoop.co.nz

The walkers outside their accommodation on Pahi Coastal Walk; Cath Ward, founder and owner of the walk; a group of visitors enjoying the Coromandel on the Pahi Walk.

A great time was held by all! Even leigh Hopper and his swat team came to make sure of their promise “To make Whitianga great again!” ( just kidding!)

Introducing Shoreline Painters Whitianga:

BY DAENA YOUNG

t Shoreline Painters

AWhitianga, we bring over 50 years of combined experience to every project, ensuring that your home or business receives the highest standard of care. Our dedicated team consists of three skilled, qualified painters and three apprentices, all committed to delivering exceptional results. We’re passionate about hiring locally and investing in our community by mentoring apprentices and fostering their development alongside our experienced painters.

Specialising in all aspects of residential painting, we offer a full range of services, including

Your Trusted Local Painting Experts

new home painting, repaints, interior and exterior finishes, roof painting, and cedar care. We pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail, durability, and craftsmanship, ensuring that every job is completed to the highest standards.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN:

The story of Shoreline Painters Whitianga started with three friends sitting together in an office one afternoon, enjoying a beer and discussing their future. Craig, a qualified painter and builder; Caleb, a qualified builder; and Daena, a jack of all trades, realized they shared a unique set of skills and a mutual passion for quality work. It was in this

moment that Shoreline Painters Whitianga was born - a company founded on friendship, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to excellence.

Our vision is to create a positive, supportive work environment where our team members can learn, grow, and reach their full potential. At Shoreline Painters Whitianga, we take great pride in what we do, and we are dedicated to achieving outstanding results on every project we complete. Let us bring your vision to life with professional, high-quality painting services that are tailored to your needs.

A colourful Christmas competition for 5-12 year olds from Shoreline Painters

A great colouring-in or painting-in competition

Daena Young is the administrator of Shoreline Painters, Whitianga. She refers to her role as “I’m the office wife.” Daena is a force of sunny ideas and positive energy. Through Daena, Shoreline Painters has initiated a Christmas colouring competition for children in The Informer. Prizeandcompetitiondetailsonpage14.

Name: Address:

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. See details above.

Daena Young – the initiator of the colouring or painting-in competition and Administrator at Shoreline Painters

Daena with Craig preparing for another job. Criag is one of the foundation partners in Shoreline painters.

WHITIANGA WHITIANGA SANTA SANTA

“Acelebration of everything we love about summer” is how Tairua Business Association chairman, Peter Hunt, describes the Spring Fling organised for Saturday, November 30.

There will be over 40 market stalls in the town, offering everything from microgreen produce to high street fashion.

Fun activities for the family include giant jandal races and a tug-o-war, and Chances wearable jandal fashion competition is expected to attract some quirky entries. If you are good at throwing jandals you may

Spring Fling this weekend

win some of the $1,000 worth of prizes. Hammer Hardware Sandcastle competition starts at 11am. There is also a car boot sale for treasure hunters to enjoy.

A historical photo expo will show Tairua’s rich history and there will also be walking tours highlighting the area’s heritage. Adding to the summer holiday atmosphere will be live broadcasts from CFM.

The day full of family-friendly activities kicks-off at 8.30am and is based at Pepe Reserve and Tairua Community Hall. Following the success of last year’s

inaugural event, the business association decided to organise another Spring Fling to celebrate the start of summer in Tairua.

“We have organised a day packed with fun, laughter and enough activities to keep the whole family entertained,” says Peter. “It’s the ultimate kick-off to summer. See you there.” Enquiries phone Linda 0274496888 or info.tairuabusiness@gmail.com

Tug-o-war was part of the fun at last year’s Spring Fling in Tairua.

Transport is my main topic

People need to voice their concern or issue

FROM WARREN MAHER

- ELECTED

REPRESENTATIVE, WAIKATO

REGIONAL COUNCIL

Firstly, a reminder that we are seeking feedback on three possible Public Transport rating models to help fund bus transport, community transport and Total Mobility Services in the Waikato region.

This survey will soon close on the 27 November 2024. To submit please go to the

WRC website and choose the “Have your say” section. Then choose Regional Transport rate. These options all have an effect on your rates. In question 7 you are asked, “Why did you choose this option?”.

I suggest you voice your opinion and concerns around what the current services your town or area receives (or doesn’t) and what may work better, for example; a smaller bus or a more flexible service.

Secondly, applications for the Community Transport Fund open from Monday, 25 November 2024. WRC recently voted to increase the fund from $200,000 to $300,000 as part of the 2024 to 2034 Long Term Plan. These providers make a small amount of funds go a long way thanks to other donations and the tireless

THE MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY TRUST invites you to the

WHERE Crossroads Encounter Fellowship 36 Cook Drive, Whitianga (Across from New World) WHEN Saturday 16th December 2023

Doors Open at 10:45am with entertainment arranged Lunch starts at 12pm RSVP

By Saturday 9th December

Phone or text Maureen on 0272 466 164 or email whiti.christmaslunch@gmail.com Getting to know my neighbours

Use this invitation to approach friends, family, neighbours and acquaintances to come together and enjoy a delicious meal together

work of volunteers. None of these services are funded from the Government Public Transport Fund. Last year, services in the Thames Coromandel area received $41,000 towards four existing services. Applications for up to $20,000 are available, so I hope we will see more of this increased fund coming into our region to help support the service providers that currently serve our needs where no other public transport options are available.

In early December, I will be accompanying WRC Chief Executive Chris McLay on his regional site visit to the Coromandel Peninsula; the first since he has held his position of WRC Chief Executive. We will be viewing the work and progress of our maritime service around the Peninsu-

la’s harbours and coastline and the important work they undertake in navigation and vessel incident response, as well as marine biosecurity. Mr McLay and I will also have on our agenda an overview of the river and catchment work that is undertaken on both the eastern and western sides of the Coromandel Peninsula, as well as the biosecurity work undertaken by all the incredible community groups throughout our areas.

I believe it is extremely important for Mr McLay to view first-hand the diversity of the Coromandel, the issues we face, as well as the excellent work being tackled by the WRC staff and community on the ground.

I will follow-up with a trip report next month.

Warren Maher

Nov 2024 Market Snapshot - Resilience Amid Change

As the Coromandeel gears up for its vibrant summer seaason, the local real estate market shows signs of increased activity and buyer confidence Nationally, property prices s have experienced modesst growth, but in Whitianga, elevated supply y continnues to temper significant value increaases While the premium end of the market has performed strongly with wellcurated d auction campaigns, broader r pricing growth is unlikely until inventory levells redduce

A Closer r Look at the Market t

Buyer Enquiries on the Rise: Recent months have seen a noticeable lift in buyer interest, particularly for premium properties. This trend reflects growing confidence driven by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) recent interest rate reductions. Buyers are re-entering the market, recognising opportunities in the current conditions.

Sales Volumes s Strenngthening: Across Whitianga, sales volumes are gradually increasing, aligning with seasonal trends. Nationally, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) reported a 0 7% year-on-year increase in the national median house price in October 2024, rising from $789,500 to $795,000. Month-on-month, prices climbed 1 9% from $780,000 in September, signaling growing buyer confidence.

Premium Market t Strength: The upper-tier market has shown resilience, with strong sales recorded for well-presented properties marketed through carefully managed auction campaigns. Properties that highlight lifestyle appeal and coastal proximity continue to achieve impressive results.

Pricing Presssures s Persist: Despite positive signs in the premium segment, broader price gains remain muted. The Coromandel’s high level of available listings, mirroring national trends, continues to exert downward pressure on price growth.

What This Meaans for Selllerrs and Buyers

For selllerrs, there is clear opportunity in the current market for premium properties. Well-curated auction campaigns, focusing on presentation, pricing, and strategic marketing, have consistently delivered standout results.

Sellers should aim to highlight unique features of their homes and work with agents who understand how to position properties for maximum impact in a competitive environment. For b buyers, conditions remain favourable. With stabilising interest rates and increased choice, buyers have the opportunity to secure lifestyle properties at competitive prices. For those considering premium homes, auction settings often provide an ideal platform to negotiate with confidence.

Bayleys:

Your Trrusted Market Leader

At Bayleys, we are dedicated to providing the insights and expertise you need to navigate this dynamic market. With decades of experience in the Coromandel and a proven track record in delivering results, our team is here to guide you. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply seeking to understand the market, Bayleys is proud to be your trusted partner. As summer approaches, we look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals in this extraordinary region.

Your Move Your Future

The Coromandel remains one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play. Contact us today to explore what this unique market has to offer. Together, we can turn your real estate aspirations into reality.

