Issue 1166 15 July 2025 by theinformernz

SHOP LOCAL OR BYE BYE LOCAL

This was prepared by a couple running a local business and who are very familar with the situation around the Coromandel.

Our town centres are changing - fewer shops, closed signs, and empty premises.

Many of us notice it, talk about it, and worry about it.

But here’s the truth; it’s happening because too many of us are no longer shopping local. We are clicking the mouse, not your local EFTPOS machine. Nowhere in NZ feels an economic downturn earlier, longer, or harder than the Coromandel region. Right now, our local businesses are doing it tough.

These are the same businesses that:

• Provide most of the local jobs

• Sponsor your kids’ sports teams

• Donate to community events and causes

• Keep our towns alive all year – not just in summer.

That’s why it’s more important than ever that we get behind local businesses.

WHY SHOP LOCAL?

• Keeps money in the local economy – supporting local wages and reinvestment

• Keeps our towns vibrant –bustling streets attract more locals and visitors

• Better service & product knowledge – locals know what locals need

• Supports family-owned and start-up businesses

• Strengthens our community identity and resilience

• Creates a more social and personal shopping experience

• Real people, real conversations, real relationships

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL –IT’S EASY

Local Business Associations across the Coromandel – Mercury Bay, Tairua, Thames,

TRUST YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS

Coromandel-Colville, and Whangamatā – have launched “Buy Local” campaigns, backed by TCDC.

There are awesome local promotions, giveaways, and ways to get involved. You don’t need to be a member of a local business association to participate in encouraging others to buy local.

Top Tips from TCDC (plus a few more):

• Skip the online cart

• Grab a coffee from your local café

• Find that gift at a local boutique

• Hire the local tradie

• Buy that tyre from the shop in town

• Book services from someone you know

It all adds up. Every dollar spent locally counts.

So check out your local town’s Facebook page, pop into that shop you’ve been meaning to visit, and Shop Local. Support Local. Win Local. If you don’t, it could be bye bye local.

The extra terrestrials are here!

It was our first night in this small town in New Zealand. The front page of the local paper featured The Teaspoon Club.

It wasn’t my choice, but Stan had assured me we were to be here only three months as it was a short-term assignment, and we were in between larger community projects.

The arrangements for our accommodation were not quite ready. Would we mind staying in a ‘clean’ condemned farm house for a couple of weeks until the planned accommodation was ready. It was close to town and a family home and of course, we didn’t mind.

We arrived and a member of the local organising committee accompanied us.

Having travelled for the last six months, we didn’t have much gear and the local people had provided all living essentials, neatly placed in the farm house .

Once shown around, the house seemed pleasant and comfortable enough. Apart from a bit of a slant in the kitchen floor, all seemed well. It stood in an open paddock reasonably close to the main highway; the side road on which it faced was just 20 metres from the front door. A picket fence had been removed from around its perimeter and was stacked against the back wall of the house.

All seemed fine - a sort of holiday in the country. We had come from an assignment in the centre of Khandallah and before that, Sydney, so this was going to take some adjustment.

There was Stan and me and our youngest, Walker.

Our first night, there was a meeting with the organizing committee. Stan would go and Walker and I would enjoy our first night getting used to being farmhouse dwellers.

It would have been an hour after Stan left and darkness had settled over the Hauraki Plains, when ‘they’ arrived.

‘They’ were the extra-terrestrials. It was terrifying.

The noise of their arrival was something, I (we) had never heard before. It seemed to start suddenly and grew louder and louder – its closeness so threatening, creating frozen fear in both of us.

I turned off the lights and told Walker to lie on the floor with me. He needed no encouraging. He clung to me, and I tentatively reached my hand up to grab the phone while hiding beside the kitchen bench.

It was 1992 and no mobile phones. This was an early fashion

landline. I had been told the number of the office where Stan was having his meeting.

I talked in a whisper so ‘they’ wouldn’t hear. I was trying to think of what else it could be but I could only think ‘extra-terrestrial’.

“Stan please come home here. Tell the people something or someone really terrifying is surrounding us and we are in danger. There is this incredible noise getting louder surrounding the whole house.”

“Have you looked outside?” was Stan’s question – relayed from the group.

“Of course not!” I whispered in a yelling kind of way sitting pressed hard up against the kitchen cup-

board on the floor. “I hope they don’t know we are inside. Please come!”

I clung to the phone. The committee as well as Stan could hear me. What I could hear was chuckling. My thoughts were – “They think I’m crazy and that I’m losing it – terrified of the dark and country night emptiness.”

“Please come!” I pleaded. The chuckling and happy conversation continued through the phone line, to my desperation.

A stranger’s voice, friendly and speaking as if giving instructions, was suddenly on the phone. “Pauline, you and Walker are perfectly okay. Please look out the window. I promise nothing will harm you.”

I raised myself to peer gingerly through the kitchen window in the semi-darkness. Cows, all facing the farmhouse, right up close to the walls surrounding the house. There were 200 or more of them, all chewing; chewing and belching. I had known about cows ‘chewing their cuds’, but I had never experienced it audibly from one cow, let alone 200 in chorus. The ‘extra-terrestrials’ were cows. I felt intensely foolish.

‘Thank you’ I mumbled. “I’m coming right now,” said Stan.

Walker needed a little convincing and then asked when the cows would turn around and not face the house, like they wanted to come in. It took me a while to feel better. Stan was slightly entertained by events but hid it well and was duly very caring. How to face the local committee and the news of such a story travelling through a small country town about the ‘Aussie woman city dweller who encountered extra-terrestrials’ did occur to me.

No one ever made fun of me about that night. In fact, the local committee apologised that the fence had been removed from around the house in readiness for its removal and that the cows would have been attracted to the light after their post-milking feed on meadow pasture. One farmer explained how loud their gastronomic noises could be and that they should have predicted this would happen. Their ready explanation and the openness of their apology in a strange way made me feel welcome. I thought to myself that together, we would find a way to add to the quality of their community whatever awaited us.

Published

name, phone no, email or residential

Opinions

(esp. in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher and can be cut if too long.

Editor: Pauline Stewart (027 271 6182)

Business Manager: Emma Gaunt

Delivery Managers: Dave Piper & Merv Gregory Web Host: EMD Agency Circulation: 9600

Writers: Jack Biddle, Trevor Ammundsen, Michelle Dellabarca, Dorothy Preece, Pam Ferla, Malcolm Campbell, Addie Lane.

Office: 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Phone (07) 866 2090

Editorial: info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising: sales@theinformer.co.nz

Admin: office@theinformer.co.nz Editor: 027 271 6182

July: Saturn is now above the crescent Moon towards midnight and from 5:30am there is a bright ISS pass in the west. Thursday,17 July: There is an early ISS pass starting high overhead from 6:18am. Saturday, 19 July: Matariki sits about half way between the crescent Moon and Venus at dawn and there is a very low ISS pass in the south from 6:17am. Sunday, 20 July: The crescent Moon is now just above and to the left of Matariki at dawn with brilliant Venus much lower down. Monday, 21 July: The Moon sits just below Matariki at dawn with brilliant Venus below and to its right. Tuesday, 22 July: Brilliant Venus sits above and to the right of the thin crescent Moon at dawn with Jupiter just showing on the horizon to its right. Wednesday,

23 July: A minute crescent Moon lies just to the left of Jupiter low down at dawn. The bright dawn beacon of our twin planet Venus continues to shine in the east and it’s fun to watch it slowly disappear from view as the rising Sun gradually brightens the sky to make it invisible. However, telescopes can still observe it all day long though as it’s so very bright. The Moon can help us find Saturn this week in the late evening or early morning sky along with the Pleiades or Matariki. This is getting easier to spot as it rises much earlier each week. There will be several International Space Station (ISS) passes to enjoy this week but as usual timings may change especially towards the end of the week if it has to be moved to avoid space junk. Always best to check the website heavens-above.com for updated timings.

Newspaper Layout: Diane Andrew

Affordable Water – Inaccuracies

– not for everybody in Whitianga

It’s unfair and a burden because of bad planning. The following figures have been checked. They are accurate.

BY PAULINE STEWART

It is a fact that when the water meters were installed in Whitianga in 2021, not all home units received a meter. In many cases, one metre per property was often installed even when there were more homes on that property. This simply makes it unfair for all properties in this situation.

At the time the meters were installed, this resident challenged the installer explaining that there were two homes side by side – parallel lines would be all that is required – a simple job. The response was, ‘We have to get these meters done in a hurry. The money has to be spent before the budget year is up. The front page headline of The Informer 10 November, 2020 read “Whitianga first in line for water meters.”

One factor to acknowledge with the installation of these particular meters is that one could summise that they were the end of old style meters.. These meters require a technician to personally read each meter. This occurs twice a year at the rate payers expense. Were the meters received as a ‘money gift’ from central govern-

ment, part of a left over batch?

That would be acceptable if the meters arrived ‘in a hurry’ 10 years ago, but not in October 2021,(when the meters were installed) when the rollout for smart meters in Auckland began in April 2022?

In 2025, this town not only has a meter system that cannot possibly measure water usage fairly, but everyone with an installed meter has an “out dated’ model that requires a person to physically come and read it.

No accolades here. This is inefficient, and incompetent and these criticisms would be levelled at a private business. Could our council at least admit this is a stuff up. It was well before our elected councillors and community board members were elected (by a few months), but it needs to be in their time that the matter is acknowledged and made fairer. The community board members need to advocate and push hard and demand adjustment from the councllors who can engage staff to fix it.

Let’s carefully note the charges this resident has set out to help us understand just how unfair his/ her situation is.

THIS RESIDENT’S WATER COSTS - HIS/HER FACTUAL ACCOUNT

• Like other households, I (my home) was left out, when the water meters were installed in a hurry in October 2021.

• There is a big discrepancy in what TCDC is charging for households on water meters and households without water meters.

• In 2025-2026, the proposed fixed rates for non-metered properties are $1,161.73.

• For metered properties, the fixed rates are $580.86 plus the metered water.

• My single friend paid her first invoice for metered water for 6 months - $30.00 ($60 per year).

• Other friends – a married couple paid for the same period -

$90.00 – ($180 per year).

MY CALCULATION FOR THE PROPOSED RATES FOR 20252026

A single household pays $80.00 plus fixed charge of $580.86 = $660.86 (metered property). For a couple in a household $180.00 = $760.86 (metered property).

NOTE: The issue and injustice that confronts me and many others is that, as a single occupant of a household, I will pay, without a meter, a fixed charge of $1161.73.

Result: In 2025-2026, compared with a single household with a water meter, I will pay approximately $500.00 more in water rates. Is this simply because I do not have a water meter?

HOW I SEE MY RATES ARE CALCULATED BY TCDC:

• TCDC charges $1.62 per 1000 litre of water (one cubic meter).

