It is sometimes said, Whitianga is a fishing town with a drinking problem. The Informer doesn’t have any comment on the drinking part, but we have something to say regarding fishing. Whitianga is a remarkable fishing town.
Recently, on the last day in February, the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club on the Whitianga Esplanade celebrated 100 years of operation.
Just two weeks later, from last Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15 March, the largest Billfish tournament ever held in the world happened over four days and very successfully. This was the Kubota Billfish Classic, Kubota being the main sponsor of the tournament that had 470 boats competing for a prize pool worth over one
and a half million.
With a shotgun start at 7.00am on Wednesday, 12 March, this huge flotilla of eager to fish boats roared out into, and then beyond, the Mercury Bay waters to catch the fish of their dreams, hopefully the biggest billfish.
The boats ranged in size and style from super boat status to humble fishing boat not much bigger than a dinghy. A Shotgun started the tournament, boats roared out to the place where they might catch the best fish.
PRIZES: The prize money was immense enabling a wide range and good number of hard-won prizes with spectacular cash amounts. The team, Wild Bill who caught the heaviest broadbill swordfish – 320kr received $400,000. There was the prize for the heaviest tuna of the tournament,
caught by Te Hana weighed in at 129.8kg – $20,000. Both the swordfish and tuna were tournament records.
The top three boat teams in terms of points among 470 boat teams, were the victors of an enormous competition. This year, there was equal prize for third. The Champion team Big Nauti with the most points – 2,250 points, won $186,300.
In addition, there was a daily jackpot cash prize for the biggest billfish caught each day of the tournament – $37,800; the biggest tuna of the tournament brought a prize of $20,000 for the Te Hana team.
The heaviest Kingfish of 22.32kg brought a cash prize of $10,000. A Mahimahi, not normally caught in these waters was landed, weighing 9.86kg – $10,000 for Panama Jack.
Continued on page 2
What’s that Number?
Emergency 24 hours (Ambulance, 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
There were numerous prizes of Kubota machinery – magnificent, the latest technology in agricultural and construction equipment.
This was the fourth year of the Kubota Classic Billfish Tournament. What was different was that it became a privately organised event. The Director and initiator, Tom Maxwell took the Tournament to another level this year. It became a privately organized tournament but with the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club assisting with logistics and the practical support as weighmasters for the four days.
The Whitianga Hotel and
Salt Restaurant & Bar were the lead venues for skippers and crew. The weighing station complete with public bleachers was located at the Marina and was a crowded and buzzing happening whenever a fish was weighed in.
By 4.00pm Saturday, almost all the boats had returned. Those with their catch aboard had the interest and excitement of many of the residents and visitors. Weighmasters were busy doing their weighing and checking of lures, rods and lines and caring for the fish once it reached the shore. Many crews came ashore with only their reels, their lures and a video of their catch instead of fish. Their catch had been
tagged and released. It was clear that conservation is on fishers’ minds. This was said last month at the prize giving dinner of the tournament celebrating 100 years of the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club.
All of the boats are connected by radio. When a fish is caught and/or tagged and released, the weight is announced, so that when a boat hauls in a fish after that time and it is smaller, the catch is released. The bigger fish has already been caught.
We spoke to one team who had participated but were not prize winners: “Our friends had a boat and we were fortunate enough to be part of their crew. We caught only small fish, they
were all released; but we loved it.” We will be back next year if our friend will have us.”
Another crew: “We are from Pukekohe. We caught two marlin one each on the first two days. We needed that third one for one of the prizes but just couldn’t do it. We love Whitianga and we are in for 2026.”
A woman sailor: “The big boats, the professional tournament people, they do really well, but so do some of the smaller boats and small crews. They also rate in the prizes. This is now an international tournament, so we need to step up for it next time.”
The whole town was abuzz on Saturday night. Day 4 of the
ISS pass from 6:35am in the
Wednesday, 19 March – We have another
pass starting at 5:48am in the north as it
of the Earth’s shadow. Thursday, 20 March – There is an ISS pass from 6:35am in the west.
Friday, 21 March – There is an early but bright ISS pass from 5:48am in the south when it pops out of the Earth’s shadow. Saturday, 22 March – There is an ISS pass from 6:35am low in the south.
Sunday, 23 March – There will be a short but bright ISS pass from 5:48am in the south. Wednesday, 26 March – Faint Saturn has passed to the other side of the Sun and is just visible very low in the dawn eastern horizon directly below the thin crescent Moon.
tournament. The crews and fishing supporters spread out across Whitianga Hotel and The Fishing Club where there was a big screen for livestreaming the prizegiving taking place at Whitianga Hotel. Crowds spilt out onto the footpath. Grace O’Malley’s was heaving with music, dancing, good times, and green costumes – such a huge crowd for their early St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Many crews joined them
after the prize giving. In Whitianga and the Bay, people love fishing and they love to celebrate when the work is done. Well done and thank you to Tom Maxwell and thank you to the team at Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club. We thank all the boats and crews who made the journey to Whitianga and Mercury Bay. Some came from other countries for this now world-famous Tournament.
Mercury Bay Ladies Pink Ribbon Lunch
The Kubota Billfish Classic is proud to have hosted the Mercury Bay Ladies Pink Ribbon Lunch again, thanks so much to everyone who made it happen and those that donated!
If any of the Kubota teams could spare a couple of dollars to donate below it goes a long way and we will be announcing the total amount that the event has raised for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ later in the week…
Photo credits Pauline Stewart, Gordon McIvor and CFM
Message from Hon Scott Simpson – MP For Coromandel
Long awaited upgrade – Pepe Bridge
Two-lanes is one step closer to reality from our MP for Coromandel.
BY SCOTT SIMPSON
NZTA have advised that the money has been confirmed and the project is in the procurement phase. The next step will be assigning a contractor and confirming the design, with actual construction due to start in spring 2026.
In more good news for our local roads, there’re also improvements scheduled for later this year which will reinstate the Boundary Creek Bridge on the Thames Coast Road, north of Te Mata, to two-lanes.
I’m pleased that these projects continue to progress and their eventual completion will be a positive step toward improving the travel times for everyone travelling around our region.
With that in mind, next week Beach Hop will be rolling across the Coromandel Peninsula and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to celebrating the silver anniversary of this iconic event.
Beach Hop is always a highlight for our region and over the years it has expanded into an almost weeklong celebration of all the best bits from the 50s, 60s and 70s. It’s a great opportunity for both locals and visitors to hit
the road, venture off the beaten path, and explore what our communities have to offer.
More than a nod of appreciation must go to Noddy Watts and his team who have been tirelessly working behind the scenes to get everything ready for the event. We simply can’t thank these volunteers enough for their time and the work they do to draw people to our region. You’ll also see them over the course of Beach Hop; they’ll be pointing people in the right direction, keeping everything on schedule, and doing all they can to ensure everyone is enjoying themselves.
Keeping with the tourism theme, I’m pleased the Government has been announcing policies which will encourage more people to experience what we
have to offer here on the Coromandel and across the country. There’s a campaign to get Australians to hop over the ditch and visit us, as well as a contestable fund to help regional tourism providers entice people to experience regional New Zealand.
A $9 million fund is also available to help improve and maintain the Great Ride cycle trails. Our region is home to the Hauraki Rail Trail, one of the 23 Great Rides in New Zealand. Collectively, these cycle trails receive about a million visitors a year, of whom around 20 per cent are international visitors. I’m a big supporter of the HRT and keeping these tracks well-maintained and resilient will help them cope with high rider numbers in the future.
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR SPONSORS WHO GAVE SO GENEROUSLY TO OUR ANNUAL LADIES TEAMS TOURNAMENT
We would like to thank you for your support: GJ Gardner; Jared Pender – Lakes Resort Golf; Peninsula Motel – Barb Richards; Cove Construction; Kiwi Shades (gazebos); Salt Bar & Restaurant; Smitty’s Bar and Grill; Get It On Tairua; Liquorland; Whitianga Fine Wines & Spirits; Whiti Nails & Beauty; Mainly Casual; Guthrie Bowron; Hula Cafe; Stilo Design; Stilo Hair & Co; PaperPlus; Mercury Bay Pharmacy; Barkers (Geraldine); YOU Travel; Stephenson’s Pharmacy; Grace O’Malley’s Irish Bar; Hammer Hardware; The Fig Cafe; Basker Modern Beach Kitchen; Marina Bay Eatery; The Lost Spring; Bayleys Real Estate; Mark Boe Coaching (Golf); Fiona Gardien (Appearance By Design); Stirling Sports; Blue Lagoon Restaurant; Audrey Vickers; Harbourside Holiday Park; Stoked Restaurant; Pepper and Me; Well Stocked Deli; Whitianga Butchery; The Informer; Harbour House Cafe.