Lee Carter Director- Bayleys Coromandel Bayleys Coromandel 027 696 5781

coromandel@bayleys.co.nz

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To market this weekend

The markets on The Coromandel Peninsula are booming with lots of new products and store holders and a greater emphasis on fresh produce and locally made craft and clothing. It is spring and summer is about to arrive. It’s time for the locals to join the visitors and see what is offering at their local markets and what is new.

They are in Thames every Saturday, in Coromandel town every Saturday and Tairua has markets on the first Saturday of every month.

This issue - visiting the Whiti City Markets and Coroglen Farmers Market.

WHITIANGA

Don’t worry about breakfast before you go as the Whitianga Lions team are waiting for you with their sausage sizzle going a treat.

There are profiteroles for that pancake style breakfast and they are delicious and generous. The fresh produce stall is a relatively new addition, and it is straight from the farm – good quality and a variety of colours in the veges. It is very popular.

Lotta Love mobile van is there too with an amazing menu of plant based organic and vegetarian food. On the other end of the scale you can buy a packet or two of fairy floss which is a very enjoyable sugar rush not only for children. There would be at least 15 or more stalls with specialized craft and specialized local produce. Opito Salt with Perry and Erin make Christmas shopping for the family chef really easy and right next door or very close is Irma with a range of local top quality honey Now that’s something we all need in our diet. You will also find Opito Salt and Irma ‘s Honey at the Coroglen markets if you don’t get there Saturday.

Out on Albert Street at the edge of the markets are the Mercury Bay Club Lions women with their Christmas raffle tickets. You can choose from three amazing

raffles, (one of them a homemade Christmas cake beautifully iced and presented) or take your chance with all three. Tickets just $2 or three for five.

Directly across the road is the Bread Mobile with freshly home baked loaves and half loaves of bread. Locals stand in line for their weekly loaf sometimes choosing something different.

COROGLEN MARKETS

Perhaps the best farmer and produce markets on the Coromandel Peninsula. They focus on fresh produce, organic products and the freshly cooked items are being made as you walk around the markets. The fresh bread is a staple for the regular market goers, but the baker keeps some back for the visitors. You need to come early to get your loaf – and there is such a variety. So, Sunday morning, the Gumtown Hall with its front lawn not far from the Coroglen Tavern is an ideal place to be. The markets run from 8.30am –1.00pm.

As with Whiti City markets the live music is top quality and relaxing. The Informer purchased a raspberry cake and a cream puff not being able to wait for the beautiful breakfast the home cooking stall was offering. Both had to be shared on our travels and topped with fresh cream, they were delicious and wished for more. You can sit and eat your meal or your snack while you at the Coroglen markets. The organisers have prepared a marquee café for you. Coroglen Farmers Market is not one you can rush away from. There’s too much to savour and the relaxed vibe is what feeds your spirit. Every time The Informer has visited, there have been international visitors so pleasantly surprised at the volume and quality of fresh food and enjoying the local people.

Next issue – Thames and Coromandel town markets, and Tairua’s monthly market.

Irma, ready to serve customers with her Beekeeper honey, above; fresh produce man gives lots of advice on growing vegetables, as well as providing good quality produce; the tastiest jams and chutneys are offered by Carma Delights.

Colouring-in/ painting-in competition details

CHRISTMAS EVE

The winning finalists (there will be two winners, one for each age group) will be announced on CFM and published in The Informer, Tuesday, 24 December. They will be personally notified as well by Shoreline painters.

Prizes: The winner (8-12years) receives a $100 voucher from Paper Plus and a Banana Boat ride for four.

The winner (5-7 years) receives a $100 voucher from The Warehouse plus a family pass to Fun Zone.

Send in your colouring in each week for three weeks The two winners will be announced in the Christmas Eve edition and their prize can be picked up that day. The judges require all three colouring-ins or painting -ins from each entrant. to decide the winners.

There is a colourful box outside The Informer office in Monk Street Whitianga for placing in your named entries but those living outside Whitianga township can post or email their colouring -in or painting. Daena welcomes that.

See page 8

En Pointe Dance Christmas show

En Pointe Dance Studio present a very high quality and racy concert or story in dance every Christmas time. This is a vibrant community of excellent young dancers offering all kids of dance –ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop,

contemporary, tap, acro.

Their Christmas presentation is always very exciting and this year it is” Seusstastical”.

Tickets are on sale now.

Go to the En Pointe website.

See page 6 for details.

Next week we share the story of one of the star students who will be saying farewell to En Pointe to go to Christchurch to train with DANCE ARTS NZ – Indaria Bainbridge – Davies.

You may have seen these girls around Whitianga promoting their Christmas show.

A buzzing emergency with bees and live power box

BY MICHELLE DELLABARCA

Bees swarming is a natural occurrence. It’s a part of their reproductive cycle. Honeybees are the only type of bees that swarm.

Swarming season in New Zealand can begin as early as August and runs through until January. So, what do you do if you come across a swarm of bees that have just landed on a low-level live power box and look intent on making it their home?

This was the conundrum posed to a group of neighbours in Coromandel town this week. A local woman was driving up her semi-rural drive when she was confronted with a large swarm of bees buzzing furiously around a green power box at the end of a shared driveway. She quickly pulled into her neighbour’s and asked for assistance. After a quick discussion it was decided to call a local beekeeper for advice. By the time he turned up to check out the situation, the bees had moved into the live power box through a tiny keyhole, and it was literally humming with bee-power.

Aaron from Abuzz Apiaries explained that swarming bees

own beehive – without a single sting.

The electrician confirmed that if the bees had not been removed, they would have caused the fuses to blow and electricity to be lost to the neighbours down the line. All were amazed at how many bees were in residence and how easily Abuzz Aperies was able to deal with the problem.

AARON’S CAUTIONARY ADVICE:

You should always get professional help when dealing with a swarm. The number one thing to do is to remain calm and just leave it alone. Stay away and keep others away. Move pets away – inside and out of sight. Do not flap your arms or shoo them or they might see you as a threat. Your local registered beekeeper can safely take them away.

are non-threatening and that swarming bees occur when a hive becomes overcrowded, and a new queen is made in the colony. This new queen will leave the colony with about half the bees and look for a new place to set up home.

A quick phone call to the Powerco emergency number determined that “yes this was indeed

an emergency – admittedly of a very rare nature”, and the operator was very pleased to hear that there was already a bee expert on scene. The decision was made for a contractor to turn off the power for Aaron early next morning so he could attempt to collect the bees. The beekeeper and a small

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group of neighbours (watching from a safe distance) met at the buzzing box as scheduled. The power was turned off and Aaron carefully and calmly smoked the box to calm the bees, removed the lid revealing thousands of bees gathered around their queen. He ever so carefully removed the queen and moved her into his

Abuzz Apiaries is a family owned and operated business located in Coromandel, New Zealand, and can be contacted at info@abuzzapiaries.nz if you need their help. He has already collected four swarms this week and expects there to be many more before the swarming season is over.

The bees swarming around their new Coromandel home – the live power box; Aaron of Abuzz Apiaries removing the queen bee to another hive.

PINKY’S christmas season Merry Christmas

All you need for your house and table Everything to decorate your Christmas tree as well as your tree!

Great indoor, outdoor and pathway lights Christmas costuming galore – santa, hats, antlers etc PINKY’S HAS YOUR SUMMER CATERED FOR

Summer at the Beach – everything a family needs for enjoying the water, the sand and a picnic.

Surprise, surprise!

‘Bluey’- I never saw this

coming STAN’S STUFF

BY STAN STEWART

hat do you think?

WOne of the million comedy (?) clips on YouTube is an adorable female child, around three years I would judge, looking out a window into her back yard. She says, “There’s a f**k**g goat in our yard”. Adults off camera laugh riotously. They ask the child to repeat what she has said. The girl immediately repeats, “There’s a f**k**g goat in the yard”. More adult laughter. This is a reallife contemporary comedy clip.

I remember when this “f” word was confined to use by men in hotel bars and/or men engaged in sweaty, dirty work. Now I hear it on daytime television used by sophisticated guests and hosts, women and men. The fact that a preschooler uses it without the slightest hint of self-consciousness is a further indicator of how community norms have changed.

Creek’ etc.

I feel uncomfortable about it but then I’m an old prude. The fact that reference to the intimate parts of female and male bodies, and sexual acts normal and not so normal, are likely to be mixed in any and every conversation, may be a sign of the maturing of the culture. However, when I hear these words and phrases out of the mouths of children, it makes me uneasy. Now get this! I don’t care what your age is, you’d better come to terms with “BLUEY”. This is the most out of step, out of touch, reality contradicting, cartoon in the world.

