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Amelia is celebrating Summer Thank you – local business and community gave generous amount for Amelia’s operation. Her only hope for a normal, pain-free life lies was life-saving surgery available only in Germany – a cost of $200,000. Amelia went to Germany to undergo a nine-hour operation. The surgery in Germany saved her life. BY PAULINE STEWART
A
melia Turner is 14 years old and I met her for an interview at Mercury Bay Club a few days ago. Her smile and bright saucer eyes said it all. “I feel good.” In July of last year, attention to Amelia Turner’s plight, a Hamilton girl, was brought to our attention by relatives and friends in the Coromandel Peninsula. Her condition was rare. At 13 years old she was bravely battling Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndrome. For the year previous, Amelia has been unable to eat or drink and required being tube fed. She had spent the last six months in Waikato Hospital battling through inconsolable amounts of pain. She finally could not walk. Her medical team in New Zealand had tried everything available to them. They were not able to deal with this debilitating condition except treat the symptoms. Some with Amelia’s condition had been treated successfully in Australia but with four compressions to be addressed in the one operation, the hospital in Germany specialized in this. Amelia’s family and friends
Maddy (mum) and Amelia Turner.
were working to raise $200,000 NZD and needed the help of the wider community to get her there. Any donation big or small was appreciated. Alan Hopping, founder of The Lost Spring in Whitianga,
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decided to reach deep to give to the plight of Amelia and then Alan challenged others to step forward. The Informer printed the story of that challenge and appeal for readers to respond if they could.
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STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2025/2026 – your guide to the night sky Tuesday, 13 January: There will be a bright and long Tiangong pass from 10:14pm starting near Saturn in the west. Wednesday, 14 January: he three stars forming the claws of Scorpio lie midway between the crescent Moon and the red giant star Antares in its neck before dawn and from 9:16pm in the NW there will be a long Tiangong pass. Thursday, 15 January: The Moon now sits right beside Antares in Scorpio just before dawn. Friday, January 16: The crescent Moon now lies well below and to the right of Antares the red giant star at the neck of Scorpio just before dawn and there will be a good ISS pass in the north from 5:45am. Sunday, 18 January: We have a bright ISS pass in the NW from 5:46am. Monday, 19 January: There will be a very bright ISS pass from 5:00am in the NW moving high overhead. Tuesday, 20 January: There will be a low ISS pass from 5:48am in the
AMELIA’S JOURNEY Amelia’s grandparents, Ann Sadler and Henry Boller live locally in Whitianga. Ann is an active member of the Whitianga Art Group, and she brought Amelia’s plight to the attention of the
peninsula. Another set of close family friends are Dirk and Cathy Sieling. Amelia, with her family, has always been a regular visitor to her grandparents before becoming too ill to travel. The biggest help was that they found a community online who were in a similar situation. It was a Facebook group of other sufferers and families sharing what they learnt - all of us were determined to find help. The families were our biggest help and solution. “We would have been looking for a needle in the haystack., “ says Maddy Maddy is Amelia’s strong Mum and it was key to this story for Maddy to tell the story of Amelia’ and their journey as a family. “So much organization was required to get to Germany. It was a huge undertaking. At the time of leaving, Amelia was very unwell. She required a huge amount of medical assistance. Not knowing if the operation would be successful, we had to take everything she required to see us through four to six weeks. We knew in any 24-hour period what was needed so the task was to multiply that by 60. We did not know about German medical equipment, but
east. Wednesday, 21 January: At dusk the Moon is low in the western horizon with Saturn above and to its right and at 5:00am there will be a good ISS pass in the west. Matariki, also known as the Pleiades or Seven Sisters, is at its best this time of the year so look for a lovely little cluster of stars low in the sky towards the north. Binoculars will reveal many more than seven young stars travelling in space with their companions. Our Sun would have been in a similar cluster in its youth about 4 billion years ago. However, all our Sun’s companions are now scattered across the sky. Saturn remains visible low in the NW after sunset as the brightest object in that part of the sky while brilliant Jupiter is unmistakable rising in the east. A small telescope or even powerful binoculars will reveal its four biggest moons moving dramatically from night to night.
2 | The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026
Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides
Wednesday 14 January
Thursday 15 January
Friday 16 January
Saturday 17 January
Sun: Rise 6:13am Set 8:38pm
Sun: Rise 6:14am Set 8:38pm
Sun: Rise 6:15am Set 8:38pm
Sun: Rise 6:16am Set 8:37pm
Moon: Rise 1:52am Set 5:02pm
Moon: Rise 2:30am Set 6:00pm
Moon: Rise 3:14am Set 6:55pm
Moon: Rise 4:06am Set 7:45pm
High Tides:4:27am 4:32pm
High Tides:5:22am 5:24pm
High Tides:6:14am 6:16pm
High Tides:7:03am 7:06pm
HOT WATER Low Tides:10:11am 10:39pm BEACH
HOT HOT WATER Low Tides:11:06am 11:31pm WATER Low Tides:11:58am BEACH BEACH
Sunday 18 January
Monday 19 January
HOT WATER Low Tides:12:20am 12:48pm BEACH
Tuesday 20 January
Sun: Rise 6:17am Set 8:37pm
Sun: Rise 6:18am Set 8:36pm
Sun: Rise 6:19am Set 8:36pm
Moon: Rise 5:04am Set 8:27pm
Moon: Rise 6:07am Set 9:04pm
Moon: Rise 7:12am Set 9:35pm
High Tides:7:49am 7:53pm HOT WATER Low Tides:1:05am 1:34pm BEACH
High Tides:8:32am 8:38pm HOT WATER Low Tides:1:48am 2:18pm BEACH
High Tides:9:13am 9:22pm HOT WATER Low Tides:2:30am 3:00pm BEACH www.theinformer.co.nz
knowing the families who had been through something similar, we got good advice. “Organizing that amount of stuff it was a joint effort between us as a family, the community nurses and the medical nurses. We needed the help of the doctors too as we had to get all of Amelia’s medical necessities through multiple countries “One family I connected with in Auckland had made a pdf document with everything they could think of - all about the hospital and location and what to look for. “Going to Germany were Amelia, me and Joe. The boys, Lachie and Harry, were with family. Joe could only go for the first 4 weeks and then my Mum came and Joe returned to be with the boys. Amelia “I ‘ve got a few friends and they have been really good.” They would come up to the hospital. One of Amelia’s friends is in a rock band and she sang some songs at a fund raiser for Amelia and got the dance floor going. Amelia has been too sick to participate, but she is a keyboard and piano player and sings in the band. “We had to go from NZ to the city of Leipzig . There we were scheduled for Amelia to have scans. They were specialized scans to provide the blueprints and the information needed for her operation - exactly what was going on in her body. We appreciated the time taken by the specialists there to really look at things. “ It wasn’t long before Amelia was prepped for the nine-hour operation. “The technology was very
advanced. Amelia’s body, almost before our eyes, once the blood flow was restored, the paralysis in her right leg ceased. In days, the improvements which enabled her to eat food were so dramatic. Of course, there were matters which will require caution and care in the future, but the underlying causes of her huge life-threatening health decline had been addressed. Whereas prior it had been a focused process of treating her symptoms, even being told it was mostly in Amelia’s mind. NEW ZEALAND - OUR MEDICAL EXPERIENCE As soon as we got back, our pediatrician was there to support Amelia. The medical team involved with Amelia acknowledged readily what she had been through and gave us credit for keeping trying and believing in a solution for Amelia’s condition. She was wheelchair bound when she left and now they could see a walking, healthy young person. “I think about the cost of this journey to Germany and the operation and compare that to what we must have cost the system in New Zealand – weeks in hospital, endless procedures (we lost count), feeding her intravenously, eliminating through this method what they think it could be. It is in the words of my mother, a false economy. “The question that plays on my mind is, “What is it going to take here in this country to enable a better system. Is it a massive ego thing? A women’s health thing ? “There is better research com-
home staging
ing out of these countries. There is a vascular surgeon in Hamilton who is a top of his field. He knew how to do the surgery Ameia required. He met with the surgeon who did Amelia’s surgery. It was not allowable for him to do the operation in New Zealand. We have pushed so hard for our system to change, “For Amelia it started with her getting covid. No two people present the same. “We knew what she had. The scans done show that. With the compressions, the medical system here said they don’t have a treatment plan. They could do a weight gain program but that could not happen as tube feeding became impossible. Amelia became so very thin and so unwell before we got the intravenous line. She gained weight but
THANK YOU AND MORE “The main purpose of our telling this story is to express our gratitude. We can’t stop feeling thankful. We are very grateful to our own community in Hamilton who have been so very generous and hard working with fund raisers
and endless practical support. “But we really only knew our relatives here. We have been coming to the Coromandel since Amelia was a baby and spending our holidays here. We reached out to them for help and the whole community of Mercury Bay responded. “We are indebted to many strangers – their monetary gifts which made this possible. But people gave so much more. We received so many kind and heartfelt messages and so many prayers were offered for Amelia from people we didn’t know. There is something about the way the people on the Coromandel got behind us. That is the miracle here. “It has been a difficult time for the family – I had to stop work, and the boys hardly saw me and their sister for the past twelve months. “But when I saw Amelia enjoying that ice cream at Kuaotunu, the one she had dreamed about from previous holiday memories – I am overcome. We are a mother and father of three children. Now we can be a family. FROM AMELIA “The fact is I can walk, I can eat one of those big ice cream at Kuaotunu. I can dream of travelling when I am older. It was not possible when I was so sick. There were times when the pain was so bad pain. would just say, “Make it end.” “I love music, so I am going to play and sing again. Thank you everyone.” Email: maddy@alchinlaw.co.nz
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Amelia with a young friend when she was in Waikato Hospital.
