Iwas really enjoying the conversation. We were planning a project for the future. There were four of us all planning together, three Chinese friends and me.
I do not understand Mandarin. Amanda explained to me that her English was not so good but I was not to worry. So we just went ahead and conversed. Amanda spoke in Mandarin and seemed to understand everything I said.
One of the group explained carefully to me what Amanda said each time but Amanda understood everything I said immediately. I assumed that she was excellent at understanding but not able to speak English.
But then there were her glasses.
They looked very normal but every now and then I could see a green square shape light, like a green piece of tint in the lens of her glasses. I looked around to see if they were reflecting something green, but could not see anything.
Later, having coffee, I could still see the green tint every so often. My curiosity had me ask about them.
“These glasses are trans-
lating your English into Mandarin,” said Amanda.” As you speak your words appear in Mandarin on a screen in my lenses.
Wow! I was super impressed. And later I got a chance to see this take place in reverse. I wore the glasses and it translated my English into Mandarin in the lens.
The glasses have the capacity to translate 13 languages. Good on you AI, I thought and it is moving faster, than we can learn. However, it excited me.
When thinking about the
informer, and I do every day, many times, the main focus is, ‘how do we relate more closely to the people and involve them in good things, projects and programmes, and inform them of a hopeful future as well as in that loftier matter of effecting change. It is vital to our paper to keep connecting people across the Coromandel and also Hauraki as it seems inevitable that we will share in bigger changes in the future.
AI is meant to be the friend of the journalist and a news-
By Alastair Brickell
30 May: The Moon is now next to Gemini’s head, Pollux and above and to the right of bright Venus at dusk. Saturday, 31 May: The Moon sits just below the Beehive Cluster and Mars in the evening with an early morning ISS pass low in the south from 6:35am. Sunday, 1 June: The Moon lies directly below reddish Mars. Venus is at its highest this morning with early risers catching an ISS pass in the south from 6:55am next to the Southern Cross. Monday, 2 June: Early risers have a bright ISS pass starting at 6:43am
paper. I am all for it but the priority has to be the person who wants to read the news, learn and connect to a real world. Amanda was just using a tool she had become familiar with in her profession of digital media and marketing. She took time to explain and she showed great respect for the digital tools she had at hand to do her work.
Every day I miss Stan and his cheering me on to embrace the future. I think he would love those glasses.
STAN’S STUFF
Stan’s book which is a collection of “Stan’s Stuff” writings over a number of years is now available at the Whitianga PaperPlus. Cost $34.99.
Amanda Guo working bilingually as a digital media specialist.
Fire brigades prepare for challenges
BY PAULINE STEWART
The Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge is a national, annual event – it’s exciting, impressive and attracts a lot of media attention. This is due to both the nature of the event and the cause the event supports. It took place at the Auckland Sky Tower last Saturday, 24 May.
THE ENORMITY OF THE CHALLENGE
Over 1,100 of firefighters from 270 fire brigade units across New Zealand (and some international) are involved signing up for the challenge as volunteers to mount 1,103 steps stretched over 51 levels, constituting a 1,300 metre climb endless stairs to the top of the sky tower most carrying a 25kg weight oxygen tank on their backs. Some choose to use only the oxygen in the tank as their total air supply to make it to the top. This means in the words of our local Whitianga team captain, Ian Cox, “They are doing it hard.” The event was founded by Tony Scott, who has served in both Northland and Auckland Airport Fire Rescue Service since 1988.
THE CAUSE IS BLOOD CANCER AND LEUKEMIA
In Aotearoa New Zealand, an estimated 2,800 people are diagnosed with blood cancer each year. Leukaemia is the fifth most
common form of cancer, with about 750 diagnoses annually.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukaemia in New Zealand, with around 320 people diagnosed annually. The overall incidence rate of leukaemia is 8.8 cases per 100,000 people, which is higher than the global average. Men are more likely than women to develop leukaemia. The funds raised boost the research to control and manage blood cancer as well as providing care for leukaemia patients.
Across the Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki, there were teams from Cooks Beach, Coromandel, Paeroa, Tairua, Whitianga, Te Aroha, Waihi Gold Mines and Waihi Fire Brigade,
Whangapoua and Whitianga.
Congratulations to Rebecca Walker, Whitianga team member came second in her Women’s Grandmasters age group (50-59). Congratulations to Waihi Gold Mines who came second in the open section of the entire event.
PREPARING FOR WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN
In the coming week, Fire Brigade teams are sending recent recruits to a week of intense training. These recruits have already been cadets in training for more than a year attending the weekly training sessions in at their local volunteer fire brigade. For this region it takes place in Rotorua and two young men, Joseph Aranzado and Paul Babida are going
HAS MOVED!
from the Whitianga Fire Brigade to the seven-day training programme.
Joseph and Paul also have the challenge of English as a second language but they are excelling in their work to be fully fledged Fire Fighters. This is on top of the normal day jobs.
Weekly, members of each volunteer fire brigade take part in car crash training units. This is a very involved safety and training exercise which also has a facet of competition amongst the fire brigades nationally. The Informer reporter witnessed last Sunday afternoon’s crash unit practice by members of the Whitianga Brigade - stabilizing the car, smashing the windows, locating the people (dummies), cutting the car
open as quickly as possible.
Towns all over the country rely on their volunteer fire brigade to be there for them in times of fires, accidents, floods and many kinds of emergencies. Volunteers give many hours each week to ensure skilled and trained help, and a fast response can be relied upon.
For example, some of the Sky Tower Challenge members in Whitianga were also learning how to cut open a car wreck to rescue ‘occupants.’ On the Sunday afternoon a day after the stair climbing challenge.
The New Zealand volunteer fire brigades really do cover our communities. Thank you.
Readers can still go online and sponsor Sky Tower Challenge participants.
Road traffic accident training taking place in Moewai Road by members of the Whitianga Fire Brigade; present at their regular Wednesday night training are Karlos Bosson, Rebecca Walker and Ian Cross, prior to their Sky Tower Challenge.
Meadow Munchers
– Everything for the farmlet
BY PAULINE STEWART
Meet Marlene Thomassen, owner of Meadow Munchers.
“I was 20 years of age and I came to Whitianga for three months to attend the Language School. I loved being here and went travelling around New Zealand. However, I met my husband, Lee in Whitianga – at the Whitianga Hotel one month after arriving.”
This was not in the plan for Marlene’s parents back in Switzerland, and when they heard the news, they assured Marlene it was all okay. Their thinking was, ‘Marlene is 20 – the romance will not last.’
“After six months, I went back to Switzerland and Lee came to see me while I was there. He sold his car to fund his trip.” So much for the romance not lasting.
“We are doing good, and we have two children now, Sienna and Dominic,” says Marlene. “This is a very good lifestyle.”
I asked Marlene, why the business, Meadow Munchers?
“I’m a huge animal person. I have always loved animals. Growing up in Switzerland, we had mainly dogs. I loved caring for them, the whole bit. I didn’t tire of caring for our pets. Being in New Zealand, I knew there was more scope to have pets. So we have goats and our dog. It was very hard to get food for the goats. I felt I could keep complaining or do something about it. I decided to give things a go – to source good food for farm animals.
And the name? Marlene enjoys the action of animals munching when they like their food and for her, New Zealand is a beautiful green, like a meadow.
“I have persuaded my husband to have chickens and he has built a chicken coup,” beams Marlene.
“But I have listened to Lee’s voice of reason and we are starting small – three chickens,” Marelene smiles. Meadow Munchers does not supply to the big farms.
“We look after farmlets – people with lambs, calves, hens, birds and of course dogs and cats,” says Marlene.
Marlene is keen to get to meet more people who have animals, and she is keen for the community to know where Meadow Munchers is located.
“Being right on Moewai Road, close to Highway 27 is very convenient. I can deliver in town if people can’t come to me, but usually customers like to come and see what is available. We have a good variety of quality farm animal food.”
Marlene is at the office every day till 1.00pm and usually she organises for her customers to pick up their order.
While The Informer was visiting, two customers came, one who had ten hens and came in for their special mash.
Check out Meadow Munchers advert for more information, on page 9.
from
Just look what our recent customers have to say!
“NZ Move It team were incredibly careful with my fragile items - the care was very evident! Nothing was too hard to assist with - I highly recommend their services”
P. McNeill, 2025 (repeat customer)
“The guys were both really nice. They arrived on time and the move went perfectly. They were efficient and worked hard. It could not have been a better experience (and I have moved house almost 50 times over the years!)”
