Issue 1210 19th May 2026

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20 MILLION IN REDRESS

Three Hauraki (and Coromandel) iwi Settlement Bills pass final reading with Crown apologies and financial

Three Hauraki (and Coromandel) iwi marked the end of a 15-year journey on 13 May as their Treaty settlement bills passed their final reading in Parliament, delivering formal Crown apologies, more than $20 million in redress, and the return of dozens of cultural proper-

ties across the Coromandel and Hauraki Plains.

The bills covering Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui and Ngāti Hei completed their parliamentary passage on 13 May, with Treaty of Waitangi

Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith describing the moment as

a reflection of “the commitment, resilience, and determination” of all three groups. Each iwi sat through generations of waiting before reaching this point, with formal negotiations only beginning in 2011 after decades of preparatory work and historical research.

Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, based around Te Aroha, will receive $5.5 million in financial and commercial redress, 17 individual and two joint cultural redress properties, and the right to purchase two commercial properties from the Crown.

Ngāti Tara Tokanui, whose rohe sits around Paeroa, will receive $6 million along with seven individual and two joint cultural redress properties, and a two-year right to purchase the Paeroa College school site if it becomes surplus.

Continued on page 3

A sense of triumph after 15 years. Hauraki iwi on the steps of Parliament. Photo sourced from Aukaha News.

redress.

Whangamatā Library has temporary location

The Whangamatā Library will reopen at a temporary location after King’s Birthday Weekend.

Library committee chairperson, Jacqui James, confirmed the corner of Port and Hunt Roads as the venue where library services will be provided until repairs are undertaken at the original site.

“With the assistance of Coromandel Insurance Services, we have access to 119 Hunt Road – we are currently working to relocate our services and library books,” said Jacqui.

She said the new location, while smaller, would enable the library to provide most services to library members and users for a period of up to 12 months.

Library staff have already been sorting the books which will be available at the temporary location – others will be stored until the library moves back to its Port Road home.

Jacqui thanked library members and users for their patience over recent weeks.

She extended the library’s thanks and appreciation to Coromandel Insurance Services, the Whangamatā Community Board and Thames Coromandel District Council.

The aim is to have services available by Tuesday, 2 June. „ For more information, please contact Jacqui James –0274 834 327

Pauline’s Piece

Building the future

Inever thought about playing rugby when I was active in team sports in the previous century, but I sometimes think I would have liked to if the opportunity had been there. Now the opportunity is there, and it is being taken hold of by many young women and girls. It’s rough and tough on the field and when the games are over or they are travelling to and from one, there’s fun and friendship.

This last week, the Mercury Bay Junior Girls Football team had an amazing win against St Peters girls team with just nine players right through their game. Sheer grit and focus during the game and outside the game there’s friendship and fun. With both sports, there are caring and committed adults. The same goes for cricket – just read the sports section. Where there are no caring and committed adults, involved, there are no teams. I have mentioned the girls but the same is for young men and boys. We need those team sports because they are creating more than scores and trophies and Players of the Day. With the extra cost of travel at the moment, any adult who like me no longer is involved in active on -field sport, might like to support one of the sporting teams with fuel costs, parents and coaches are driving long distances so that these young peo-

ple can play in a team sport and enjoy competition.

The other photos is not about sport. It is about something that is related to the benefits of these. This group of children are playing in a field of stones and columns – ruins from the 4th century BC – 2,400 years ago –the ruins of ancient Artemis and Ehpesus.

The teachers of these children were keen to share some of the enormous stories of history. It was history excursion day for hundreds of children. This class was standing in a line listening and watching the stones and the columns as the teacher impassionedly explained some of what happened so long ago to quite attentive children.

Then three or four small white butterflies alighted across the grass in front of the line-up. All attention went to the butterflies, The children called out to their

STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2026 – your guide to the night sky

Tuesday, 19 May: The crescent Moon sits just beside bright Venus at dusk with Jupiter above and to the right in the northwest while in SW morning sky from 6:10am we have a bright ISS pass just touching the Southern Cross. Wednesday, 20 May: The Moon has moved to be directly below Jupiter at dusk with bright Venus lower down. Thursday, 21 May: The Moon now sits above and to the right of Jupiter and well above brighter Venus at dusk in the northwest. Friday, 22 May: Jupiter sits about halfway between the Moon and Venus at dusk. Monday, 25 May: From 6:28am we will have a good Tiangong pass from the NW. Tuesday, 26 May: There will be a Tiangong pass from 5:30am high up towards the north as it pops out of the Earth’s shadow and becomes

visible. Wednesday, 27 May: We have a bright Tiangong pass from 6:04am in the west as it pops out of the Earth’s shadow and becomes visible. Comet just visible –Comet C/2025 R3 now lies just above the two brighter stars on the left side of Orion that form its feet. Rapidly moving away from both us and the Sun, it now requires a telescope or camera time exposure to see as a faint fuzzy blob moving slightly from night to night just after dusk. Jupiter and Venus continue to dominate the evening sky with Venus the brighter and lower of the two in the northwest after dusk and the Moon can help us find them this week. Meanwhile Saturn and Mars reside low in the eastern pre-dawn sky.

teacher to please look at this great thing that has happened. Seeing their faces so excited, the teacher didn’t try to persist with history them but let them run for several minutes enjoying this wondrous attraction. It was if they felt they could run with the butterflies. There is nothing new here about the spirit of the child and nothing new about the power of the good teacher – sometimes letting the children lead.

The spirit and value of the child must be the focus of whatever we are working for as our legacy. It can only be done if we value being with them and receiving from them. They need us but without them we have not future to build.

I see in the girls’ rugby photo the value of being with young people and committing to valuing them. In the photo of the children running after the small white butterflies surrounded by

the ruins of cities that lived over 2000 years ago, I see a spirit that outlasts the biggest projects but also made those great feats possible.

Whatever we create or construct or design even in local government reform, has to be because we believe in our young generation and want to leave their hope and optimism intact. They might not be the slightest bit interested in it now but if we are interested enough in them and invest our love and resources in building relationships, then that spirit of goodness and caring about the future will endure.

Complacency and greed sadly can be passed on to the next generations quite easily but not in the face of generous commitment to spend time with children and young people and using what we have to prepare for their future.