• Fixed rate is $580.86 plus the rate for the unmetered water of $580.87 (This comes to the $1161.73 as stated above).

• How this fixed rate is determined and becomes a fixed rate is a big question?

• How is that fixed rate worked out?

BREAKING IT DOWN

My unmetered water amount of $580.87 buys me 358,561.73 litres of water annually, or 982.36 litres per day.

NO LOGIC:

According to Watercare (Google) a person in Auckland is using an average of 241 litres per day. So why in any logical world am I paying for 982.36 litres per day? I am not emptying the Pacific Ocean!

HOW WE GOT TO THIS

From TCDC, $1.62 buys us 1000 litres of water.

Question: What would we get for $1.00? Answer: We get 617.28 litres.

The resident: ‘I have a fixed rate of $580.87; so therefore I am paying for 358,559.44 litres of water annually. (1000L divided by 1.62 multiplied by 580.87)

Question: How much water am I paying for per day based on the above? Answer: Per day, I divide the amount of 358,561.73 by 365 (days in the year) and that equals 982.36 litres per day.

Continued on page 12

A wrap around excellent dining experience

arine Bay Eatery is a gastronomic delicious experience. This seven day a week restaurant and bar is situated across from the Whitianga Marina on the corner of Blacksmith Lane and Esplanade. Their sharing plates are very popular especially with the variety of European and Asian fusion plates offered. It is an extensive menu, with a variety of full meal options and choices for the children’s menu.

Being open for lunch and dinner every day, means you can rely on Marina Bay Eatery for a light or full meal

every lunch time and every evening. Sharing plates create a different level of meal enjoyment – experiencing a

variety of tasty menu items with friends and family. it is a busy restaurant but with sufficient space and ambience to make it a peaceful and enjoyable repast. The sound level of table conversation is absorbed well, enabling easy chats with your table companion(s).

The two lead chefs are also the owners of the Marina Bay Eatery Restaurant business. These two brothers, Dharmendra and Dhiraj came to Whitianga almost one year ago. Both have many years of experience in both European and Asian restaurants, working in Queenstown, Arrowtown

and Dunedin for several years after coming from heading their own kitchens in some of northern India’s top restaurants.

“We have a lot of experience in all cuisines, but we wanted very much to buy our own business and work together to build a good life here in New Zealand,” says Dharmandra, whose wife and child, Sam, are also here. “We love Whitianga and it is very good that my younger brother has joined me and Selina, my wife, manages the bar. This is a family business and we get great joy out of preparing fine food for our customers.”

“We are working hard for a new and good life here on the Coromandel,” says Dhiraj. “We hope the business grows so we can stay here. And we have an excellent kitchen team and we wait to welcome you. We love Whitianga; it is very peaceful, and people have been very welcoming to us.”

Check out the Kitchen Calendar on page 4 for the new addition of Marina Bay Eatery. Phone: 07 867 1710. Email: marinabay5777@ gmail.com

Speakeasy Open Mic: Local Voices Take the Stage

An evening of Words, Wit, and Wonder – coming Wednesday, 23 July to the Monkey House, Whitianga.

BY TYREE CONNOR

The laid-back vibes of The Monkey House will set the stage for local creativity on Wednesday, 23 July, as writers, poets, and storytellers gather for an Open Mic evening celebrating the art of words.

This isn’t your school poetry recital. It’s a relaxed, creative jam where local legends and first-timers share their words with a friendly crowd. Expect poetry that hits you in the feels, wild short stories, honest monologues, and maybe a bit of sassy attitude to make you laugh. No judges, no pressure, just a room full of good vibes, and people who love a decent yarn. Whether you want to grab the mic or just chill in the corner with a coffee (or something stronger), the Monkey House has you covered.

The whole night is about giving writers and performers a safe, fun space to try stuff out, mess around with ideas, and be heard. As the organisers put it, “Bring your words, your mates, and your best beatnik beanie — let’s fill the room with stories.” Keen to read? Just rock up and sign your name on the list. Keen to listen? Even better. No pressure to perform — but fair warning, you might leave inspired to write something for next time. Doors creak open at 6:30 PM. The mic fires up at 7 PM. Entry is free but chuck a koha in the pot if you’re feeling generous. Come find your people. Share your story or just soak up the vibe. That will be plenty of applause, maybe even a few laughs and thoughtful silences along the way.

Manoj Singh Negi, Dharmendra, Dhiraj, Ram Suwaroop Sahu.

Marina Bay Eater front of house staff: Danielle, Tasha, Selina.

‘Winter in Whiti’ Market brings local treasures to CoroClub hangar

The Winter in Whiti Market, Saturday 26 July, promises to be a cozy community gathering at the CoroClub Hangar near Whitianga Airfield.

Running from 9.00am to 1.00pm (possibly extending to 2.00pm if crowds are still browsing), this indoor and outdoor market promises a delightful mix of local crafts, treats, and entertainment.

Shoppers can expect locally-made goods from familiar Coromandel artisans and craftspeople. Art lovers can browse works by local artists. The market features unique handmade

items including: beautiful candles, handcrafted soaps, distinctive wood art, metalwork, hand knitted winter woollens and baby clothes, as well as screen printed t-shirts , and plants for the garden. Take home some chutney a perfect addition to winter meals. Sweet treats will be available to satisfy any sugar cravings, The little ones can get their faces painted, and tarot readings will be available for those seeking insight into the months ahead.

Live music by Svenja Thomber will provide the perfect soundtrack for

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Meet the Mayoral Candidates Sunday, 3 August 2.00pm - 4.00pm Whitianga Town Hall.

Mercury Bay Ward – Meet the Candidates for Thames Coromandel District Council and the Community Board candidates Saturday, 30 August 2.00pm4.00pm Whitianga Town Hall.

All residents and ratepayers are invited. Further dates will be available for the other wards in next week’s issue of The Informer.

the market atmosphere. Organisers are also hoping to confirm a sausage sizzle fundraiser by the Whenuakite Country Kids, adding hearty food options to the day’s offerings.

While indoor spaces are fully booked, outdoor stall sites remain available for $15 per site. The market welcomes both locals and visitors to support the thriving community of Coromandel artisans and enjoy a uniquely Whitianga winter market experience.

For more information contact: Carmen at rainbowwarriorlife@gmail.com

MISS UNIVERSE NZ 2025

Taking place at The Lost Spring, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Meet the five finalists on Saturday, 19 July and Sunday, 20 July. Book now 07 866 0456.

Hobnail coming to Kauaeranga Hall

Their new album - “Three Part”

Hobnail are an institution. They have played shows everywhere from Pittsburgh to Paekakariki, New Plymouth to Norfolk Island, Auckland to Amsterdam, Germany to Gore, the Canadian Prairies to the Canterbury Plains.

They are 3-time finalists at the New Zealand Music Awards (Best Folk Album and Best Country Song twice).

Their new album, “Three Part”, features Hobnail’s take on songs by some of their favourite Kiwi and Australian bands and songwriters, including Don McGlashan, Barry Saunders, the Waifs, Nick Cave, and more.

Hobnail are touring New Zealand with their new album by core members Rob Joass (vocals, guitar, mandola) Jo Moir (vocals, violin) and Hamish Graham (vocals, guitars, percussion). They are live at Kauaeranga Hall to showcase their new album as

well as some of their old favourite songs.

Hobnail’s live show will make your feet move and your heart sing.

Saturday, 9 August @ 7.30pm, Kauaeranga Hall, 437 Kauaeranga Valley Rd, Thames.

Tickets: Door sales

$28; Pre-paid $25 txt: 021912993 or kauaerangahallmusic@gmail.com or Garden Music, 712 Pollen St, Thames For further information contact Peter Revell on 021-912-993 or kauaerangahallmusic@ gmail.com

13 Monk St, Whitianga

Owners Simran Maan and Amy Dmello are inviting people to work full time or part time working in Pizza Hut and/or deliveries. Email CV to: pizzahutwhitianga@gmail.com

Our setup will feature a beautifully arranged table adorned with all things vintage – delicate china cups, saucers, and plates, complemented with �lowers. You’ll enjoy a delightful selection of bite-sized sandwiches, savoury treats, cakes,

We are three longtime friends with a passion for vintage charm and timeless elegance.

Dave creates one of NZ’s largest murals

Dave Fowell is a sculptor, an artist, a dramatist and an active supporter of community causes.

Situated at South Highway West, Whitianga, it is longer than a large blue whale (and then some) and taller than four of basketballer Steven Adams (ok with his arms down!).

Dave Fowell used his painting experience of colour and perspective on small canvas and enlarged it forty times!

Dave’s mate, Herb has a fish factory, and he commissioned Dave to paint a mural on the outside wall of the factory.

“I told him I could design and paint a large canvas but had never painted anything longer than three metres,” says Dave. “I added, he would have to find someone else to complete the project but that I could help with a design.”

However, when Dave had finished the design, he had become so invested in it that he couldn’t let it go. “I couldn’t give up my baby to another painter.”

THE BRIEF:

Feature divers collecting kina underwater surrounded by sea life, and bringing them up to the boat with birds and sky and islands in view. It had to be seen from Whitianga airport 300 metres away. it had to be Herb’s boat and because he and his crew are very experienced divers, the fish had to look like real fish!

HOW TO CONVERT SMALL TO HUGE?

“I paint in oils,” says Dave; “So the first problem was that the Resene acrylic dries very fast, so blending colours was virtually out and I had to find colours that matched the oils I was used to using.

“For instance, I blend yellow ochre with a touch of venetian red and11d white to make skin tones, but what is the equivalent colour in acrylics?

“How much of each colour do I need? It’s a sea scene so plenty of

TastingWine

& Dinner

blue is a no brainer but I still had to go back and buy four more litres. Doing a mock up first made it easier. All I had to do was multiply the amounts by 40! But still it was lucky the Resene shop was just down the road.”

“I couldn’t give up my baby to another painter.”

painting and drawing larger squares on the wall and sketching inside those.

Then the problem of how to get to those dizzying heights?? He started with a scaffold on wheels but could only reach to five metres and, with the benefit of a small community, sent out a cry for help from local avocado orchardist Graeme Morcom and he responded with a hydrolada.

This was a game changer.

“It was brilliant going up and down but driving it!,” exclaimed Dave. “ The left pedal goes forward right and the right left, except when you are going backwards which is vice versa..... Sorry about the blue paint Graeme!

“My biggest concern was finishing it within budget. I could spend days making every fish perfect for example but it would take me to 2030, so I had to learn to represent the fish that would then look perfect at 20 paces and I had to smack my hand when I wanted to go back and ‘fix’ things up.”

Converting the smaller painting to a large wall also had its problems. Originally, Dave thought he would just project the image on the wall which was ok at ground level but at eight metres it was near impossible, so he used a grid system - squaring off the smaller

So, in the end at 40m x 8m, Dave was happy with the speed he maintained, helped enormously by lunch lady (and sweetheart) Dianne with fresh homemade pies and choccy biscuits.