R. Preston, 2025
“The boys were marvellous. Couldn’t fault them!”
T. and L. True, 2025
Thank you from Taste of Matarangi
BY BRONWYN RIRINUI
The recent A Taste of Matarangi festival held on Saturday, 6 April turned out to be a fantastic day for all who attended. Despite lower ticket sales compared to previous years, the spirit of the day and the generosity of our community made it a memorable and meaningful event.
Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, sponsors, and attendees, we were able to raise a total of $15,000 to be donated to our chosen charitable recipients. We are proud to announce the following contributions:
• Kuaotunu Search & Rescue (KSAR): $7,000.00
• Te Rerenga School: $4,000.00
• Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust: $4,000.00
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all three groups for the essential work they do in our community and would like to acknowledge their support leading up to, during, and following the event. In particular, to KSAR for their assistance with
logistics and event operations which was invaluable, and we quite simply could not have done it without them.
These donations support emergency services that protect and serve our entire region, as well as the local school where children will directly benefit from the funding.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who contributed - whether through attending, volunteering, sponsoring or donating. Your support ensures we can continue to give back to the community and help those who help us all.
Black and Gold, above, feature band at Taste of Matarangi 2025; the crowds revelled in the entire day at Taste of Matarangi, top.
Photo credits: Councillor John Grant and CFM
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Authors collaborate on early days in the Bay
BY DOROTHY PREECE
Mercury Bay Historical Society members were treated to rare insights into the history of the Bay at their recent meeting at The Lost Spring, where Ngati Hei Kaumatua Joe Davis and local historian John Steele were the guest speakers.
They are currently collaborating on a book that explores the very early interaction between the Maori and colonial cultures. Their talk focused on one chapter of the book, involving one of the first Whitianga settlers, George White and Joe’s great-great-great grandfather, Ngati Hei Chief Peneamene Tanui.
The two historians shared fascinating insights into that period in the mid-1800’s when land first began to be a commodity to be traded; a concept that was foreign to the Maori. The settlers came first for the kauri and later, the gold, offering money to buy land. The Maori people understood the barter system, but they had never encountered cash. Joe and John produced a map of the very earliest parcels of land owned by settlers in the Whitianga township area, and shared enthralling stories of the great cultural changes that came
to the Maori with the arrival of the settlers.
“Our people had never viewed their land as being something to be traded. You might as well try to measure off an acre of sky,” Joe Davis said. “In a very short time they transitioned from being hunter-gatherers to buying butchered meat from a trading store. This book affords a different view, from the Maori perspective.”
Six years of research have already
gone into the book, as yet untitled. This is not the first collaboration between the two writers. An earlier work, ‘When Toawaka Met Cook’, which also dealt with early Mercury Bay history, was published in 2019 and proved very popular. John Steele says it will probably be another year before their new work is published. “It is a work in progress and it keeps changing as new research comes to light,” John said.
Celebration of Helpers
Brought
For a couple of hours on Saturday 7 June (12-2pm), the public will have a chance to get to know some of our amazing helper organisations a little better. You can find out more about the incredible and often unnoticed work these organisations do in our community, you may even discover an opportunity to become a helper yourself. This is a family friendly event with plenty to hold the children’s interest. It will be held at the Whitianga fire station, and the fire appliances will be on display. Coastguard will be there with one of their boats which again, the children can check out, they will also have an activity for the children to do. Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust will have their van and equipment on display. Hato Hone St John will have the Health Shuttle and a First Response Unit on display.
Mercury Bay Lions will be selling a raffle, Te Tihi Nui Trust will be doing a sausage sizzle – so you won’t go hungry, Mercury Bay Environment Trust will have native plant seedlings for sale. Hato Hone St John will have their CPR mannequins with them so you can have a go at CPR, they will also be able to do
your blood pressure free. Grey Power will have a slide show so you can learn a little more about what they do. Who knows what other activities some of the other groups might come up with in the next couple of weeks. The organisations on the day will be presenting well over twenty different volunteering opportunities between them and will have information available on the day so you can get some idea of the variety of ways you can help your community. Many will be using it as a fundraising event as we all know every little bit counts, so buy a raffle ticket, or a plant or a sausage. We need to acknowledge the incredible support of The Informer in helping us promote this event.
Bellyful Whitianga; Coastguard - Whitianga; Coro Youth Mentors; FENZ (Fire and Emergency New Zealand) – Whitianga; Grey Power Mercury Bay; Lodge Whitianga (Freemasons NZ); Mercury Bay Lions Club; Manawa Kai – Monday Lunches and Mercury Bay Day Camp; Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust; Mercury Bay Environmental Trust; SeniorNet Whitianga; St Andrews Opshop; Hato Hone St John; Te Tihi Nui Trust
Historians and Authors, Joe Davis and John Steele, make a riveting presentation at the recent Historical Society meeting at The Lost Spring, Whitianga.
Pure joy through supportive art group
BY CYNTHIA DALY
In a quiet corner of Whitianga a group of artists sit around a table working on their pieces. Occasionally one will look up and smile to another artist across the table. Someone will say something funny and they’ll laugh.
This is no ordinary art group, if there is such a thing. This is a group where creating art is the link to being with others, who like themselves have different abilities; a group that has been able to form friendships and support each other; to take themselves out of themselves and in the process to discover their talents.
They are Artists in the Making and right now they are super excited to be exhibiting their latest artworks at the Whitianga Lions Art Expo on King’s Birthday Weekend in the Whitianga Town Hall.
At the table Paige MacPherson and Kieran Clayton are working on mosaics; Trey Cantas is painting a turtle, Caroline
Tatton-Brown is using pointillism to create a multi-coloured butterfly, and Brian Jarvie is painting a scene of inanimate objects and bringing them to life with eyes and faces. It’s a clever scene balanced with living things like pot plants and loads of colour.
Coromandel Independent Living Trust (CILT) Whitianga arts coordinator Kathryn Tsui says Brian as an artist is so prolific that this year he will have his own stand at Art Expo.
“We run art group three times a week in Arthur Street and at C3 Church on Mondays. We have a core group of 8-10 artists. The artists work on ceramics, mosaics, painting, drawing, and sometimes we have guest artists come in and do specific things like print-making and screen-printing.”
Kathryn says being part of the exhibition is really important for the group. It brings them inclusion through community engagement and it helps build confidence as they showcase their artworks.
“Our parent organisation, Coromandel Independent Living Trust, is mainly based in the Coromandel Township but we’re an offshoot of that in Whitianga. This art group was set up by mosaic artist Anne Bowden and it’s been running successfully since then.”
Kathryn has had a career in working with artists through galleries and exhibitions and she says being part of Artists in the Making is very rewarding.
“Seeing our participants enjoying art-making, and getting a sense of achievement even though sometimes it’s challenging, and just the pure joy of making friendships and the support they offer each other. Art is why we come together, but it’s more than just art. It’s the social connection, that’s the key.
The benefits of the group continue beyond the regular gatherings so that they are not making art in isolation.
“It’s a launching pad to grow from. Thunderbirds are go!” says art group volunteer Christine Campbell.
The work of these emerging artists will be exhibited at the Lions Art Expo this long weekend. Some of it will be available at the auction on Friday night from 5.30pm at the Whitianga Town Hall.
The regular art group brings joy to the students and the teachers – Caroline Tatton-Brown, Trey Canlas, Brian Jarvie, Kieran Clayton and Paige MacPherson..
‘Into the light’ artist at Whiti Art Expo
Three-day Art Exhibition King’s Birthday Weekend, Town Hall, Whitianga, with Gala Opening and Auction Friday night from 5.30pm
BY CYNTHIA DALY
The warm sun is shining on an outdoor table where artist Viola Ashford-Martin nibbles on a sweet treat. The gentle smile on her face is illuminated by her openness as she shares a life story that led to her self-expression through art.
Raised by her grandmother in a Whāngai open adoption, Viola grew up without a formal education and had limited contact with some members of her family.
She would describe parts of that time as quite dysfunctional until leaving home and life opened up new possibilities and the light within her grew.
“I my early teens I did a little bit of graphic art. I really liked that but I didn’t really take off with it at all then. Viola was homeschooled from nine years old. “The school system really didn’t work for me; it didn’t nurture the creative free spirit.”