The Australian cartoon, ‘Bluey’ is aimed primarily at audiences between the age of five and seven years. It is currently broadcast in more than 60 countries, including the UK, the USA, and China. It has received accolades from all around the world. The Guardian newspaper (UK) has praised the children’s cartoon and named it ‘The best television series in the world’. Move over ‘Bad Sisters’, ‘Dune’, and ‘Shits

When they name ‘Bluey’ the best series, they do not tag it – ‘The best children’s series’. They are talking about the best TV series, period.

I seldom had opportunity to watch cartoons as a kid. TV for the masses had not arrived. However, I did see them when I managed to sneak into the pictures. They often were support fillers before the main feature. The cartoons back then were of the ‘Tom and Jerry’ and ‘Roadrunner’ variety. Their main plot focussed on the principal characters being blown up, stretched, cut in half, squashed and so on. Donald Duck was different. My favourite clips concerned Scrooge McDuck – the fabulously rich, greedy, grumpy billionaire. But Disney never had anything like ‘Bluey’. These days, Disney distributes ‘Bluey’ worldwide.

When I first saw ‘Bluey’ I dismissed it as being inane and amateurish. It looked to me like animation student’s first try to produce children’s TV. The episodes are seven minutes long, but I never watched more than two minutes before I switched. Understandable. I am not a child, nor do I have regular con-

tact with small children. The show is produced for children between five and seven years. The fact that it was being viewed by all ages has taken me by surprise. After viewing three seven-minute episodes, like critics around the world, I was hooked. The show is created and written by Joe Brumm who was an experienced TV animator producer. The series is set in his hometown, Brisbane, Queensland and in essence, is about real-life parenting moments. Much of the content of the programme is based on or originated from Joe and his wife’s experience of parenting their two children. Blumm wanted to portray the importance of children participating in imaginative play. The show includes reallife parenting moments that can be hard to navigate. Beyond that, the stories raise questions which we all face. It does not suggest easy answers but does give the viewer clues as to how life can be coped with and celebrated. There are no easy answers to issues in family life, but Bluey encourages viewers to keep positive.

In a world where it seems marriage and family life are no longer respected, Bluey is like a breath of fresh air. This children’s show is making a positive impact around the world. Take time and give it a try for yourself.

REVIEWS ARE AMAZING:

“I’ll say this with confidence as a single male 16-year-old teenager, I don’t think any form of media will make me feel as emotional as when I first binged every episode of Bluey. The feelings I had watching Bluey through for the first time are not replicable for me through any other show.”

“As a new mum Bluey makes me tear up almost every time my daughter watches it. She adores Bluey and I am not ashamed to say I love the show too.”

Great turnout at CRANK UP

BY PAULINE STEWART

“Crank Up was the biggest turnout we have ever had. The cars just kept coming,” says Shaun Hurst, lead organiser along with the members of the Hauraki Vintage Machinery Club. Kaihere Domain just outside of Ngatea on the Hauraki Plains was packed on Saturday for their annual Crank Up festival.

“It was a great and pleasing success. We had such a great display of vintage machinery and cars.,” says Shaun.

The Informer editors were a little overwhelmed. The demonstrations of the different machines were very resourceful. One man had made his own engine from scraps of steel.

The coffee cart and the icecream truck never stopped for a minute. Every child got a ride on the tractor wagon.

Old style hay baling was a hit as was the sheep shearing, once again, old style. Early history is everywhere. Participation by

three neighbour clubs - Franklin, Waikato and Tauranga adds a great deal to the fun and energy of the day. Some people sat with their thermos and picnic chairs in the shade for a lot of the day

just enjoying the relaxation and watching the activity. The organising team intend to make more room for parking next year and to increase the number of craft stalls which fit in with the theme. Crank Up is not like other carnivals or fairs; it is a specialty event which all ages love particularly if you like machines, vintage machines and cars.

Of course we had nothing to do with the weather but it was a beautiful day at Kaihere Domain - blue sky, a warm sun, a fresh breeze and a lot of relaxed country folk who had time to chat.. The Kaihere Domain is a very picturesque park/picnic setting, “It’s perfect for this kind of carnival event,” says Shaun.

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Everywhere you looked there were vintage machines of every size and a number of curiousities invented by farmers and engineers.

“Lies, damn lies and statistics”

A rebuttal of TCDC political point scoring

BY FLEMMING RASMUSSEN

A LOCAL, INDEPENDENT LAWYER

This rebuttal’s heading was popularised by Mark Twain (among others), who attributed it to the British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. It describes the persuasive power of statistics to bolster weak arguments.

Seeing a debate in a broader context can help avoid misunderstandings, unproductive arguments, and speaking past each other in life and the law.

Key to addressing concerns about TCDC’s financial practices is instigating structural and cultural change, eliminating inefficiencies, aligning strategies, and enhancing democratic accountability. The catalyst is the upcoming repeal of the four well-being principles (s 10(1(b)) in the Local Government Act 2022 (LGA).

INTRODUCTION

On Tuesday, 19/11/24, The Informer (Issue 1132), at TCDC’s request, published a politically charged criticism of a 5/11/24 (Issue 1130) opinion piece penned about TCDC’s increased,

bloating bureaucracy, which is costing the ratepayer $27.9m in personnel costs (2024-25 budget).

I welcome TCDC’s critique. It stimulates debate and increases awareness, hopefully leading to engagement. As the saying goes, sunlight remains the best disinfectant.

REBUTTAL

Turning to TCDC’s alleged “nine errors or misleading (pieces of) information...” I respecfully respond:

TCDC’s script is a thinly veiled, political soundbite, a vague

attempt to justify its spiralling, out-of-control (personnel) costs. All data in the opinion piece is derived from TCDC-published information. It is TCDC data. It is their information.

TCDC points 1,4 and 5 allege, “The claimed increased rates for Mercury Bay to an average of $4610 is incorrect”. My source is TCDC’s LTP publication “Tackling the future head on” WHAT’S YOUR TAKE” p48 (graphic 1): For the readers’ benefit, it states, “a Mercury Bay Residential (dwelling) will be rated at $4,610 in the 2024/24 FY, based on an average rate increase of

16.3%”. Tairua-Pauanui p49 ($4,556 p.a.), Whangamata p50 ($4,553 p.a.).

TCDC states, “The residential property rates (in Mercury Bay) range from $3880 to $4560…. providing an average of $4220.” Again, factually incorrect. As I write this, I hold a Mercury Bay rate bill for $4,856.13 in my hand. Other ratepayers pay even more!

My argument was, and remains, that rate rises and absolute rates for Mercury Bay, Tairua, Pauanui, and Whangamata, the eastern peninsula, are too high, unsustainable, and

disproportionate. With respect, TCDC attempts to distort facts which can mislead the public by quoting peninsula-wide statistics. They know we in the two eastern wards pay +74% of all rates, (Fiscal Year 2024-25). We subsidise the Thames and Coromandel wards. Most of our rate money, a land tax, is not spent on delivering core services to us in our areas. Most of our money is spent elsewhere and on an ever-increasing Thames and wider bureaucracy. Have a look yourself – it is publicly available data. You can see what you pay and

what your neighbours or friends pay: https://www. tcdc.govt.nz/Our-Services/ Property-and-Rates/Rates/ Online-Rating-Information-Database.

CONTESTING IRREFUTABLE FACTS

Puzzlingly, TCDC’s attempt to push back on irrefutable facts, e.g.: (1) the fact it adopted its Annual Report on the very last day of its 4-month statutory obligation period (s 98(3) LGA 2002) (their point 7). Because other Councils do it in the last week of October, it is allegedly OK. What about setting a higher bar. Being first. What a novel idea, or (2) use of CPI (Consumer Price Index) as a cost adjustment justification (their point 2). TCDC admits its rate increases are “a substantial contributor to inflation”. They proceed to argue that instead of using CPI (officially 2.2% in the year ending 30 September 2024 per https://www. stats.govt.nz/indicators/consumers-price-index-cpi/), the “Council used the more appropriate Local Government Cost Index + 2% for the 2023/2024 FY (6.5%)”. Their logic (if there is one) defies common sense! Without tiring the reader, ALL of TCDC’s alleged “..errors or misleading (pieces of) information” can be comprehensively rebutted using facts and TCDC’s own data (per above).

FACTS V POLITICS

As an advocate and litigator, I have first-hand experience defending the undefendable on behalf of clients. It can be challenging and frustrating sometimes, so I sympathise with the frustration a growing number of TCDC communication staff must feel.

We must prioritise delivering basic services over other expenditures. This year (FY2024_-), personnel costs represent +25% ($27.9m budget) of all rates collected ($108.6m budget), a clear indication that our focus needs to shift.

We write 2025 in our calendar in five weeks. All NZ Councils faced 2023 macroeconomic headwinds, and many Councils faced severe Q1/23 weather events. That only illuminates TCDC’s structural deficiencies and does not warrant its decision to implement unsustainable rate rises not once but twice since the Q1/23 weather events!

