Issue 1160 03 June 2025 by theinformernz

RUN FEST... FUN & FAST

G.J. GARDNER HOMES

BY PAULINE STEWART

Whether you were walking briskly or puffing your lungs out getting to the finishing line, this coastal running festival had adventure endurance, stunning scenery, great people to be with and a community to cheer you when you reached the finish. The central base was Buffalo Beach Reserve but most runners get to ride on the ferry to Ferry Landing and return across the estuary as part of their race. For the

non-runners or walkers, it was a great day out on a beautiful beach front, watching the runners come in. The full range of speedster to dawdlers, all sizes, shapes and ages, enjoyed Run Fest 2025 – hundreds of them, though not as many as last year. They put on their walking or running shoes for one of the four races offered. *3.5km fun run – flat, fun and fantastic. Starting and finishing at the reserve – 100% flat on hard packed beach trails or footpaths.

Turn to page 3

What’s

that Number?

Emergency 24 hours (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 111

Police (Whitianga) 866 4000

Police (Tairua) 864 8888

Police (Coromandel Town) 866 1190

Fight crime anonymously –Call Crime Stoppers

0800 555 111

Dog and Noise Control 868 0200

Civil Defence 868 0200

Coromandel Town Medical Centre 866 8500

Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) .........................866 5911

Tairua Medical Centre 864 8737

Thames Medical Centre 868 9444

Need to talk?

Call/text anytime for support from a trained counsellor 1737

Harbourmaster (Waikato Regional Council) 0800 800 402

Coastguard Radio Operators 866 2883

Whitianga Social Services 866 4476

Whitianga Locksmith Services 027 446 6921

Whiti City Cabs 07 866 4777

Whitianga Car Hire 07 866 2226

Go Kiwi Shuttles 0800 446 549

Barrier Air 0800 900 600

PAULINE’S PLACE

I like it cold and toasted

Two slices of white bread was the base of my lunch.

My father or mother cut the slices for all of us. Presliced bread in waxed paper wrapping was available but not for our family.

Sometimes there was butter. In Queensland it was always soft enough to spread.

Then came the Kraft cheese. My family had cheese from the neighbours’ farm, but I liked Kraft cheese. It cost less than the real cheese so dad didn’t mind.

I was eight now and made lunch for myself as did my three older siblings. This same sandwich had been my favourite since starting school. Things I did for lunch - generous with the butter, four slices of kraft cheese covered the slice of bread to the edge of the crusts. That way I liked the crust. No salt for me. ‘The piece de resistance’ was to toast it. I would spread more butter on the top of the sandwich and sizzle it in the frypan, then spread butter on the side yet to be toasted. Turn it. Don’t burn it I would say to myself.

When it cooled, I would carefully cut it into four squares to

make it last longer and wrap my toasted delight in baking paper. Nothing tasted better. I loved the taste, the texture, and I knew every stage of making the sandwich. I am embarrassed to say, but this was my university sandwich as well. What happened to my sandwich?

In the seventies, I was a youth worker for the city of Brisbane. We ran two-week summer camps on the Gold Coast of Australia for 1420-year-olds. There would be 500 young people - surfing, swimming, coffee shop entertainment, movies and general

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fun. Half of them were from distant country areas with no access to the ocean.

Before breakfast each morning, a team of twenty would be on lunch preparation duty. The team had 40 minutes to make lunch for 500 kids - sliced bread or bread rolls, a piece of cake (large trays of cake were transported to the lunch site). The sandwich team just cut the cake in the trays into squares. It was a load of fun - sandwich duty was very popular.

Later, we would run school holiday seven-day camps for primary school children, 8-12 years, and a 7-year-old child could come if an older sibling was registered. Once again, the children would stand in line to be on the lunch duty – making sandwiches or filling rolls for three hundred 8–12-year-olds.

People did wash their hands but there were no masks or gloves.

What happened to all those sandwiches and rolls?

I don’t want to comment on the politics of school lunches that just about filled most NZ evening news programmes regularly. I know children like making sandwiches.

June 3-11,

Venus dominates the early dawn sky shining like a lighthouse while much fainter Saturn sits high above and to its left. Faint Mercury has now reappeared low in the early dusk sky to join bright Jupiter sitting above it. Mars is still there too but far to the right and above Jupiter and getting ever fainter with the Moon accompanying it on June 3. There will be several Chinese Tiangong and International Space Station (ISS) passes to enjoy this week but as usual timings may change especially towards the end of the week if they have to be moved to avoid space junk. Always best to check the website heavens-above.com for updated timings.

Tuesday, June 3 – Early morning sees an

ISS pass from 5:56am in the SW next to the Southern Cross and the Moon now sits to the right and high above Mars in the evening.

Wednesday, June 4 – We have an ISS pass from 6:44am in the west.

Thursday, June 5- There is an early ISS pass from 5:57am in the west after a 5:48am pass by Tiangong starting high overhead as it pops out of the Earth’s shadow.

Friday, June 6 – There is a short Tiangong pass from 6:27am in the west.

Sunday, June 8 – There will be a Tiangong pass in the SW from 6:11am.

Monday, June 9 – There is a long Tiangong pass from 6:49am in the SW.

Tuesday, June 10 – We will have another Tiangong pass from 5:54am in the south.

They would need, of course, a demonstration and a positive adult to supervise and a classroom allotted to make them, even a pop-up gazebo with tables and washed hands.

I did a budget on the cost of making sandwiches for 500 primary students and it is a lot less than $3. My budget was on 4 slices of bread, butter or margarine, two fillings and a paper bag. I included a piece of fruit which could come from a community fruit basket at the school whereby people would bring the produce from their orchards and backyards.

Why do children need their lunches in microwave proof dishes, non-reusable at that?

If we are going to all of this cost and care because the families cannot cope with preparing lunches or can’t afford it, then a sandwich lunch could be an excellent resource and great resilience preparation. If we are doing this because the meal is to be the nutritional meal for the day because they won’t get any other good meal, then this is an urgent social catastrophe that cannot be addressed with the current lunch practice.

Newspaper Layout: Diane Andrew

Run Fest Day – Saturday, 31 May

Continued from front page

*6km explorer course – great panoramic views of the Coromandel coastline plus half urban paths, half scenic trails, and you get the short ferry to the finish line.

*The 10km adventure, *21km half-marathon – it’s a race at your own pace.

The whole event ran very smoothly. All ages participated and there was joy and that sense of achievement in generous supply.

Sponsors make a huge difference and with G.J. Gardner Homes taking the lead for the second year with their generosity and practical support, other businesses stepped in to support and promote the event. Thank you to Guthrie Bowron, Coromandel CFM, Ultimate Direction, Mercury Bay Business Association, Thames Coromandel District Council and Topo Athletics.

Though organised on a commercial basis by Element Events, Run Fest has a huge community based infrastructure to enable its success and many volunteers. It is very much an event for families- members taking part in different races or in one event together or giving support from the sideline. It’s an event that fits well with G.J. Gardner Homes’ philosophy.

