The Brunton sisters, Alison and Jessica ride their horses along the beautiful Buffalo Beach at summer’s low tide.
What’s that Number?
Emergency 24 (Ambulance,hours Fire, Police) 111
Police (Whitianga)
866 4000
Police (Tairua) 864 8888
Police (Coromandel Town)
................................... 866 1190
Fight crime anonymously –Call Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111
Dog and Noise Control
868 0200
Civil Defence 868 0200
Coromandel Town Medical Centre .................. 866 8500
Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) 866 5911
Tairua Medical Centre 864 8737
Thames Medical Centre 868 9444
Need to talk?
Call/text anytime for support from a trained counsellor 1737
Harbourmaster (Waikato Regional Council)
0800 800 402
Coastguard Radio Ops ................................. 866 2883
Whitianga Social Services 866 4476
Whitianga Locksmith 027 446 6921
Whiti City Cabs 07 866 4777
Whitianga Car Hire 07 866 2226
Go Kiwi Shuttles ....................... 0800 446 549
Barrier Air 0800 900 600
A big welcome for the Kubota Classic
For all who are participating in and supporting the Kubota Billfish Classic.
The gunshot start –Wednesday 12 March, 7.00am. 470 boats will be roaring across the Bay to their best fishing spot. It is a beautiful sight early in the half light of sunrise to see all the boats – so many sizes –engines softly burbling out of the estuary to the wide sweep of the waters of Mercury Bay. Every boat gets into position for that gunshot start
There is a total of $1.7 million dollars’ worth of prizes.
There were many more than that this number of bats wanting to register the Kubota sold out over 9 months ago. Sold out 9 months ago.
Officially, it is the Largest Billfish Tournament ever to be held in the World (surpassing the previous world record of the 2005 White Marlin Open held in Ocean City, Maryland, USA with 449 boats).
The public is welcome to attend weigh-ins each day.
PINK RIBBON EVENT
This is a very popular event to raise funds for breast cancer and enable women to enjoy a very
wonderful lunch and social time yet still raise a large amount for the breast cancer cause. It is now a part of the Kubota Billfish Classic programme. The event is held at Salt Restaurant & Bar on the Friday whilst the boats are out trying to catch the biggest billfish.
Over 200 women will be attending the Pink Ribbon Lunch which is organised and led by Alana Baker and has the generous
support of a large number of the local businesses.
Tom Maxwell, the organiser and Director of the Kubota Classic said he is expecting a $9-10 million cash injection into the Mercury Bay economy over a one-two week period as a result of the fishing tournament. As the Whitianga hotel cannot possible accommodate all of the skippers and crew at any one time, there will be many places able to offer
excellent food and hospitality for the evenings and during the days of the Kubota.
The Blue lagoon facility will be operating from the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club and Grace O’Malleys and the restaurants along The Esplanade will be ready to welcome the fishers and their families.
The prizegiving is the big finale and will be held on Saturday night 15 March.
STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2025 – your guide to the night sky
Tuesday, 11 March - Wednesay, 19 March. Total eclipse of moon this Friday, 14 March. There will be a total eclipse of the Moon on Friday, 14 March just visible to us as it rises on the eastern horizon with the reddish Moon already totally covered by the Earth’s shadow. Over the next hour or so it gradually rises higher and can be seen moving out of the darkest part of the shadow from 8:31pm and is fully out by 9:48pm and becomes progressively less red. Just how red it appears will depend on how much cloud there is around the Earth at the time as viewed from the Moon. The Moon is also helpful this month in locating Mars. Bright Jupiter continues to dominate the evening sky towards the north with fainter and quite reddish Mars
to its right. However, Mars is rapidly moving away from us so is steadily getting fainter. Tuesday, 11 March: The Moon has now moved to the right of the Beehive Cluster and lies to the right of Mars. Wednesday, March 12: The almost Full Moon is far to the right of Mars and just below the bright star Regulus in Leo. Friday, 14 March: The Moon rises tonight totally covered by the Earth’s shadow in a total lunar eclipse. Sunday, 16 March: We have a low ISS pass from 6:35am in the north. Tuesday, 18 March: There will be a bright ISS pass from 6:35am in the NW. Wednesday, 19 March: We have another ISS pass starting at 5:48am in the north as it pops out of the Earth’s shadow.
The champion team from last year was 'The Godfather' with outright win of 1278 points awarding them
$462,350.
Opito Bay Salt Company earns international recognition
Nestled in the remote beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, Opito Bay Salt Company has been quietly making waves in the artisan food world - and now the rest of the world is starting to notice. The small, family-run business has recently been named a finalist in the prestigious International Food Innovation (IFE) Awards in London, a remarkable achievement for a company that began just a few years ago on the shores of Opito Bay.
The recognition comes on the back of 40 medals in New Zealand food awards over the past 4 years, with judges consistently praising the salt’s delicate texture and clean flavour. For founder and salt farmer, Erin Mone the journey began with a simple idea: to capture the pure essence of Opito Bay.
“We never set out to win awards - it’s always been about making something that truly represents this special place,” says Erin.
“Opito Bay is home for us, and everything we do is about honouring the environment and sharing a little piece of it with others.”
Coromandel Sea Salt is world class,” says Perry.
“We are set on a course to take
our salt to the world. After all, we are in a world class area here.”
Perry and Erin decided to send their salt – three products – to the International Food and Beverage Awards. This comprises a massive exhibition in London with 1400 stalls, 30,000 allied business representatives attending and an international judges’ panel. All three products have been selected for the final phase of judging. These are in two categories- Best Artisan Product and the Best Natural Organic Product.
They are competing with people from all over the world.
Unlike mass-produced salt, Opito Bay Salt is harvested by hand using only the sun, wind, and time to produce each batch. The process is entirely natural, with no additives – just the clean taste of the Pacific Ocean.
“We’re incredibly lucky to be able to make salt in this way,” says partner Perry Cornish. “It’s not the fastest or easiest way, but we believe you can really taste the difference in natural sea salt.”
While the awards are a huge honour, Perry says the most rewarding part has been seeing the salt used in customer kitchens and restaurants.
“The support we’ve had from the Coromandel community has been amazing. This international recognition is something we want to share with everyone who’s backed us from the start.”
As they prepare to showcase their salt on the world stage in London, the team at Opito Bay Salt Company remains committed
to small-batch, sustainable production – proof that something truly special can come from one of the most beautiful corners of New Zealand.
“We’re just a little salt company from Opito Bay,” says Perry.
“But it’s pretty exciting to think that a little bit of Coromandel might end up on tables all around the world.”
Follow their journey at www. opitobaysalt.co.nz or on Instagram @opitobaysaltco
Erin Mone and Perry Cornish, owners of Opito Bay Salt Company; a sample of the packaging acclaim the products have received; Erin and Perry are in essence, salt farmers, who want to take their natural salt to the world.
GUITAR WOLF IN WHITIANGA
7.00pm Saturday, 15 March, Monkey House Theatre
From Tokyo Japan – JAPANESE GREATEST JET ROCK AND ROLL ... is at present touring New Zealand – Wellington, Auckland, Napier and of course, Whitianga!! CLEAN DIRT presents G-U-I-T-A-R W-O-L-F!!!!
Monkey Theatre Lounge & Cabaret, Whitianga. ALL AGES show with local metal maniacs Prisoners Of War and more to be announced. Tickets from undertheradar.co.nz
GUITAR WOLF RULES OF ROCK AND ROLL
• First ... Band has to have looks
• Second ... Fighting spirit
• Third ... ACTION!
• There is no fourth or fifth
• SIXTH ... Technique
Stir people’s hearts and your own !!
“There are garage-rock bands, and then there’s Tokyo terrors Guitar Wolf... This band’s style of rock’n’roll demands more imposing prefixes, like “jet,” “hurricane,” and “Kawasaki ZII 750.” Much as 1960s British Invasion
groups bastardized the blues and sold it back to American teens, Guitar Wolf have spent the past 30(+) years making once-rebellious Stateside sounds—surf, rockabilly, Nuggets, CBGB punk—seem dangerous again, forsaking retro purism for monomania. Your typical garage band might make your ears ring; this one kills zombies.”Pitchfork
Tickets from https:// www.undertheradar.co.nz/ tour/27748/Guitar-Wolf-NZTour-2025---Jett-Rock--RollFrom-Tokyo-Japan.utr
Local Folk & Soul Sound in Kauaeranga Hall
Heti Hope, singer/songwriter playing piano keyboard, and Adie Higginson on electric guitar and violin, will perform a collection of original songs inspired by themes of love, connection, and resilience. Their music will captivate listeners with its blend of folk and soul combining old and contemporary musical influences.
This is all part of the experience at the release of their new album, Love Train, at the Kauaeranga Hall at 7.30pm, Saturday, 22 March.
Anthonie Tonnon, winner of the 2022 Tait Music Prize has this to say about them: “Heti & Hope …bring some deep 70’s folk influences, and Heti has found a well of melodies and lyrics.”
Peter Revell, who with his wife Keri runs Kauaeranga
Music, is pleased to once again bring a new sound to the Kauaeranga Hall.
“Having just co-hosted the very successful show in the Thames Civic Centre with the bluegrass sound of The Petersens from the USA, it is quite special for Kauaeranga Music to follow that up with musicians from New Zealand playing their own home-grown music in the intimate setting of the Kauaeranga Hall”, he said.
Heti & Hope – “Love Train”, Saturday, 22 March 7.30pm, Kauaeranga Hall, 437 Kauaeranga Valley Rd, Thames. Tickets: Door sales $28; Pre-paid $25 txt: 021912993 or kauaeran-
gahallmusic@gmail.com or Garden Music, 712 Pollen St, Thames
For further information contact Peter Revell on 021912-993 or kauaerangahallmusic@gmail.com
Forbidden Pizza now open
Kaspur Frank, his pizza chef Scott Burst, and the team are busy making New York-style pizzas. Forbidden Pizza opened in Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga last Friday. Open for lunch, after school and dinner.
