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SebastienPanhasbeenalocalresidentofWhitiangaforthepast10years.Heisafilm composer,andthelatestprojectheworkedonisthemovie“Tinā”
Sebastien composed, produced, and recorded the music for this film, and it has been performing exceptionally well at the New Zealand box office. Since its release a month ago, it has remained #1 and has broken several records for a New Zealand film, including the one for the film with the widest release across the country. It has comfortably entered the top 10 of the highest-grossing NZ films of all time.
THE INFORMER INTERVIEWED SEBASTIEN
Q: You wrote the music and produced the music for Tinā –how did that journey begin?
A: I’ve been working internationally as a composer for 15 years, scoring films and TV projects across different countries. But despite living in New Zealand for a decade, I never had the chance to work on a local production. That shifted a couple of years ago when I collaborated with Coromind to compose the music for an advertisement for the Mercury Bay Museum. It was a small project, but I really enjoyed the experience. That’s when I realised I wanted to bring my experience into projects that resonate with the people and culture here.
So, I started looking into films in production in New Zealand and came across Tinā. The pitch immediately caught my attention. It had a strong emotional core, powerful themes, and a perspective that felt both unique and universal. I reached out to Dan Higgins, one of the
We had a series of meetings to explore different directions, trying to find the perfect balance between subtlety and emotional weight. The goal was never to impose music onto the film, but to let it emerge naturally from the story itself. That collaborative process wasn’t just about composing a score, but about shaping an experience that would resonate with audiences on a deeper level. That’s how my journey with Tinā began. SEE PAGES 14 & 15 FOR
producers, to express my interest. He liked my profile and arranged a meeting with Miki Magasiva, the director. From our first conversation, I felt an immediate connection with him and his vision. He had a clear idea of the film’s emotional tone, but he was also open to creative discussions about how music could deepen the impact.
Continued on pages 2 and 3
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Continued from front page
Q: What is your background that has brought about this level of writing and producing music for movies?
A. My background is quite diverse, shaped by experiences across multiple continents.
I started my music career in France, teaching guitar. After a while, seeking new opportunities, I moved to Canada. There, while working in a bank, I began scoring student films, learning how to translate emotions into music in a cinematic context. Once my portfolio was big and good enough, I sent it all over the world.
I’ve been hired as an in-house composer in Jakarta, Indonesia, composing for commercials, animated series, films, and trailers, which gave me a strong foundation in writing music that serves storytelling across different formats.
A major turning point came when I moved to Los Angeles to participate in the Tilden House mentorship program under Hollywood A-list composer, Christopher Young. That experience helped refine my craft and exposed me to the inner workings of the Hollywood film industry.
Since then, I’ve composed music for over 20 feature films, contributed additional music to Hollywood blockbusters, and scored more than 300 episodes of animated series, along with numerous commercials and trailers.
Today, I split my time between France and New Zealand, continuing to work on international projects. My approach to composing is heavily influenced by my multicultural journey. That allowed me to approach the score for Tinā with both fresh ears and a deep respect for the film’s unique identity.
Q: What are the points of the story of Tina that stand out for you in terms of the music you composed?
A. Without spoiling the movie, what stood out to me the most in Tinā was the emotional journey of the main heroines. The music had to follow their path –through moments of sadness, joy, hope – without ever overpowering the storytelling. The challenge was to remain subtle, to let the score breathe and evolve naturally with the characters, so that when the choral moments of the film emerge, they feel even more powerful. It was all about bal-
sky. The ISS can help us identify them early on April 3. Tuesday, 1 April: The crescent Moon sits just below and to the left of the Pleiades/Matariki at dusk. There is a very low ISS pass from 6:38am in the south. Wednesday, 2 April: The crescent Moon is about half way between Matariki and bright Jupiter at dusk. Thursday, 3 April: The
Moon is now just below and to the right of bright Jupiter at dusk. There is a very low ISS pass from 6:24am low in the south passing just above Saturn, then Mercury and finally Venus.
We have a bright ISS pass from 6:38am in the south ending just above Venus. Friday, 4 April: Jupiter now lies to the left of the Moon at dusk. The early morning has an ISS pass from 5:50am in the south. Saturday, 5 April: The First Quarter Moon sites to the left and below Mars in Gemini. There is a bright ISS pass from 6:37am in the south just above the Southern Cross. Sunday, 6 April: The Moon is directly to the right of Mars. Monday, 7 April: The Moon is now just to the right of the Beehive cluster which is visible in binoculars. There is an early ISS pass in the west from 5:37am. Tuesday, 8 April: The Moon sits just below the bright star Regulus in Leo.
ance – supporting the emotions without dictating them, creating an atmosphere that allows the audience to fully connect with the story. That’s what made composing for Tinā such a rewarding experience.
Q: What are you working on now that you can share with the public?
A. Right now, I’m working on a thriller called The Canyon, produced by the New Zealand company, Fish Entertainment and directed by UK director, Vaughn Stein. It’s an exciting project with a cast that includes two wellknown international actors. It’s definitely a film to watch out for.
Q: What brought you to Whitianga?
A. After working in Asia, I felt the need for a quieter environment, closer to nature. I had already lived in New Caledonia and French Polynesia for months before, and I had really grown to love the Pacific. So, I decided to apply for a Working Holiday Visa
in New Zealand. Not knowing much about the country at the time, I chose a town at random to find an apartment – and that town happened to be Whitianga. From the moment I arrived, I felt a real connection to the place. Later, I travelled around both islands, exploring different regions, but when it came time to settle somewhere permanently, I knew I wanted to return to the place where I had felt the most at home – Whitianga.
Q: Do you have doubts? What helps you write? What is your favourite kind of music to compose and produce?
A. I don’t really experience doubt when it comes to composing. I’ve been fortunate to never struggle with inspiration (knock on wood that it stays that way!). It’s probably empathy that helps me compose I find it easy to step into the shoes of characters and immerse myself in the atmosphere of a story or project.. Once I’ve done that, it’s just about translating those feelings
into music.
As for my favourite type of music to compose, I don’t have a specific preference. It would be boring to work on the same style of film repeatedly. That said, I find horror and suspense films particularly exciting because the music’s impact is so strong. It’s a chance to really evoke intense emotions from the audience. I also love working on animation, as the process is different. Perfectly syncing the music with the visuals adds an extra layer of challenge and creativity to the compositions. But as a passionate musician, I believe that any project,
when thoughtfully crafted, is a joy to work on. Each film or series has its own unique essence, and it’s a true honour to contribute my musical touch to bring that to life.
I chose a town at random to find an apartment – and that town happened to be Whitianga. From the moment I arrived, I felt a real connection to the place.
www.sebastienpan. com – IMDb – Instagram
REVIEWS:
I can’t remember the last time I heard so many people quietly weeping into their hankies at a New Zealand film, or laughing out loud at other times……Tinā is one for the whole, national family. Simon Morris, RNZ
Miki Magasiva’s haunting and heart-warming debut feature is a simply stunning, crowd-pleasing delight. James Croot, The Post NZ
Tinā may not be reinventing the genre, but it is singing its own song. One that deserves to be heard….. It is especially worth noting what a treat the music is…. Set amidst a stuffy private school, the film finds the power in music and empathy. Karl Puschmann, NZ Herald
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BY JEREMY GAMBLE
Local members of the Te Aroha Paeroa Search and Rescue (TAPSAR) team have been recognised for their outstanding service, winning the New Zealand Land Search and Rescue National Supreme Award for Outstanding Operation. This prestigious award acknowledges the exceptional efforts of the team in a March 2024 rescue mission that saw them overcome challenging conditions to save an injured hunter.
The TAPSAR team, which includes both seasoned volunteers with over 15 years of service and newer recruits, is composed of dedicated individuals from diverse backgrounds across the Matamata-Piako district, Paeroa, and Hamilton. Despite their name, the team’s primary operational reach extends beyond Te Aroha and Paeroa, covering much of the Kaimai region, including Matamata’s popular Wairere Falls and when required throughout the greater Waikato region.
Three of their team of volunteers are from Matamata highlighting the group’s commitment
to serving a broad geographical area.
The award-winning operation took place in rugged terrain where a hunter suffered a severe leg fracture after a fall. Due to the steep landscape tree cover, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter was unable to conduct an aerial extraction. Demonstrating remarkable resourcefulness, the TAPSAR team used their local connections to gain access
through adjacent private property, enabling them to reach the patient more efficiently. A team member, who is also a St John Ambulance officer, was authorised to administer pain relief, ensuring the injured hunter’s comfort during the rescue.