Father and daughter together on half-marathon. This is perfectly normal, except Lucy is 12 but could not register for the 21km unless she was 15, so for

the race she became 15. She finished the fastest female in the 15-19 age group as a 12-yearold! Many students from Whenuakite School took part in the

Run Fest. Lucy’s 21km was outstanding.

See pg 17 to read a personal story from the race who honour the memory of Taylor Kite.

The Run Fest attracts a diverse range of runners and walkers.

Organisers of Fun Fest Nick Reader and Clare Todd.

Mark Irwin, MBAS teacher, interviews the winner of the 21km half marathon, Ben Bidois from Cambridge.

Your Weekly Kitchen Calendar

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VE Day memories came alive in Thames

Thames Museum commemorated VE Day -Victory in Europe with a lot of pizazz and ceremony.

BY GARRY BRANDON

It was the 80th Anniversary last month of World War II victory in Europe - 8 May 1945. Huge headlines in the morning papers on that day, announced the German Third Reich’s unconditional surrender.

This news 80 years ago, brought untold joy to all of New Zealand. This small county gave its all in the cause of peace. The WWII battles threatened the hope of peace in many parts of the world and threatened New Zealand. In fact, many Kiwi troops, immediately after this news, were redeployed to fight in East Asia and the Pacific for three more months.

Europe was far away but with so many overseas fighting in Europe and North Africa and the Pacific, the world became much closer. The stories of our men and women and the suffering with which they returned brought the horror of war close to home and inside many NZ families. The thrill and joy of hearing that it was the end of the war, is still remembered.

Well done to Thames MuseumTe Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga, with your very special 80th anniversary commemoration Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) held on Saturday, 31 May.

A whole series of events and displays took place at Thames

Clockwise from top left – Jordan Harris, Cameron Sly, Devin James Cooper in re-enactment of war time parade and inspection. (Scott Simpson in background); Mark and Sylvia Modjeski, visitors from Queensland gaze thoughtfully at the comprehensive collection of local Maori pre-colonial relics; Althea Loveday, retired nurse (41 yrs at Thames Hospital), Andy Phillips (Surgical Nurse at Thames Hospital); Thames resident Hamish McGregor with an original 1942 BSA M20, used in Burma (now Myanmar). Hamish restored the bike; Ian McLeod dons the appropriate head dress to drive the replica 1942 Chevrolet, as used in North Africa.

Museum. The World War II Historical Re-enactment Society supported the event, bringing displays related to the New Zealand Home Guard, 21st Battalion, the Long-Range Desert Group, and American and German forces. Brendan O’Carroll, an authority on the Long-Range Desert Group was the guest speaker. There were activities for children and music from WWII era. At noon, the raising and lowering of the New Zealand flag and one minute’s silence was observed in honour of all those who gave their lives fighting for freedom. It was a fantastic, locally organised event which brought people from all over the country, with some holidaying making a special trek to Thames to be part of this commemoration of a momentous day in New Zealand’s history.

Celebration of Helpers Saturday June 7th Midday – Whitianga Fire Station (Kupe Drive)

The Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust in collaboration with Whitianga Fire and Emergency is holding an open day where the public can meet the people behind some of Whitianga’s helping organisations and find

out more of what they do. Check out the emergency vehicles and a Coastguard Boat. We know there are many people in our community that may have time to offer, who may have thought about volunteering but are not

Writers interview Sessions

sure where to star. This is your chance to explore opportunities to give back to your community. It’s organisations like these that keep small communities like ours going. There will be raffle tickets, plants for sale, a sausage sizzle

EVERYONEWELCOME

and activities for the kids. Come and say hi, we look forward to meeting you.

Bellyfull, Coastguard, FENZ, Grey Power Mercury Bay, Lodge Whitianga, Manawai Kai, Mercury Bay Lions Club, Mercury Bay Cancer

Support Trust, Mercury Bay Environmental Trust, Senior Net Whitianga, Hato Hone St John Health Shuttle, Hato Hone St John Opshop, Operations and more, Te Tihi Nui Trust. Contact Di Taylor 027 252 7996 or ditaylor1965@gmail.com

All interviews will be in TCDC Board Room, 10 Monk St, Whitianga

3.00-4.00 pm

THURSDAY 5 JUNE

& Anya Stride

TCDC Board Room, 10 Monk St.

Giorgio Allemano 1.30-2.30pm Des Hunt 3.00-4.00pm

Niva Kay 1.30-2.30 pm

THURSDAY 12 JUNE

Ginney Deavoll 3.00-4.00 pm

TCDC Board Room, 10 Monk St.

Mark Vette 1.30-2.30pm Nick, Michael & Anya Stride 3.00-4.00pm

THURSDAY 19 JUNE

Russell Skeet 1.30-2.30 pm

Niva Kay 1.30-2.30pm

Stephanie Parkyn

Ginney Deavoll 3.00-4.00pm

3.00-4.00 pm

Russell Skeet 1.30-2.30pm

Stephanie Parkyn 3.00-4.00pm

TCDC Board Room, 10 Monk St. Gala tickets $20.00

Interview session tickets $15.00 each

June Session tickets $15.00 each

From Mercury Twin Cinemas April 1 Books for sale on the day

Mercury Bay Club 7.30pm Friday 6 June

65 years ago, Whitianga experienced the 1960 Chilean Tsunami Part One

From notes compiled into a book by Waikato Regional Council in 2014. The booklet was made available to The Informer by Walter Russell who was there when the surges from the tsunami came into Whitianga.

Not many would notice the red marker on the cliff face at Pah Point. Some may not know where Pah Point is (see adjacent image). Sixty-five years ago when tsunami surges caused by the earthquake in Chile were coming every half hour into Mercury Bay, they left a very clear indicator of how high the water level came.

From Howard Pascoe: “Robin Lee and I carved a mark in the sandstone cliff where the dust was washed off and a distinct line could be seen along the cliff over a metre above the highest spring tide.”

From Walter Russell: “The marker peg was driven into the cliff a few days after the event at the high tide level - on the other side of the harbour.”

On May 22, 1960, no one in New Zealand knew that Chile had been rocked by an earthquake. It was the largest ever recorded instrumentally at magnitude 9.5 and triggered a massive tsunami that caused havoc and destruction across the Pacific. Several coastal towns on the west coast of South America were inundated by a 25 metre wave (tsunami).

This focussed the attention of the whole world on one of nature’s most terrifying weapons – the Tsunami. Its effect was far reaching – all the way to Whitianga and many parts of the east coast on Coromandel Peninsula.

The tsunami gets its name from the Japanese. Literally, it means “a harbour wave” which is a reasonable description when we know these waves affect harbours and bays much more than they do ships at sea.