Monday 25 August 6.30pm

Event available to persons 18 years or older

Tickets only $70 available from the bar Includes 5 Marisco Wines

Antipasto Platters

Olives, gherkins, stuffed bell peppers, feta cheese, blue cheese, chorizo, pepperoni, bread & crackers.

5 Choices of Set Menu Main Meal

(1) Braised Brisket - Tender slowly cooked brisket in a rich savory-sweet teriyaki glaze. Topped with crunchy pinenuts served with potato gratin, glazed carrots & green beans.

(2) Peri-Peri Roasted Chicken served with potato gratin, glazed carrots & green beans.

(3) Pan tossed egg noodles with a colourful mix of red capsicums, crunchy beansprouts, mushrooms, baby corn, tofu & spring onions, topped with roasted peanuts & fresh corriander leaves.

(4) Slow Roasted Pork Belly with golden crackling served with sweet pumpkin puree, elevated with a vibrant fresh salsa & drizzled with a rich gravy sauce served with potato gratin, glazed carrots & green beans.

(5) Fish Turban - Fish rolled with a prawn, sundried tomato & almond filling, served on a buerre blanc sauce served with potato gratin, glazed carrots & green beans.

2 Choices of Dessert

(6) Home made donut with raspberry coulis, ice-cream, topped with crumble.

(7) Sticky Date Pudding served with whip cream & ice-cream. Please choose meals prior to buying tickets. Tickets available from the bar, limited tickets

(07) 866 4546

9 The Esplanade, Whitianga

This 40 metre by 8 metre mural of sea life adorns the wall of Sunz Seafood, South Highway West, Whitianga; below, artist Dave Fowell.

Portrait photo credit Garry Brandon

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TRAVEL

TRAVEL WRITER – SARAH JANE

Your travel writer brings you a monthly snapshot of adventure found just around the corner. A passport is not required.

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT PAEROA?

Paeroa provides a rich experience that goes beyond a fleeting stop. Visitors can delve into the region’s gold mining past, enjoy scenic walks, explore unique shops and art galleries, and immerse themselves in the local culture. The dedication of local volunteers to historical preservation and environmental documentation adds another layer of depth to the visit, making it a truly engaging destination..

PAEROA KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The “Next Big Thing” L&P Bottle: A 7-meter tall replica of the iconic Lemon & Paeroa drink bottle, a must-see for a selfie.

• Paeroa Historical Museum: A treasure trove of local history, including the Paeroa Gazette archives (1896-1996), Royal Albert porcelain, Maori and European artifacts, and the Dufty Shell Collection. Volunteers passion-

ately maintain records online at Ohinemuri Regional History Journals.

• Paeroa Maritime Museum: The museum highlights the town’s historical connection to the Ohinemuri and Waihou rivers, which once served as vital waterways for steamers.

• Arkwright’s Antiques in Paeroa is quirky. The place is stacked to the rafters with finds, collectables and bits and pieces from your Aunt’s garage sale. For second hand shoppers, vintage find browsers this is a great place to get lost in.

• Mikkelsen Gallery – Home is the studio and exhibition center for one of New Zealand’s premier mosaic art artists. Periodically there are workshops as well as other artists contributing to the public spaces.

• Hauraki Rail Trail cyclists and visitors can treat themselves to a leisurely cruise on a restored heritage riverboat? Just remember to book ahead – these historical beauties have minimum visitor requirements. Location: Paeroa Maritime Park.

• The Paeroa to Waihi cycle trail is a popular section of the

Hauraki Rail Trail due to the variety of attractions from waterfalls, amazing walks, 1.1km tunnel, part of the Karangahake Gorge.

• Explore the nearby Waihi (20 minutes drive) gold mine.

Martha Mine Pit Rim Walk is an easy flat walk where visitors survey the vast cavern that is an open pit gold mine. It is dramatic and gets everyone thinking about how the nineteenth miners simply sluiced away entire hillsides.

• Bullswool Farm Park is a tourist attraction that continues to receive good reviews. It is a combination of ethnographic museum, a number of rooms decorated in nineteenth century artefacts and models together with farm animals, cafe and an adjoining bush reserve full of birdsong.

WHERE TO TAKE A GREAT SELFIE

1. Naturally the L&P massive replica bottle

2. The Cornish Pumphouse is a relic of the original mine in Waihi - the richest gold mine in New Zealand (1878-1952)

3. Maritime Park with its quaint boats tied up at the river jetty

4. Your shopping finds in the vari-

ous second hand stores

5. Nearby Karangahake Gorge (8 km from Paeroa)

HOW FAR IS PAEROA FROM WHERE YOU LIVE?

Whitianga to Paeroa 109 km

Thames to Paeroa 33 km

Whakatane to Paeroa 166 km

Tauranga to Paeroa 80 km

Coromandel Town to Paeroa 108 km

Waihi to Paeroa 21.5 km

WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS IN PAEROA

• Bullswood Farm Park is a must for kids (and everyone else)

• Martha Rim Gold Walk (Waihi)

• Karangahake Gorge short walks through a ‘spooky tunnel’ and past 19th century mining relics

• Teenagers will enjoy fossicking in the second hand shops

WHAT MAKES PAEROA TICK?

Agriculture, tourism, and a growing local business sector form the core of its economy, with the Hauraki Rail Trail playing a significant role in attracting visitors.

SOCIAL MEDIA

While Paeroa does not have a

Take a break, explore the neighbourhood

dedicated town social presence, the Hauraki District Council’s Paeroa Ward page provides information about the district, Positive Paeroa social page focuses on local events and activities, and the Hauraki Rail Trail has an information hub for Paeroa.

WHERE IS PAEROA LOCATED?

Paeroa is a regional hub located at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula and the entrance through to the Karangahake Gorge. Paeroa is located on State Highway 2.

PAEROA – QUICK FACTS

Lemon & Paeroa, also known as L&P, created in 1907, it was traditionally made by combining lemon juice with carbonated mineral water from the town of Paeroa, but is now owned and manufactured by multinational Coca-Cola.

Paeroa is located at the confluence of two rivers, the Ohinemuri and the Waihou.

As a river port, Paeroa was instrumental in the shipment of gold and other goods from the goldfield, approximately 654,964 ounces of gold bullion was shipped out of Paeroa.

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Coromandel History explored

140 years of St John in New Zealand:

Whitianga’s

BY GILLIAN REID

As part of their 140th anniversary celebrations, Hato Hone St John (HHStJ) is looking back at how ambulance services first began in Whitianga – and how much has changed since then.

Hato Hone St John and their services were first established in Whitianga thanks to the determination of a local search and rescue group. While St John had an ambulance presence in Thames since the 1930s, there were no formal services in Whitianga or further north on the Coromandel Peninsula.

The earliest form of ambulance care in the town was likely delivered with a handcart and integrated stretcher – known as an Ashford Litter.

Later, a local taxi driver played a vital role by removing the back seat from his station wagon to make room for a stretcher, enabling him to transport patients to Thames Hospital when needed.

In 1972, Whitianga received a donated Dodge ambulance from the Thames Hospital Board. Though no longer in frontline service, the vehicle was in excellent condition and marked a new chapter for the community. In 1999, it was replaced with a newer model, also from the Thames fleet.

Around this time, the search and rescue team completed a weekend long St John first aid course and officially became members of St John.

Equipped with basic medical skills and wearing the St John logo, these dedicated volunteers provided critical care to their community for many years.

There was no dedicated St John station in Whitianga during this time. Instead, the local council built a room at the back of the fire station to house the ambulance. This served as the town’s ambulance base until 1999.

When emergency help was needed, usually via a call from Thames Hospital, a local volunteer would collect the ambulance

ambulance history

From top left, clockwise – A gathering outside of the Whitianga Hotel with an Ashford Litter (handcart stretcher) pictured on the right (date unknown, pre-World War I); A dedication event for the first Whitianga motor ambulance in 1972 at the Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade Station; A Generation 4 Hato Hone St John ambulance in Whitianga; Whitianga’s first ‘ambulance station’ building attached to the local fire station, pictured in 1980.

and respond. This community-led response model continued for many years.

By the late 1980s, the local HHStJ Area Committee recognised the need for a dedicated station.

After a successful fundraising effort supported by the local community, a purpose-built station on Cook Drive was officially opened in August 1999.

Today, 26 years later, the Cook Drive station remains a vital hub for emergency care in northern Coromandel.

Reverend Gillian Reid, HHStJ Area Chaplain for North Coromandel, says she hadn’t fully appreciated Whitianga’s long and

proud St John history before her appointment.

“It is due to the amazing energy, foresight, and commitment of those first volunteers that the Whitianga ambulance service has grown into the professional establishment that we have today. Their close affiliation with the Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade and the support of the local community was also integral.”

The station now houses two Generation 4 emergency ambulances, one volunteer led First Response Unit (FRU), and one Waka Ora Health Shuttle. The Whitianga FRU is also part of a wider network across North Cor-

omandel, with other units based in Hahei, Colville, and Coromandel.

Compared to those early days, ambulance services are now delivered by a mix of paid and volunteer personnel, and all emergency ambulances have been double crewed since 2021.

“Our growth over the years is reflected in the high-quality care our teams provide,” says John Armitt, Area Operations Manager – Hauraki/Coromandel.

“We’re privileged to have an experienced and capable team.

Many of our staff hold bachelor’s degrees in paramedicine, and one of our extended care paramedics has a master’s degree. Our vol-

unteers also complete comprehensive training before becoming first responders. The rural nature of the region means our people are adaptable and resourceful –well equipped to respond to the unique challenges they face.

“We’re also part of a wider emergency response network, working alongside the Westpac rescue helicopter crew, PRIME responders in Coromandel, after-hours health services in Whitianga, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand. This collaboration adds real strength to our ability to care for both locals and visitors to the Coromandel Peninsula.”

Message from Hon Scott Simpson

MP For Coromandel

Over the last few weeks there have been a lot of government announcements regarding law and order, which confirm our commitment to making our communities safer and to restoring tougher consequences for crime.

We are creating a new offence for assaulting first responders, introducing a specific coward punch offence to ensure perpetrators receive tougher offences, and strengthening shoplifting charges to fight retail crime.

I’ve heard from too many people who don’t feel safe, have been assaulted, and from businesses who are sick and tired of petty

crime which has a massive impact on their bottom line. These changes will help to make communities up and down the Coromandel Peninsula safer.

Assaulting first-responders, like our firefighters and paramedics, is a particularly appalling offence. These men and women rush into dangerous and confronting situation to provide urgent assistance, and they shouldn’t be subject to abuse while performing their duties.

