Dwane Herbert coming out of the water in Brazil with one of his winning catches.
A future asking for attention PAULINE’S PLACE
This issue of The Informer has some important messages. The one that is perhaps the hardest to read is the most strategic. It is the coverage of the matter of Council Reform which will in time effect all of us. If we don’t push for reform that will enable our society essentials to operate more efficiently, then we will not be living in a world we can afford.
I think it is important to know that much of this journey to get a leaner and more efficient council infrastructure was all discussed and presented before. It came to nothing. Please start reading the article which commences adjacent to Pauline’s Place and then goes to page 21. Geoff and Reihana Robinson have done us a great service in preparing this editorial.
However, the problems of duplication, too many processes, escalating costs and the balance of power
removed from local communities is more acute and more noticeable. I sense a commitment for this kind of complex and much needed change. It will take time, tenacity of intelligent movers and shakers and some patience but not too much. The balance of power between staff and elected members now has the attention of most of the ratepayers. We can’t afford the way the services are finally delivered. There seems to be new energy and focus in our newly elected Council and Community Boards. I reiterate that leaders like Warren Maher will be needed for the re-shaped future. There is still a long road of time and legislation before us. In a few days, the TCDC will meet to deliberate on the transparency matter which was quite a prominent issue pre-elections. I believe there will be a positive result.
I would like to congratulate Thames on a very fine
Tuesday, 9 December – The Moon now sits well to the right and below Jupiter and from 9:33pm we have a good ISS pass in the NE. Wednesday, 10 December – From 10:23pm very low in the SW we have an ISS pass moving through the Southern Cross. Thursday, 11 December – From 9:35pm in the west we have a good ISS pass moving just above the Southern Cross. Saturday, 13 December – There will be a very low ISS pass from 9:37pm in the SW moving through the Southern Cross.
Tuesday, 16 December – The crescent Moon lies well above and to the left of faint Mercury low in the east before sunrise.
Wednesday, 17 December – The Moon is now closer to Mercury but still above and to its left and from 11:17pm we have a low
The Coromandel’s long quest for truly Local Government
Santa Parade. Well organised and lots of business and local involvement and creativity. I spent some time at Tairua’s Sata’s grotto this past weekend and felt a n energy among the Tairua people to make not just Christmas work but their future.
Everywhere, there are volunteers putting up a Christmas tree, running a raffle, organising meals for the isolated and stretched incomes, businesses breaking their backs to balance the books and give customers an excellent service. I think this is the way of life and not to be dreaded. Let it be a shared life. There is room for everyone to take part in the future. It can never be a public battle between them and us.
The Coromandel Peninsula is a paradise with so much beauty and enough resources to use and with which to take more risks to benefit more people. I want to help with this and so does The Coromandel Informer.
ISS pass in the south. Venus and Mars are still hidden from us this week as they are too close to the Sun but as soon as it gets dark slightly yellowish Saturn can be seen high overhead with bright Jupiter rising a few hours later. A small telescope or powerful binoculars will clearly show its four moons moving from night to night and maybe even Saturn’s rings which are almost edge on to us at present.
There will be some International Space Station (ISS) passes to enjoy this week but, as usual, timings may change especially towards the end of the week if it has to be moved to avoid space junk. Always best to check the website heavens-above.com for updated timings.
Part One: The People, The Mayor, and the Campaign.
BY GEOFFREY ROBINSON
Coromandel residents and their elected leaders have been down this road before. The path is well worn, and the reasons for the journey are the same today as they were more than 15 years ago when the call for change first rose up and action was taken.
The destination all along has been a form of local government that works for its constituents – a structure that efficiently delivers mandated services and meets statutory requirements, that reflects the culture and aspirations of its communities, and that truly listens and learns as it leads.
Despite understandable fears of change, last month’s announcement of initial steps to streamline local government was hardly revolutionary and far from being anything
Headlines at the time.
new – at least on the Coromandel Peninsula. For many longtime district residents (and at least one sitting TCDC councillor), planning for some form of single-tier local government is a return to the future. As the great sportsman philosopher once said, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”
THE LOCAL STORY
For the Coromandel and wider Waikato region, the story started in February 2010 when mayors, CEOs, and councillors from all districts met to explore potential efficiencies –including possible council amalgamations. At the time, the entrenched twotier system of regional and district councils we know today was just a 20-yearold experiment. But for years, complaints of council overlap, duplication of efforts, delays and needless costs had been rife at councils, as well as from businesses and ratepayers at large. Frustrations in the Waikato were mirrored across New Zealand. In March 2010, the University of Waikato issued a report with six options for local government reform, with single-tier unitary councils recommended as the best.
Continued on page 21
Dwane Herbert – a life of spear fishing
Dwane has been winning spear fishing competitions from the age of twelve, as a Junior Champ.
For the week of the championships, visibility was very poor and there were very few fish.’ said Herb, Dwane’s Dad. “Sometimes divers could only see a metre in front of them. On the first day Dwane weighed in four and on the second day, five. The world winner also caught four fish the first day. However, over the period of the five days, he caught one more fish than Dwane. There is a set list of fish the divers are allowed to catch and only five of any species are allowed and each fish has to be a minimum size. Each spear fisher is scored on the weight of the fish speared – one point for each gram, so experience is vital - recognising the species and estimating its weight from a safe spearfishing distance.
Each diver has his/her boat and team - a skipper, a boatman and a Commissaire who is the impartial official, ensuring all participants comply with established rules, regulations and safety.
This is a highly disciplined and detailed sport. It is also one of the oldest sports in the world, once the only way coastline people could catch a fish or marine animals - using sharpened sticks, harpoons and tridents.
“Spear fishing is the most selective way of fishing,” says Herb Herbert. “You have to work to get that one fish. and there is minimal habitat destruction and a distinct lack of bycatch.”
Driving along Highway 25, on the outskirts of Whitianga township coming from the south, drivers will see a large bright, ocean mural. It features divers and spear fishers and sea life. Painted by local Cooks Beach artist, Dave Fowell, it is a standout ‘Look to the right’ Welcome to Whitianga.
This mural was done at the request of SUNZ Seafood, Whitianga a prominent seafood production company specializing in fresh Kina, Paua and raw shucked Mussels – sustainably harvested. The mural adorns the side
of their large building. This is a family owned and operated company based in Whitianga. This is owned by the Herbert family. The legendary Herb, Dwane’s father, started out with a boat, some dive gear, and a passion for free-diving in 1992.
At this present time, Dwane is in Bluff as a family Business Partner. Congratulations on your outstanding achievement Dwane! SouthSeas Spearos is a TV programme that Dwane features in a lot. You can view this on Duke TV or TV1.
Mercury Bay Radiology – New System
BY GRAEME MATTHEWS ON BEHALF OF MBCRHT
The Board of Trustees are pleased to announce the purchase of our new ultrasound system, which has been installed at our radiology facility located at 18 Coghill Street, Whitianga.
Our new system replaces our Philips Affiniti 70 Ultrasound machine which was reaching the stage of technical obsolescence. Furthermore, there has been significant advances in ultrasound hardware and software over the last 5 years.
Our Philips Affiniti 70 has provided a significant service to the community and up to June 2025, had completed ultrasound examinations for 8,516 people.
An Ultrasound system uses high frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the body’s internal organs and tissues. The image created is called a sonogram and the operator is called a sonographer.
Our new ultrasound system is a top of the range Philips EPIQ Elite system which delivers high quality imaging and tailored clinical information for review and reporting by an I-Med NZ radiologist. In this regard, Mercury Bay Radiology has a contract with I-Med NZ, to provide radiologist to report on our images.
Our Philips EPIQ Elite has been funded by the Trust from accu-
mulated savings and in going forward, our new machine provides a top of the range ultrasound system which will provide a high-quality service to the community.
During the life of our new ultrasound system, continuous improvement to performance will be available by software updates.
New RadSpeed MF X - Ray system, - update
We have also entered into a contract with Shimadzu for the purchase of their latest floor mounted RadSpeed MF X-Ray sys-
Cottage pie with peas and mash potato.
Chicken lasagna, mixed veges and cheese sauce. • Roast Lamb with potato and kumara gratin and beans.
Pulled pork with mash potato, veges and gravy.
Tairua
tem for delivery in March 2026. Shimadzu is well established in the radiology industry with some 80 X-Ray sites in New Zealand.
Again, our X - Ray system will be funded by the Trust from accumulated savings.
The model we have purchased has the latest high resolution digital imaging with lower radiation dosage per image. Unlike our current model, alignment of the key moving parts of the new-X- Ray unit are motorised.
Delivery of the X-Ray system is still on target for March 2026, and
we have been advised our order will be despatched from Japan by air and will be the first of their new floor mounted model, to be installed in New Zealand. In going forward, and with our new equipment, Mercury Bay Radiology will be well placed to provide quality X-Ray and Ultrasound services to the community.
SCHOLARSHIP OFFERED IN MEDICAL IMAGING BY LOCAL TRUST
The Board of Trustees of The Mercury Bay Community Radiology and Health Trust are pleased to announce that the Trust will offer a scholarship to provide financial support to a local student who would like to complete a degree course in Medical Imaging.
Medical Imaging is the technology and techniques used to create images of the body for medical purposes and in particular to diagnose, monitor and treat medical conditions.
Three of the main types of Medical Imaging are:
• X-Ray and CT, which uses radiation to create images
• Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create an image
• MRI, which uses magnets and radio waves to create an image
Upon graduation, your qualification would allow you to commence your career as a Medical Imaging Technologist (X-Ray) and with clinical training combined
with additional qualifications, opportunities would exist to progress a career in the other types of Medical Imaging.