A personal account from Robin Lee and Walter Russell who were interviewed in 2014. They both remembered the events very clearly. Robin was at home in Owen Street at the time. The engine of the Three Kings launch was revving loudly. Just after 9.00pm on 22 May. That was what alerted him. He describes the water as ripping in and out of the harbour. Robin and Howard Pascoe were looking after the Three Kings launch and jumped into the

dinghy to get to it. The water was running into the harbour. With full throttle (160hp) into the current, they were unable to loosen the mooring rope to get it off the bollard and had to wait till the tide turned. At full speed into the current, they were “doing about ten knots backwards’ against the current and were being washed back into the harbour. Robin observed that the water was working like a pump – more water came in than was able to flow out, so that in the

top of the harbour water levels didn’t change much. There was no low tide at all. The tides got higher and higher over a period of 2-3 days.

Mercury Bay is an east coast bay shaped like a funnel – about 8.8 kms wide and 13.67 kms deep into the river mouth and is very sensitive to big easterly waves and oceanic disturbances. This means seismic waves, as were caused by the Chilean earthquakes. Part Two next week

Walter Russell showing the site of the maximum inundation level at Pah Point, the original marker peg is in the middle of the circle; The red circle shows the marker peg where the wave surges came – maximum inundation level at Pah Point, more than a metre above high tide mark; the position of Pah Point, right.

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL WRITER – SARAH JANE

Nine questions travel writers try to avoid answering

1. WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO GO ON HOLIDAY TO…?

The best time of the year to visit is based on weather forecasts. This does not mean it will not rain when you go. Rather it is likely not to rain.

2. HOW FAR IS TOO FAR…?

If your proposed day trip is 40% plus spent in a vehicle getting you to your proposed destination it’s too long, especially with teenagers. Forget the blurb about the scenery; that’s marketing to get bums on seats. Check travelling time using google maps and click on the bus icon to figure out the distance between your accommodation and the attraction.

3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO VISIT IN AUSTRALIA/NZ?

My favourite place to visit is the last place I’ve explored. There is always something to be found in

the corners of Australia and New Zealand.

4. WHAT IS YOUR WORST TRAVEL MISTAKE?

Missing a flight as I misread the departure time. My itinerary has a last minute rewrite. I started to panic, in my head about confirmed and paid for accommodation. Stupidity is not a valid travel insurance claim.

Financial Advisor

5. HAVE YOU ANY PACKING TIPS FOR VISITORS?

Lurking in my suitcase are too many shoes, sneakers, boots, sandals, flip flops and wedges. Then I see a bargain overseas to join the overstuffed shoe cupboard. The problem is how am I going to squeeze new chunky, bulky knee high boots in my duffle bag. It’s a work in progress to practice what I preach.

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Specialising in Business Development, Taxation, Farm Accounting, Structuring, Accounting Systems.

6. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR SUITCASE IS MISSING?

Pack in my cabin luggage from underwear, clothing and toiletries. Assemble three days worth of supplies together with a waterproof light coat. Wear multiple layers of clothing while boarding the plane as well as your heaviest footwear. Check out the airport pharmacy before leaving. Although more expensive you can save the receipts for an insurance claim.

7. WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION DO YOU CHOOSE OR RECOMMEND?

My holidays are a mixture of luxury indulgence to austere motels. I enjoy the indulgence factor when on holiday yet I am not going to miss out on an experience or opportunity to go places. An opportunity can be getting up early in the morning (sigh, I am not a morning person) to sit outside my basic holiday unit and watch wild koa-

las having their breakfast. Magic is sometimes very inconvenient.

8. IS THERE A WRONG TIME OF THE YEAR TO TRAVEL?

Quiet or low season can mean some museums, galleries and events are either closed or running on limited opening hours. Low season offers fewer people, discounts and an opportunity to linger with locals. The bonus is discounts and less people. There is no wrong time to travel, plan ahead

9. HOW DO YOU GET TO SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS WITHOUT A VEHICLE?

You might have to join a tour bus, if the destination is going to take hours with multiple transport options such as a train(s) and then a bus. In the peak holiday season popular destinations might organise a shuttle service from the closest visitor centre. Check with the destination and ask questions.

For an obligation-free discussion and appraisal of your business needs, call me.

Phone 021 960 494 or 07 866 2907

Whitianga Oﬃce (Mon-Wed) 26a Albert Street, Whitianga

Introducing Patrick Kerr

Ihave lived in Whangamata for almost ten years. Some three years ago, I was asked to ‘give something back to my community’ and join Enterprise Whangamata, our local business association. On day one, I was handed the role of Chairman.

Little did I know this would be a key moment in my life!

Enterprise Whangamata was founded in 2008 by a group of local business people who saw a need to promote their businesses to a growing and prosperous region. It has been through several transformative stages from running the local Information Centre, to organising a couple of events, holding its own, yet not reaching full steam.

With a renewed focus and a very supportive committee, I built a comprehensive database of local businesses to enable easy communication with 1,400-plus contacts. Paid membership has grown from a modest number to well in excess of one hundred.

Cyclone Gabrielle saw MBEI inject substantial money into all local business associations on the Peninsula administered by TCDC. I resolved to be very frugal about allocating these funds and planned a series of events during the traditional shoulder seasons to boost local and tourist traffic. The prerequisite was that each event had to be self-fund-

ing through sponsorship and repeated yearly to build their brand. We continue to have a very healthy bank balance.

EXAMPLES ARE:

• Now in its third year, the successful Bayley’s Paradise Coast Golf Classic, held over three days in November with 140 players, some seventy percent from outside the district, all enjoying the challenges of playing at the Whangamata Golf Club, Tairua Golf & Country Club and The Lakes Pauanui.

• Business Breakfast Expos, Shop Local, and Lunch en Blanc.

• The Repco Beach Hop, enjoyed by +100,000 visitors, enables us to run the 100-stall Classic Cover Nostalgia Fair and the best dressed Top Shop – our monthly Business after 5 with guest speakers.

• WOW! Wheels over Whanga predominantly focuses on two wheels and a crack at the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of mobility scooters assembled.

• Women play such an essential role in our district’s commerce. They are the unsung heroes of our community. To acknowledge this and to give women a monthly forum to exchange ideas and hear inspirational speakers, we created the Professional Women’s Network.

• Lemonade for Will – a donation for a cup of fresh lemonade. We were delighted to raise $10,500 for our local Police Seargent Will Hamilton, towards his blood cancer treatment. Will is much admired in our community as is his wife Amber and their young family.

We live in communities scattered around the Coromandel Peninsula. I am acutely aware they were, and still are, founded on the endless energy and support of an army of Volunteers. For instance, the Whangamata Community Swimming Pool was funded by residents who joined together, built two houses, and sold them to provide sufficient funds to establish the pool.

In Mercury Bay, the Boating Club has a rich history, locally and internationally, having challenged for the America’s Cup in 1988 with Sir Michael Fay’s KZ1. Located on the beautiful Buffalo Beach beachfront, the weather event of Cyclone Hale threatened the clubhouse, so the members and volunteers moved fast to protect it.

(They have a challenge ahead as the future placement of their Boating Club building faces legal issues). The spirit of volunteerism embodies our community’s ideal. Unfortunately, this collaborative spirit is undermined by an expanding and inefficient bureau-

cracy that continually imposes new costs and regulations on our residents.