“In my family we’ve got a few artists. My Aunt Betty is over in Hahei four months of the year. She comes over from America. I’m pretty sure she was one of the founding members of Art Escape having helped establish that. On my father’s side is a chef, a tattoo artist and great musical talent.”
Having to put her artistic stirrings to a sideline, is a recurring theme for Viola until she was volunteering at a primary school in Cambridge. “I was a teacher-aide, I did resources and I helped produce, direct and script-write one of their musicals. We had an auction coming up for a school fundraiser where someone had the bright idea of getting all the teachers together to create a piece of work on a canvas. I created one and then was asked to do more. That’s when I started realising I actually had something….”
A holiday at a friend’s bach in
- Sharpes Farm Feed from Wairarapa - Supa Feeds from Kaitaia - HR Fisken & Sons from Pukekohe
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Whitianga was the turning point. Viola absorbed the Whitianga environment and the opportunity her friend offered as a place to remain.
“I absorbed everything and got used to being in a different town. It was the first time I’d moved away from Hamilton and Cambridge where I grew up.
“I saw an ad on Whiti Chitchat offering community art classes through Cilt (Coromandel Independent Living Trust) and thought it would be a great way to enter the community. From there many connections have been made. I’m now a member of Whitianga Art Group on School Road; part of the Whitianga Waka Ama Whanau; regular Zumba enthusiast, and have just officially become a mentor with Coromandel Youth Mentors.”
Gradually, Viola started training herself to paint, putting what she felt on canvas, guided by artist and tutor, Leanne Adams. “She’s been a great mentor in helping me get out of myself a little
bit more of what is within, because I do have a tendency to get hung up on the details.”
Her progression in art has increased her confidence in her abilities. “I’m excited to see what the future brings because I know I’ve only just begun.”
Music is often the key that unlocks an emotion and images in Viola’s head. She then rushes to capture them on canvas before they escape.
There is no such thing as a blank canvas in Viola’s world. “In my head I’ve already seen what it looks like on the canvas, so I’m actually quite excited once I get the first strokes in. Once the image starts to flow, there’s no stopping, and then finally there is a release, a sense of completion and sometimes happy tears will fall. There is a lot of raw emotion in some of my pieces.”
These are paintings with great depth and meaning, and Viola is delighted that people often ‘understand’ her paintings. Some have left New Zealand to hang on walls in Paris and the UK.
“What other people see is exciting, to be honest. To get those pieces on to canvas is quite liberating.”
Viola is exhibiting for the first time at the Whitianga Lions Art Expo She’ll add some information about her pieces… tell the story behind them merely as an introduction rather than to influence the viewer.
“The Lions support of cancer services etc is one close to my heart having had several close family members pass from cancer. It’s important that treatments and connections with family remain accessible. It also relieves financial pressure where pressure is already so overwhelming,” says Viola.
The Lions Art Expo is sponsored by Dayle Candy and David Frew of Harcourt’s Coromandel Beaches Realty over King’s Birthday Weekend at the Whitianga Town Hall.
Masters of their trade mentor student art winners
BY CYNTHIA DALY
This year’s Whitianga Lions Art Expo plans to boost the talents of its winners in The Secondary Schools Art Competition which is part of the Lions Art Expo this coming weekend. The winners will be paired with some of the best artists in the Coromandel community. The Secondary Schools Student Art Competition. This year, the Secondary Schools Student Art Competition has received 38 entries from Thames High School, Whangamata Area School and Mercury Bay Area School. First place in the photography category will win two mentorships.
Ian Preece, Kuaotunu professional photographer and film-maker, will take them on a night of astrophotography, and Peter Drury, a highly qualified press photographer and tutor, and hobbyist wildlife photographer will show them how to capture spectacular moments in the coastal environment.
The winner in visual art category will receive mentorships with two highly recognised local artists. Painter and print-maker Kay De Blaaw – her career spans watercolour creating landscapes and still life, gradually evolving through different media and styles to abstract. Many of Kay’s artworks have gone to buyers around the world. Kay will mentor the winning visual artist. While Souzie Speerstra, known more recently for her large colourful landscapes, is a contemporary artist whose work is a mixture of abstract realism styles using unique visual impact and balanced line/colour techniques. Souzie’s artworks have been snapped up in sell-out exhibitions and she continues to be a successful professional artist. She will mentor the winner sharing styles and techniques to develop difference concepts.
Whitianga Lions Club expresses a huge thank you to these artists for giving their time to grow youth art in this community.
The winners will be announced as part of opening night, May 30 from 5.30-8pm in the Whitianga Town Hall.
Viola Ashford-Martin
TRAVEL
TRAVEL WRITER – SARAH JANE
1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION & YOUR HOLIDAY BUDGET
Location influences the holiday budget. Balance the thought of Great Barrier Reef experience against snorkelling Turquoise Bay (Western Australia) where costs are substantially cheaper.
TIP: Don’t forget to check out the cafes with a full breakfast option.
4. RESEARCH PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND/OR FREE CITY BUSES
Nine great holiday tips for families on a budget BonVoyage!
TIP – Whitianga offers magical snorkel and dive experiences and it’s our neighborhood.
2. HOLIDAY SELF CATERING MAKES THE DOLLAR GO FURTHER
Self-catering is the catch cry for families. Snacks and reusable containers go a long way resisting the lures of expensive cafes alongside activities. Save the treats for one delicious beach side ice cream.
3. PACKAGE DEALS, ROOM + BREAKFAST IS A GREAT HOLIDAY BUDGET
If you are staying in a hotel check out the breakfast plus room option. Lay down energy reserves for a day’s activities with a full buffet breakfast.
Getting around with a family is expensive. Public transport such as ferries, buses and trains are cheaper if they are booked online with several days worth of transport loaded up.
5. HOLIDAY CONNECTIONS & YOUR BUDGET
Being connected is a necessity. Local SIM cards, roaming services offered by your mobile provider all need checking before you depart.
6. HOLIDAY BUDGET AND WHEN TO TRAVEL?
School holidays are often more expensive with adults feeling they are surrounded by a school bus trip. While younger people are tied to an educational timetable you have the budget option of the low season. Pack a raincoat, grab the discounts and enjoy front row seats.
7. HOLIDAY BUDGET & ENTRANCE FEES
The good news is the entrance
fees are not a shock. Perhaps allocate one or two paid activities per person. Each person gets a choice
which can easily be expanded around a trip to a park (free entry), free walks or mapping a city with a complimentary interactive guide. A week of holiday entertainment is sorted.
TIP: Watch out for the gift shop trap placed in the path of the exit.
8. MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF GIFT PURCHASE & SOUVENIRS
Encourage practices that minimise the purchase of a plastic trinket. Collect entrance tickets, visitor centre brochures for images, complimentary maps and receipts. Click a picture and cut/paste a scrapbook holiday. It’s free and let the picture tell the story.
9. LOCAL SUPERMARKETS/ MARKETS ARE A FOOD ADVENTURE
Invite the kids on a food adventure. Encourage those less adventurous, with their food choices to explore to search and locate stuff they like. Save holiday dollars as well as check out how the neighbourhood eats.
Ting and Nichi bring piano-flute concert comes to Thames
Ting and Nichi both started learning music – on the piano – at an early age. Nichi grew up in Nelson in a musical family at a time when music in the area was very strong, and performing on her flute as a soloist, in chamber music groups, community orchestras, music theatre, and recording as a Young Artist with Radio New Zealand. She holds a Masters in flute performance, is a Fellow of both Trinity College and Royal School of Music, and is a PhD graduate from University of Otago, where she used to teach.
Ting grew up in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, where she enjoyed playing the piano the most when no one was listening. It was not until she arrived in New Zealand in 2010 that she played to elderly neighbours and at a rest home, and joined a local music muster, that she began to enjoy sharing music with others. Ting taught piano locally and now enjoys instilling a love of music in her son and daughter.
Sunday 8 June 2025 at 2.00pm, St George’s Church, Mackay Street, Thames.
It was an electric and eclectic night of musical performance at The Monkey House last Saturday night.
The event cheekily billed as Bongfest was a rock and roll benefit show for local Filipino muso legend, Bong (real name Bong Bong) who recently has faced unforeseen immigration issues and is desperately wanted back in the Whitianga music scene.
Bong is a talented multi-instrumentalist and sound engineer who has previously worked doing live sound for the likes of The Eagles and Coldplay and who’s volunteer work in the local scene has been vast and tremendous.