Medical Imaging is a highly respected and sought after profession and currently New Zealand has a shortage of Medical Imaging Technologists.
There are four tertiary education providers of Medical Imaging in New Zealand of which Unitec, (Auckland), UCOL (Palmerston North) and ARA (Christchurch) offer three-year Bachelor courses, and the University of Auckland which offers a three-year course with entry limited to students who have completed the first year of a Bachelor of Science course.
Each tertiary provider has their own entry criteria including the subjects studied at your school. Relevant school subjects would include Physics and Mathematics.
The scholarship would be for a two-year period and available to a 2024 or 2025 school leaver who is a permanent resident of the Mercury Bay area and enrols for a recognised radiology qualification offered by one of the above four New Zealand tertiary education providers.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to spend time at Mercury Bay Radiology which will enable them to gain an understanding of the profession. There will be one scholarship awarded every second year.
Application for a Scholarship to study Medical Imaging
THE MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY RADIOLOGY AND HEALTH TRUST (MBCRHT)
The scholarship would be for a two-year period and available to a 2024 or 2025 school leaver who is a permanent resident of the Mercury Bay area and enrols in 2026 for a recognised Medical Imaging qualification offered by one of the following four New Zealand tertiary education providers:
• Unitec- Waitakere (Auckland),
• Universal College of Learning (Palmerston North)
• ARA Institute of Canterbury (Christchurch)
• University of Auckland
The scholarship is for $10,000 per annum. Payment of the second year of the scholarship is dependent upon the satisfactory performance of the first year.
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to spend time at Mercury Bay Radiology which will enable them to gain an understanding of the profession.
There will be one scholarship awarded every second year.
Candidates interested in applying for the scholarship should email their request for an application form to: graeme.mbradiology@gmail.com
Left to right: Philippa De Graaff, Applications Specialist Philips New Zealand; Sharon Bowen, Sonographer, Mercury Bay Radiology; Graeme Matthews, Chief Executive, Mercury Bay Radiology.
Dining Out over Christmas & New Year
COROGLEN TAVERN
Closed Christmas Day. From Boxing Day onwards we are open from 11am to late every day. Concert Days are different, we close our day to day bar at about 7/8pm.
1937 Tairua Whitianga Road, Coroglen
COROMANDEL OYSTER COMPANY
Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day other than that open 7 days from 8:30am – up to 7:30pm on a Friday night.
1613 Manaia Road, Coromandel
LUKES KITCHEN
Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Otherwise open 7 days a week for breakfast lunch and dinner
9:00am-10:00pm.
20 Black Jack Road, Kūaotunu
MARINA BAY EATERY
Open Christmas Day.
1/15 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga
MERCURY BAY CLUB
Open Christmas Day – Christmas lunch of baked ham, roast lamb and roast veg, followed by Christmas pudding, pavlova, ice cream. From
11.30am-1.30pm and the doors will be closed at 2pm. Ticketed event: adults $35, children $15. Tickets can be purchased from the bar prior to the event. The gaming room will not be open. 69 Cook Drive, Whitianga
PEPPER TREE RESTAURANT
Open 11am till 9pm 8.30am - 9pm ish from 18 December 31 Kapanga Road, Coromandel
STAR AND GARTER HOTEL
11am till late (kitchen open till 9.30pm ish)
5 Kapanga Road, Coromande
THE CHURCH BISTRO
We open 7 days a week, 5:30pm onwards. We will be closed on 25 December and 1 January. 87 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei
THE DUNES BAR & RESTAURANT
From 26 December to 8 February open 7 days from 8am – late. Closed Christmas Day. 741 Matarangi Drive, Matarangi
THE HIVE
Open 7 days a week as of 17 December. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Open New Years day at 1pm.
450 Purangi Road, Cooks Beach
THE OLD MILL WATERFRONT CAFÉ
Open Wednesday to Sunday 8.30am to 2.30pm 1-21 December. Closed 22 to 26 December. Then open Tuesday to Sunday 27 December to 15 February 8.30am to 2.30pm.
1 The Esplanade, Tairua
THE POUR HOUSE
Open every day from 12 noon except Christmas Day.
7 Grange Road, Hahei
SMITTYS SPORT BAR & GRILL
Closed on Christmas Day, otherwise 10:30am each day until late.
37 Albert Street, Whitianga
Come and enjoy our tastefully decorated rooms and cosy recovery nook. Our ladies are ready to ease away those aches and pains or just enjoy a luxurious relaxing massage.
Opening hours are 9am - 8pm 7 days a week. Call in at 58b Albert Street, Whitianga or call 027 777 6898 for an appointment
The heart behind COOKED Where family, food & flair come together
BY WINTON BEBBINGTON
Tucked away on Mill Street in Whitianga, you will find a true family-owned and operated business.
COOKED isn’t just a restaurant; it's an example of what passion, purpose, and family can build.
When owners Hayley and Christian crossed the Estuary from Ferry Landing just over two years ago, they didn’t simply move business. They brought with them a vision; a vision to build a place where locals could slow down, feel at home, and enjoy food crafted with intention and global experience. They had a vision of being able to spend time with family while operating their business.
Daughter Jade leads the front of house with natural charm, fitting shifts between schoolwork and quick guitar jams. Frankie, the three-year-old CEO, keeps standards high; usually from the front couch, greeting guests, or attempting her famed “chip tax.”
Having relaxing or in-groove live music is part of their purpose as well. Before her culinary venture, Hayley toured Japan and Australia with Kaosis band. Hayley says they believe deeply
in lifting local artists, especially young talent, and try to support them with live music nights when they can.
Christian’s story adds depth to the purpose behind every dish.
From being thrust into his aunt’s kitchen at 13 to cooking around the world, including time at Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain; his journey has shaped COOKED’s flavours and philosophy. “I’d skateboard down each morning to pick the produce,” he recalls.
“I spent five years in Barcelona, that’s where my Mexican flat mates taught me the traditional recipes you taste here today.”
While Mexican flavours anchor the menu, every plate is designed with Whitianga’s diverse tastes in mind. The pork hock has a loyal following, and many whisper that the burger might just be the town’s best.
COOKED is more than a meal; it’s a young Kiwi family building a legacy, one plate, one song, and one shared moment at a time.
Hayley and Christian with their daughters Jade and Frankie; right, Cooked guests celebrate Halloween, dancing to the live music Below: The outside eating area.
Thames Christmas Parade and Party
Merry Christmas from
WIG Entertainment Presents A night of glamour and fun with the “Leading Ladies”
WIG Entertainment & The Mercury Bay CLub Present A night of glamour and fun with the “Leading Ladies” Join us for laughs and show a with NZ Drag icons Kola Gin, Amandah La, with RuPaul Drag Race Downunder S2 Winner Spankie Jackzon. ‘s Mercury Bay Club Inc. 7pm Saturday 13th December
Mercury Bay Club Inc. 7pm Saturday 13th December
Tickets $45
Tickets $45
On Sale now Enquire about the Early Bird Tickets
Phone: 07 866 5576
Santa, (Pa’i Dean) and Elf Reezyn Dean.
At South School: Hunter Bennington 4yrs, Manea Steicke-Castle , Ngatea. Photos Garry Brandon
Skate School builds kids’ confidence
BY SEAN REILLY
This term, the Whitianga Skate School has had the privilege of welcoming 86 local children, including 30 girls, each taking brave steps, toward growth both on and off their boards. While skateboarding often looks like a sport of tricks and speed, to us it’s a way to help young people build confidence, resilience and belief in themselves.
As Nelson Mandela once shared, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” That’s the heart of what we encourage at skate school.
We’ve had the joy of watching children make meaningful progress, not just in technique but in perseverance and personal triumph.
George Roache’s enthusiasm and willingness to try again has seen him learn new tricks.
Denny Stephenson’s determination after a few good falls has shown great resilience and he is now carving up the big bowl.
Briar Toia landing her 50/50 grind after weeks of persistence was a moment that inspired everyone there.
Every child, regardless of where they are in their journey, has shown courage. Learning to skateboard takes commitment, trust in yourself, and the bravery to stand back up after each fall.
Skate School is about more than
A
learning tricks. It’s about creating a safe space where children begin to say, “I can do hard things.”
What they learn at the skatepark, setting goals, handling setbacks, supporting one another, are les sons that we believe will stick with them throughout life.
This summer holidays, we’ll be running free skateboarding ses sions in Whitianga, Tairua, and Whangamatā for children who would like to give it a go. All gear is provided, and we’ll have three instructors supporting the ses sions. Keep an eye on our Face book and Instagram pages (@ whitiangaskateschool) or local community pages such as Whiti Chit Chat for dates and updates.
SUMMER RAFFLE TO RAISE FUNDS:
We are also running a summer
raffle, valued at over $500, thanks to the generous support of local businesses. A heartfelt thank you to The Lost Springs, The Glass
Bottom Boat, Harbour House Café, Blue Ginger, Woolworths, Chang Keaw Massage and Blackjack Surf. Raffle ticket sales go directly toward skate school programmes, equipment for local children and subsidised lessons for families who need them. If you’d like to buy tickets or help sell some, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
To our incredible sponsors and supporters, thank you for your generosity is not just helping children learn to skate but helping them grow strong in spirit.
MAIN SPONSORS:
The Lost Springs and Woolworths.