Editorial/News: Contact Pauline Stewart, Editor/owner ph 027 271 6182 info@theinformer.co.nz Advertising/advertorial in The Informer: Phone (07) 866 2090, Email sales@theinformer.co.nz Letters to the Editor: 200 words or less please. Name and town of residence required. Email info@theinformer.co.nz

Iwi secure financial and commercial redress

Continued from front page

Ngāti Hei, whose territory stretches along the eastern Coromandel from Onemana to Whangapoua and out to Ahuahu (Great Mercury Island) and Cuvier Island, will receive the largest of the three packages at $8.5 million, alongside 15 individual and two joint cultural redress properties and three commercial properties available for purchase.

Each of the three settlements includes an agreed historical account, Crown acknowledgements of Treaty breaches, and a formal apology to the iwi. The accompanying redress packages include protocols with conservation, fisheries and heritage agencies, plus formal relationship agreements with the Department of Conservation that recognise mana whenua interests in conservation land. The financial redress is small relative to the size of better-known settlements such as Waikato-Tainui or Ngāi Tahu, reflecting the more limited size of the three iwi rather than any diminution of the historical harm.

In his statement to Parliament, Goldsmith said all three iwi “entered formal negotiations with the Crown in 2011 and have worked persistently and in good

faith over many years to reach this point.” He added that “while no settlement can fully compensate for the Crown’s injustices towards Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui and Ngāti Hei, I sincerely hope this redress will support these Hauraki iwi to strengthen their economic, cultural and environmental aspi rations.” The Minister also said the Crown had formally acknowl edged “the cumulative impacts of its historical breaches of te Tiriti” against the three groups, language consistent with similar settlement legislation passed under earlier governments.

The Informer spoke to Scott Simpson about the significance of the Treaty Settlement Bill passing its final reading. “ As the local Coromandel MP, I’ve seen the commitment, resilience and determination of the iwi and negotiating teams during that time.

“The Treaty settlement process is not a perfect one but the redress packages will help iwi strengthen economic development and create tools and resources for future generations rather than simply compensating for past losses.

“I’m encouraged by the opportunities these three local iwi will

GENERAL TIMEFRAMES AND MILESTONES

• March 2009 – The Crown initiates to settle the Hauraki iwi’s treaty claims by engaging Sir Douglas Graham to act as a facilitator and find a way forward.

now have and what positive new initiatives will emerge not only for them but for our wider communities as well. That’s been the experience of earlier settlements in other parts of the country and I’m sure it will be here too.

“I had the privilege of speaking in the third reading debate and highlighting the historic conclusion of these settlement proceedings. A very large group of iwi representatives had travelled to Wellington for the occasion. It was a fitting and emotional final step in the legislative process that now marks a new beginning with a firm focus on the future.”

The three settlements close one of the longest-running chapters in the Hauraki Treaty negotiations process, but they do not exhaust the wider Hauraki collective settlement, which remains

under negotiation and continues to involve complex overlapping interests with neighbouring rohe.

Both Goldsmith and his Labour predecessors have signalled that the full resolution of the Hauraki collective remains a priority for the coming parliamentary term, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election.

“There’s a lot of emotion. To call it a celebration would be the wrong word given the journey it’s taken to get here, the work that’s been done and everything involved and for Ngāti Tumutumu, this is part of the process to get our people back on our whenua,” Chair of the Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu Trust, Daniel Braid says.

„ Sourced from Press Release, TCDC News update, Aukaha News AND MP Scott Simpson.

2009 – The Hauraki Collective is formed to negotiate with the Crown

October 2010 – A Framework Agreement signed by the Crown and the Hauraki Collective

March 2011 – The 12 iwi within the Hauraki Collective mandate their negotiators to act on the iwi’s behalf and negotiations begin shortly thereafter.

• Late 2013-late 2016 –Signing of the 'Agreement in Principles' (AIP)

• 2017 – Signing of the Hauraki Deed of Collective and Individual Settlement. First was in May 2017 with Ngati Hei and the Crown initialling a deed of settlement which is now with the claimant group for ratification. You can read more about the details here.

• Late 2017 – Act of Parliament – "Hauraki Settlement Legislation"

A great team always on the move

BY PAULINE STEWART

Meet a very fit and well-oiled machine. They are a team of movers – Mike McCahill the driver the day this photo was taken, Rob Crawford, Tom Koutrakis, and Barend Benschop. Add to that team – a skilled trio of packers – Jane Thomas, Andrea Quest-Rasmusen and Patu Hakaria plus two other crew who are part of the moving team, Riki Rameka and Leaham Braddick (working in Tairua that day and not in photos).

This is the NZ Move It team, the Coromandel Peninsula’s Packing, Removal and Storage Company that can move your belongings across the world, to the South Island or to next door. Their local team has expanded in this past year to 10 local drivers, crew and packing team based here in Whitianga.

The leader of this team and the owner of NZ Move It is David Pointon.

NZ Move It has been local and serving a local, national and international community since 2010. When Josh and Kylie Shepherd, previous owners, were planning their big move from Whitianga to Australia and selling the NZ Move It business, there was another family who had recently moved to New Zealand from Australia. That family was David Pointon and his wife, Zoe and their two children, Harry and Camilla . They moved to Whitianga in

March 2022 from Sydney as soon as the NZ borders opened up post COVID. Zoe’s parents had retired to Whitianga and David and Zoe thought Whitianga would be an idyllic location to raise their young family.

They moved to a lifestyle property on Mill Creek Road just about as far in context as you can get from their previous home of Bondi Beach, Sydney.

“We knew we had made the right choice, even before buying the business”, says David. “Family were here and this is such a great town for our children and for us. We really enjoy the local beaches and rivers and we're getting into the infectious love of fishing - you can't live here and not enjoy it right?”

David purchased the business in April 2025 and not long ago The informer had the pleasure of meeting David and his team. We had previously met David when

he was crossing the finishing line of the 2025 Run Fest in which he was a very early finisher in the 21km distance.

These days, David’s fitness is well earned being hands-on with his team. He is passionate about the quality of service and care that NZ Move It goes to great lengths to give their customers.

“NZ Move It had a great local reputation here in Whitianga and we are building on that,” says David.

“We can assist with relocations that are local, anywhere in New Zealand and also international. We provide a full range of furniture relocation solutions for customers moving homes. That’s everything from packing, relocation and storage. Customers try our packing service and say they won’t move again without using us. We have had some who will go out for a game of golf and lunch or attend to business around town

and return to their entire home carefully packed up for them.

“We often find ourselves moving furniture back and forth from Auckland/Tauranga/Hamilton to batches on the Coromandel Peninsula and bringing back large online purchases from Auckland. This includes assisting local commercial businesses with their relocation of stock and finished goods (e.g. large cabinets).”