it did not change her condition. Amelia could not walk or eat normally. The outcome that we were asked to accept was to go home and live with it. The medical team acknowledged that they did not have any other plan. “When you know there are options overseas to change that, you just can’t accept that kind of prognosis. “Through our research and searching for help, we knew the girl who had had this same surgery two years ago. It changed her life and brought health back. It is not a miracle, it is science. Fix the problem and the symptoms go away. “There are many other young women who are in this situation or similar situations, and they could get the help here. “It is a system change that needs to happen. We had really supportive doctors. A lot of others I know have not had that same level of support. It is easy for a doctor to change their attitude to give support and be compassionate. It made such a big difference to the care we received. “When we said to the medical staff here that we have decided to go overseas, they were supportive of our doing that. But when we didn’t really need to do that - it’s hard to accept.
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Private Hire Charters • Auckland Airport Transfers 4 | The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026
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The Power of Community Support BY LIZ SIMS
7
00 kms west of Adelaide in South Australia is the remote and cute little fishing village, Streaky Bay. Situated near the South Australian end (or beginning) of the Nullarbor Plain, the topography and dry climate of this area is the direct antithesis of Whitianga. Despite the mostly flat, dry landscape, there are similarities. It is a picturesque bay surrounded by raw coastline and stunning ocean beaches. The town of over 2,000 people is a base for wheat & sheep farming, fisheries and tourism. Surfers, retirees and recreational fisherman add to the mix of people living & visiting there. I was lucky enough to spend a big chunk of my childhood there and my parents were avid community supporters. This community support is typical, pivotal and necessary for cohesion in small towns. Towns and their people thrive with this support. That was brought home to me recently when I returned to Streaky Bay to visit my younger brother John. Due to birth complications, he is differently wired, requiring extra services and support. However, he thrives in his town. People know and respect him and his wider and immediate family. It does seem he’s ”wrapped” in a protective cover. It always
Beachfront, Streaky Bay, Australia.
Liz’s brother.
delights Mike and me to see this in action when we holiday in my home town. That community support extended to John, as a young man, gaining a coveted fishing license. The local school principal, harbourmaster, MP and my parents
all supported John’s application for a special B Class fishing licence. This licence enabled him to join other fisherman in commercial line fishing for the local fish delicacy – whiting, as well as snapper, garfish, trevally etc. It certainly opened up a whole new world of
opportunities and social contact. My brother loves to sit outside one of the two cafes in town. People stop and chat to him and many sit and join him. He can be there for hours. My brother is savvy and gregarious. He’s naturally cheerful and funny with a wacky sense of humour. And then there’s always the fish stories… Fishing has given him purpose and a small income. Community has facilitated his sense of wellbeing and belonging. This is not to say it’s always been easy for him or for us, his family. There were more physical and health issues, isolation and less services and as it is for anyone with differences, school could be problematic. Although Whitianga is a bigger town, it still has that lovely community feel. Churches, clubs, organisations as well as individuals do amazing voluntary work here to support as many people
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in need as they can. Although social media can have a toxic element, the local chat groups can also provide a medium for support. I feel emotionally touched when I read about people asking for help for others in need. People who are unwell, disadvantaged or even have just moved to town and don’t know anyone. I feel even more touched when I read people’s responses and the help they offer. Humanity is alive and well in our Coromandel towns. Equally important is the acceptance, the taking time to greet, to chat and to provide employment for those with such challenges. Our communities can make the lives of these households so much easier, and it also make our own lives more purposeful and definitely more enjoyable. Connected communities are happier ones.
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The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 5
Tony working on one of his sandcastle marae meeting house which would be part of the Maori Pa and the finished meeting house.
How would you like to win a trip to Paris, France for your sandcastle? Tony Davison – Poignant memory of local New Zealand wide sandcastle winner.
T
hat’s what happened sixty years ago and a boy of 12 years old from Whitianga won first place equal with a young woman named Alison Coombes. It was a nationwide competition. That boy was Tony Davison. Ten years later he would be one of six who drowned in Whitianga’s worst boating accident. He was 22 when his short life tragically ended. The Informer featured the story of that event on the 50th Anniversary in their 30 December issue 1090. There are many sandcastle competitions held on the Coromandel Peninsula over the Summer. There is a big one coming this weekend at Pauanui. This is about Tony’s entry in that sandcastle competition. He was a very thorough personality in all he did. His idea was to build a Maori Pa – the different buildings and have them in scale as they related to each other. This was the best
Tony (12) on his way to France with the other New Zealand winner Alison Coombes (13); before entering the sandcastle competition, Tony’s parents took him to Rotorua to study the traditional Pa buildings.
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creation he could think of to represent New Zealand. He asked his parents to take him to Rotorua so he could study the Maori carvings and see each building at their model Maori village constructed for tourists. Then he began building for the competition right on Buffalo Beach. Tony Davison was the first place winner. His extensive research and thorough measuring and trying different methods and the overall effect of many buildings looking so realistic won him a trip to Paris for twelve days. That was a comforting memory for his parents in the years that followed. Tony made the most of his life and he loved his country and his community. That is not forgotten. Whether it’s a sandcastle competition or a writing competition, a talent quest,-a job interview, retirement; or a date – go for it with thoughtful planning and the best preparation.
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The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 7
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coromandel life:style centre 4/9 joan gaskell drive, whitianga 8 | The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026
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Motorbike POKER RUN
24th year this Saturday.
W
e leave this year from the Mercury Bay Club, Riding to support and to raise money for our Local Hato Hone St John Ambulance Team, for the great work that they do. The last draw of the Poker hand will be back in the paddock where we will announce the winner, The Peninsula Poker Run is on this Saturday, 17 January. The Run is a great turn up of motor bikes, riders, friends and organised by Peninsula Riderz Whitianga. Approximately 150 riders, park up at the Mercury Bay Club for breakfast, to greet old friends, and register for this annual, social charity ride around the Peninsula. “Every year, the Peninsula’ Poker Run raises funds for a good community cause and this year it is St Johns Ambulance Hate Hone team for the great
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WHY THE POKER RUN
work they do. The funds are raised through raffles, donations and registrations paid to participate in this annual event,” says Vic McLean, the organiser and club leader The Route – The normal route is first stop – Coromandel Top Pub, then Tapu Tavern, then Kopu Hikuai and across the Taparahi Bridge onto the last stop at Coroglen Tavern before returning to Whitianga. The final stop is Simpson’s farm at Wharekaho. There, everyone enjoys a meal, and this year it’s a Rock N Roll time with local Captain Snappy Band,
At each stop, every rider draws a card from a card pack. Five stops means five draws – a poker hand. Each rider ends up with a full hand. The rider with the highest value hand wins $500 and that is announced at the end of the run. “The Poker Run started back in 2003,” says Viv. “It was founded by Dave McGaw (known as The Colonel) who passed away in 2014. My wife and I were part of the first run and there are other club members here who were part of that. The idea came from right here in Whitianga at a bar called Levitate. The Peninsula Riderz Whitianga continue Dave McGraw's legacy - Round the Peninsula Poker Run. Everyone welcome to register at the Mercury Bay Club Saturday Morning 8.30 - 9.30am.
The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 9
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Travel with Sarah Jane
Ultimate guide to beach boredom-busters From competitive sports to sandcastles and engineering, “ocean timber” mansions.
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hether it’s an annoying cousin itching for a challenge or kids who have outgrown basic buckets and spades, the beach is the ultimate arena for creativity and competition. Remember: the sun is fierce on the sand, so layer up the sunscreen before you start!