SUPPORTERS:
Mercury Bay Lions Club, Blackjack Surf and St Andrews By The
Village in Thames on
BEDROOM VILLAS
Sea Church. We also want to thank the amazing parents and families who bring their children every week and support what we are working to achieve at the skatepark. Your encouragement, positivity, and commitment make a huge difference, and we are grateful to have you as part of this journey. From all of us at the Whitianga Skate School we want to wish everyone a safe, joyful and well-deserved summer break. If you’d like more information about skate school, please contact Sean on 022 164 0015.
Together we’re helping young people learn that falling isn’t failure, it’s simply part of life.
Whitianga Skate School is proudly brought to you by The Guided Journey Charitable Trust.
Some of the young students of Sean, above, who are regulars at the skate park; Home School Group enjoy a visit to the skate park, right; Kip Summer in action.
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
WRITER – SARAH-JANE
Top ten things to do in Blenheim: Where grapes go to party
Welcome to Blenheim, the sun-drenched capital of Marlborough, a rural town that manages to be simultaneously chic and so laid-back it's practically horizontal. You've arrived in the land of a good portion of New Zealand's wine making. Consider yourself licensed to relax.
TIP: If you find yourself doing anything strenuous in Blenheim, you are likely doing it wrong. The official itinerary is: Swirl, Sip, Nap, Repeat. It’s time to get into he regular exercise of lifting a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
1. Attempt to visit all 30+ wine cellars (a noble, yet impossible quest)
Blenheim is surrounded by neat rows of vineyards.
2. Experience an adrenaline rush at Omaka
After your winery tour, why not visit the Omaka Aviation Centre. You can take a scenic joyride in an open-cockpit US Army Air Corps Boeing Stearman which for some is an introduction to terror and
for others absolutely thrilling. For an extra thrill, you can roll in a classic vintage Yakovlev Yak-3 fighter plane. Your pilot might ask, "Ready for a loop-de-loop?"
3. Conquer the Wither Hills
Wither Hills Farm Park is 1,100 hectares of rolling hills, just minutes from the town centre. It offers brilliant walking and mountain biking tracks. It's a working sheep and cattle farm and it’s rather wonderful being close to hundreds of unimpressed, woolly livestock.
4. Indulge at the Makana Boutique Chocolate Factory
This is where you go when you
need a palate cleanser stronger than water. Witness the glorious alchemy of melting chocolate being folded around caramel or coating buttery shortbread. The mission: Sample everything. The result: You will leave with a small, yet heavy, bag of "gifts for family and friends" that you know deep down you might eat ‘some of’ before you get back home.
5. Culturise yourself at the Marlborough Art Gallery
It was formerly named the Millennium gallery and exhibits local, national, and international works. It is open from Tuesdays through to Sunday and entry is free. Even if entry wasn’t free, this gallery is well worth a visit.
6. Taste the local history and wander Wairau Lagoon
The Wairau Lagoon boardwalk is a favourite, following the lagoon shoreline and offering glimpses of wetlands, estuaries, and birdlife. It's a deeply significant archaeological Māori site and features the rusting shell of the Waverly
shipwreck. This flat loop track. is ideal for kids.and those who prefer a reasonably gentle walk to a mountain tramp.
7. Stroll in the glory of Pollard Park
Pollard Park is home to the famous Garden Marlborough Festival. It's truly beautiful, showcasing brilliant spring blooms. If you arrive outside of spring, then it is just a fantastic, well-maintained park. Here, you can sit on a bench and genuinely relax.
8. If you can, plan your trip around the Marlborough Wine and Food Festival (yearly pilgrimage for many).
If you visit in February you will have a glorious day of sipping world-class wines while convincing yourself that you are qualified to judge wine quality. Expect live entertainment, pop-up events, and general revelry.
9. Visit the locals at Marlborough Farmers Market Every Sunday, the bounty of Marlborough comes together. You can
meet the makers and get a true "farm to plate" offering and stock up on artisan cheese and gourmet chutneys.
10. Make some great day trips beyond Blenheim
Blenheim is the perfect hub, so pack a day bag and explore! The nearby towns of Picton and Havelock offer a gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. Hop on the Mail Boat Cruise from Picton – it's a way to genuinely feel you're in a travel documentary while delivering essential packages to far flung residents.
TRAVEL PRO-TIP:
If you arrive on the KiwiRail 'Coastal Pacific' train, you've landed right in the heart of town. Most of Blenheim's central district can be explored on foot, meaning you can start sipping sooner.
Setting up the big tree
This hard working team are either members of the Whitianga Lions Club or friends of the Lions Club. They are putting together the intricate workings of the Whitianga town Christmas tree. A few years ago, the Editors of The Informer initiated a drive to raise funds for this tree. Since the second year of its shining in the centre of town, The Whitianga Lions Club have erected it – a big job taking many hours for a team of seven. Most of the men are of a modest age of over 75. Maybe some younger ones can help with the packing down of this beautiful tree so that they can help the Lions Club prepare for its erection in the town centre next Christmas.
CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 13
12:45PM
SANTA HATS
SANTA HATS BEING HANDED OUT IN WHITIANGA CBD.
Santa still very busy with parades
NGATEA CHRISTMAS PARADE
Thursday 11 December 5:45pm - 6:45pm.
WHANGAMATĀ CHRISTMAS PARADE AND FAIR
Saturday 13 December 11.00am-4.00pm
Williamson Park from 11.00am.
The Lions Club Christmas Parade follows at the new time of 1.00pm along Port Road.
WHITIANGA SANTA PARADE AND LIGHTING OF THE TREE
Saturday 13 December.
The magic begins at 12:45pm, when 500 Santa hats will be handed out throughout the CBD, thanks to a wonderfully generous MBBA member. Keep a look out for our helpers and make sure the kids grab a hat. Keep your hat close… a few lucky hats will unlock some special prizes! Wear yours during the parade and to the tree lighting for your chance to win.
At 1:00pm, the Whitianga Santa Parade rolls through town. The parade starts at Lyons Park, travels down Albert Street and Monk Street, and finishes at Taylors Mistake where Santa’s float judging will take place.
Santa will be on the Whitianga Coastguard boat.
Then at 3.00pm, join us for the official lighting of Whitianga’s Christmas Tree. Come say hello to Santa, and don’t forget to wear your Santa hat to be in to win some spot prizes.
Wanting to enter the parade? See below.
Sunday 14 December 11.30am
Starts from Coromandel Hotel
and finishes at the Area School.
TAIRUA SANTA FUN RUN
All ages 5km & 500m events, Pepe Harbour, Saturday 20 December see below.
MATARANGI SANTA PARADE
Saturday, 20 December 11:00am Parade starts cnr Matarangi Drive and Fernhill Rise heading towards the shopping centre.
1:00PM 3.00PM WHITIANGA SANTA PARADE
STARTING AT LYONS PARK → ALONG ALBERT STREET → DOWN MONK STREET. PARKING AT TAYLORS MISTAKE FOR JUDGING
LIGHTING OF THE TREE
OFFICAL LIGHTING OF THE TOWN CHRISTMAS TREE, MEET SANTA & FLOAT WINNERS ANNOUNCED
BE IN TO WIN!
COME BACK FOR THE LIGHTING OF THE TREE WITH YOUR SANTA HAT ON AND BE IN TO WIN!
SCAN THE QR CODE, REGISTER AND JOIN US IN THE PARADE.
PROUDLY ORGANISED BY
Above, clockwise: Paul Simpson, Rik Walkley and Kevin Purcell (at the top) putting up the tree; Noel Hewlett and Gwynne Howell doing the carrying; a young man helping.
COROMANDEL TOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE & CHRISTMAS MARKET
(Top Pub)
Coromandel Town Santa Parade 2024.
The end result
Behind the Community Christmas Meals Kids party at the club
BY SANDY HERBERT
The annual Community Christmas Meal began several years ago. It began with a discussion at a meeting of the Mercury Bay Community Support Trust, looking at how we could celebrate Christmas with those who are lonely, house bound or visiting Whitianga on holiday. The decision was made to hire the Town Hall, decorate it with trees, cater a Christmas lunch, have fun and provide live entertainment, all on Christmas Day.
A few people came forward to volunteer their skills. Hendry Tainsh decided he could cook a large banquet, with support from his Cooks Beach mates. He is still cooking for us, with his mates. We had the women from the Lions Club decorate the tables and some businesses gave us crackers, chocolates and other Christmassy goodies. There were volunteers serving the food, doing dishes and of course, the dreaded cleaning up after the event. That first event was well received, with all guests and volunteers leaving happy and well fed.
However, when Covid hit NZ, we were unable to run the event for a year or two.
The decision to resume the Community Christmas Meal was made,
with the difference being it would not be on Christmas Day. People were encouraged to invite a neighbour, especially those without family in the area, to this event. New friendships were made and the feeling of community was enjoyed. We have had a couple of well-received Christmas lunches at Crossroads Church. With delicious food, live music, spot prizes and Santa turning up to give a small gift of lollies to the children, it was a funfilled luncheon.
Last year we had a Christmas Afternoon Tea at the Town Hall. It is good to try new things. Those attending had afternoon tea with dainty antique cups and saucers.
Finger food was kindly donated or bought from the cafes and restaurants. The hall was decorated with many banners which gave the place a Christmas feeling. Santa was welcomed by the children and adults alike.
Funding these events is ongo-
ing. We rely on donations from the public, either in money or goods and services. Grants have been received from TCDC and the Mayoral Fund. The local businesses are very generous and kind to this cause.