AEROVIEW GARDEN CENTRE
OPEN 7 DAYS 8:30AM - 5:00PM Free
Student leaders summit
Scott at the leadership seminar.
FROM DR MATT JOHNSONFOR SCOTT SIMPSON MP
Our local MP Scott Simpson visited the leaders summit and spoke to the students and found them passionate, smart and ready to make their mark on the world.
This was part of a week long student leadership conference which took place at Wharekawa
Lodge, near Opoutere. It included Year 13 leaders from Whangamata Area School, Thames High School, Hauraki Plains College, Mercury Bay Area School, Coromandel Area School, Morrinsville College, Te Aroha College, Paeroa College, and Waihi College.
Next week The Infomer will share the insights from some of the leaders who attended.
Pepe Bridge, Tairua badly needing replacement to two lanes.
A new arrival to the Coromandel - Part 1
BY PAULINE STEWART
Margaret Guthrie is 100. She is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished medical specialists. Sitting nearby is Sarah-Jane Lee, her daughter, in her seventies. They have just moved into their home. Boxes to unpack are stacked everywhere in organised rows - three high. There are signs of building renovations - a ramp at right angles to the entrance in both directions has just been completed.
Meet Margaret Guthrie and her daughter, Sarah-Jane . They have both come from Auckland to live in Whitianga.
“We love this house,” enthused Sarah-Jane. “We are altering it and we are also going to build out the back. Gardening and landscaping are ahead of us as well.
“When we told everyone in Auckland that we were moving to Whitianga, they all blinked. You could sense the questions, particularly about Mum. ‘Why Whitianga?’ Our European friends would say to me, “Is your Mother going into a retirement home?” I would say very directly, “No, we are sharing this house together, renovating it and building at the back.” My Asian and Polynesian friends did not ask that questionnot a single one. Instead, they ask, ‘How is Margaret going to settle in?’
It is very clear, Margaret Guthrie, one hundred years old and
Sarah-Jane, 72 years, would not be in Whitianga if Julian and Rachael Lee of Guthrie Bowron were not here. Margaret is Julian’s grandmother and Sarah-Jane is Julian’s mother. They have come to be close to their family, both having lost thier partners some time ago.
Margaret was born in Fiji in the 1920s. Her father was the medical superintendent of the Central School of the South Pacific based there and her mother was the Head Mistress.
Margaret Guthrie is famous for her achievements in medicine; particularly her work in Gerontology. She has come to make her home here for this twilight stage of life but there is no talk of retirement by Margaret or her daughter. They speak as if they are on the edge of an adventure.
For a year and a half from September 1934 to the end of 1935, Margaret attended Fitzroy School, which was a small preparatory school that comprised approximately sixty girls. It was located in Epsom and Margaret boarded there while her father was on leave from his position at the Medical School and her mother was in India assisting with an education project.
Margaret was sent to this school as it was close to her grandparents, which meant she could stay with them in the holidays. She found the transition from life in Suva where she was an only child,
Daughter and mother, SarahJane Lee and Dr Margaret Guthrie outside their new home in Whitianga.
difficult. She struggled to make many friends. A close friendship developed with Hariata Te Au, a niece of Princess Te Puia of Tainui. They would play monopoly and spend time walking up Mount St John. Margaret believes that they bonded over shared homesickness. Margaret returned to Fiji to live with her parents and for her final year of primary school she attended Suva Girls’ Grammar. For her college, life she was back in Epsom to be a boarder at Epsom Girls Grammar School.
“That was such a difficult situation suddenly sleeping in a long room with five other girls However, it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I cried my eyes out for a few nights before I realised it could be streets of fun.
“I did a terrible thing. A midnight feast was planned and we decided what everyone would provide. Someone had to be awake to wake everyone at midnight and that became my job. However, I went to sleep I ruined the midnight feast. There was lots of food all secreted away and, in the morning, no place or time to eat it. There were forty to fifty of us boarders then, a handful of Pacific Islanders and many were farmers’ daughters living on country farms. When it came to short holidays, I stayed on three different farms. It was such an exciting time. One lot of holidays I spent in Thames - an outstanding time.
“My mother and father believed totally in education. Living in Fiji was not considered a hurdle to my getting an education. They saw no difference in my being a girl in considering the best education. Auckland was the place for education and I was to be a boarder at Epsom Girls Grammar.
“Starting at Epsom Girls grammar, I missed them terribly, but it was just normal to see parents once a year. There were no planes flying people then. I stayed with my grandparents in Auckland during the regular school holidays. They expected the boarders to go home but home was Fiji, not possible for me.
“We went home once a year by ship. I loved the ship. You were
never the only child. There were up to 50 other boys and girls who went to either Australia or New Zealand. At that time, this was part of living a colonial life. I was twelve years old.
One significant thing at Epsom at that particular time was that awful system of grading according to intelligence. You sat an intelligence test. I was 3A. The teacher was a contemporary of my mother and knew Mum well (I did not know that) and she made it quite clear to me that she expected me to be very good at Maths. That made me feel unsure of myself and I felt I could not ask for help. I did not have a good understanding of Maths at all. My parents realised this and so my father took extra leave and came to Auckland, and quietly took time every morning to teach me the logic of maths.
“Dad was a doctor second and a teacher first. That is how he ended up head of the Central Medical School of the South Pacific. I don’t think I realised at the time the support my parents gave to my education. They both had honours degrees for their vocations. In the circle of our life, that was not unusual. I just accepted that my Mother and Father both worked full time. Most children took it for granted as to what their parents do.”
Next week: Part 2 - Margaret on women in education and women.
EVENTS
Today’s the Day, the Teddy Bears have their picnic!
Whitianga Lions Club is organ ising a fantastic family picnic day for the whole community.
Easter Sunday, 20 April, 10.00am-3.00pm
– a great teddy bears picnic at the Whitianga Bike Park!
• A bear hunt (two age groups: 2-6 years and 7-11 years)
• Bike races for kids
• Egg and spoon races
• Balloon races
• Three-legged race.
• Games galore (target age is 6-11 years)
There are prizes for everyone –prizes and presentations at 2.00pm.
• Sausage sizzle and bacon buns, ice cream and a coffee cart OR bring your picnic lunch and enjoy a day at the Bike Park. Everyone is invited. Entry fee $10 per family of four. Additional adults $3.
Funds raised go to Cancer Society Lion Lodge in Hamilton.
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• Mortgages • KiwiSaver
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GIORMA
Thames Free Friday Concert
21 March, 12.00pm
Elsa Klein is a Hahei-based harpist and songwriter with the local group Morels.
After a classical training, she’s interested in blending genres and experimenting with how harp can be used in indie, folk and jazz music.
This will be a very entertaining performance.
This concert is a walk through Elsa Klein’s lifelong journey with music and the concert grand pedal harp — starting from the traditional roots of classical harp, then through contemporary reimagining of jazz classics, and finishing with her current experimental folksy originals.
The first part will feature some of the world’s most recognisable classical solos from Claude Debussy, Henri Renie,
and iconic harp composer Marcel Grandjany. Then, a second part will showcase Elsa’s originals, a fusion of folk, jazz, and indie genres on the harp and vocals.
American-born, Elsa Klein is a harpist, writer (and occasional CFM radio host!) living in Hahei. After a classical music training, her collaborations with local Coromandel artists Alex Thorne & FEI LIN have inspired a more contemporary and blended approach to music. A familiar face with the Whitianga-based group Morels & electric guitar-and-harp duo
Tiny Lighting, Elsa is fascinated by how the harp can feature in alternative genres such as rock and country music, and accompany electronic instruments
Shan Liu - international acclaimed pianist
Fifteen year-old Shan Liu is to perform in Thames at St George’s Church, 5.00pm, Sunday, 13 April. Shan Liu is still a student at Westlake Boys High School Auckland.