When talking to the team members, they had some great stories of things that NZ Move It had undertaken. One of the trickiest jobs was moving three donkeys. “One just wouldn’t go in the truck,’ said Barend, “and that donkey didn’t want the others to be compliant either.”

The roads on the Coromandel Peninsula are a real challenge,” says David. “We are always on the road and juggling schedules with people’s most precious belong-

ings. We must always assess the scale of a job and the location beforehand. Sometimes the truck isn’t going to fit going up a home owner’s drive so we plan alternative methods. We are trusted to do the job well, efficiently and carefully. We have earned that trust. We pack even when people are not there.”

David was previously a Director at Dutch investment bank ABN AMRO and has been involved in different business ventures in Australia. He feels at home with what he and Zoe are doing. He had been looking to find a local business opportunity that would also involve him in the local community. “I've enjoyed getting involved in local community groups such as coaching at Mercury Bay Football Club, coaching at Mercury Bay Swimming Club and I am a Board member of Mercury Bay Area School. Zoe is a co-founder and Co-CEO of Australian real estate tech business – OpenAgent.com. au and she continues to manage the business remotely. When asked about the future, David doesn’t hesitate. “We are very aware that moving homes (selling, settlement timing, packing, new location) is a very stressful and emotional journey. Our future is to take as much stress out and away from our customers as we can. We have an excellent team and people will always need to be on the move.” „ www.nzmoveit.co.nz

The NZ Move It team; David Pointon.

Everything DIY/trades and more

BY PAULINE STEWART

There is a gentle flow of customers coming in and going out. Most seem to know where to go and head towards a particular part of this large store. Others are greeted at the front counter for their initial inquiry.

Rows of neatly arrayed and catalogued items emanate a short distance the front counter, enabling customers to see in an instant a wide range of products, tools fasteners and small parts.

Finished and ready-touse products, power tools and homeware fill the mid and back sections. This is Whitianga’s trades and DIY heaven, Whitianga Hardware.

Fourteen years ago, Hamish and Sharon Magee were looking for a business to purchase in Whitianga. Hamish’ background was transport and agriculture, and he knew quite a lot about repairing things and working with tools.

Sharon is an early childhood teacher but was ready to support Hamish and be of practical help with what they decided. Whitianga Hardware, which is across the road from the Mercury Bay Club and diagonally opposite New World, became their business. It had already been operating for over twenty five years when they bought it. Hamish and Sharon began to add to the range of goods and develop their large store.

“We are a BuildLink store but without the timber,“ says Hamish.

“We operate independently and stock about 12,000 different lines of hardware, tools, machines and hardware related products, ranging from generators, compressors, pressure washers, mowers and weed eaters and brush wear, right down to the smallest screws and washers. The front

counter computer system tells us the quantities and brands we have of all our tools and products at any one time.

“It’s a good system and we can adjust stock supplies based on demand. If a different size or material is needed, it can arrive in one or two days.”

Hamish and Tony operate the store six days a week. They know where everything is. Sharon assists with admin, customer service and stock when she is not teaching at Peanuts Early Learning Centre, a job she loves very much.

When asked, ‘What is the most common difficult request?’

“It has to be Vbelts and O-rings” says Tony. “We are a focus for DIY enquiries, for key problems and key cutting and lots of mechanical issues.”

We are asked most days for V-belts,” says Hamish. “The belts run all manner and size of pumps and machinery such as compressors, chippers etc. We have a large variety of sizes and thicknesses. They are the most sought-after item. We can usually work out the size the customer is looking for, if we haven’t got it we can get it.”

Walking throughout this store for a DIY person

would be like a child experiencing ‘candy heaven’.

The number of brands stocked is extensive –Makita range, Extol power tools and gardening machinery, Heron, Blue Bosch power tools, Hikoki, Kaiwaki, Hansen water fittings, Powerbuilt – professional trade-quality hand tools, automotive service equipment; Victa and Masport mowers, Toolware, Aegis Oil, Gartner Hardware – everything for gates, everything for welding -tools and products, Ceiling lighting, CRC’s – rows of these - general cleaning products, penetrating oils, cleaning automotive sprays, rust converters, washing products for industrial and car use.

One section that caught my attention were the woollen/possum jerseys made by Manawatu Knitting Mills. They were beautifully finished for outdoor warmth in a range of winter tones. The store had the full winter catalogue. This is a product stocked by R.M. Williams in Australia but was right here in Whitianga!

While I was in the store just trying to absorb the huge range and quantity of DIY goods, there was a constant stream of visitors, all on a mission.

• Looking for a 300mm long handled Phillips screwdriver.

• Errand for the husband –fasteners to attach a pipe to a wall.

• Masking tape and duct tape

• Gallagher Electric fence standards

• Another man knew exactly what he wanted and went directly to the right container of screws

• Another was looking for an O-ring.

“Twenty-five percent of customers don’t know what they want and they just come in and ask us. Others are very specific with the

size and kind of tool or small item they are needing. Sometimes the customers have a good idea of what it is they are looking for but not sure of size or name; but when they explain the job they are working on or what the fix-it task is, then we know what would work best for their situation. People are grateful for the practical help.”

One customer added, “I generally come in to get things for my husband. I usually phone him when I get here. He knows exactly what he wants There is a wide range of products and the team here find it for me. The service is very good.” There is a welcoming and workplace atmosphere right from entering. The wall behind the counter speaks of generous community involvement – annual presented framed photographs from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service thanking Whitianga Hardware sets a tone as does their involvement and sponsorship of the local rugby and golf clubs. What is clear is that the service is attentive whether it is for one socket or screw or for the biggest generator or mower. Thank you Whitianga Hardware.

The Whitianga Hardware team – Hamish, Tony and Sharon; Sharon with welding tools department.

Tairua has a new fire brigade chief

Tairua’s new fire brigade chief is Rikirau (Rik) Tawa, following the retirement of Chris New.

Rik has been in the local brigade for 36 years and looks forward to leading the team.

He arrived in Tairua in 1988 to work at Tanners Sawmill.

After playing withTairua’s rugby team for a couple of years he decided to join the fire brigade.

“Some of my friends were in it and they said it was a good thing to be involved in. I also felt that it was a way to give back to the community.”

After Tanners Sawmill closed down Rik worked at Carter

Holt Harvey and then Tairua 4 Square. This is where he met his wife Jenny, who is a teacher. They have three children, Riki Junior, Ashleigh and Nikora.

Rik says he is keen to further develop the skills of brigade members.

“We have five new recruits plus others who can be upskilled for the benefit of our community.

And I invite anyone interested in joining the brigade to call at the fire station on a Tuesday night.