LACK OF BASIC UNDERSTANDING (NUMERACY)

Analogous to financial TCDC predicaments, most, if not all, of us are aware that there have been recent factual reports of declining societal numeracy skills and competencies in our schools..

Reality has clearly caught up with TCDC. Have a firsthand look at TCDC’s recent publication, “Our Coromandel

2024-2025” (ratepayers have had it mailed (at considerable publishing and distribution expense to us all)). It is all but a re-election write-up.

Please turn to pp 38-39 (Our “Village” – an attempt to put our community composition into %-terms). “Our ethnic groups” (bottom p38): somehow 88+19+4+3+1+1 is supposed to = 100. Go figure! (Most of their examples do not add to 100%). See graphic 2.

THE SOLUTION: FUNCTION, FORM AND FUNDING

Our government has confirmed it will repeal the four well-being principles before next year’s Council elections (11 October 2025). It has challenged Councils “to rein in the fantasies and to get back to delivering the basics brilliantly.”

We pay our Council rates to receive clean drinking water, storm and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, rubbish pick-up, local roads and walkways (fill the potholes), and cost-effective maintenance of local assets (basics).

Focussing only on “delivering the basics brilliantly“ will enable us to restructure our Council and make redundant (significantly reduce) functions linked to the four well-being principles, thereby achieving a leaner, more focussed, cost-effective, and efficient Council organisation. What do you think?

Whitianga Lodge celebrates its Jubilee

BY PAULINE STEWART

The Lodge Grand Master, Peter van der Putten, shows some of the symbols representing the history of Free Masonry - tools of the trade of very skilled craftsmen.

Bill Lee, right, speaks at the Jubilee dinner.

The jubilee celebrations were of a different kind to most Jubilee occasions.

The Whitianga Freemasons held an Open Day inviting the community to their lodge rooms to share what they do, a little about their meeting procedure and their history that has led to the freemasons being a worldwide movement particularly in countries settled by British migrants. It was good to see people coming through the sdoors. Every one of the masons was dressed in a suit and tie. It was very impressive.

A dinner followed to which family members of the Lodge were invited. Bill Lee, a member of the Freemasons was also the speaker for this auspicious occasion and told all those gathered for the dinner at Mercury Bay Club of the history of the movement of buildings and people in Whitianga – all of which told the story of the Lodge and its early beginnings from the 1870s. Bill conducted his talk without notes. His family have such a long history here and it was easy to see Bill loves the history and cherishes the detail that has led to this day and to many of the developments in Whitianga.

Coromandel Our

News from Thames-Coromandel District Council

Esplanade Redevelopment Plans

Concept plans of what Whitianga’s waterfront and boat ramp areas could look like in the future have been ﬁnalised and will be going out for public consultation in a series of drop-in sessions.

These sessions will be held over the next couple of weeks where people can have their say on what they prefer for the Whitianga Wharf, Esplanade and Robinson Road boat ramp areas. The concept plans and drop-in sessions follow several meetings with a primary users group about their needs and desires for the areas. Now, we want to hear from the wider community. People

can have their say on the proposed plans online at tcdc.govt.nz/whitiangaesplanade or join us at one of the drop-in sessions:

Have your say:

SUMMER REOPENING OF CATHEDRAL COVE AT RISK

Work to reinstate access to Cathedral Cove has reached a critical stage with contractors intercepting dozens of visitors a day. Reopening of the track for summer will only be possible if people stay away to allow workers to complete construction. More information can be found at doc.govt.nz

Check out our Summer Tips and Info

tcdc.govt.nz/summerinfo

Sea spurge

Infestations of the toxic species sea spurge have been found in Northland and our Council want to prevent its arrival here in the Coromandel.

Sea spurge looks like a small shrub, usually up to half a metre tall. It has green stems often reddish at the base with spiky, tightly packed leaves and greenish ﬂowers on the end of the stems. It can quickly take over our dunes, push out our native plants and destroy shorebird habitat. It is also toxic – the sap can burn skin and potentially cause temporary blindness.

• Friday 29 November, by playground 1pm–3pm then Robinson Road reserve 4pm–6pm

• Friday 6 December, by playground 1pm-4pm

• Saturday 7 December, Whitianga Citi Markets 8am–1pm

ANNUAL REPORT DONE

Our 2023/24 Annual Report has been independently audited and signed oﬀ, wrapping up the last ﬁnancial year. Check it out here: tcdc.govt.nz/annualreport2023

Works begin on Bu alo Beach rock wall

Work is well underway to extend Buﬀalo Beach’s rock wall after damage from Cyclone Gabrielle eroded a part of the beach reserve.

Traﬀic is asked to reduce speed and pedestrians to cross the road around the site of the works, near Halligan Road.

Our Council is looking forward to completion of the project, which should be by the end of the month. Planting and landscaping of the area will be carried out around April next year.

If you come across the weed, do not handle it as it can spread seeds and the toxic sap can cause injury if the stems are broken or cut.

Instead, people can take photos of the site and plant, including close ups of the leaves and ﬂowers, record your location using GPS or Google if possible and report any sightings to the Ministry of Primary Industry on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz/pest

More information can be found at tcdc.govt.nz/buﬀalobeachrockwall

A word from our Deputy Board Chair Rekha Giri-Percival

“It’s great to see the Buﬀalo Beach rock wall works progressing for completion in time for a busy summer.

I’m looking forward to enjoying the beach with friends and family over the holiday season and I’m sure you are too. It’s encouraging to know contractors will return in April next year when things cool down for planting and landscaping to help beautify the area. Speaking of our beaches and waterfront access, consultation is about to begin on the Whitianga Esplanade Redevelopment project.

Drop-in sessions are being held where people can learn more and have their say on what they prefer for the Whitianga Wharf, esplanade and boat ramp areas. Our waterfront area is important to all of us so it’s equally important everyone has their say on what they’d like to see done with it. Make sure you’re part of the plans by joining us at the sessions or checking the project out online at tcdc.govt.nz/whitiangaesplanade” rekha.giri-percival@council.tcdc.govt.nz

At its meeting on Wednesday 30 October, the Board approved funding to help the Mercury Bay Business Association hold its annual Santa Parade and Christmas markets. The board also agreed to help fund a return of the popular Fairies, Pirates and Princesses in the Park event this summer.

The Board’s next meeting is on Wednesday 4 December, at 9am at the Council board room at 10 Monk Street, Whitianga. Agendas are available two working days before meetings at tcdc.govt.nz/meetings

A unique feature of our local school

EDITED BY GEORGE FLETCHER

On June 14, The Informer (weekly paper for the Coromandel Peninsula) wrote about ‘the plane getting close to completion.’ The article was taken from a monthly report sent by the Mercury Bay Area School plane build project which is a unique extra-curricular programme offered by the school. We were writing about the fifth Vans RV-12 aircraft which was being built by the students.

On Saturday, 9 December, at 10am that fifth RV-12 took its maiden flight with Tony Turner at the controls. Lynda and Leigh Hopper of Waterways and Hopper Developments had purchased the plane in its kit form and three years later the plane is in the air and can regularly be seen in the skies above Whitianga. Lynda is the RV-12’s first owner.

The success of this long-term project relies on people being willing to buy a plane in kit form and then trusting the students to build an aircraft which is finished to perfection. This has occurred five times now in the 14 years of Plane Build. The project is currently building their sixth RV-12. Well Done!

It was a very special day out at the Whitianga Airfield for MBAS and for Mercury Bay Aero Club (MBAC). All five aircraft and their pilots were there, all of which

took off from the airfield one after the other in celebration of a great achievement. Television One’s Seven Sharp was there and filmed a segment on the Plane Build. Seven Sharp was out at the airfield 12 years ago when the first RV-12 had its maiden flight. Cara Bosman who was a student at MBAS and took part in the building of ZK-MBB, was there to show off her skills at flying the plane that she helped build.

Other schools have mounted similar programmes but have built just the one plane. This is a long-term commitment by Mercury Bay Area School and Mercury Bay Aero Club to engage

students to be a part of building an RV 12 – (two-seater light aircraft) from start to finish. They are all kits which need to be put together, but it is indeed an intricate and difficult task for which persistence and a commitment to learning and careful attention to detail is required. The plane build team works every week with the students and after every stage, they conduct a very careful inspection of everything to date.

Tony Turner has been the chief project officer co-ordinating the plane build. He works with the students every Wednesday afternoon in a shed close to the airfield. Students apply to be part of

“Some of our past students have become commercial pilots and aircraft engineers because of their experience on the plane build.”

this unique project.

“It’s very rewarding to see a student who knows virtually nothing about aircraft or building them, become passionate about learning and even choose to learn to fly. Some of our past students have become commercial pilots and aircraft engineers because of their experience on the plane build,” says Tony.