Moving quickly to beat the waning light at the end of the day, the team navigated steep and unforgiving terrain. They adapted to the conditions, clearing vegetation
and a cutting down a tree from a small clearing to provide a safe location to allow for first aid to be applied and the injured person to be prepared for being carried on a stretcher to a suitable location for a helicopter winch extraction. Their coordination and expertise ensured a successful outcome in a mission that was among 400 callouts nominated for the award.
Land Search and Rescue New Zealand, established in 1994, is
an incorporated society providing specialist search and rescue services across various environments, from wilderness and rural areas to shorelines and caves. Operated entirely by trained volunteers, these teams are available 24/7 at no cost to those in need. Coordinated through the New Zealand Police and the Rescue Coordination Centre, these dedicated professionals stand ready to assist in emergencies whenever required.
The recognition of the TAPSAR team’s efforts highlights the invaluable service provided by search and rescue volunteers across New Zealand. Their unwavering commitment to saving lives ensures that those in distress have a dedicated team ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Note: Jeremy Gamble has been involved with Land Search and Rescue since he was 14 as a youngster going growing up in the Karangahake Gorge, at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula. In the past two years, LandSAR have responded to over 1,000 incidents, saved 92 lives, rescued 416 people, and assisted a further 417 individuals.
Margaret did not think that to work as a Doctor and raise children in that era was unusual. But it was. John and Margaret worked hard in Havelock North and both enjoyed the people there very much. Two more children, Anne and David followed their first, Sarah-Jane, fulfilling their desire to have children while they were young and while John had decent health.
However, the long hours, some personal events and the need to spend time as a family, led them to sell their practice in Havelock North and in March 1960, they travelled to the United Kingdom for overseas work and study experience.
There, John undertook postgraduate study in pathology; they met many people in the medical community in England. But after only one year in England, Margaret noticed that John’s health was declining. He persisted with his studies being due to finish them at the end of 1962.
At that point, he started applying for jobs and so did Margaret. They were thinking about returning to NZ. John applied for the role of Pathologist at Princess Margaret Hospital in Christchurch. However, he had a massive cere-
bral bleed and passed away on 24 February 1963.
It was just a short time before John’s death that Margaret also received a written job offer at the RNZAF Woodbourne Base in New Zealand for three years as their medical officer.
She returned to New Zealand with the children to start this new life.
It was in the RNZAF that she met Walter Guthrie. They became close. Walter was a commissioned officer, the restrictions on how Walter and Margaret (non-commissioned) could relate as a dating couple caused much
ado. Margaret challenged these and was successful. In 1964, they were married.
In April 1967, Walter and Margaret moved to Christchurch as Walter’s 24 year contract with the RNZAF ended and he decided he would not renew.
Margaret was able to transfer to RNZAF Wigram. The move to Christchurch also enabled her election as Secretary of the NZ Medical Women’s Association, from 1960-69.
Halfway through 1973, Margaret started to feel that there was no room for professional development in her current role. She
came across an article in the Evening Post advising of the difficulty of the North Canterbury Hospital Board in finding a Medical Superintendent for Burwood Hospital. This post seemed right for her. However, she was advised, “There had not been a female medical superintendent in Christchurch, and they had no idea how the Board might react to such an application.”
For the interview for the position, Margaret was greeted by a circle of men.
“All of them bar one, the CEO, were hospital specialists. They questioned me about my time availability and mental capacity to work considering I had three children and what impact this would have on my ability to be a good mother.”
Margaret thought ruefully at the time that she was treated so very differently from the way a professional male would have been interviewed.
Margaret was offered the position and she became the first female medical superintendent of a hospital of over 100 beds in the country.
Margaret noticed that some of the patients had quite severe disabilities and had been patients
there for around twenty years. She realised she needed further training and requested to do a Diploma in Public Health (DPH). There was a newly established Massey University that was offering a multi-disciplinary, postgraduate, extra-mural course for their Diploma of Health Administration (DHA).
She was in the first intake in 1974 and found that directly related to issues she was experiencing in her work. She loved it and did well. But, it was not until 1988 that her qualification was officially recognised by the Medical Council as equivalent to a Diploma in Public Health. Only then was Margaret finally awarded the status of specialist. At Burwood, Margaret also championed the role of male nurses as they were minimally accepted or included. Only two male nurses a year were graduating.
In 1974, she wrote: “The professions are stronger when barriers of male or female dominance are challenged, whether it be by male nurses or female doctors. There are probably more psychological hurdles for male nurses in New Zealand.”
Continued on page 11
BY LISA FUTSCHEK CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF SEAFOOD NEW ZEALAND
Last week, a journalist who holidays in the Coromandel spoke about hearing that local recreational fishers think the proposed changes to the Fisheries Act will mean fewer fish for them. I’m here to reassure you no one will be taking away your fish or your rights.
Anyone who has been paying attention to the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) proposed reforms to the Fisheries Act will have seen a lot of fear, misinformation and anger being spread online and in the media.
People are understandably invested in the future of our fisheries. They want them to be healthy and abundant today and for future generations of New Zealanders.
So it’s good to start on a commonality: the fishing industry wants exactly the same thing. We want flourishing fisheries and healthy
marine ecosystems to sustain them. Without that, we’re out of a job and can’t put food on our table – or yours.
With 642 different fish stocks for MPI to manage, our management process is complex by necessity, tailored to each fishery and reliant on many factors, including science, stakeholder views and treaty rights. This is very resource-intensive and means that only 20–30 stocks are reviewed each year. With some new tools, we think we can do better.
MPI’s consultation document is a lengthy but understandable 71 pages. But not everyone will read it and, into that vacuum, misinformation is inserted.
At Seafood New Zealand we want everyone to submit on these proposed reforms, that’s part of what makes our democratic process work. But it’s important that submitters are accurately informed to ensure their input is relevant.
I’ve picked a few of the
more confusing issues to break down for you, and I’ll share a few more next week.
Misunderstanding: camera coverage on fishing boats will become watered down and less transparent. Wrong. What the proposals actually say is that the footage from on-board cameras won’t be accessible to the public, because it’s a privacy and safety risk. Fishing vessels are a private workplace, and it is very rare that government cameras are required on private property or commercial premises.
With 642 different fish stocks for MPI to manage, our management process is reliant on many factors, including science, stakeholder views and treaty rights.
Under the proposals, MPI’s trained reviewers will continue to review on-board camera footage as they do now. All the data gathered by MPI using cameras and other methods will remain available to the public. For example, bycatch figures are regularly reported on MPI’s website without requiring an Official Information Act request, and any member of the public can access this and other data now AND under the new proposals. The proposal simply means the public cannot request the actual footage. Also, anyone suggest-
ing the proposed changes would allow fishers to turn cameras off when fishing is utterly mistaken. Cameras must always be on when fishing occurs – it’s the law. The changes will make sure fishers have more clarity about when they can have their camera off – for example, when at anchor after the fishing activity has finished.
And of course, what occurs onboard a fishing vessel can be commercially sensitive, as at any place of work, and requires protection.
Misunderstanding: allowing fishers to return unwanted catch that’s been verified means they’ll dump low-value fish and then fish more.
Also wrong. This claim mixes up two different things: “dumping” (which is definitely illegal!) and legal discarding under monitored returns.
Let’s stick with the facts.
The proposals will allow fishers to return unwanted catch – such as fish that is too small to be sold or is a
species that no one will buy – to the sea IF it has been monitored by an on-board camera or human observer. But here’s the key thing. Fishers will have to count these fish against their annual catch limits (known as ACE, or Annual Catch Entitlements). So even when returning these fish to the sea (rather than taking it to shore and disposing it at a landfill) fishers do not get “more fish” in exchange. Ultimately, fishers don’t get paid for fish they have to put back in the water. Whatever fish they catch is reported and counted against their total. So, this proposal means that there is a “price” for every fish caught while reducing the costs of needing to land the fish and dispose of it. We would prefer any unwanted catch is returned to the marine ecosystem. I want to encourage people to look beyond the noise and speculation and see the proposals for what they are – common sense changes that are a win for us all.
Winton Bebbington, originally from Te Aroha, has deep roots in the dairy farming industry.
His family has long been part of the local farming community in Te Aroha, and he himself has worked both as a farm manager and owner. While his family continued their involvement in farming, Winton was ready for a new challenge.
“I had been looking for a career change for a while,” he explains. “A good friend of mine owned a tyre shop in Morrinsville, and I got to see firsthand the mix of physical work and customer interaction. I’ve always loved cars and motorsport, and I’m a hard worker, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ After thoroughly researching the tyre business, I knew it was the right move. When the opportunity to purchase Peninsula Tyres in Whitianga came up, I jumped at it.”
Though now a local business owner, Winton is no stranger to Whitianga. His family has a long history in the area.
“My grandparents own one of the original baches in Cooks Beach and still spend plenty of time there. I have incredible memories of holidaying here.”
His background in farming has given
him an edge in understanding the needs of his customers.