Sunday 16 March – 1-4pm
Lucky Irish Raffles Rockin’ X Realtor
Gold coin entry for all
Pauanui Music Picnic at the Point
BY PAM FERLA
good old fam-
ily picnic” is how one of the organisers, Paul Schrader, described Pauanui Music Picnic at the Point, as crowds relaxed under the trees at Pleasant Point and bands entertained on Saturday afternoon, March 1.
It was a hot day with a welcome breeze plus the shade of lovely pohutukawa and huge pine trees.
The music started with “Here for the Party”, a band that got picnickers in party mood.
This was followed by the group “Strange Brew” and the musical treat finished with “Fuller and the Empties”. Overall, the three bands played all the favourites, including a thumping rendition of “Honky Tonk Woman”, which lured lots of dancers out of their picnic chairs and up towards the stage.
A few drops of rain didn’t deter the crowd who were content to relax, enjoy good music and munch their
picnics, while lively children ran around happily between blankets and picnic chairs. The organising team was very happy with the day and the turnout — just under 600 adults and nearly 100 children.
The event began in 2010 and was designed to attract holidaymakers and holiday homeowners to Pauanui during the quieter shoulder season. Now an independent, stand-alone event, it remains true to its original vision — a backto-basics, non-commercial
community gathering.
“Our policy of no food trucks helps maintain this simplicity, encouraging families to pack a picnic and enjoy the day,” said Paul. “It’s always heart-warming to see kids, parents, and grandparents dancing together to music everyone can enjoy.”
Pleasant Point is a perfect venue for this annual event and the organisers must be congratulated for their foresight and efforts in putting on such a lovely family event.
A New Zealand Tribute to ABBA
BY LILY PAULSEN
Ten minutes to seven and the chilly air could not dampen the high spirited crowd. The seated audience waited in anticipation for the performers to come on stage. Almost every table was full and the chatter was lively and expectant.
I was excited. I felt privileged that I was able to score a ticket and join the ABBA fans at the Pauanui Club.
The lights faded which signalled the Tribute’s beginning. I caught a glance of the costumed singers on stage and the music and dazzle began.
The New Zealand ABBA Tribute band performed the famous songs beautifully as well as presenting the personas of Agnetha Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad (Frida), Björnto Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson to perfection.
The music and the costumes were totally ABBA and their two costume changes spiced things up
Tribute to ABBA in full flight.
quite a bit.
After the break, this brilliant group came back to perform more of the popular songs. Many in the crowd took to the dance floor and joined the singers in wishing Garry with two R’s a very special birthday. I joined those on the dance floor and was inspired by one of the crowd who was the life of the party, apart from the performers, with her constant and original dance moves. It was great to be amongst it.
“ABBA Heaven” is the only New Zealand ABBA Tribute. They are a band based in Auckland New
Zealand, and travel around performing the Swedish Pop group songs. The ABBA Tribute band was formed by Pauline Berry (Band manager of the group and vocalist), Vanessa (Ness) Alberthy (Key vocalist), John Gorby (Guitarist and keyboardist), Stuart Pearce (Musical Director and keyboardist) and Karl Donovan (new Vocalist). It was a perfect night for all ABBA fans and the community of Pauanui loved the exciting evening of great company and excellent and fun music from very talented performers
Enjoying Pauanui Picnic at the Point. Photo credit: Paul Schrader
ThamesCoromandel
Mayor Lens Salt to seek re-election
PRESS RELEASE EXCERT
After taking time to think through the events of the last two and a half years, Mayor Len Salt have made the decision to stand again for re-election as Mayor of Thames/Coromandel district in 2025.
“It has been made after extensive discussions with my wife, Svargo, with friends, supporters, community members, iwi and community groups across the district,” says Len.
Full press release on The Informer Facebook page.
Mercury Bay Optometrist welcomes new owners
The future of eye care in Whitianga is in safe hands as Glen and Lynette officially take over the town’s well-respected optometry practice from retiring owner Brett Howes.
Lynette, an award-winning Dispensing Optician, has been a trusted part of the practice for the past two years, and alongside her husband Glen, she is excited to continue providing top-quality eye care to the community.
“We’re honoured to take on this role and look forward to maintaining the high standards that Brett has set,” says Lynette. “We’re also excited to introduce new innovations while keeping the same personal, patient-focused approach.”
A STRONG AND EXPERIENCED TEAM
To ensure continuity and expert care, Glen and Lynette have built a strong team that blends experience with fresh expertise.
WELCOMING OPTOMETRIST SHONAG LAIRD
The newest addition to the practice is Shonag Laird, a highly qualified optometrist
Thames’
with a Bachelor of Optometry (First Class Honours). She is known for her friendly and approachable nature, along with her advanced skills in:
• Contact lens fitting
• Children’s Vision Care
• Myopia control
• Binocular vision therapy
• Ocular disease and dry eye treatment
• Post-concussion visual rehabilitation
Passionate about eye health, Shonag ensures her patients receive the best comprehensive and tailored eye care. The team is also proud to have Juliet Claque, a long-standing and valued team member who has worked in
the practice for 15+ years.
Juliet is a friendly, familiar face to many patients and plays an essential role in ensuring the smooth running of the practice. Her deep knowledge and welcoming approach make her a trusted point of contact for the community.
SPECIALIST EYE CARE CONTINUES
The practice is also pleased to confirm that Chris Murphy, Ophthalmologist, will continue providing specialist eye care to the Coromandel community. Chris has been an integral part of the practice, and he will continue visiting every fortnight to run a specialist clinic, offer-
ing expert treatment for a wide range of eye conditions.
A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR WHITIANGA OPTOMETRY
With Glen, Lynette, Shonag, and Juliet working together, patients can expect the same high level of care and service they’ve always received along with some exciting new developments.
Retiring owner Brett Howes expressed his confidence in the new leadership. “It’s been an honour serving this community, and I know the practice is in great hands. Glen, Lynette, and their team will continue to provide excellent care.”
VISIT US – NOW OPEN FIVE DAYS A WEEK!
The practice is now open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, making it even easier for patients to access top-quality eye care.
Check out their fresh new website at www.mbo.co.nz, where you can soon book appointments online or call (07) 866 5919 to schedule your visit.
The team looks forward to welcoming both new and returning patients and continuing to serve Whitianga for many years to come!
open plan, single level apartments feature covered balconies with fantastic views of the sea, Kauaeranga River and mountains.
Glen and Lynette Hunter, Shonag Laird, Brett Howes and Juliet Claque.
A great story about our Peninsula
Researched, written and published by a great local woman – Janet Riddle
BY PAULINE STEWART
Janet Riddle is in many ways a daughter of Whitianga and surrounding districts. We are proud of her and what she has achieved. She is the author of a highly acclaimed book on the history of the Coromandel Peninsula called, ‘Salt Spray and Sawdust’. That book sits proudly on the entrance table at The Informer.
You will find it in the Mercury Bay Museum, the libraries on the Coromandel Peninsula and many libraries across the country. Though she no longer lives in this area, Coroglen and Mercury Bay were Janet’s home for over 60 years.
Janet Riddle was born in Wellington in 1937. She was two years old when her family arrived to take up a dairy farm at Coroglen. Janet helped out on the family farm at Coroglen. “ My father had an injured back so Mum and I milked the cows. I was 15 at the time.”
When her Dad recovered enough to resume milking, Janet continued working on the farm, which after a time was converted from dairying to sheep and Janet learned the art of fleece handling and worked with her Dad and brothers John and Ron as they shore sheep around the district “I moved to Auckland and
searched around for a job. I got a job in Pettits Nursery, Otahuhu. I worked there for 11 months, but Pettits closed their Otahuhu nursery. However, I soon got another job in Beaumonts Nursery in Manurewa and I was there until I was made redundant”
Janet wondered what she could do next. She wanted to try something different. When at church one Saturday morning, she saw a note on the bulletin board advertising a job in accountancy. With no experience in this field, she decided to go for it anyway, and she was actually hired!! “I was the only one who applied,” Janet says, “I was put on a trial period for three months and from the
end of that three-month period, I worked for the firm for 15 years. “
Janet worked happily for those years in a very responsible position, in charge of payroll for Weightwatchers employees in New Zealand. Her employers held her in high regard and when she decided to “retire”, they paid her airfare for her trip to the USA, Canada, London and Scotland.
After that, Janet returned to Coroglen along with her parents where she embarked on doing a particular craft. This craft was making model replica breeds of sheep using their real wool and she also used her skill to make a model of the odd kiwi. “I had a computer then and I set this up
out on the farm. By that time, Mum and Dad had handed the work on the farm over to my brother john. We cared for them and while there I did some of my own research on the history of the area”.
Finally, whilst still living on the farm, Janet started a different job. She ended up working at the Mercury Bay Museum. It was the 1990s. This led to Janet doing the research for her renowned book, Salt Spray and Sawdust.
“I knew a lot of the local history by the time I started working at the museum,” Janet explains.
“I became interested in research very early, while I was still a child, on the farm. My Mother and her sister had written some history of the area and that had sparked an interest in me. I liked reading about it.
I was in my fifties when I felt I could put a good book together of a comprehensive history of the Coromandel Peninsula. There was a well-known authoress in our family and I just knew that if I focussed, I could do this book. I had already written a book called ‘Violet’.
Janet started with what had been carefully assembled by her Mother and her aunty and using the research she had done herself on Whitianga.
“I can’t remember exactly where
I found all the information, one small piece of information would lead to a whole lot of research in a new direction. However, working in the museum was a big help.”
Then began the task of finding a publisher.
“Well, it went out to a lot of different publishers and the process of finding the right publisher to do the job took a few months. Working out the format and finally the printing, all took some time.
Janet felt very humble when it was finally published and enjoyed the way it was put together. The book went out to a lot of different places - libraries, universities, colleges. “My parents were still alive when I finished it. That meant a lot to them and to me and my family.”