Every student involved gets a ride in a plane that was previously built by their peers, and if they are eager to learn to fly, the Whitianga Aero Club generously provides their club plane at a substantially reduced rate.

The amazing Project started in 2010 with Mercury Bay Aero Club member Jim Evans. Jim purchased the first aircraft kit with the intention of getting students to build it as part of a school project. Jim’s background as an aircraft engineer and his commitment to young people made him the perfect person to start such an amazing project. He was extremely passionate about teaching students how an aircraft operated and his love of flying was undeniably infectious. Over the years, many members of the

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aero club have helped carry on his legacy. The job now rests with Tony Turner with the assistance of some dedicated mentors from the Whitianga community.

The continuation of the plane build programme is now uncertain. Tony has carried on the dream since Jim passed away five years ago, but he is now uncertain whether he wishes to take on another one.

“The cost of the kitset has risen considerably, so finding a new purchaser will not be easy. Also, there is now a scarcity of good, knowledgeable people in town who are prepared to volunteer their time to mentor the students.”

Editor’s note: Mercury Bay Area School is the only school in the country to offer a plane build programme. The students spend one afternoon a week down at the airfield learning to build aircraft. This is an outstanding contribution to our young people’s future in this country.

Do you have skills in building aircraft? Would you like to volunteer your time to assist our students in this amazing project? If so, email: admin@mbas. ac.nz

An adapted form of this article is in The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2024/2025 p.113

Lynda and Leigh Hopper with the new plane they purchased as a kit three years ago.

Council Report Card? Or Manifesto?

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

The other day I woke to find somebody had left a copy of the TCDC’s magazine called Our Coromandel on my doorstep. Literally left on doorstep, I almost tripped over it on my way down the drive to get the morning paper.

I presumed it was left by a staff member disgruntled about how much rate payer money the Council’s Communications (PR, Spin etc) Department was given to spend on unproductive areas, but I do not know this for sure.

Anyhow, I was curious to see if this magazine was to be useful for the public of Coromandel or visitors. I hoped it would not be the opposite, just a Council FIGJAM. I settled down to have a read and give you all the following report.

The first major article was a report from our Mayor which spread out over two pages. The main revelation in this section is that Len’s best quality is listening to people. On the surface this would appear to be correct after all I was present at the public meeting where he stated “That if Whitianga wanted a block wall (for Buffalo Beach) it could have it, subject to budgetary constraints”. He obviously read the room cor-

rectly with that one. It would be great if he also had a strength of doing what he said he would, but I guess that might happen in elec tion year, or perhaps will be done by the next Mayor.

The Councillors are not left out of the lime light with a number of pages being devoted to small items about each councillor. I found it amazing how effective they had been at fixing roads, stopping seas from rising and generally doing good works around the Coromandel.

None of them claimed to be a great listener so it’s a good thing we had the Mayor on board for this task.

Community Board Members were also given the ability to promote themselves which they generally did with gusto, none more so than Community Board Chair, Krissy Robinson who had her picture taken putting on the local Mini-Putt Course she runs with her husband. Two adverts for one on the rate payer has got to be a better return for our buck.

A number of TCDC staff were saluted in the magazine, starting with the CEO, pictured blowing her own trumpet and describing her first year or so at TCDC, and finishing with a section hidden on page 113 that featured a small

article and picture of four staff members, Kath, Shubham, Luke and Bubbles. All seemed to be good people who enjoyed working for TCDC, but I couldn’t help but think with the significant staff level increases at TCDC a section on all new staff members with an explanation as to cost and purpose would have been enlightening for the Rate Payers. Roughly divided into sections based upon the wards, each section also included a page saluting a local who was involved with their community. This honouring of a local volunteer was a nice gesture, and helps introduce these people to the wider

community. For Mercury Bay Jon Maud was profiled for the years of commitment he has given to the Bike Park – thoroughly deserved recognition. Apart from the sections focussed on people, the magazine also sets out to list achievements although for many of these it appeared that they are possibly future plans rather than achievements. For example the Whitianga Esplanade Redevelopment doesn’t appear to be anything other than a budget at the moment although we note that the Buffalo Beach Erosion fix, known as the Shark Bite, has finally commenced after 18 months. The longest small job imaginable. There are various articles on general issues that seek to be informative. One was on economic concepts written by the Council’s Economic Development Advisor. In this article, she posed the question “How does a place lift living standards…” and then answers her question with “through decisions and action”. One wonders how the decision to increase our rates by over 13% increases our living standards. There were a number of such articles which will appeal to different people. Articles on commerce, walking,

biking, sports and things to do. The climate industry couldn’t be kept at bay, featuring in an article on the saving of Thames from rising sea levels. These have been at 1.6mm per annum over the past century but now it is claimed a 300mm rise within 20 years is “locked in”. I hope there is more evidence than this going into the decision to spend $78million on sea walls in Thames, after all we do not want to over capitalise the town.

I did find a statistical article detailing the makeup of our population to be quite interesting. It told me that the average household income in the TCDC region was $79,580 whereas for the rest of New Zealand it was $132,540. Yet my rates are now over $4,000 a year. Makes me question how much money we are wasting at Council HQ.

At almost 130 pages long this magazine runs out of things to say so is packed out with advertorials. There is some useful stuff which is worth reading but this could have been circulated as a standard newsletter. This really did come across as an expensive self-congratulatory pat on the back for Council, a grand FIGJAM; the necessity of which I am sure others will also question.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LEST WE FORGET

Growing up a little children, we well remember seeing photos on the wall of uncles and friends, who perished in the World Wars. We also remember those who came home to be looked after. We remember them with great love.

Treveene Goldsbury, Whitianga INSIGHT ON BOTTOM TRAWLING

(Response to Scott McIndoe Nov 5 - Letters to Editor The Informer). Well I never! I thought Scott Macindoe must have disappeared off the face of the earth. I have been waiting 13 years for him to reply to my suggestion that perhaps bottom trawling isn’t nearly so destructive as he and Legasea portray.

I likened dredging/trawling to harrowing a paddock, and yes, the bottom does get stirred up, but whether that can be seen as destructive or revitalising, Scott couldn’t say. He intended doing more research and getting back to me.

Over the intervening years, I have taken particular notice of shifting sands, and quite frankly, nature has a habit of shifting tons and tons of sand in very short spans of time. In all probability, scallops and all other bottom dwelling life forms could be totally unsettled by such movements and possibly buried. To lay the blame on commercial fishers for depletion of species/damaging the seafloor is stretching a bow. In Whangapoua harbour for instance, pipi beds are not always in the same places. Swimming off the beach two consecutive days over Labour weekend, the exact spot on day one had deep hollows making it difficult to walk evenly. Yet on day two, the sand surface was as flat as a pancake. It seems to me that Scott and Legasea supporters are just against commercial fishing per

se-and will dredge up (excuse the pun) any excuse to be rid of commercial fishers and to hell with those who don’t have the luxury of catching their own fish.

Gail Morgan Te Rerenga

COUNCIL SPENDING PRIORITIES

Reference to the opinion article by Martin Spinks published on p20 of the 19 November The Informer issue Mr Spinks writes of TCDC’s work to extend Council services (widen the roadway and improve water supply, stormwater and wastewater services) up Totara Valley Road, Thames, in order to enable residential development. This is not Council acting as a speculative property developer, as Mr Spinks states.

The Thames and Surrounds Spatial Plan, developed recently with significant public input, identified that Totara Valley is the most appropriate area for urban development in the vicinity of Thames. It is zoned residential and has been viewed as a potential area for residential development for more than 20 years.

The Thames Business Association has surveyed local businesses and they identified as a significant concern the shortage

of affordable housing in the area for staff. The Thames and Surrounds Spatial Plan also identified that a critical shortage of serviced residential land in the Thames area has resulted in a chronic undersupply of housing over the last two decades. This has seen nearby towns such as Ngatea and Paeroa (in Hauraki District) expand and provide housing for people who work in Thames, with consequences to the TCDC ratepayer base and the Coromandel’s economic vitality.

Mr Spinks says there are consistently more than 100 properties for sale in the Thames area, and concludes from this that there is no housing shortage and therefore no need to invest in infrastructure to enable housing development. Councils have a mandated responsibility to plan beyond short-term housing cycles. One of the objectives of the Thames and Surrounds Spatial Plan is to address housing needs over the next 30-50 years. Short-term thinking and lack of investment in enabling infrastructure have resulted in New Zealand having one of the most unaffordable housing markets in the world. The Coromandel has the worst housing affordability index in the country, worse than

Queenstown, Auckland, Tauranga and Wellington.