HIS ACCOLADES INCLUDE:
• Grand Jury Prize at the 5th Freiburg EU Conservatory of Music Youth Piano Competition (2018),
• Grand Jury Prize at the 2nd Everade National Youth Piano Competition (2018),
• Grand Jury Prize at the 8th Macao International Piano Competition (2019),
• Grand Gold Prize at Pacific Rim (PRM) International Music Competition (2022) and
• Gold Award at GOCAA New York International Music Competition (2023).
• Winner of Lewis Eady National Junior Piano Competition in 2023 hence becoming the youngest winner in the event’s history.
Not to be missed!! info@waiotahivalleylodge.nz
• Whitianga Lions will be manning the sausage sizzle
• Ice cream cart and coffee cart
• Prizes for the children
• Games are targeted for children aged 3 to 11 years old but everyone is welcome
• Entry $10 for a family of four or $3 per person
Elsa Klein will be delighting her audience at the free lunch time concert in Thames
Organised by Whitianga Lions Club. All money raised goes to the Cancer Society Lions Lodge. Rain day alternative 21st April.
Shan Liu, 15 one of NZ’s most accomplished pianists.
NZ Offshore Powerboat Races on Buffalo Beach
Round Three of the series of the Offshore Powerboat Races
Two races Saturday 22 March: Race start times are 12.30pm and 1.30pm – a 30 minute break between.
Two races Sunday 23 March: Race start times are 1.00pm and 2.00pm – a 30 minute break between.
Boats will be on display both days at the Buffalo Beach Reserve from 8.00am.
There are five classes and 15-20 boats are expected.
The current NZI Boat Rainbow Haulage will be in the 600hp class.
Organiser is Glen Powell Ph: 0272776855.
SPCA Adoption Day fundraiser
Moorings Village Whitianga is hosting an adoption day for the SPCA Saturday, 5 April, 10.00am-2.00pm
The SPCA is bringing five puppies and six kittens - all part of the adoption programme organized and made possible by SPCA.
SATURDAY PROGRAMME
• There will be adoption opportunities for any member of the community and SPCA will bring staff and volunteers to handle the animals and be right there for questions and offer opportunity to learn about adopting a pet.
• Pet Trick competition
• Homemade Cat Toy competition
• Sausage sizzle run by Moorings Village staff and residents will be on all of the time.
• Collection area for donations of bedding, food, collars and leashes.
Moorings Village Whitianga is next door to the Medical Centre, Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga.
The Informer spoke to Brent Thomas, Centre Manager SPCA who is really looking forward to the Adoption Day.
Brent is managing a very busy Centre.
“In the past three months we have de-sexed over 100 animals.
At times, we have up to 80 animals in our care here at the Centre, says Brent. “We cover the whole of the Coromandel. It is a huge area and we rely on community support to spread the word about de-sexing pets and adopting a pet. We have a Snip and Chip Programme in which SPCA invested about $65,000 last year. We have community de-sexing vouchers for people who cannot afford to de-sex.
“We are all about managing the numbers and caring for and protecting the animals we have. There will be some beautiful animals to pat on the day.”
Come along and have some great fun!
SPCA stands for Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
In a few days 26–30 March 2025 in Whangamata. Whangamata’s Rock N Roll Festival–five days of New Zealand’s BIGGEST celebration of
50s & 60s.
The Repco Beach Hop is a gathering and presentation of so many amazing cars – it’s five days of nonstop action on steroids. The festival has grown from 4,000 to about 100,000 people since its inception in 2001.
This makes it one of the largest events of its kind in the world. All proceeds raised are donated to emergency services in the area.
Come along and enjoy all the nonstop action. Wednesday 26 March to Sunday, 30 March. Head for Port Road, Whangamata.
TWO GREAT NIGHTS COMING AT MERCURY BAY CLUB
Friday 21 March, 7.30pm Doc Jeffries
Saturday, 7.30pm Beatles Tribute Band Tickets $20 (see page 10)
COROMANDEL TEAM COMES TO MARKETS
Coromandel Area School students, who are part of a cultural unit called Te Puritanga Ropu, came all the way from Coromandel town to be at the Whiti City Markets on Saturday to sell their food and promote their cultural project.
They will be there again this coming Saturday. The school students are working hard raising funds for their trip to one of the outer islands in the Cook Islands later this year. Car washes and food stalls all around the Coro-
mandel Peninsula are the drill and judging from the way people lined up for their treats, they are going to succeed with their lofty goal.
PET ROCK DAY AND AUCTION
On Easter Sunday, 20 April from 10.00am, Kuaotunu community is inviting the wider regions families to come to PET ROCK DAY which has become a long standing annual fair on Easter Sunday.
Community organiser of Pet Rock Day, Ursula Lutz, says, “Children and adults are invited to decorate a rock and have it auctioned. They are all displayed on available benches. The artistic results range from quirky to professionally sculptured – very creative. If you decide to keep your rock, then you just exhibit it.”
The auction is led with the great voice and lots of skilful hoopla from auctioneer, Rob Ball of Ball & Co Realty. His
This project is being
wife Ange, will collect all the details as the auction gathers momentum and the value of the ‘pet rocks’ increases. This is truly a village event by the Kuaotunu Stream – the
village green. Children play on swings, climb trees, throw things in the water, while their parents and grandparents have a chat and wait for the auction. There’s a barbeque on the ready and some homemade, luscious treats for sale. There’s time now to decorate a pet rock. This is a great event for all ages with no stress,” says Ursula. “Pet Rocks have a way of defusing all of that,” she smiles.
Families and friends gathered at the Kuaotunu Reserve to enjoy the pet rocks.
Tairua, 298 Main Road
led by Brandon Amoana and Nane Kaye. Many parents were also present helping their children do well at the stall.
Mayor has scored an own goal
BY TONY FOX
On 5 March 2025, Mayor Salt announced his intention to seek re-election for a second term.
All Local Government Office Bearers (elected members) are bound by the Local Government Act 2002, the Electoral Act 1993, The Local Authorities Members Integrity Act 1968, and, in the case of TCDC, the TCDC Code of Conduct adopted by the Council in December 2022.
I encourage readers to go to the TCDC Code of Conduct on page 24 and read the paragraphs regarding “Non-Pecuniary Interests”.
In my opinion, the Mayor runs a fine line when stating what activities he is going to support.
Per his Council’s own Standing Orders, he has likely precluded himself from participating in any debate or vote on those items for which he has declared a non-pe-
cuniary interest.
However, let us turn our minds to what he said.
Governance ability: That is questionable, given that he has released a campaign statement outside of the relevant Acts and may not meet the standards governing the TCDC Code of Conduct.
Prudent Financial Management: I cannot see the necessary skill set to be a prudent financial manager. Actual and proposed compounding rate rises under his watch exceed 35%.
Waste reduction and responsible environmental management: The Mayor refers to this in his press release. Maybe we should enquire into the fate of the Whitianga Transfer Station. A project dear to the Mayor’s heart but which now comes at a cost greater than 5 times what was initially proposed. To date, not a sod has been turned.
Social Navigators: The Mayor’s
press release/campaign document states, “During our LTP consultations last year, 64% of our submissions from individuals, community groups and ratepayer associations were in favour of continuing …..we started on Connected Communities and the recovery period. Government funding ends in June this year. I fully support this initiative” It is my understanding that 114 submissions were made to the LTP. Some submitters submitted both in writing and orally. Not all submitted about “Social Navigators”. However, even in the best case, 64% of 114 equals 73 people. For simplicity, I will say we have some +30,000 voters within TCDC.
You make a decision that will cost ratepayers something in the vicinity of $450,000 annually on the voice of 70 people when much of this work could be carried out by community groups such as the
Whitianga Social Services with some minor financial TCDC support. Hardly a mandate to spend our money!
For my part, the Mayor’s Press Release/Campaign statement is nothing but puff. The real issues for all of us are water, rubbish and roads!
Now let’s go back to the Whangamata News release of 2 August 2022, where the Mayor campaigned on (We Need):
1. Innovative, modern solutions to achieve cost-efficient outcomes;
2. Future-proofed critical infrastructure
3. Responsible and Prudent financial management
With the solution being:
a. Focussed independent leadership
b. Taskforce reviews of contracted services
c. Return key essential services to council control
d. Target-driven cost management
e. Open and Transparent Governance
It is worth reflecting on two pieces penned by Flemming Rasmussen and published in the Informer: one rated the Mayor’s scorecard at ZERO (0); the other “A fish rots from the head down”, clearly laid out the governance and leadership issues at hand at Council.