I have become disillusioned with our elected Council and believe it is time for CHANGE.

I am standing as Mayor of Thames-Coromandel in the upcoming October elections.

The Council and incumbent Mayor have increased rates by +36% over the last three years. It is unacceptable. It is unsustainable.

The Council is dysfunctional.

I am passionate about our community and believe change is essential for us as residents and ratepayers. By selecting likeminded councillors and taking up the role as your mayor, we will reach a consensus and drive TCDC back to health.

THE FIVE PRINCIPLES I WILL DEMONSTRATE AND EXPECT OF COUNCIL ARE:

1. Back to Basics – attend to roads, waters and waste.

2. Fiscal Responsibility – scrutinise every dollar of this year’s $147m expenditure and limit future rate increases to the lesser of CPI or 3%.

3. Local Empowerment – dedicate 5% of rates to local Community Boards. Decentralise and empower our local communities.

4. Transparency – too much

Council business is conducted behind closed doors.

5. Economic Development –from more to better: focus on tourism. We have 2/3rds of New Zealand’s population within 2.5 hours of our doorstep.

Over the coming months, I look forward to getting to know you better and earning your vote.

Editor’s Note: Patrick Kerr is one of three mayoral candidates standing for election in October this year. The other two are our current Mayor, Len Salt, and Peter Revell who is a TCDC Councillor. There could be more, the closing date being some way off. There is an interview with Peter Revell conducted by Coromandel CFM – go to CFM’s facebook for the Interview.

The Informer will be publishing regularly about our mayoral candidates and those standing for Council and Community Boards. We will need you to vote, wherever you are.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

STAN STEWART AND THE GAP

The recent loss of Stan Stewart, husband of Pauline, writer of Stans Stuff and co owner of The Informer has left a big gap.

In the few years that Stan’s lived in Whitianga he’s been a welcome and familiar figure around town. He’s made many friends and delighted so many of us with his inspirational weekly writing in The Informer under “Stan’s Stuff”. Many people communicate that “Stan’s Stuff” is the first article they’d read in The Informer.

Keenly observant and curious, he had the ability to write about every day “stuff” with wry humour and deep insight. His kindness and intelligence always shone through both in his writing and his persona.

Both Stan and Pauline’s have a gift of seeing peoples strengths and encouraging them to believe in themselves. Their support and friendly communication skills made them ideal to run a community newspaper of which Pauline is still the editor and 2/3rds owner.

We, along with many others, miss Stan and his colourful presence around town. We are left with lovely memories and the gratitude of being friends.

A selection of Stan’s stories has been published in a book, “Stan’s Stuff”. People should get a copy and it is available at the Whitianga Paper Plus.

Liz Sims and Mike Savage, Whitianga

A CONCERN ABOUT TOTARA VALLEY DEVELOPMENT

According to the Building research association of New Zealand, average land values around the country have reduced 15% since the 2022 peak, but build-

ing costs have continued to rise, meaning the price of a modest standalone house and section is now $1.2million, over $200,000 more than an equivalent existing house. As a consequence, new build numbers are continuing to fall.

So I have to ask, why is TCDC planning to borrow $15million in order to provide the required infrastructure for a private property developer in the Totara Valley?

Logic suggests that the developer will not rush to build if the final price will be totally uncompetitive with existing houses for sale. In which case TCDC rate payers will be left to cover the $375,000 per year interest payment on the loan, with nothing to show for it and no development contributions until the houses are (if ever) built.

Martin Spinks, Thames

PAY EQUITY

On 27 May The Informer published M D Passmore’s letter critical of Hon Scott Simpson’s neglect in an earlier item to refer to amendments to the Equal Pay Act relating to pay equity, in context of the major benefits to the Government’s financial position that those amendments would bring, as had been observed by Hon David Seymour. I agree with MD Passmore’s sentiments, although his comment that the legislation was abolished is mistaken.

Pay equity is all about work predominantly performed by women being remunerated the same as work that is different, but of equal value, to work performed by men. This is subtly different from equal pay – the principle that women and men doing the same work should be paid the same.

What the Amendment Act does is to make it much harder for women to bring a pay equity claim. For instance, it raises the legal threshold for such a claim from being “arguable” to the more stringent one of “having merit”. It imposes a new and detailed hierarchical approach of identifying potential comparators for a claim. It raises the percentage of the female workforce that must have historically been impacted from 60% to 70%. It also takes away the right to seek back pay follow-

ing a successful claim. Previously, that had been up to six years’ pay: by doing so it has removed one of the big incentives for employers to pay women equitably in the first place.

All three readings of this complex Bill were rushed through Parliament in a single sitting going late into the night of 6 May, with only a few hours’ prior notice of it to Opposition parties, and no public consultation or select committee consideration.

All in all, a shameful episode in this Government’s tenure. No wonder Mr Simpson preferred to be silent about this legislation in his 20 May item. Politicians of any colour very seldom want to draw attention to shabby behaviour by their Party.

Phil Bartlett, Coromandel Town

“POSITIVELY MERCURY BAY” TAKES A BREAK

When the initiative of “Positive Mercury Bay” was launched in the summer months of 2025 it was aimed to stimulate people to be positive and not negative in their thoughts and ideas.

Has the programme been a success? Without question it has been, especially at The Bike Park, where dozens of positive messages were received. What was significant to me was the number of visitors putting their views on the wonderful region we live in.

A big thank you to all the participants in this initiative, especially The Informer and CFM radio station. Unfortunately we have to take a recess in the project and reintroduce the programme in the summer of 2025/26.

Finally, we need to be positive living in our special region of Mercury Bay and to promote the positive and negate the negative.

Noel S. Hewlett, Whitianga

STILL SELLING OFF OUR ASSETS

I believe we know how mistaken Roger Douglas was to sell off our country’s assets to overseas interests. The consequent increased costs to our citizens are clear. Big business is the winner. So, I was appalled to find the desperate drive to get more money has allowed this government to expedite ’fast track’ leg-

islation and thus sell off more of our country’s assets. I cite, in particular, a rare special kind of coal at Denniston in the South Island. There is an area of coal there that burns to coke and is essential for refining iron from ore in blast furnaces. This ore is present in massive deposits in Australia. So, the company suddenly mining here and destroying plant and animal life is Bathurst Resources., owned by the richest person in Australia. What is wrong with us citizens that we keep electing people who put money /investment ahead of the environment and Climate Change? Is it greed and an attitude of, ’to hell with the future’?

We ae all part of this, so when did you last talk to Scott Simpson?

Peter H. Wood, Whitianga

NASA READINGS KEEP THE RESEARCH DOLLARS ROLLING IN

I fear correspondent Gavin Kenny (Informer May 27) places far too much blind faith in NASA information just because it comes from NASA. The information supposedly shows good agreement between sea level data from 1330km high satellites and shoreline tide gauges producing an alarming rate of sea level rise in 2024.