LOCAL PAPERS THAT ARE LOCAL

I advertise in community papers all around the Motu. News that 14 are closing is not surprising. Before I start a trip, I often call locals and ask, “which paper do people actually read around here?” All the differing papers will claim theirs is most read. The ones owned by NZME have many articles that are a repetition of The Herald which many now read online, especially if The Herald is not available locally. Hence, they want a local paper that is devoted to their own issues. The Flagstaff in Devonport (my local paper) is a great example and there are many others.

Hamish Walsh Antiques Devonport

TCDC RATE HIKE REALITIES OVERSIMPLIFIED

Flemming Rasmussen’s critique of TCDC’s rate increases The Informer 12 Nov) oversimplifies the issue, overlooking numerous new responsibilities from central government without the requisite funding, and the impact of global/ national economic pressures. These added responsibilities and

costs are beyond council control, yet heavily affect budgets.

The most significant unfunded mandate is the current government’s “Three Waters” reform, shifting billions in water management costs to councils without adequate funding. Other new government dictates forcing TCDC rate increases include waste minimisation standards, tourism-driven demand for infrastructure, and changing alcohol and urban development policies. Rasmussen overlooks that TCDC’s rate increase aligns with the national average, with some councils raising rates by over 20%. Are all these councils financially incompetent? Global inflation and high interest rates driven by COVID-19 and the Ukraine war impacted everyone; blaming TCDC alone is disingenuous and misguided.

He also fails to mention that much of the rate increase is for repairs to infrastructure devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe storms. TCDC is not to blame for climate-changedriven damage to our road network and infrastructure.

Contrary to Rasmussen’s thesis, TCDC operates with lean staffing—one staff per 120 households, far lower than Waitomo’s one per 22 and South Waikato’s 24. He also ignores that standardised council salaries require TCDC to offer competitive pay. Rasmussen overlooks the $100 million TCDC allocated for coastal protection as rising seas threaten communities. Rates could rise by thousands annually for seawalls or relocations—but is sea level rise, and addressing it, really the council’s fault?

Rasmussen’s articles oversimplify council issues, leaning toward campaign rhetoric. If he has election ambitions, transparency about his intentions would be appropriate?

Denis Tegg, Thames

SPORTS RESULTS

DOUBLE TROUBLE REGATTA HOSTED BY MERCURY BAY BOATING CLUB

Saturday, 23 November –

Sunday, 24 November

Three classes of boats: Hobie 16; A-Class; Tornado Hobie 16 fleet: 1st: Zane Blomfield, Manly Sailing Club, 2nd: Loiuis Flamment, European World

Champion, 3rd: Jonathan Kline, Mercury Bay Boating Club.

A-Class: 1st: David Haylock, Wakatere Boating Club, 2nd: Patrick Ashby, Wakatere Boating Club, 3rd: Hamish Hall Smith, Wakatere Boating Club.

Tornado: 1st: Winston Ordish Benner, Tauranga Yacht Club, 2nd: Jason Marra, Tau-

ranga Yacht Club, 3rd: Ross McGuigan, Tauranga Yacht Club

Jonathan Kline was the previous Commodore before Phil Hart. He is the ultimate sailor especially for coaching young people and longs for the restored Mercury Bay Boating clubhouse. To find its home. Jonathan Kline WhatsApp: +64 27 392 7280

Whitianga Playcentre wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to the following businesses for their generous support of our recent Clothes Swap Fundraiser.

Your charitable donations have given us a great boost towards repairing our current playground, with our long-term goal being to replace the playground entirely.

We also wish to thank everyone who attended the evening, we were delighted to hear your positive comments and see that everyone went home with something new to them, as well as those who offered ideas, suggestions and/or further fundraising opportunities.

We look forward to seeing you all and more for our next bigger and better winter swish night!

A big thank you to our kind sponsors:

Annual Joe Oliver Memorial (pig) Hunt award

Farac-Ciprian and his son, Taylor Farac-Ciprian (5 years).

Note: Steve and Craig started the hunt after the death of their good mate, Joe Oliver. This photo was printed in an earlier edition of The Coromandel Informer, but the names provided to us by the Whitianga Pig Hunting Club were not correct. We have obliged with a reprint for the sake of the little guy, Taylor and for the records of the Joe Oliver Memorial Hunt.

25-29 November – Cheapest time ever to join the Gut Health Programme to remove weight and feel energised again. We still have time before Christmas, or you may choose to heal your gut after Christmas and remove the Christmas weight gain and more.

GUT HEALTH is a 30 day programme. As the gut heals, the old stored fat is removed.

I have lost 10kg and my colleague, Maria has lost 8kg and we have both maintained that weight loss since March 2024. We became GUT HEALTH mentors because of the success we had in our journey to enjoy well-being and be energised.

One of my clients recently said,

“I feel like I have added years to my life; my whole body shape has returned to the way it was thirty years ago.” That has been similar to our experience and so we decided to help others.

We mentor globally and we are in 33 different countries. You can be anywhere to do this programme.

To work locally with our own community is very important and we are in Mercury Bay.

How do you get started ? Send Theresa or Maria a message on Facebook, text or phone or email.

They will create a cart for you to purchase with the right supplements most beneficial to you. It might be you want to lose a certain amount of weight, or simply heal your gut; or both.

After purchase, you receive a programme which includes a huge choice of foods and recipes for your daily living, a private Facebook group and one on one mentoring to guide you. You will have your own personal ‘Weigh In To Me’ app which records your own private information.

Theresa Collins-Johnson

Maria McCullough

Whitianga

The winners of both the Joe Oliver Memorial Shield and the Biggest Tusks Trophy were Peter Fisher, Greg

Craig Hodge, Peter Fisher (with shield), and Steve Crake. In front are Greg Farac-Ciprian with Taylor Farac-Ciprian.

GAMES AND PUZZLES

WHAT'S ON

OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop

– Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every MonSat 10am-2pm.

St John Opportunity Shop – 29 Albert St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm and Sat 9.30am-2pm.

St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Whitianga. 9.30am-1pm Wed-Sat. Social Services Op-shop – 15 Coghill St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-2pm. Donations welcome.

SPCA Op-shop – 2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 9am-4pm.

MONTHLY

AA Driver Licensing – Friday 13 December and Monday 23 December.. In the Mercury Bay Service Centre Community Board Room in Monk St (behind the council offices).

American Muscle Street and Custom Club Whitianga – Club meetings first Sunday of the month, 11am at Buffalo Beach Reserve for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822.

Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New members welcome. Ph Anne on 07 866 0268 for more information.

Craft Group – Meets first Saturday of the month 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph Alison 021 0508 772 or Sally 027 3962 383. Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed of the month. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com.

Mercury Bay Model Railway Club – Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650 Mercury Bay Shooting Federation – Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email mbsfsecretary@gmail.com

Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) – Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Joan on 07 866 3801 or 027 275 1372.

BI-MONTHLY

Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc – We meet bimonthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737.

FORTNIGHTLY

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

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

Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016. Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information. Writers’ Club – Tuesday fortnightly between 4-6pm at The Coromandel Informers foyer, Monk St, Whitianga.

WEEKLY OR MORE

Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.

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

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

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

Chinwag Café – Every Friday from 10.30am12.30pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag. Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from 9am-1pm.

Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Wood.

Cooks Beach Care Group – Join our friendly team and learn about coastal conservation. Come weeding and planting. Thursday mornings. Register www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz

Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling Club – On summer break. Recommencing 2025. Contact Coral Strong 021 2303 944.

Dog walking group – Every Thurs, 2pm, Lovers Rock, Robinson Road. All breeds and sizes welcome to a very sociable group. Ph Jenny on 021 186 5797.

Hahei Contract Bridge Club – Every Tuesday 12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Learners and casual welcome. Contact Don Barry 021 741 959 or Robyn Hogg 021543015.

Meditation Classes – Thursday evening.

Spiritual, heart, soul development. Sacred energy, chakra activations, working with spiritual guides. Open forum conversation, Thursdays, 6.30pm at Flat 1, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga. Cost $10. Contact Verna 027 320 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com.

Meditation Stress Reduction Circle –

Whitianga – Mondays from 7.30-9pm at the Embassy of Friendship, 5 Coghill St. More info Steffen Lindner (Counsellor, Therapist & Mindfulness Facilitator) ph 022 0853 121 or email steffen@eof.nz

Mercury Bay Badminton Club – Thurs 5-7pm, 4 courts at MBAS gym. Please note club nights currently limited to existing club members due to high attendance levels. Contact: Steve 027 211 3568

Mercury Bay Badminton – Every Wednesday 9-11am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Social badminton. Casual players and visitors are welcome. Players of all levels, ages 16+. Phone Carol 027 474 7493 for more information.

Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports Club – 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday & Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772.