With an election not that far away, we all need to keep a close watch on what policies and ideals candidates are going to stand on, and then once whoever is elected, we need to hold them to account.
The Mayor’s scorecard remains zero, and he is running a fine line with his Press Release announcing his intentions when considered against the Electoral Act, Local Government Act and TCDC’s Code of Conduct
The district is still waiting for a new transparency vote
BY GEOFFREY ROBINSON
Closed-door meetings and “workshops” continue at Thames-Coromandel District Council¬, despite widespread public concern and the reform efforts of Deputy Mayor Terry Walker.
A formal Notice of Motion (NOM) from Walker requesting the council’s controversial policy be put on the agenda for last week’s full Council meeting was turned back by Chief Executive Aileen Lawrie. Legal advice taken by Lawrie held that council standing orders require a NOM on this issue to bear the signatures of at least four councillors, which it did not. Walker is undeterred and continuing to push for an agenda slot next month.
Last June 27, councillors voted 4-3 to reject strong recommendations on transparency and open
Chops Nursery
meetings from the Chief Ombudsman, as well as the council’s own governance manager, Ariana Hay. Two council members, including the mayor, were absent and one abstained.
While most district and regional councils across New Zealand altered or reaffirmed their meetings procedures within weeks, or a few months, to align with the Ombudsman’s guidance on transparency, TCDC has continued to hold out against change.
In December, veteran Councillor Walker met with each community board in the district to gauge support for open meetings as the council’s default setting. He reported overwhelming backing for a policy change and brought his findings to Council colleagues.
Following the summer holidays, it looked likely the issue would make it onto the Council agenda
for its February 18 meeting – or last week at the latest. But the wait continues. Walker has expressed confidence he has the required support to finally get the council’s lack of transparency on the agenda for its next meeting on April 8 –almost a year after the original embarrassing secrecy decision. Prying open the closed doors of TCDC workshops will require six votes. Councillors Martin Rodley, Peter Revell, and Gary Gotlieb have joined in support. Mercury Bay Councillors John Grant, Deli Connell, and Rekha Giri-Percival originally joined Cr John Morrissey in rejecting transparency reform. Thames Cr Robyn Sinclair abstained. Connell has indicated openness to reconsidering her earlier vote.
There has been no public statement or engagement on the issue by Mayor Len Salt since last winter.
OMBUDSMAN ASKS FOR TRANSPARENCY
Peter Boshier, the Chief Ombudsman for New Zealand, has consistently highlighted the need for vigilance in this area (of transparency). His report, Open For Business, investigated the use of local council meetings and workshops. In that report, Mr Boshier called for increased transparency in decision-making.
EXCERPTS
“This investigation has highlighted to me the important role that workshops play in the decision making process for councils. Provided an actual and effective decision is not made, deliberative dis-
MONTHLY SALES
cussion may take place in a workshop. Workshops can be an efficient use of time ... preventing time and energy being wasted on options that aren’t realistic.”
“The principles of openness and good administrative practice apply to workshops as much as any other aspect of council business. Transparency promotes trust which is at the core of the relationship.”
“I expect all councils to make sure their policies and practices meet my expectations of good workshop practice. Crucially, this includes opening workshops to the public by default; closing them only where good reason exists between the public and its elected representatives.”
HOORAY FOR SAINT PATRICK
We are not sure just how direct a relationship Patrick’s snake vanquishing from Ireland and his message of healing had with the great time had by everyone at Grace O’Malley’s Whitianga, last Saturday night (two days early for Saint Patrick’s Day).
The name Saint Patrick was up there in green lights and there were four-leaf clovers for Africa (really Ireland). The accoutrements of fun were everywhere at this Irish Pub – exceptional music and entertainment from Phil Hart and Hanna Sharps, wall-to-wall tables full of people eating, drinking and dancing with at least one standout costume at each table. Thank you Grace O’Malley’s.
The science is settled – Climate change is not a problem
Many of those who feel that climate change is caused by oil based fuel consumption and we are going to hell in a handcart, generally rely on pronouncements from the IPCC, the United Nations political organisation which is tasked with “advancing knowledge about climate change caused by human activity”. Having its job stated in this way explains why this body is not a scientific investigative body, it is purely a publicity body for those with a certain goal and belief.
BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN
The IPCC bases its announcements on models known as general circulation models (GCM) which are far from perfect and consistently overstate climate warming. A GCM is basically an extremely complex mathematical model of the climate which is based upon what are presumed to be facts and by extrapolating from the current time with this model, the GCM attempts to forecast climate change. No climate GCM has ever been proven to be accurate by subsequent measurement and the reasons are quite simple, some of the base facts used are wrong. Examples of these errors are easily obtained and have resulted in errors in the prediction of climate warming of over 3.5 degrees per decade. The IPCC also appears to be willing to ignore long term global climate measurements. For example Hubert Lamb’s (English Climatologist who pioneered the study of climate change) first assess-
ments showed that the Mediaeval Warm Period was hotter than the temperature in 1990 and the Little Ice Age was cooler. Hardly surprising really but when the IPCC released its initial assessments it removed these periods and showed stable temperatures until 1990, and then a sharp increase. A politically presented assessment, not a scientific one.
The world is moving towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced neural networks for climate forecasting. AI uses data to make forecasts not assumed facts; the more data an AI network has the more accurate the forecasts become. AI is becoming increasingly used for weather prediction an example being the application Windy which many of us use, this being an AI powered weather application. You wonder why the IPCC does not migrate to a more accurate technology. I guess the answer could be that having formed an organisation to prove what is false, and having that organisation base its
William Happer is an American physicist who has specialised in the study of atomic physics, optics and spectroscopy. He is the Cyrus Fogg Brackett Professor of Physics, emeritus, at Princeton University, and a long-term member of the JASON advisory group, where he pioneered the development of adaptive optics.
“proofs” on a base of facts that are not all correct, you do not want to change to a method that will disprove your earlier work and announcements. It’s not hard tell-
ing the first lie, its hard knowing when to stop telling them.
It is quite easy to find and read climate analysis that goes back thousands of years, not just to a contrived and modern start point. Prior to the industrial age there have been many changes to the climate, due to natural events such as the sun, the moon and volcanic eruptions. These have been well documented but an example you should all be able to relate to is the Hunga eruption in Tonga which occurred in early 2022. This volcano was responsible for lifting the amount of water vapour in the stratosphere by about 10% and contributed to cooling the Earth. About a year later we were drenched by an atmospheric river of rain coming from the north east with much damage being experienced in the Coromandel and other areas. These natural changes to the climate have resulted in a cyclical pattern of climate changes covering many thousands of years.
So where are we going with all
of this. Suggestion could come from the work of William Happer of the Princeton University, an expert in radiation transfer. He concludes that even if the IPCC is correct in terms of doubling the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, it will only result in a temperature change of 0.71 degrees Celsius. Not worth worrying about. The level of CO2 is not an issue; hey our atmosphere was about 40% CO2 four billion years ago so it obviously fluctuates. Happer is happy he has proven there is nothing to fear from temperature rises and his subsequent lectures have often been directed at explaining the benefits of increased CO2 levels. Our food chains start with plants and plants feed off CO2. The more CO2 the better for our plant growth and subsequent ability to feed ourselves. Maybe increased CO2 is not the Earth punishing us but the Earth just gearing up conditions for more plant growth so it can get things back into balance.
Urgent need for rehoming horses
PRESS RELEASE
Kaimanawa Horse Advocates call out with the urgent need to find homes for around 200 Kaimanawa Horses from the Waiouru Ranges in April.
The official 2025 Muster count will be completed by the Dept of Conservation (DoC) within the next 2-3 weeks and will likely confirm that there over 500 horses in the Kaimanawa Ranges. The push is on to find as many homes as possible for the 200 plus horses that will need to be removed in the muster which is planned for ANZAC weekend.
The horses are generally healthy, and foaling rates appear to be increasing. Contraception for the mares was introduced in 2022, however it will be several breeding seasons before this significantly reduces the herd size to
near the maintenance level target of 300 set by the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Advisory Group (KWHAG) including DoC.
Alternative less acceptable options will need to be explored if homes cannot be found. Keeping the herd to around 300 allows for the horses to maintain the best condition, while also protecting the fragile ecosystems, unique to
the Moawhango Ecological Zone. Kaimanawa horses are known to be curious, honest, and friendly, are trained for a variety of equine disciplines, and are now being seen in the upper levels of equine competitions. They have gained favour among the equestrian community as highly competitive sport horses, pony club mounts and good all-rounders.