His absence and influence across genres was noticeable this past Saturday night as a gathering of over half a dozen local musicians played in a benefit concert for Bong. Starting off the evening were acoustic artists Svenja followed by Toya both bringing their signature singer/songwriter voices to the stage.
Next up came Andy Hopping also on acoustic guitar. Andy would often perform with Bong at Luke’s Kitchen. Then followed The Mill Creek Rebels (MCR) featuring core members Bones and Graham with Steve on drums. Afterwards, and keeping the night rocking, a flawless and a mostly original reggae/
rock music set was performed by local legend and entertainer Vegas Brown.
At this point the dance floor was moving and it was time for Roimata and friends to take the stage for a phenomenal Bong inspired themed improvised performance which included Scott Burst shredding on a custom carved guitar backed by Andy and Steve. This took place till just past midnight when it was time for the drawing of the donated raffle prizes which were presented to three lucky patrons.
Generous donations had been contributed by local businesses and friends of Bong which included Vaughan at Unichem photography, The
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.
Rounding out the night was a two for one power punk performance by Yo-Yo band and Pencil Drawn Figures featuring Tyler on guitar and vocals, and father and son duo combination Loren (bass) and Zach (drums). All in all it was a fantastic, enjoyable, and successful night of music and entertainment with over $1,500 raised. Everyone was in agreement that the only thing that could have made the evening better is if Bong had been able to attend himself. Hopefully soon he will be.
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.
Lost Spring, Paper Plus, Dave Fowell, Lukes Kitchen, The Mercury Bay Club, Beat Fairy Productions, and Forbidden Pizza.
Bong helped organise the music for the annual Filipino Independence celebration as well as many other music events in Whitianga.
‘Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’ comes to our peninsula
BY ADDIE LANE
Yes, it’s true, Mr. Thomas Capdevielle, a Frenchman from Bordeaux has settled in New Zealand and brought with him his chocolate making skills.
Thomas came to New Zealand in 2013, registered as Coromandel Chocolate Ltd, a label now renowned and stocked in top level stores.
“I had graduated with a Diploma in Chocolate Making following four years study in France,” says Thomas.
“This was before I came to New Zealand. First, I learned English and how to surf and got good at it. I then became a surfing coach, which is where I met my dear wife, Jess. It was love at first sight,” said Thomas.
Thomas started his chocolate-making business in Whangamata, and it was a work-from-home business at first. Then he rented a shop, which has grown to a small factory with a shopfront. This opened in September 2024.
His shop is now well known for doing public chocolate tasting tours and presentations on how chocolate is made.
Thomas remembers his humble beginnings. “I had no capital to start this business, but now I’m serving major buyers with bulk chocolate orders, including a large household name, tea company.
“I’m living the New Zealand dream!” beams Thomas, “But I have a long way to go before
our chocolate is distributed to store shelves everywhere.”
Thomas is now offering public tours through his small factory at Whangamata, Chocolate Tasting Tours are one of the highlights. In this 45-minute tour, he presents how chocolate is made from the chocolate bean right up to the finished product, explaining that there are four different types of chocolate.
Tour patrons also get to see
the chocolate making machinery and equipment operating in the factory plus receive small chocolate handouts.
The cost of the tour is NZ$50 per person. Children accompanied by parents are welcome, at $25 each for minors. Thomas says, “Don’t just taste it. Why not learn more about it?”
Only 10 people are allowed per tour, running from 3pm to 4pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. He has large numbers coming in private hire minibuses, and all are welcome. “If you can’t get in today, book online for the next day.” he says.
Way to go Thomas, the Kiwi Willy Wonka in Whangamata New Zealand.
Willy’s email for any questions is: acoromandelchocolate@outlook.com and Tour Bookings can be made at https://www.coromandelchocolate.co.nz .
The Informer reporter booked and did one of these tours, which proved to be most rewarding and fruitful.
Come see us at 58 Albert St, Whitianga or call for appointment 027 777 6898
Thomas Capdevielle welcomes people to his chocolate making factory in Whangamata. The taste is perfect.
A busy Coastguard
BY STUART BROWN WHITIANGA COASTGUARD PRESIDENT
The weather has not really played ball especially over the Easter period resulting in a much reduced boating window.
The Whitianga unit had a total of five callouts, three of a general nature all requiring a tow back to Whitianga. The furthest was from the Great Mercury Island and the closest was from just outside the river entrance.
Crew were paged twice for urgent callouts, however both times were stood down before the Rescue vessels were launched.
Between the Radio operators and Duty Officers, we also dealt with a range of other matters such as Jet Ski taking on water, Medical assists, 2 x Epirb activations, a dingy located at Castle Island with no one on board. Thank you to the various vessels of opportunity who assisted on some of these incidents.
On water training for both wet crews and Incident Management Team revolved
around search patterns to locate someone overdue by 4 hours, and planning for single tide search templates.
Ten new cadets: The Alan Jackson Memorial Cadetship will be starting later this month with a new batch of 10 cadets. Congratulations to the 10 cadets selected. The first few sessions will be in class with a tutor and the cadets undertaking both Coastguard Boating Education VHF and Day-skipper courses.
Safe boating.
News from Grey Power
Linda Cholmondeley Smith was elected as President of Grey Power, Whitianga at their recent AGM held at Mercury Bay Club.
The death of the previous President, Merle Edwards in March, after a courageous battle with cancer was reported as the most impacting event for Grey Power. New president Linda led a minute’s silence and spoke about how Merle will be greatly missed.
IMPORTANT MATTER FROM THE PAST YEAR:
A remit from Grey Power Mercury Bay regarding all-purpose sirens was put forward, ratified at the zone level, progressed to the federation level where it was approved by the federation.
It was then taken to Parliament by a Grey Power delegation who presented
“As natural disasters and emergencies become more frequent and severe, the Federation believes a robust and universally accessible alert system is imperative to safeguard all citizens, especially vulnerable seniors.” David Yeomans was thanked for the huge amount of work he did to put the remit together.
THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF GREY POWER:
• To Advance, support and enhance the wellbeing of Seniors.
• To Protect and promote the health of New Zealanders through the public health system.
• Work to ensure the security and safety of all New Zealanders and their assets with particular emphasis on Seniors.
• Work to ensure the safety and well-being of all older people in care.
• Work to ensure that all people living in retirement villages receive fair treatment.
• Establish an equitable funding system for local bodies, assist Associations in their involvement with their local body, and improve housing options for older persons.
• Maintain a state funded superannuation scheme payable at age 65 years.
Grey Power newly elected President, Linda Cholmondeley-Smith gives her report.
Eight from Whitianga in Waka Ama Race
WakaAma(outriggercanoeing)isapaddlingsportwithdeepcultural and historical rootsinAotearoaandthePacific.Itinvolvespaddlingawaka(canoe) with an ama (outrigger)attachedforstability.Itisthefastest-growingwater sport in Aotearoa, particularly in the Māori and Pasifika communities.
BY KAITLYN GOOCH
It’s misty and I can barely see in front of me. I’m so glad I stayed on the hill, high above Manu Bay last night, so I saw the sunrise and I know above the mist, the sun is shining. There is a buzz surrounding us with 171 entries for the Whāingaroa Hoe Waka Ama Race, but this mist feels ominous.
Eight club members from Whitianga have travelled over to take part in the 8km Hard n Fast race in Whāingaroa (Raglan) on Saturday 17th May.
This race has 64 teams entered across Men’s, Women’s and Mixed divisions.
It’s my first race and I’m part of the Whiti’s Wāhine crew, alongside three men from our club who have joined Hauraki’s men’s team to race. We all head down to the water at 9 AM but the fog is still sitting low in the harbour so the start time is delayed by 15 minutes and again twice more. They pull all the waka from the water, so our team decides to freshen up,
only to have them announce that all waka should be on the water and heading to the start line. As we race back to the water and then paddle hard to catch up to the other crews, we end up being cut off by a number of waka who decided to take a shortcut to the start line, which put us in dead last. Despite feeling like we are on the back foot, our team puts in full effort against 64 waka - all fighting for space on the start line, the
green flag drops and we are off. The first 3km we’re playing catch up and as we head into our first turn our steerer (Yvonne) pulls off a great turn and we start making gains on the other crews. On the second turn, Yvonne navigates us past two other waka caught in a collision, and just like that we are over halfway and heading to the finish line. Our last turn brings us back into the harbour under the bridge and it’s the final push. A
mixed crew waka almost beaches us in the shallows and so we navigate that with the finish line in sight. Everyone is big smiles at the end and it feels great to have completed our first all wāhine crew race!