Mercury Bay Bridge Club – Every Wednesday at 1pm and every Thursday at 7pm at the MB Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. For more information, phone Gavin on 021 146 9203.

Mercury Bay Community Choir – Mondays 6.15-8.15pm, Music Room MBAS. Inclusive, open, friendly choir – no prior singing experience needed, no auditions. Start date 5th August Contact Kate 027 2709 058 for details.

Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised prior. For more information, please email mbenvironmentaltrust@gmail.com or go to www.mbet.co.nz.

Mercury Bay Pickleball Club – At Mercury Bay Area School Gymnasium, Every Tuesday Members Night 5.30-7.30pm; Sundays Social/ Training/ Newcomers 2.00-4.00pm & Intermediate Plus 4.00-6.00pm. $5 per session (first session free).Moewai Sportspark Outdoor Sessions - weather dependant & advised per our facebook page. Matarangi (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 4-6pm, Sun 10-12pm. Contact Tony 021426150.

Mercury Bay Squash Club – New members/ enquiries to Dawn Thurgood mercbaysquash@ gmail.com

Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tues, 9-11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Ph Anne on 07 869 5162 or 027 565 5575 for more info.

Mercury Bay Tennis Club – Social tennis at Lyon Park on Thursdays at 5.30pm. All welcome. Ph Jason 022 186 7992 or Carl 027 680 5570. Oneness Meditation Centre – The centre focuses on the meditative art of going deeper within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Every Monday, 9.30-11.00am. Further info. text Linda 027 650 4881 or email linda_c@orcon.net. nz

Spiritual Coffee Mornings – Every Tues and Wed, 10.30-11.30am, 19 Monk St, the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in some great conversation where we talk about topics and subjects that have meaning. Gold coin donation. Contact Verna 027 320 0079. Strength, Balance and Mobility classes for Seniors – Men and women, every Thurs 1011am at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. $2 per session. Contact Lisa Jury on 027 351 7110 for further information.

Tai Chi for beginners – Town Hall, Mondays 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 5146 for more info.

Tai Do Martial Arts – Town Hall, Tues/Wed 6-7.30pm. Ph Tony 027 333 5146. Tairua Contract Bridge Club – Every Monday at 12.30pm at the Tairua Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726. Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30am12.30pm every Wednesday morning at the Hahei Community Centre. Ages newborn-5years. We invite all parents, carers, visitors and grandparents. Contact whenuakiteareaplaygroup@gmail.com

Whitianga Art Group – Every Thurs/Fri 10am4pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for more information.

Whitianga Menz Shed – Open Tues/Thurs, 9am-12 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel truck stop. All welcome. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9am12 noon, 1F White St. Contact whitianga@ playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947. Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor bowls and card games. Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk St, 1pm-4pm. Join us for a fun time and afternoon tea, 55+ age group. Phone Lionel Lawrence (president) on 027 274 6964 for more info.

Whiti Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every Tues 9am start. For more information phone Margaret on 027 7802 744. All levels welcome.

Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information.

DANCING

Argentine Tango Dance Class – Fridays, Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prior experience or partner necessary. Text Sergio for questions 027 410 2454

Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran.com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm. Mercury Bay Dance Club – Recreational dance lessons. Thurs 6-7pm. Book with Kathleen 022 154 1702 and/or check out the Facebook page. facebook.com/mercurybaydanceclub/. Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Tues, beginners 11.15am-12.15pm; seniors 12.302.30pm; Thurs, absolute beginners 11.30am12.30pm, improvers 12.45-2.45pm. Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Ph Margaret 027 463 8850 or Glynis 021 1099 155. SALSA/Merengue/Bachata and Cha Cha –Contact Molly, events@beatfairy.com. Every Monday from 6.30-7.30pm at Monkey House. $20 per class which includes a drink. Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes – Town Hall, Monk St, $5 per session. Intermediate classes Wed, 12-1.30pm; Beginner/Improver classes Monday 10.30-11.45am. Contact Cecily 027 294 1750 or Kathy 027 4321 353 Zumba – Wednesdays at 5.30pm at gym for Zumba and Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk St. GROUP INFO

Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact mercurybayathletics@gmail.com

Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. Phone Barb 0274 075 268.

SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated –Learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Sheryll Carruthers 021 022 62504 or email seniornet. whitianga.admin@gmail.com.

Whitianga Bike Park – 144 Moewai Rd, Whitianga. Open 24/7. Many bike tracks available, picnic areas, BBQs and walking trails. Donations welcome on entry. If you wish to volunteer or for programme enquiries, contact John 027 366 4606.

Whitianga Gun Club – For information, phone Mike Deverell 0274 959 477 or Graham Sutcliffe on 021 846 655.

Whitianga Community Patrol – Monitors the township and neighbourhood. If interested in volunteering, ph Gary 027 391 3043.

GIVE AWAY DAY

The Whitianga Baptist Church Saturday 7 December All donated goods are available from 8.30am to noon on Saturday. EVERYTHING IS FREE Everything donated can be taken on the day. The children of some families are able to select nice gifts for their siblings.

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. Your Summer 2024/2025 magazine is out now Pick up your copy from The Informer office, Whitianga, or from the many stands around the Coromandel. Be sure to have one in your holiday accommodation

TRADES AND SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS

SPORTS RESULTS

COOKS BEACH INDOOR BOWLS

CABIN FOR SALE

GARAGE SALE

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB

Handicap Pairs Round 8

ROAD CLOSURE

Albert Street, from Lee Street to Hannan Road, Whitianga. November 30 – 2pm-9pm

Moving on household clearout.

November 8.00am2.00pm 7 Cholmondeley Crescent, Whitianga GARAGE

CABIN FOR SALE IN MERCURY BAY HOLIDAY PARK, WHITIANGA

$325,000

Lounge/kitchen (fridge/freezer & small dishwasher included), main bedroom with great storage, 2nd bedroom with built in bunk. * Recently redecorated * Sunny * Handy to town CONTACT JEFF 0274712234 to view

Any correspondence to: mbba@whitianga.co.nz Mercury Bay Business Association

Any correspondence to: mbba@whitianga.co.nz Mercury Bay Business Association VERNER, Beverley

MOVING ROAD CLOSURE

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

Wednesday 13 November was end of year competition day at Cooks beach Indoor Bowling Club

This last competition of the year, constituted two teams * Tom Riddle, Keith Wright, Sumer Bartlett and Frank Cautton played Dave Vujcich, Colleen Hunt, Brian Hill and Phil Costello. After 7 ends of the last game, they “tied”, so another end was played and this time there was a difference of one point. The winning team members were Dave, Colleen, Brian and Phil. There was a lot of concentration, instruction, direction and visualisation. Well done to both teams.

2 Cook Drive, Whitianga Wednesday 4 December 2024 Commencing at 1730 Nga mihi Tony Marsters General Manager

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

Round Three Slipper Pairs

North/South: 1, Jill Huston & Johanna Bonnar 55.50; 2, Jo Feasey & Doreen Wernham 55.00; 3, Chris Death & Peter Clark.

East/West: 1, Lee Hughes & Sue Poland 57.50; 2, Ton van der Meer & Jocelyn Taylor 57.00; 3, Jim & Heather Buffett 55.00.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Cathedral Cove Pairs Week 3

Tuesday 19 November

North/South: 1, Bev Dickie and Robyn Hogg 61.46; 2, Don Barry and Peter Hogg 57.81; 3, Pam Churchill and Dave Dylla 56.25.

East/West: 1 Anne Knowles and Denis Knutson 58.13, 2 Lee Hughes and Johanna Bonnar 56.25, 3 Alison Tichbon and Maggie Beattie 53.75.

Wednesday, 20 November

North/South:1 Robyn Hogg & Susan Swan 52.8; 2 Gavin Hedwig & Kate Palmano 52.7; Diny Naus & Johanna Bonnar 47.4. East/West: 1 Dave Dylla & Denise Knutson 56.1; 2 Pat Doube & Jan Autumn 53.6; Amy Hyde & Geoff Jervis 52.8

Lost Spring Pairs Round 2 Thursday, 21 November 1, Ischelle Stevenson & Amy Hyde 66.7; 2, Pat Doube & Julie Rutledge 52.1; 3=, Faith Stock & Angela Cook, Rose Tegg & Steven Knowles 50.0.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday 20 November

Best of three frames: Eleven players on Wednesday players and it was Peter Schultz, Ian Baumgren and Wayne Malcolm with two straight wins each to challenge the finals. Wayne won the drawn bye and Peter and Ian battled out the semifinal with a close win to Ian to go on to meet Wayne in the final. Another exciting match with Ian getting the win on the pink. Runner up Wayne Malcolm and with two wins Peter Schultz and Brian Codyre who also had the highest break of 20. Saturday, 23 November Best of three frames: Eight players on Saturday and it was Doug Pascoe and Ian Baumgren with two straight wins to challenge the final frame. Ian was on form and took a comfortable win and the cash prize. With two wins Doug Pascoe, Rob Reilly and Phil Jones. Highest break Jason Smith with 21.