National was elected on the promise to restore law and order and we’re making real progress. We’ve got more cops on the beat,

gang patches are banned, and the Three Strikes legislation is back. There’s always more work to do, but these are positive steps and it’s a clear signal that we won’t be continuing the previous government’s soft on crime approach.

In other news, Youth Parliament took place over several days at the beginning of July and our electorate was well-represented by Mercury Bay Area School student Isabella White, who was my Youth MP.

This event draws together young New Zealanders from across the country to experience the daily life of a politician in

New leaders for Mercury Bay Lions Club 2025-2026

Their Annual General Meeting is done in style and I mean both in the way people dress and the way the meeting is run.

It was simply well organised, and everyone is involved in some way. This is the tenor of the Mercury Bay Lions Club, a group of women who are inspired to serve their community and they enjoy it not as a duty but as a priority. These women also know how to have a good time and that is just what they did when enjoying a meal as part of their AGM at Grace O’Malleys recently. New officers for the year 2025/26 were appointed and inducted.

Megan Henson, outgoing President honoured all her colleagues and reported in a comprehensive way the many large projects and fundraising undertaken.

There are two Lions Clubs in Mercury Bay, the other is called Whitianga Lions Club and it welcomes men and women to its membership.

Chrissy Roe, Dawn Schibli, Shirley Daggar, Karen PortPhilips, Nicola Hewlett, Rhonda Rutherford, Lesley Reece (new vice president), Cecily Dower (new president), Megan Henson and Julie Denning-Kemp.; right, Lion of the year, Julie Denning-Kemp is presented this coverted award by immediate past president Megan Henson.

Mercury Bay is women only due to its charter but both clubs work together on all the big community events and fundraising projects to improve life for the people of Mercury Bay and beyond.

Parliament. That mean’s sitting on select committees, networking with colleagues, and making speeches in the debating chamber.

Isabella delivered a particularly impassioned speech which received a standing ovation from her fellow Youth MPs. It was a standout moment during Youth Parliament which left many people talking about how to take more action and responsibility to halt sexual violence directed at women.

Well done Izzy, you’ve done us proud and you’ve got a big future ahead of you.

Unfair water rates

Continued from page 3

Note: The amount of 982.36 litres of water is the amount for a household with 4 persons, each using 245 litres/day. This is the high-end rate

Water meters on Coromandel Peninsula: Currently, Coromandel Town, Pāuanui, and Thames townships have fully metered water supplies for all properties. Commercial properties in Whitianga are metered, While Whitianga residential properties are metered, the process is ongoing with some properties requiring unbundling, Whangamata also has water meters, but like Whitianga, some properties have one meter for multiple dwellings, requiring unbundling.Tairua does not have water meters.

Hauraki District: Water meters are installed in all eight water supply systems, which includes Paeroa and Waihi. The Hauraki District Council provides a treated water supply to approximately 7,500 properties through these systems.

Mercury Bay Area School student Isabella White with Scott Simpson.

Festival of rugby finals at multisports park

H.G. LEACH & CO THAMES

SATURDAY 12 JULY 2025

MOEWAI PARK, WHITIANGA

SENIOR A McCLINCHY

2.00PM

Tough wins and spirit for the

BY PAULINE STEWART

Four rugby finals games were played on three fields at the one venue on the one day. The grand occasion was the Thames Valley Rugby Club Finals held at Moewai Park, Whitianga last Saturday, 12 July, proudly sponsored by H.G. Leach and Co. Ltd.

The Friday night before brought very heavy rain and strong winds to the region which not only challenged the condition of the playing fields and the venue for the games, but also the teams and supporters who needed to travel from across the Peninsula and Thames Valley to Whitianga. There was a great advantage in the nature of the Moewai Park grounds being sand-based; it meant they were all playable by 11.00am, Saturday.

In reality, Moewai Park was transformed for the four-game finals. A grandstand and a twostory bar were erected for this special day, plus managers and announcement tent, and pergolas aplenty. A number of mobile food vans were parked close to the crowds to satisfy the appetites of hundreds of people on what was a pretty cold and, at times, rainy day. Popular event caterers, Sugarfish Coromandel Catering, served well to the weather – loaded fried with all

kinds of delicious toppings and their coffee and drinks cart was always busy complimented with sweet treats. A sausage sizzle run by a local community group never ceased serving.

It was muddy underfoot for some of the people thoroughfares however, but most came prepared with gumboots.

SENIOR C

Waihi Athletic Club versus Thames Rugby and Sport Club played on Field 3. It was a very equal battle with a nail bighting finish for the two teams. Thames had a score of 22 and in the last two minutes of the game, Waihi scored a try which brought their score to 21. All they needed was a successful conversion. But their goal kick just missed, leaving Thames the winner of the McDonald Cup by one point.

SENIOR B

Tairua versus Coromandel played on Field 2. Tairua was the winner of the Lawrence Memorial Cup.

WOMEN’S RUGBY

Coromandel versus Paeroa played on Field One. This game was a highlight – it was tough and energetic and there were a few injuries on both teams. However, Coromandel had a clear win taking the Karly Forsyth Memorial Cup with a score of 44 to 15.

SENIOR A PREMIERS Waihi versus Paeroa Field One. This was of the rugby festival being the clear had two clear try times they just on to the ball and missed opportunities the very strong Waihi

A feature of the team spirit and The tradition is of each competing a speech of praise for the game, their and all those who their game, including In some cases, the do a haka or sing team. Cheers from losers, cheers of and instructive shouts sideline were a feature of rugby.

The President of Rugby Union, Ross on his thanks to local support team up the fields, facilities, ment required for cessful finals day.

He also acknowledged the 2025 H. G. Leach were a day of great for the winners but mended those teams not reached their day’s finals.

Despite inclement parts of the day,

SENIOR C – McDONALD WAIHI ATHLETIC VS THAMES 11.00AM

Final Score Thames Rugby

Waihi Senior C’s feeling a bit subdued after losing one point.

and great team the rugby finals

PREMIERS

Paeroa played on was a grand finale festival with Waihi winner. Paeroa try runs but many could not hang and occasionally opportunities to tackle Waihi team. the day was the ‘goodsportship’. that the captain competing team offers praise and thanks their opponents, who contribute to including sponsors. the team would to the opposing from winners and encouragement shouts from the feature of this day of Thames Valley Ross Coper, passed the staff and the team who had set facilities, and equipfor this very sucday. acknowledged that Leach Club finals great enjoyment but he also comteams who had their goals in the inclement weather for the organization

of the games ran like clockwork with every winning team member, coach and manager receiving engraved medallions from the officials of Thames Valley Rugby Union, personally congratulating each player.

It is fitting to mention that the President, Ross Cooper was a 2025 recipient of the Kings Service Medal for his services to Rugby in New Zealand.

The host club of the day, Mercury Bay Rugby Club, who had assisted in the organization of this event with Thames Valley Rugby Union, sadly, did not field a team as each one of their levels had been eliminated in the quarter and semi-finals. However, they turned out in force to support the other Thames Valley competing teams and to ensure everything went seamlessly.

We spoke to Mike Skeen, President of Mercury Bay Rugby Club.

“We were wrapped with the day, particularly as the finals have never been held outside Thames or Te Aroha. It was a big first for us. The locals supported it very well and collaborating with Thames Valley Rugby Union went very smoothly. Dave Green of Coast 2 Coast Scaffolding and Building Services built all the bleachers and the bar. That scaffold bar was an excellent construction and very successful - all Dave’s idea. It was an excellent day – using the multisport park.

Well done Mercury Bay!”

With a double-header featuring the Black Ferns playing Australia (NZ won 37-12) and the All Blacks facing France at 7.00pm (AB’s won 43-17), both at Sky Stadium, Wellington the same evening of Saturday, 12 July, one could hardly improve on making this day for the people of Thames Valley and Coromandel Peninsula, one of the best sports Saturdays for 2025.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Moewai Park is indeed a multisport park, a visionary entrepreneurial project a few years back by TCDC, but indeed, it is unfinished. Who knows? Perhaps the rugby organization, with its ability to put such events together and create all the resources that are missing, might begin some kind of public campaign to finish this wonderful sports park of four rugby/ football fields, toilets and dressing rooms for Africa but missing some essentials.

There is the need to find a way to build a permanent bar and reception room, shared meeting rooms enabling digital online broadcast, a catering kitchen and extended food and cabinet service area. The users will have a list of necessities.

After what the Thames Valley Rugby Union accomplished this last Saturday, I believe they could make it possible.

11.30AM FIELD 2

Final Score Tairua 36 – Coromandel 25

Warren Harris – three game fishing clubs, the big catches, and the Weigh Master challenge Part Two

BY BEV SHEPPARD

He joined the MBGFC, the Tauranga Game Fishing Club and the Bay of Islands Fishing Club. He had a very good eye for detail in terms of how clubs were to be run and managing fishing tournaments.

Exporting tuna to Japan became a sideline business. Warren decided that he needed more deck room for processing the fish and so he began to plan for a new launch.

At last, Warren realised his dream of building his own boat. FV Amarillo was built and launcheda 41 foot, 6 inch fibre salt house. He had built in a big ice chest in the middle of the boat, the latest ocean-going safety equipment was on board, and in 1996 she was in the water to his immense delight and satisfaction. Warren had learnt so much from the skippers he had met and it was time to put it all into practise.

One great story he has is of the massive two fish he caught on the same day. One was a Striped Marlin of 140kg estimated, the other was close to 180kg on formula. He caught these two fish off the Three Kings Islands of the North Cape, NZ. There is a mounted head and tail of a 265.5 Blue Marlin proudly displayed on the wall of his lounge-room. Taxidermy at its finest. The Blue Marlin was caught off the Whitianga coastline.

During these years of bigger and bigger boats, Warren was volunteering on the MBGFC board. One year, Gary Russell was President and the TCDC had been asking the MBGFC to move its premises from the old wooden wharf. Warren and Gary knew it was time to build a Club that was bigger, safer and modern and could easily run bigger fishing tournaments. The dairy company was on the market a few years before and the Club, thinking ahead, decided to

purchase the land where we now stand.

Warren acknowledges five wonderful men in the 1990’s who understood it was time to make a move and used their skills, energy, and money to set in motion the momentum needed to make it happen - Merv Larsen, Harry Harrison, Bob Cawker, Richard Simpson and Ray Blackler. There were other members too numerous to mention.

The new MBGFC began its life by Warren finding a concrete saw and carving out windows one weekend. Warren reflected with so much pride on how so many members and the community rallied together to build the Club Rooms, offices and kitchen. A wonderful man from Auckland who owned a stainless-steel fabrication business, helped with building the stainless steel bar accessories. Warren wanted the curved shape of the current wooden bar, and a long piece of Kauri was found and polished to perfection. The opening was 2001 and Warren and his team were very proud of their hard work and the community around them. The final push was needed

to furnish the club rooms and provide tables. This aspect of the project needed to be sponsored and they were all bought and sponsored in one week!