1. THE SOCIAL STARTER: BEACH SPORTS Beach sports are the perfect "icebreaker." • Recruit the neighbours: Setting up cricket stumps or a volleyball net is a universal signal. Don't be surprised if complete strang- Sandcastle competition entry in Matarangi 2024; Driftwood fort Hokitika, very similar to the ones across The Coromandel. ers volunteer to field – embrace the community spirit! makes sand get stuck in the bucket. other. It’s the best way to build 3. DRIFTWOOD MANSIONS by the sea. • Keep it energetic: Competitive Key techniques height and intricate towers. For those who want to build • Respect the habitat: Driftgames like touch rugby, frisbee, or • Dig a well, not a moat: Instead • The foundation: Always build something massive, look to the wood is a home for marine life beach soccer are great for burn- of a decorative moat, dig a deep a base wider than your super- tide line. Driftwood is the "big and a resting spot for birds. Build ing off that restless energy. water hole nearby until you hit structure. You are training future kid" version of sandcastles. away from nesting areas. TRAVEL WRITER – SARAH-JANE the water table. This "well" pro- engineers here! Why it works • Leave no trace: These are 2. PRO-LEVEL SANDCASTLES: vides a constant supply of the wet Equipment & finishing touches • Foraging: It turns the beach temporary art installations. Take THE ENGINEERING EDITION sand you need. • Tools: Move beyond the plas- into a scavenger hunt, getting the your photos, then dismantle the Forget flimsy plastic molds. To • Hand-stacking vs. Soft-packing: tic spade. Use putty knives, paint whole family moving. fort before you leave. Leave the build a castle worthy of a family – Soft-Packing: Pounding damp scrapers, and trowels for sharp • Creative logic: You have to find beach exactly as you found it. selfie, you need to think like an sand into a container or shape. edges, and a soft brush for detail- the right "joint" or "pillar" among engineer. This is where you get the kids to ing. the sun-bleached wood to make a SANDCASTLE COMPETITIONS The Fail-Safe Recipe: Castle "beat the sand into submission" • Eco-decor: Only use "found" structure stand. The Summer Sandcastle Series Concrete The secret is a 1:1 ratio. to create a solid base. items like feathers, shells, and The rules of driftwood magic was back on the Coromandel Pour a bucket of water first, then – Hand-Stacking: The pro move. seaweed. Never rip out living • Use found forms: No power beaches this summer. It is sponshovel in the dry sand. This pre- Scoop up handfuls of "soupy" wet dune grass – it’s vital for protect- tools! The beauty lies in the sored by Popsicle in conjuction vents the "suction effect" that sand and let them settle into each ing our coastlines. twisted, natural shapes provided with CFM.
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82 Richmond St, Thames Phone 0800 868 5484 richmondvillas.co.nz The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 11
Ray’s Report #9
Are you a volunteer? BY RAY VAN BEYNEN
A
big shout out to all our local volunteers. The Coromandel Peninsula has a population of some 34,000. Volunteer New Zealand estimates that just over 50% of Kiwis volunteer in some capacity. There is a strong culture of volunteering on the Peninsula. Logically our percentage of volunteers is somewhat lower, and I suspect the national average is also nowhere near this high. The main reason is the fact that good hearted people who provide their time, skills and services tend to volunteer across multiple organisations. If each voluntary organisation was asked to report on their numbers and these were tallied the numbers would be skewed. In effect the totals would include volunteers who had been counted more than once. Locals volunteer across a wide range of Groups. They effectively staff and run some amazing organisations including our Peninsula wide Fire Service, St
John Ambulance, the Rescue Helicopter Trust, Community Services Trusts, Community Patrols, Land Search and Rescue, SeniorNet, local Museums, Environmental Trusts and Conservation Groups, the Recycle Centres, Coastguard, the Community Groups who provide regular food parcels and meals such as the Whitianga Community Trust, St Andrews and Bellyful. And finally, the plethora of Opportunity Shops across the region. Sincere apologies if any have been missed. Without the goodwill of our volunteers National and Local Government would find their already stretched financial resources broken. Put bluntly our communities would be severely impacted without the superb contributions made by volunteers. Like all good social contracts there are benefits to the volunteers working in the community. It gives them a sense of purpose and a realisation that they make a significant contribution to people’s lives. It also provides camaraderie, and the social aspect can’t be
underestimated. Sadly, several community volunteers report harassment and bullying by the very people they are serving. The poor treatment of people in the service industry is a much wider problem. While this is totally unacceptable there appears to be a growing belief in some quarters that threatening and intimidation gets results. Sadly too, several voluntary organisations have been the victims of thefts, burglaries and wilful damage. In general, our local communities greatly appreciate the services Community volunteers provide. Let’s treat volunteers with respect and appreciation. They deserve this. Most of our community groups are always keen for more volunteers and they are easily contactable either directly or through their internet webpages.
Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel
What a cracking start to the year we’ve had across the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s been great to see our towns packed with people enjoying themselves in our part of the world. Over this summer period I’ve been able to spend a bit more time in the electorate, and I’ve been making the most of it. A highlight has been attending the numerous community events held around our region and I want to acknowledge the volunteers who have made these days possible. It can be a thankless and stressful task to put on a public event, but they make our communities more vibrant, especially over the New Year period. I also want to shout out everyone who has been working over this busy period, especially those in the tourism and hospitality sectors. You do a terrific job welcoming people to our region and making them feel at home during their stay. Your efforts are an essential part of why we are seen as the place to spend the summer and I’m sure that you’ve helped to create some lasting memories. Looking forward to the year ahead in politics,
Scott Simpson MP, Mayor Peter Revell, Mark Mitchell MP on a pizza break Luke’s Kitchen, Kuaotunu.
there will be General Election later this year, but in the meantime the Government is still progressing its legislative agenda.
A NEW RMA Before the Christmas break, we introduced the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill to Parliament. These Bills make up the Government’s new planning system, which will replace the much-maligned RMA. The new system will be simpler, faster, and result in far fewer activities requiring consents. The potential benefits are significant for our economy, with an estimated saving of $13.3 billion over 30 years through reduced administrative and compliance costs. Officials also estimate the new
system will reduce consents by between 15,000 and 22,000 per year through fewer activity categories and removing the need for consent for low-impact activities. These reforms are a once-in-a-generation chance to scrap the RMA which has stifled economic activity, created uncertainty for developers and councils, and has failed to protect the environment since it was introduced in 1991. The Government aims to pass both the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill into law in 2026 and the public will have an opportunity to have their say through the Select Committee process. Simpson MP, 614 Pollen St, Thames
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14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510 www.renniecox.co.nz whitianga@renniecox.co.nz 0800RENNIECOX (0800 736 643) 12 | The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026
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Elizabeth Kyle brings magic to Whitianga Wellbeing Market BY VERNA CARR
O
n Monday, 5 January, professional artist Elizabeth Kyle thrilled visitors at the Whitianga Wellbeing Market with free "draw your dragon" classes that proved creativity is within everyone's reach. A small but enthusiastic group gathered in the Whitianga Town Hall around Elizabeth's table, pencils at the ready, as she patiently guided them through the fundamentals of drawing. "Draw a circle, then another circle, draw a rectangle, connect them all together with a curved line, make an S shape," she instructed. Under her gentle guidance, accompanied by much laughter and sighs of relief, dragon shapes began to emerge on the pages before participants. With the addition of wings, tails, scales and claws, everyone walked away with their own masterpiece. The market's raffle prize was Elizabeth's stunning print, "Morning Glory" Congratulations to winner Imelda, (Red Ticket 13). Originally painted in acrylics, the piece exemplifies Elizabeth's expertise in visionary surrealism, depicting a beautiful woman surrounded by nature,
Elizabeth Kyle with Director of the Market Derek Johnson; Piper Wilson with her dragon picture.
rainbows and spiritually significant symbols. The print showcases the talent that has defined Elizabeth's successful career as a professional artist. Everyone can draw. Can you draw? No? Of course you can draw! Can you draw a dot? Yes. Excellent! If you can draw a dot, you can draw. Elizabeth will show you how. Elizabeth is offering classes for absolute beginners throughout 2026, covering topics including dragons, portraits, still life, light against dark, mandalas, proportion and composition. Classes are $45 per person. For information and
bookings, contact Pixi at 022 161 7673. Elizabeth and her partner Ron purchased the historic Old Court House in Thames, transforming it into a permanent gallery showcasing her magical, fantasy and soul-inspired artworks. Elizabeth's Thames gallery and gift shop is an emporium of unusual treasures featuring dragons, unicorns and other mythical creatures. Visit “Merlin's Den”, which serves as a place for magical fairy tales and storytelling, and a unique party venue where guests can celebrate dressed as fairies, princes and princesses, wizards
– or whatever their imagination conjures. Costumes are available for hire, and adults can enjoy medieval banquets, steampunk dinners or fantasy parties. For all enquiries: Ron Harvey 027 955 2460 or Pixi Robertson 022 161 7673
Prohibited Fire Season in Thames/ Coromandel District Manager, Daryl Trim says the season change means no open-air fires can be lit within the coverage area, and permits to light fires will not be issued. “We need to reduce the risk of fires getting out of control as much. For more information about the activities you can and can’t do in a prohibited fire season head to www. checkitsalright.nz. The islands off the mainland are included in the prohibited season. The private use of fireworks by individuals is prohibited and no timeframe for the ban has been put in place.