Janet’s book, “Salt Spray and Sawdust – One thousand years of history in Mercury Bay, Te-Whanganui -A - Hei” has travelled far and wide across the world and has received a lot of academic acclaim.
“I have given the rights over to the Mercury Bay Museum now,” says Janet. “After all, it’s the history of the area and I’m not going to be around forever.”
Janet now resides in Dargaville with her brother-in-law and sister. Janet’s brother, Tom Riddle, is a resident of Cooks Beach.
Janet at home where she lives with her sister Lyn and her brother-inlaw, at their home in Dargaville; Janet with her mother in her days at Coroglen; The cover of Janet’s book published in 1996 by Gumtown Publishers Ltd.
Their art depicts love of life
These three studios tell a little of the story of four artists who participated in the Studio Arts Trail of the 2025 Art Escape. Their were 50 artists overall. In time The Informer will reveal some some of the stories of other artists.
BY PAULINE STEWART
LUTZ
OTTO GAEBLER
Lutz Otto Gaebler is not just an artist for the Art escape. He has been a painter and mixed media artist, also sculptor and musician since his youth. in the beautiful green hills near Kuaotunu. Lutz and his partner Ursula
came over 43 years ago to set up their life, a family, a gallery and a studio. It was then a very small community. After a couple of years, they were able to purchase the property where they
have been living all these years. Their home, the studio and outer cottages are enchanting. Even before you see the art, Lutz is very adept at social and
ethical statement through mixed media. He believes in expressing a new form of art for the millenium. “We who are artists now have all been born in the previous millennium and we are living and will die in the new millennium. I try to build a story and bring a message of hope through photography, mosaic and colour in the acrylics.“
Lutz describes how the story builds with working with the visual message or idea you begin with. “It is not all there in your mind when you start,” says Lutz. He describes art as the opposite to AI (Artificial Intelligence). There is a great deal of inspiration in the environment of their home, his studio and their surrounding landscape for Lutz. Ithe insoiration is also in his mind and heart. Lutz is a student of life and its interactions and themes. Ursula, his wife is the organiser of the annual Pet Rock Gala held on Easter Day in Kuaotunu Reserve. They bring a great deal together to their community. Art is
the soul of Kuaotunu. Their wonderful hideaway is a part of the Art Escape Arts Trail 2025 but with a phone call, Lutz will make a time to show you his gallery and studio Ph: 07 866 5371.
WARWICK LIDGARD
Warwick Lidgard is another veteran artist and he also lives in a spectacularly visually appealing environment – this gallery and studio
is at Rings Beach, beyond Kuaotunu. Warwick first came to the Rings Beach area on his honeymoon a half century ago and then returned later to purchase two sections at the end of Rings Beach. Eventually, the family moved up above the beach – a glorious and inviting nook. There is so much Warwick sees to paint. One of his earlier paintings depicts a possum on the branches of a gigan-
giorma@ascendfinancial.co.nz
Warwick’s studio nestled among the trees at Rings Beach.
Left, stained glass window that Lutz created and draws inspiration from; top, Lutz outside his studio; above, visitors admire a Lutz masterpiece.
tic Pohutukawa tree just outside his gallery. The family dogs stood on sentry duty barking for the entire day. The stunning views on your way to his gallery, plus other striking vistas in Mercury Bay and across the Peninsula are reflected in Warwick’s art. His ability with colour intensifying the reality of what you are looking at is uncanny. There are other styles here – traditional dot work and stylistic colour pieces. It is hard to choose just which piece one wishes to buy for the home. Warwick’s gentle and welcoming approach to explaining simply the meaning or the experience behind each piece of art is very levelling for all the visitors. Warwick too has his gallery open beyond the days of the Art Escape Arts Trail Ph: 07 866 5074.
FUNKY FISH AND SUNFLOWER GLASS STUDIOS
Funky Fish and Sunflower Glass Studios is so different from many of the galleries and studios on the Art Escape Trail. When I arrived, I could hear the voices of children happily engaged in the small shop front and studio that belongs to Mark and Sandra Hosking on the outskirts of Whitianga township on your way to Wharakaho.
The strand of sunflowers growing out the front is really the theme of their work. Funky Fish is a glass ornament, jewellery, décor studio where brightly coloured fish are very popular for families and fish bowls everywhere but also sunflowers abound, a symbol of brightness and hope. There are sunflower ornaments, jewellery, necklaces, keyrings and wall
décor all abut sunflowers. The place makes one smile. Actualy thr eis a variety of glass art forms everywhere and off to the side there is a portion of thre counter for poppy necklaces, poppy earirngs – signalling the coming of Anzac Day.
This is not a cute in a home cottage way. Rather, heir approach is very professional and quality and finish is very important to both. Their kilns and equipment and supplies of glass are quite impressive. In fact, Mark and Sandra are suppliers of glass to mosaic workers, glass artists and potters across a very wide region.
This all began with the untimely death of their daughter before her 21st birthday. She was an artist and a lover of sunflowers and loved colourful environments.
Sandra is a very artistic person
herself and to help their lives honour their daughter’s hopes and dreams as well as still living a full life themselves they formed their lampworking and fusing of glass business.
This is a wonderful place to visit. The warmth and colour will envelop you.
15 Haddon Crescent, Whitianga Ph: 021 590 851.
The Art Escape two weekends Art Trail is over. However, those 50 artists keep on creating and working because of their love of art. The variety and depth of creativity and the standard of excellence on the Coromandel Peninsula that comes from the hearts and minds of our artists is world class. Encourage them, decorate your home and yourself with what they offer.
Contact: Ernest Raina 021 716 852 or 07 211 9793 (Matarangi office) ernest@rainest.co.nz
Warwick is at home in his gallery where many pieces of his art reveal his love for nature, colour and the human connection.
Left, Sandra and Mark Hosking in their studio; top, funky glass fish; right, sorting the millefiori for colourful glass mosiacs
104 Sealey Street, Thames
• Long standing professional tenant
• Currently returning $56,000pa plus GST & Outgoings
• Total floor area of 239sqm (approx.)
• Freehold site of 480sqm (more or less) providing valuable on-site car parking
• Neighbours include OPSM, BNZ and various medical businesses
This property is situated in Sealey Street, which runs between Pollen Street (Thames’ main street) and Queen Street, SH25, the by-pass to the Coromandel. The property is diagonally across the road from the BNZ on the corner of Sealey and Pollen Streets. Other businesses in the area include Bayleys, Goldfields Shopping Centre and Subway.
Auction:
11am, Wednesday 19 March 2025, 678 Victoria St, Hamilton CBD (unless sold prior). www.naiharcourts.co.nz/HCM32332
Mike Neale M 027 451 5133 mike.neale@naiharcourts.co.nz
RIDGE RUNNER IS BACK FOR 2025!
After an incredible inaugural year Ridge Runner is returning to the stunning Coromandel trails in 2025!
Get ready to challenge yourself at Whitestar Station on some of the most breath-taking terrain, surrounded by lush native bush and epic ridgeline views
Choose your adventure for 2025:
�� 24km Ridge Challenge – For those ready to conquer the ultimate test
�� 12km Trail Blitz – A thrilling route packed with beauty and excitement
Ridge Runner 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience
Steampunk Thames visits
Frankton Thunder
Hudson M 027 447 7966 nicola.hudson@harcourts.co.nz
co nz MEDIA INQUIRIES 6 DECEMBER 2025
With just a handful of these discounted entries up for grabs you won t want to miss out Entries open WEDNESDAY 12th of March 10am!
sandra@elementevents co nz
Led by Steampunk Thames, who organised the Steampunk component of the Frankton Thunder event, local organiser Paula Munro estimates that more than 20 people from the Thames area travelled to the Frankton Thunder event, making up close to half of all Steampunk participants. Others travelled from as far afield as Tauranga and Auckland to join in the fun.
There’s something very inclusive about the Steampunk movement, with everyone from children to the very elderly, all dressed in their finest costumes for the day, looking the part alongside some of the vintage and classic cars on display.
Paula Munro, Kathryn McGregor and Micheal Crosland.
Nuggets Of HistOry
Castaway to legend – the improbable story of Charles Ring
BY JOHN PRATT
The Dutch brigantine “Ceres,” under Captain Davie, set sail from San Francisco on 14 June 1852, headed for Sydney and Port Phillip. Many of the 103 passengers aboard were fresh from the California gold rush, looking to stake their claims in Australia.
Just five days later, on 19 June, the Ceres made anchor just off the Tongan island of Niaufo’ou, where the ship took on water and fresh provisions. Six passengers elected to stay on the island, before the Ceres set sail for Fiji on the 20 June.
At midnight on 22nd June, with the wind behind her, making a brisk 11 knots, tragedy struck; the Ceres had run aground on a reef. By morning the ship, was all but gone. Using spars and other wreckage, the stranded crew and passengers lashed together a raft, and set sail for what appeared to be a small atoll, they thought to be five miles away. Over the next five days, all of the passengers and crew of the Ceres had been transferred to the atoll.
Their biggest fear was the lack
of food and water. On the island, there were mainly just yams and coconuts. They were eating coconuts faster than the trees were growing them, and the only available fresh water was what they had brought ashore from the Ceres. The sails were rigged to catch and collect any water, should rain arrive, and men took off their shirts and spread them
out. When they became saturated with rain, they were wrung out into water barrels.
A deserted tropical atoll didn’t seem like a long-term option. The castaways set about making their one surviving longboat suitable for a sea voyage, using sail cloth and material salvaged from the Ceres. On Sunday, 8 August, Captain Davies, two of the crew, and
three passengers, including a man called Charles Ring, set off for what they hoped would be either Norfolk Island, or Moreton Bay in Queensland, Australia. Progress was painfully slow. In ten days, they had made perhaps only 300 miles’ progress, when they spotted a sail on the horizon.