There may well be agreement in the report he found, but this is only because the tide gauge data has been fiddled or ‘corrected’ by the author to make it agree. This data is not true tide gauge data but rather data that has been corrupted by controversial, and very uncertain estimates of the fall in the bottom of the world’s oceans and also changes in the size of the oceans over the last century. To compound the error, the author has not allowed for the rise and fall of the land on which the tide gauges are sited which can further exaggerate any trend.

His other NASA study infers that if you mix hot and cold bits of the ocean this combination makes the whole ocean warmer and expand more than if you measure the hot and cold bits separately and calculate their relative volumes and expansions. It is a nonsense study.

Mr. Kenny claims I have no evidence for my skepticism. My evidence is in the raw unadulterated

tide gauge data measured at the coast where accurate sea level data matters, not from 1330km away. This global data is freely available on the US Government NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) website.

Before Mr. Kenny blindly accepts data just because it comes from NASA he should go back to the source and find unadjusted evidence for us all from tide gauges anywhere in the world that show his alarming rise. If what he and NASA claim is true this claimed trend should show up in every record. However, he will find that very few, if any, tide gauge records actually do and sadly this is exactly why the data has to be fiddled to back up NASA’s alarmist figures and keep the research dollars rolling in.

Alastair Brickell, Kuaotunu

RE CLIMATE CHANGE TIRADE

Quite frustrating that David Gibson launched yet another tirade against Alastair Brickell, which ignores the clarity of Alistair’s position on Climate Change. What fun he must have had refining his lengthy satire, thereby inadvertently adding his own small contribution to global warming as his arguments become steadily more heated. His time would be better spent re-reading Alistair’s letters and my earlier letter. We are not denying that the climate is changing, as it has many times in past centuries, simply that the man-made contribution is being exaggerated for politically correct reasons, which are generating shortsighted changes & regulations detrimental to our present quality of life.

Mike Ellis, Whangamata

John Bertrand Collectables Buying in the Coromandel Region

This Coming Sunday and Monday

Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Collectables are visiting the Coromandel Region this coming Sunday and Monday. Mr Tony Grant from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in”.

“This week will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant. Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables.

“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant.

“Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said.

The buyers will be in the Coromandel Region this coming Sunday and Monday. (see details below). As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.”

Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices

During these uncertain times we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.

Interesting Small Collectables Wanted

The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting in the Coromandel Region this coming Sunday and Monday are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.

“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

Early New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue. Mr Grant is in the Coromandel Region this coming Sunday and Monday on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One

Pound banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before. Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant. Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.

Collectors Need War Medals

Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.

Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity

Do you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to “bring them in and let us have a look”. “No need to sort anything out just bring them in ‘as is’ and please don’t clean them! We can go through coin accumulations and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 20 times their face value (more for quantity). “In any event we will buy All Coins,” said Mr Grant.

Mr Anthony (Tony)

Should we advertise our entire heritage?

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

Iwas reading an article the other day about the discovery of an old Moriori waka called Rangihoua on the Chatham Islands. This waka was one of two that made the voyage from Hawaiki and its discovery is probably the most significant archaeological find in New Zealand’s history. The article was very interesting but is not the actual topic of this week’s pondering.

In this article there was one thing that got me thinking and that was the presentation of a gentleman’s name. The name was presented as Maui Solomon (Moriori, Ngai Tahu). I am familiar with the modern trend to note Maori tribal affiliations after the name, but this is the first time I have seen a non-Maori genealogy expressed. I can understand if Mr Solomon wished to have the affiliations expressed this way as Solomon is a much esteemed Moriori name; Tommy Solomon who died in 1933, being the last full blooded Moriori. But who decided that the tribal affiliation could be extended to include a

Whangamatā

Half Marathon gets backing through Government tourism fund

people that you are descended from?

An interesting question and I don’t know the answer but presume it was the journalist that wrote the article. When investigating this issue and reading a number of miscellaneous articles I noticed that brackets are used commonly to provide details about a person that the writer is too lazy to express properly.

As an example I have researched Willie Jackson, purely because his genealogy has been made public on the DNA Detectives TV program.

I have seen Mr Jackson’s name expressed as “Willie Jackson (Politician)” which appears to be incomplete to me as it doesn’t describe what type of politician. This could be expressed as “Member of Parliament Willie Jackson”, which is more explanatory and better English. I have also seen Mr Jackson’s name expressed as “Willie Jackson (Labour)” which could have been expressed as “Labour Member Willie Jackson” if the journalist wasn’t lazy.

When displaying tribal affiliations Mr Jackson is commonly

referred to as being Ngati Porou and Ngati Maniapoto. This is quite correct but is incomplete.

In Parliament Mr Jackson has claimed to also be of Ngati Mutunga descent but I have never seen this expressed by any journalist. For explanation; Ngati Mutunga are Chatham Island Maori and Mr Jackson was speaking about the settlement of Moriori claims when he made this claim. The question does arise of whether the writer should note tribal affiliations if they do not know them all.

My friend is of Ngati Porou descent of which she is proud, but she objects to being categorised

Mr Ross Cooper of Waihi was awarded a Kings Service Medal for services to Rugby in the Kings Birthday Honours list.

The Government is encouraging more New Zealanders to visit Whangamatā, with support from the Regional Events Promotion Fund, helping boost regional tourism and promote local events, Coromandel MP Scott Simpson says.

“I’m thrilled to see the Whangamatā Half Marathon included in this round of funding support,” Mr Simpson says. “ It is a growing event that draws participants and supporters from across the country.”

“This event brings people to one of New Zealand’s best-loved beach towns, supports local businesses, and puts Whangamatā on the map for domestic tourism outside the peak summer season.”

“The Fund is aimed at regions that don’t usually see high numbers of domestic tourists, especially during the quieter seasons,” Mr Simpson says.

“Events like this are great drawcards. They bring life to our towns in the shoulder seasons and help keep local jobs and businesses going year-round.”

“This National-led Government is committed to backing regional growth and delivering practical support to communities like ours.”

Destination Hauraki-Coromandel

• $5,500 to 2026 New Zealand Women’s Surfing Festival

• $6,000 to Whangamatā Half Marathon

• $5,000 to Wings and Wheels

Ross’ contributions to rugby are well documented and he has made significant contributions to rugby at all levels across this nation for more than 50 years.

Ross Cooper played for Wairarapa-Bush, Centurions, and the Thames Valley Rugby Union, serving as Captain, and variously as Team Manager and Selector Coach between 1984 and 2007. He won two National titles with Thames Valley in 1988 and 1990.

He has been a Senior Coach for Counties Manukau, the Chiefs Super Rugby Team, and has been a selector for various

as Ngati Porou only, because it does not tell her full story. She has natural bright red hair and she is pleased with the Irish she thinks is in her past. Then again there is the old legend of ship wrecked Spanish on the East Coast. So perhaps her affiliation could be expressed as (Ngati Porou, Dublin (Irish), Barcelona (Spanish). Makes interesting reading but the accuracy is in question and it starts to become a bit ponderous to read.