Water restrictions
The local council urges mindful use of water across most of the Thames-Coromandel district including Whitianga. Only Thames valley remains under a permanent ban.
Your dream coastal lifestyle
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This is your chance to secure one of the very best sections at Wharekaho. Perched above the coast, these elevated, sun-soaked sites boast sweeping views over the Whitianga Harbour, Front Beach, Flaxmill Bay, Mercury Bay, and the golden sands of Wharekaho.
The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 13
Through the Portal
Opinion
A Tale of Two Spits BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN
The efforts of the HealthPost Nature Trust are to be encouraged and supported; we wish them success in their endeavours. This is the tale of the first spit, a tale of hope and positivity.
THE FIRST TALE It was reported in mid-December that a Tasman based environmental trust, The HealthPost Nature Trust, announced that they were to commence building a 4 km long predator fence at the base of Farewell Spit. Their goal is to protect the Farewell Spit and to create a safe environment for seabirds to breed again along both cliffs and dunes. Farewell Spit is located at the northwestern tip of the South Island and at 35 km of length is New Zealand’s longest sand spit. The HealthPost Nature Trust was formed in 2017 with the goal of protecting this spit, recognising that a sand spit is as much a part of nature as places such as bushland, mangrove swamp, mountain range or wetland. They are a group that is local to that area and have a vested interest in its natural preservation. Sand offers some of nature’s stunning features; sand spits such as Farewell Spit, but also sand dunes do, such as the spectacular Hokianga sand dunes and the myriad of beautiful sand beaches that this country is blessed with.
TALE OF THE SECOND SPIT The spit that is the subject of the second tale unfortunately does not currently offer much hope or positivity. That spit is in Whitianga and is the Taputapuatea Spit which forms a significant portion of the Buffalo Beach. The attached photo, taken in 1961, shows the extent of the Taputapuatea Spit and shows that its nature is one of sand, not bushland. Far from being preserved as a natural piece of nature it is being changed by a “conservation” group that is not a local group, they are the national Forest and Bird Society who seem to have an aim of changing nature to fit their belief of what nature should look like. To me they seem to be a gardening club. TAPUTAPUTEA HISTORICALLY A SAND SPIT Captain Cook in his journals in 1796 wrote that the area (the Taputapuatea Spit and surroundings) was a barren piece of land, devoid of plant life of any sort.
Despite this history the Forest and Bird Society stated (in their 2015 plan) that a desired outcome was “to establish coastal vegetation sequences that would have occurred prior to human settlement”. As the land was a sand spit when Captain Cook arrived the Forest and Bird Society appears to be accusing local Maori of clear felling the area before Cook arrived, and creating the spit by their efforts. I believe this suggestion is just balderdash and that the spit was created by nature. The naming of their project as a “Restoration” project is false and is used as an excuse for them to reshape a lovely piece of nature into another image, as that is what they would prefer. The Council at the time gave them permission to proceed with this gardening project with assurances that no large trees were to be grown which would ruin the vistas available from this area. As anyone who passes this area can see these assurances do not appear to have been worth much and the spit is being transformed from its natural state into a scrub land. The removal of the trees and shrubs that make up this transformation is a matter that has been taken up with the Community Board.
Taputaputea Spit 1961.
The question may be asked “Why worry about it, what is wrong with a few trees?” Firstly we should worry about it as the Taputapuatea Spit makes up almost half of the land that is Buffalo Beach and by continuing with the present path, we are effectively giving away that land to a gardening club. With the Buffalo Beach Reserve often taken up with events such as markets, sporting, car or cultural events, it is important that we keep the spit available for uses such as beach sports (surfing, kite riding etc), family beach use, picnicking and so on. This is especially so if the use of the reserve is to be developed further for concerts etc. During such events the public still need somewhere to go if they are to enjoy Buffalo Beach. Secondly there is nothing wrong with trees in their natural place but to have
their growth killing off one piece of nature purely to indulge what is not a natural element of nature for that particular area is spending resources foolishly. Some trees could be left on the spit, provided the lower branches are kept thinned so that the views are not impeded, and these would offer some shade to the public. But we do not need another forest, the Coromandel has heaps of these already. Probably the main difference in these tales of two spits is that one is driven by locals who wish to protect the nature in their area whereas ours appears to be driven by a national organisation who wishes to impose their vision of nature onto our area. It is time this stopped and the Community Board took over the management of the Taputapuatea Spit and invited the locals to participate.
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It’s a boy and it’s a girl at the Whiti Farm Park
PINKY’S
Summertime fun and getting ready for school $
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Scottish calf was born on Christmas Day at this very family oriented, animal farm park just south of Whitianga. He is soft and lovable but not for patting as Mum has big horns and is very protective of her baby boy. However, the fence allows people to get close. Jessie, owner of the Whiti Farm Park and partner of Ronnie James, has given this baby Scottish calf a Gaelic name –Nollaig, pronounced Noll-ik and it means ‘Christmas.’
On New Year’s Day, a fallow deer fawn was born,” says Ronnie. “We didn’t even know this had happened. A group of visitors to the park told us. They were thrilled to be there and to watch the Mother deer licking her baby. We think she will be called Bambi. NEWS ABOUT STUART THE STOLEN BLUE TONGUE LIZARD This loved and popular Lizard that was stolen from the Whiti Farm Park two weeks ago has not
been returned despite the public appeal. “We hope now to get another one,” says Ronnie. In the meantime, for the sake of our visitors to the park, we have been loaned a Blue Tongue lizard from Scalez & Tails Reptile Rescue Coromandel/Pauanui. We are very grateful for their help. Opening hours at the Whiti Farm Park are 10:00am to 4:00pm seven days a week in Summer. No appointment necessary. Plenty of parking – just come.
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about negotiating the internet. The group sessions for iPhone users are a fun way to discover new features of your iPhone or iPad.
OUR REGULAR PROGRAM One-on-One sessions last 45 minutes. They are held on Wednesdays starting on 11 February. You can choose from three times; 10:15am-11:00am, 11:15am-12:00pm, and 1:15pm-2:00pm. ($8 per session.) We also run two IPhone User Groups which meet for two hours starting at 2:15. Group A and Group B are held on alternate Wednesdays. ($10 per
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PRESENTATIONS In addition to our regular sessions, we organise a presentation every term which anyone can attend. The Term 1 presentation will be given by the Audiologist at Bay Audiology who will describe the benefits of hearing aids, apps or other help available through your phone or tablet, and answer any hearing-related questions you may have. (Gold coin donation) We meet at the Social Services Building, 2 Cook Drive, Room 9. To join SeniorNet or book a class, email Sheryl on seniornet. whitianga.admin@gmail. com.
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It’s New Year’s resolution time!
elcome to 2026 – Have you resolved this year to broaden your skill and increase your confidence using your Smart Phone, Tablet or laptop. Using your tech devises enables you to be in closer touch with family here or overseas, make appointments, order groceries online or find out what is going on in town. SeniorNet is a non-profit organisation which was established to provide older adults with access to computer technology and digital skills training.
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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK – SEE YOU AT PINKY’S The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 15
Letters to the Editor MERCURY BAY BOAT CLUB Very, very sad to read in this weeks Informer that the Mercury Bay Boat Club have basically given up the will to live. After years of red tape and PC nonsense they have no fight left to save the Clubhouse, on site. For those folks on holiday from out of town you may like to check it out. It’s on the beachfront along Buffalo Beach. A priceless location, right on the beach with direct access to safe sailing in the bay. Something to be very proud of. A valuable community asset about to be lost, forever. You could not replace it for millions. This site was damaged during a storm, three years ago. From that day on Council and regional council have put up every possible roadblock to prevent the site being restored and saved. Council quoted $600,000 to repair the damage. That’s six hundred thousand dollars. Haha, the club, and the community could have restored it, simply, and no cost to the ratepayers. Not one dollar. I would suggest any person with half a brain looking at this site could see that it could be restored, easily. Half the waterfront here is protected by rock walls, it’s not rocket science. So, to Central Government, local Government, and regional Government, thanks for nothing, you should be ashamed. You are elected to represent the people. You have let the community down, badly. As Cat Stevens sung all those years ago “Where do the Children play.” Douglas Anderson, Grumpy Old Man, Whitianga BOATING CLUB ACTION – ATTENTION TCDC I was pleased and inspired by two articles in Issue 1189 of The Informer. First article was by Phil Hart on the background of the Mercury Bay Boating Club and its future. In my opinion they have made the right decision to sell the building after all the hurdles they have faced over the years. Now here’s the wrap! Where does the lovely building go? I offer the following scenarios: 1. As Phil states in his article, it should stay for community use and I totally agree. 2. It could be located at the Sports Ground off Moewai Road which is desperate for a meeting room and completion of a wonderful asset 3. I believe that the residents and community of Mercury Bay would support the Boating Club in any way to finalise this issue. Second article: This was in reference to a Letter to the Editor from Roger Harwood. The paragraph I liked was when he stated that our world famous Mercury Bay Boating Club was held back from taking preventative action before the major storms. He continued to say that we are not allowed to build groynes that are proven worldwide and at Flaxmill Bay, to prevent coastal erosion. Why? It was stated in my first article that the Boating Club would be
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.