Just walk in and we can have a chat to see if it’s the right thing for you.”

Astronomy and astrotourism course

An astronomy and astrotourism course for astrotourism guides, amateur astronomers, teachers and the general public will take place in Kuaotunu in the Coromandel in September from Friday afternoon, 18 September to 5.00 pm Sunday, 20 September.

The course is being offered by the Aotearoa Astrotourism Academy (AAA), a non-profit organization founded in 2021 by Professor John Hearnshaw, Emeritus Professor of Astronomy at Canterbury University, and Nalayini Davies, who was until recently President of the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand. She is now the President of DarkSky International, based in Tucson Arizona.

The AAA website at aaanz.org gives more details and accepts on-line registrations.

AAA gives immersive courses over 2½ days for anyone who wants to be inspired by the beauty of the night sky and wants to learn more about the stars and how to observe them using binoculars or a small telescope.

Professor John Hearnshaw said that the course will offer an intensive programme of talks and practical workshops, including night-time observing, and will have seven instructors from

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some of New Zealand’s most knowledgeable astronomy and astrotourism experts. Practical advice on astrophotography and on Māori astronomy and Matariki will be part of the AAA course which is for anyone wanting to learn how to appreciate the beauty of the night sky and learn more about the stars. No previous astronomy knowledge is required.

Earth and Space Science teachers in New Zealand high schools, who want a refresher on astronomy, astrophysics and practical observing and astrophotography are very welcome.

The main course venue will be the Kuaotunu Community Hall, in Blackjack Rd, Kuaotunu, which is about 16 km north of Whitianga.

Visits to the nearby Stargazers’ B&B and observatory, operated by local astronomer Alastair Brickell, will be made during the course.

Bruce Ngataierua, the Holt

Planetarium director in Napier, will give a talk on Matariki and Te Arorangi Māori at the course. John Drummond will offer a talk and run a workshop on astrophotography. Nalayini Davies will offer a workshop on how to set up an astrotourism business. John Hearnshaw will give talks on coordinates and time in astronomy, the naming of stars and on stellar astrophysics. Alan Gilmore will present the main objects of interest in the southern sky and Gareth Davies will present images from his Unistellar EVscope and discuss the accreditation process of dark sky places with DarkSky International. Alastair Brickell will be the local manager of the Kuaotunu AAA course. „ More details and on-line registrations are at https:// aaanz.org; enquiries to info@ aaanz.org

Book now: 0800 626 664

No GP referral needed for screening mammogram (ages 40+). Scan the QR code for more info.

health journey

Retiring fire chief, Chris New (left) congratulates new fire chief, Rik Tawa on his appointment. Photo Peter Jackson.

Valley of the Stars.

Photo by Mark Gee

Local women take on 50km Charity Walk for Sweet Louise Chook-Chat

Local women everywhere have been putting their endurance to the test by walking a minimum of 50 kilometres this May to raise money for the cancer support charity Sweet Louise.

The fundraiser aims to support New Zealanders living with incurable breast cancer, with all proceeds going towards practical and emotional assistance for women and their families.

The walk, which will cover 50km over the month of May, is being organised not only as a physical challenge, but also as a way to raise awareness of the ongoing struggles faced by those living with advanced cancer.

Bronwyn Steers and her four sisters (team name “Five Sisters”) are all doing the walk and said the idea came from wanting to do something meaningful that would both challenge them personally and help others at the same time.

“Fifty kilometres is going to hurt, but it’s nothing compared to what many families

go through every day. If this can raise awareness and help even a little bit, then every sore step will be worth it.”

Sweet Louise provides support packages, counselling, transport assistance, and care services to women throughout New Zealand who are living with secondary breast cancer.

Friends, family, and supporters also join sections of the walk. While donations have already begun coming in from family, friends and members of the local community, it would be great to receive even more support.

Organisers hope the event will inspire others to support cancer charities and highlight the importance of community fundraising efforts.

The 50km walk is taking place over the month of May, with donations remaining open throughout the event.

„ People wanting to support the fundraiser can donate directly through the official fundraising page https://walk50kthismay. nz/bronwyn-steers

with Marlene of Meadow Munchers

Choosing the right breed

Not all chickens are created equal. Some are egg-laying machines, some are quiet backyard companions, and some are full-time comedians with feathers. Choosing the right breed can make a big difference, especially if you’re keeping chickens in an urban area or around children.

If your main goal is fresh eggs, commercial hybrid hens like Hylines or Shavers are popular for a reason. They’re reliable layers, friendly enough to handle, and usually produce plenty of eggs throughout the year. For many first-time chicken owners, they’re an easy place to start.

If noise is a concern, particularly in town, quieter breeds are worth considering. While hens will always make a bit of noise (especially after laying an egg!) calmer breeds like Orpingtons and Plymouth Rocks tend to be less dramatic about announcing it to the neighbourhood. For families and children, temperament matters just as much as egg numbers. Larger, gentle breeds such as Orpingtons are known for being calm, social, and easy to handle. Silkies are another favourite with kids thanks to their fluffy appearance and friendly personalities, although they’re not the strongest egg layers. And then there are the birds chosen purely for personality. Arauca-

nas are popular for their blue-green eggs and quirky nature, while bantams can be a fun option for smaller backyards.

It’s also perfectly fine to mix breeds within the same flock. Many backyard chicken owners enjoy having a variety of colours, egg sizes, and personalities wandering around the coop.

One thing new chicken owners sometimes forget, birds can fly, and chickens are no exception. Smaller breeds and bantams are usually much better at getting over fences than larger, heavier hens. If escape artists become an issue, wing clipping is a common and harmless way to help keep them safely on the ground.

It’s also worth thinking about lifespan and laying years when choosing your flock. Most backyard hens can live anywhere from 5–10

Mortgagee sale

No viewings available. Located just minutes from Cooks Beach, this 23.7-hectare (more or less) property holds an elevated position with expansive views across the Purangi Estuary and out towards Cooks Beach itself. The property features a four-bedroom Lockwood home complemented by a detached garage and several additional structures across the block. Adding further character, there is a stream and waterfall on the property. A substantial separate building featuring a bar and dining area has previously been used to host hospitality events. Properties of this scale and position, so close to Cooks Beach are rarely available. With the property being sold through mortgagee, there's strong motivation to see a result. bayleys.co.nz/2180914

years depending on breed and care. Their best egg production years are usually the first 2–3 years. Commercial hybrid hens such as Hylines are fantastic layers early on, while some heritage breeds may lay fewer eggs but often continue steadily for longer and can make wonderful longterm pets.