“I can easily relate to farmers and tradespeople. Having been a dairy farmer myself, I know what it’s like to deal with muddy tyres and the urgency of keeping vehicles running – there’s no time to waste on cleaning when work needs to get done.”
Since taking over Peninsula Tyres, Winton and his team – Dave, Jake, and Rachelle – have been busy expanding the business, while also giving the workshop a refresh.
“We’re focused on growing our customer service throughout the Peninsula, both in the workshop and on site. No tyre is too big or two small,” he says.
Beyond the business, Winton is eager to get involved in the community. A former Te Aroha Rugby Club player, he’s now a member of the Mercury Bay Squash Club, Mercury Bay Golf Club, and the Mercury Bay Business Association.
“I want to meet people, be part of the community, and contribute where I can.
Running Peninsula Tyres is an exciting challenge, and I’m looking forward to the future here.”
Peter Muller is happy to be a finalist in the Small Sculpture Awards 2025 with his ‘Corrugated Wave’ 2-finger ring. Ponamu, NZ Nephrite Jade, Sterling Silver, part oxidised.
Our congratulations to Marion Manson as the winner in this competition who is also a Coromandel resident.
Whitianga’s newest dance studio defined as a ‘Space for Expression, Wellness, and Joy’ to occupy the previous En Point Dance studio
Afresh and exciting dance experience is arriving in Whitianga with the launch of The Alter native Dance Collective (The ADC). More than just a dance studio, The ADC is a move ment dedicated to inclusivity, self-expression, and the sheer joy of dance. Founded on the belief that anyone can dance – regardless of age, ability, or experience.
The ADC aims to create a welcoming space where peo ple can learn, heal, and grow through movement.
“Some people believe they can’t dance, and I want to eradicate that belief,” says the ADC founder, Emma Lovell.
“For me, dance is an expression of who you are at your core – an honest and raw way to communicate your thoughts and emotions, and a cathartic way to release them.
“Our mission is to help everyone find their inner Footloose.”
The ADC will offer a diverse range of dance classes for children and adults, focusing on both performance and per-
Whitianga,
•
sonal well-being. Workshops for the Easter school holidays will include Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Gymnastics, Stretch & Strength, Hip-hop, Freestyle Expressive, and Musical Theatre. Adults can look forward to a range of exciting classes, including our super fun Body Positive Burlesque – a confidence-boosting, empowering way to move, feel great, and celebrate self-expression in a supportive environment.
Dance is not just about fitness – it’s about mental clarity, confidence, and joy. Scientific studies even show that toddlers naturally respond to rhythm! Whether you are looking to improve your physical fitness, find a creative outlet, or simply experience the happiness of dancing, The ADC welcomes you with open arms.
As an inclusive and culturally diverse collective, The ADC is built on core values of happiness, compassion, encouragement, freedom, and expression.
“We want to bring the world
together through dance, making it fun, accessible, and easy for all,” says Emma. “Our dream is to create a vibrant dance hub where people from rural areas have the same access to performance arts as those in larger cities.”
Located at the former En Pointe Dance studio – but with a brand-new look, the longterm plans are to expand the studio, add new teachers, and provide more dance styles. The ADC envisions a future filled with community engagement, competitions, branded merchandise, and high-quality equipment. But for now, the focus is on launching with energy, passion, and a commitment to transforming lives through dance.
Come and make magic with movement – The Alternative Dance Collective is here to inspire joy, confidence, and creativity in Whitianga!
Emma at 0210769953 or email emma.theadc@gmail. com
Cooks Beach, 981 Purangi Road
BY PAM FERLA
Giacomo Segantin’s dream was to travel around Europe with a food trailer selling his pizza. But after leaving his home in Italy to see the world, he adjusted that dream and ended up building a food trailer in Tairua where he, along with partner, Daniela Villablanca, has created Santa Maria Pizza Italiana.
Daniela arrived in the Coromandel in 2012 and worked in Pauanui and then Tairua.
Meanwhile Giacomo was travelling around the country. He spent time at Tairua’s Te Moata Retreat and also worked locally as a pizza chef. It was there that the couple met and they have been together for about seven years.
Asked why he started his business in Tairua instead of somewhere in Europe, this nature-lover said he loves the sense of peace in the town.
“When I arrived here, I wanted to stay forever,” he smiles.
Giacomo studied hospitality in Italy. Daniella also has strong experience in the industry, doing culinary and management studies in
her native Chile. She has also studied Ayurvedic medicine and massage.
Giacomo’s home town is Verona and that’s where he first worked making pizza. “At that time I didn’t like working indoors - I prefer being outside, surrounded by nature.”
When he decided to settle in Tairua, he bought a ‘run down’ trailer, painted it and put a roof on. Then he added equipment, includ-
ing a wood-fired pizza oven that he designed and built. The renovation took six months. Santa Maria Pizza Italiana was ready for business at Labour Weekend three years ago.
Giacomo makes his own pizza dough. As well as traditional Italian pizza, he has discovered new recipes with a “Kiwi” flavour. Daniela loves making Italian desserts, including tiramisu (Giacomo’s grandma’s famous recipe) as well as pavlova Chilean style and alfajores chocolate.
“It’s so peaceful in Tairua surrounded by nature and there’s a nice community feeling,” says Giacomo. “We feel safe and have everything we need in this beautiful village. We have no plans to move on.”
The couple enjoy spending time on the beach, running, swimming and paddle boarding as well as spending time with friends.
Santa Maria Pizza Italiana opens Wednesday – Sunday plus public holidays, midday – 8pm, at the food truck, which is at the north end of Tairua’s main street. You can check them out on Facebook: Santa Maria Pizza Italiana, and Instagram: santamariapizzaitaliana.
Continued from page 7
Specialising in Gerontology: “I had already been a medical superintendent and started to specialise in looking after older people who were in long-term care and disabled. I found it very challenging. There was no training in those days. I knew I needed to know more than I did. I persuaded the Director General to send me to Canada and Britain where there were experts in long-term and elderly care. I was away nine months. I was in my fifties. “
Margaret’s focus was on the issue of the increasing life expectancy age of older people, who were surviving into a frail old age but not being properly looked after. Margaret believed, “That a great deal could be done to prevent disablement and maintain function in frail older people if they are assessed and treated in a timely manner.”
Margaret worked with many other geriatricians and led many studies to counter previous beliefs about older people, specifically around end-of-life care, when they should/could return to their homes, rehabilitation, and social activities and hobbies to keep them connected to others and mentally stimulated.
“I think looking at my
own life and the lives of some of the high achievers in medicine; it is not about remarkable minds; it is about opportunity and seeing that it is there for the taking. It is a matter of application.”
100 years: “There’s a lot of luck in being 100. Yes, getting to 100 - it is good luck, and doing some of the right things. What has been passed on to me is, “Don’t give up. If there is an obstacle, just work your way around it.”
Margaret has supported and been involved in pioneering work into the alleviation of loneliness, bereavement counselling, and social activities for older people. Her main driving ideas were that “no one component of a comprehensive Geriatric service can exist in isolation” and viewing the patient as a “whole person” rather than trying to treat just one aspect.
Between 1992 and 1997, Margaret chaired and was involved in multiple initiatives, including the NZAG, Age Concern Wellington and NZ, and the Ministerial Advisory Council for Senior Citizens. She was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 1997.
“You can never love all of your work and your career, but overall I am fortunate to have loved my work.”
SPCA Thames and Moorings Village are organising this special day.
This Saturday 5 April from 10.00am – 2.00pm at Moorings Village, Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga.
There will dogs/pups, 6 cats/kittens, for you to adopt; sausage sizzle, pet trick competition, homemade cat toy competition; donation collection – bedding, food, collars & leashes . Come along for a great event!
“We’re going on a bear hunt and we’re not scared!”
“We’re doing bike races and we could win a prize!”
Everyone who has happy memories of picnics in the park will want to join in all the fun at the Whitianga Lions Family Picnic Day on Easter Day, Sunday, April 20.
There’ll be lots of prizes to be won!
Whitianga Lion and picnic organizer, Gilly Needham says: “Life can get really busy when you have a young family, so we wanted to create a day when parents and children alike could enjoy our wonderful Bike Park facilities and join in games that brought a great deal of fun to previous generations.
Generous sponsors have given us all sorts of items for prizes, and of course there will be teddy bears in much need of adopting. We hope to see you there.”
The games are targeted for children aged 3 to 11 years old but everyone is welcome. Entry is $10 for a family of four or $3 per person, and all proceeds from the day will go to the new Whitianga Lions project: Cancer Society Lions Lodge in Hamilton. This facility provides a home away from home for people receiving cancer treatment at Waikato Hospital.
Note: Monday, 21 April will be the ‘rain day’ alternative.