CHRISTMAS 2025
This year we are providing a Community Christmas Dinner at St Andrews Church on Monday, 15 December. We are combining the Monday Manawa kai and Community Christmas Meal this year. There are two sittings, the first one is from 4.00pm to 5.30pm, catering especially for families with children in the community. Santa will be coming to this session. The second sitting is from 6.00pm to 8.00pm. We are encouraging the community to book a seat by texting Maureen Kerr on 0272 466 164. Bookings are coming in; please make sure you book now to ensure a place at a table.
Around 50 children had a very enjoyable experience at the annual community Christmas Kids Party organised by Sheryl Andrew at the Mercury Bay Club on Sunday, 7 December.
The Club lounge had crafts, face painting, and cookie decorating; Santa came for every child and Chef Nee and his family served everyone a meal.
Thank you Mercury Bay Club for this gift to the community’s children and to Sheryl and her team for the huge effort and care.
Above: Abbi, Tui, Samuel and Sab with Cheryl Andrew’s organiser of the Kids Christmas Party at Mercury Bay Club. Below: Haydee-Rose; Evie
Tairua prepares for Christmas
Tairua presented a very lively and simple Santa’s Grotto as part of their monthly Saturday morning markets this last weekend.
The site was the Community Hall and every space outside and inside, was taken by industrious local creatives with a range of home grown produce, plants and shrubs for the garden, woodcraft, electronic ‘GEEK’ products, jewellery, baking, fundraising raffles by Tairua Information Centre. The highway road edges were packed with a host of vehicles, all keen market shoppers.
The Informer went to see Santa’s Grotto but experienced a whole lot more. We can only report on a small part of this very good local Tairua market.
BELLYFULL
Johanna and Sue were selling decorated boxes of Christmas fruit mince pies. This is an important and delicious fundraiser for the work of Bellyful in this region which extends from Pauanui and Tairua to Matarangi including Hikuai, Kuaotunu and Whitianga.
The Bellyful mission is to deliver meals to families with babies and young children who are without a support network. They have a great team – all volunteers. The preparation of meals takes place in the registered kitchen facility at Mercury Bay Area school. Contact Bellyful for more information
about volunteering, donating, or making referrals. Email: whitianga@bellyful.org.nz, Freephone: 0508BELLYFUL
SUE FOSTER AND HER ART
Sue’s paintings, gift and writing cards of her paintings, Tairua tote bags, coasters of Kiwi scenes were just some of the beautiful gifts displayed by Sue Foster, local artist. Sue also has her own boutique gallery available for viewing by appointment.
AN EDIBLE EDMONDS COOKBOOK
Everything from pickled onions to exotic passionfruit sauce – many kinds of chutneys, relishes, and jams describes Julie and Richard’s local growers stall. “I made every
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last product here and I love it!” says Julie. Richard her husband is the peeler of all the pickling onions.
During the week, passersby will see a golf cart style stall full of these sumptuous, home cooked goods in Manaia Road. “Just about every recipe comes from my Edmonds Cookbook,” beams Julie.
SANTA’S GROTTO
A little family had come to see Santa. Kellar, 3 years was not quite sure about Santa but found wrapped Christmas display boxes very exciting. His twin sisters just 9 weeks old Karli and Keeva, were the focus of much admiration. These three children were bearers of the Christmas spirit to everyone in the community hall.
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Johanna Cameron and Sue Cameron – Bellyful volunteers; With Santa is Harlow Macaw, Soli Macaw, Nim Pickens with Santa and his helpers, Stella and Eva.
Kella 3, delighted at the giftwrapped boxes - they were empty; Christmas twins - Karli and Keeva twin girls 9 weeks old; Julie and Richard with their homemade goods.
New hair salon team and ‘G’ for Grand
BY PAULINE STEWART
ulie Greer and Rhiannon
JDowling are quite the team. There is a new season of colour and style at what was the Blonde and Brunette Hair Salon in Whitianga.
Fiona was the owner of that hair salon for many years and soon after her retirement at well over retirement age, Julie Greer came and stepped into Fiona’s salon to be the new owner.
As a fully qualified hairdresser with 43 years of experience, hairdressing and barbering, and add to that - national competition work; Julie was looking for something new.
‘I had been in Whitianga area for four years, and live in Matarangi with my husband Tony. I had heard that Fiona was retiring and selling the business and I was really missing the purpose of things. Actually, I was missing doing hair – my passion. I knew the salon pretty well and thought, ‘I could do this’ plus I knew I could work well with Rhiannon. I felt excited.”
“We have done a total revamp of the space for our new beginning together and the salon has a new name – Julie G.”
Between Julie and Rhiannon,
there is no stopping this business from flourishing. Rhianon is now a full qualified senior hairdresser and during her apprenticeship has built a very fine, local reputation.
Julie has trained apprentices and was herself Waikato’s top apprentice as well as a member of New Zealand’s hair competition team. She has taught at the Waikato Polytechnic and run her own salon.
The new salon, Hair By Julie G, is ready to go and it looks so different – that the G could easily stand for ‘Grand’.
“We both love all aspects of hairdressing,” says Julie. “We have created a friendly, chic and inviting space to enjoy. People won’t go out disappointed, but
uplifted; feeling and looking good. Everyone deserves to feel good and have beautiful hair,” she smiles.
With their Charlie’s Angels fun pose, there is no escaping the efficiency, style,skill in delivery and professional achievement both these women demonstrate. There’s a lot of fun there too.
HAIR BY JULIE G OPEN HOURS THIS CHRISTMAS -YEAR AND APPOINTMENTS
Closed for Christmas Eve. Back and open Tuesday, 30 December. Fully open from Saturday, 3 January. For appointments phone 07 866 5178 or pop in to Julie G Salon, in Monk Street, a few paces down from Snapper Jacks.
Whitianga Photographic Club
The Club rose to the October challenge with energy and creativity, producing a beautiful collection of ‘Abandoned’ images. We extend our thanks to Ted Grenfell for generously lending his time and expertise in judging both the competition entries and our Photo of the Month.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH ‘PUMP HOUSE FACING THE STORM’ BY WENDY PEMBERTON
Judges’ comments: “I’m really enjoying this image. The use of colour highlights the ruts in the ploughed field plus aids in giving me a sense of how moody the sky is. I like that the sun has lit the main subject sufficiently that you know that it’s there, and the time of day the author chose to take the image nicely highlights
all the intricate details of what remains of the field.” Honours.
JUDGE’S CHOICE: ‘A GARDEN SHED FIND’ BY TINA MACRAE
Ted’s comments: “The details the author has captured in this image I feel are excellent. It’s sharply in focus, lit well enough that I can even see the truck’s suspension, Honours.
Congratulations to our two winners! Their standout images – together with all October entries, are now showcased on our public Facebook page. For November, the theme is ‘Song or Movie Title’. We will have these to show you later in December.
Rhiannon and Julie ready for hair action.
Left: ‘Pump house facing the storm. Below: ‘A garden shed find’.
The magic of markets
Coroglen Farmers Market
There's something magical about Sunday mornings in Coroglen. Every week from Labour Weekend through Easter, the historic Gum Diggers Hall – just 1km from the Coroglen Bridge – transforms into a bustling village market where genuine country hospitality comes alive.
MORE THAN JUST A MARKET – IT'S WHERE COMMUNITY
HAPPENS
For locals, this is the place where you catch up with neighbours, meet new faces, and feel truly connected to home. For visitors heading to or from the beach, it's the perfect pit stop to stretch the legs. By 8.00 a.m,, the scene is already buzzing. Jess and her brother Benson are setting up gazebos for stallholders, and as vendors arrive to lay out their wares, the air fills with friendly hellos and the week's news being shared.
FOOD THAT TASTES LIKE IT SHOULD
Everything here is spray and chemical-free, often picked the day before, or on the day, from gardens just up the road. There's something wonderfully satisfying about buying carrots from the person who grew them, honey from the beekeeper who tends nearby
hives, or breathing in the aroma of freshly baked bread.
You'll find all the ingredients for a perfect Sunday lunch: sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp lettuce, cucumbers, free-range eggs, artisan bread, and tempting sweet and savoury home baking. This is real food that tastes like it came from the earth, because it did.
HANDCRAFTED TREASURES
Wander between the stalls and you'll discover beautiful handcrafted jewellery, unique clothing you won't find anywhere else, and one-of-a-kind items perfect as gifts or mementos of your Coromandel adventure. Everything is made by the artisans selling it- nothing mass-produced here. Take home garden plants,
specialty teas, homemade pickles and chutneys, or sea salt seasonings.
A PLACE TO LINGER
Outside, marquees shelter tables and beanbags where you can settle in with a coffee and a pastry, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a local or just passing through, you'll leave feeling like you've experienced something special at the Coroglen Farmers Market- the genuine warmth and flavour of rural New Zealand served up fresh every Sunday morning.
When: Every Sunday from Labour Weekend through Easter
Where: Gum Diggers Hall, 1km from Coroglen Bridge
Time: From 8.00am1.00pm.
Whiti Citi Markets
Local entrepreneurs Ronnie James and John Taylor have successfully breathed new life into the Whitianga market – now known as the Whiti Citi Markets –creating a vibrant Saturday tradition for the Whitianga community."
Operating from Spring through late Summer, the markets run from 9.00am to 1.00pm – extending to 2.00pm during busy periods, particularly over the Christmas season. Located at Soldiers Memorial Park on the corner of Albert Street and Blacksmith Lane, the markets offer an eclectic mix of fresh local produce, handcrafted treasures, delicious food, and artwork from talented artists throughout the Coromandel region. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, musician Dave Kennedy provides live entertainment.