The sail was that of the American brigantine whaler “Daniel
Watson,” itself six weeks sailing out from Sydney. Captain Phelps turned the “Daniel Watson” in the direction of the island, and on 25 August 1852, the passengers and crew of the Ceres were all reunited aboard the Daniel Watson.
On 29 August, the Daniel Watson set sail again for Auckland, arriving on 23 September. After two months on the atoll, and another month at sea on the Daniel Watson, the castaways had arrived in Auckland with nothing more than what they stood in. They needed prospects.
Charles Ring wasted no time returning to see his brother Fred in Coromandel ( town), where the pair had spent time as sawmillers. They spent their first day together working in the Kapanga Stream, which was the driving creek of the sawmill at Coromandel.
On 15 October, on just his third day working the Kapanga creek, Charles Ring found gold.
John is a passionate history buff about New Zealand. His column will offer true-life vignettes of history in 1800s and 1900s in the Coromandel-Hauraki region.
Auckland waterfront in the 1880s at about the time Charles Ring would have arrived from Australia.
MP Scott Simpson formally sworn-in as a Minister
IMMIGRATION WOES
As a fairly recent immigrant from the UK to Aotearoa, I am writing in response to Alan Hopping’s article on immigration. Having been through the process myself I know what a minefield it can be, and an expensive one too. To avoid any misunderstanding, I totally respect the formalities of being granted the privilege to be able to live and work here. Nothing was taken for granted until the necessary visas were officially authorised.
I know the young man mentioned in Alan’s article and have enjoyed his music on various occasions. It seems totally unfair how the immigration system is working for him.
economy and get New Zealand back on track.”
Coromandel MP Scott Simpson has been sworn-in as the Minister for ACC and the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
“It was an honour to formally accept my new ministerial roles at a swearing-in ceremony alongside my National Party colleagues and the Governor-General,” says Mr Simpson.
“Becoming a Minister comes with greater responsibility and I’m looking forward to continuing the work programme that is currently underway.”
“I’m proud to be part of a team that is working to grow the
Additional Information: “A role clash for new minister” was published by the Herald, the next day, Wednesday, 5 March. Scott announced that he is ‘recusing himself from decisions concerning one of the country’s least competitive business sectors. He will have nothing to do with grocery sector regulation because a close family member owns a supermarket’. Nicola Willis will act as Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister on all matters related to grocery regulation.’ Scott was appointed Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister on 24 February.
Yes, he may have got the wrong type of visa - it is very easy to get it wrong - but perhaps a special case could be made for him. I know how hard that is to be granted. My elder son joined us in NZ a few years ago on a two-
year Working Holiday visa. He enjoyed living in Whitianga and attended C3 and Crossroads Churches. My son worked at the then Hogshead pub and OPC before heading to Auckland to experience life there. He signed up with an employment agency and took all kinds of jobs, including in the Food Stuffs refrigerated warehouse.
It was then learnt that he could only work for a total of 12 months out of his visa’s twoyear duration. Because he didn’t meet any of the skills or wealth criteria, he was unable to obtain a suitable visa and had to leave our shores.
Yes, he maybe ‘unskilled’, but his skill was turning up for job interviews, turning up for work and carrying out the tasks given to him. The agency didn’t want him to go but they were unable to help him stay.
For the past ten years Australia has benefitted from his work
ethic and the taxes he has paid into their coffers.
I am now proudly a New Zealand citizen. Many Kiwis have found it hard to understand why my son can’t join me here. I have written to our MP and various immigration ministers and contacted specialist immigration lawyers. The response has generally been sympathetic, but the answer has always been No. I respect the way the system is, but it certainly seems unfair at times. Hardworking people who don’t meet the skills and wealth criteria are just as vital to our economy as those with lots of qualifications and money. They are not taking Kiwis’ jobs - they are filling the vacancies that can’t be filled.
My heart goes out to this young Philippino man and his wife. I hope he is successful in his quest to stay here.
Total eclipse of moon this Friday, 14 March
There will be a total eclipse of the Moon on Friday, 14 March just visible to us as it rises on the eastern horizon with the reddish Moon already totally covered by the Earth’s shadow. Over the next hour or so it gradually rises higher and can be
seen moving out of the darkest part of the shadow from 8:31pm and is fully out by 9:48pm and becomes progressively less red. Just how red it appears will depend on how much cloud there is around the Earth at the time as viewed from the Moon.
Mitsubishi Heatpumps Specials
Hon. Simon Watts, Hon. Nicola Willis, Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro, Hon. Scott Simpson, and Hon. Paul Goldsmith.
Rose Barrett Whitianga
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
‘MINUTE’ TEMPERATURE RISE CLAIM IS LUDICROUS
In his March 4 Informer letter, Alastair Brickell peddles the shameless ploy from the oil industry’s climate denial handbook, masking the truth about sea level rise by averaging it over a century.
The data dismantles his farce: global mean sea level rise has soared from 2.1 mm/year in the 1990s to 4.5 mm/year in the last decade-a doubling fuelled by rising temperatures, ocean thermal expansion, and melting ice sheets. The rate of sea level rise is accelerating with each passing year. His “minute” rise claim is as ludicrous as insisting your house isn’t flooding because the water was ankle-deep for 99 years before it hit the ceiling. Utterly pathetic.
Equally absurd is Brickell’s take that NZ banks shun coal lending for political reasons. The politically independent Reserve Bank of New Zealand has flagged climate-related financial risk. Banks are dodging coal to reduce risk exposure, not play politics, as coal becomes a stranded asset.
Meanwhile, insurers, reeling from NZ$3.8 billion in claims from climate change-fuelled disasters like the Auckland floods, have increased premiums by 25% and reduced flood coverage in floodrisk areas. This isn’t ideology; it’s financial prudence.
Brickell’s denial isn’t just wrong - it’s a dangerous rejection of the economic and environmental crisis staring us all in the face.
Brenda Smythe Papakura
NATURAL CLIMATE CHANGE MORE SIGNIFICANT
After reading David Gibson’s angry critique of Alastair Brick-
ell’s opinions on climate change (4 March), I have sympathy with Alastair’s position and feel it necessary to come to his defence.
Whilst acknowledging the validity of climate scientists’ research, that is only part of the story. To those who consider the present climate change to be man-made, they have not given sufficient importance to natural climate change.
This encompasses a great deal, including volcanic and sunspot activity; thermohaline ocean circulation; Heinrich events (when icebergs break from glaciers); the Dansgaard-Oeschger rapid climate fluctuations; changes in the concentrations of the greenhouse gases of methane and carbon dioxide in millennial timescales;and bursts of cosmic rays increasing cloud cover.
Then there are the Milankovitch astronomical cycles of the Earth’s orbits around the sun, which have over the past 2.5 million years caused massive temperature oscillations.
After considering all those, one cannot deny that man’s influence on climate-change is relatively insignificant and all the current rules and regulations being made are detrimental to our quality of life.
Mike Ellis Whangamata
BEMUSEMENT AT FEDERATED FARMERS
It was with some bemusement but no surprise that I read the opinion piece by Federated Farmers regarding Andy Foster’s Members Bill. Loved the description of the BNZ’s decision to “de-bank” “legitimate” businesses like the petrol industry as outrageous.
Had to giggle at the assertion that decisions by financial institutions to take some responsibility for adjusting their practices to minimise their contribution to climate change are “ideological considerations”. It is the ideology of considering financial drivers as the highest importance that has got us into this mess. And yay for any “moral police” that will help control destructive industries such, as the fossil fuel industry and big agriculture, who obviously are incapable of controlling themselves, and wish us
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.
to believe that they have a right to heedlessly pursue profits regardless of the harm it causes. A dangerous ideology indeed!
Tina Spencer Whenuakite
FROM 33.3 CENTS TO $1.20 PER DAY - A SCAM!
Just when I was forgetting about it, my electricity account arrived in the post box (many would have received their account by email).
Once again anger filled me that our elected members have failed us.
The power network was built by taxpayers for our citizens well-being. It was well planned for their future. Then, without mandate, Roger Douglas, Ruth Richardson, Bradford and John Key sold our asset into private hands claiming it would be better run, and competition would keep prices down. What a scam!
When I was first paying for electricity to the government, there was no availability charge. Then, once sold, the ‘investment’ groups wanted an assured return and instituted a daily charge of 12 cents just for the connection. This was raised quietly to 33.3 cents per day. But the greed of wealthy owners continues as they have a monopoly.
The daily charge for this essential service is now, wait for it, $1.20 per day. The percentage increase is the responsibility of this government. I wonder what the explanation will be when I ring my government representative, Scott Simpson, now that he has the consumer affairs portfolio?
Peter H. Wood Whitianga
LACK
OF SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES WITH RMA
Friday night, we attended the opening of the Art Escape at Hot Waves—a truly fantastic setting and venue. During the event, Mayor Len Salt arrived, and I took the opportunity to discuss with him recent articles about the RMA and the apparent lack of support for businesses, both small and large, that are either trying to set up or are currently operating.
My primary concern is that the current process allows anyone to complete the council’s form
and report any business. As a result, two staff members are dispatched to investigate without verifying the complaint’s validity.
This often forces business owners into a defensive position, having to justify every detail-including checking consents and building modifications. Unfortunately, this onerous process frequently leads to businesses giving up and eventually closing.
During the event, one speaker reflected on the past 50 years of small potters, painters, and artisans who have shaped our community-a comment that resonated deeply, especially after my conversation with the mayor regarding complaints.
It seems that some individuals file complaints over trivial matters, such as a business having a kiln or producing a product, ultimately leading to unnecessary closures.
The mayor responded to my comments with saying that he prefers to focus on strategic matters rather than getting involved in the day-to-day operations of his staff. I responded by noting that this approach is quite apparent, as it appears there is a lack of oversight regarding the way operations relate to governance principles. . This is particularly so with some staff in the field. Moreover, many within the council do not support this practice I always thought leadership is required rather than management. Any kind of leading from the front is missing.