When full genealogy is expressed, it does become unwieldy. As an example, we return to Willie Jackson whose genealogy in the DNA Detectives

program was revealed as Chinese 34%, Ashkenzai Jew 25%, Maori 20%, English 18%, Spanish 2% and African .4%. You have to wonder if the Spanish bloodline comes from the ship wreck on the East Coast but it is up to Willie to verify this. Obviously there are some interesting stories behind such a diverse blood line, but Mr Jackson quite clearly identifies mostly with his Maori heritage and he has often spoken about his English side also.

It appears that the practice may be to declare paternal and maternal tribal affiliations and leave it at that. It is fair enough and understandable, if that is indeed the accepted practice.

Perhaps a reader would like to clarify or confirm this. This convention doesn’t cater for everyone though. As an example I am of Norwegian and Scottish descent, with a slight taint of English. Being a fifth generation New Zealander, I don’t really identify strongly with either line, though the two former origins are important to me and to my family.

I guess if asked I will just put “Kiwi” in the brackets in future.

New Zealand Under 17, Under 19, New Zealand Colts/Under 21s, Academy, Divisional, and Heartland teams.

Ross was an All Blacks Selector and Assistant Coach from 1994 to 1998 and New Zealand Rugby Resource Coach from 1995 to 2004. He has been involved with the Thames Valley Rugby Union Executive Committee (now Board of Management) for 14 years, including five as Deputy Chair, and is currently President and a Life Member. He has been a key driver behind the development of women’s rugby in Thames Valley since

2021.

He coached the Counties Manukau provincial team to win the second division competition in 1993, earning promotion to the first division competition. He was the Hilary Commission’s Coaching Council Chairman for three years. Ross has been the Thames Valley reporter of the Grassroots and Mainfreight Rugby television programmes for 20 years.

Ross is often seen supporting the inter -club rugby matches at Lyon Park and also the inter- school rugby days at Moewai Sport Park.

The depth of our ancestry is revealed through DNA testing.

ENVIRONMENT MATTERS

THE BIG THREE are targets

BY MALCOLM CAMPBELL

Most people not all, but most people in New Zealand live comfortably and their comfort is underpinned by only three productive sectors of the population. Those sectors are

FARMING FISHING AND MINING.

There is no other source of wealth and for wealth – read comfort. Yet these sectors are under constant surveillance from Government, Councils and even their own neighbours, and have the constant threat of prosecution hanging over their heads for a breach in the eyes of the law, of their operations.

FARMING:

Severe damage to the environment has taken place in all of New Zealand in the last 60-65 years. How do I know this? Because I have witnessed the destruction that has taken place and would you believe the worst perpetrators are our ‘Authorities’ just as ‘Water Wizard’ Victor Schauberger said. He said more. “They will not heed, they will continue doing what they are doing until they cause a total collapse.” The authorities have a one-stop cure

for everything and that is to revert to poison- parks, reserves, roadsides, rivers, creeks, canals, drains and now one, the Food Safety Authority wants to have more poison namely glyphosate in your bread. The ‘Lords Prayer’ will need an amendment to ‘Give us our daily bread and glyphosate too’. However the authorities blame the farmers for any damage.

FISHING:

All of the crap poison dispensed on the land by-ways and into the water ways is going to end up in the sea and the poison the Regional Council, District Councils, Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand and others who spread it, is going to end up in the tide. The poisoned flotsam will be washed up to still be potent to water fowl and fish life. ‘

The Hauraki Gulf Forum’ admits that the water in the gulf has been steadily declining. Sixty years of poisoning has had no apparent effect according to the authorities, as no mention is ever made of any damage that is caused by poison (50 tons of poison concentrate annually according to the official information act).

A rather rough estimate indicates that two-fifths of the poison applied to the Waikato Regional Area ends up in the Hauraki Gulf and three-fifths flows away through the Waikato Heads into the Tasman Sea. However the authorities blame the fishermen for any damage.

MINING:

A full-page advertisement in a local paper recently indicates that gold and silver mining is going to wreck the whole of the Coromandel Peninsula. Most of the treat-

ment and milling plant including the original Martha Pit is located in about two square kilometres in and about Waihi township. A further three square kilometres to the east of the town, is the site of the ‘Tailings Storage Facility’. Rehabilitation is taking place on the slopes of the rising mounds of the deposited material, where there is already some grazing land. A further Waihi North underground project appears to be mostly under farmland, although it is not very clear how far this tunnel may extend under native bush. A corridor about 200 metres wide above the proposed underground shaft could occupy two square kilometres. To be on the safe side, allow three square kilometres. The total has now reached eight square kilometres and again, to be on the safe side, allow twelve.

The Coromandel Peninsula is approximately three thousand one hundred square kms and that indicates mining occupies 0.0038709677 of the area at the same time employing over 450 people (79% living locally) paying $37,000,000 in wages while other local expenditure raises the total to $53,000,000 all from

less than twelve square kilometres. How is it, that Department of Conservation, Hauraki District Council, Thames Coromandel District Council and Environment Waikato all get away with deliberately poisoning our environment, while farmers, fishermen and miners are identified as the villains.

‘Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth.’

Albert Einstein

How safe is your vehicle?

Maybe not as safe as you think –

BY JACK BIDDLE

Compared to the vehicle fleet in the developed world, it’s a well-documented fact that New Zealand sits at the bottom of the pack when it comes to the average age of its light passenger vehicle fleet.

Currently it sits at around 15 years of age which means we have an awful lot of old vehicles currently on our roads.

There are a number of reasons for this that we won’t get into with this article but the reality of the situation is, there are a lot of vehicles on our roads that are not that well-equipped safety wise in comparison to what is currently on offer in new vehicle showrooms around the country.

That’s not to say the older fleet is totally unsafehowever, as many have over time, inherited the safety features that were considered top shelf when they initially rolled off the assembly lines all those years ago. Multiple airbags, electronic stability control, lap and diagonal seat belts in all seating positions, anti-locking brakes, child seat anchor points, improved independent crash test ratings and the use of more high tensile steel in the assembly process have all been added to improve the safety of occupants over the years.

The strong emphasis was, at the time of planning and production, on passive safety where the vehicle would do its best to reduce injury in the event of an unavoidable crash.

The modern fleet today has moved to a lot more active safety assist features which will activate to help avoid a potential crash happening at all. Even at the lower price range of the market ,it’s not unusual to find safety system features such as; collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring and auto high-beam support fitted as standard kit. In addition, if there is a technical hitch with any of the on-board electronic programmes, then a warning light will illuminate to warn the driver of a problem.

So, by good luck rather than good management, many of the older fleet do have a degree of safety but they don’t hold a candle to what is on offer when purchasing a late model passenger vehicle.

But, as safe as the modern vehicle maybe, there is still one common denominator which could be argued as the most essential safety feature of all ,regardless of a vehicles age.