The boys in Hauraki team came 3rd in their division, and we came 16th in ours.
Waka Ama caters to all levels: We are inviting beginners looking to experience their first paddle to
seasoned paddlers to come training for races. We currently operate from Tarapatiki Stream, with club sessions on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. We aim to build a strong community of experienced, confident kaihoe (paddlers) who feel connected to the sport and its traditions. If you’re interested in giving it a go, join Whitianga Waka Ama on Facebook or email: wakawhiti@ gmail.com
From left: Mike Bennet, Mike Wilkinson, Kaitlyn Gooch, Simon and Michelle Wilson, Richard Shelford-Woodcock, Yvonne Kainuku, Rachel Subritzky Helen Oram. Front: Natalie Jones, James Tata-Henry; Whiti’s Wāhines. From left: Yvonne Kainuku, Theresa Vaughn, Natalie Jones, Rachel Subritzky, Kaitlyn Gooch, Helen Oram. Top right, Natalie, Helen, Yvonne, Rachel, Kaitlyn.
The Big Bike Film Night definitely not just for the Lycra Brigade
BY JACK BIDDLE
While cycling may be the main focus of the upcoming ‘The Big Bike Film Night’, to be shown at the Mercury Twin Cinema on Thursday 12th June, the diversity and the array of short films over a 2.5hour duration, is geared to grab and inspire a much wider audience.
Included are some stunning and breathtaking scenery and adventures filmed both in New and around the globe.
ITS OWN FILM FESTIVAL
– 8 FILMS
From humble beginnings back in 2015, The Big Bike Film Night is now a much-anticipated Film Festival that brings a love of cycling to cinemas around the country, presenting a variety of specifically selected New Zealand and international movies.
“Each year I set out with just one goal in mind, that is to bring together the best short cycling films from around the world for our cinema audiences around the country that celebrate the fun, the adventure, and inspiration that bikes enable” says Taupō based Brett Cotter who is the driving
force behind The Big Bike Film Night concept.
“The 2025 collection contains eight mesmerizing films that are as varied and diverse as you could hope for and include arguably the finest selection of backyard adventures in New Zealand yet, plus films from the exotic location of northern Pakistan to the suburban streets of Santa Barbara in America, the soaring mountain peaks of Austria and to the captivating Scottish Highlands. These films go way beyond two-wheels, and are selected so the cinema audience can connect with the riders and their journeys,
whether they are into cycling or not” says Brett.
Included in the collection of films is a classic Kiwi story set around the magnificent Nelson/ Tasman region and follows a young 19-year-old trailblazer, Matt Fairbrother, as he participates in the multistage enduro event called The New Zealand Mountain Bike Rally. It is competed for over a gruelling six-day schedule with Matt one of 120 other riders. He chooses a different approach to this race, fuelled by a penchant for chocolate milk and a “can do” attitude.
“Matt is known for doing things
differently! This mind-blowingly awesome film showcases Matt’s grit, determination, and resilience over the 27 downhill enduro race stages, but that’s only one-part of his journey.
There’s also the additional 500km of cycling that he did between the stages carrying his own kit, eating what he carried, sleeping rough in a bivy, kayaking 50kms across the ocean, and grinding up 18,000 extra vertical metres to get to the finish line. This human-powered adventure is epic in every sense!” exclaims Brett.
Also, in the treasure chest of films and bound to hold the audience’s attention and interest include:
• An exhilarating film that redefines what’s possible on a gravel bike on technically challenging terrains
• A film emphasising the celebration of grit and camaraderie set in the Golden Bay region
• An uplifting film that follows a group of adventurers from Wānaka who gather to cycle out to the local Ski Field and back, carrying all their gear, with the purpose to raise awareness about the climate impact that comes with travelling and
adventuring
• An inspiring mountain bike ride through back country Queenstown that is both poetic and meaningful
• A life-changing experience for a group of friends who undertake a trip to a bothie (hut) in the Scottish Highlands to show what can be achieved by people with disabilities in relation to having adventures
• A film that celebrates the art of “winging it” and how travelling by bicycle and the power of exploration can obliterate preconceptions and contribute to understanding others
The power of storytelling is at the forefront of what Brett and his team offer to cinema goers in general, and the belief that the humble bicycle can not only help improve our overall health but also help connect communities plus inspire and uplift people with where it can take us.
The Big Bike Film Night will be shown at the Mercury Twin Cinema on Thursday 12th June starting at 6:30pm.
Adult’s tickets are $21 and $16 for those under 17 years of age. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.bigbikefilmnight.nz
Meeting nationally significant writers at the inaugural Writers Festival
It’s the first Peninsula Writers Festival starting this Thursday night, 29 May 7.00-8.30pm at the Mercury Bay Twin Cinemas. The opening will feature all eight guest writers who will speak for just 5 minutes on a chosen topic.
“There are many writers living on the Coromandel Peninsula. They are award winning and writing is their career,” says Lesley Preece, one of the organising team and Whitianga’s Librarian.
There is mixture of award winning ‘career’ author, historians, and published local writers with great stories and interesting philosophies to share.
“‘Meet the Writer’ sessions which will take place each Thursday in June and each Thursday, two of the writers will be interviewed – 1.30pm-2.30pm and 3.00pm-4.00pm that period of an hour gives time for questions of the author by members of the public. Venue is Council Community Board Room at 10 Monk Street, Whitianga.”
FIRST ‘Meet the Writer’ session – Interview with Georgio Allemano and then Des Hunt –Thursday 5 June. Details in The Informer 20 May.
Second ‘Meet the Writer’ Session – Thursday, 12 June
MARK VETTE:
Mark is often referred to as ‘The Dog Whisperer’. He is a world-re-
nowned animal bahaviourist and trainer who has been studying and training dogs for more than 40 years. Mark lives in Cooks Beach and teaches a range of online courses. Mark wrote Dog Zen and has a new book coming out this year.
NICK STRIDE:
We have managed to secure Nick
Stride who became renowned when he took his family on the run to evade Russian security forces after getting caught up in accusations of leaking top security secrets. Long story short, he ends up hiding off the grid in remote northern Australia where everything wants to kill themnot just Russian operatives! Nick has now settled his family in New
Zealand and they are ready to tell their story. Nick has another book coming out soon.
Note: At the opening and at each ‘Meet the writers’ session, the writer’s books will be available for sale and for signing.
Tickets: Cost is $20 for Gala night ticket. Meet the Author sessions – $15 each. Tickets can be purchased at Mercury Twin Cine-
mas, Whitianga, either from their website or in person at the cinema. For more information, check out All About Whitianga website, The Informer website and Facebook, or call into the Whitianga Library.
The other six authors are Neva Kay, Ginney Deavoll, Russell Skeet, Stephanie Parkin, Giorgio Allemano and Des Hunt.
Lesley Preece, one of the Writers Festival organisers; Mark Vette and Nick Stride – two of the authors featured at the festival.
POLICE REPORT WHITIANGA
BY CONSTABLE
MICHAEL CARTER
Monday 19th to Sunday 25th May 2025
GENERAL:
On 19 May a burglary was reported as having occurred at a Dundas Street address. A subject will be spoken to regarding this matter.
Also, on the 19th, a group of young persons have been behaving disorderly at a local store. Trespass Notices have been issued and they will be spoken to about their behaviour.
On 21 May an unknown male was captured on CCTV footage on private property in Cooks Beach. Enquiries are continuing to identify and speak to this person.
On 23 May a burglary was reported as having occurred at a Golf Road address. A caravan was unlawfully taken from the property after a padlock had been cut to gain entry.
ARRESTS:
1x male arrested for Contravening Protection Order and Strangulation
1x male arrested for Injuring with Intent and Threatens to Kill
1x male arrested for Breach of Bail
OCCURRENCES:
On 19 May a family harm matter occurred at a South Highway address. The male was subsequently arrested and charged for breaching a Protection Order and Strangulation.
Also, on the 19th, a family harm matter occurred at a Dundas Street address. The male party was arrested and charged with Injuring with Intent and Threatens to Kill.
TRAFFIC:
On 24 May a traffic collision was reported as having occurred on Albert St. A driver has inadvertently reversed from a carpark into a trailer stationary on the road. Enquiries are continuing to identify this driver so they can be spoken to regarding their subsequent behaviour.