If any writer on The Coromandel would like to be included, they should contact Heather at www. artscollective.co.nz/ or myself shaun@besidetheseaside.co.nz. Shaun Fay
A Boating Club vision.
selling their building but surely the present site needs protection to save the ratepayers in the area. So good on you Roger for pointing out this issue that has gone on for many years. A positive attitude and ‘Let’s get things done’ attitude is needed in 2026. We have a strong team in the Community Board and let’s hope we hear from themsoon on this matter. Noel S. Hewlett, Whitianga
NEW YEARS 2026 HONOURS LIST Whilst reading about the 2026 Honours List recipients in the NZ Herald on December 31st, I felt some more amazing people deserve their 2026 Honours as well. 1. Barry Young: the very brave whistleblower who raised internal concerns about covid 19 vaccination data, whilst employed as a data specialist at Te Whatu Ora. He cares deeply about New Zealanders, and public safety, and is a brave truth teller, who deserves absolute praise, not court cases. 2. Drs Matt Shelton, Alison Goodwin, Cindy de Villiers, Mark Pinkerton, Rene DeMonchy, and Anne O Reilly frontlining NZ doctors speaking out with science. These very brave doctors have worked tirelessly around the clock for several years, highlighting Covid 19 vaccine harms and deaths experienced by thousands of NZers. They lost their jobs due to the vaccine mandates. They are treating vaccine harmed people. NZDSOS is a group of 300+ health professionals advocating for health and freedom. They are committed to upholding the Hippocratic Oath, the NZ Bill of Rights, and the Nuremberg Code. Do no harm. These doctors credentials are further enhanced by their important contributions to the peoples position – Covid 19 Lessons
16 | The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026
Learned Phase two Special Report: NZ Royal Commission of Inquiry (A vital text which is essential reading for all NZers) 3. Dr Guy Hatchard PhD. Guy Hatchard is the creator and principal contributor to the Hatchard Report. He has been a life-long advocate of food safety. He was formerly Director of Natural Products at Genetic ID, a global food safety testing and certification company now known as FoodChain ID. He writes regular and valuable high quality material about health and food, and the dire warnings about the proposed dangerous Gene tech bill. “These people are exemplary, care about truth, and deserve recognition for their contributions to New Zealand.” Helen Falla, Thames CONTRADICTIONS FOR TRUMP Your editorial “More or less wrong, never right” (Informer, 6 January) is thought provoking. It draws attention to the real contradictions that exist in the world order, most recently Maduro being treated as the ultimate criminal, in contrast with other evil actions by world leaders over recent times which don’t receive a similar level of condemnation – particularly by the current USA Trump Administration. There is a very simple explanation for Trump’s military action against Maduro, which is implicit in your editorial, although not spelt out there. This is that Venezuela has huge crude oil reserves, which Trump has calculated can and should be exploited by the USA. In fact, most illegal drugs imported into the USA come through Mexico and/or Honduras, as opposed to Venezuela. However, at the risk of sounding cynical, Trump wouldn’t dare kidnap the Jewish leader of Mexico
(President Claudia Sheinbaum) for fear of a huge backlash in the US. As for Honduras, it is a poor country which has no oil reserves or other resources that can be exploited by the USA, but it does have a US airbase and military stationed there at Soto Canó. Far easier for Trump to kidnap an unpopular dictator whose capture would result in only muted criticism from abroad, for example, the mealy mouthed expression of “concern” from our Minister of Foreign Affairs Peters. An added irony is that in December 2025 Trump pardoned former President Hernandez of Honduras who had been sentenced to 45 years in prison in the US in 2022 for complicity in trafficking 400 tons of cocaine into the US. The pardon was given because, without any supporting evidence, Trump bizarrely contended that Hernandez had been the victim of a “Biden set up”. So Trump applies one standard for the dictator of a country which has vast oil reserves that can be exploited by America, and another standard for the convicted dictator of a country which has no resources to speak of but which hosts US troops. I agree with your comment that people weary of the powerlessness of such conversations, so I will resist the temptation to add anything further. Phil Bartlett, Coromandel Town WRITERS INVITED Loved your story on Dawn Mary McMillan – MNZM this week. Inspirational. I know you normally focus on things Tairua north but this may be of interest to all writers on The Coromandel. The Whangamata Arts Collective host their 10th annual Harcourts Art Challenge, Anniversary Weekend and this year they are including books with an “Authors Table”.
MATTERS AT WHITIANGA TRANSFER STATION I have a few comments regarding the revised methods for recycling at the local Whitianga transfer station. Firstly, the new set up is on the whole a lot tidier and easier to use, but on the downside, the glass recycling set up with the wooden stairs that are already starting to twist is, in my humble opinion an accident waiting to happen. The stairs and platforms do not comply with the current New Zealand requirements mainly with the top step/platform area appearing to be below the required 900mm width, and the stair treads not having any anti slip component. This is not an issue with our current weather but come the winter, they will became very slippery especially for the elderly. Secondly, it would appear after my visit today that the ability to recycle paper has disappeared. I could see bins labelled Plastic, Tin Cans and Aluminium Cans and also cages for Cardboard and the glass big bin but alas, nothing for paper and even a good paper like The Informer will need recycling at some point. Mike Saunders, Whitianga
MEMORIES OF TIM SHADBOLT In the mid 1980’s it was decided that the MBAS Girls Hockey team would travel to Australia. After many months of fund raising we needed something big, so came with the idea of dinner and debate for 200 people at the Town Hall. We contacted Tim Shadbolt, Cath Tizard, Cath Saunders all who had connections with Whitianga. They all accepted willingly and with locals Mark Tugenhaft, John Stephenson, Jody Costello (Head Girl) plus two others whose names I forget, sorry, we had our debating teams. The debate was hilarious and the whole night a resounding success. It was talked about for many months. Tim was such great fun and so obliging. Happy memories. Margot Russell www.theinformer.co.nz
Environment Matters Turning the Tide: New Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Areas – Part two All of your questions answered the protections marine protection area.Gulf / New on marine in the Hauraki Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui ā Toi
BY ROSA EDWARDS
I
ki
Mokohīnau Islands
G ul
k
T
ī
M okoh īn au I sl an d s SPA
a
pa
Te H au tu ru -o-Toi / Li ttl e B arri er I sl an d H PA
Aotea / Great Barrier Island
Mo
an a / T e
Cap e R od n ey- Okakari P oi n t M ari n e R eserve
Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island
Mo an
Crad ock Ch an n el SPA
Tāwh aran u i M ari n e R eserve
To i
Kawau B ay SPA
"
u ā
Warkworth
an
i
WHAT WILL I FIND IN THE SLIPPER ISLAND / WHAKAHAU HIGH PROTECTION AREA? Slipper Island sits just a few kilometres off the eastern Coromandel, and on a fair-weather day it’s an enjoyable trip from Whangamatā, Tairua or Whitianga. This High Protection Area protects pockets of shallow reef, sandy seafloor and sheltered bays - but the real standout is the extensive subtidal seagrass meadow in South Bay. This meadow is one of the last, and possibly the healthiest, in the entire Hauraki Gulf. It provides a vital nursery for young fish fringed with kelp-y reefs, making it a stunning snorkelling spot. Over time, it’s expected to restore itself to a thriving ecosystem – it has the potential to be an ecotourism hot spot! This area is already wellloved by boaties, and we encour-
a ur a
/
FIVE OF THE SEVEN NEW MARINE PROTECTED AREAS IN THE COROMANDEL REGION? • Slipper Island / Whakahau High Protection Area • Alderman Island / Te Ruamahua High Protection Areas (North and South) • Cape Colville High Protection Area and Seafloor Protection Area • Motukawao Islands High Protection Area • Extension to Te Whanganui-oHei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve These areas may not face all the same issues as ones close to Auckland city - but they are deeply important areas of ocean. Long term, these marine ecosystems are now protected from human activities beyond fishing, including dumping waste, construction, extraction and drilling.