Shaun Jackson Hahei
MR BRICKELL’S APT DESCRIPTIONEXASPERATION WITH CO2 EMISSIONS
Clearly Mr. Gibson (Informer 4 March) is exasperated, as his only response to Mr. Brickell is with insults. The ‘ 97% scientists agree’ myth has long been debunked and in any case, “ If it is consensus, it is not science and if it is science, it is not consensus”. As for the IPCC, it is an intergovernmental body, not a scientific one, set up to prove that human carbon dioxide ( CO2) causes climate change, not to find out if it really does. Its ‘Summary for Policy Makers’ consists of deliberately
incomprehensible waffle, written by politicians with a pecuniary agenda, not scientists, and many of whom disagree. Additionally, no professional would ever talk about ‘settled science’, It never is. However, this skirts the key issue, which is the deep-seated ‘cult belief’ (Mr. Brickell’s apt description) that human produced CO2 significantly affects climate. All the available evidence is circumstantial, or anecdotal and no rigorous causal relationship has ever been established. The reasons are simple:-
(a) The most significant greenhouse gas (GHG) by far is atmospheric water in the form of clouds, vapour and humidity which is why it feels warmer on cloudy days. This over-riding GHG effect is blatantly ignored as there is no money in it. By contrast, billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on reducing human CO2, destroying economies in the process, but with no discernible effect on rising atmospheric CO2 levels.
(b) 96% of the secondary GHG, atmospheric CO2, is produced naturally. Common-sense tells us that a small change in the human 4% will have little effect, and the daily alarmist anecdotes prove no causal relationship.
(c) The recent worldwide reduction in human CO2 emissions, due to Covid, has had no impact on the naturally increasing levels of CO2. If the calamitous shutting down of industry worldwide has had no effect, what can Mr.Gibson’s “urgently needed climate action” achieve?
Once we confront and reject this ‘cult belief’, we can start using our high grade coal, energetically exploit our oil and gas reserves, re-open Marsden Refinery and stop wasteful subsidies. The effect on our balance of payments, currently 7% in deficit would be dramatic, our GDP growth currently zero will rise, as will the weakening NZD and interest rates will drop.
If we refuse to tackle head-on this ‘madness-of-crowds’ belief, we can expect our fuel prices and cost of living to carry on increasing. Maybe this does not concern Mr. Gibson.
Gerry Sanders Whitianga
Talented young artist Isobel is scholarship winner
he Mercury Bay Art
TEscape sponsors an annual scholarship for a student from MBAS. This scholarship enables the student to work and learn from an Art Escape mentor in their chosen medium. The opportunity is intended to encourage artistic collaboration with our younger locals.
Isobel Warwood is the 2025 scholarship recipient.
FROM ISOBEL
Hello, my name is Isobel Warwood, and I’m this year’s 2025 scholarship recipient from Mercury Bay Area School. I’m very passionate about art and all the aspects that painting and drawing bring as well as all the different art mediums. I believe that having the power to create whatever you make in your mind and being able to show others around you is a beautiful thing.
The painting that I have created is named Anthophile. It comes from the
Greek language and it means a person who has a deep love and appreciation for flowers, “Anthos” meaning flower and “Philos” meaning love. Originally, I had planned for the figure in my painting to resemble a Greek statue but decided against it. wanted to show a more modern version of something having characteristics of a Greek statue, in order to demonstrate that people in society today also have a deep love for flowers and nature. As I continue with my art
journey, I find myself more drawn to the love of what art is. I want to push the boundaries of what I have done so far and explore out of my comfort zone. And hopefully I’ll be able to do that by going to an art University. I want to meet others who have the same passion in art as I do and keep being able to create pieces of work that help evoke emotion in the people viewing them. I appreciate being given the opportunity to show my passion for art and thank you.
BY LILY PAULSEN
With the fresh new design on the shop and a week into its opening, it has proven to be busy with the locals coming to have a look and get a feel for the new layout. It’s already proven to be a success with the regulars as I took the opportunity to interview quite a few customers upon entry.
A common view-point among customers was loving the bold blue and the neat baskets that hold the produce. Several customers said, “The baskets in the produce are neat and look fresher.” With painted walls and a different layout, the locals are loving the welcoming and inviting appearance of their new FreshChoice Pauanui.
“It looks so much nicer and welcoming without the red at the front of the shop,” said one of the regular customers.
Others have mentioned the interior black paint job has made it look tidy and wider. Another spoke about the blue. “The blue has a nice feel to it and it looks more inviting.”
In 2021 Ravi and Bhavikia Vanisa, the owners of Pauanui SuperValue and now FreshChoice Pauanui, transitioned from engineering and teaching, to owning the Pauanui Supermarket and they are staying true to their commitment to “create a positive shopping experience”. They enjoy providing customer service at a high level and believe that this changeover will offer a broader range of products including many new locally owned products that we can get excited about.
The opening on Tuesday, 25 February marked Pauanui’s store as the 64th
Our writer Lily at FreshChoice.
FreshChoice in New Zealand. This company appears to excel at Fresh, locally-owned food, and a positive community that we believe everyone should get the chance to experience in their region.
Seeing hopeful changes like this continues to excite me, and in witnessing the customers’ reactions firsthand, I truly understand that every business has the option of deciding to bring a positive experience to their customers, even with just a welcome.
You do not have to change the design or brand of your business to make an impact. From what I have seen in the last week, even a smile and good service can go a long way to turning an occasional or first-time customer into a regular. I do admit a fresh new look can always help the cause, as well as a friendly team and quality food.
We cannot wait to see what the FreshChoice of Pauanui does next and wish them all the best in their business going ahead. Lily is a staff member at FreshChoice Pauanui and a keen writer. This story is her initiative which we applaud and will encourage Lily to write more.
Isobel at Art Escape Opening Gala Night with one of her paintings.
Meri’s statue now heritage
Listed as Category One historic place
Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia is from Whangapoua
The Kate Sheppard National Memorial to Women’s Suffrage has been entered on the New Zealand Heritage List Rārangi Kōrero as a Category 1 historic place.
Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, of Taitokerau who requested the vote for women from Te Kotahitanga, the Māori Parliament is one the five influential suffragists flanking Kate Sheppard’s statue, the central focus of the Kate Sheppard National Suffrage Memorial located in Oxford Terrace, Christchurch since Women’s Suffrage Centenary in 1993.
The 2.1-metre-high bas-relief sculpture depicts a life-sized Kate Sheppard, flanked by the statues of five other women known in New Zealand as having significant influence to obtaining for women the vote in this country. The artwork was created for the 1993 commemorations of the momentous achievement of New Zealand women gaining the right to vote one hundred years earlier.
Unlike the male statues, where men are presented larger-thanlife, up high on plinth, the Kate Sheppard National Memorial to Women’s Suffrage is at ground level, near life-size and accessible. Its position encourages visitors to interact closely with the sculpture. It stands near the Municipal Chambers in Oxford Terrace.
The creation of the memorial was a true group effort, much like the original 19th century suffrage campaign. In June 1990, 44 women representing many women’s groups and organisations met to discuss how they could celebrate the upcoming centenary. This beautiful memorial statue is one important outcome.
The presence of Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia (on the far left of the statue) is significant. Her inclusion reflects the broader story of the impacts of colonial settlement on Māori. While Māori women and Pākehā women shared similar concerns in late 19th century
New Zealand, such as the harms of alcohol, their situations differed. Many Māori women saw their prior rights eroding under colonial rule. Land issues were a key problem, and Māori women were vocal in raising concerns that so much of their lands and resources was being taken into colonial ownership. When Te Kotahitanga, the Māori Parliament, was established in 1892, Māori women were involved and able to speak from its inception.
Before women had the vote anywhere in the world, in May 1893, Meri Te Tai requested of the Maori parliament that women should have the right to vote and that they be eligible to sit in the Māori parliament
Meri’s courage and forthrightness was beyond anything known in her day. Meri approached Queen Victoria on behalf of Maori women. Queen Victoria’s deliberations on New Zealand had not much benefited Māori women. Meri felt she might listen more
attentively to a woman. In her direct approach to Queen Victoria, she raised issues which included the administration and ownership of land by women. Queen Victoria did not respond to her entreaty.
LOCAL
MEMORIAL TO MERI
In the picnic and recreational area, at the entrance to the beach at Whangapoua, here on the Coromandel Peninsula, a handsome information board outlines the life and achievements of Meri Te Tai Mangakahia.
Whangapoua is world famous for New Chums Beach. However, the big story of Whangapoua is that it was the home of a Maori family from whom emerged two powerful, game-changing women, Meri Te Tai Mangakahia and her youngest daughter, Mepara (Mabel).
This woman was a leader of leaders. The force of her vision raised issues which are still pertinent today.
This is the statue celebrating the women’s suffrage movement which won New Zealand women the vote. It stands in Oxford Terrace, Christchurch which now has Heritage One rating. Meri is on the far left of the statue. To the right is Meri Te Tai Mangakahia as a young woman. Above is a motif highlighting the campaign to have Maori women as speakers in the Maori Parliament.
Meri Te Tai was from a family of ruling Te Rarawa Chiefs from Panguru, Hokianga. Her hapu were Ngāti Te Rēinga, Ngāti Manawa and Te Kaitūtae, three hapū of Te Rarawa.
She is said to have been born on 22 May 1868, near Whakarapa (Panguru) on the Hokianga Harbour. She was the great-grandchild of a woman of mana, Ngākahuwhero.
Her father, Rē Te Tai, was an influential chief of Te Rarawa in the Hokianga district in the 1890s and later. Her mother was Hana Tēra. Meri was the eldest of the four children of Hana’s second marriage.