During this time, Warren began to realise that the Weigh Masters here and around NZ were operating with their own culture and their own club rules. Short cuts were the norm and Warren realised it was time to bring professionalism and due process and diligence to being a Weigh Master. He refined his knowledge of the rules and regulations from the NZ Sports Council and went about training every Weigh Master he met up and down the coast of the North Island. He realised that if etiquette and national standards were to be introduced and abided by, then it was his job to do this. So began a remarkable journey of training. He slowly changed the fishing culture of the ‘boys clubs’ which were often cutting corners everywhere. Uniforms were encouraged and slowly but surely, professionalism, uniformity, courtesy and immense respect for the fish began to filter through NZ. Warren’s ability to teach men and women the International Game

Gold Standard in Kiwi Builds

At Ideal

Fishing Association rules and regulations is amazing. He speaks and teaches the skills needed with such patience and enthusiasm.

The Weigh Masters of the MBGFC have long been highly respected and admired because of Warren’s commitment to education.

Fishing Tournaments became bigger and bigger. Warren loved meeting fishers – men and women from all over the world. He loved that the Fishing Club was successful, the books and accounting records were kept precisely, and if corrections were needed to be made, he did so. His attention detail and integrity made for an ethical Board and thus a financially successful Club.

Warren began the Classic Cup in Whitianga in 2005 with 25 boats. He limited the numbers to create a fishing competition that was exclusive and highly desirable and fun to be in. Warren would auction off the boats at the start of the competition to build a prize pool and very successfully so. The following year, 50 boats joined this new and exciting game fishing competition. Warren still has the Cup which sits in the Whitianga Club. Two years ago,

Tom Maxwell wanted to launch the Classic Cup to the world. He renamed it the Kubota Cup, and this year 400 boats registered with about 1000 anglers enjoying great weather conditions and created stories of great fish caught which will be told many years to come!

In conclusion, Warren reflects that he’s had a great time of meeting very interesting people over all the years. He loved being President, from 2004 -2007 and now Patron, since 2010 and Life Member since 2014. In September this year, he will step down and look to other interests such as the Classic Car club which he also loves.

Warren has left a legacy in the world that has made such a difference; - 25 years of making great friends, creating lots of good times, trophies won and articles written in magazines such as the Blue Water Magazine in Australia and other papers. His integrity, his passion for life and the sport of Game Fishing makes him a greatly respected and loved man, and one very valued Whitianga long-time resident and volunteer.

Well done Warren Harris.

Left, Warren with one of his big catches; centre, FV Amarillo was the boat of his dreams that he built himself; right, Warren was very active in improving the role of Weigh Marshalls throughout New Zealand fishing clubs.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

HIDDEN GEM SHOULD BE SOLD (PART 1)

When Hopper Bros were consented to develop a Waterway system ibn 2000, the community of Whitianga were excited. Even though the land acquired was a flood zone, Hoppers had successfully completed a similar project in Pauanui.

Wow, what a challenge, but this year of 2025 a large percentage of the programme has been achieved. I was fortunate that as a Mercury Bay Councillor for the Thames Coromandel District Council, I was put on the committee from the start of the concept

The plan to develop was clear – on the land purchased to put in canals, roading, bridges etc. and have designated areas for medical and sporting needs. Three significant projects were part of the initial concept, namely:

1. Retirement Village including a Medical Centre

2. Sportsground to encompass many outdoor activities

3. A hotel/resort complex including a large conference centre. The first two projects were to be developed by Hoppers with zoning and infrastructure put in to secure the sites. Once the sites were developed as part of the concept plan, T.C.D.C and Regional Council would take over and complete the building and services of the two projects. In hindsight, this has not worked and Council has struggled implementing these plans. Let’s face it – with local government elections held every three years with a possible change of council in their term of office, it is difficult to plan ahead.

To date the Medical Centre has been built with private finance as the Council had to withdraw from the process. With regard to Item 2 and the sportsground development, this is not progressing well and is in limbo at present. It is not finished. I believe that this hidden gem should be marketed and sold to buyers who would be capable of making this venture successful.

Finally, Item 3 – the hotel complex – this has been canned because of market downturn.

Noel

S. Hewlett, Whitianga

JOINING THE CLIMATE CHANGE “TIRADE”

At the risk of adding to what Mr Ellis contends is the “climate change tirade”, it is worth drawing attention to the recent climate change reports of the Ministry for

the Environment (8 April) and the Waikato Regional Council (23 May). This is in context of recent correspondence from Messrs Brickell and Ellis (The Informer, 3 June) and Mr Kenny (The Informer, 1 July).

Mr Kenny is right in saying that the measurement and interpretation of sea levels is an extremely complex matter. Many factors come into play, some of which are cyclical (eg El Niño weather patterns). The complexity is confirmed by each of those reports.

However, what emerges clearly is that climate change presents real hazards, both actual and potential, for our coastlines and coastal communities. Even on the best case scenario of countries adopting and keeping to “sustainable” policies, the Regional Council report predicts that sea levels will rise by up to 0.3m by mid-century. Within the same timeline, extreme sea levels that now occur on average each 100 years will occur on average annually.

Mr Ellis’s argument is that the man made contribution is greatly exaggerated for politically correct reasons. However, the Ministry’s report (section 4) makes a number of telling points against that, including:

• Global oceans have captured nearly 25% of acidic human carbon emissions since industrialisation.

• Oceans have captured 90% of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, which increases the ocean’s temperature.

• Between 1982 and 2023, sea surface temperatures around the New Zealand coast rose by an average 0.19 to 0.34 degrees per decade,

• In 2022 New Zealand experienced a record number of marine heatwaves, a trend which the report expects to continue,

• Warmer seas are accelerating sea-level rise,

• In areas where there is already some downward land movement, sea levels will rise 20 to 30cm by 2050, compared to 2005 (noting that the threshold for extreme flooding is a 30cm rise).

It is also counterintuitive that such predictions are intended to be “politically correct.” A government department won’t be striving for political correctness against the interests of the government it is serving.

One of Mr Kenny’s points is that the anti-climate change narrative has its origins in American right wing think tanks to support vested interests. We can see echoes of this in New Zealand today.

The ACT party’s climate change manifesto included repeal of the Zero Carbon Act, abolition of the Climate Change Commission, and discontinuance of policies such as the clean car discount. Also, the

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.

controversial Regulatory Standards Bill, which was recently introduced as a government Bill by the Hon David Seymour has been strongly criticised by a number of organisations for excluding any reference to protecting the environment (eg by the Public Health Communication Centresee phcc. org.nz).

I have no doubt that Mr Brickell, Mr Ellis and others who minimalise climate change risk or who take a cynical view of the research into it, sincerely believe they are right. There will be a sad twist if we follow that thinking, and treat the prospect of climate change with complacency or dismiss studies into it as incentivised by research dollars (as Mr Brickell seems to think). The sad twist is that it won’t be the current generations who will be impacted by any irreversible consequences of climate change, but rather it will be our grandchildren and their descendants. Are we prepared to take that risk?

Phil Bartlett

MIX UPS WITH OPERATIONS AT HOSPITALS

I have a friend in Auckland who was contacted by Middlemore Hospital, by phone, and told his operation in two days had been cancelled. He happened to be at dinner with the surgeon and this was fixed quickly. This was important, as if he had failed to attend, he would have been probably removed from the system altogether.

Last year, I drove my wife to Thames Hospital and when she went for her appointment, she was told that SHE had cancelled it, which was totally wrong and caused a lot of stress and extra travel from Coromandel.

In today’s world, we mostly all have cell phones, and are able to receive a text message. Text messages should be totally unambiguous and avoid any bureaucratic mistakes. It would be much better for Thames Hospital to use messaging where possible. My dentist and the Coromandel Family health practice do this!

Neville Cameron, Coromandel

IT WAS ONCE WARMER

Correspondent Gavin Kenny (Informer, July 1) has not bothered to address even one of the issues I raised with his NASA publications. Nevertheless, he is entitled to his view on the matter as I am with mine. We will have to agree to disagree. However, if he has an enquiring and open mind he might be interested in the

accompanying photo.

It is one of many showing large tree trunks from a forest in Alaska that grew happily for hundreds of years in what was obviously a much warmer climate than today. However, at the beginning of the Little Ice Age around AD 800 the climate cooled and it was overrun by a glacier. This cool period ended about 150 years ago and now the trees are being exposed to sunlight once again as the ice retreats and the area can start to revert to its past warmer climate. The forest will regrow again until it succumbs to the next wave of ice. That glacier was just the latest temporary blip in the usually much warmer climate in that area. Similar forests are being exposed around the world showing that waves of ice covered them repeatedly 1000, 1700, 3000 and 5000 years ago.

Many will remember the discovery of 5300 year old Otzi the Iceman who was rescued from his Italian mountain pass in 1991 when his glacial tomb retreated. He did not walk through the ice and the giant trees did not grow under the glacier…clearly Otzi’s mountain pass was clear of ice, as were the forests, since the climate for both was warmer in the recent past than it is today.

As a geologist I do not “parrot narratives”, nor am I “blind”, but rather for almost 60 years have actually scientifically studied natural cycles of the past and how they relate to the present and future. Clearly these tree and human remains indicate that we are in one of many totally natural climate cycles and there will be many more. We need to understand and adapt to them; not panic about them. There is nothing unusual about the present and there is no global warming crisis nor existential threat.

Alastair Brickell Kuaotunu

BOTTOM TRAWLING NOT THE ONLY PLAYER

I would like to thank Gail Morgan for her letter (1 July 2025) where she suggested my article on ocean protection (24 June) blamed bottom trawling for the destruction of the oceans. The article about David Attenborough’s film “Ocean” actually pointed out that bottom trawling in sensitive areas is only one contributor to the dire state of our oceans. Others are climate change, pollution from land-based activities, fish dumping, over fishing (including by recreational fishers.), shark finning and culling and a shortage of protected areas. I would not put the blame on any one sector but would urge us all to discuss the problems with a view to finding solutions by modifying some of our ocean destroying practices, and putting sustainability on an equal footing with or above that of economics.

As far as her question as to why scallops wash up on our beaches during storms, I am not a marine scientist and couldn’t say what scallops do or don’t do in the ocean. However, as a life-long surfer and sailor, I know that 30 years ago, many hundreds of scallops used to wash up in northerly storms, whereas in subsequent years those numbers reduced drastically, whether from commercial and recreational fishing, or perhaps the scallops just moved themselves. I don’t know. I also don’t know what damage scallop dredging does to the sea grass beds and other bethnic zone areas. Let’s hope that it is not as much as the huge bottom trawlers targeting fish. Perhaps the scallops are starting to come back. I hope so. Could it be because of the recent rahui, or have they just moved back by themselves?