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS 12 players this week, so 501 singles were played. Two players went through winning three of their four sets of games, they were Selwyn Whatarangi and Mike Gillett. A one game final was played and Mike Gillett came away with the win. The highest finishes this week were 76 for the ladies, scored by Chris Bennett and 71

Due to large increases in printing, paper and delivery costs we have had to reconfigure the layout of our Trades & Services and Classifieds section. The size of the adverts have changed slightly so that we haven’t had to increase the cost of your advert.

Winning team: Dave Vujcich, Brian Hill, Colleen Hunt, Phil Costello.

SPORTS RESULTS

for the men, scored by Malcolm Cryer. No 180s scored this week

MERCURY BAY PICKLEBALL CLUB –LEAGUE Q4

Round 13- 19 November

Court 1 - 1, Tim Stephens; 2, Hakan Nedjat; 3, Eisaku Tsumura Court 2 - 1, Dan Emmott; 2, Jim Gavegan; 3, Grahame Christian Court 3 - 1, Tom Duncan; 2, Rachel Johnstone; 3, Geoff Garrett Court 4 - 1, Karen Schaumkell; 2, Brenda Reid; 3, Hamish Judson

Round 14- 19 November

Court 1 - 1, Eisaku Tsumura; 2, Tony Minto; 3, Hakan Nedjat Court 2 - 1, Justin Woolley; 2, Grahame Christian; 3, Jim Gavegan Court 3 - 1, Graeme Eady; 2, Josh Muwanguzi; 3, Rachel Johnstone Court 4 - 1, Hamish Judson 2, John East 3, Brenda Reid

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

9-hole Women – Stableford

Tuesday 19 November

Div 1: 1, Christine Godden; 2, Alison; 3, Glennis Drane.

Div 2: 1, Felicity Sanders; 2, Jean Hancock; 3, Judy Hindrup. 9-hole Men - Stableford

1, Allan Barradale; 2, Patrick Gonthier, 3, Don Maquire

18-hole Women – Lone Ranger

Wednesday 20 November

1, Marg Maher, Rachel Johnstone, Shay Geach; 2, Jillian Kent, Mary-Jane Barry, Kim Allan.

Twos: Diane Eccles

Nearest Pin #4: Anita Ellmers: Nearest Pin #18: Marg Maher

Longest Putt: Jo Geoghegan. 18-hole Men – Stableford

1, Greg Peterken; 2, Dave Enright; 3, Ron Watson.

Twos: Ken George, Willie Jones, Dom Szparagowski, Dave Enright

Gross: Div 1: Dave Enright; Div 2 – Jim Biddick

9-hole Mixed Scramble – Stableford

Friday 22 November

1, Graham Dun; 2, Gavin Green; 3, Peter Chaffin

Twos: Roger Pheasant, Bob Holliday 18-hole Men - Stableford

Saturday 23 November

1, John Bow; 2, Patrick Gonthier; 3, Jack Coldicutt

Gross: Kerry Allan Vets Trophy Day

Sunday 24 November

Women’s Vets - Julie Rutledge; Grandmothers Cup - Christine Lowe 9 Hole Women’s Vet – Jean Hancock Men’s Vets - John Bow; Grandfather’s

Cup - Micky Henderson

9-hole Men’s Vet – Don Maguire

PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY

CLUB

9-hole Stableford

Sunday 24 November

1, Richard Duckworth; 2, Lauren Stephens; 3, Anne Costello; 4, Wayne Morrison.; 5=, Annabel Wharton, Jo Geoghegan, John Hamilton.

Nine-hole Stableford

Thursday 21 November

1. Jill Huston; 2= Anne Costello, Neil Robertson; 4= Annabel Wharton, Richard Duckworth, Tim Tennison. Annual competition Cooks Beach v Hahei

Saturday 23 November

13-hole Stableford from yellow tees

Winner: Hahei

DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB

Twilight Golf Stableford

Sunday 17 November

1, Robert Fisken; 2, Megan Schick; 3, Tony Nicholson; 4, Ruth Fisken; 5, Chrissie Smith (20)

9-hole Men Stableford

Monday 18 November

1, Rey Bertling; 2, Lance Croawell; 3, Graham Kemp.

Men’s 18-hole Blue/Red Day

Stableford

Wednesday 20 November

1, Geoff Atmore; 2, Peter Mathias; 3, Graham Harrison; 4, Mark Hall.

Two’: Ivan Adams, Ross Alexander, Paul Melloy.

Nearest the Pin: Tracey Mulligan.

9-hole Three Blind Mice

Thursday ,21 November

1, David Ellis; 2, Noel Rogers. 9-hole B9 Haggle

Thursday, 21 November

1, Graeme Kensington; 2, Rey Bertling; 3, Noel Rogers; 4, David Ellis; 5, Lance Croawell.

18-hole Women Waltz

Thursday, 21 November

1, Noleen Mulligan, Mary Sharp and Brenda Riggs; 2, Sandra Bowen, Polly Lambert, Marie Murphy.

Twos: Bev Gwyn Haggle (Stableford)

Saturday 23 November

1, Kevin Verner; 2, Allison Drake-Wells; 3, Brent Holtom; 4, David Gaskell.

Twos: Max Gaskell, Tony De Coek, Gary Bancroft

Nearest the Pin: Polly Lambert

Twilight Golf (Stableford)

Sunday 17 November

1, Steve Airey; 2, Peter Sharp; 3, Rowan Toms

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Scan barcode to take you directly to our website

For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com The home of BIG SCREEN entertainment on the Coromandel

The Coromandel Informer is published weekly and distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of them are entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name, telephone number or residential address. Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher and can be cut if too big. Published by The Mercury Bay Informer Limited.

Editors: Pauline and Stan Stewart (027 271 6182)

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

Business Manager: Emma Gaunt

Newspaper Layout: Diane Andrew

Social Media: EMD Agency

Circulation: 9000

Office: 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Telephone (07) 866 2090

Editorial: info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising: sales@theinformer.co.nz Admin: office@theinformer.co.nz After hours: 027 271 6182

Winners of the Vets Trophy Day – Jean Hancock, John Bow, Christine Lowe, Julie Rutledge, Micky Henderson and Don Mcguire.

Issue 1133 - 26th November 2024

Sixth annual Double Trouble complete

YOUTH SAILING A FEATURE OF MERCURY BAY BOATING CLUB

Whitianga waterfront redevelopment up for discussion

This article is from The New Zealand Herald, journalist Al Williams, Waikato Herald.

Welcome UMINO HOSHIS Sushi

Supreme award for Pahi Coastal Walk

Introducing Shoreline Painters Whitianga:

Your Trusted Local Painting Experts

A great colouring-in or painting-in competition

WHITIANGA WHITIANGA SANTA SANTA

Spring Fling this weekend

Transport is my main topic

People need to voice their concern or issue

Nov 2024 Market Snapshot - Resilience Amid Change

A Closer r Look at the Market t

Your Trrusted Market Leader

Your Move Your Future

WANT

WAITAIA NURSERY

To market this weekend

COROGLEN MARKETS

Colouring-in/ painting-in competition details

Sponsored by Shoreline Painters

CHRISTMAS EVE

En Pointe Dance Christmas show

A buzzing emergency with bees and live power box

MERCURY BAY PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC

PINKY’S christmas season Merry Christmas

Surprise, surprise!

coming STAN’S STUFF

Great turnout at CRANK UP

“Lies, damn lies and statistics”

A rebuttal of TCDC political point scoring

CONTESTING IRREFUTABLE FACTS

FACTS V POLITICS

LACK OF BASIC UNDERSTANDING (NUMERACY)

Whitianga Lodge celebrates its Jubilee

Coromandel Our

News from Thames-Coromandel District Council

Esplanade Redevelopment Plans

SUMMER REOPENING OF CATHEDRAL COVE AT RISK

Sea spurge

ANNUAL REPORT DONE

Works begin on Bu alo Beach rock wall

A unique feature of our local school

Council Report Card? Or Manifesto?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LEST WE FORGET

SPORTS RESULTS

Annual Joe Oliver Memorial (pig) Hunt award

GAMES AND PUZZLES

WHAT'S ON

OP SHOPS

MONTHLY

WEEKLY OR MORE

GIVE AWAY DAY

TRADES AND SERVICES

CLASSIFIEDS

SPORTS RESULTS

CABIN FOR SALE

GARAGE SALE

ROAD CLOSURE

MOVING ROAD CLOSURE

SPORTS RESULTS