A polular option is adopting rescued laying hens. Many organisations around New Zealand rehome hens from commercial farms, giving them a second chance at backyard life. They often settle in quickly and can still lay well while making great pets.

At the end of the day, the “best” breed really depends on what matters most to you, lots of eggs, quiet birds, family-friendly pets, or simply a few entertaining feathered friends. „ Meadow Munchers, 1 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph 021 110 7331.

Image digitally enhanced

Image digitally enhanced. Boundary lines are indicative only

Image digitally enhanced

Waikato Regional Council

Simplifying Local Government – but at what cost?

BY WARREN MAHER

With central government releasing its proposed timeframes and framework for the Simplifying Local Government reforms on 5 May, councils across New Zealand have effectively been put on notice.

The message is clear: councils can either choose to participate early through the “Head Start” pathway by submitting proposals to establish new unitary authorities covering part or all of a region, or they can wait until the “Backstop” deadline in October 2028, at which point central government will impose structural changes ahead of the local government elections.

Under the proposal, all new structures must be unitary authorities and must combine two or more district or city councils. Here in the Waikato, this means all 11 councils will need to carefully consider which neighbouring councils they may align with in forming future governance structures.

Importantly, the proposal also states that regional councils cannot independently submit proposals. However, any restructuring must avoid fragmenting essential regional functions that require coordinated management.

The Government has outlined five key criteria that all proposals must meet: 1. Deliverability – proposals must be realistic and capable of being

implemented efficiently and within reasonable timeframes, particularly alongside the Government’s new Resource Management reforms.

2. Simplified governance – reducing duplication, consolidating decision-making, and improving alignment between councils within a region.

3. Economies of scale – achieving greater efficiency through larger organisational structures.

4. Cost affordability and efficiency – ensuring any new model remains financially sustainable for ratepayers.

5. Maintaining local voice – preserving fair and effective community representation.

At the recent Waikato Mayoral Forum, all Waikato councils indicated they intend to pursue the “Head Start” pathway. However, the concept of a single Waikato-wide unitary authority appears unlikely, leaving the possibility of two, three, or even four separate unitary authorities still under discussion.

One of my major concerns is the cost of this process. To date, there has been no indication of direct government funding, raising the obvious question: will ratepayers ultimately be expected to fund these reforms?

Looking back at the Auckland amalgamation process, the costs escalated significantly over several years — from an original budget of approximately $36 million to more

than $112 million. Despite the promises made at the time, the long-term trends do not clearly demonstrate lower rates increases or major efficiency gains.

Another critical concern is the preservation of local voice. How will larger governance structures genuinely strengthen communities, improve local representation, and build long-term economic resilience across the region?

As residents and ratepayers, it is important that you continue to hold your councils accountable throughout this process and expect regular updates, transparency, and meaningful public engagement as decisions progress.

We are now only 83 days away from the 9 August 2026 deadline.

As Chair of the Waikato Regional Council, my fellow councillors and I will continue working closely with council staff, district mayors, and local councillors to ensure there is a strong understanding of regional council functions, how they are delivered, and how they are funded.

One example often overlooked is how Waikato Regional Council uses a region-wide rating base to fund plant and pest control programmes. The approximately $15 per household contribution to the Natural Heritage Fund enables community groups across the Waikato to undertake important pest control work.

A significant portion of this funding comes from Hamilton ratepayers.

While projects are funded within the city itself, many rural communities also benefit from this support –communities that would otherwise struggle to fund such programmes through their own smaller rating bases.

The same principle applies to flood protection and drainage infrastructure. Waikato Regional Council manages more than $1.1 billion worth of flood protection assets that help safeguard homes, businesses, roads, rail infrastructure, and lives across the region.

These are just a few examples of why some functions require a genuinely regional approach. As this process unfolds, the detail will matter enormously. I will continue keeping the community informed on Waikato Regional Council’s position.

„ See other Local Government articles on page 14-15.

Friday Lunchtime Concert

Thames Music Group’s May Free Friday Lunchtime Concert will feature students from the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music Voice Department. Thames Music Group provides this annual opportunity for Thames music lovers to experience performances by some of NZ’s most remarkable emerging young professionals from the popular Postgraduate and Undergraduate degree programmes at the University of Waikato.

The programme being presented by Gina Sanders on Friday 29 May is entitled “Proving the Passions - Viva L’amour, Love Everlasting, Viva L’amore, Ewige Liebe...” – a programme seeking to find which nation has the ultimate understanding of the passions, perils and power of LOVE...

EVENT DETAILS:

Thames Music Group’s Free Friday Concert series presents University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music Voice Department students, Friday 29 May, at 12.15 pm, St George’s Church, Thames. Free entry, koha/donation gratefully accepted.

„ Contact: thames musicgroup@yahoo. co.nz

Voice and piano students from the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music will enchant us with music spanning several centuries and continents, on the quest to capture the essence of love expressed in song.

Travel with Sarah Jane

Melbourne – Locals’ 10 savvy ideas

Melbourne is one of those cities where the best experiences usually happen a street or two away from the obvious tourist spots. This guide is all about savvy swaps, smarter, more local alternatives that help you experience Melbourne with better coffee, fewer crowds, more personality and often less spending.

1. SAVVY COFFEE SWAP

Skip Federation Square chain cafés. Try Degraves Street laneway cafés for better coffee, hidden laneway atmosphere and classic Melbourne vibes. Melbourne’s café culture is part of the city’s identity. nstead of Federation Square, you might wander through Degraves Street or Centre Place. The pastries are fresh and coffee before 8 am usually means shorter queues and better bakery selections.

2. SAVVY MARKET SWAP

Skip Queen Victoria Market food court at peak time. Try South Melbourne Market for more local atmosphere and better pastry options.

South Melbourne Market feels more relaxed, easier to navigate and less tourist-heavy while still giving you incredible local produce, seafood, dim sims, and bakery stops.

3. SAVVY COASTAL SWAP

Skip busy St Kilda foreshore weekends. Try Williamstown waterfront for quieter seaside atmosphere with skyline views. St Kilda is iconic, but it can quickly become overcrowded. Try Williamstown as well. It offers a slower pace, waterfront cafés, and one of the best skyline views of Melbourne. It’s especially good for sunset walks.

South Melbourne Market is great but busy on weekends Wednesdays are better. For Summer travellers the night markets are the best place to score unique, high-quality pieces from Melbourne’s rising designers.

4. SAVVY NIGHTLIFE SWAP

Skip expensive CBD rooftop bars.