Meri is said to have studied at St Mary’s Convent in Auckland, and was an accomplished pianist. In the late 1880s or early 1890s she became the third wife of Hāmiora Mangakāhia, a high-ranking member of Ngāti Whanaunga and his hapū were Ngāti Hei and Ngāti Pare. His father was from Ngāti Kahungunu. He was an assessor
in the Native Land Court, and was working at Waimate North in 1887. He was also at the Bay of Islands in 1889, attending the meeting at which Te Kotahitanga, the Māori parliament movement, was formally initiated. Hāmiora and Meri built a homestead on his land at Whangapoua on the Coromandel Peninsula. During the following years, Meri gave birth to four children: two sons, Mohi and Waipapa, and two daughters, Whangapoua Tangiora Edith and Mabel Te Aowhaitini. Following in her Mother’s footsteps, Mabel became a pioneer and trail blazer in her own right.
Source: Heritage New Zealand
I once met a man and I would like to meet him again some time!
BY STAN STEWART
It was unfamiliar territory to us. We were told it was the highest priced bayside suburb in Auckland. The streets were leafy. Looking down the drives were views of the sparkling harbour. Everything smelt of old money.
It was a big-number birthday of an Aucklander well known in art and music circles. Somehow my wife knew her. I knew no one.
The speeches were entertaining and punctuated with high class musical offerings. The snacks which followed looked amazing. The problem was reaching them. With a little huff and puff I secured a modest plateful.
Then the challenge was how to eat them in this shoulder-to-shoulder crowd. I spotted a chair in a corner and claimed it. As I sat, I noticed it was part of an elegant setting – a small table, and two chairs. The other chair was unoccupied for seconds, and then a man in a business suit whom I did not know, claimed it.
He also had a small plate of
goodies and I could see he was interested in talking.
He opened by enquiring about my age (not my name). As he suspected, my age was similar to his.
Then he told me that in a few years he would die and so would I.
A was a liitle taken aback by the thrust of his comment but I could do nothing but to nod in agreement.
“I’m nervous about dying” he said. “What about you?”
“I don’t think much about it” I replied.
“I can’t say it worries me”.
Then unbidden, this nameless stranger started to tell me about his life. He told me he was successful in business and had multi-million-dollar assets.
“But so what?” He said.
“My wonderful wife now has alzheimers and will die soon. How about you?” he asked.
I thought he was enquiring about my business life.
“I am currently not working and if it wasn’t for the kindness of some friends, I would be unoccu-
Life is very rarely like a perfect cup of tea and that perfect piece of cake.
pied and extremely bored”.
“What was your work?” he asked.
I told him I had been an ordained church minister for fifty years.
Incredulous, he asked me to list the churches I had worked for
and I did.
“I am a Christian” he said, but I can’t bear to go to church except on Christmas Day and then I do it to please the family. I think there is something wrong with religious organisations. They don’t seem to match up to the Jesus I read about in the Bible,” he said.
“I agree,” I said.
He seemed affronted by my reply. “How can you say that? You spent your whole life working for them! And now you don’t believe in them. Don’t you regret a wasted life?”
I replied, “My belief in Jesus has not wavered. It’s my belief in the church, in churches, that has diminished.
“Same with me,” he responded.
Provoked, I said, “The churches, all churches, seem to act as if they own Jesus. They finetune him and put him in a box that exactly fits their organization.”
He went silent.
Then he blurted. “Young people don’t go to church but many of them are searching for something spiritual – yoga, mindfulness,
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meditation, drug induced enlightenment. What’s behind all that?” I replied, “My guess is that they sense that there is more to this world than what we can see and touch”.
He felt my comment was not adequate.
“They just what want whatever turns them on. They are mostly after thrills,” he said.
The conversation lapsed. Then he was back on track. “We are going to die soon and that makes me anxious.”
“My sense is there is nothing to be afraid of” I said. He nodded. He was still skeptical.
He finished off his sandwiches. It was obvious that for him the conversation was over.
He rose. Extended his hand for a handshake.
“Good to chat,” he said. Then he was gone.
This encounter has stayed with me. Maybe we will bump into each other again. I hope so! Certainly, these days the subject of dying is of heightened interest to me.
Tapu 25D Tapu Coroglen Road
Junior sailors make their mark
COMPILED BY ADELE SCOBIE
Some of our young sailors from Mercury Bay Boating Club have been out there testing themselves against other sailors in the North Island this summer they have dome very well at the two Regattas in which they have competed.
RAGLAN REGATTA
Mercury Bay Boating Club youth sailors attended the Burnsco Raglan regatta on 15 and 16 February. The sailors were Thomas Scobie, Euan Stewart, Bianca Raynal, Reiver Wallace, Leon Lingard, Lachlan Robertson.
There were 3 fleets, Windsurfing, A Fleet (ILCA’s & QUEST’s), B Fleet (Starling’s, BIC’s, Fusion’s, Optimist’s).
Outstanding Raglan was a test of just fighting to stay out there. Our sailors put in their absolute all despite these really challenging conditions.
Conditions were very tough in the Raglan Harbour, with winds on Saturday gusting 25 knots and Sunday 35 knots. Not only did the sailors have to contend with the strong winds, but they also had to navigate the strong outgoing tide once it turned.
On the first day, out of 33 boats, only 9 were left on the water as the rest of the fleet had retired. Everyone did very well to brave the conditions, especially Euan and Thomas. OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP
As well as 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each fleet, there were two trophies awarded on the day. One was for windsurfing which was won by Bruce Kendall, and the other was for OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP awarded to Thomas Scobie for being the only open Bic skiff for staying g out there the whole time.
That truly was an endurance test for the whole day.
BURNSCO HAMILTON REGATTA
On the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 1 and 2 March, the same young sailors attended the Burnsco Hamilton Regatta at Hamilton Lake. Conditions were the complete opposite to Raglan, with very light shifty winds.
There were 4 fleets, Lasers, ILCA’s, 3.7’s and Junior Open Fleet (Fusion, BIC, Optimist’s).
Again, all of the sailors did so very well. They were a credit to their Boating Club and to sailing.
All this has been made possible by the new coach, Daisy Desorgher who has been with the Club since late November. Daisy has come six years coaching experience in Greece with a
company called Wildwind in Vasiliki.
“ I have done here i n Mercury Bay a combination of courses throughout the summer. We have also been preparing and training a race squad. It is the race squad that has participated in the two regattas. Daisy really is a veteran sailor.
“I love being here,” says Daisy.
“Everyone has been very welcoming. I have had so much joy with all of my groups and the sailors are very keen to learn. This is a very beautiful place to sail and live. The people and the sights just make it the best place to be.”
The Coromandel is a water paradise – a playground for sailing and fishing and diving all year round.
Reiver, Leon, Thomas, and Lachlan setting sail
The new sailing coach, Daisy Desorgher; Light conditions on Hamilton Lake; below, Thomas Scobie receiving his prize for 1st over the line and 2nd on Handicap
WHAT'S ON
OP SHOPS
Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop –Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Mon-Sat 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 14 February & Monday 24 February. In the Mercury Bay Service Centre Community Board Room in Monk St (behind the council offices).
American Muscle Street and Custom Club Whitianga – Club meetings first Sunday of the month, 11am at Buffalo Beach Reserve for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822.
Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New members welcome. Ph Anne on 07 866 0268 for more information. Craft Group – Meets first Saturday of the month 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph Alison 021 0508 772 or Sally 027 3962 383.
Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed of the month. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com.
Hospice Waikato’s Bereavement Support Group – Lost a loved one? Join Hospice Waikato’s monthly bereavement support group. Connect over morning tea with others who understand. Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 10.30am to 12.00pm at Whitianga Social Services. Registration required. Contact Hospice Waikato to register at 07 859 1260.
Mercury Bay Model Railway Club – Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650 Mercury Bay Shooting Federation – Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email mbsfsecretary@gmail.com
Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) – Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Joan on 07 866 3801 or 027 275 1372.
BI-MONTHLY
Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc – We meet bimonthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Merle 07 867 1737.
FORTNIGHTLY
Greeting Card Making – The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up.
Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman,
7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up.
Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone Vanessa 027 896 5037. Email vandoo555@gmail. com.
Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016.
Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information.
WEEKLY OR MORE
Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.
Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for more info.
Boys Brigade – An adventure, activity, and values based ministry for boys. For boys aged 5-13 years old. Tues 5.30-7pm For information contact Robyn 020 409 39674.
Chess Club – Monday nights 6.30-9.30pm, MB Bowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost $2. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or brettsoanes16@ hotmail.com
Chinwag Café – Every Friday from 10.30am12.30pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag. Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from 9am-1pm.
Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Wood.
Cooks Beach Care Group – Join our friendly team and learn about coastal conservation. Come weeding and planting. Thursday mornings. Register www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz
Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling Club – Starts back 26 February, Cooks Beach Community Hall, 1.45pm. First month free. Ph Coral 021 2303 944. Dog walking group – Every Thurs, 2pm, Lovers Rock, Robinson Road. All breeds and sizes welcome to a very sociable group. Ph Jenny on 021 186 5797.
Hahei Contract Bridge Club – Every Tuesday 12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Learners and casual welcome. Contact Don Barry 021 741 959 or Robyn Hogg 021543015.
Meditation Classes – Thursday evening. Spiritual, heart, soul development. Sacred energy, chakra activations, working with spiritual guides. Open forum conversation, Thursdays, 6.30pm at Flat 1, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga. Cost $10. Contact Verna 027 320 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com.
Meditation Stress Reduction Circle – Whitianga – Mondays from 7.30-9pm at the Embassy of Friendship, 5 Coghill St. More info Steffen Lindner (Counsellor, Therapist & Mindfulness Facilitator) ph 022 0853 121 or email steffen@eof.nz
Published weekly and distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of them are at the discretion of the editor. Contributions only considered for publication when accompanied by the author’s name, phone no, email or residential address. Opinions expressed (esp. in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher and can be cut if too long.
Editors: Pauline & Stan Stewart (027 271 6182)
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Writer’s: Jack Biddle, Trevor Ammundsen, Michelle Dellabarca, Dorothy Preece, Pam Ferla, Verna Carr, Malcolm Campbell.