Turn your clocks back when you go to bed on Saturday night
The Kauaeranga Valley Fair is on Saturday, 5 April from 11.00am to 2.00pm at the hall, 437 Kauaeranga Valley Road, Thames. There are plenty of activities for everyone to participate in and it’s an opportunity to meet up with friends, family, neighbours and others from the Thames community, while listening to the live music.
A café providing morning tea and lunch will run throughout the day. Buy preserves, home baking and crafts or pick up a fruit tree from the plant stall. Our silent auction has great prizes up for grabs and our auctioneer, The Drencher, is sure to provide some hilarious moments.
A bouncy castle, pest shy, facepainting and creative artwork are on offer for the kids with family games to round out the day. Enter the sack race, join in the tug of war or throw a gumboot or two - all ages welcome!
• 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
Bring along a large home-grown pumpkin and enter the Giant Pumpkin Competition. A $100.00 prize to the winner along with a pumpkin.
Community support for this event is vital, to make for a fun day and keep the Kauaeranga Valley Hall in action as a community facility into the future.
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
Members of the Tairua Heritage Society committee are an enthusiastic lot and they have three events lined up to raise funds and promote the society’s new centre.
1) Musical Duo “Saltwood” at Tairua Golf Club on Friday, 18 April.
Guitarist and singer, Len Salt, (TCDC Mayor) will join harpist and singer, Anna Dunwoodie, for this event. 7.00pm. Tickets available at Tairua Heritage Centre and Tairua Information Centre.
2) HUGE Garage Sale at the new Heritage Centre Easter |Saturday, 19 April. Next to Pacific Harbour Lodge. 8.30am until 2pm.
3. RAFFLE Tairua Heritage Society has organised a raffle, main prizes including Twonights at Rotorua’s The Jet Park Hotel, courtesy of the owner, Liz
Herrmann. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE GARAGE SALE. Auriol Farquhar, committee member, says that they hops to bring more awareness of the
society’s fabulous new centre and the history of Tairua. For tickets or donations to the garage sale or the centre, phone Auriol, 021 055 0524.
decide to keep your rock, then you just exhibit it.”
Some wonderful entries for the Pet Rock auction have already been presented. Pictured is one painted by artist Lucy Kuchlein. Rob and Ange Ball of Ball & Co Realty will host the
auction and that alone means fun and excitement for everyone. It’s a great Easter Day event with lots of delicious food to sample.
See you at the Kuaotunu village green opposite the general store and Luke’s Kitchen.
BY GINA DIXON & CHERYL PEETERS
If you love classic cars, roaring engines, and the rockabilly spirit, Beach Hop 2025 was the place to be! This annual celebration of hot rods, motorcycles, and vintage fashion transported visitors back to a golden era where V8 engines ruled the streets, chrome gleamed under the sun, and rock ‘n’ roll set the tone. For us, it was our very first time at Beach Hop, and let us just say, we were not disappointed. In fact, it felt like a life-changing event—a whirlwind of roaring engines, vibrant fashion, and unbridled energy that left us buzzing long after the last engine revved. This was a truly phenomenal experience, one that will live on in our memories forever.
From Mustangs and Chevrolet classics to immaculately restored Bel Airs, every vehicle at Beach Hop was a masterpiece, reflecting the passion and dedication of its owner. Motorcycle lovers were not left out either, with stunning Harleys, Indians, and Triumphs gracing the streets. With the roads closed off to regular traffic, the sound of revving engines and the scent of petrol filled the air, making it pure petrol-head heaven.
This year marked the 25th Anniversary of Repco Beach Hop, a monumental milestone in the event’s
history. A special tribute was paid to the founder, Noddy Watts, whose tireless work and vision transformed Beach Hop from a modest gathering into a world-renowned festival. His passion for classic cars and rock ‘n’ roll did not just create an event; it ignited a movement that celebrates vintage culture, nostalgia, and community spirit. His influence is felt far and wide, and Beach Hop has become a symbol of connection – uniting people from all walks of life.
The festivities were as vibrant, filled with celebrations, competitions, and surprises, all topped off by an unforgettable tribute to Noddy for his remarkable contribution to New Zealand’s cultural landscape.
A CROWD THAT BROUGHT THE MAGIC
The energy of Beach Hop did not just come from the roaring engines – it was the people who truly brought the event to life!
Ladies twirled in ‘50s and ‘60s polka-dot swing dresses and petticoats, while their partners rocked vintage shirts to match the vibe. Everywhere you looked, there was laughter, dancing, and a true festival atmosphere, with many spectators turning their driveways into makeshift lounges, complete with pop-up bars and BBQs.
The streets felt like stepping back in time, as the entire town embraced the vintage fever. The Harcourts Top
BY LILY PAULSEN
It started on Wednesday and I bought my $5 Festival Programme. I was armed with all the details I needed to have a great time. Wednesday was the Go Waihi Warm Up Party and the TBC Show (R18) at the Repco Garage. Thursday, was the Pauanui Power Cruise and as a Pauanui resident, I was excited.
It was 14 years ago that Beach Hop came to Pauanui but it appeared to be the ideal location with the ‘Cruise’ event being held at the Pauanui air strip, had all of the locals abuzz. The Beach Hop has had to improvise in the past with their locations due to unplanned road closures and flooding, but with Pauanui being one of the awesome venues for the events held beyond Beach Hop central (Whangamata), Thursday’s Power Cruise brought a flood of positive feedback and excitement for Pauanui and the neighbouring communities.
Hop House competition residents to decorate adding even more event. Chevy Corner for their setup, showcasing much Beach Hop has of the community. It was not just adults the fun. Local schools with colouring-in making Beach Hop round family-friendly
JUNKYARD FASHION
VINTAGE GLAM
One of the highlights was the Wearable Fashion Show, which to new heights. Contestants designs from salvaged turning the mundane tacular.
However, it was the show with her skirt masterpiece, first prize of a Panasonic Not to be outdone, Fuel Vintage Fashion with stunning dresses designs, some created els themselves. McKenna, Australian talent, in a diner-girl outfit roller skates – taking with her vintage charm. But the fashion about the clothes; redefining creativity ing the absolute culture, mixing glamour untamed flair.
Throughout of non-stop cars people dressed theme.
I knew it was the Coromandel I didn’t know upon my arrival airstrip at 2:20pm. just how popular was! There were I realised just event is. It was Show in Sydney, for the Coromandel! Cars lined the tres and had along the roads was a sight to bow variety of range of models. endless line of entice anyone included. Comments ferent visitors; no roofs, some some looked made. It was all -and “Another
competition encouraged decorate their homes, more nostalgia to the Corner took the prize showcasing just how has become a part adults getting in on schools participated colouring-in competitions, Hop 2025 an allfamily-friendly celebration.
FASHION &
highlights of the event
Wearable Art & Junkyard which took creativity Contestants crafted salvaged materials, mundane into the spec-
Juanita who stole her airbag-turnedmasterpiece, taking home the Panasonic television. outdone, the BurgerFashion Show dazzled dresses and original created by the modMcKenna, a young wowed the judges outfit complete with taking home the win charm. fashion was not just clothes; it was about creativity and highlightbest of vintage glamour with pure,
What is a Beach Hop without a bit of musical madness? The Whanga Bar Hop Idols competition brought the house down with six contestants battling it out in a singing showdown. Some gave it their all, while others… well, let us just say, they gave it a go (bless their little cotton socks!). But it was Skye Buxton who stole the spotlight, earning the grand prize—a brand-new television—after encouraged by her enthusiastic aunties.
No event like this would be complete without an Elvis tribute. Eugene from the caravan park left the crowd in stitches as he graced the stage in a crocheted, see-through ‘breezy’ Elvis suit. His hip-shaking, knee-trembling moves were so on point, he snagged runner-up in the competition. Meanwhile, past winner Freddy Fargone (aka Rikki Wood) delighted the crowd with a fantastic rendition of Sweet Caroline, reaffirming why he is a fan favourite.
THE GRAND PRIZES GO TO...
The event wrapped up with the much-anticipated prize draws in Williamson Park.
• 66 Mustang Winner: Peter Breed, an Australian, who left his new classic beauty in the hands of a Kiwi friend- here is hoping that “friend” is trustworthy!
• 2025 Harley Davidson Winner: Tony Williamson from Wellington,
drawn by Scott Simpson, who had the honour of announcing the lucky winner.
• 3rd Prize - VIP Supercars Experience in Taupō (worth $3,500): Rosanna Dodd, who now has one wild motorsport weekend to look forward to!
$10 MILLION BOOST TO WHANGAMATA
With an estimated $10 million pouring into the local economy over five days, Beach Hop continues to be an incredible asset to Whangamata. The town came alive with rockin’ tunes, smiles, and a spirit of community that is rarely matched. The legacy of Noddy Watts lives on in every rev, every swing dress, and every smile shared at Beach Hop.