Try Fitzroy wine bars and neighbourhood pubs for more authentic Melbourne highlights. Melbourne’s best evenings usually happen in smaller neighbourhood venues. Fitzroy and Collingwood are full of hidden wine bars, live music spaces and small venues where locals spend their weekends. Neighbourhoods worth exploring are Fitzroy, Collingwood, Brunswick, Richmond.

5. SAVVY SHOPPING SWAP

Skip large CBD shopping centres. Try Fitzroy vintage stores and local boutiques for more unique Melbourne style.

Brunswick Street is one of the best places in Melbourne for vintage shopping, independent fashion and local makers. You’ll find everything from curated thrift stores to Australian designers.

6. SAVVY ECO SWAP

Shopping second-hand or vintage is one of the easiest ways to experience Melbourne sustainably while having lots of fun.

7. SAVVY TRANSPORT SWAP

Skip constant rideshares and taxis. Try Melbourne’s free tram zone and walkable suburbs for easier and cheaper city exploring.

Melbourne is surprisingly easy to navigate without a car. The free tram zone around the CBD saves both money and time, especially if you stay in Carlton, Fitzroy, Southbank, South Melbourne.

A Myki card is essential if you plan to travel outside the free tram zone.

Airport transfer swap: SkyBus = cheaper; Uber = easier with heavy luggage

8. SAVVY FOOD SWAP

Skip tourist brunch queues. Try local bakeries and neighbourhood cafés for better food and shorter waits.

Some of Melbourne’s best meals come from small bakeries, tiny espresso bars and local cafés tucked into residential streets.

Food exploring: Carlton for Italian food; Richmond for Vietnamese food; Brunswick for multicultural cafés; South Melbourne for bakeries and brunch.

9. HIDDEN GEMWANDERING MELBOURNE’S LANEWAYS

Some of the best discoveries happen while exploring hidden laneways. Take time to wander without a strict schedule.

FInd street art, tiny cafés, record stores, bookstores, cocktail bars,

independent galleries.

10. FREE

• Walk the Yarra River at sunset

• Explore Hosier Lane street art

• Visit the State Library Victoria

• Browse local weekend markets

• Picnic in Carlton Gardens

• Catch free tram rides in the CBD

MELBOURNE

NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE

Fitzroy – vintage shopping - creative and edgy.

Carlton – Italian food + cafes –European atmosphere.

Southbank – first-time visitors

– modern and central.

Brunswick – music = local bars

– alternative and arty.

Richmond – food lovers - busy and multi-cultural.

South Melbourne – markets + brunch – relaxed and local.

MELBOURNE MINI ITINERARY

Morning: Start with coffee and pastries in Carlton or Degraves St. During the day: Explore markets, laneways and vintage stores in Fitzroy. Walk along the Yarra or take a tram to South Melbourne.

Evening: Finish with wine bars or live music in Collingwood or Brunswick. Melbourne is best experienced slowly, locally and a little off-script.

Blue Light Youth Programme welcomed

MEDIA RELEASE

Whitianga Community Services Trust (WCST) is proud to announce the official opening of the Blue Light youth programme at its community hub in Whitianga, marking an important step forward in supporting young people and strengthening community connections across the Eastern Coromandel.

The new Blue Light initiative will operate from the WCST facility at 2 Cook Drive, providing local youth with positive activities, mentoring opportunities, leadership development, and safe community engagement programmes designed to build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.

WCST General Manager Tony Marsters said the arrival of Blue Light reflects the Trust’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for Rangatahi (ages 12-24) and strengthening community safety and wellbeing.

“We are excited to welcome Blue Light into our community and into the Whitianga Community Services Trust family. This initiative aligns strongly with our mission to support local people, particularly our young people, by creating safe spaces, positive experiences, and opportunities for growth and connection.”

Blue Light is a nationally recognised charitable organisation that works in partnership with police, communities, schools, and

local organisations to empower young people through a wide range of educational, recreational, and leadership activities.

The programme at WCST will focus on building positive relationships, encouraging healthy lifestyles, promoting community participation, and providing safe and engaging alternatives for youth in the region.

A key component of the initiative will be the Blue Light Street Smart programme, designed to equip young people with practical life skills, confidence, and decision-making tools to help them navigate everyday challenges safely and responsibly.

The Street Smart programme provides youth with hands-on learning experiences focused on topics such as:

• Road safety and responsible decision-making

• Respectful relationships and personal responsibility

• Leadership and teamwork development

• Building confidence and resilience

• Community engagement and positive social connections

• Understanding the impacts of alcohol, drugs, and risky behaviour

• Emergency awareness and personal safety skills

Through interactive workshops, mentoring, group activities, and community-based experiences, Street Smart aims to empower Rangatahi to make positive choices while strengthening their connection to their community and support networks.

WCST believes the programme will play an important role in helping young people develop confidence, practical life skills, and a stronger sense of belonging while creating positive pathways for the future.

One of the key focuses of the Blue Light programme at WCST will be supporting young people to complete their practical driver licensing tests locally in

Whitianga. This initiative will remove the need for Blue Light members and their families to travel to Thames for restricted and full driver licence testing.

By providing local access to driver licensing support and testing opportunities, the programme aims to reduce barriers for youth, improve road safety outcomes, increase employment opportunities, and help young people gain greater independence. WCST sees access to driver licensing as an important step toward education, employment, and long-term wellbeing for Rangatahi across the Eastern Coromandel.

The opening also highlights the growing role of the new WCST community facility, completed in March 2025, as a central hub for wellbeing, youth development, emergency response, and community support services across the Coromandel.

Community leaders, supporters, local agencies, and families are invited to attend the official

opening event and celebrate this exciting new chapter for local youth.

WIDE SUPPORT

WCST acknowledges the support of community partners, volunteers, and agencies whose collaboration has helped bring Blue Light to Whitianga.

“This initiative would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our local Police, the generous contribution from the Kubota Billfish Tournament and tournament volunteers, funding assistance from the Ministry of Youth Development, and the commitment of our wider WCST and Blue Light whānau,” said Tony Marsters.

“The collaboration behind this programme reflects what can be achieved when communities work together to create better opportunities and positive pathways for our young people.”

APPLICATIONS

Applications for young people wishing to participate in the Blue Light programme are now available online through the Whitianga Community Services Trust website https://wcst.org. nz/youth-services/ „ For more information about the programme or the opening event, contact: Tony Marsters, General Manager, Whitianga Community Services Trust. Email: manager@wcst.org.nz

Local Government Matters

Council reorganisation (now) at critical

BY GEOFFREY ROBINSON

Local democracy could take a big leap forward – or be set back for generations – as council reform comes to the Coromandel.