Office: 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Phone (07) 866 2090
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Admin: office@theinformer.co.nz Editor: 027 271 6182
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram& website @theinformernz | ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2022 Mercury Bay Informer Limited
If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Coromandel Informer know. Call 07 866 2090, email info@theinformer.co.nz. Our What’s On page is not guaranteed to run every week as often space is restricted. Consider paying for a classified advert if you want to guarantee your activity runs every week.
Mercury Bay Badminton Club – Thurs 5-7pm, 4 courts at MBAS gym. Please note club nights currently limited to existing club members due to high attendance levels. Contact: Steve 027 211 3568
Mercury Bay Badminton – Every Wednesday 9-11am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Social badminton. Casual players and visitors are welcome. Players of all levels, ages 16+. Phone Carol 027 474 7493 for more information.
Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports Club – 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday & Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772.
Mercury Bay Bridge Club – Every Wednesday at 1pm and every Thursday at 7pm at the MB Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. For more information, phone Gavin on 021 146 9203.
Mercury Bay Community Choir – Mondays 6.15pm-8.15pm, The Music Room, Mercury Bay Area School. Start date 3rd February. All welcome. No auditions needed. Phone Kate 027 2709058 for details.
Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised prior. For more information, please email mbenvironmentaltrust@gmail.com or go to www. mbet.co.nz.
Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club – Every Thursday evening, Whitianga Town Hall, 6.45pm. New members and visitors welcome. Phone Cheryl 027 452 7887 or Sandie 021 825 667 for more information.
Mercury Bay Pickleball Club – At Mercury Bay Area School Gymnasium, Every Tuesday Members Night 5.30-7.30pm; Sundays 3.00-6.00pm- Open to New players (Training & equipment provided, first session free) and all members and visitors. $5 per session. Moewai Sportspark Outdoor Sessions-weather dependant & advised per our facebook page. Matarangi (Matai Pl Courts)
Summer Hrs-Thurs 5-7pm, Sat 9-11am. Contact Grant 0223836351. Hahei Tennis & Pickleball Club Thurs & Sunday, Contact Tim 0278432683 or refer their facebook page.
Mercury Bay Squash Club – New members/ enquiries to Dawn Thurgood mercbaysquash@ gmail.com
Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tues, 9-11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Ph Anne on 07 869 5162 or 027 565 5575 for more info.
Mercury Bay Tennis Club – Social tennis at Lyon Park on Thursdays at 5.30pm. All welcome. Ph Jason 022 186 7992 or Carl 027 680 5570.
Oneness Meditation Centre – The centre focuses on the meditative art of going deeper within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Every Monday, 9.3011.00am. Further info. text Linda 027 650 4881 or email linda_c@orcon.net.nz
Spiritual Conversation Mornings – Every Tues and Wed, 10.30am-12pm, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in some great conversation where we talk about topics and subjects that have meaning. $5 donation. Contact Verna 027 320 0079.
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.
The Knitwits – A knitting group that meets sociably every Thursday from 10.30 to 1.30pm. Held at Social Services building, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. If you would like to join us please contact Cathy Lines on 0211171037 for more details.
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 9am-12 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. Yoga for Everyone - beginners/retirees/ inflexibles welcome. Weds 7.15-8.30am. Sats 8.159.45am. Gentle Simple. $25/session. Txt Rosemary 0274 489326 for info.
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 Line Dancing Club – Tuesdays beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.452.30pm; Thursdays absolute beginners 11.30am12.30pm, improvers/seniors 12.45-2.30pm. Contact Margaret 027 463 8850 or Glynis 021 1099 155.
SALSA/Merengue/Bachata and Cha Cha –Contact Molly, events@beatfairy.com. Every Monday from 6.30-7.30pm at Monkey House. $20 per class which includes a drink.
Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes – Town Hall, Monk St, $5 per session. New Beginners, Wed 2.45-3.45pm, Beginner/Improver classes Monday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes Wed, 121.30pm; . 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.
TOES IN THE WATER
Wheelchair & Walker available for the disabled & ill members
communities across the Coromandel Peninsula
The day the Swamp Foxes beat Australia
The following was printed in New Zealand Herald last Friday, 7 March written by Phil Gifford.
“Imean no disrespect to Super Rugby but the highlight of my weekend will be attending the reunion in Te Aroha of the Thames Valley team that beat Australia 16-14 there in 1962.
As a Waihi College schoolkid in ’62, I watched in awe as local farmers, truck drivers, school teachers and stock agents, reduced to 14 men by injury after just seven minutes, showed why real-life sport can eclipse any scripted theatre.
In hindsight the passion for the drama of sport that the event sparked changed my life.”
THAMES VALLEY BEATS AUSTRALIA
It was back in 1962 and this last weekend, the survivors of that game had a reunion in Te Aroha.
BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN
T. P. McLean wrote the match report for the NZ Herald which was printed on 19 September, 1962; the day after the game which was the Waratahs (now called the Wallabies) final game before the third and final test of the series.
He wrote, “The right wing J Mita had to leave the field with a broken collarbone after only a few minutes. From then to the end, 14 heroic figures played their way into history by displaying a ceaseless energy and a burning courage.”
The Thames Valley fullback, T.E. Shaw, opened the scoring by drop kicking a goal, but after that time, the Waratahs (now the Wallabies) slowly moved ahead, until shortly after half time, they were leading 14 points to 3. Within a few minutes of the Waratahs reaching that score however, Thames Valley responded with a try to J Maxwell . This was converted by Shaw. As reported by Mr McLean, “The score was of importance, for it encouraged Thames Valley to play harder against a careless defence.”
The try of the match was scored by T. Kilpin, the centre, “..who scored the try of the game with a dummy which sent four defenders running wing ward while he straightened up and ran in between the posts.” This try was easily converted by Shaw so it became anybody’s game with the score at 14-13. The Waratahs were
From the Sydney Morning Herald. Their caption read; Big Wallaby lock Rob Heming closes on tiny Thames Valley fiveeighth A. Wilkinson as he makes a break in last Tuesday’s game (19 September). In support of Heming are breakaways Dallas O’Neill (left) and Peter Crittle. Thames Valley staged a second-half recovery to win 16-14.
just in front.
With only a few minutes remaining, Shaw kicked his second drop goal from 40 yards. The score was now Thames Valley 16 and Australia 14.
This led to a period of intense defence for Thames Valley described by Mr McLean as follows. “In this fast and furious phase which wrung from the crowd of 6,000 one roar of strained excitement after another, the Thames Valley try line was under constant assault.” But the heroic 14 men held on, recording Thames Valley’s greatest ever result, Valley XV 16 - Australia 14.
Thames valley played Australia again in 1986 but the core was very different. Australia -31 and the Swamp Foxes -7.
St Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on 17 March, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The day originally began as a religious feast day to commemorate his life and work in spreading Christianity throughout Ireland in the 5th century.
St. Patrick was born in Britain (likely Wales) in the late 4th century. At the age of 16, he was captured by Irish raiders and brought to Ireland as a slave. After six years, he escaped and returned to his family. However, he later felt a calling to return to Ireland as a missionary. He spent many years converting the Irish to Christianity, using a threeleafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). This became one of the enduring symbols of the holiday.
Over time, St. Patrick’s Day evolved from a religious observance into a broader celebration of Irish culture, especially in Ireland and
countries with large Irish communities, such as the United States. The day is associated with parades, wearing green, and festivities that highlight Irish music, food, and traditions.
The connection to the colour green likely stems from Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” due to its lush green landscapes, as well as the shamrock, a symbol tied to St. Patrick’s teachings. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide, often with more secular activities like drinking, dancing, and wearing green attire, though it still holds significant religious importance for many.
Irish Pub, Grace O’Malleys (see page 21) is generally the centre of Mercury Bay’s celebratons with three evenings of special guest music entertainment and traditional Irish Guinness, this coming week. Mercury Bay Club is also joining in the fun with their St Patrick’s day event – see page 5.
GAMES AND PUZZLES
sponsored by
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.
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.
ENVIRONMENT MATTERS
Total fire ban for North Waikato and Coromandel
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a prohibited fire season for the Waikato Northern and Coromandel Zones as of 2pm on Friday, 7 March, until further notice.
A prohibited fire season means no outdoor fires are allowed and all fire permits are revoked.
Waikato District Manager Daryl Trim says the areas are experiencing less rainfall than usual for this time of year.
“Despite some rain this week, vegetation is very dry across Waikato, especially through the west of the District,” Daryl Trim says.
“With no rain forecast for the next few weeks, these dry conditions are set to continue.
“There were 115 vegetation fires in Waikato in January and February, including the large fire on Black Jack Road in the Coromandel.
“It’s much harder for Fire and Emergency to protect people, property and the environment when the fire danger is so high.”
Daryl Trim asks people to
be mindful of the dry conditions and to avoid activities that can generate heat and/or sparks and cause fires.
“Don’t mow the lawns, use power tools, or drive or park vehicles in long dry grass, particularly during the hottest parts of the day,” he says.
“These all have the potential to start a devastating wildfire.”
You can find further safety advice at www.checkitsalright.nz
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Scientific Brainwashing
BY MALCOM CAMPBELL
Central Government has and is still inflicting more and more controls on the productive people of New Zealand while at the same time telling the same productive people what a great job they are doing for them, by finding solutions to the many problems on the land.
A very recent publication from a major stock company had a very detailed item on how to cope with Californian Thistles. True to form, this involved more poison. The item stated Ag-Research estimated that the invasion of the thistles was costing the pastoral farm sector a loss in revenue of $700 million per year.
As an aside, these darned prickles in California are known as Canadian Thistles and in Canada the same as here, Californian Thistles or Calis. The poison treatment involves a herbicide which defies any attempt to pronounce the name. The item admits the treatment is aggressive, with damaging effects on clover and later requires a follow up spray with yet another herbicide.
When I was ten years old, I watched my father and older brother treat Californian Thistles about eighty years ago, with a very natural waste product, readily available and cheap and it worked. Is this knowledge deliberately suppressed in favour of Dow Chemicals, Monsanto and now Bayer? Who knows?