That is the overall condition of

Don’t let your tyres get to this point – better to be safe than sorry.

the tyres. They are the glue that holds the vehicle to the road in all weather conditions and terrain and play a massive role in ensuring braking, cornering and overall stability are not compromised. Tread depth has limitations for a very good reason as well as it directs hazards such as water, mud and snow away from the tyre to help prevent hydroplaning and

A welcome at Tairua Focus Club

BY PAM FERLA

The members of this club in Tairua have done a lot, learnt a lot and had lots of fun over the years, and they are keen to have more members join them.

Speakers and topics at their monthly meetings have included ‘Backpacking in Turkey’, Working for the Corrections Department’, Life as a local vet, ‘House moving trucks’, ‘Hospice nursing’, and a dog training TV personality. The line-up of interesting speakers continues throughout the year.

Group outings offer the chance to join club members for garden tours, concerts and other events. There are

also regular movie outings. The club meets the first Thursday of each month at Tairua Bowling Club, 10.00am – midday and members enjoy a chat at the morning tea break.

Transport to meetings may be arranged for those unable to drive to the Hornsea Road venue.

Acting president, Jenny Chalmers, says that in the past the club had a waiting list for people wanting to

join.

“But with several members moving away from Tairua we now have spaces for new members. If you have recently arrived in town, are interested in meeting people or are newly retired, we would love you to join us.

“We are looking for members with diversity of interests and experience. We are open to people of all ages, ethnicities, genders and backgrounds. It’s a good way to connect with likeminded people and those who may stimulate our thinking.”

For more information contact Jennie, 0210 226 5066.

think tyres

loss of control for the driver.

Unlike the electronic on-board safety features which are programmed to assume items such as tyres are doing their intended job, there are no on-board driver warnings to alert drivers to general tyre wear and tear.

In many ways the addition of driver alerts has made vehicle owners take a lot more for granted and many have forgotten about their personal responsibilities of carrying out regular selfchecks on safety items such as overall tyre condition.

There are no real excuses either, as a recent chat with the tyre store managers around Whitianga revealed they are all very happy to carry out free tyre inspections and will offer expert advice accordingly.

And its not just passenger vehicle tyres that need checking on a regular basis. Caravans, motorhomes and trailers all have rubber fitted that needs to be kept in good condition. The age of a tyre can lead to potential issues as well even if the tread depth is within legal limits.

As most owners are now well aware, the length of time a Warrant of Fitness is issued for light motor vehicles can range from between 6 months and three years.

Regardless of a vehicle’s age,

build quality or safety features fitted, 12 months or three years can sometimes be an awful long-time between WoF inspections. With service intervals being pushed out further and many owners running tight budgets, it means visits to the workshop where tyre condition ischecked and noted, are often less frequent than they used to be.

There are many stories with the industry about late model vehicles coming into workshops for regular servicing with tyres that have gone well beyond the minimum tread depth, show uneven wear patterns and are considered extremely dangerous.

In some cases, it could be argued that an older vehicle fitted with a set of good quality tyres which are inflated correctly, is actually safer than one fitted with all the bells and whistles safety wise but running on worn out and underinflated tread.

If this week’s column is a reminder that your tyres were boarder line at the last WoF or service or you haven’t given them much thought for a while then do yourself a favour and go do something about it sooner rather than later.

Winter is fast approaching which means wet roads and tyres that need to be up to the task of negotiating them.

In memory of Taylor

A personal story from the Run Fest: Lisa Kite and Tupu Iese competed in the 6km race together. Lisa’s sister Danielle Powell competed in the 10km race while husband Rob cared for children Demi and Eddie and then swapped roles for Rob to do the 3.5km. They are a part of a larger group of friends and whanau who come together every year at the Run Fest to run and walk to hon-

our the life and memory of Taylor Kite who loved running and to raise funds to support the mental health of young New Zealanders. In February, 2022 Taylor who was greatly loved by his whanau and friends, died to suicide at the age of 22. In their first two years of participation, they raised $26,000. See their Give A Little page “TAYS K’S 2025”.

GAMES AND PUZZLES

Crossword Puzzle

a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver, mail,

or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk

to reach us by 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World checkout manager directly.

Kidney fat (4)

Region (4)

More petite (8)

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.

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.

SPORTS

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

Round Four, Paku Pairs

Monday, 26 May

North/South: 1, Tony White & Peter McNeil; 2, Chris Death & Peter Clark; 3, Jocelyn Taylor & Robyn Waters.

East/West: 1, Ngaire O’Brien & Lee Hughes; 2, Kim Van Diepen & Sonia Botica; 3, Jill Huston & Sue Poland.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Hahei Pairs Week Four

Tuesday 27 May

North/South: 1, Robyn Waters and Peter Hogg; 2, Dave Dylla and Johanna Bonnar; 3, Val Robyn Hogg and Peter Clark.

East/West: 1, Jean Myles and Angela Butterworth; 2, Sheryl Roberts and Pam Churchill; 3, Myra Hoogwerf and Lee Hughes.

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB

Championship Pairs Round Five

Wednesday, 28 May

North/South: 1 Pete Hogg & Don Barry; 2, Chris Southwell & Anne Knowles; 3= Val Dwight & Denise Knutson, Kate Palmano & Gavin Hedwig.

East/West: 1, Robyn Hogg & Giorgio Allemano; 2, Sue Gill & Geoff Jervis; 3, Sue Swan & Ian Hogg.

Championship Pairs (Thurs) Round 1

Thursday, 29 May

1, Steven Knowles & Faith Stock; 2, Sue Gill & Rose Tegg; 3, Pam Churchill & Terri Lipanovic.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday, 28 May

Nine players and it was Rob Rielly and Dave Colman with two straight wins to challenge the final frame. Dave Colman took a very close victory and the cash prize. With two wins Rob Rielly (runner up), Greg Murphy, and Ian Baumgren. Highest break Dave Colman with 20.

Saturday, 31 May

Best of three frames: 10 players on Saturday and with three straight wins each,

Wayne Malcolm, Ian Baumgren and Rob Rielly had to fight out the finals. Rob won the drawn bye and Ian despatched Wayne in the semifinal to go on meet Rob in the final. It was Ian on form and took a comfortable win over Rob and took home the cash prize. Runner up Rob Rielly and with two wins Wayne Malcolm, Greg Murphy, Bob Haase and Phil Jones.

TAIRUA GOLF CLUB

Tairua 9-hole Golf Tournament

Friday 16 May

After being postponed from the previous Friday due to heavy rain we had a beautiful sunny day, and the course was in pristine condition. It was unfortunate that the new date clashed with the Waikato 9 Hole Pennants Finals so we lost many players, but we had visitors from, Cambridge, Coromandel, Hukanui, Mercury Bay, Pauanui, Te Puke, Thames, Walton, Whangamata and Gold Coast, Australia. Everyone who came enjoyed the day and as always, a delicious lunch had been prepared

First Division: Gross- Alison Goodlet Mercury Bay; Nett- Robyn Hunter; Stableford -Sue McDonnell Tairua.

Men’s Division: Gross - Mike McCann, Tairua; Nett - Ross Harmer Tairua; Stableford - Brian Fellows, Tairua.