Peninsula residents will soon face two very different options – to establish a smaller council reflecting our district and its unique rural and coastal eastern Waikato community of interests …or have our council absorbed into a supercity, all-Waikato regional authority based in Hamilton.

Government has mandated an end to the current two-tier, regional and district council system by 2028. Councils have until August 9 to submit their proposals for unitary councils that will combine the functions of both regions and districts. In Thames-Coromandel District, as all across New Zealand, the status quo council system will not be a choice. With close neighbours and common interests in Hauraki District and down the coast, there are sensible options tor new council borders and community board catchments. However, the critical question is whether the Coromandel will be an outlying clip-on – and financial milking shed –for New Zealand’s fourth largest city; or whether these distinctive eastern towns and settlements will choose to manage their own affairs in line with their own priorities.

THE SUPERCITY OPTION: A DEMOCRACY DISASTER

Reaction to the local government directive has been generally positive across the political spectrum. Some commentators call it the end of regional councils, and people from Bluff to North Cape do look forward to the end of two different rates bills. But one possible Waikato outcome now on the table could sharply reduce local democracy, participation and self-determination.

Waikato Regional Council was quick off the blocks just two days after the ministerial announcement.

Without a thought to consulting the public, opening discussion, or considering the range of logical geographic groupings, WRC instead announced it “favours a single unitary authority” for the entire Waikato. End of discussion – before any discussion even started.

WRC Chair Warren Maher laced his press release with mention of “discussing options”, “respecting different perspectives” and a seeking a “range of views”. However, the bottom line was his very first sentence; – WRC intends not only to maintain regional government, but to expand it and absorb district council functions into a sprawling supercity unitary council instead. As it has done in Auckland, an all-Waikato supercity would relegate Thames-Coromandel District Council

to local board status and render its current community boards virtually powerless – if they would exist at all.

With a Waikato population of 532,100 and Thames-Coromandel District population of 32,200, and with supercity decision-making based on proportional representation (like Auckland), the Coromandel would have just one single vote on a hypothetical Waikato governing board of 16 members. The Hamilton statistical “urban area” of 241,200 by contrast would have seven members. These would be the people who approve annual and long-term plans, rates, budgets, infrastructure priorities, regional policies, contracts for services, hiring, investments, bylaws, enforcement and more. Meanwhile back home, the Coromandel Local Board in this scenario would handle parking, Christmas decorations and reserves, all the while sending hopeful recommendations for spending and minor grants up the corporate ladder.

Backers of the supercity model profess a commitment to maintaining a voice for local communities. The Coromandel would no doubt be assured a voice. But it would be a voice in the wilderness with little or no influence on issues of substance.

AN EASTERN WAIKATO UNITARY: THE

OPTION

There is another option, has been a viable and sibility for years. And residents have asked In January 2012, Thames, Whitianga, and Colville-Coromandel public campaign for government for the

Hauraki Plains. Campaigners posed that an eastern tary council would not planning and eliminate lap but would ensure cil activity reflected aspirations of its local Regional rates dollars, and spending would tant Hamilton to local for local benefit. Regional bility for environmental management, public and civil defense would met by locally based who live with the make, and where land. Bringing that work it belongs would not local autonomy and would increase it

As for costs, regional supercity proponents are quick to claim potential efficiencies of scale. However, bigger has often proven no better, tary Auckland Council strated.

The Coromandel and neighbouring areas are a natural fit for a sub-regional unitary council for the eastern Waikato.

Map kiwiwiki.co.nz

DEMOCRACY

critical crossroads

better, as the uniCouncil has demon-

WAIKATO DEMOCRACY

option, however. It and attractive posAnd Coromandel asked for it.

residents from Whitianga, Whangamatā, Colville-Coromandel launched a single-tier local Coromandel and Campaigners proeastern Waikato uninot only simplify eliminate council overensure that all counthe needs and local communities. dollars, council jobs revert from dislocal communities Regional responsienvironmental and coastal public transportation would be better representatives decisions they those decisions work back where not only preserve democracy, but and expand its scope.

At Council’s November meeting, the Campaign for a Unitary Coromandel Council presented 1,000 petition signatures, with local addresses, from residents and ratepayers. Within three months, another 500 signatures were delivered.

The issues then were the same ones facing residents and Council now. The only differences are updated statistics and some hopeful new community faces. Discussions with elected officials at both TCDC and Hauraki point to several possibilities for council groupings and boundaries reflecting natural geographic, economic, and social communities of interest. Two-council or three-council splits for the Waikato have both been raised as sensible possibilities.

SUB-REGIONAL COUNCILS: ALREADY ON THE TABLE

In Wellington Region, the three Wairarapa district councils – Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa – are again considering a combined unitary council appropriate to their distinct rural economy, geography and culture across the Tararuas from Wellington City.

In Taranaki, iwi have voiced support for two sub-regional unitary councils as proposed by the mayors of Stratford and South Taranaki dis-

tricts. The split would reflect a natural urban-rural and north-south regional division from urban New Plymouth District.

Closer to home in the Waikato, Waitomo and Ōtorohanga district, councils are exploring plans for a unitary King Country council that would best meet the needs of the two rural areas. Waitomo Mayor John Robertson has publicly rejected the WRC regional supercity proposal. Robertson told NZME, “Rural representation would be lost with a Hamilton-centric supercity absorbing our district. Such a structure would be urban-focused, with minimal understanding of the infrastructure needs of our rural areas. I agree that some council amalgamation is needed, but not the Auckland supercity model.”

TCDC Mayor Peter Revell will be seeking public input soon on future options for the Coromandel. Previous efforts to streamline, simplify and improve local government here give our communities and Council a valuable and timely head start. Will leadership put a stake in the ground for our district’s future health, growth and success? The choice is fast approaching.

„ Geoffrey Robinson covered local body reform efforts for the Hamilton News and other Waikato publications from 2011 to 2014.

Thames-Coromandel voices will be heard

PRESS RELEASE

The Government last week gave councils a timeframe of 90 days to consider reform proposals that would deliver “larger, more efficient unitary authorities that streamline functions, reduce duplication and improve decision-making”.

Thames-Coromandel District Council Mayor Peter Revell says, “As of today we have 87 days to consider how our Council will respond to this challenge.”

Mayor Revell says while he and his colleagues support the moves toward cost savings and efficiencies in local government, and are willing to positively address this timeline, the Council will still ensure there is adequate opportunity for all voices to contribute to any reform proposal that emerges.