When she's not organising the markets, Ronnie welcomes day trippers to Whiti Farm Park-an eightacre slice of paradise featuring mature parkland, a peaceful bush walk, and a delightful petting zoo. Visitors can interact with
friendly llamas, farm animals, colourful birds, fascinating reptiles, and exotic species. It's the perfect spot to spend a relaxed couple of hours with the family.
To offset quieter winter months at the farm park, Ronnie has established her own market stall selling "Genie in a Jar" – a line of body scrubs, skin products, and moisturisers crafted from her own recipe.
Using natural ingredients like New Zealand sea salt, pure essential oils including Bergamot, Macadamia, Lemon Myrtle, Lime, and Mandarin, along with healing plants, her products offer soothing relief for dry, itchy skin, repair cracked
feet, and provide comfort for hard-working hands.
Whiti Citi Markets aren't just about shopping –they're about connection. They provide an affordable outlet for local craftspeople, producers, and food vendors to share their passion with the community. And for visitors, they offer a window into what makes this region so special. So this Saturday, why not make the markets part of your morning routine? Grab a coffee, chat with Ronnie about her Genie in a Jar products, discover something unique to take home, sample export class local produce. even plan a visit to Whiti Farm Park while you're there.
Above: Ronnie’s Genie in a Jar stall. Below: Dave Kennedy entertains at the market.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
REMOVING PROTECTIVE REGULATIONS A MISTAKE
The government, in it’s drive for Economic Recovery, is removing any protective environmental regulation so corporate groups can exploit the natural resources. Removing Regional Councils is one of their mistakes. (like selling assets). Was anyone consulted? Will contaminated waterways, invasive pines, or loss of farms be remedied?
If it is to happen the District Councils will be loaded with management of land, air, and water resources. The redundant people with this expertise in these areas have probably left for Australia now that the government has unilaterally disestablished our Regional Councils.
The costs (our rates) will need to increase to cover the increased staff and regulations. It’s as if climate change is beyond us. This sudden removal of a working local government (body) system looks like desperation to get economic return at the expense of natures health, of which, we are a part. Will our representative, Scott Simpson write about the reasons for this emulation of ‘Tomorrows Schools’?
Peter H. Wood, Whitianga GREY POWER’S GREAT CHRISTMAS EVENT
I want to say a BIG THANK YOU
to Linda Cholmondley-Smith and her Grey Power team for the lovely Christmas meal and programme they gave us last Thursday at the Grey Power Christmas Event.
Also included are the cooks at the Mercury Bay Club for the superb roast dinner and dessert, the singer who entertained us and lastly, three beautifully dressed little girls, Abby Murie and her two friends, Sab and Tui who sang a Christmas song with all their gusto.
You all brought a lot of joy to the 110 older people who attended.
May we all know God’s special blessing as we celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Thank you,
Janet Brown, Whitianga
SPECIAL COMBINED SERVICE – A UNITED SPIRIT
I’d like to bring your attention to the recent Combined Churches of Whitianga Service that was held on Sunday, 30 November and hosted, on this occasion, at St Andrews Church by the Sea. These services are significant in the way that they celebrate the beauty in diversity. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or someone simply curious about faith, you’re met with open arms. At a time when communities can feel frazzled and scattered, it was so moving to stand in a room of 80
Your beach awaits
The purpose of the Letters to the Editor column is to enable members of the public to express an opinion, about an article or a topic of interest/concern. Please keep them to 200 words or less. These letters do not reflect the editor’s view. The editor reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.
people unified in song, Spirit and message - preparing our hearts for a Christmas with Christ at the centre.
As brand new pastors in the town, we have been blessed by the genuine and welcoming spirit that we have encountered upon planting a new church here. There is a sense of unity among the churches and an obvious attitude that we are all on the same team, with the same mission - love people the way Jesus first loved us.
It’s this spirit of welcome that makes Whitianga’s Combined Churches Service more than just a gathering – it’s a reflection of the heart of the community. What a privilege it is to be a part of this! Christmas blessings, there will be another combined service on the 5th Sunday in March,2026.
Nathan & Jess Finlay, Whitianga
PRAISE FOR THE PAPER AND A BUT..
We love your newspaper and look forward to it every week. You are to be admired taking over as you did from Stan and writing news items as he did. Big thank you!
Having had experience of several other ‘local freebees papers’ in various parts of the North Island area, I have to say yours is the ‘tops’. But sorry there is a ‘but’! Please – this is nothing personal, and you may be short of
writers at times. NZ Jane is frustrating due to the style of writing and insularity. Yes, it’s a great idea to have a travel section in this area, but the way it’s written and portrayed is just not what perhaps an educated tourist from overseas would find interesting or helpful. After reading one of these columns a few months back, I had a visitor from USA remark ‘well how does she think anyone can come here if they don’t go through all the ‘channels’ NZ is decrying!?
I want to add comment the section about Denmark!!! Interesting, informative and mentally stimulating! Not written as a flowery sideline but with educational competence... excellent!
Also, Rays Report.... factual –well written. In fact the whole variety of articles are well done even if this or that subject matter is not a particular favourite for every reader..... they are very well put together.
Thank you.
Dr Margaret Lovell D.LITT(Hon) DFA(Lond) FRBS RWA Visitor
REPEAL OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEPT.) CONCERNING
The Coalition Government’s move to repeal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from the Public Service Act, recently confirmed by the select committee major-
Whitianga locals
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ity report, is deeply concerning. These provisions - introduced as policy by public service employers in 2017, then in legislation supported by NZ First in 2020 - aim to ensure fair treatment of staff and better engagement with diverse communities.
The repeal can be traced back to similar policy by the Trump Administration in January, then a NZ First member’s bill in March aimed at eliminating what Leader Peters, in an about-face, claimed was “woke” and “left wing social engineering” legislation (NZ First press release of 7 March).
It ignores findings from the Christchurch attack Royal Commission urging stronger cultural competence in government agencies. It also ignores evidence from New Zealand and overseas that inclusive workplaces are more effective, innovative, trusted and likely to produce better financial outcomes for organisations that have them.
Minister Collins claims that DEI is redundant due to existing laws, yet they failed to address the very issues DEI was designed to fix.
Her suggestion that DEI undermines merit lacks supporting evidence.
If the Coalition is committed to evidence based policy it should retain DEI, not discard it based on slogans and speculation.
Philip Bartlett, Coromandel Town
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Response to traffic concern
BY RAY VAN BEYNEN
I followed up on last week’s column with Waka Kotahi. This was their response to our concerns with the Moewai Rd and SH25 intersection.
Andrew Corkill, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Director Regional Relationships for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty responded through NZTA’s media office:RESPONSE
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) was saddened to hear about the fatal crash at this intersection on 12 November 2025. Crashes like this have a profound and lasting impact on the families involved, the local community and everyone who travels through this area.
NZTA is currently undertaking a safety assessment of the intersection which includes a review of the speed limit as part of our commitment to improving road safety.
The SH25 Whitianga speed limit is already
scheduled for review and will be considered during the 2027–30 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).
In the short term, we are progressing work to introduce an intersection speed zone (ISZ) at SH25/ Moewai Road. An ISZ uses electronic signs to temporarily reduce the speed limit when vehicles are waiting to turn from the side road, providing a better balance between safety and traffic flow.
Around 4,000 vehicles use this intersection on SH25 each day and traffic volumes increase during the holiday periods and summer weekends. The posted speed limit through the intersection is 80km/h, from Buffalo Beach Road to south of Golf Road.
In the previous 10 years (2015 to mid-2025), there has been four crashes reported at this intersection:
• The fatal crash on 12 November 2025.
• A serious crash in 2022.
• Two non-injury crashes in 2018 and 2015.
As the road controlling authority for the state highway network, we manage around 11,000 kilometres of road across New Zealand. Where we have intersections that need safety improvements, we prioritise work based on the highest needs nationwide.
Funding is limited in the current 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) and there is currently no funding available for a roundabout at SH25 and Moewai Road. Large projects like this will be considered as part of the future 2027-30 NLTP prioritisation process.
NZ Police are still investigating the fatal crash and once their investigation is complete, we will consider any additional improvements that may be needed. I suspect that the statistics are underreported and of course don’t factor in near misses. If you have any thoughts or concern about this issue, please write a polite email to: Andrew.corkill@nzta. govt.nz.
Christmas lunch powered by goodwill
BY YOUR GREY POWER MERCURY BAY INC COMMITTEE
Over 100 members of Grey Power Mercury Bay gathered last Thursday, 4 December, at the Mercury Bay Club for the annual much-loved annual Christmas Lunch. It was a festive occasion filled with warmth, gratitude, laughter, and connection.
Christmas is a timely reminder to appreciate the things that matter most: family, friendships, and the communities we build together. The lunch was a celebration of those very values. Members shared a beautiful meal, stories, and heartfelt moments reminding us just how strong and connected our Grey Power family is.
We offer a sincere thank you to everyone who made this special event possible: The Community Resilience Team who kindly sponsored a portion of the members Christmas lunch; talented local face painter, Eloise, brought joy and smiles with her delightful Christmas-themed designs. Dave Kennedy, guitarist and vocalist, playing both carols and old-time favourites that had many of us humming along. We were especially touched by a performance from three young Filipino singers, with their rendi-
tion of “We Are the Children”.