I also have a couple of questions for Gail. Why is it, that several times over the 40 years I have been sailing all over the Hauraki Gulf, I have come across thousands of small snapper floating dead on the surface? And why is it that some areas of ocean near development sites or saw milling operations or areas with intensive agricultural runoff have turned mud brown? And why is it that huge areas of coral reef have been destroyed by ocean warming and sometimes destructive fishing methods? These are questions we all need to talk about; problems we all need to solve.

Ross Liggins, Wharekaho

WELL DONE TCDC!

When the Whitianga sports fields were being developed out at Moewai Park, I was a major critic of how the money was spent by the project managers who cut costs on the development of the fields, sports facilities and changing rooms.

It was a Taj Mahal in a desert. The fields were in such bad shape that three years ago the provincial rugby match between North Otago and Thames Valley had to be transferred to Lyon Park.

On Saturday (12 July) I went up to the sports fields to watch the men’s and women’s club finals. There were eight teams playing over three fields. Now remember on Friday night we had a major storm. The fields were in perfect condition and at the end of the day it was hard to tell if a game had been played on them. Those that know me, know that over the past 40 years I have been involved with most sports clubs in Whitianga. In the 1980s I raked, mowed and looked after all the sports fields in Whitianga (at the Area School and Lyon Park). I was impressed with what the council and their ground staff have done over the past three years. You eventually got it right. Well done! Peter Grant Whitianga

MUSINGS FROM THE VILLAGE

Great ideas for Village transport upgrades to help estuary development

BY GORDON T

The neighbour came to visit the other evening and, unlike the Vicar, brought a few beers with him. We were enjoying the evening, filling in the time with irrelevant conversation and preparing our evening meal. He suddenly asked me if I had seen the Council plans for the Esplanade and boat launching facilities.

I replied that I had, seemed like another case of the Council, having made up its mind, now sought to persuade people to believe the Council’s plan was their preference. “This is how TCDC consults with rate payers,” I remarked.

The neighbour has a boat and is a keen fisherman so he continued “About parking for trailers and so on, looks like they are trying to move us”. I offered him another beer, to soothe him before I responded,” and so they should.

The Esplanade is too valuable a piece of land to be used as an allday car and trailer park for fishermen. Should be a recreational park for locals and visitors, could even have a giant saltwater pool

and beach such as they have overseas, think Townsville or Brisbane if you want examples”. I carried on. “While they are at it, they should cut down every second Pohutukawa along there, and trim the rest, to open up the views of the estuary”.

He could see I was getting steamed up about this topic so he responded carefully. “All very good, but where do we launch our boats? Where do we park? Do we have to use Robertson Road?” I nodded and told him that the Council’s plan seemed to be to relocate the fishing boat facilities to Robertson Road, expand the number of launching areas and provide extra parking at Hilton Park.

The neighbour drained his bottle, burped loudly then said, “That’s impractical. It will take forever to walk between the boat ramp and Hilton Park. And it lengthens the time it takes you to get out to sea.” He frowned and

an idea came to me. “One man’s problem becomes another man’s opportunity,” I said, carrying on.

“What ambulating challenged people such as yourself need is someone to give them a ride on a Tuk Tuk. A couple of bucks and you could be whizzed between boat ramp and car park”.

took another gulp from his bottle.

I noted his girth and commented, “You could have a point. Many fishermen are in a similar shape to yourself, so the plan looks incomplete”.

A silence fell as we both considered what we had been discussing and what it would mean if it all came to fruition, when suddenly

The neighbour started to think of the possibilities as he looked on the internet at photos of Tuk Tuks, becoming quite excited. You can now get electric Tuk Tuks as well as the manually pedalled ones, no need to invest in dirty petrol-based ones. We discussed this for some time, both agreeing it was a fine idea. Eventually, my neighbour commented, “You wouldn’t make a living off the weekend fishing traffic though, needs something more. lso, who is going to run it?”

More thought was needed –“Whiti Taxis are the ones to run this, they have all of the infra-

structure in place and a Tuk Tuk will only cost them $4000 or less, much cheaper than a new taxi. Just think, for the price of one taxi, they could probably get ten Tuk Tuks then all they need is some part time slave labour, students or pensioners happy to earn a few extra bucks. Then they are good to go”. The neighbour was getting caught up in my excitement and continued, “They could run srides up and down the beach, through town as well, would be great for summer. I can just see Phil screaming down Buffalo Beach Road with his hair streaming back in the wind and a couple of oldies in the back enjoying the trip.”

I had to laugh at the thought and then added, “They could do a sub-contractor model. People could buy their own Tuk Tuk and get to keep most of the income; Whiti Taxis just taking a fee for their booking and marketing services, and of course a small profit.” The neighbour started smiling widely then asked me “Where was that web site, I think I’ll buy the wife one”.

For last week’s solutions see the Classiﬁed section DOWN

Reconstructs (8)

Rush headlong (of herd) (8)

Golden hue (6)

Bookcase part (5)

Unknowing (7)

Gnat-like ﬂy (5)

Removing completely (7)

1. Extremists (8)

2. Yearly (6)

3. Troubles (4)

4. Ship’s company (4)

5. Rigidly (7)

6. Henhouse produce (4)

10. Miscalculated (5)

11. Monastery (5)

13. Depositing roe (of ﬁsh) (8)

14. Diluted, ... down (7)

16. Stares angrily (6)

18. Molten metal impurities (4)

19. Seethe (4)

20. Gain consciousness (4)

Sudoku Puzzle

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Sudoku instructions

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NZ Rally coming once again to The Coromandel

START Blacksmith

Local business gives generous amount for Amelia’s operation

Amelia is just 13 years old and bravely battling Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndrome. Her only hope for a normal, pain-free life lies in a life-saving surgery available only in Germany.

The Lost Spring, or, as it has become known, Coromandel’s Pacific Island Resort, has been moved to give to the plight of Amelia.

“Our young people in crisis need practical support. Amelia could be our child or grandchild”, says Alan Hopping, founder of The Lost Spring. “I am sure there are individuals and businesses who are able to help. It is a time for those who can, to step forward.” Alan hopes that others will match The Lost Spring’s gift of $10,000.

AMELIA’S JOURNEY

Amelia’s family and friends are aiming to raise $200,000 NZD, and they need the help of the wider community to get her there. Any donation big or small is appreciated.

The Informer is focusing on Amelia because her grandparents, Ann and Henry Sadler live locally in Whitianga. Ann is an active member of the Whitianga Art Group and brought Amelia’s plight to our attention. Amelia was a regular visitor to her grandparents before becoming too ill to travel. For the last year, Amelia has been unable to eat or drink and requires being tube fed.

Her medical team in New Zealand have tried everything available to them but Amelia’s only hope of getting back to school and a normal teenage life is surgery in Germany. Some with Amelia’s condition have been treated successfully in Australia but with four compressions to be addressed in

the one operation, the hospital in Germany has the resources to specialize in this. Although Amelia’s condition is considered rare, Ann wishes there was a way for the New Zealand hospitals to be able to deal with this debilitating condition.

For the last year Amelia has been unable to eat or drink and has been tube fed. She has spent the last six months in Waikato Hospital and has been battling through inconsolable amounts of pain. Amelia is booked to have surgery in Germany on 5 August 2025.

To donate go to https:// givealittle.co.nz/cause/ameliashope-for-healing-help-our-beautiful-girl. Follow Amelia’s journey on Facebook – Amelia’s Hope for healing.

TRADES & SERVICES

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SURVEYORS

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26 Lee Street, Whitianga 0800 268 632 surveyingservices.co.nz

WHAT'S ON

OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop –Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Mon-Sat 10am-2pm.

St John Opportunity Shop – 29 Albert St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm and Sat 9.30am-2pm.

St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Whitianga. 9.30am-1pm Wed-Sat.

Social Services Op-shop –15 Coghill St, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-2pm. Donations welcome.

SPCA Op-shop –2 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 9am-4pm.

MONTHLY

AA Driver Licensing – Monday 28 July and Friday 8 August. In the Mercury Bay Service Centre Community Board Room in Monk St (behind the council offices).

American Muscle Street and Custom Club

Whitianga – Club meetings first Sunday of the month, 11am at Buffalo Beach Reserve for cars and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 493 5822. Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of the month 11.15am-2.30pm. New members welcome. Ph Anne on 07 866 0268 for more information. Craft Group – Meets first Saturday of the month 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making anything goes). Bring your lunch and enjoy mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph Alison 021 0508 772 or Sally 027 3962 383.

Kūaotunu Dune Care – Every third Wed of the month. To get involved, please email kuaotunudunecare@gmail.com.

Hospice Waikato’s Bereavement Support Group

– Lost a loved one? Join Hospice Waikato’s monthly bereavement support group. Connect over morning tea with others who understand. Held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 10.30am to 12.00pm at Whitianga Social Services. Registration required. Contact Hospice Waikato to register at 07 859 1260. Mercury Bay Model Railway Club – Monthly meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650

Mercury Bay Shooting Federation – Muzzle loader, rimfire, centre fire, military, pistol. Email mbsfsecretary@gmail.com

Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Joan on 07 866 3801 or 027 275 1372.

BI-MONTHLY

Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc – We meet bi-monthly for either coffee mornings or luncheons. Learn more about us by phoning Linda 07 866 5516 or our fb page Grey Power Mercury Bay/Whitianga Inc.

FORTNIGHTLY

Greeting Card Making – The second and fourth Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. Contact Rev. Gillian Reid on 021 781 081 or just turn up. Knit for a Purpose – First and third Fridays of the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. Ph Gillian Reid on 021 781081 for further details, or just turn up.

Mercury Bay Creative Fibre – Spin, knit, weave, crochet. First and third Wednesday every month, 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone Vanessa 027 896 5037. Email vandoo555@gmail.com. Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016. Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information.

WEEKLY OR MORE

Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information.

JOHNSTON FENCING LTD

• Residential • 8 Wire

• Post and Rail COROMANDEL PENINSULA Phone Ross 021 395 900

Advertise your Trade and Service in The Coromandel Informer Phone 07 866 2090 or email sales@theinformer.co.nz

Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for more info. Boys Brigade – An adventure, activity, and values based ministry for boys. For boys aged 5-13 years old. Tues 5.30-7pm For information contact Robyn 020 409 39674.

Chess Club – Monday nights 6.30-9.30pm, MB Bowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost $2. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or brettsoanes16@ hotmail.com

Chinwag Café – Every Friday from 10.30am-12.30pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag.

Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from 9am-1pm. Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and respect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Wood. Cooks Beach Care Group – Join our friendly team and learn about coastal conservation. Come weeding and planting. Thursday mornings. Register www. cooksbeachcare.org.nz

Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling Club – The Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling Club have had to move their weekly bowls games whilst the Cooks Beach Community Hall undergoes renovations, not to be deterred by this, one of their members offered the use of his garage for the Club to use and this is where they now enjoy playing and are thankful for having this as their venue. New members are most welcome, please contact Coral ph. 0212303944.