Police are targeting Restraints, Impairment, Distractions and Speed this month.
Pauanui’s Dawn Service
BY LILY PAULSEN
The moody sky and cool breezy air created a solemn mood amongst the crowd of nearly one thousand people who gathered before dawn at the Surf Club, Pauanui Beach on Friday, 25 April, Anzac Day.
It was five-thirty when people began to arrive and as the light surfaced through the darkness, the service began. Throngs of people wove themselves into a circular position around the flag and speakers. As our dawn service commenced under the light, a piper began playing adding to the sombre mood of remembrance. Two girls from Hikuai school gave accounts of what Anzac Day meant and the history of the Gallipoli invasion, which was both informative and thought provoking.
Amongst the speakers that Rob Jackson Potter organised, were Gerry Gaston, Keith Hardy from the Thames Coromandel District Council and Darron Steer from the Fire Department of Pauanui who all laid wreaths in memorial to those lost in the war. A navy officer spoke and Mike Bearman read an enchanting poem by Barry Gunson.
An expert piper played, and both the New Zealand and Australian National Anthem sounded, adding to the subdued and solemn mood. Four planes launched in the windy sky which concluded the mournful but stimulating and inspiring morning.
Having Anzac services annually is a good way to remember those who were lost before us and educate ourselves on the history. It is still relevant today. April 25th - Anzac Day, commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula. It wasn’t until 1920 where Anzac Day was formed as an official holiday to
TUNE INTO
honour those who fought in World Wars I and II.
Always and forever, they will be remembered. Lest we forget. Lily Paulsen is a writer in her early twenties who lives and works in Pauanui and believes in supporting her community which she loves very much.
A poignant scene at Pauanui with over 1000 people gathered at dawn on Anzac Day; a fly-over concluded the service.
Photo credit: Paul Schrader
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
CHOCOLATE CONSPIRACY
While visiting my mother’s grave, I wondered how a healthy woman who spent eighty years bubble-wrapping herself against life’s dangers could suddenly drop dead. She avoided everything risky—no skydiving, no exotic foods, flossed daily, took vitamins. Turns out, chocolate was more dangerous than bungee jumping. Three dear friends also passed suddenly around the same time.
Dr. Lennane informed us that 67.8% of his patients had died after eating chocolate. The smoking gun? Snickers wrappers! My friends liked chocolate too. Here I was being sceptical and paranoid thinking their deaths were random.
Everyone was chomping chocolate in 2020. Public health officials practically prescribed it: “Eat two chocolate bars to flatten the curve!” (My curves just keep getting curvier.) “Chocolate is safe and effective!” Question this wisdom? Congratulations, you’re now a “Cocoa Hesitant anti-chocolate conspiracy theorist who hates grandma!” Enjoy unemployment alongside those pesky doctors who dared ask why chocolate-induced heart attacks suddenly became “normal.”
The Cocoa Emergency Powers Act granted chocolate manufacturers immunity while they reported record profits. Meanwhile, fact-checkers worked over-
time explaining why dropping dead from confectionery was actually proof the chocolate was working.
I concur with Dr Lennane, I should be more discerning when searching for information. Who has time for a world view and critical thinking when cute kitten videos need immediate attention? I should stop thinking for myself. Why have opinions when someone else has decided what I should believe? Let the experts make decisions - they know what’s best for my health and wellbeing.
Verna Carr, Whitianga
QUESTIONS RE COVID VACCINE
The covid vaccine has caused numerous harmful effects such as heart problems, blood clots and turbo cancer which all emerged during the pre-release trials.
John Lennane (issue 1058 The Informer -Letter to the Editor) reminds us that many people died more quickly; some within a few days, some within a few hours and some a few minutes after receiving the vaccine.
Lennane tells us that all of his patients who suffered vaccine injuries ate chocolate. I wonder how many GP’s know how many of their patients eat chocolate. Lennane knows exactly. 67.8%. His is this kind of accurate research which led to the discovery of harmful substances in the
covid vaccines.
The purpose of the Letters to the Editor column is to enable members of the public to express an opinion, about an article or a topic of interest/concern. Please keep them to 200 words or less. These letters do not reflect the editor’s view. The editor reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.
Since reading his letter I have discovered that the prime mover behind the production and distribution of the covid vaccines is also involved in the production of chocolate so there may be some truth behind Lennane’s suggestion that the same harmful ingredients found in the covid vaccines can also be found in the chocolate bars eaten by his patients.
John Veysey, Colville
RE: TCDC’S PROPOSAL TO SHIFT TO CAPITOL VALUE RATING
Council claims its preferred shift to capital value rating (CVR) promotes affordability, fairness, and equity - but it undermines all three.
Currently, rates are based on land value. CVR, by contrast, includes improvement values such as a house. It widens disparities between properties and is a de facto wealth tax.
It assumes those with higher-value properties should pay more, regardless of their income or use of services. That’s not fairness. It’s like charging for groceries based on the value of the car you drove to the supermarket.
This proposal hits the eastern seaboard hardest, where values are notably higher. I suspect this shift is designed to provide a rates cushion for Thames ahead of their $80m sea wall project. If Council is concerned about over
rating vacant land, a simple 50% differential could fix that – no overhaul required.
I served on Council under Mayor Glenn Leach’s leadership. We implemented cost efficiencies which delivered three years of rate decreases. I know it is achievable. We also introduced a Community Empowerment model that gave communities more say. That’s real reform.
Our districts demographics are unique, so moving to CVR simply because other councils have is nonsense. We expect better justification for such a significant change. Maybe this October, voters will demand better governance.
Tony Brljevich, Whangapoua
REBUTTAL REGARDING MISINTERPRETATION OF SEA LEVEL RISE CLAIMS
It took me a matter of minutes to fact check and discredit Alistair Brickells latest claims regarding misinterpretation of sea level rise data. In essence he is claiming that he is right and NASA scientists and many other scientists around the world are wrong. He has no reputable evidence to back his claims. For anyone genuinely interested in real science I recommend the following NASA links, found by simply searching ‘sea level rise’ and ‘sea level rise 2024’:
This link briefly explains the
main causes of sea level rise and provides two very useful graphs. The second graph clearly shows the agreement between satellite and tide gauge data: https://climate.nasa.gov/vitalsigns/sea-level/?intent=121 This link confirms the 0.59cm increase recorded in 2024 and explains why the increase was greater than expected: https://sealevel.nasa.gov/ news/282/nasa-analysis-showsunexpected-amount-of-sea-levelrise-in-2024/ Gavin Kenny, Whenuakite
AND WHAT
ABOUT PAY EQUITY SCOTT...
In 20 May 20 The Informer, Scott Simpson discussed the upcoming release of the annual Budget and the government’s priorities. It is pertinent that he neglected to make any reference to the abolition of the Pay Equity Legislation given that one of his coalition partners (ie. David Seymour) stating it as ‘saving Budget 2025’ and the protest outside his office in Thames, which he did not attend. The financial benefit for the Government from the reforms was kept secret until Treasury documents revealed the changes had added $12.8b to the Government’s books. His only reference to this was comment regarding ‘careful spending choices rather than the lolly scramble’ under the previous government.
M.D. Passmore, Thames
Coromandel Our
News from Thames-Coromandel District Council
Thanks for the feedback
We’ve just closed the last of three feedback opportunities on big, important topics facing the district. Thanks to everyone who provided us feedback.
The next steps are for staff to collate and analyse the feedback for our councillors and mayor to consider, debate and make decisions in the coming weeks. Your feedback is instrumental to this decision-making process. Our Rating Review, which proposed changes to our current rating system, received 653 responses.
Our options for the future of water services delivery under the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms received 283 responses.
Our Annual Plan 2025 proposal to reduce kerbside rubbish and glass collections in areas with high visitor numbers over the peak summer period from twice weekly to once a week received 248 responses.
PROGRESS FOR WHITIANGA ESPLANADE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Plans to progress a new public pier and separate dedicated commercial fishing hub with better parking at Whitianga’s waterfront have been approved.
The Mercury Bay Community Board’s May meeting approved recommendations to carry out detailed investigations and specialist assessments of the waterfront plus development of a business case of the plans.
These plans are:
1. New public pier with dedicated commercial fishing hub at the existing wharf
2. Retention of the playground, better parking
3. Robinson Road Boat Ramp upgrades and overflow parking – do nothing, plans deferred due to funding limitations
The decision echoes support from most of the Project Advisory Group which voted 4/5 to progress with the preferred concepts, reflecting feedback from community consultation, including drop-in sessions and a survey on the options.