A special thank you to Chef Nee and his team who prepared a delicious Christmas meal, and to the Mercury Bay Club itselfalways so welcoming and supportive of Grey Power events. A big thank you to our local businesses, Woolworths and The Lost Spring, for their generous prize donations.
To our hard-working
committee and volunteers, thank you for your time, energy, and care. Your efforts made this Christmas lunch one to remember. To the Coromandel Peninsula community – we wish you a peaceful, safe, and joy-filled Christmas. We are currently seeking a new Secretary to join our team. Interested in helping make a difference for our seniors? Please get in touch.
Three beautiful girls, Abbi, Sab and Tui sang for the Grey Power Christmas lunch guests.
Bay Barbers – a new owner steps up
BY PAULINE STEWART
Some big changes have taken place at Bay Barbers, which is a really a landmark in Whitianga, having been a continuing business for 33 years.
Richard seriously hurt his shoulder and could no longer cut hair. Nikki decided it was time to sell the business and Jodi, who has been at Bay Barbers for 8 years now, saw what could have been an uncertain situation, as an opportunity to step up. Jodi has purchased the Bay Barbers business from Nikki who will stay on until she retires but will be spending more time out on the water.
This is a big step for Jodi. “It seemed like the right time for me. I am a single mum pushing to do well. My daughter Caitlyn is at school so I have more time to work and grow the business. We have two chairs and four barbers. Faye has one of the chairs. It works well.
“Business has been very good. Of course there have been quiet periods, but the Summer makes up for that. We have a reputation for being an all-round barber shop. By that I mean we take everything in its stride here,” says Jodi. “Some of the fashions are dictated by rugby players and social media. A customers will bring an image that’s on his or
her phone and say, ‘This is what I’d like.” We get to work and oblige. The older ones are different. We know them and their hair and what they like. They are our bread and butter. There are many customers who have been here for the eight years I have been barbering. At the same time, I feel I also understand the little ones very well. A little bribery can help them and their parents.”
Jodi is expecting a very busy Summer. “Soon we are doing a renovation, making a real barbers chequerboard floor. I am excited about that.”
Bay Barbers is very busy place, but no one has to wait very long.
The invitation above the door, “Just walk right in” says it all. This unconditional invite is taken up by many locals and visitors. Some bring their cup of coffee and enjoy the reading material for their short wait.
Being at the barber can be a very social time as well as making people look trim and neat and stylish.
“I ask about their life or their health or their famiiy and they ask about mine,” says Jodi. “I find the community to be very supportive. When I moved up here, my daughter had just started school at Coroglen. Some time back I had to battle bowel cancer. People were very caring. Now I am Chair of the School Board. The future feels very positive.
“The hardest aspect of the job is the juggle – being on your own and having to fit everything in, doing your best. I have found this a great community to be a part of and I count myself fortunate.
After work at Bay Barbers, I drive home to Coroglen – our home backs on to the river – it’s perfect. The Coromandel is a phenomenal place,” says Jodi.
WE ARE OPEN
From Jodi: “We are only closed for the stat days. We will be open on Saturday, 27 December, from 8:00am as usual – for as long as there are customers
Local urgent rescue
As the first week of summer begins, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter is already in high demand across the Coromandel.
On Monday, 1 December, the very first day of summer, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew was urgently tasked to Whitianga Airfield to assist a man suffering a serious medical event. Thanks to the onboard Critical Care Flight Paramedic, he was stabilised on scene before being airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
On the afternoon Friday, 5 December, the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was again dispatched to the Coromandel, this time for a woman in serious condition. She received advanced
medical treatment both on site and during the flight to Waikato Hospital for further care.
With warmer days ahead and the Coromandel becoming a hotspot for outdoor activity, your rescue helicopter crew expects callouts to increase dramatically in the coming months.
Your support keeps the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter flying - serving the Coromandel, King Country, and Waikato region when every second counts. Please donate today at https://give.rescue.org. nz/event/waikato-westpac-rescue-helicopter/ donate
See page 26 for the monthly Westpac report.
Authorised Shade7 Supplier
Jodi, the new owner of Bay Barbers is ready to welcome you.
GAMES AND PUZZLES
Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World checkout manager directly.
1. Reset (8)
5. Move slowly (4)
7. Holy statue (4)
8. Germ-free (8)
9. Situated inside (6)
12. Modified (7) 15. Ate greedily (7) 19. Smoked herring (6)
21. Pause (8)
22. Steam press (4)
23. Weeded (4)
24. Headfirst descent (4,4)
1. Dried grape (6)
2. Australian wild dog (5)
3. Cinema attendant (5)
4. Yanked (6)
5. Frozen polar cover (6)
6. Pawned (6)
10. Dowdy (4)
11. Spoken exam (4)
12. As well as (3)
13. Opposed to (4) 14. Stumble (4)
15. Lurid (6)
16. Looked upon (6)
17. Roman XI (7)
18. Copper alloy (6)
19. Tartan garments (5)
20. Continually provided (5)
Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail, scan/ photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@ theinformer. co.nz to reach us by 12.00 noon on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Café directly.
Last week’s winner CONGRATULATIONS Rob Barnes
Sudoku instructions
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of 9 boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
For last week’s solutions see classifieds page
ACCOUNTABILITY
Our government has failed up. Our democracy needs a TV station that does not need adverts. Aussie has HBO and Britain has BBC. We need a channel that educates us about: civics, money, for poverty, climate change, citizenship, local gov., and the arts. Entertainment and profit-driven ads are dumbing us down.
– Peter Wood
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The Coromandel’s Long Quest For Truly Local Government
Unitary councils are local authorities that combine the functions of both regional and district (or city) councils. In New Zealand, there already were six unitary councils – Auckland, Gisborne, Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough, plus the Chatham Islands.
The question of how many councils were optimal for the Waikato, was to be determined.
Of course, the University of Waikato idea was not overly appealing to the region’s mayors and councillors, many of whose positions would become redundant. Nothing more was heard publicly until a year later, in March 2011, when the Waikato branch of the NZ Property Council unveiled a detailed 24-page blueprint for amalgamating Hamilton City Council, several neighboring districts, and Waikato Regional Council into a single Greater Hamilton unitary council.
The Property Council is a major industry interest group representing large NZ commercial and residential property owners and developers. For their industry, the Hamilton plan would mean one-stop regulation and compliance, one spatial plan, less red tape, and reduced costs dealing with the rules of a single council instead of five or six.
The Property Council amalgamation plan was largely brushed aside by Waikato politicians defending their own patches, but it also fueled amalgamation discussions, not only in Hamilton, but across the region.
Central to all, however, was the idea that the wider Hamilton catchment represented a single “community of interests”, economically and socially, and it should be governed that way. This made sense to many and attracted increasing support through the year.
LOCAL CONCERN
Whatever the final boundaries might be of a Greater Hamilton unitary council, the final design would, by necessity, be leaving the eastern Waikato districts –Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, and possibly Matamata-Piako –out of the picture.
Fast forward to January 2012.
A PLAN FOR THE COROMANDEL
As discussion of Hamilton amalgamation progressed, proposals for a corresponding Eastern Waikato unitary council comprising Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki districts began to percolate privately. And on January 31, residents from Thames, Whangamata, Whitianga, and Coromandel-Colville publicly announced the launch of a drive for single-tier local government for the Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki Plains – the “Campaign for a Unitary Coromandel Council.”
The Campaign coincided with development of new rules by Waikato Regional Council, then
at the hearing stage, that would dictate what local councils must include in their district plans.
“The revised WRC regional policy statement usurps local decision-making and reduces local council autonomy,” campaigners said. “That’s bad for our landscapes and ecosystems, as well as our cultures, economy, and traditional rural way of life. A unitary council structure would restore local democracy and accountability. The Coromandel and Hauraki are geographically distinct from the rest of the Waikato region, and our issues are unique. The unitary council structure would provide the local understanding, on-site management, and full resource commitment that has not been, and cannot be, forthcoming from distant Hamilton.”
AFFORDABILITY
They noted Thames-Coromandel paid $9.8m and Hauraki ratepayers an additional $6.5m to WRC, comprising a full 20 percent of all Waikato regional rates. “This is a huge drain on our communities and diversion of scarce financial resources,” they said. “With the $16.5m in rates that are currently siphoned off to Hamilton each year, a unitary council based in Thames and Paeroa could comfortably meet all requirements of the Local Government Act for our district. Public transportation, biodiversity, spatial planning, economic development, and other key issues would get the full funding they require.
As for outcomes, the public would benefit from policy-makers who live with their decisions.”
Those rehomed regional council rates spelled more local jobs and local spending.
Since size matters, a February Campaign update assured voters the combined Coromandel-Hauraki population of roughly 43,100 would provide the foundation for cost-efficient unitary local government. Each of the single-tier Gisborne, Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough unitary councils served a population between 39,000 and 44,000.
The public response from Waikato Regional Council was swift.
supercity plan would spell a total democracy disaster.
As things stood, the Waikato was already too big for good regional council decision-making and works affecting eastern districts. It was a big reason Thames-Coromandel District had been at loggerheads with WRC for years.
The distances were also too great. But the problem was not just distance. The list of high-profile regional council offenses was long and growing, and ratepayers in eastern districts were getting fed up.
IRRELEVANT PROJECTS
NEGATIVE RESPONSE FROM WRC
Chairman Peter Buckley said WRC was indeed “in touch” with the two eastern districts and represented good value for money.
Campaign leaders countered, “The real efficiencies of a unitary council stem from combining the existing two layers of local government into one – one rates bill, one annual plan, one budget, and one vision.”