Dog walking group – Every Thurs, 2pm, Lovers Rock, Robinson Road. All breeds and sizes welcome to a very sociable group. Ph Jenny on 021 186 5797. Hahei Contract Bridge Club – Every Tuesday 12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Learners and casual welcome. Contact Don Barry 021 741 959 or Robyn Hogg 021543015.

Meditation Classes – Thursday evening. Spiritual, heart, soul development. Sacred energy, chakra activations, working with spiritual guides. Open forum conversation, Thursdays, 6.30pm at Flat 1, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga. Cost $10. Contact Verna 027 320 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com.

Mercury Bay Badminton Club – Thurs 5-7pm, 4 courts at MBAS gym. Please note club nights currently limited to existing club members due to high attendance levels. Contact: Steve 027 211 3568

Mercury Bay Badminton – Every Wednesday 9-11am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Social badminton. Casual players and visitors are welcome. Players of all levels, ages 16+. Phone Carol 027 474 7493 for more information.

Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports Club – 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday & Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 855 2772. Mercury Bay Bridge Club – Every Wednesday at 1pm and every Thursday at 7pm at the MB Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. For more information, phone Gavin on 021 146 9203.

Mercury Bay Community Choir – Meets Mondays 6.15 to 8.15pm at the music room Mercury Bay Area School. Start date 4th August. No auditions, no previous singing experience required. Phone Kate 027 2709058 for details.

Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised prior. For more information, Phone: 027 954 7434please email mbenvironmentaltrust@gmail.com or go to www. mbet.co.nz.

Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club – Every Thursday evening, Whitianga Town Hall, 6.45pm. New members and visitors welcome. Phone Cheryl 027 452 7887 or Sandie 021 825 667 for more information.

Mercury Bay Pickleball Club- At the Mercury Bay Area School Gymnasium, Tuesdays Members Only 5.30-7.30pm; Saturdays Social & New Players

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If you have an activity or group or the existing information is incorrect, let The Coromandel Informer know. Call 07 866 2090, email info@theinformer.co.nz. Our What’s On page is not guaranteed to run every week as often space is restricted. Consider paying for a classiﬁed advert if you want to guarantee your activity runs every week.

9-11am; Sundays All Players 3-6pm. Members, Visitors & Guests $5, a complimentary session is available to new players wanting to trial pickleball. Current membership only $10 to 30/09/2025 www.mercurybaypickleball.co.nz Contact Tony 021426150. Moewai Sportspark sessions are weather dependant & advised on our facebook page Mercury Bay Pickleball. Matarangi (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 3-5pm(Winter) 5-7pm(Summer) Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 0223836351. Hahei Tennis & Pickleball Club-Thursday & Sunday Contact Tim 0278432683 or refer their facebook page.

Mercury Bay Squash Club – New members/ enquiries to Dawn Thurgood mercbaysquash@gmail. com

Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tues, 9-11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Ph Anne on 07 869 5162 or 027 565 5575 for more info.

Mercury Bay Tennis Club – Social tennis at Lyon Park on Thursdays at 5.30pm. All welcome. Ph Jason 022 186 7992 or Carl 027 680 5570. Oneness Meditation Centre – The centre focuses on the meditative art of going deeper within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Every Monday, 9.30-11.00am. Further info. text Linda 027 650 4881 or email linda_c@ orcon.net.nz

Spiritual Conversation Mornings – Every Tues and Wed, 10.30am-12pm, 15 Mill Rd, Whitianga the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in some great conversation where we talk about topics and subjects that have meaning. $5 donation. Contact Verna 027 320 0079.

Tai Chi for beginners – Town Hall, Mondays 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 5146 for more info.

Tai Do Martial Arts – Town Hall, Tues/Wed 6-7.30pm. Ph Tony 027 333 5146.

Tairua Contract Bridge Club – Every Monday at 12.30pm at the Tairua Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726.

The Knitwits – A knitting group that meets sociably every Thursday from 10.30 to 1.30pm. Held at Social Services building, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. If you would like to join us please contact Cathy Lines on 0211171037 for more details.

Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30am-12.30pm every Wednesday morning at the Hahei Community Centre. Ages newborn-5years. We invite all parents, carers, visitors and grandparents. Contact whenuakiteareaplaygroup@gmail.com

Whitianga Art Group – Every Thurs/Fri 10am4pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for more information.

Whitianga Menz Shed – Open Tues/Thurs, 9am-12 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel truck stop. All welcome. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9am-12 noon, 1F White St. Contact whitianga@playcentre.org. nz or 027 880 3947.

Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor bowls and card games. Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk St, 1pm-4pm. Join us for a fun time and afternoon tea, 55+ age group. Phone Lionel Lawrence (president) on 027 274 6964 for more info. Whiti Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every Tues 9am start. For more information phone Margaret on 027 7802 744. All levels welcome.

Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information.

Yoga for Everyone - beginners/retirees/inflexibles welcome. Mon 2.30pm, Tues 5.15pm, Thurs 8.45am, Fri 8.45am, Sat 8.15am. Gentle Simple. $25/90 minute

Local makers, art, gifts, kai & more. Support local. Make midwinter magic. Vendor enquiries: rainbowwarriorlife@gmail.com

session. Txt Rosemary 0274 489326 for info.

DANCING

Argentine Tango Dance Class – Fridays, Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prior experience or partner necessary. Text Sergio for questions 027 410 2454

Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran.com. Weekend classes twice a month at 4pm. Mercury Bay Line Dancing Club – Tuesdays beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.45-2.30pm; Thursdays absolute beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, improvers/seniors 12.45-2.30pm. Contact Margaret 027 463 8850 or Glynis 021 1099 155. SALSA/Merengue/Bachata and Cha Cha – Contact Molly, events@beatfairy.com. Every Monday from 6.30-7.30pm at Monkey House. $20 per class which includes a drink.

Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes – Town Hall, Monk St, $5 per session. New Beginners, Wed 2.303.30pm, Beginner/Improver classes Monday 10.3011.45am, Intermediate classes Wed, 12-1.30pm; . Contact Cecily 027 294 1750 or Kathy 027 4321 353 Zumba – Wednesdays at 5.30pm at gym for Zumba and Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk St.

GROUP INFO

Grey Power Mercury Bay Inc – Coffee Morning, 11am on Thursday 21 August 2025 at the MB Club. Doors will open at 10.30am. All are welcome. Informative & interesting speakers. Any questions or to learn more about us ph: 07 866 5516

Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact mercurybayathletics@gmail.com

Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. Phone Barb 0274 075 268.

SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated – Learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Sheryll Carruthers 021 022 62504 or email seniornet.whitianga.admin@gmail. com. Whitianga Bike Park – 144 Moewai Rd, Whitianga. Open 24/7. Many bike tracks available, picnic areas, BBQs and walking trails. Donations welcome on entry. If you wish to volunteer or for programme enquiries, contact John 027 366 4606. Whitianga Gun Club – For information, phone Mike Deverell 0274 959 477 or Graham Sutcliffe on 021 846 655.

Whitianga Community Patrol – Monitors the township and neighbourhood. If interested in volunteering, ph Gary 027 391 3043.

Photo: FernVision

TRADES & SERVICES

David:

4994833

Tracey: 027 4907988

Phil – 0273 433023, Car, boat, campervan storage, 20 foot containers available to store your belongings.

Photography awards for ‘Pep Venosa’

The Whitianga Photographic Club received some very creative submissions for the June challenge of ‘Pep Ventosa’. This technique consists of capturing several images of a subject from various angles, then layering them in a photo editing programme, such as Photoshop, and adjusting each layer to produce an impressionistic or mosaic-like effect. The approach aims to depict the overall characteristics of a subject instead of emphasizing specific details.

Jenny Dowling evaluated and judged both the competition entries and the Photo of the Month.

COMPETITION WINNER:

‘AUCKLAND CITY SCAPE’ BY ANITA RUGGLE-LUSSY

Judge’s comments: “This image creates a feeling of chaos but in a controlled manner. It’s almost like there is order to the busyness. The darker colours at the bottom and the lighter colours at the top are a nice progression.

The Pep Ventosa technique has added a dimension to the image that a single image

would not have been able to do.

The image conveys the hustle and bustle of this city.” Highly Commended

PHOTO OF THE MONTH: ‘ATHENA’ BY KATE BEAUCHAMP

Judge’s comments: “Athena” is thoughtful and surreal. The bird on a knitting needle with the cotton reels creates a curiosity –it’s probably impossible, which makes it remarkable. It makes me think of Alice in Wonderland or some other fairy tale.

The Black and White treatment brings an appreciate of the texture. The bird is well placed on the left and is sharp and well-exposed. The mythological title invites us to ponder this image. Honours

These images and the other fabulous entries for June are on our Facebook page.

JULY COMPETITION:

The challenge for July is ‘Smoke Photography’ a fun technique to add striking and creative patterns and textures to our images.

Enquiries: Contact Whitianga Photography Club.

SPORTS

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

Round 1, Shoe Pairs

Monday 7 July

North/South: 1, Peter McNeil & Robyn Waters 57.50; 2, Johanna Bonnar & Peter Clarke 56.00; 3, Josie Feasey & Doreen Wernham 55.00.

East/West: 1, Rob Stewart & Ron Baker 61.00; 2, Carol Baker & Diny Naus 53.00; 3, Liz Young & Jill Huston 48.50.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Mahurangi Pairs Week 2

Tuesday 8 July

North South: 1, Dave Dylla and Sue Gill 55.42; 2, Robyn Hogg and Tia Ormsby 54.58; 3, Val Dwight and Denise Knutson 54.17.

East West: 1, Maggie Urlich and Myra Hoogwerf 55.42; 2, Bev Dickie and Judie Johnson 53.75; 3, Peter Hogg and Robyn Waters 52.50.

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB

June Competition

Wednesday, 9 July

North/South – 1, Robyn Hogg & Jenny Layton 55.56; 2, Norma Hart & Bob Schibli 52.22; 3, Pete Hogg & Chris Hilford 51.11.

East/West – 1, Rose Tegg & Geoff Jervis 64.17; 2, Tadek Gawor & Susan Swan 56.96; 3, Johanna Bonnar & Pat Doube 54.35.

Cathedral Cove Pairs

Thursday, 10 July

1, Ian Hogg & Chris Southwell 66.67; 2, Ischelle Stevenson & Sue Gill 63.89; 3, Shay Geach & Faith Stock 50.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING

CLUB

Thursday 10 July

Winners: Sue Webb, Merle Ward and Cliff Denney (visitor).

Runners Up: Ray Rout, Judy Cullinane, Shirley Marshall and Betty Simpson

Good Sports: Keith Denney, Lee Pudney and Jan Harvey.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday 9 July

8 players today and again a round robin tournament was held with both Bob Haase & Wayne Malcolm having three wins to play the final frame. A very close match this was with Wayne snatching victory and the cash prize. With two wins were Dave Colman, Peter Schultz and Ian Baumgren pay the final frame. This was a very close match.