Kaimanawa Heritage Horses Welfare Society Charity (KHH) continues to work on the development of rehoming incentives such as subsidies for the horse transport from the muster and support with welfare concerns and any treatment or rehabilitation immediately post muster. There are options for the new owners to experience the taming of a wild
horse themselves or having one trained initially by a proven professional.
With very low numbers of applications for horses received to date, time is fast running out for experienced horse owners to apply before the application deadline in early April. KHH is more than happy to offer prospective new owners support and advice and encourage anyone interested to get in touch now. Our welfare team members are ready to help with the application process. Information and applications on rehoming a Kaimanawa wild horse can be found at: Kaimanawa Heritage Horses Welfare Society: Website: www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org
Email: muster@kaimanawaheritagehorses.org
FB: www.facebook.com/ kaimanawaheritagehorses/
Kaimanawa horses roaming freely.
DOC photo
Nuggets Of HistOry
Captain Cook records mineral deposits
BY JOHN PRATT
As early as November 1769, Captain Cook speculated that the sands of Mercury Bay appeared to contain mineral deposits. He noted, “We found thrown upon the shore in several places in this Bay quantities of Iron Sand which is brought down out of the Country by almost every little fresh water brook. This proves that there must be of that ore not far inland. Neither the inhabitants of this place or any other where we have been know the use of iron, or set the least value upon it.”
Not only does the local sand contain iron ore, but also silver, gold, tin and other metal elements. By 1852 however, there had been no discovery of gold, metals or minerals of any kind. The area hadn’t even been surveyed in any kind of detail.
A committee of prominent Auckland businessmen had offered a £100 reward for the discovery of gold. Before setting off to see his brother in Coromandel, castaway Charles Ring approached the committee, and bargained hard to have the reward increased. (Edmund Hargraves had been awarded £10,000 and a £250 annual pension for his discovery of gold in
Miners and shareholders of the Hauraki Gold Mining Company in Coromandel in 1896, gathered together around a stack of facsimile gold bars to celebrate the company’s success over the previous two years. The sign reads “Hauraki Gold Mining Company Limited. Capital £40,000. Facsimile of gold bullion bars sold to the Bank of New Zealand from January 1895 to 12th December 1896. Representing 62,858 ounces of gold or 1 ton 18 cwts 2 qrs 23 lbs. Amount realized £193,677.17 .2”
Australia). Auckland's Goldfields Reward Committee agreed to increase their reward to £500 for the discovery of gold in the North - specifically between 35.4 and 38 degrees South latitude.
Following Ring’s discovery of gold in the Kapanga Creek, he
submitted his claim to the committee. Ring submitted samples of the “auriferous quartz” rock he’d found, containing gold, and flecks of gold, but while the committee acknowledged his find, they weren’t satisfied that it proved the existence of a viable gold field.
Ring submitted samples of the “auriferous quartz” rock he’d found, containing gold, and flecks of gold, but while the committee acknowledged his find, they weren’t satisfied that it proved the existence of a viable gold field.
The reward was never paid out. Charles Ring hadn’t stopped in Kapanga Creek however. He went on exploring and prospecting throughout the region. By November, he had unearthed samples of gold as far afield as Te Aroha and Matamata. What Ring had unwittingly discovered was a unique local geological feature.
At one time, the entire Coromandel Peninsula had been a giant, 100km long, volcanically active fissure in the Earth’s crust, from Cape Colville to Te Aroha and
beyond. The molten lava that flowed from this fissure formed successive layers of quartz reefs and veins shaped and formed by pre-existing geological contours all the way down to the sea.
Charles Ring couldn’t have had any idea what he’d found. What mattered was that gold had been discovered in Coromandel. Immediately it attracted investors, miners, entrepreneurs, merchants and con-men alike. Within a month, by the end of November 1852, it was reported that there were 3,000 diggers prospecting in the area. Further prospecting in the Kapanga area revealed significant pockets of gold, and in 1862 the Government proclaimed the area a gold field.
John Pratt is a historian and author with a particular focus on the early recorded history of settlement in Cormandel and surrounding region.
Winston Peters
New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters will deliver the ‘state of the nation’ at a public meeting address in Christchurch. Winston’s State of the Nation Public Meeting address will be live streamed.
2.00pm, Sunday 23 March, live on the New Zealand First Facebook page.
apartments are within walking distance to Thames’
open plan, single level apartments feature covered balconies with fantastic views of the sea, Kauaeranga River and mountains.
What madman would want to go to a department store on Boxing Day? That would be me!
BY STAN STEWART
Here’s why. I had a great Christmas in Brisbane with Pauline’s family. Boxing Day dawned hot and sticky. The weatherman said it was going to get worse.
Pauline, my wife was engrossed with old friends. My sister-inlaw Dorothy said she was going to Chermside, a huge shopping centre. I decided to accompany her. Why would any sane man, who dislikes shopping, choose to go to a monster shopping centre on Boxing Day? Air conditioning! The whole centre was air conditioned and I was dripping in the sticky, Brisbane heat.
My sister-in-law made straight for David Jones (a huge department store chain). I declined to enter. The smells and bells and music were clearly welcoming and seductive to women. All I wanted was to sit in the forecourt and luxuriate in the cool.
After an hour I was properly cooled down. No sign of my sister-in-law and male impatience was starting to rear its head.
Finally, she emerged, sur-
rounded by packages. How could she even walk with such a load?
When I relieved her of a few, I realised that her parcels, despite their bulk, had little weight.
“What on earth!” I exclaimed. “They’re Christmas decorations,” she explained. “Today, they are 70 percent discounted.”
“Yesterday was Christmas,” I blurted.
“I will store them for next Christmas,” she replied. I said no more. Clearly, she was working to a logic I knew nothing about. I said nothing more as I helped her carry her treasures to the car.
That same hot summer holiday, I managed to reduce my sisterin-law to tears – not on purpose – just because of my attitude to shopping. The steamy Brisbane weather was unrelenting. My wife and my sister-in-law were in the adjacent room talking how best to spend the afternoon.
“I know,” my sister-in-law chirped up. “Bed, Bath and Beyond have opened a new store.
Let’s check it out.” Now, I was shopped out and Bed, Bath and Beyond with its endless aisles of pillowcases, towels and bed-
POLICE REPORT
BY CONSTABLE MICHAEL CARTER
Monday, 3 March to Sunday, 9 March
GENERAL:
On Saturday, 8 March, a group of intoxicated persons were being disorderly outside a Buffalo Beach Road address. This type of behaviour by young persons is unacceptable and consequences could include a court appearance.
ARRESTS:
1x female for Warrants
OCCURRENCES:
On Monday, 3 March a serious assault occurred at a White St address involving siblings. Both were spoken to by police.
Also, Monday, 3 March, a drunken argument occurred at a Tairua Whitianga Rd address prior to the
intoxicated male becoming physically aggressive. He was issued with a Police Safety Order due to his actions.
Tuesday, 4 March, an assault occurred at a Protea Cres address. The offending person left the address voluntarily and police are still investigating.
Wednesday, 5 March, a family harm matter occurred at a Harbour Lights Terrace address. As a result, a known male is actively avoiding police.
Also, Wednesday, 5 March a verbal argument occurred at a Cook Drive address. The couple are attempting to resolve their issues.
ding was just a bridge too far for me. I let out a heartfelt groan which carried into the next room.
“Stanley doesn’t want to go. He hates the idea,” my sister- in-law blurted out. And then she started to cry. It was genuine sobs. Not much longer after this, my wife berated me for being heartless and selfish. In her mind there could be nothing worse than making her beloved sister cry. Clearly, I was a heartless savage. I apologized and we went to the store. I found a space between some displays of towels just out of the range of the traffic of shoppers near the front door and cool but repentant, sat there. The
girls spent an hour examining all manner of bed covers and bath resources
Making my wife’s sister cry remains one of my worst ever sins. It sits silently in the backstage folk-lore of our life. Very occasionally when the heat is high, it is resurrected when an example of my selfish thoughtlessness is required.
Almost unbelievably, my sisterin-law died. Without forewarning, without symptoms, she died in an instant. Now her memory is hallowed, and episodes of her life are holy lore. My behaviour on Boxing Day in the shopping centre on that hot afternoon when “you made my sister cry” are chiselled in the stone in our shared memory
Now here’s the thing I have learnt. You never know when your contact with another person might be your last. For years and years I assumed life, my life, was never ending. Marilyn Munroe was ‘a candle in the wind’ but not me or other people I knew. I was a blow torch attached to an endless supply of gas.