The unitary council campaign was quickly gathering steam. On February 27, organisers launched a petition drive asking then-Mayor Glenn Leach and councillors to take active steps to restructure TCDC as a unitary territorial authority, combining the work of the district and regional councils, and removing it from the jurisdiction of WRC.
LOCAL DECISION MAKING
The objective was “to ensure improved local government service based on decision-making by locally elected and accountable officials; policy development appropriate to our district; affordability of rates; increased council efficiency and elimination of waste; more public service jobs and economic development opportunities for our communities; and provision of local benefits and value for every rates dollar.” With a bit of added pluck, campaigners said, “Thames-Coromandel District should be more than a financial milking shed for WRC.” The campaign for a unitary council was off to the races.
TCDC LEADERSHIP COMES ON BOARD
By early winter 2012, Campaign leaders had corresponded and met several times with Mayor Glenn Leach, and the word from Hamilton was that a competing reorganisation plan – to create a sprawling, all-Waikato Region supercity council from Taupo to the Bombay Hills – was being floated. The proposed Waikato Council would have one mayor with existing district councils relegated to the status of community boards. For far-flung Coromandel Peninsula residents seeking greater home rule, the Waikato
gate all the benefits and costs associated with restructure into a Thames-Coromandel unitary council, with senior staff to report back to Council by the following winter. By early 2013, The Campaign for a Unitary Coromandel Council had garnered over 1,500 signatures.
EXISTING GOOD EXAMPLES
For starters, there was the $11m regional cash handout for a cycling velodrome at Saint Peter’s school targeted on all Waikato ratepayers, most of whom would never even see it.
Then there was the $1m-plus Whangamatā mangrove fiasco, including (no joke) WRC applying for a resource consent from itself to undertake removal. Major errors in the mapping of significant natural areas subject to new land-use controls.
Annual targeted rates on the Coromandel for cleanup of Lake Taupō. A $34m WRC office headquarters expansion plan. Quadrupling of mooring fees in Coromandel harbours. Perceived WRC bullying over the Moanataiari remediation work. Unfair regional rating demands at Te Puru. Not to mention the ongoing expansion of WRC activities not required by statute, but targeted on district ratepayers. The list went on.
GLENN LEACH SPEAKS UP
Most Waikato district mayors had kept their heads down, favouring the status quo and more shared services. But Mayor Leach understood the issues better than most, possibly because Thames-Coromandel was arguably the most ill-served district in the region, and he had engaged repeatedly with WRC in his first two years as mayor. And he was ready to forge ahead.
At Council’s November 7 meeting, the first 1,000 resident signatures were presented during public forum. Organisers asked TCDC to consider a standalone TCDC unitary, TCDC plus Hauraki, or TCDC plus Hauraki and Matamata-Piako. Later that day, Mayor Leach released a public statement (reprinted in The Informer) noting problems with the system of district and regional councils and indicating his intention to actively explore costings and options for reorganisation, including a unitary council that would assume regional council functions. One option, he said, was a unitary council for the “traditional greater Thames Valley region.”
Mayor Leach had emerged as an impassioned leader for council reorganisation efforts. Under his leadership, at its December 12 meeting, TCDC formally approved a project to investi-
TCDC staff and councillors had plenty of encouragement and hard data that was emerging from the Wairarapa, where rural-provincial Carterton, Masterton, and South Wairarapa districts, in their relationship to Wellington City, exploring a break from Wellington Regional Council by forming a combined Wairarapa unitary council. A detailed report by the Wairarapa Governance Review Working Party provided a template for analysis of costs and benefits and the process for moving a proposal forward through fact-finding and public consultation. TCDC staff were not alone and would not have to reinvent the wheel.
While TCDC staff were crunching numbers, the Wairarapa councils released an “Assessment of the Viability of a Wairarapa Unitary Authority” by corporate finance and economics advisory firm Martin, Jenkins & Associates. The executive summary stated, “There is a strong strategic and economic (cost effectiveness) case for a Wairarapa Unitary Authority.” It also stated, “A Wairarapa Unitary Authority would be financially viable.”
A REALISTIC ACHIEVEMEET IN SIGHT
At the June 26 Council meeting as requested, staff reported that, based on the most recent annual plan, a workable unitary council budget was realistically achievable for the Coromandel. Preliminary work by staff had identified a potential for increased efficiencies, enhanced local democracy, and more appropriate service levels. A council press release confirmed Council wanted further analysis of the unitary authority option and that independent local government consultants Morrison Low would be commissioned to report back with a next-stage feasibility study and detailed investigation in early 2014. By Easter time, however, a formal Hamilton reorganisation plan was hatched and regional battle lines were being drawn. The Local Government Commission would get involved shortly, and the Coromandel unitary council plan would be held hostage – not just for months, but as we know now, for years.
Geoffrey Robinson covered local body reform efforts for the Hamilton News and other Waikato publications from 2011 to 2014).
NEXT WEEK: Personalities, Power, and Politics: Why the Coromandel Unitary Council Plan Was Doomed
Glenn Leach, Mayor at the time this issue was developed; Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made the announcement the final week of November.
Two years of growth at Chang Keaw Thai Massage
It’s a two-year Birthday for Chang Keaw Thai Massage in Whitianga, located in the centre of the township at 58 B Albert Street, Whitianga.
When they began on 1 December, 2023, it was only Geoff and his partner, Monny as owners and Managers and one masseuse. Now on 1 December, 2025, there are four very experienced and qualified masseuses.
Chang Keaw Massage has built a very good reputation in Mercury Bay.
“All of us have been masseuses for ten years. Our ability to massage is second to none,” says Monny. “Two of our masseuses have come from five-star hotels in Thailand. We are all happy to have a new life in this beautiful place.”
Geoff is very pleased with the business operations and the steady growth of the demand for massage. “Apart from doing as I am told; I feel very proud of the philosophy of our business which I believe has contributed to our
growth is that we provide an excellent massage at a very good price in the most peaceful and relaxing environment.”
Geoff explained that the most difficult aspect for the massaging team is not so much under standing but actuallly learn ing the English language. The girls have to work very hard at that and they do. I help where I can.”
The Informer found the environment very welcoming and gentle. Peo ple with stiffness or aches and pains would find that quite heal ing and soothing in itself.
Monny was very clear that their massage clinic does not offer extra services of any kind and that any hint of behaviour that was not in line with their philosophy would end the session promptly.
Chang Keaw massage is open seven days a week but for this Christmas New Year period, the clinic is closed Christmas Day but
open again on Boxing Day. The same applies on New years day. They are closed and open again on 2 January.
Services
• Traditional Thai massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Relaxation massage
• Aroma massage
• Reflexology massage
• Pregnancy massage
• Head therapy with hot oil
Contract for new SH25 Pepe Stream bridge signed
FROM HON CHRIS BISHOP, MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed news that a contract has been confirmed for design, consenting, and construction of the new two-lane bridge to replace the Pepe Stream Bridge on State Highway 25 (SH25).
“At more than 80 years old, the current single-lane bridge is a bottleneck, with severe congestion experienced during
holiday periods. Funding has already been confirmed by New Zealand Transport Agency NZTA, and I’m pleased progress has been made to get a delivery contractor on board,” Mr Bishop says.
“Fulton Hogan will build the new two-lane SH25 Pepe Stream bridge, working with engineering consultants WSP to support the design and preparation of resource consent applications.
“The new bridge includes a
3-metre-wide shared path on the eastern side, a 1.5-metre-wide footpath on the western side, with a pedestrian crossing and safety refuge planned near the Pepe Road intersection.
“At a cost of $22 million, construction of the new two-lane bridge is expected to start in late 2026 and be open to traffic by December 2027.
“SH25 through Tairua will remain open while the new bridge is being built and the old one demolished.”
Monny and her massage team.
Artist’s impression of the new two-lane SH25 Pepe Stream bridge.
TRADES & SERVICES
-
- Aluminium & glass balustrades Photo:
07 869 5990 | nzwindows.co.nz 1 Abrahamson Drive, Whitianga (Mon-Fri, 8-4)
TRADES & SERVICES
MEETING OF OWNERS OF HARATAUNGA 2H2
Owners are invited to a meeting to discuss and provide any feedback regarding an application by Teariki Tekeu Terry PAITAI to the Waikato-Maniopoto Maori Land Court to determine ownership of a house situated on land block Harataunga 2H2 at 1149a Kennedy Bay Rd, Kennedy Bay, Coromandel DATE: Saturday 20th December, 2025 TIME: 1pm VENUE: Harataunga Marae Terry Paitai terry.paitai@gmail.com
Street (from Lyons Park), continuing along Monk Street and part of The Esplanade, ending at Taylors Mistake. This closure will move with the parade procession. For any correspondence, please contact: mbba@whitianga.co.nz
Tuesday, 2 December
1, Joanne Nicholson; 2, Sue Karl; 3, Merrin
Saturday Haggle
Saturday, 6 December
1, Geoffrey Hill; 2, Tony De Coek; 3, Norman Gilbert
Twos: Graham Harrison, Geoffrey Hill
Nearest the Pin: Graham Harrison
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
9 Hole Men - Stableford
Tuesday, 2 December
1, Johnny Day; 2, Don Maguire - 3, Patrick Gonthier
18 Hole Women – Fun Stableford (9 holes) Wednesday, 3 December
1, Diane Eccles, Janine Hayde, Chris Lowe, Juanita Dinicola; 2, Angela Cook, Jane Deadman, Debbie Holmes, Fiona Gardien; 3, Jo Geoghegan, Sharyn Smith, Kim Allan
NZ manufactured aluminium windows and doors since 1990:
Ladies Golf
The Eighteen-hole ladies golf club members had their closing day on Wednesday, 3 December with 33 in the field.