A TRIBUTE TO NODDY WATTS
The gratitude to Noddy Watts for his dedication and tireless work over the past 25 years was evident in the tributes and accolades on the stage. His vision has not only transformed New Zealand’s car culture but has created an iconic event that unites people from all over. Beach Hop is a celebration of community, culture, and history—one that continues to provide invaluable support to the local community and beyond. It was inspiring to be part of something truly special.
What a celebration. What a turnout. What a Beach Hop! Here is to many more years of petrol-fuelled fun!
the day, it was a line cars going past and dressed in the Rock n Roll
was a big event on Coromandel Peninsula , but just how big until arrival at the Pauanui 2:20pm. When I say popular the Beach Hop were cars everywhere. just how popular this was like the Easter Sydney, but this was only Coromandel! the street for kilomeparked all the way roads of Vista Paku. It to see with the raincolours and a huge models. A seemingly of traffic proved to who passed, myself Comments from two difvisitors; - “Some cars had some were modern, and like they were half all very interesting.”
“Another fantastic event
and it was wonderful to see all the old-fashioned cars.”
There were many joyful faces of car fanatics and interested people showed what a magical day it was for those involved. If you’re a car lover or simply come from just around the area, the Beach Hop is simply a must-see for a family outing, even a family holiday or a solo day out.
Amongst the cars and crowds, were stalls like Repco, Smits Group, Classic Cover, Mag and Turbo Garage, Haltech, Famous Pasic and Shopping, New Zealand Hot Rod Association Inc and also several food and drink carts which were perfect for the crowds.
As it neared the end of the day, I watched the line of traffic crawl through the gates concluding the cruise event for Pauanui 2025.
The airstrip proved to be an ideal venue for the Beach Hop Cruise providing space for hundreds of cars on a perfect sunny day. What more could you ask for?
BY ALASTAIR BRICKELL
Last Wednesday, a group of over 20 was given a thorough introduction to the Whitianga solar farm by Lodestone Energy’s Head of Product Delivery, Nick Murray. He was a mine of information about this and Lodestone’s other three solar farms in the North Island.
This was the first stop for Mercury Bay Historical Society’s latest excursion for its members was a mixture of the old and new. We had all heard about the solar farm from the Informer late last year but knew very little about its recent progress
Our flurry of questions were patiently answered by Murray and he had a sample of one of the 53,000 solar panels for us to examine in detail. These are currently being installed at a rate of 1500 per day with a workforce of over 100 currently on site during the construction phase with about 50% being locals.
Nick’s colleague, Julian, explained how he uses drones with thermal cameras to monitor the state of the panels without having to repeatedly walk the 25km of tracks between them. The panels are raised 2m above the ground and it is planned that eventually sheep will graze beneath them to keep the grass down. This will allow the bifacial
panels to pick up a further 8-15% of solar energy reflected from the ground. Using motors to tilt the panels to track the Sun throughout the day they convert approximately 25% of the solar energy reaching them allowing the solar farm to eventually produce 23MW of electricity. While perhaps minute compared to the Huntley coal and gas plant’s 1500MW, it is nevertheless enough to power 6800 households when the sun is shining at its brightest in the summer. Although completion is slated for November 2025, longer term plans might eventually see batteries installed on the site so some of this energy can be stored for use overnight. In the meantime it is largely the hydro lakes that function as the battery for the company’s solar farms and provide power when it’s dark.
Our second stop was Bill Lee’s
elevated farm track to have a great overview of the project revealing its immense scale which is totally unappreciated from lower down with the fleeting glimpses one gets when driving along McLeod’s flat on SH25.
After our lunch break enjoying the renovated outdoor dining at the Coroglen Tavern, our final stop was the workshop of well-known local identity Sonny Browne who has had a long career in construction and roadworks throughout the Coromandel and Waikato. Sonny has a great interest in farm tractors with Farmall ones being a particular passion. He led us through a large display shed with his huge collection showing their evolution from early McCormick Deering tractors through the Farmall brand and then on to the later International Harvester models. All in working order,
these well illustrate the changes in motive power so essential to efficient farm production over the last hundred years or so. Some models were familiar to the farmers amongst our members but others were rare and unusual specimens, all sporting the bright red paint so distinctive of that line of machinery. Sonny had restored them all to working order.
But this experience was just the beginning for his guests … Sonny also has a wonderful passion for stones and has on display huge 60-million-year-old fossil scallops from the Waikato as well as younger petrified logs from the Coromandel, some weighing several tons.
Another shed revealed a treasure trove of geological curiosities he has collected over a lifetime of work in the bush or on the roadside. These amazing trea-
sures having been spotted by his knowledgeable and curious eyes with many being rescued from potential destruction or loss. This curiosity has evolved into a hobby of gem cutting and polishing with beautiful specimens he has prepared being admired and coveted by all those present. This was a special treat for several of our members with a similar passion for beautiful geological treasures from the Earth.
In the end it was a wonderful expedition for everyone well illustrating the bounty of interesting things we have right on our doorstep.
Many thanks to both Lodestone Energy and Sonny Browne for providing us with a most interesting and memorable day out for the Historical Society. Thank you to Coroglen Tavern for a great lunch.
All apartments are within walking distance to Thames’ shops, cafes, and walkways. The
Our open plan, single level apartments feature covered balconies with fantastic views of the sea, Kauaeranga River and mountains.
enjoy scenic views from each level’s shared lounges, use of the Village Community Lodge and participation in all activities and amenities at your leisure.
On Saturday, 5 April, we are doing a training day for adults who would be potentially interested in becoming a mentor (no obligation to after the training, and the training is provided for free.)
Join Coro Youth Mentors for an inspiring and impactful Youth Mentor Training Day! With the top Training facilitator Ross McCook.
We are a charity that does one on one mentoring between adults and young people that need a consistent adult in their lives.
This is an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable skills, and become a beacon of support for our youth.
Our interactive training and insight-
ful discussions will prepare you to make a lasting difference in the lives of our Tamariki / rangatahi. Whether you’re new to mentoring, interested in what we do or looking to enhance
your skills, this training day promises to be enriching and motivating. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something truly transformative!
Contact Molly: accounts@cym.org.nz
BY JOHN PRATT
Once the hysteria of fast, early results in Thames’ gold mines was over, and the future of mining in the area was in jeopardy, the Government proved to be a willing partner.
Both A. J. Cadman and James McGowan, as Ministers of Mines in their respective periods, were pragmatic, entrepreneurial and commercially astute stewards of the Government’s mining estate. On his retirement from politics in 1899, due to ill health, the The Thames Borough Council resolved “That the Council regret the early retirement of the Hon. A. J. Cadman, Minister of Mines and Railways, from the House of Representatives … the Council also take the opportunity to convey to the Hon. Mr Cadman their sincere thanks for the assistance he and the Liberal Government have always extended to the mining industry, and to the favourable consideration given to the Council’s applications for help on all occasions”
As MP for Thames, and now also Minister of Mines, James McGowan was all-in for the
industry, but it turned out to be a big commitment. There was £25,000 incentive paid to the Thames-Hauraki company, along with another £6,000 paid to settle the liabilities of the Standard Exploration scandal, and £1,000 paid to the Thames Drainage Board to cover defaulting miners in 1903. There was also £1,000 paid to divert the cross cuts away from contact with the Moanataiari fault.
Then there was the £15,000 the Government invested in purchasing the Cassels/MacArthur patents on Cyanide extraction. All up the Government had buried £48,000 (about $8.2 million in today’s money) in Thames’
miness.
Then there were the indirect investments by the local Government bodies in the development of water races and roads, much of that money borrowed from the Government, which was probably never fully repaid either.
However, nobody at the time could have forecast what finally happened in Thames.
By 1909 however, the wishful thinking was all but over. The Government’s annual report on mining castigated the performance of the mines — perhaps unfairly, but it was clear that mining had been inefficient at best. When the Moanataiari fault was breached in 1914, flooding the depths of most of Thames mines, the Government called it a day. The final blow to the hopes of miners was actually delivered by the Inspector of Mines, Boyd Bennie.
“I do hereby order that all work be stopped as from this day, the 19th of October, 1914 … as provided for in Section 261 of the Mining Act, 1908, and under the said section of the Mining Act, 1908, I order the cessation of work at the drives named.”
BOAT TRAILERS ON THE ESPLANADE – BEST USE OF LAND?
I pass through Whitianga frequently. I love to walk along the waterfront esplanade. A recent Saturday lunchtime, beautiful weather had me thinking. This is prime public ocean front land that could be perfect for cute little cafés or more family spaces such as BBQ setups . The facilities could be made all weather and so attractive for every resident and visitor . Why is this land set aside for trailer parking? I am sure something can be worked out for those trailers to park elsewhere. It is ugly and could be very inviting and more productive with a comparative environment footprint.