H
M okoh īn au I sl an d s H PA
f
n the previous issue of The Informer (6 January) we outlined the new marine protected areas introduced in the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana last year and answered common questions. After two months talking with many of you on the water, at boat ramps and at the local markets, it’s clear you’ve got more questions – so today we’re giving you more answers!
Cap e Col vi l l e SPA Kawau B ay H PA
Cap e Col vi l l e H PA
Ahuahu and Whakaū Islands / Mercury Islands
Ti ri ti ri M atan g i SPA
Ti ri ti ri M atan g i Th e N oi ses H PA H PA
Lon g B ay-Oku ra M ari n e R eserve
R an g i toto an d M otu tap u H PA
M otu kawao I sl an d s H PA
Waiheke P akatoa an d Tarah i ki / Island
Sh ag I sl an d H PA
AU CKLAN D "
Wh i ti an g a
Te M atu ku M ari n e R eserve
"
M otu M an awa-P ol l en I sl an d M ari n e R eserve
"
Al d erm en I sl an d s / Te R u am ah u a (n orth ) H PA
Te Ruamāhua / Aldermen Islands
M ari n e p rotecti on areas Th am es
M ari n e reserve
Te Wh an gan u i -o-H ei / Cath ed ral Cove M ari n e R eserve
Blue maomao at the Aldermans - Marie Everth.
H i g h p rotecti on area (H PA)
"
Sl i p p er I sl an d / Wh akah au H PA
Al d erm en I sl an d s / Te R u am ah u a (sou th ) H PA
Seafloor p rotecti on area (SPA) 0
10
20 km
N ZG D 2000 N ZTM | N ot for n avi gati on | A4 1 : 840, 050 | © | B asem ap from : © G eograp h x D OC, G eosp ati al Servi ces | R I TM 20208282 | M ay 2025
New marine protections in the Hauraki Gulf. Tikapa Moana / Te Moananui a Toi.
age you to explore and enjoy the incredible marine life for yourself!
WHY WERE ALDERMAN ISLANDS / TE RUAMAHUA CHOSEN AS HIGH PROTECTION AREAS? And why is fishing still allowed close to the islands? The Alderman Islands are about 20km off the coast of eastern Coromandel, a striking chain of steep volcanic peaks cloaked in coastal forest. Pest-free and protected as a nature reserve, they’re an important haven for seabirds that fish in nearby waters. They already held high conservation value on land, but what lies beneath the surface is what truly sets this place apart. The islands rise from a vast 30km long reef system influenced by warm subtropical waters of the East Auckland Current. These currents, combined with seasonal upwelling from the continental shelf, create ideal conditions for rich marine life. Sheer rock walls, sponge gardens, and reefs dropping to over 100 metres support
everything from kelp forests in the shallows to snapper, hāpuku, schooling kingfish, sharks and even manta rays! Few places in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park offer such intact, high-quality offshore habitats. Through the Sea Change engagement process, mana whenua, recreational and commercial fishers, scientists, conservation groups and government agencies worked together to shape how best to care for the area. Out of respect for special arrangements made when mana whenua gifted the islands to the Crown in 1986, the waters immediately surrounding the islands were excluded from the HPA boundaries. Instead, protection options were shaped around the wider reef system – recognising the Aldermans as one of the Gulf’s most important and productive marine environments. Need to know: Boundary markers will not be installed in these HPAs, so update your charts or download the Marine
Mate app and know where the boundaries are!
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THE CAPE COLVILLE HIGH PROTECTION AREA AND SEAFLOOR PROTECTION AREA? Cape Colville sits at the remote, northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, where powerful tidal currents and deep nutrient rich waters create a dynamic marine environment. This area has long been known to support a diverse range of habitats, including rocky reefs and biogenic (living reef) communities built by horse mussels and dog cockle beds. These structures act as nurseries to juvenile blue cod, snapper, tarakihi and more! Together, the HPA and SPA protect over 94km2. Removing bottom contact fishing and other activities that impact the seabed across the Seafloor Protection Area creates a large buffer zone for the High Protection Area, giving this ecosystem space to flourish! Need to know: The eastern boundary runs from the Port Jackson river mouth to a point approximately 550m east of Channel Island.
WHY WERE THE MOTUKAWAO ISLANDS INCLUDED? The Motukawao Islands in western Coromandel are surrounded by sheltered inner-Gulf waters, rocky shorelines, and sandy coves. Beneath the surface are seaweed forests, soft-mud seafloor and sandy bays providing nurseries for juvenile flounder and scallops. This area once supported vast, green-lipped mussel beds that
helped to boost water quality and biodiversity. The High Protection Area extends west of the Happy Jacks to protect the entire outer reef and provide a buffer zone for shallower areas near the islands. THE OTHER TWO AREAS TO KNOW ABOUT We’ve already met many Coromandel locals during our patrols at the closest neighbouring site: Pakatoa and Tarahiki / Shag Island HPA. Also close are The Noises HPA and Cradock Channel SPA between Great Barrier Island/ Aotea and Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island. WILL THERE BE PHYSICAL MARKERS INSTALLED AT THESE LOCATIONS? Not everywhere. Deploying and maintaining buoys in open ocean conditions is challenging. Marker poles will be placed where HPA or SPA boundaries meet land, but this will take time. GO DIGITAL • All boundaries and coordinates are on our website • Update your chartplotter –DOC has provided coordinates to charting companies • Or download the Marine Mate app to see real time GPS positioning Once you’ve confirmed the boundaries using electronics, you can pick your own physical reference points. Download Marine Mate App for
Cove Construction is available to build your dream home/ bach/ renovation, decks and more… Check out our portfolio at: www.coveconstruction.co.nz
CALL NICK TODAY: 021 666 350 www.theinformer.co.nz
The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 17
Games & Puzzles Issue 1192
Crossword Puzzle © Lovatts Puzzles 953 1
2
3
7
9
4
10
11
16
13
14
17
18
19
21
23
6
8
12
15
5
20
22
24
Name:................................................................................................................... Phone no:..........................................................................................................
Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Caroline Peacocke For last week’s solutions see page 23.
WIN!
Issue 1192 – Grid 160
Proudly sponsored by Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver, mail, scan/photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World checkout manager directly.
ACROSS 1. More despondent (8) 5. Shark blades (4) 7. Very dry (4) 8. Spanish dance style (8) 9. Slimmer (6) 12. Concentrated solution (7) 15. Babble (7) 19. Conceitedly (6) 21. Single strand (8) 22. For ... & every (4) 23. Three-piece combo (4) 24. Length of time (8)
DOWN 1. Happily (6) 2. Bygone (days) (5) 3. Deduce (5) 4. Responds (6) 5. Brutal (6) 6. Pacify (6) 10. Sector (4) 11. Compass point (4) 12. Female sheep (3) 13. Fiji’s capital (4) 14. Advertising-light gas (4) 15. Business earnings (6) 16. Red salad fruit (6) 17. Folk tale (6) 18. Crushing snake (6) 19. Elector (5) 20. Incompetent (5)
Sudoku Puzzle Proudly sponsored by
Name:...................................................................................
Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail, scan/ photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@ theinformer. co.nz to reach us by 12.00 noon on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Café directly.
Phone no:..........................................................................
Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Sharon F Sudoku instructions Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of 9 boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.
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18 | The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026
24b Lee Street, Whitianga (Next door to Pathlab) Kuaotunu & Hahei Clinics 0800 868 9579 www.theinformer.co.nz
Magic and Merriment at Soldiers Memorial Park Eloise Greene, event organiser.
Sienna and Amélie Paterson.
BY VERNA CARR
Louel McIntyre, with Winnie the Pooh.
Lysha – a bubbles and nails fairy.