I could tell people what we put on the thistles but, it would be better if anyone interested looked at our present farm where we do not use herbicides and have virtually
no invasive weeds, either thistles or ragwort.
A comparison can then be seen with infested similar land. The same publication has an extensive item on Facial Eczema using zinc to alleviate the painful suffering of the poor animal. Again, the zinc has a downside, as the over use of zinc results in the depletion of copper from the animals system.
It has to be admitted that our farm of the 1960s era, had a seri-
ous, very serious, problem with eczema. The state of the pasture and the weather conditions causing the spore explosion were well known, yet there was hope. In our district at that time, some farms were eczema free, while others had animals afflicted with this scourge. Asking questions within our district solved the problem quite quickly and a change in our fertiliser use saw the end of Facial Eczema. At the same time, a wellknown Farm Advisor approached Ruakura Research Station to conduct a trial to verify what had been found out. Ruakura refused, saying the problem was much more complicated and simple remedies would not work. The present government obliged the present researchers with a $35,000,000 grant to solve the problem, solved about sixty years prior. The Government, central, regional and local, relies entirely on the productive sector for their respective incomes at the same time imposing more and more compliance controls. For some unbeknown reason there is a disconnect between the researchers and the producers where simple cost effective remedies are derided or scorned.
Malcolm recently flew in to Whitianga airport with his son, Ewen, to speak with The Informer team.
TRADES & SERVICES
Razor SharpeningSharp Services
TRADES & SERVICES
MAHON PAINTERS LTD
Keith Mahon Painters Ltd
SPORTS
THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB
9-hole Men’s Stableford
Monday 3 March
1, David Macdonald; 2, Noel Rogers; 3, John Schoutens.
9-hole Ladies with MB Players
Stableford
Tuesday 4 March
1, Ruth Fisken; 2, Merrin James. 18-hole Men’s Net Medal
Wednesday 5 March
1, Tracey Mulligan; 2, Darren Grible; 3, Glenn Lelievre; 4, Tony Banham.
Nearest the Pin#18: Selwyn Knaggs
Twos: Paul Anderson, David Gaskell, Charlie Chilwell.
9-hole Men’s Red Tees Stableford
Thursday 6 March
1, Mark Deutsch; 2, Barry Titchmarsh; 3, Paul Dixon.
Twos: Lance Croawell.
18-hole Ladies Russian Roulette
Stableford
1, Marie Dunn and Sheryn Parry; 2, Sandra Bowen and Polly Lambert.
Twos: Sandra Bowen.
18-hole Mixed Haggle Stableford
Saturday 8 March
1, Glenn LeLievre; 2, Tracey Mulligan; 3, Graham Harrison.
Nearest the Pin#18: Graham Harrison
Twos: Paul Shaw, Nick Lambert, Paul Anderson.
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
Tuesday 4 March
9-hole Women – Gross
Div 1: 1, Audrey Vickers; 2, Alison Goodlet.
Div 2: 1, Felicity Sanders; 2, Marinka Hood.
9-hole Mixed - Stableford
1, Rod Bott; 2, Roger Pheasant; 3, Patrick Gonthier.
18-hole Women – Stableford
Wednesday 5 March
1, Jo Geoghegan; 2, Julie Rutledge; 3, Shay Geach.
Nearest to the pin #4: Rachel Johnstone.
Nearest to the pin #18: Mary-Jane Barry. Longest Putt: Sharyn Smith.
18-hole Men – Stableford
1, Patrick Gonthier; 2, Colin Jaques; 3, Gary Wheeler.
Twos: Kerry Allan, Brett Proctor, Gary Wheeler, Johnny Lister, Alan Hill, Steve Geach.
Gross: Div 1: Dave Enright; Div 2: Colin Jaques
9-hole Mixed – Stableford
Friday 7 March
1, Paul Bradley; 2, Graham Dun; 3, Phil Drane.
18-hole Men - Par
Saturday 8 March
1, Mark Kilgour; 2, Cam Goodger; 3, Graham Eccles.
Twos: Mark Boe, Rohit Ranchhod. Div 1: Gross - Mark Boe; NTP - Wayne Kearney; Longest Drive - Brett Proctor. Div 2: Gross - Graham Dunn; NTP - Roger Pheasant; Longest Drive - Ian McNally.
PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
9-hole Stableford and Fairways
Tuesday 4 March
Stableford – 1=, Lauren Stephens, Dean Goodwin; 3, Neil Robertson; 4, Callum Murray.
Fairways – 1=, Jo Geoghegan, Anne Costello, Lauren Stephens.
18-hole
Saturday 8 March
1, Callum Murray; 2=, David Young, Jeff Bright, Bob Walker; 5, Al Sims. 4BBB
Callum Murray and Mike Farrance
TAIRUA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Lukie’s Summer Cup
Saturday 1 March
1, Graeme McClelland; 2, Ross Reid; 3, Wayne Boberg; 4, Kath Hale. Chris Finnerty Trophy
9-hole Stableford
Tuesday 4 March
1, Annette Eltringham; 2. Norm Hammond; 3, Jan Stanley; 4, Jill Shanley. 18-hole Scramble
Thursday 6 March
1, Dennis Rundle; 2, Kath Hale; 3, Terry Kingham; 4, Ross Reid.
MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB
March Competition Round 1
Wednesday, 5 March
North/South: 1, Bob Schibli & Pete Hogg; 2, Gavin Hedwig & Kate Palmano; 3, Chris Hilford & Deidre Stevenson.
East/West: 1, Robyn Hogg & Don Barry; 2, Chris Southwell & Jan Autumn; 3, Susan Swan & Jenny Layton. Cook Pairs Round 1
Thursday, 6 March
1, Gavin Hedwig & Kate Palmano; 2, Angela Cook & Faith Stock; 3, Pat Doube & Ischelle Stevenson.
MERCURY BAY DARTS CLUB
MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Drawn 4’s Opening Night Tournament
Thursday 6 March
A very successful Opening Night tournament once again very generously sponsored by Whitianga New World.
The club thanks Kerry Stanley of New World very much for his continued support of our club .
Our members were joined from some of the Cook’s Beach Indoor Bowlers and there were some very competitive games, with a roll up needed at the end of the 3 games between 2 teams, each with 3 wins/12 ends.
Winners: Merle Ward, Cheryl Henderson and Jan Harvey.
Runners-up: Ray Rout, Ian Mitchell, Judy Leabourn and Christine Mitchell.
Good Sports: Keith Denney, Ian Sanderson, Coral Strong and Marie Denney.
HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
Purangi Pairs Week 1
Tuesday 4 March
1, Ngaire O’Brien and Anne Carter; 2= Robyn and Peter Hogg, Anne Knowles and Ann Scott.
TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB
First Round March Pairs
North/South: 1, Johanna Bonnar & Peter McNeil; 2, Ron Baker & Rob Stewart; 3, Sue Poland & Lynnette Flowers.
East/West: 1, Chris Death & Tony White; 2, Heather Buffett & Nolene Kirkpatrick; 3, Liz Young & Robyn Hunter.
UPCOMING GAMES
15 players this week, so 501 singles were played. Only one player went through all four sets unbeaten this week and that was Wayne Olson, so he was tonight’s winner. Highest finishes over 50 this week were 86 for the ladies, scored by Elenor Higgins and 90 for the men scored by Selwyn Whatarangi.
Three players scored 180’s this week and they were, Selwyn Whatarangi, Greg Healy and Peter Reekers. Our new handicap system seems to be working well, giving everyone a chance of winning.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOOKER
Saturday 8 March
Eight players on Saturdy and it was Peter Schultz and Phil Jones with two straight wins to challenge the final third frame.
A very close match this was with Peter snatching victory and taking home the cash prize. With two wins Phil Jones (runner up), Greg Murphy and Bob Haase who also had the highest break of 28.
MERCURY BAY TENNIS CLUB
Men’s Doubles Championships Final: Andy Park & Carl Gubb defeated Steve & Fletcher Bale 9-3.
Plate Final: Jason Mcloughlin & Lloyd McQueen def Chris Costello and Tane Spooner 9-3.
MERCURY BAY PICKLEBALL CLUB –LEAGUE 2025 Q1
Tuesday, 4 March
Round 11
Court 1: 1, Tim Stephens; 2, Eisaku Tsumura; 3, Hakan Nedjat.
Court 2: 1, Jim Gavegan; 2, Josh Muwanguzi; 3, Grahame Christian.
Court 3: 1, Ian Hogg; 2, Tom Duncan; 3, John East.
Court 4: 1, Chris Hawthorn; 2, Jacqui Everett; 3, Brenda Reid.
Round 12
Court 1: 1, Tim Stephens; 2, Hakan Nedjat; 3, Jim Gavegan
Court 2: 1, Justin Woolley; 2, Graeme Eady; 3, Grahame Christian.
Court 3: 1, Dan Emmott; 2, Chris Hawthorn; 3, Trevor Hayde.
Court 4: 1, Rachel Johnstone; 2, Brenda Reid; 3, Allen Nicholson.
Winner of the Chris Finnerty Trophy, Annette Eltringham (on left) being presented with trophy by Jan Stanley, Ladies Captain.
Mercury Tennis Club Men Doubles – Andy Park and Carl Gubb (Club Champions); Lloyd McQueen and Jason McLoughlin (Plate Winners).
Friday night 7 March was great fun for the Town versus Country match at Lyon Park. Actually, it could not have been all fun for the Town team who did not manage to score a point They did work hard however and scrums were definitely a crunch experience for Town. Maybe the country boys are tougher – they certainly played harder. However, these are the warmup social games to encourage fitness for the players and a time for the community to support and enjoy a n evening’s entertainment outdoors. There was a good crowd supporting both teams and time to talk into the late evening. Lyon park looked so good in the early evening. It’s an excellent venue.