At a bare minimum, a small sign stating : “A future without boat trailer parking along waterfront – what do you think?” could be a start.
F.V. Whitianga Esplanade
DISLIKE OF NASTY AND COMBATANT STYLE
In response to Elizabeth Resl’s Letter to the Editor, 18 March extolling the virtues of Flemming Rasmussen.
She forgets the numerous occasions he has been caught out (accused) spreading misinformation and untruths.
Her hope that he runs for Mayor is alarming. But that’s the problem with self-entitled, if they say it- it’s true.”
This particular group of peo-
ple constantly attack the council and in particular, the Mayor. It’s a nasty, combative style of politicking, appealing to nasty and combative people.
Do we really want that style of representation?
This attitude has already infiltrated Whitianga Residents and Ratepayers and Grey Power. Keep it out of Council.
Vote responsibly.
Deborah Phillips Whitianga
Editor’s Note: The word bracketed (accused) is to rectify the words, ‘caught out’ . Otherwise, we have misinformation as to the particular issues referred to relating to Flemmin Rasmussen. He was able to defend the accusations with published figures from the TCDC website.
POISON AND PRACTICES CONFUSE THE FACTS
In The Informer (4 March), another piece of DOC science told us that 1080 is ‘naturally occurring’ to protect trees from mammals.
Some trees in Western Australia do manufacture a chemical which resembles 1080 but it is designed to protect the tree from insects, not from mammals.
Man-made 1080 was designed as an insecticide but the NZ government uses it to poison mammals, so DOC came up with ‘scientific proof’ that no insects were being harmed by 1080 drops.
This proof came in typical DOC-science fashion. One scientist observed widespread insects poisoning under aerial 1080. He was taken off the job. The replacement scientist who repeated the exact same research process but observed no insects being sprayed, concluded that “1080 does not harm insects!” Problem solved. That was 30 years ago. No one has investigated DOC’s insect poisoning since.
Saying that a poison is ‘naturally occurring’ is a govt. ploy to evoke public acceptance of the spread of some very toxic poison.
For example, the naturally occurring calcium fluoride is deliberately confused with the man-made sodium fluoride. All the beneficial properties of naturally-occurring calcium fluoride are credited to the highly toxic
man-made sodium fluoride which is put in public drinking water. Just refer to it as fluoride and no one will know the difference. This confusion is perpetuated in the social media.
Today the government has confused ‘naturally-occurring’ climate change with a man-made climate change. Measures taken to control the man-made version may have no effect on the naturally-occurring climate change.
Where do you go to escape so much confusion?
Alastair Brickell wisely advises a little ‘independent research’ will quickly bring enough knowledge to protect you from the tidal wave of disinformation coming at us through mainstream media.
John Veysey. Colville
Alastair Brickell’s letter in this week’s informer was fantastic to read, a letter based on proven scientific facts.
It is inexcusable for people to use personal derogatory terms in a debate on science but this unfortunately has become the preferred way of the uniformed left wing against anyone that challenges their one view.
Three big cheers to Alastair Brickell for his article. Thanks Dave Lovrich Matarangi
In The Informer (23 March 2025 edition), Alastair Brickell published a graph of the sea levels from Fort Denison, together with the rising CO2 concentration of the atmosphere. He claimed that his compiled graph showed that there is “very little correlation” between the rise in CO2 levels and the rise of the sea level at Fort Denison. However, Mr Brickel made a mistake when presenting these two graphs together: He effectively hid the sea level rise by his unsuitable choice of the range and scale of the sea level rise data, which made the actual shape of the curve impossible to discern. Here is the same graph with the same data correctly presented. The data for the sea level at Fort Dennison and the atmospheric historic CO2 concentrations were downloaded from NOAA and EEA websites and plotted in Excel.
The graph shows the obvious relationship between rising sea levels and the rise of the atmospheric CO2 concentration, which is responsible for the warming of the atmosphere, the land and the oceans and the rising sea levels. The acceleration of sea level rise over the last two decades is also becoming very obvious.
I have a PhD in Climate Change Education (2024) and a Master’s Degree in Physics (1982), and I currently lecture ecology at a tertiary institute. I am happy to answer any climate change-related questions. Climate change is real, and it will severely affect our future. Climate change denial will not make it go away, but it will make all our futures far worse than they will have to be if we collectively act to mitigate the impacts and prepare for necessary adaptation.
Data Sources: Sea level data for Fort Dennison: https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/sltrends/ data/680-140_meantrend.csv CO2 Data 1958-2022: https:// gml.noaa.gov/webdata/ccgg/ trends/co2/co2_annmean_mlo. csv
CO2 Data before 1958: https://www.eea.europa.eu/ en/analysis/maps-and-charts/ atmospheric-concentration-of-carbon-dioxide-5
Thomas Everth. Whitianga
I have been raving on about coastal erosion for the last 20 years whilst in Council from 1998 to 2010 and beyond.
Following on from my recent letter to the Editor in The Informer on coastal flooding, the thoughts I expressed have been reinforced on a recent holiday to Australia. My wife and I were booked for a ten-day holiday starting off with three nights in Brisbane. This was cancelled at the last minute due to Cyclone Alfred ravaging the region. The effects of this storm were devastating with sea waves over 12 metres and extensive coastal erosion on the Gold Coast and other beaches north and south. According to the daily news, the aftereffects of the cyclone will leave up to two metres of silt as well as flooding inland. Now back to our home base on the Coromandel Peninsula. We have similar effects on our land and down the east coast together with slash and other rubbish.
Take Tairua and Whitianga, for example, where coastal erosion has caused up to ten metres loss to our foreshore.
In Tairua recently, a fishing boat was grounded on sand at low tide and the boat channels at both harbours silting up badly. I may be pessimistic in writing this letter, but if global warnings and cyclones are not taken seriously, I believe the consequences will be of great concern to us all.
Noel S. Hewlett Whitianga
whitianga
BY MALCOLM CAMPBELL
As readers will have seen it is very difficult and at times hugely expensive to start a business. Readers will have seen ‘Fred’ is faced with the need to ‘buy off’ the authorities in order to stay in business. The authorities are armed with the Resource Management Act all 450 pages of it, full of controlling sections, schedules, and threats. Remember the TCDC were about to bulldoze Steve Hart’s home, such as it was, because he did not have ‘consent’.
Section 5, the purpose of the Act is just so encouraging, to ‘Promote Sustainable Development for People and Communities’ and so on. And ‘Safeguard the Life Supporting Capacity of the Air Soil and Water and Eco Systems. Please note ‘Promote’ aid, assist, help forward’. Oxford Dictionary.
The RMA then proceeds to take control of your property in such a way that owners can not begin a business, carry out construction or destruction, or even try to carry out improvements as any property owner would normally do. Central Government has now taken ‘defacto’ control of your property with stiff penalties if any attempt is made to bypass the rules made by the Councils over and above the multitude of Sections already in the RMA.
The individual is now ‘ham-
TAIRUA BRIDGE
March Pairs 4th Round
strung’ paying off the bank, paying the rates, but virtually unable to advance his or her circumstances without the precious ‘consent’ issued at unknown cost essentially by non-productive people who are paid or elected to actually serve the people. Worse the neighbours have more control over your property than you do, as a simple complaint to the Council will bring about an investigation. Welcome to the ‘Police State’.
The RMA is nothing short of ‘Evil’ it purports to ‘Promote Sustainable Development’ and throws endless obstacles in the path of any would be developer, inviting, even welcoming, submissions from objectors, some of whom will object on malicious grounds.
‘Safe Guarding the Life Support-
North/South: 1, Peter McNeil & Johanna Bonnar 67.54; 2, Margaret-Ann & Rob Stewart 61.07; 3, Robyn Waters & Donna Harvey 54.44.
East/West: 1, Jenny Prince & Judy McKenzie 68.57; 2, Chris Death & Jocelyn Taylor 52.58; 3, Celia Young & Nolene Kirkpatrick 49.01.
HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
Purangi Pairs Week 4
25 March 2025
North South: 1, Jean Myles and Robyn Waters 59.03%; 2, Robyn and Peter Hogg 49.31%; 3, Val Dwight and Leigh Hughes 47.92%.
East West: 1, Natasha Courtney and Myra Hoogwerf 61.11%; 2, Anne Knowles and Johanna Bonnar 50.00%; 3, Carol Henwood and Dave Dylla 47.22%.
MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB
March Competition round 4
Wednesday, 26 March
North/South: 1, Robyn Hogg & Don Barry 69.6; 2, Geoff Jervis & Jan Hawkins 57.1; 3, Bob Schibli & Pete Hogg 53.2 East/West: 1, Denise Knutson & Terri Lipanovic 56.3; 2, Giorgio Allemano & Faith
Stock 55.4; 3, Johanna Bonnar & Norma Hart 55.0
Harbour Pairs round 1
Thursday, 27 March
1, Ischelle Stevenson & Jenny Layton 76.4; 2, Augusta Canegallo & Kate Palmano 63.9; 3, Rose Tegg & Gavin Hedwig 48.6
MERCURY BAY DART CLUB
Sixteen players this week, so 501 singles were played. Lot of players won 3 sets but couldn’t get the fourth win with one exception. Karen McKenzie won all four of her
FROM PRESS RELEASE: 24 MARCH, 2025
Two new Acts – the Natural Environment Act and the Planning Act – will replace the Resource Management Act (RMA) by the end of 2025, with a bill introduced to Parliament in 2026 and passed before the next election.
The government claims that
ing Capacity of the Air Soil and Water’ must be the sickest joke of the century, when the ‘Environment’ is being trashed by regular doses of poison sloshed around by the very people who proclaim to be protecting the air soil and water.
Italian Dictator, Mussolini said during the Second World War, ‘if you are going to tell a lie, make sure it is a big one’ and we have a whopper, effective now for just on thirty years where innovation and progress is denied and the habitat poisoned. The consent process is a massive Con. If a consent is not granted the money is not returned. You, the applicant, have done your dough. ‘Conned’. Common Law of the 1800s makes it quite clear the Government has two functions, above
sets to be Tuesday night’s winner. Good to see one of the ladies take out the victory. Highest finishes for the night were 94 for the ladies, scored by Karen McKenzie and 117 for the men, scored by Stoney. No 180’s scored this week.
MERCURY BAY BOWLING AND SPORTS CLUB
Women’s Singles Club Champs
Sunday 30 March
The winner was Lyn Clifford who against runner-up, Lee McDonald in the finals. The final score was 21 points to 10.
MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Thursday, 27 March
Winners: Alan Henderson, Ian Pudney and Marie Denney
Runners Up: Wayne McNeill, Judy Cullinane, Jan Harvey and Betty Simpson
Good Sports: Merle Ward, Cheryl Henderson and Betty Russell.
THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF
Monday 24 March
9 Hole Mens Stableford: 1, Graeme Kensington; 2, Barry Titchmarsh; 3, David Ellis
Tuesday 25 March
9 Hole Ladies with Mercury Bay Ladies
Waltz Stableford
1, Jean Hancock; 2, Chrissie Smith; 3, Merrin James
Twos: Chrissie Smith, Alison Goodlet
Wednesday 26 March
18 Hole Men Tony Cotton Memorial
Shootout Nett:
1, Murray James; 2, Charlie Chilwell; 3, Chris Palmer; 4, Rowan Toms; 5, Robin
Fleming
Nearest The Pin on 18: David Gaskell
Twos: Tracey Mulligan, Gary Bancroft
the reforms will slash compliance and administrative costs by 45 per cent.
The legislation will be ready in time for councils’ next longterm planning cycles in 2027.
According to RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Undersecretary Simon Court, the new system will be grounded in property rights and will shift the burden of proof: develop-
others in the use of law. First: Preserving men’s persons from death and violence; Second:.. in securing to them the free enjoyment of their property.
The enjoyment of your property has been snatched by the grubby hands of Geoffrey Palmer and Simon Upton.
IMMEDIATE RMA REFORM NEEDED TO AVOID QUARRY MATERIAL SHORTAGES
From Press release 25 March (in response to the above)
The quarry industry warns of shortages and rising prices of foundation materials for housing and infrastructure due to at least two more years of delays in obtaining consents under the Government’s RMA reforms.
18 Hole Ladies Gross, Net, Putting
Thursday 27 March
1, Marie Murphy; Michele Swainbank; 3= Rachel Johnstone and Bev Gwyn
Twos: Brenda Riggs, Bev Gwyn
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
Tuesday 25 March
9 Hole Mixed - Stableford
1, Roger Pheasant; 2, Bob Holliday; 3, Rod Bott
NTP: Les Walbridge
Wednesday 26 March
18 Hole Mixed Scramble 1, Greg Peterken; 2, Alan Henderson; 3, Alison Bryson
Twos: Mark Boe (2), Patrick Gonthier, Betty Tocker, Brett Proctor, Ron Watson
Eagle: Jack Coldicutt
Division 1 Division 2
Gross: Div 1, Mark Boe; Div 2, Anita Ellmers
Thursday 27 March
9 Hole Women - Ambrose
1, Jean Hancock, Audrey Vickers, Chrstine Godden; 2, Alison Goodlet, Lee Rattray, Marinka Hood
Friday 28 March
9 Hole Mixed Scramble – Stableford
1, Campbell Elliot; 2, Sally Yoakley; 3, Patrick Gonthier
NTP #14: Patrick Gonthier
NTP #18: Rod Bott
Saturday 29 March
18 Hole Men - Scramble
1, Patrick Gonthier; 2, Paul Turner (Maungakiekie); 3, Richard Bennett
Twos: Jacob Lynch (Pukekohe)
Gross: Div 1, Dave Enright; Div 2, Roger Pheasant
18 Hole Men – Shootout
1, Carl Mitchell; 2, Alan Henderson; 3, Greg Peterken
ment will be presumed legal unless it significantly harms the environment or neighbouring land use.
Bishop argued the RMA had stifled economic growth and housing development.
Court was more blunt: “We cannot have Tom, Dick, and Harry weaponise the planning system to block progress from the opposite end of the country.”
Aggregate and Quarry Association (AQA) CEO Wayne Scott says while quarries support the intent of yesterday’s announcements, it is totally unacceptable to wait until 2027 at the earliest to get any meaningful change in resource consenting.
He says Government Ministers were told upon taking office that two existing National Policy Statements had drafting flaws stopping quarries from getting consents on land needed to supply the rock, aggregate and sand needed for homes and roads. Over one-third of existing quarries across New Zealand are impacted by the NPS Highly Productive Land.
Source: Aggregate and Quarry Association of NZ
PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
9 holes stableford plus G Free Trophy Putts round 1
Tuesday 25 March
Stableford: 1, Anne Costello; 2, Kevin Milroy; 3, Richard Duckworth Putts: Ladies – Annabel Wharton; Mens Kevin Milroy
9 holes Haworth Silver Salver Par
Thursday 27 March
Ladies – Lauren Stephens Mens – Steve Borlase
18 hole stableford
Saturday 29 March
1= Richard Agnew, Callum Murray; 3, Bob Walker
4BBB: Richard Agnew and Callum Murray
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wednesday, 26 March
A good field of 11 on Wednesday and it was Dave Colman, Bob Haase,and Ken Gibson with two straight wins to challenge the finals. Ken won the bye and Dave despatched Bob in the semi-finals to meet Ken in the final frame. Past Club Champion Dave is on form and takes a comfortable win and the cash prize. Runner up Ken Gibson and with two wins were Bob Haase who also had the highest break of 25, Greg Murphy, Peter Challis and Wayne Malcolm.
Saturday, 29 March
12 players on Saturday and it was Greg Murphy, Ian Baumgren and Wayne Rattrick to challenge the finals. Wayne won the drawn bye and in a very close game Greg took the win in the semifinal over Ian to next meet Wayne in the final. However Greg is on form today and has a comfortable to take home the cash prize. Runner up Wayne Rattrick and with two wins were Ian Baumgren, Rob Rielly and Bob Haase.
‘Arow of droplets’ by Jayne Parker was the winner for the Whitianga Photographic Club’s challenge for February with the theme, ‘In a Row’. Every month there is a different theme or the club members to work with and decide to enter a photo.
Both the competition entry and our ‘Photo of the Month’ were evaluated by an external judge, a member of The Photographic Society of New Zealand.
Judge’s comments: “The burst of colour in this image immediately caught my attention, and I love the variation in the patterns of the droplets – especially the rogue droplet on the right, seemingly defying gravity by holding
the overall composition and structure of this image left me with a sense of awe. The photographer’s choice to present these typically vibrant flowers in black and white was a bold one, but it works beautifully for me. The tonal variations give each flower such delicate depth that I could almost instinctively guess their real-life colours. I had fun guessing their true colours!
I absolutely loved the pencil-like editing, with the whites handled so gracefully. I feel that this is a thoughtfully designed and edited image.” Honours
The challenge for March was ‘Still Life Photography’ and the results will be published soon in The Informer.
its position for as long as it can.
Overall, I really enjoyed the sharp focus and lovely comple-
mentary background.”