O
n a sun-drenched Sunday, 11 January, Soldiers Memorial Park burst into life with sparkles, swashbuckling, and endless giggles as Eloise Green-affectionately known as Matilda the Time Travelling Fairyhosted her annual Fairy, Pirate and Princess Picnic. With her dedicated glitter squad of fairy volunteers by her side, Eloise spent months fundraising and planning to create this absolutely brilliant community celebration. And what a triumph it was! Families were treated to a day of free fun where imaginations ran wild and every child was a star. The park transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour and joy. Children’s faces lighting up at each new discovery. The face painting queue stretched long as talented artists brought dreams to life – tigers, unicorns, butterflies, and everything in between! Temporary tattoos adorned little arms, rainbow balloons bobbed through the air, and a glamorous nail salon had tiny fingers looking fabulous in minutes. Cheerful music filled the air, and the energy and laughter of happy kids was infectious. Young pirates (who may or may not have been playing by the rules) tested their skills at the surprisingly tricky duck loop - fishing plastic ducks from a paddling pool to claim their treasures. Ring toss champions emerged, cornhole competitions got com-
petitive (in the friendliest way). Bubbles floated dreamily across the grass as fairy wings shimmered in the sunshine, princesses in pink twirled with absolute joy. Pancakes disappeared faster than fairy dust. This magnificent day wouldn't have happened without an incredible team effort. Eloise's wonderful crew of fairy friends and pirate mates worked their magic alongside generous supporters. TCDC provided vital funding, while Mercury Holiday Park donated the fantastic grand prize - two glorious days in one of their chalets for the best-dressed family (Yes, parents, costumes are non-negotiable!). This event truly came together with support from Monkey House, Wild Wood Mini Golf, Paper Plus, Whitianga Sports, the Lions Club volunteers, Lotta Love, Whitianga Toy Library, Craig Scaman and
This Pirate needed dad to put on the wrist band.
www.theinformer.co.nz
Yvette Simpson, Wonderlust Media, The Informer, John Taylor, and Eloise's own daughters Cerys and Seren – seasoned fairy event veterans who know the routine like the back of their sparkly hands. Ready to sprinkle some magic into next year's event? Eloise is calling for donations and volunteers to make the 2027 picnic even more extraordinary! Fair warning: glitter and wings mandatory, it will get absolutely everywhere, and you'll love every minute of it. calellecreations@gmail.com
Fishing for ducks.
The indomitable daughters of Eloise – Cerys & Seren – superb fairies.
A community side chat with Craig Scaman and Yvette Simpson These two residents of Whitianga are a popular fixture at the Saturday markets in and other places as well. They were pleased to donate their time and equipment to serve their beautiful and quite famous mini-Dutch pancakes to the children and families at the park – totally free. The pancakes known as ‘profferjes.’are quite the treat and a long-standing tradition in Craig’s family. Craig’s grandmother who was English, went to Holland yearly for ‘profferjes’ and tulips. Craig took up the tradition of making the Profferjes and every Saturday at the markets, you see him serving these treats to adults and children alike. They are a wonderful treat and for
the Picnic in the Park, Craig and Yvette served bowls with the mini pancakes dusted in icing sugar, topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and a big choice of toppings. When Craig is not making and serving ‘Profferjes’ in the family tradition, he is running
his company BSI (British Standards Institute) an auditing business dealing in health care such as DHBs. The practice of selling food from a mobile stand has long been in the Simpson family,’ enthuses Yvette Simpson who is a very well-known social worker on the Peninsula. “My dad, Richard Simpson, brought the first pie cart to |Whitianga in the early 1960’s. He converted a prior TAB wagon to a service cart and he sold pies, sweets, hotdogs and drinks. The pie cart was a popular fixture at the end of the wharf. It is a fond memory for our family.” Richard Simspon was instrumental in engendering public local support to get the building of the first Marina.
The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 19
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20 | The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026
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The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 21
Classifieds PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
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Call 0800 333 398 or text 021 344 449
Jasmin Cottle-Gallichan Property Manager Bayleys Whitianga
ACCOMMODATION OFFERED x www.tongariroriverretreat.com
M 021 867 703 B 07 866 0098 MH REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
UNDERCOVER Car Hoist day hire Call Nick: 021 666 350 Call Caleb: 027 537 5953 STORAGE 3.6m high doors
book@tongariroriverretreat.com 26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi. Ph 07 386 8949
FOR SALE
FIREWOOD FOR SALE
WANTED! Long term & holiday. Free rental appraisals. Landlords & Tenants, for all your rental requirements.
Tea tree $240 or Pine $150 load per metre2 delivered. Phone (07) 866 3026 or text (027) 866 3026
Quality homes for quality tenants.
Swing Mooring
Call
Krissie Brand OUR PROPERTY MANAGER OF 25 YEARS
07 866 2373 or 027 273 4420
Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 Understanding the Coromandel Since 1960
Whitianga River. No 62 Ph: 027 278 8785
TWO COBRA FISHING KAYAKS Double and single, seats, paddles. $100 each. Ph 021 158 5814
CHURCH SERVICES
St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church 82 Albert St Whitianga (Opp Z)
SITUATIONS VACANT
SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00AM Come, join the family Find peace and friendship.
Anglican Worship
Every Sunday at 9.00am at St Peter the Fisherman 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga ALL WELCOME Enquiries ph 021 781 081 www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.org.nz
C3 Church Whitianga Join Us – Expect Miracles! Sundays 10am 22 Coghill Street, Whitianga
“I want to spread hope” “For God so loved the world, he gave his only Begotten Son that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
STORAGE
For all your storage needs?!!
8 GOLF ROAD WHITIANGA
Phil 027 343 3023 storage@gr8storage.co.nz
GR8 STORAGE, WHITIANGA Phil – 0273 433023, Car, boat, campervan storage, 20 foot containers available to store your belongings.
TWO FULL TIME POSITIONS
Position 1: Tuesday to Saturday – 35 hours Position 2: Sunday to Wednesday – 35 hours We are looking for a people with a passion for gardening, combined with exceptional customer service skills to work in our team. A good level of physical fitness and the ability to heavy lift repeatedly is required. If you think this role would suit your skills then please email your application, including a current CV, to the Manager: Megan Semmens meganblsupplies@yahoo.com 72 Link Rd, Hot Water Beach, RD1, Whitianga 3591
We have clean dry containers and units in a range of sizes for you to choose from at four different sites. If you need a temporary or longer term storage solution at an affordable price give us a call today! • Units – range of sizes from 2m x 1m to 9m x 6m with roller doors for easy access. Prices start from $30 per week. • Containers – range from 1.9m x 1.6m to 6m x 2.4m. Prices start from $27 per week. Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258
E: whiti@totalstorage.co.nz www.totalstorage.co.nz
STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage, opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 MARKETS
TUITION
Whitianga Markets
NEW
Soldiers Memorial Park Saturday 9am - 1pm Whiticitimarket@gmail.com HOLISTIC HEALTH
Enquiries: ph 022 1322 061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz
Trisha’s Bible Gems
GR
INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER TAROT CARD READER VERNA (027) 320 0079 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com
LINE DANCE CLASS ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS Starting THURSDAY 22ND JANUARY 11:30AM - 12:30PM Cost $5 At Whitianga Town Hall Margaret 027 463 8850 Glynis 021 109 9155 MERCURY BAY LINE DANCING
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
WHAREKAHO AND SIMPSON’S BEACH RATEPAYERS’ ASSOCIATION (“WASBRA”)
WASBRA gives notice that it has convened a meeting to be held at 3.00 pm on Sunday, 25 January 2026 (at Anniversary Weekend) at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, Whitianga. All members of WASBRA, interested members of the Wharekaho community and the public are invited to attend. TeTe Kai Kai Whakarongo Whakarongo The purpose of the meeting is to review TCDC’s current proposals for reticulation of water and wastewater to the original settlement at Wharekaho. As part of the review, Councillor Flemming Rasmussen will present on a possible alternative funding model which, if adopted by TCDC, might reduce costs to current ratepayers. Published Publishedweekly weekly and and distributed distributed throughout throughout the the Coromandel Coromandel Peninsula. Peninsula. Readers’ Readers’ Several associated matters are expected to flow from Flemming’s presentation and it is Connecting Connecting communities communities across across the the Coromandel Coromandel Peninsula Peninsula contributions contributions ofof articles articlesand andletters letters are arewelcome. welcome.Publication Publication of them of them are at arethe atdiscretion the discretion of of expected that other relevant presenters will attend the meeting the the editor. editor. Contributions Contributionsonly only considered considered for forpublication publication when when accompanied accompanied by the byauthor’s the author’s name, name, phone phone no,no,email emailor or residential residential address. address.Opinions Opinions expressed expressed (esp.(esp. in letters) in letters) are not are not Important note: Although Councillor Rasmussen intends to advocate for an alternative funding model from that which is now on the table, any new model would represent a necessarily necessarily those those ofofthe theowner owner or or publisher publisher and andcan can bebe cutcut if too if too long. long. Business Manager Manager & Sales: & Sales: Emma Emma GauntGaunt change of policy by TCDC. It would therefore require approval by TCDC’s full Council Editor: Editor: Pauline PaulineStewart Stewart (027 (027 271 271 6182) 6182) Business which cannot be guaranteed at this juncture. Newspaper Newspaper Layout: Layout:Debbie Debbie Morgan Morgan Delivery Delivery Managers: Managers: DaveDave PiperPiper and and Murray Ward, Chair, and andDiane Diane Andrew Andrew Merv Merv Gregory Gregory Wharekaho and Simpson’s Beach Ratepayers’ Association IssueIssue 10881088 Circulation Circulation 8800 8800