How would we be different
if we knew this is the last week, the last day, the last hour, would be the last time when we could communicate with this person? I think I would rehearse my conversation. Maybe a handshake would be in order – or even a hug? But if I knew for sure, maybe I wouldn’t even turn up - find an excuse for skipping the encounter. What would I do with hard feelings? What if they owed me money? What if I owed that person money?
Life is a moving target. You never know when the person in front of you is about to experience life’s bulls-eye. Nor do you know the same about yourself. Therefore, treat every encounter as important. Kick the sour and sarcastic thoughts out of our repertoire. Who says that? Me and every spiritual thinker I know of, in New Zealand, Australia and from China, India and the Middle East over the last 2000+ years.
Note: After Bed, Bath & Beyond’s original company filed for bankruptcy and switched to e-commerce only, the brand is returning to physical stores in 2025.
St Patrick’s comes to the Beer Garden
Thursday, 6 March, a family harm incident occurred at a Catherine Crescent address. The intoxicated male left the address prior to police arrival.
TRAFFIC:
A few tickets issued this week for various offences. Unfortunately, a few vehicles have been detected doing more than the applicable speed limit and as a result have been issued with high demerit points. Please slow down.
Quite a few vehicles have been found with expired Warrants and Registrations. These are a requirement for all vehicles to be driven on the roading network. They also ensure that your vehicle is safe to be driven. People caught with expired registrations can face 20 demerit points added to their licence.
Police are targeting Restraints, Impairment, Distractions and Speed this month.
Sunday afternoon from 1.00pm in Mercury Bay Club’s beer garden was a very colourful green venue for an all age St Patrick’s Day party.
Peter Lawrence – known as Rockin’ X Realtor, turned Irish for this occasion – playing lots of Irish tunes and getting people singing along. Roger Simpson outdid himself as the ‘Host with the Most’ with his green undies and irrepressible enthusiasm.
People enjoyed good food, excellent music and perfect weather.
This Saturday night, the Mercury Bay Club presents ‘The Beatle Tribute Band’ Tickets $20.
Mercury Bay Art Escape says thank you
FROM KATE BEAUCHAMP AND SALLY SAMINS
The Mercury Bay Art Escape would like to thank our community and sponsors for their continued support of our Open Studios and their invaluable contribution to promoting art in the Mercury Bay area.
Firstly, bouquets to Shaun Peterson and his fabulous team at Bayleys Coromandel. Bayleys have been enthusiastic sponsors of the Art Escape for 16 years. Also in Whitianga town, our local business stalwarts, thank you to Rachael and Julian Lee of Guthrie Bowron, Monett Johnston of You travel Whitianga, Vaughan Grigsby from Stephenson’s Pharmacy, Kat Neilson-Jones of Create Digital, Bev and Daisy Calder from Baskers, Pauline and Stan Stewart of The Informer, Stefan and Petra Bosman of Toy World, Anne-Maree and Matt McDougall of Mercury Bay Twin Cinema. Lynda and John Grant at CFM Coromandel. Remember these Whitianga local businesses and give them your support in turn. Moving further out a heartfelt thanks to Michelle and Jed Harper at Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach for hosting the Gala opening night and Showcase exhibition over many years. Thanks also to Karen and Neil Vowles of The Pour House, Hahei, Kris and Matt Johnson of Kuaotunu Bay Lodge, and Sheree and Grant Webster
of Hot Water Beach TOP 10 for their sponsorship and support of our events.
The following also generously donated items for our auction and prizes: Lukes Kitchen in Kuaotunu; Ryan Laird of Kaizen at Go Vino, Cooks Beach; Annah Stretton, Whitianga; Auckland Art Gallery; Lisa Hoskin Jewellery, Auckland; and our Trustee, Louise Van den Brink. Liz Harsant of Coromandel Wildflowers supplied flowers as gifts on the gala night and Lion Breweries provided the wine.
Castle Rock Band offered to provide the Gala night music but were thwarted by the rain.
Thanks are also due to Kaylie Finnis of Gather Curated Workshops, our Exhibition curator Marion Manson and acclaimed local artist Jeff Lockhart who as the opening night speaker enthralled the audience with his art journey.
Thanks also to volunteers who managed the
Michael Smither exhibition and to Glenn Sonntag of GJ Gardiner for the use of their show home as exhibit space. Funding from the Sargood Bequest, Auckland, allowed for a bigger and better 2025 MBAE guide.
Last, but by no means least, a major thank you to all the Mercury Bay Art Escape members who volunteered countless hours to assist the Art Escape, whether putting up the billboards, installing the showcase exhibition, managing our social media or keeping flyers stocked, your contribution and efforts were enormous.
If you are interested in becoming a member of Art Escape , follow our Facebook page where we will be announcing when new submissions open.
Mercury Bay Art Escape: https://www.mercurybay-artescape.com
Facebook: @mercurybayartescape
Instagram: @mercurybayartescape
Two top transTasman awards for Whitianga at ‘RateMyAgent’
Bayleys Whitianga and Local Agent Neil Kember celebrated top honours at 2025 RateMyAgent Awards held in Christchurch, Thursday, 20 February.
It was at the annual trans-Tasman awards that Bayleys Whitianga was named 2025 Agency of the Year for the Coromandel Region highlighting and recognising the unwavering support from incredible Whitianga and Mercury Bay communities and loyal clients right across the Coromandel Peninsula.
Local Bayleys agent, Neil Kember, also took home the 2025 Suburb Winner for Whitianga, a fantastic personal achievement reflecting his dedication to delivering outstanding results for property owners in the area.
The awards, presented by Kanoa Lloyd, celebrate the real estate industry’s top-performing agents and agencies in New Zealand and Australia.
“This is a real win for our whole community,” says Shaun Paterson, Bayleys Whitianga Director. “What makes these awards unique is they’re based entirely on feedback from vendorsreal reviews from real locals - rather than just sales numbers. We’re incredibly proud
of this recognition because it’s based on the experiences and feedback from the people we work alongside every day.
“To our clients - thank you for trusting us with your homes, your properties, and your dreams. Your support allows us to keep doing what we love in this special part of Aotearoa.”
Shaun spoke of the deep roots the Bayleys Whitianga team has in the Coromandel, and of the strong relationships they’ve built within the community. “Whether it’s helping locals find their first home, holidaymakers
securing a bach, or supporting families to take their next step, Bayleys is committed to delivering results with honesty, integrity, and genuine care.”
Neil Kember responded to receiving the Suburb Winner title. “This wouldn’t be possible without the amazing people in Whitianga and beyond. I’m so grateful for the trust you place in me. It’s a privilege to be part of your property journeys and to work in a community that’s so supportive. I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to serve our locals.”
Neil Kember & Chelsea McLean, above; Directors of Bayleys, Whitanga, below – Karl Davis, Lee Carter and Shaun Patterson.
Mercury Bay Art Escape group photo from the Gala night Friday 28 February.
Authorised by Scott Simpson, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
GAMES AND PUZZLES
Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. 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 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World checkout manager directly.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE RISE AND RISE OF RATES
Thank you for another well researched contribution by Flemming H.Rasmussen (The Informer, 11 Feb, p.17). Most of our elected representatives (with a few laudable exceptions) have not lived up to their promises. Instead we got no progress in transparency, no genuine consultation, no willingness to stick to Council’s core business and a blatant absence of financial prudence.Mr. Rasmussen’s intention to contest the 2025 Local Government Election - hopefully he will stand for the position of Mayor – is a ray of hope. There’s somebody who puts his thoughts clearly on the table, a novum in this District.
Elisabeth Resl, Kuaotunu
GAME FISHING – TECH REPLACING SKILL
I am supporting Avon Hansford’s letter (The Informer 4 March) regarding the tragic scene that “Game Fishing’ has become. A million dollars and more in prize money and other prizes for one tournament! You’re kidding! Money, ego - catch a fish bigger than the others. Technology has unfortunately replaced skill.
From the days of Boy Smith, Bill Clark, Bert Chaney and others to this futuristic debacle of electronic reels, fish finders, hightech sounders, sonar, million-dollar vessels – the changes for our environment would be close to a disaster.