Second Division: Gross - Gabrielle Tucker Tairua; Nett - Kay van Lubeck, Tairua; Stableford - Jean McCann.

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS

There were 13 players, so 501 singles were played. Only one player went through unbeaten in all four sets and that was Steve Pointing. The highest finish was 58 for the ladies scored by Eleanor Higgins and 60 for the men scored by Stoney. No 180’s scored this week.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB

Thursday 29 May

Winners: Sue Webb and Lionel Lawrence Runners Up: Ray Rout and Betty Simpson

Friday Lunchtime Concert Features Manu Mātātahi

Thames Music Group’s free Friday lunchtime concert this June is on the Matariki public holiday, Friday 20th June, and features youth-driven chorus, Manu Mātātahi.

Manu Mātātahi is passionate about revitalising the barbershop style amongst young people in the Waikato. They’re made up of a diverse mix of genders, ages, and backgrounds – the one thing that unites them is their love for singing barbershop music.

Even though they have only been singing together since the start of 2022, they have been awarded bronze medals at the Barbershop Harmony New Zealand national competitions in both 2023 and 2024. Manu Mātātahi always

Good Sports: Merle Ward and Betty Russell

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

9 hole Mixed – Stableford

Friday 30 May

1, Gavin Green; 2, Don Maguire; 3, Les Wal-

bridge

NTP: Eddie Lyle, Rod Bott

18 hole Men - Stableford

Saturday 31 May

1, Matty Menzies; 2, Richard Schofield; 3, Steve Geach

Twos: Matty Menzies, Alan Henderson

Gross: Div 1 - Matty Menzies; Div 2 - Alan Coubray

THE DUNES GOLF CLUB

9 hole Men’s Stableford

Monday 26 May

1, Mark Deutsch; 2, Steve Airey

9 Hole Men’s Yellow Tee’s Stableford

Thursday 29 May

1, Peter Murphy; 2, Noel Rogers 18 Hole Ladies Stableford Shootout

Qualifier

1, Mary Coughlan Mason; 2, Beverley LeLievre

Saturday Haggle Stableford

Saturday 31 May

1, Neil Purchase; 2, Norman Gilbert; 3, Gavin Allden

Two’s: Grant Smallwood on Hole 7, Gavin Allden on Hole 13, Glenn LeLievre on Hole

Nearest the Pin on the 18th Hole: Doug Smith

PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

9 hole stableford and Jean Smith

Trophy Putts

Thursday 29 May

Stableford – 1, Wayne Morrison; 2= Mark Bell, Neil Robertson

Jean Smith Trophy – Ladies Annabel Wharton; Mens Wayne Morrison

18 hole stableford

Saturday 31 May

1, Mike Farrance; 2, Bob Walker; 3, Al Sims; 4, Lauchie Phillips; 5, Neil Vowles 4BBB stableford

Bob Walker and Lauchie Phillips

MERCURY BAY SQUASH CLUB

Business house results

Round 4

Ideal Buildings drew with Guthrie Bowron Luke’s Kitchen drew with Glasshouse Bye - Glass Bottom Boat Round 5

Glass Bottom Boat beat Glasshouse Luke’s Kitchen beat Guthrie Bowron Bye - Ideal Buildings Round 6

Glasshouse beat Guthrie Bowron

Ideal Buildings drew with Glass Bottom

Boat

Bye - Luke’s Kitchen

Points to date

Glass Bottom Boat 22; Glasshouse 21; Ideal Buildings 21; Guthrie Bowron 17; Luke’s Kitchen 14.

welcomes new members - you can find them in the Marian School Hall, Hamilton, on Thursdays from 7:15pm.

Don’t miss this Matariki concert on at 12.15pm, on Friday 20th June. Join Manu Mātātahi and your local Thames community to celebrate Matariki together and experience Manu Mātātahi’s passion for barbershop harmony, with their distinctive Aotearoa flavour.

DETAILS: Thames Music Group’s Free Friday Concert series presents Manu Mātātahi, Friday 20 June, at 12.15pm, St George’s Church, Thames. Free entry, koha/donation gratefully accepted.

Visit: thamesmusicgroup@yahoo. co.nz

TRADES & SERVICES

Tracey:

TRADES & SERVICES

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.

Mercury Bay Womens Rugby

BY MIKE TAYLOR

Following our historic first victory against Ngatea the ladies had a well-earned break from competition during the long weekend, but are poised for their next fixture

against Hauraki North, Sunday, 8 June (an away game). This upcoming fixture against Hauraki North sees another trip across the ranges. These away trips are bonding for the ladies. They are big days but great experience and excel-

lent for culture and team dynamics

This past week, despite some inclement weather, we still managed a very comprehensive training session last Tuesday including a full debrief of the positives and negatives

Annual closing day at Mercury Bay Bowling Club

BY JIMMY JOHNSON

Sunday 25 May

The Margaret Jones Cup was competed for and the winners were Nigel Clifford, Dale Tegg, Jimmy Johnson and Colin

Everett (pictured).

After the Cup competition, all bowlers who won club championships during the season were honoured and a group picture with the trophies was taken.

arising from our recent first win. Thankfully, injuries were not a focus apart from numerous sore bodies and other minor issues. Our squad continues to build nicely with new ladies still on-boarding and our core group becoming tighter week by week.

The coaches, Mark and Bruce, have identified areas of improvement as we target straighter, more purposeful running in the backs and better structure on defence. Fitness has definitely improved and whilst this requires more work, the benefits are obvious.

THAMES VALLEY WOMEN’S RUGBY TEAM

Aside from our own team, we have certain ladies preparing with the Thames Valley squad (Grace and Rangi pictured). Grace has a very strong and athletic centre. She carries the ball powerfully and is an aggressive defender who seldom (if ever) misses her tackles. Rangi is a Prop with great scrummaging technique and also a very direct ball runner who busts tackles regularly. Both these ladies are also busy Mothers !

Grace and Te Paea also recently trained with a Black Ferns development group who are seeking new talent. This is a high-performance environment and very special for our ladies to be involved.

From Grace - “Te Paea and I attended Next Ferns regional combine testing in Hamilton. This was an invitational event, where we were able to showcase our skills, ability and perform

in front of ex-Black Fern players, Rugby New Zealand, Waikato Rugby and Chiefs Manawa S&C.

“Thames Valley Vixens training squad. Their next fixture is 20 June Matariki weekend vs Counties Development. “

Regional news: The top 30 athletes across the 5 regional events will be invited to a national combine at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) in Wellington on 21, 22 June which will be attended by coaching staff from the Black Ferns, Black Ferns Sevens, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki and the Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) pre-

This is about scouting for athletes who could perform at pinnacle events like the 2029 Rugby World Cup in fifteens and 2032 Olympics in sevens.

COME AND CHEER NEXT HOME GAME

The team would like to thank the public for their interest in Ladies Rugby and looking a little further ahead welcome you to our next home fixture versus Coromandel on Sunday, 15 June. Coromandel will bring a big contingent of supporters so please come along and enjoy the action.