Web Web Host: Host: EMD EMDAgency Agency
(07) 866 2090 (07) 866 2090 info@theinformer.co.nz info@theinformer.co.nz
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Writers: Writers: Jack Jack Biddle, Biddle,Trevor Trevor Ammundsen, Ammundsen, Liz LizSims, Sims, Dorothy Dorothy Preece, Preece, PamPam Ferla,Ferla, Malcolm Malcolm Campbell, Campbell,Lily LilyPaulsen, Paulsen, Verna VernaCarr. Carr. Office: Office: 1414 Monk MonkStreet, Street,Whitianga Whitianga 3510, 3510,Phone Phone(07) (07) 866 866 2090 2090 Editorial: Editorial: info@theinformer.co.nz, info@theinformer.co.nz, Advertising: Advertising: sales@theinformer.co.nz sales@theinformer.co.nz Admin: Admin: office@theinformer.co.nz office@theinformer.co.nz Editor: Editor:027 027271 271 6182 6182 Follow Follow usus onon Facebook, Facebook,Instagram& Instagram& website website@theinformernz @theinformernz | ISSN | ISSN 3021-4114 3021-4114 (Print), (Print), ISSN ISSN 3021-4122 3021-4122 (Online), (Online), © ©2022 2022Mercury Mercury Bay Bay Informer Informer Limited Limited
22 | The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026
Got something to sell? Advertise it in our classified section Call 07 866 2090 or email sales@theinformer.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz
At the Movies
Sports
The 2026 Snooker season kicked off with 8 players attending. Dave Coleman showed early season form, being the only player to win all three of his games to take out first prize. A well compiled break of 30 also saw Dave take out the highest break prize for the day. Those who won two games were Greg Murphy, Rob Reilly and Bob Haase. Saturday 10 January There were 8 players to turn out for the opening Saturday of the season. Rob Reilly and Peter Schultz were the only play-
The winners of the Men’ Four’s team From left to right; Shannon Marino, Shane O’Hara, Wayne Edmonds and Doug Sargent. The Winners of the Women’s Four’s Team From left to right; Sally Yoakley, Nirie Reddy, Christine McCahill and Rose Tegg. MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Wednesday 7 January
ers to secure three wins. A play-off saw a closely contested tussle between the two, but Peter used his experience and snooker nous to take out the win and he also won the high break prize for the day. Two wins were recorded by Bob Haase and Greg Murphy. INVITATION: If you enjoy playing snooker, an open invitation is extended to everyone wishing to play. Competition days are on Wednesdays at 12:30pm and Saturdays at 1.00pm at the Mercury Bay Club.
January 2026
MERCURY BAY BOWLING CLUB
Jan‘26
For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com Conversation overheard after a movie at Twin Cinemas “Have you seen those seats at the cinema? They are as swank as the seats at Sylvia Park (Auckland) and half the price. It’s
mega! Matt McDougal’s (owner) recommendation for this coming week -Housemaid great for adults.
Coromandel Rescue Missions
Sponge Bob is perfect for children and Anaconda is the movie for families -funny and full of adventure.
For the Auckland & Coromandel Westpac Rescue Helicopters 1st–31st December 2025 04.12 Matarangi
Assist a female patient in her 40’s involved in a car versus tree accident. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
07.12 Whitianga
Assist a male patient in his 20’s suffering a medical condition. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
11.12 Whitianga
Assist a female patient in her 70’s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
12.12 Coromandel
Crew were stood down enroute and returned to base.
13.12 Thames
Assist a male patient in his 60’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.
14.12 Tairua
Assist a girl suffering a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting. She was flown to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
17.12 Whitianga
Assist with the interhospital transfer of a baby. The baby was flown from Auckland City Hospital to Whangārei Base Hospital in a moderate condition.
17.12 Whitianga
Assist a child suffering a medical complaint. The child was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition.
18.12 Whitianga
Assist a male patient in his 50’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.
18.12 Coromandel
Assist with the interhospital transfer of a female patient in her 30’s suffering injuries from a motor vehicle accident. She was flown from Thames Hospital to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
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27.12 Thames 28.12 Coromandel 29.12 Thames
31.12 Waikawau
Assist a female patient in his 60’s suffering injuries from a fall. She was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition.
Assist with the interhospital transfer of a female patient in her 60’s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown from Thames Hospital to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition. Crew were stood down and returned to base.
Winch extract a patient from a walking track. The patient was flown to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition.
Assist a female patient in her teens suffering an injury from a trampoline. She was flown to Starship Hospital in a moderate condition.
Assist a female patient in her 70’s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.
24.12 Thames
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26.12 Thames
Assist a female patient in her 20’s suffering a medical complaint. She was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition.
Assist a male patient in his 50’s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.
23.12 Thames
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24.12 Whitianga
Assist with the interhospital transfer of a male patient in his 30’s suffering injuries from a truck versus car accident. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition.
Crew stood down enroute and returned to base.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ESPY CAFE, NEW WORLD WHITIANGA, THE WAREHOUSE, BCA CONTRACTING LTD, WOOLWORTHS, THE LOST SPRING, WHITIANGA SPORTS, MERCURY BAY MUSEUM, HUNTING & FISHING, PINKY’S WHITIANGA FUN ZONE, THE GLASS HOUSE EMPORIUM, MERCURY TWIN CINEMAS, THE CAVE, THE BAIT GUY, WILD WOOD MINI GOLF, SLICE SLICE BABY, TOY WORLD WHITIANGA, RUSSIAN ROB, ABBY LAWRENCE REAL ESTATE, VANCE FULTON, OWEN & SHERYL ALLOWAY, RAEWYN & PETER BULL, REG & JULIE SMITH The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026 | 23
Proudly locally owned and operated
‘Is this good enough Banana Boat – sunshine on the water for the paper?’
W
illiam, 12 years, was so enthusiastic about the swimming he enjoys, that he walked into The Informer and asked that question. I said, “What’s the news?“ “I want to know if you can put in the paper how good it is to go swimming at the wharf. It is so much fun and the water is fantastic.,” said William. “You can jump sometimes and there are stingrays to see as well. We saw a two
meter one the other day. I go swimming with dad and Rachel, and I hope lots of others come and do that. “ This was Willam’s story, I thought it a good one. There are many amazing places to swim on The Coromandel Peninsula. Go swimming with someone and stay safe. However, if you want a good look at a reliable two-metre Stingray then come to Whitianga wharf. Pauline - Editor
Banana boat rides are an iconic institution of the Coromandel Summer. Every day in the there are Banana Boat rides leaving from Buffalo Beach. There is a choice of rides and places to visit. When The informer came to chat, a group were off to Cathedral
Cove – two locals, a family from Canada and a family from Taiwan. Steve and Karli Young have been operating the Banana Boat rides for thirty years. It’s a family affair – everyone helps. They are all top on safety and their instructions to all
evels of Banana Boat riders are very clear and simple. Taiwanese Mum decided she would have a ride in the lead boat rather than Banana Boat as did an older lady of my vintage. They accommodate all ages. No bookings required.
The Garden Bar afternoon
Annegrit and Kathleen.
The music of Jai was not only relaxing but her outstanding vocal ability is to be acclaimed. People kept asking for their favourites and she delivered miraculously. Jai’s repertoire and voice range brought made top class entertainment. The numbers were less than expected as the afternoon time
was just too warm for everyone. However, the gathering was very enthused to have more but a starting time at 4.00pm is the popular choice. Everyone enjoyed the drinks, the music and a relaxed afternoon vibe. Look out for the next Garden Bar event – this summer at Mercury Bay Club.
Jai, the songbird.
Whitianga
Summer Abrahamson International Travel Broker
Email: summer@ultimatejourneys.net
64 27 376 0695
Whitianga Boat Repairs We specialise in woodwork repairs & maintenance, including teak decks & platforms, insurance and rot repairs, plus we fit new transducers, anchor winches, bow thrusters and more. Mitch has over 40 years experience with an Advanced Trade Cert Wooden Boat Building qualification to back it up! Phone or email for info E: info@whitiangaboatrepairs.co.nz Mitch 027 4852046 Phyll 027 4852036 24 | The Coromandel Informer – 13 January 2026
From start to finish – everything you need under one roof Call us now for a free, no obligation measure and quote
2/9 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga. Phone 07 866 0035 Email: sales@gbwhitianga.co.nz www.facebook.com/gbwhitianga www.theinformer.co.nz