Saturday 12 July

10 players today and a round robin was again played. With three straight wins were Wayne Malcolm, Doug Pascoe and Peter Schultz to challenge the finals. Peter won the drawn bye and Doug and Wayne battled out the semifinal with winner Wayne to go on to meet Peter in the final. Here Peter was on form and took a comfortable win and the cash prize. With two wins were Wayne Rattrick and Bob Haase.

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS

Tuesday 8 July

26 players answered the call this week making it the biggest night of the year so far.

This meant that 501 doubles was played with a double to start and a double to finish.

The winners on the night were Wayne Olsen and B.J. who went through their 4 sets undefeated.

The highest finish over 50 was 120 scored by Les Coomber.

No finishes over 50 were recorded by the ladies.

All players made 180 a miss this week with none being scored.

The competition was all over by 9.15pm.

THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB

Monday 7 July

9 Hole Mens Ambrose Winners Rey Bertling, Paul Anderson, Rob Friskin, Ray Green.

Stableford

Tuesday 8 July

1, Joanne Nicholson; 2, Leanne Evans

Nearest the pin on 7: Leanne Evans

4BBB Jacko’s Top Dog Round 2

Stableford

Wednesday 9 July

1, Peter Mathias; 2, Chris Palmer; 3, Allan Trow; 4, Tony Nicholson

Twos: David Gaskell on hole 7 and 18; Allan Trow on hole 7; Charlie Chilwell on hole 13; Nick Lambert on hole 13; Paul Anderson on hole 18

Nearest the pin on 18: Allan Trow

9 Hole Mens Stableford

Thursday 10 July

1, Steve Airey; 2, Paul Anderson; 3, Noel Rogers

Nearest the pin on 18: Paul Adams

Saturday Haggle Stableford

Saturday 12 July

1, Selwyn Knaggs; 2, Charlie Chilwell; 3, Peter Hunt; 4, Tony Nicholson; 5, Gavin Allden; 6, Rowan Toms 35 Twos: Cameron McLean on hole 7; Allison Drake-Wells on hole 13

Nearest the pin on 18: Peter Hunt

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

9 Hole Women – Net

Tuesday 8 July

Div 1: 1, Jen Layton; 2, Audrey Vickers Div 2: 1, Jean Hancock; 2, Sharon Morrissey

9 Hole Mixed - Stableford

1, Patrick Gonthier; 2, Muzz Bennett; 3, Roger Pheasant

18 Hole Men – Stableford

Wednesday 9 July

1, Graham Eccles; 2, Les Walbridge; 3, Mark Boe

Twos: Mark Boe

Gross

Div 1: Mark Boe Div 2: Les Walbridge

18 Hole Men - Net

Wednesday 9 July

1, Lachlan Tee; 2, Patrick Gonthier; 3, Carl Mitchell

Twos: Patrick Gonthier, Lachlan Tee, Willie Jones

Gross Div 1: Matty Menzies Div 2: Alan Coubray

TAIRUA GOLF CLUB

Tuesday 8 July

1, Kay van Lubeck; 2, Mike McCann; 3, Frances Reid; 4, Maree Jamieson

PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

9 hole stableford and Putts

Tuesday 8 July

Stableford

1=, Donna Dinsdale, John Hughes; 3=, Richard Duckworth, Brian Keucke

David Young

9 hole stableford Cooks Beach Building Supplies monthly medal

Thursday 10 July

1, Catherine Borlase; 2, Wayne Morrison.

‘Athena’ – photo of the month.

‘Auckland City Scape’ by Anita Ruggle-Lussy.

MERCURY BAY BOWLING & SPORTS CLUB INC

Snowden’s Menswear

Triples

BY JIMMY JOHNSON

Sunday, 6 July was a stunning Whitianga day. 22 teams of three bowlers competed from around the Coromandel, at the Mercury Bay Bowls Club.

The winners were a local team, despite other teams having National Champs in their teams.

Winning team was new bowler - Paul (Bones) Whitelaw alongside Shane O’Hara and David Field.

GIRLS FOOTBALL TEAM PLANNED

POLICE REPORT

BY CONSTABLE MICHAEL CARTER

Tuesday, 1 July - Sunday, 13 July

GENERAL:

On Saturday, 5|July, a burglary was reported as having occurred at an Arthur Street address. The subject has been spoken to regarding the matter.

Also, Sat 5 July, a vehicle was stopped on Hannan Road. The vehicle was subsequently searched with drugs and paraphernalia located.

Everyone remarked at how well the new carpet surface bowled and one visiting bowler went as far as saying, maybe the best carpet surface in the country! For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com

On Friday,11 July, a known male has shoplifted from two commercial premises in Whitianga. He has subsequently been stopped by police and is appearing in court at a later date.

On Saturday, 12 July, a vehicle was reported as driving erratically on Matarangi Beach and became stuck. The male was subsequently arrested on unrelated assault charges after resisting police.

ARRESTS:

1x female arrested for breaching bail

1x male arrested for Assault (domestic)

1x male arrested for Assault

OCCURRENCES:

Tuesday, 1 July, a Family Harm was reported occurring at a Cook Drive address. Police spoke with the young person involved.

Wednesday, 2 July a Family Harm occurred at an Arthur Street address. A

verbal argument between all parties was eventually resolved with police attendance.

Friday, 4 July a Family Harm was reported at an Arthur Street address where an Assault was believed to have occurred. Both parties were spoken to, and outside agencies notified of the incident.

Tuesday, 8 July a Family Harm occurred at a Mayfair Close address. Both parties were spoken to regarding the incident.

Thursday, 10 July a Family Harm was reported occurring at a Poplar Street address. The intoxicated male left the address after sound advice from police.

Friday, 11 July, a Family Harm was reported at a Mayfair Close address. The male party was arrested and charged with assault.

On Sunday, 13 July, a Family Harm was reported occurring on South Highway. Both parties were spoken to regarding their behaviour.

TRAFFIC:

On Monday, 7 July a vehicle collision occurred between a vehicle and bicycle. The driver of the vehicle has been spoken to regarding the matter.

On Saturday, 12 July a checkpoint was conducted on Buffalo Beach Road. Four drivers have been caught drink driving and are facing subsequent action.. Police are targeting Restraints, Impairment, Distractions and Speed this month.

On Thursday and Saturday last week Mercury Bay Football Club had a muster to see if there was enough interest in forming a girls team for the second half of the season. We were joined by Te Rerenga who are already in the league with Tairua, Whangamata and Hauraki Plains. It looks as though we’ll have the numbers, but would still like to attract more players. The league is for girls born in

July‘25

2012-2015 (10-13 yr olds), however WaiBOP (Waikato–Bay of Plenty) are keen to help, so please reach out if you are a little older or younger and we can ask.

It’s beginner level and free, so if you’d like to give football a try – email mbfootballclub@gmail.com.

A big thanks to Leisa McCleery at MBAS, Yana and the Te Rerenga Girls Football team and Carl Gubb who will be coaching our new Mercury Bay U12 Girls.

Where to pick up The

Paeroa – Arkwright’s Antiques, 4 Square Waihi – Waihi Information Centre and Gold Discovery Centre

Thames – Pak n Save, The Green Grocer, Richardsons Real Estate, Aeroview Garden Centre, Superprice Furniture, Goldfields Shopping Centre

Tairua – 4 Square, Surf n Sand Takeaways, Bayleys Real Estate, Gull Service Station, Super Liquor

Coroglen – Coroglen Tavern, Whangamata – Tango’s Shoes, Whanga Books, Challenge Service Station

Whitianga – New World, Woolworths, 4 Square, Gull Service Station, Z Service Station, Tango’s Shoes, Stephensons Pharmacy, Mercury Bay Pharmacy, Liquorland, Well Stocked Deli, Whitianga isite Coromandel – 4 Square, Coromandel Oyster Company, Super Liquor, Coro Liquor, Coromandel Information Centre, Coro Super Saver, James & Turner Kopu – Mobil Service Station Also general stores at Taruru, Te Puru, Tapu and Colville

FROM DEAN ALLEN

MBFC and Te Rerenga had a fun morning.

Snowden’s Triples winner new bowler Paul (Bones) Whitelaw, Shane O’Hara and David Field.

Sports

Taimania chosen for national Surf Life Saving leadership development

Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is proud to announce the successful candidates for the 2025–26 intake of the bp Leaders for Life programme, an advanced leadership development initiative that is now entering its 11th year, with ongoing support from bp.

This year, 18 outstanding candidates have been selected from a record-breaking 86 applicants, the highest number of applications the programme has ever received. The group includes 17 members from across the country and one from Australia, marking the third year the programme has welcomed a participant from Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).

Taimana Hinds, Chair of Hot Water Beach Lifeguard Service, is one of those selected.

Taimania is also a nurse at Mercury Bay Medical Centre, plays squash, netball and football. She coaches a Senior Girls Basketball team.

SLSNZ Member Development and Engagement Officer, Poppy

Crouch says strong ongoing demand for the programme highlights the positive impact that its graduates have on their clubs and in their communities.

“We had 86 applicants which shows how committed our young people are to developing their leadership skills and stepping up to help lead the future of surf lifesaving in New Zealand. We’re incredibly proud to support that growth,” she says.

This year’s programme begins in August 2025 in the Bay of Plenty, and will run through to May 2026, with face-to-face workshops held in Papamoa, Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Mount Maunganui.

The curriculum includes expert-led sessions with a diverse range of mentors, hands-on activities, and inspiring guest speakers – all designed to help candidates take their club and regional leadership to the next level.

SLSNZ CEO Steve Fisher says that strong leadership has a direct impact on outcomes for

SLSNZ clubs and the communities they serve.

“That’s why leadership development was embedded into our new national strategy last year, investing in future leaders ensures our movement remains

resilient, innovative, and community-focused,” he says.

The programme also includes ten carefully selected mentors, chosen from 28 applicants, who will work alongside each candidate throughout the year. These

mentors play a vital role in bridging workshop learning with realworld challenges in surf lifesaving clubs.

“Mentorship is a cornerstone of bp Leaders for Life,” says Poppy Crouch.

“The one-on-one guidance and support our mentors offer helps bring the programme to life and often results in lifelong professional and personal connections.”

For the third year running, SLSNZ will also benefit from the insights of a candidate from Surf Life Saving Australia. The collaboration strengthens cross-Tasman understanding, builds international relationships, and creates future opportunities for both countries.

“It’s hugely valuable to work alongside our SLSA Education colleagues to strengthen leadership pathways across both nations. Together we’re improving outcomes for lifesaving communities on both sides of the Tasman,” says Belinda Slement, National Education Manager at SLSNZ.

Taimana Hinds