It was a fun day playing nine holes of golf followed by prizegiving and bubbly. This was then followed by a Christmas buffet at the Mercury Bay Club – great way to finish the 2025 year.
THE DUNES GOLF CLUB
9 Hole Men’s Stableford
Monday, 1 December
1, Grant Short; 2, Harry Karl; 3, Noel Rogers Nearest the Pin: Noel Rogers 9 Hole Ladies Stableford
James 18 Hole Men’s Stableford
Wednesday, 3 December
1, Kerry Mason; 2, Allan Trow; 3, Tracey Mulligan
Nearest the Pin: Tony Nicholson
Twos: Graham Harrison, Tony Nicholson, Tracey Mulligan
18 Hole Ladies 5 Club Day Stableford
Thurday, 4 December
1, Brenda Riggs; 2, Chrissie Smith; 3, Sheryn Parry
Twos: Marie Dunn, Chrissie Smith
9 Hole Men’s Russian Roulette 1, Ray Green & Richard Cummins; 2, Graham Kemp & Peter Mathias
COROMANDEL RESCUE MISSIONS
1st–30th November 2025
complaint. She was flown from Thames
in a serious condition.
in a serious condition.
Alongside Police and Surf Life Saving NZ, assist two persons after falling on rocks and unable to get out from a cave. We winch extracted one of the injured persons. With that person on board Police then alerted our crew to another person who had fallen into the water after being washed off the rocks. We diverted and extracted that person by winch from the water. Crew then went back to winch extract the remaining injured person in the cave from the original tasking. One person was flown to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
Whitianga Assist a child suffering a medical complaint. The child was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
27.11 Whitianga Aassist an elderly male suffering injuries from a fall. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
LD #8: Janine Hayde
NTP #2: Lynne Butler
18 Hole Men – 4 Club Challenge
1, Callum Murray; 2, Steve Collins; 3, Pete Lowe
Two’s: Mark Boe (3), Chian Ho, Cam Walls
Division 1 Gross: Mark Boe
Division 2 Gross: Callum Murray
9-Hole Mixed – Stableford
Friday, 5 December
1, Ron Watson; 2, Alan Barradale 3, Johnny Day
Two’s: Eddie Lyle
NTP #3: Ron Watson
NTP #6: Peter Chaffin
Club Closing Day - Stableford
Saturday 6 December
Women: 1, Kelly Broughton; 2, Christine Lowe; 3, Lynne Butler
Men Division 1: 1, Dave Enright; 2, Matty Menzies, Mick Henderson
Men Division 2: 1, Les Walbridge; 2, Daniel Knox; 3, Grayson Reynolds
Two’s: Alan Henderson, Graham Dun, Dave Enright, Geoff Page, Greg Peterken
NTP: Kelly Broughton, Dave Enright, Dick Muir
- New builds & renovations
- Replacement joinery in existing homes
LD: Rita Maxwell, Matty Menzies, Jack Coldicutt
PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
- Aluminium & glass balustrades
9 Hole Stableford Tuesday, 2 December 1, Zinnia Harris; 2=, Anne Costello, David Young; 4, Jo Geoghegan, Annelise LA Roche 9 hole par Thursday, 4 December 1, John Hamilton, Wayne Morrison; 3, David Young
07 869 5990 | nzwindows.co.nz 1 Abrahamson Drive, Whitianga (Mon-Fri,
MERCURY BAY SNOOKER CLUB
Wednesday, 3 December
8 Players. Only one player had 3 wins as a result Greg Murphey won the day 2 wins: Peter Challis, Rob Reiley, Doug Pascall
No H/B recorded
Saturday, 6 December
7 Players. Bob Haase tried valiantly to overcome his 21 point deficit but couldn't quite pull it off. Phil Jones and Peter Shultz had 3 wins each which saw Phil pot the black for the win.
On a sad note Malcom Beehre passed away; he supplied the snooker club with chalk and other accessories. The snooker club offers our condolences to friends and family.
MERCURY BAY CLUBS DARTS
Big team of 28 Players this week, there 501 doubles were played two teams were unbeaten, There was a one game final. The teams were Peter Reekers and Dave Kennedy versus Steve Jessup and Karen McKenzie. It was a low scoring final but was won by versus Steve Jessup and Karen McKenzie. Highest finish for the men was Steve Jessup with 86 and for the ladies was Rose Stables with 60. Steve Jessup also had a 180, well done Steve.
POLICE REPORT
BY CONSTABLE MICHAEL CARTER
Monday 24 to Sunday 30 November
GENERAL:
Monday, 24 November, a burglary was reported as having occurred at a Cook Drive address. Various items were taken. Enquiries are continuing to identify the offenders.
Tuesday, 25 November, a theft of a bankcard was reported from a Kuaotunu address. The offender will be spoken to regarding this matter.
Thursday, 27 November a theft report was made in Wharekaho regarding a person taking fruit without consent from a private property. This person will be spoken to regarding their actions.
ARRESTS:
1x male arrested for
breaching court bail conditions.
OCCURRENCES:
Tuesday, 25 November a family harm incident occurred at a Catherine Crescent address. The intoxicated persons were separated with a Safety Order put in place.
Thursday, 27 November a trespassed person went back to their ex-partners address without consent. They were spoken to regarding their behaviour.
Saturday, 29 November a drunken argument occurred between a couple at a Catherine Crescent address. Both parties were
issued with Police Safety Orders as a result.
Sunday, 30 November, a serious family harm matter occurred at a Robinson Road address. The victim was transported to hospital for treatment. Enquiries are continuing to speak with the offender regarding their actions.
TRAFFIC:
Monday, 24 November, a vehicle has been reported as travelling at excessive speed in the Carina Way area. The owner of the vehicle will be spoken to regarding his driving behaviour. Several drivers being observed recently either driving without a seatbelt, using their phones, and/ or speeding. If you are caught offending, expect an infringement notice. Police are targeting Restraints, Impairment, Distractions and Speed this month.
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
2025 ladies trophy winners for the year. Well done!
Holiday films for the children
Great entertainment at Mercury Twin Cinemas.
WICKED: FOR GOOD
TBC, 137 minutes
Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion in Wicked: For Good.
Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award® nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.
Elphaba, now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard.
Glinda, meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of
Madame Morrible), Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.
PETS ON A TRAIN
PG, 87 minutes
When a train unexpectedly starts up, taking only pets with it, the animals discover that Hans, a badger with a grudge is behind it all. While the crash seems inevitable, the animals can count on Falcon, a roguish Raccoon who will do anything to save them.
ZOOTOPIA 2
TBC, 108 minutes
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
In Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia 2,” detectives Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman) find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia and turns the animal metropolis upside down. To crack the case, Judy and Nick must go undercover to unexpected new parts of town, where their growing partnership is tested like never before.
Coastguard update
WHITIANGA
COASTGUARD IS SEEKING NEW VOLUNTEERS TO JOIN THEIR BOAT CREW On Water Training commencing late January 2026.
We offer:
• Comprehensive training in everything boating
• Pathway to recognised qualifications
• A challenging and very rewarding role within a focussed team serving our community
• A balanced “ON CALL” roster What we are looking for:
• Willingness to learn
• Availability and Commitment
• Team Players
There’s a role for you , and each contributes to saving lives at sea.
If this sounds like you please contact Bill on 027 435 4165 or Graham on 027 295 4861.
THE COASTGUARD SUMMER LOTTERY IS HERE
You will find our local volunteers in the Woolworths carpark selling the lottery tickets. Buy one or more, firstly to support the local Coastguard and secondly, you could win. What is
important to know is that every Summer, many boats and boaties need the help of the Coastguard drawn on 13 February. $400,000 of prizes to be won - including Ford Ranger, Haines Hunter F545, deluxe cruise, Samsung TV, Apple I phone and airpods.
PG, 104 minutes
Inside a snowflake exists the magical land of Whoville, wherein live the Whos, an almost-mutated sort of Munchkin-like people who all love Christmas. Just outside of their beloved town lives the Grinch (Jim Carrey), a nasty creature that hates Christmas and plans to steal it from the Whos, which he equally abhors. Little Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen) decides to befriend the Grinch.
On Wednesday 17
AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH
TBC, 197 minutes
Jake and Neytiri’s family grapples with grief after Neteyam’s death, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.
On Thursday, 18 December at Mercury Twin Cinemas.
Brigid and John Clark - volunteers at Woolworths car park for the Coastguard Lottery.
25th anniversary - 4K restoration.
December at Mercury Twin Cinemas.
Buffalo Beach Club opening soon
he Buffalo Beach Club will become known as the BBC but it will never be The British Broadcasting Company. This wonderful new investment on Whitianga’s Esplanade along the Beachfront is all set to be a bar and café offering customers something quite different from what you will normally get at a bar or restaurant. The location is pristine, the views glorious and open.
BBC is opening soon. There are a few presenting difficulties with some objections to the licence request. I believe our TCDC will be most expeditious in enabling this to be sorted out. Goodness knows we need this BBC on the Whitianga Esplanade.
We wish the Proprietor, Dash Fellowes, every success.
So there it is, the newest attraction on the Buffalo Beach Esplanade and well worth a visit. See you there. fellodas@gmail.com