The poor old fish hardly stand a chance. I was commercial long lining after leaving school. I had mates joining the industry with dollar signs in their eyes.
Personally, in terms of income, I took only what our family of five needed. We loved modestly but well. This provided time off from the sea to put into raising our family. I would also give away a basket (45kg) per trip to older folk who could not afford fresh snapper or who were no longer able to go out fishing. We evolved with the Japanese market through the 80s, learning the more humane iki style of instantly killing the fish and treating the fish with the respect they deserved.
Sure, I could have purchased bigger boats, fished a lot harder like some mates. But I decided early o that this was detrimental to the fish stock.
Tagging, releasing snapper came into vogue in the 80s also, along with the ’Quota’ system. Tagging fish can be compared to skewering the skin below the neck of, say a teenager, then inserting a bicycler inner tube in the cut and then telling the teen to swim across the river!!
It would probably be impossible to swim 50 metres, not to mention the pain involved. My first thoughts on the matter of tagging poor old fish are: what exactly are the big cheeses and the Fishing Councils going to do with the information gained?
John Calder, Whitianga
CLIMATE CHANGE DEFENDING NATURAL PROCESSES
Correspondent David Gibson obviously thinks I’m an idiot as he states just that, (Informer, 4 March) which is fine with me as he doesn’t know me and everyone
Gala Opening
Meet the writers
7pm Mercury Twin Cinemas
5th June
Giorgio Allemano 1.30-2.30
The purpose of the Letters to the Editor column is to enable members of the public to express an opinion, about an article or a topic of interest/concern. Please keep them to 200 words or less. These letters do not reflect the editor’s view. The editor reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.
is entitled to their opinion. However, what is not so fine is his extensive and unnecessary use of derogatory terms to describe me such as “breathtaking ignorance”, “dangerous denialism”, “uninformed”, “contrarian”, “armchair critic”, “amateur”, “unqualified”, “idiotic”, “lack any relevant scientific credentials in climate science”, “scientifically illiterate”, etc. All these are only the ones from his most recent short letter, just because he apparently doesn’t like me expressing my opinion.
Having a degree in science including studying climate science overseas, I would actually be interested to know his “relevant scientific credentials in climate science”. Working and living as a field geologist for almost 50 years in more than 27 different countries, I have seen every day the signs of ongoing and constant climate change and sea level fluctuations at all scales throughout time, all of which have been entirely natural.
Coming from Tairua, I would expect that if Mr. Gibson had bothered to look around with
WHAT'S ON
an open and enquiring mind, he would be well aware that the land where the park and playground sit beside the Pepe Stream Bridge was only formed less than 4000 years ago when the climate was actually warmer and the sea level higher than now. His town’s shops are sited on land that was formed between the last two ice ages, once again when the sea level was higher and climate warmer than now…again an entirely natural process. Why is the present warming any different? Perhaps he is actually the “armchair critic” and needs to stop lazily accepting the endless United Nations and IPCC propaganda and look at the extensive evidence right before his eyes.
Meanwhile, not to be outdone by Mr. Gibson, correspondent Brenda Smythe (Informer, March 11) accuses me of “peddling the shameless ploy from the oil industry,” and states that the rate of sea level rise has doubled in the last 10 years. This ridiculous statement is easily disproved by looking at graphs of sea level rise around the world.
The longest and most reliable
tide gauge record in the Southern Hemisphere is at Sydney. This goes back to 1885 and shows no sign at all of any acceleration in the rate of sea level rise despite the levels of CO2 constantly rising over this time as shown by the green line in the accompanying graph.
There is obviously very little connection between increases of CO2 and the sea level despite all the media and UN hype.
The world has squandered trillions of dollars needlessly panicking about CO2 for decades. However, there is a new global sanity finally emerging and this house of cards now seems to be collapsing. People are finally realising that they have been shamelessly lied to by climate scientists, the media, left wing politicians and their green supporters all this time. The party is over.
Alastair Brickell, Kuaotunu
A DIFFERENT VIEW ON THE BLUES
Regarding the article (The Informer 11 March) “Guitar Wolf in Whitianga” stating that English blues groups “bastardised the blues”. This is a long way from the truth.
These young British blues men and women revived the blues, and if not for this, the blues may have almost disappeared. Bluesmen like Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters and BB King have publicly said as much, in their own country, struggled because of racist attitudes. In Britain they were revered, not bastardized
Terry Lysaght, Kuaotunu
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)
Business Manager: Emma Gaunt
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Sydney sea level rise 1885-2024 with green co2 changes shown
TRADES & SERVICES
Whitianga). For those unable to attend in person, the live streaming link is as follows: https://coromind.nz/celebrating-halgriffiths-life/ Any queries or information email: halandsue@xtra.co.nz
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTIFICATION
OF INTENT TO AERIALLY
SPRAY HERBICIDE PRE-PLANTING
Within Whangapoua Forest 1st of April 2025 Weather dependant
Using: Glyphosate, Meturon, Organo Silicon
Any questions contact The Forest Manager on 0275091809
McVICKER,
David Malcolm
Peacefully at Waikato hospital on 14th March, 2025. Loved son of the late Robert and Dorothy McVicker, and brother of Robin, Michael and Peter. Uncle to Sarah, Kimmy and Putri.
Honouring David’s wishes, a private cremation has taken place.
A service to inter David’s ashes will be held at The Mercury Bay Cemetery, Ferry Landing, on Saturday 26th April at 11am. All are very welcome to attend. Communications to: Peter McVicker, 1129 Purangi Road, Ferry Landing, RD1, Whitianga 3591, or to: pamcvicker@xtra.co.nz
TWENTYMANS
YULE
Donald Grant
Peacefully at Waikato Hospice on 14th February, 2025; aged 81 years. Much loved husband of Lauris, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Joleane and Steve, Yvette, Nick and Amanda, Arlene and Sam. Adored Papa D of Cody, Greer, Zak, Lochie, Nova, James, Brodie, Lani and Ellie. Loving brother of Marilyn Yule. Always in our hearts and memories. Our gratitude and thanks to all the staff at Hospice Waikato.
A service celebrating Don’s life will be held at St Paschal’s Catholic Church, 56 Pipiroa Road, Ngatea, on Friday 21st February, at 10.30am, followed by private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations to Hospice Waikato would be appreciated and can be left at the service or online at: hospicewaikato.org.nz Correspondence to: 109 Rolleston Street, Thames, 3500. TWENTYMANS
PUBLIC NOTICE
VETERINARY CLINIC
PUBLIC NOTICE
Following the article published by The Informer in February 2023, titled “A Bad Smell,” and the public notice posted by Mr. & Mrs. Pye on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the business owners of Whitianga Vets would like to clarify the facts regarding this ongoing issue.
The Background In 2018, we purchased 73 Cook Drive, a commercial section originally owned by Mr. Pye. When designing our veterinary clinic, a survey revealed that Mr. Pye’s fence on our eastern boundary (between the clinic and the Pyes’ property) encroached 30cm onto our land. As a courtesy, we did not ask the Pyes to relocate their fence. Our clinic was built at the correct distance from the actual boundary, in compliance with commercial zoning regulations.
We moved into the premises in December 2018 and were soon accused by Mr. Pye of “spying” into his lounge through our retail shop windows. This claim was unfounded, but to pacify him, we spray-painted the small, high-positioned windows on that side of the building – windows located above our retail shelves. Despite this, the accusations and hostilities have continued over the years, with Mr. Pye repeatedly shouting and swearing at our staff.
The Alleged “Offensive Smell”
A few years later, we installed an air intake unit on the clinic roof as part of our centralized air-conditioning system. This unit allows air into the building but does not expel air. Nevertheless, Mr. Pye began complaining about an offensive smell, claiming it originated from this intake. We explained that the system only allows air in, not out, but he refused to accept this.
Despite no evidence of any offensive odour being omitted by the clinic, Mr. Pye involved the Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) and the Waikato Regional Council (WRC), both of which have conducted multiple inspections since the first complaint in 2021 –at the expense of ratepayers. In every instance, no offensive smell has been detected.
In 2023, Mrs. Pye personally inspected our clinic, entering every room and even opening the lids of all our cleaning products. She admitted she could not detect any putrid smells. The only scent she noted was from the laundry hanging outside. To further appease them, we switched to non-fragranced laundry detergent.
The Reality
Our clinic has had at least ten council
inspections, all of which have failed to find an offensive smell.