Whether the substantive construction (Stage 5) goes ahead will be determined in the 2027-2037 Long Term Plan when community members will again have the chance to have their say.
The need to develop the Esplanade to cater for growth and address health and safety concerns was noted at the meeting as a longstanding issue for various user groups within the same area.
A word from our Board Chair
Krissy Robinson
“It’s been a busy time for Mercury Bay Community Board with lots of Council developments involving Mercury Bay.
Stay tuned to our Council communications on our website, e-newsletters and social media to find out what decisions are made on each of these issues.
Proposed changes to summer kerbside collections
New measures to improve Cooks Beach lakes progress
Progress is underway to revitalise the two lakes at Cooks Beach with a contractor scheduled to remove sludge from both lakes before July, after completing work at another site.
Our Council has also been in discussions with New Zealand Waterways to trial grass carp in the lakes as an environmentally friendly way to help control weeds.
Our Council is preparing an application to the Department of Conservation to allow the exotic species into the area, which could take up to six months for approval. It could take at least another two months to ensure the supply of the carp. Once the carp has arrived, a 12-month trial will begin and the impact of the fish will be reviewed.
For this reason, planned riparian planting at the lakes has been paused until after the trial.
DISTRICT EVENT FUND APPLICATIONS
Earlier this financial year, $35,000 of the $66,625 event fund was awarded, leaving $31,625 available to allocate. Councillors discussed the merits of various applications and the suitability of the fund’s criteria, and in the end approved funding for the new Ridge Runner Coromandel footrace ($10,000), the Whangamatā Adventure Race ($6,000), The Mercury Bay Film Festival ($2,000), Matariki Whangamatā ($3,500) and the Whiti Run Fest ($2,000).
A key purpose of the fund is to support new and existing events that will draw visitors to the district who wouldn’t otherwise come here.
These include three consultation issues –our Rating Review, Local Water Done Well and the Annual Plan 2025/26 – the blessing at the site of Whitianga’s new Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station and progress on the Whitianga Esplanade Redevelopment Project. Things are moving up for Mercury Bay.
This is the last message from me as Board Chairwoman as we head into election season so I’d also like to thank everyone who came to our meetings, submitted feedback, or watched our meetings online. It’s been a pleasure representing you."
krissy.robinson@council.tcdc.govt.co.nz
The Board’s next meeting is Wednesday 18 June from 9am at Mercury Bay Service Centre, 10 Monk St, Whitianga. Meeting agendas and the 2025 Council meeting schedule are at tcdc.govt.nz/meetings
Ha - hei and Wharekaho water and wastewater extension projects
Concept designs for the extension of the water and wastewater networks at Hāhei have been completed, with costings for the latter still be finalised. Council is reviewing the wastewater treatment plant’s capability to manage consent discharges rather than just flows, and this has delayed the final costings.
Concept designs for the extension of the water and wastewater networks at Wharekaho have also been completed.
Engagement with affected Hāhei and Wharekaho Communities is due to start with community sessions to follow next month.
Kerbside collections
There are no kerbside collections on the King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday 2 June. Collections for that Yellow week (food, glass, recycling) will be a day later than usual. Check your local calendar at tcdc.govt.nz/bindays Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations
Our Transfer Stations will be open as usual on the holiday Monday, from 8.30am-4.30pm. Find out your nearest station tcdc.govt.nz/rts
Council offices
Our offices (and AA services) are closed on King’s Birthday Monday. You can still contact us 24/7 at 07 868 0200 or customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
Tuesday 20 May
The Moorings 9 Hole Mixed
Tournament
Gross: Div 1 – Sharyn Smith; Div 2 – Jan
Stanley; Men – Clinton Barke
Net: Div 1 – Jenny Layton; Div 2 – Noeline Boardman; Men – Robert Troughton
Stableford: Div 1 – Adele Conway; Div 2 –Francis Reid; Men – Greg Aston
Wednesday 21 May
18 Hole Mix – Rae Lalande TrophyWomen/Men – American Foursomes
1, Colleen de Villiers & Graeme Butler; 2, Karen Johansen & Trevor Hayde; 3, Janine Hayde & Carl Mitchell
NTP: Kerry Allan
Longest Putt: Steve Mosen
Longest Drive: Saki Mosen, Kevin Smith
Friday 23 May
9-Hole Mixed – Stableford
1, Don Maguire; 2, Phil Drane; 3, Jeny Layton
Saturday 24 May
Club Champion Finals
Women: Silver, Saki Mosen; Bronze 1, Kim Allan; Bronze 2, Marg Maher; Bronze 3, Chris Van Veen; 9 hole Div 1, Alison Goodlet; 9 hole Div 2, Bobbi Preston
Men: Senior, Mark Boe; Intermediate, Willie Jones; Junior, Kevin Wallace; 9 hole, Don Maguire
Sunday 25 May
18 Mixed - Stableford
1, Justin Wilson; 2, Paul Lupton; 3, Jenna Leach
Twos: Dom Szparagowski
THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB
Monday 19 May
9 Hole Men’s Stableford
1, Robert Frisken; 2, Lance Croawell; 3, Graham Kemp
Twos: Barry Titchmarsh
Tuesday 20 May
5 Club Day Stableford
1, Joanne Nicholson; 2, Sue Karl
Wednesday 21 May
18 Hole Men’s Stableford
1, Mark Hall; 2, Ross Alexander; 3, Tony Joblin
18 Hole Men’s - Stableford Hidden Holes 1, Mark Hall
Twos: Doug Smith and Mike Friis on Hole 7, Mark Hall and Brian Tomlinson on Hole 13
Nearest the Pin on the 18: Mark Hall
Thursday 22 May
18 Hole Ladies Stableford
1, Aimee Jones; 2, Marie Dunn; 3, Teri Tomlinson
Twos: Aimee Jones on the Hole 13
Ambrose 9 Hole Men
Winners: Rob Frisken, Barry Titchmarsh, Ray Green
Saturday 24 May
Saturday Haggle Stableford
1, Shirlie Bardebes; 2, Geoffrey Hill; 3, Rod Cameron
Twos: Tracey Mulligan, Geoffrey Hill, Kayleen Wendy Smith
Nearest the Pin on the 18: Nick Lambert
PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Tuesday 20 May
9 hole stableford and G Free Trophy Putts round 2
Stableford – 1, Neil Robertson; 2, Catherine Borlase; 3, Annabel Wharton; 4=, John Hamilton, Wayne Morrison
Putts – 1= Annabel Wharton, John Hamilton
Thursday 22 May
9 hole stableford plus hidden hole
Stableford – 1, John Hamilton; 2, Grub; 3, Brian Keucke
Hidden hole Steve Borlase
Saturday 24 May
18 hole stableford
1, Neil Robertson; 2, Annalise LA Roche; 3, Neil Vowles; 4=Steve Borlase, Catherine Borlase
Thames Valley Secondary Schools Basketball league got underway last Friday night with Mercury Bay teams travelling to Paeroa and a home game in Whitianga.
North/South: 1, Robyn Hogg and Peter Clark 65.83; 2, Robyn Waters and Peter Hogg 57.92; 3, Denise Knutson and Ngaire
O’Brien 52.17.
East/West: 1, Tia Ormsby and Don Barry 60.00; 2, Jean Myles and Angela Butterworth 58.33; 3, Alison Tichbon and Maggie Beattie 54.78.
TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB
Round Three: Paku Pairs
Monday 19 May
1, Nolene Kirkpatrick & Celia Young 69.38; 2, Tony White & Peter McNeil 67.50; 3, Jill Huston & Sue Poland.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wednesday 21 May
10 players and it was Rob Rielly and Bob Haase to fight out the final frame. A close match but Bob grabbed the victory and the cash prize. With two wins Rob Rielly (runner-up), Greg Murphy and Dave Colman who also had the highest break of 21.
Saturday 24 May
9 players and it was Peter Schultz and Greg Murphy with two straight wins to challenge the final frame. Peter grabbed a very close victory here to take home the cash prize. With two wins were runner up Greg Murphy, Jason Smith, Ian Baumgren and Bob Haase.
Recently run has been the Club 10 Ball Championship and Peter Schultz with two was the winner here beating in the final Rob Rielly 4-2.
MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS
19 Players this week so 501 doubles were played. Only one team went through unbeaten in all four sets to be the outright winners. They were Rex Parsons and Rose Stables. Highest finishes this week were 78 for the ladies scored by Rose Stables and 91 for the men scored by Peter Reekers. No 180’s scored this week.
MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Thursday 22 May
Winners: Keith Denney, Wayne Fisher, Shirley Marshall and Betty Russell.
Runners-Up: Alan Henderson, Ian Sanderson, Sandie Morris and Pat Fisher. Good Sports: Merle Ward, Judy Cullinane, Lionel Lawrence and Marie Denney.
MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB
Championship Pairs Round Four
Wednesday 21 May
North/South: 1, Sue Gill & Geoff Jervis 62.2; 2= Lois Page & Colin Day, Alison Tich-
Household goods, kids toys, womans clothing, miscellaneous items, and plants
47A Centennial Drive, Whitianga
Saturday & Sunday 8.30am-4pm
Furniture, bikes, lawnmower, women’s clothing, kid’s clothing & much more 20 Heritage Close, Whitianga Sunday & Monday 9am-3pm
Bins, study/sewing desk, pots, hose, indoor cane suite (5 pieces)
bon & Johanna Bonnar 56.6. East/West: 1, Chris Southwell & Anne Knowles 62.8; 2, Pete Hogg & Don Barry 59.2; 3, Chris Hilford & Ian Hogg 56.3.
Kaimarama Pairs Round
Some of the Mercury Bay Golf Club’s Matchplay Club Champs winners. The finals were played on Saturday 24 June.
GAMES AND PUZZLES
Raps lightly (4)
Fast jet effect, ... boom (5)
11. Commencement (6)
13. Listen to (4) 14. Crockery item (6)
18. Barked shrilly (6)
21. Come to a halt (4)
22. Benumb (6)
24. Lessen in severity (5)
25. Smear (4)
26. Fitness clubs (4)
27. Leap forward (5) 28. Tarry (4)
Sudoku Puzzle
Proudly sponsored by
Uncommon event (6)
Roars (7)
Company symbols (5) 3. Bread-raising agent (5) 4. Indicate (7) 5. Red sauce (7) 6. Corrupt morally (7) 12. Make last, ... out (3) 15. Lure (7) 16. Proficiently (7)
Remnants (7) 19. Beer (3) 20. Line of Chinese emperors (7) 22. Put off (5) 23. Bad temper (5)
Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail, scan/ photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@ theinformer. co.nz to reach us by 12.00 noon on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Café directly.
Last week’s winner CONGRATULATIONS Kara Lilley
Sudoku instructions
Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of 9 boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
TRADES & SERVICES
TRADES & SERVICES
Tuesday 10th June, 2025 at 6.30pm 90 Abrahamsom Drive, Whitianga
ST ANDREW’S OPSHOP
The Committee would like it known that all Mercury Bay not-for-profit groups can apply in writing for one-off funding grants at any time. Please outline your work and budgeting costs in writing to the Opshop, instore or to PO Box 368 Whitianga. Come and talk to us at the Opshop. All applications will be carefully considered.
Mercury Bay Historical Society
Coffee Morning to be held on Thursday 29th May at The Lost Spring at 10.30am
Guest Speaker - Jonathan Peet. Local Historical Novelist. All Welcome
MAJOR EVENT NOTICE! WHITIANGA RUNFEST
Saturday
31 May
The Whitianga Run Fest run and walk event will take place on Saturday 31 May between 7:00am and 1:00pm. Approximately 700-900 participants will take part. Most of the event courses are at Shakespeare’s Cliff and the Cooks Beach area. Event parking and the finish line is at Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga. We ask all drivers to please be aware of runners and walkers during the event.
We thank you for your cooperation!
All enquiries to Event Manager - Nick Reader 021 632721 | nick@elementevents.co.nz Full course maps & schedule at www.whitiangarunfest.co.nz
Section 33F of the Maritime Transport Amendment Act 2013 removal of abandoned vessel
In accordance with Section 33F of the Maritime Transport Amendment act 2013, Waikato Regional Council will be removing SV of an unknown name, an approximately 30ft sailing vessel with light blue hull. This vessel is in an unseaworthy derelict state. The vessel has been tied to the Thames Wharf for several months and has come loose on two occasions. It is now located in a cut out in the mangroves by the Marina.
As an abandoned and derelict vessel, it will be removed under Section 33J & 33L of the Maritime Transport Act. To prevent removal and disposal the owner needs to contact the Harbourmaster 0800 800 401 by the 1st of June 2025.
CDA McLay Chief Executive
www.waikatoregion.govt.nz
MERCURY BAY LADIES RUGBY
Historic first win for Mercury Bay Womens’ Rugby
Sunday 25 May
The Mercury Bay Ladies Rugby Team travelled to play Ngatea on the weekend. The overhead and ground conditions were excellent and a decent crowd gathered to watch a highly entertaining game unfold.
This match marked our first victory, and a resounding one at 29-10. Mercury Bay started strongly and dominated possession and territory, building good phases and really testing Ngatea’s defence. Both the scrum and lineout functioned well with Gabrielle Deane winning a lot of good clean lineout ball. Mercury Bay took a lead of 14-0 into half time. On such a memorable day there were several standout performers for Mercury Bay. Very special mention to Trinity Holmes for scoring three tries with her pace and ability to beat defenders fully on show. The other try scorers were Carson Matthews and Cherry Wood.
Our ladies were particularly committed on defence and unwilling to relinquish pressure on Ngatea right to the final whistle. Importantly, injuries were less of an issue this week which does come with a sense of relief.
The Mercury Bay shed was one very happy, noisy and satisfied place as we celebrated our historic first victory. Attention now turns to achieving a home victory whilst we savour this first one away.
The ladies have a break over the forthcoming long weekend returning to play Hauraki North away on 8 June.
FOOTBALL
The Mercury Bay Senior Boys (mixed) travelled to Hamilton to play Fraser High School Senior Boys. Down 2-1 at halftime, the team had a couple of defensive lapses to trail 4-1 half way during the second half. Two quick goals by us made it interesting, but unfortunately Fraser scored again to make it 5-3 at full time. Goalkeeper Arlo Hert was outstanding as usual saving a penalty and making two other huge memorable saves over the bar. Elijah Bianchi and Lui Yamada were a strong combination at the back, while Shanti Wilson, Hyodo Tamaguchi and Ben Collins fought tirelessly in midfield. Goal scorers for Mercury Bay were captain Joel Iggulden and Noah Palmer with two. Junior Mixed vs Te Awamutu
The first league game of the season also doubled as the first round of the knockout cup. We welcomed an organised Te Awamutu team who started strongly, applying heaps of pressure, but Mercury Bay defended resolutely, and it was scoreless after a competitive first half. Shortly into the second half, Mercury Bays midfield began to dominate and were rewarded with two quick goals. The first by Farai Gray tapping in a cross from Charlotte Allen, and the second an own goal following a cross by Noah Greenfield. It was a nervous end to the game when Te Awamutu pulled one back, but our goalkeeper and player of the day Alfie Harris made a number of top class saves to earn Mercury Bay the 2:1 win and progression to the next round of the cup.
U12s Football Sharks
Saturday, 24 May
12th Grade Sharks travelled to Whangamata and played a well-organized team. Both teams had plenty of chances and it was end to end action.
Players of the Day were James McGrath and Reef Havard
Under 12’s football - the Sharks played whangamata
Tenth grade – Tairua v Mercury Bay.
Junior mixed football v te Awamutu.
Mercury Bay Senior A’s and B’s both won their games against the Cobras at Lyon Park on Saturday 24 May. Senior rugby photos Rebecca Usal
Junior rugby – Thames verus Mercury Bay.
12th grade football players of the Day James McGrath and Reef Havard.
Whitianga Boat Chandlery
Do you like to do your own maintenance work?
We stock International & Altex antifoul & marine paints, Propspeed, anodes, resin, fibreglass, TruDesign plumbing fittings and so much more!
Phone or email for info: info@whitiangaboatchandlery.co.nz
Phyll 027 4852036
Mitch 027 4852046
Whitianga Boat Repairs
We specialise in woodwork repairs & maintenance, including teak decks & platforms, insurance and rot repairs, plus we fit new transducers, anchor winches, bow thrusters and more.
Mitch has over 40 years experience with an Advanced Trade Cert Wooden Boat Building qualification to back it up!
Phone or email for info E: info@whitiangaboatrepairs.co.nz