Highly Commended ‘Delightful Dahlias’ by Wendy
Pemberton was our photo of the month winner. Judges’ comments: “I found
Our public Facebook page displays the work and achievements of our members.
Whitianga Residents’ & Ratepayers Association Inc invites you to join our
at The Mercury Bay Club, Cnr of Cook Dr and Campbell St on Saturday 26th April 2025 at 10.00am. Please RSVP attendance to whitiangarra@gmail.com Members & non members are welcome.
Have your say ... become a member. Visit - https://whitiangarra.co.nz
$15 a year (single full voting membership)
$25 a year (couple full voting membership) Associate (non-voting) membership (outside our geographical area) $10 per annum.
Our Association is only as strong as our members who join and support us.
We aim to keep you informed about the issues that affect all of Whitianga including: Get involved and make a positive contribution to your community.
• TCDC Rate increases
• Local Roading
• Coastlines, Beach & Wharf
• Waste Managment
• Arts & Crafts
• Safer Communities
• Rescue Helicopter
• Crime Prevention
• Health Care
The Coromandel Walkway, connecting Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay, follows the contour of the coastline and is a popular visitor site in northern Coromandel. It was damaged during the extreme weather events of summer 2022-23, with large slips causing significant damage and forcing the temporary closure of a 670-metre section.
“In some sections, the landslips had taken out the track completely and it has been completely impassable,” says DOC’s Coromandel Supervisor Matt Flynn.
Work is now underway to repair the damaged section.
DOC staff have waited for land movement in the area to cease to begin to recut the track.
“We’re conscious this is a popular and picturesque asset which draws visitors to the northern peninsula, so we’re really pleased to have reinstatement work underway,” says Matt.
The reinstatement work has involved a contractor using a small 1.5-tonne digger, and also cutting back vegetation. The contractor has cleared slips which were considered safe to remove using the digger, and the project focus now turns to work
at the site which must be done by hand.
Track reinstatement includes a process called benching, which requires removal of soil to create a flat and safe track surface for visitors.
Contractors completed the first stage of the job on 14 March. Now a team of DOC staff who will be using hand tools to complete the benching process along several sites. The resulting section of repaired track will be slightly narrower than the original track, but will still meet DOC’s own Day Visitor standard.
DOC staff will install new signage advising visitors of the risks and urging caution should they choose to use the track.
“Although we’re satisfied the track will be safe enough to use, the repaired section is not a place visitors should stop.”
The track is set to be fully reopen in mid-April.
“We appreciate the community and visitors have been very patient waiting for us to reinstate this track, and we’re glad they will soon be able to again enjoy a wonderful Coromandel coastal experience.”
Like our wildlife, our outdoors is different – don’t underestimate our dramatic landscapes and dynamic weather.
If you’re heading further into the great outdoors, be prepared with the Outdoor safety code.
This is not an advertisement but may turn into a pumpkin at the dawn of 2 April.
BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN
Ajust announced tourism venue development for Mercury Bay will provide a much-needed boost for the region according to the press release received at The Informer. On the surface it certainly will be a boost, offering jobs for locals, tourist numbers for our businesses and work for sub-contractors.
This development, financed by North Korean interests, is for the building and then operation of a resort featuring a revolving restaurant and casino facilities. It is intended to be a niche operation, in keeping with the nature of Mercury Bay, with its main differentiating feature being its location which will, according to the press release, ensure this is a world class destination attracting high rollers from across the planet.
The location has not yet been officially announced as the paper work is still being finalised but inside sources have told us the developers are negotiating for a site on top of Centre Island (Motukorure Island).
Obviously construction and operation on such a site will pose challenges but the resultant venue will offer spectacular views of the Mercury Bay, the wider ocean and the hinterland to diners who will be quietly going round and round during the course of their dining expe-
rience. A highlight is expected to be the degustation menu where it is intended to match dishes to the landscape you are currently viewing. Kina as you pass the rocks, Snapper as you view the bay, a Marlin steak when your vista is the wider ocean, Venison when the backdrop is bush clad hills and of course a slice of pizza as you view the Whitianga township.
Access for customers will primarily be by helicopter with a landing pad being built next to the venue.
It is expected that high rolling customers will be using their own helicopters and of course locals who own helicopters will also be welcomed. Those who wish to use a microlight will be permitted but are requested to park at the back.
All others, along with non-management staff, will be expected to use a ferry service which will be sub-contracted to a local company.
To our untrained eye, it appeared aspects of the plan may not be accepted by New Zealand authorities. For example, we felt that if they had used a kiwi architecture firm rather than the Pyongyang one selected, they may have known an external lift made of bamboo stakes lashed together would probably not be acceptable. Also cutting costs by using a capstan powered by two burly fellows is unlikely to be approved by our Health and Safety regulatory people.
The plans show two levels of casino downstairs with the
revolving restaurant as the top level. A lower ceiling height on all three levels keeps the building within current rules and should not be a problem due to the shorter average height of the expected customer base.
The two levels of casino will feature standard casino games for the customer but also have a special Mahjong bar where Customers can partake in games of Mahjong while sipping cocktails.
A smaller English themed bar will offer a similar service but with a set of Dominos and pints of ale.
While the plans do look interesting, we felt there may be a bit of work to do before the project is confirmed. The developers have stated that their intention is to
purchase the island but difficulties have arisen as to ownership. Iwi on the southern shore of Mercury Bay have claimed ownership but so too have the Iwi on the northern shore. The Government seems to believe it is currently the owner but seems willing to give it back to Iwi as part of a settlement but are unsure which one.
Then there is the Waikato Regional Council who says it owns the sea surrounding the island and will need to be reimbursed for any travel by sea. The TCDC seemed to be oblivious to where Centre Island is.
A foot note to the plans stated that the developers thought construction would be quite quick due to the unique features of the site. Whereas it is normally difficult in Whitianga to have tradesmen turn up on site on good fishing days, this site will be able to live with this by allowing the tradesmen to cast a line while they are working, allowing halfhour breaks for reeling in and re-hooking. This should ensure 100% attendance on site with a resulting speedy construction time.
This is all we could glean from the press release and subsequent conversations and there is obviously a bit of work to be done before any building work commences. We shall keep you informed as things progress and look forward to this addition to the attractions of Mercury Bay.
Proudly sponsored by
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Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail, scan/ photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@ theinformer. co.nz to reach us by 12.00 noon on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Café directly.
Last week’s winner CONGRATULATIONS Gill Jamieson
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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.
or residential address. Opinions expressed (esp. in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher and can be cut if too
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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 – Monday 24 March and Friday 11 April. 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
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, Phone: 027 954 7434please 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
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.
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 – 9.30am-12.30pm 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 8.15-9.45am. 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.
BY FELICIA GOLABOSKI
Ahuge round of applause to all of our incredible athletes this season. They have truly outdone themselves! We can’t wait to see them back and ready to smash it next season. Their dedication and spirit make this club shine.
AWARD WINNERS:
Senior Girl: Piata Morgan-Joyce
Senior Boy: Louie Jensen
Junior Girl: MJ Saywell
Junior Boy: Finn Collier
Rookie of the Year: Jaxon Carr
Mercury Bay Athletics Cup: Carter Werahiko
Multi-Athlete: Sharna Proctor
Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Cooper Fletcher
Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Marie Jack
Volunteer of the Year: Lindsay Ash
HIGHLY ACHIEVED:
Senior Girl: Boh Boyd, Noa Jensen
Senior Boy: Ethan McDonald
Junior Girl: Marie Jack, Lumi Mozel, Pippa Anderson
Rookie of the Year: Oak Sunn, Tobias Johnston
Multi-Athlete: Louie Jensen, Sophie Jack, Zoe Pedersen
THANK YOU
Thank you too to all our wonderful coaches, committee members, supporters and BBQ extraordinaires. We wouldn’t be here without you! Your support means the world to us.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing, incredible sponsors: The Informer; The Warehouse Whitianga; Aotearoa Gaming Trust; Woolworths Whitianga. Your generosity and commitment are what make everything we do possible.
Stay tuned! We’ll be announcing details for our AGM and next season’s registrations later in the year.
Follow our Facebook page for all the latest updates: Mercury Bay Athletics Club.
Mobile: 021 914
Email: stu@drainagesystems.co.nz web: www.drainagesystems.co.nz
STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total
Premiers vs Hauraki North 36-10 – WIN MB
An awesome start to the 2025 rugby campaign with both of our teams coming away with a Win!
Thank you to our Marlins Whanau that made the trip down to the very loud supporters on the sideline – I believe this made all the difference after one of our Premier players was badly injured.
Development vs Hauraki North 29-24 – WIN MB
AMY BALME (CA) GEOFF BALME (FCA)
28 Lee Street, Whitianga
M Amy +64 27 373 1404
M Geoff +64 27 495 8923
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