Half a dozen staff members eat lunch daily in the room allegedly emitting these “phantom odours.” None of our staff think these complaints have ANY merit.
Hundreds of clients visit our clinic every week, and not one has complained about any offensive smells. (Barring occasional animal indiscretions, yearly floor polish or flood damage.)
Our property is zoned commercial, it was Mr. Pye’s before he sold it – at a premium –advertising it as “prime real COMMERIAL estate.” (Google Te Puia nursery 2016)
We have made extensive efforts to accommodate Mr. Pye’s complaints, yet the accusations persist – even when all windows and doors are closed (with air conditioning on).
The Bigger Picture Finding a suitable commercial property for our clinic was difficult, but necessary if anyone can remember the Albert St clinic.
Whitianga vets has invested millions of dollars in this new clinic.
A Message to Our Clients
Whitianga Vets is a state-of-the-art clinic providing veterinary services comparable to a small hospital. We have a fantastic team dedicated to delivering 24/7 emergency care at highly competitive prices.
Dealing with unfounded complaints, harassment, and misinformed opinions detracts from the real work of veterinary care. Nevertheless, we remain committed to our clients and their animals, and we deeply appreciate your ongoing support.
We appreciate the professionalism of TCDC, WRC, the Ombudsman, and the police in handling this situation. Their investigations have consistently reached the correct and rational conclusion.
Whitianga Vets maintains an open-door policy for council staff or any genuinely concerned individual who wishes to report their experiences at our clinic.
To all our wonderful clients – thank you. We love our jobs, our patients, and this community. Whitianga Vets directors and staff
SPORTS
HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
Purangi Pairs Week Two
Tuesday 11 March
1, Don Barry and Amy Hyde; 2, Robyn and Peter Hogg; 3, Anne Knowles and Ann Scott.
TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB
March Pairs Round 2
North/South: 1, Johanna Bonnar & Peter McNeil; 2, Jenny Prince & Judy McKenzie; 3, Heather & Jim Buffett. East/West: 1, Celia Young & Nolene Kirkpatrick; 2, Tony White & Robyn Hunter; 3, Dianne & David Haye.
MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB
March Competition round 2
Wednesday, 12 March
North/South: 1, Robyn Hogg & Don Barry; 2, Faith Stock & Giorgio Allemano; 3, Geoff Jervis & Amy Hyde.
East/West: 1, Bob Schibli & Pete Hogg; 2, Deidre Stevenson & Lois Page; 3, Dave Dylla & Augusta Canegallo. Cook Pairs round 2
Thursday, 13 March
1, Rose Tegg & Kate Palmano; 2, Ischelle Stevenson & Norma Hart; 3, Angela Cook & Faith Stock.
PURANGI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
9-hole Par
Tuesday 11 March
1, Steve Borlase; 2=, Jo Geoghegan, Dave Gibson; 4=, Neil Robertson, Lauren Stephens.
9-hole Stableford Monthly Medal
Thursday 13 March
Winner of Cooks Beach Building Supplies monthly medal – 1, David Young; 2, Neil Robertson; 3, John Hughes; 4, Richard Duckworth.
18-hole Nett Round One Club Champs
Saturday 15 March
1, Kevin Milroy; 2= Jeff Bright, Bob
Walker; 4=, Jo Geoghegan, Harry Van Der Puttin.
4BBB Net: Bob Walker and Grant Web-
ster
THE DUNES GOLF CLUB
9 Hole Men’s Stableford
Monday 10 March
1, John Schoutens; 2, Rey Bertling; 3, David Macdonald
1, Mark Hall; 2, Doug Smith; 3, Chris Palmer; 4, Allan Trow
Nearest the Pin on 18: Russell Barnett
Twos: Mark Hall, Doug Smith
9 Hole Men’s 3 Clubs of Choice
Thurday 13 March
1, Noel Rogers; 2, Rey Bertling
Twos: Lance Croawell, Noel Rogers
18 Hole Ladies Stableford
1, Chrissie Smith
18 Hole Mixed Haggle Stableford
Saturday 15 March
1, Michelle Swainbank; 2, Kim Primrose; 3, Bev LeLievre
Nearest the Pin – Andy Swainbank
Twos: Russell Barnett on 7
MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS
16 players this week, so 501 singles were played. Three players won all three sets and they were Kevin Taylor, Wayne Olson and Steve Pointing. A one game shootout final was played and Steve Pointing came away with the win.
Highest finish for the men was 102, scored by Steve Pointing. No fishes over 50 for the ladies this week. 180 was scored by two players this week and they were Stoney and Rex Donaldson.
Thursday 13 March
Winners: Merle Ward, Joy McGregor and Pat Fisher
Runners-up: Alan Henderson, Judy Cullinane and Marie Denney Good Sports: Cheryl Henderson, Lionel Lawrence and Betty Russell.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wednesday, 12 March
12 players on Wednesday and it was Peter Challis, Peter Schultz and Bob Haase with two straight wins to challenge the finals. Bob won the bye and Peter Schultz defeated Peter Challis in the semifinal to meet Bob in the final frame. A very close match this was with Peter Schultz grabbing victory and the cash prize. Runner up Bob Haase, and with two wins were Peter Challis with the highest break of 27, and Wayne Malcolm, and Ian Baumgren.
Saturday, 15 March
10 players on Saturday and it was Peter Schultz, Bob Haase and Rob Reilly with two straight wins each to challenge the finals. Peter won the drawn bye and Rob despatched Bob in the semifinal to go on to meet Peter in the final. Past Club Champion Peter was on form and took a narrow win over Rob to take home the cash prize. Rob Reilly runner up and with two wins were Bob Haase, Phil Jones, Greg Murphy and Wayne Malcolm with two.
SPORTS RESULTS
Please email your sports results, photos and captions to info@theinformer.co.nz and if we have space available we can publish them for you.
Council Meeting
Thursday 27 March 2025 09:00am, Thames Council Chambers, 515 Mackay Street, Thames - Consultation on the 2025/26 Annual Plan
Tuesday 8 April 2025 09:00am, Thames Council Chambers, 515 Mackay Street, Thames
Community Board Meetings
Tairua-Pāuanui Community Board
Monday 28 April 2025 10.00am, Pāuanui Community Hub, 23 Centreway, Pāuanui.
Whangamatā Community Board
Tuesday 29 April 2025 10.00am, Whangamatā Service Centre, 620 Port Road, Whangamatā
Thames Community Board
Wednesday 30 April 2025, 10.00am, Thames Council Chambers, 515 Mackay Street, Thames
Please visit https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/Our-Council/Meetings/Agendas-Reports-and-Minutes for copies of agendas and order papers.
A
Thames-Coromandel District Council
UPCOMING GAMES
MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
GJ Gardner Ladies Teams Tournament
The Mercury Bay Ladies Teams Tournament was held on Thursday 13 March. The weather could not have been better and the course was immaculate.
84 players (28 teams) were in attendance from all over the North Island and enjoyed a great day of golfing and camaraderie with the top prize going to Megan Burrows (MB), Carol Bing-
The prize table was significant thanks to a large number of sponsors. See page 5.
Ladies Club Captain, Diane Eccles, said the day went extremely smoothly with an amazing lunch shared by all and she is very proud of the hard work put in by the committee and every volunteer who made the day the success it was.
MERCURY BAY BOWLING CLUB
GJ Gardner’s Classic Fours
Thursday 13th March 2025 saw the GJ Gardners Classic Mixed Fours.
Winners on the day were Des Dwight, Peter (Pio) Sheehan, Pat Lilley and Gwyn Howells.
Club Championships Mens Pairs (Juniors)
Saturday, 15 March – The term “Juniors” refers to the number of years a bowler has been playing. Under 5 years is a “Junior”.
Winners: Jimmy Johnson And Peter Rabarts. They will now go on to compete in the Thames Valley Champ of Champs Competition.
Ladies Championship Finals
ley (MB) and Lee Coers (Maraenui).
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
All 84 players before teeing off, who played in the Mercury Bay Golf Club’s Ladies Teams Tournament last week; winners, above, Carol Bingley, Megan Burrows and Lee Coers with major sponsor Belinda from GJ Gardner (second from the right).
MERCURY BAY TENNIS CLUB
Yazmin Todd and Pip Calder alongside doubles winners Sue Costello and Trish Graves; Pip Calder, right, def Sue Costello, left, in the Singles Final.