On 26 May, at the first Council meeting since the Government’s announcement, a paper on how the Council will approach the

reform proposal will be fully discussed in the open agenda.

“In my view, the Government has set a timeframe and as your elected representatives we need to consider all options before us and meet the timeframe asked of us. We are committed to do this in a way that ensures the community is aware of these options. This means community boards and community organisations – such as residents and business associations – will have the opportunity to assist the Council in for-

mulating its response.”

Mayor Revell says even though councils have been advised that they will have the opportunity to consult with communities before final decisions are made by Cabinet in May 2027 – “this is still a very tight timeframe for the people of the Coromandel to contribute to this conversation”.

“We have to be completely open and transparent through this process and are committed to ensuring this happens for the people of our district.

“It is one thing for us to draw some lines on a map with our council neighbours to meet a Government-imposed deadline. But it is quite a different thing to put anything forward as a formal proposal without bringing the Thames-Coromandel community along with us.”

More information on the Government's local government reform proposals is on the Department of Internal Affairs website.

A Lifestyle Village in Thames on the Coromandel 2 BEDROOM VILLAS NOW AVAILABLE!

Mayor Peter Revell.

Musings from the Village

Will bigger councils be better councils?

BY GORDON T

The Council CE crept into the Café in Ngatea, collar of jacket up high and hat pulled down low. Detection was to be avoided. The CE made his/her way surreptitiously to the back room and was pleased to see the other two Chief Executives were already there. Greetings followed and coffee ordered as they settled down to the purpose of this clandestine meeting. Since the amalgamation of the Thames Coromandel District, Hauraki and Piako councils had been announced, along with the takeover of some of the, now defunct, Waikato Regional Council responsibilities, the CEs were concerned that they took control of the new entity, the transition and on-going control. Hence this meeting on neutral ground was set up.

Getting straight down to business, one CE questioned “There will only be one CE in the new Council. How do we handle that, so we don’t all lose out?” One of the other CEs cleared the throat and replied, “Quite simple really. We recommend that more executive muscle is needed to work with a larger council and manage increased responsibilities. We suggest a Council President be

appointed to replace the previous CE role and they be assisted by two Vice-Presidents, one in charge of Infrastructure and the other in charge of Communications. Of course, we will aqdvise that local knowledge is imperative”. “Brillant!” replied the third, “We all get to keep our jobs, it’s just a matter of agreeing who gets what job”. They nodded simultaneously in agreemenrt.

The second CE carried on, “The important issue that I see is

where to build the new Council Offices and how high they should be?” A discussion followed with various options being discussed. The three CEs were a little biased towards their own towns but after some deliberation it was agreed that Kerepehi would be the perfect location. One stated, “Quite a good option really; it’s central and we could suggest converting the old Dairy Factory into offices. A Presidential suite on the top floor would give great views

over the plains and the Firth of Thames.” Another interrupted. “Wellington has shown us that we can put the mayor’s office on the ground floor by the car park. It will be easier on his/her knees”. Good progress was being made so a round of Proseccos was ordered and they carried on. “Ratepayers will be expecting more efficiency and better value. How do we handle that?” The second CE had a solution. “It’s about training the new mayor. We point out that the Council has more work to do with the new organisation and we must put in place new processes that will enable us to make the gains in efficiency and value that is being sought. A five-year plan will be needed with retaining the staff numbers for the first three years; changes can be made in the last two”. The other CEs smiled as they realised what was being said, one responding “and changes could mean increases. After the first three years, we will get a new council, and we will be forthright in stating the previous council had agreed to increases due to increased responsibilities and more risk.”. They felt pleased with this mutual understanding of keeping things in their control. Their plans were underway and

this called for another round of Proseccos.

The third CE quietly asked, “We do have a problem with these Community Boards. They still seem to think they should have the say over what happens in their communities, and that they should have a budget. How do we handle this problem?” Sipping his/her Prosecco, one of the other CEs responded. “I suggest we say it is a process and the first step is to give them a liaison officer, so they have someone in the staff to whom to voice concerns, find information, get decisions etc.”

The third CE responded, “There are a lot of Community Boards, how many liaison officers will we need?” The response was quick. “Just one – we say it’s a cost cutting necessity. We can’t afford to make it a ‘walk-in’ for Community Boards to become involved with governance that effecting their communities, but more than that, destabilises how we have set up control,”

The conversation drifted on and the café wanted to close. Eventually they found their way to their charging EV’s, wondering just how they could ensure they would not be one of the two relegated to being a Vice President.

Ray’s Report #22

MBAS and the Spirit of NZ

BY RAY VAN BEYNEN

On Sunday 10 May this year the Spirit of New Zealand slipped its moorings and sailed into the Hauraki Gulf with 39 teenagers between 14 and 16, 3 teachers, a permanent crew of 6 and 5 volunteers aboard.

The students included pupils from St Andrew’s College in Christchurch, Mahurangi College in Warkworth, Auckland’s Sacred Heart, Rotorua’s Western Heights and 9 from Mercury Bay Area School (MBAS).

The Spirit of Adventure Trust sails their training ship The Spirit of New Zealand which focuses on providing sail training and life skills for young people at sea. This was voyage number 943. This indicates decades of service by the Trust to the youth of New Zealand.

The 9 MBAS students were accompanied by their PE teacher Jaime and participated fully in all the activities on the ship.

The students on the ship were divided into watches with a teacher and or a watch assistant. I was fortunate enough to volunteer as a watch assistant on this voyage.

A typical day started at 0630 with a dip in the ocean followed by breakfast and a Trust ceremony called ‘Colours’ where the students took it in turn to perform a karakia,

raise the ships flag to the sound of 8 ‘bells’, read out the days weather forecast and provide an inspirational ‘thought of the day’.

The whole team then mucked in with cleaning the entire ship and preparing vegetables and assisting the cook in the galley. The standard of food on the ship is superb and I suspect we all put on a kilo or so.

Each watch was then assigned a sail station either the fore deck, midships, the main or the mizzen where they quickly learned how to raise and lower the sails and generally sailed a square-rigged sailing ship.

Highlights included rafting out to a number of Gulf Islands, climbing to the top of one of the ship’s masts, learning how to tie knots and spotting a large pod of common dolphins that caused a great deal of excitement.

Five days later the Spirit returned to port and welcoming family members. It was fantastic to see how much each student had thrived away from family, friends and their screens.

MBAS’s Jade commented ‘It was amazing! If anyone ever gets the chance to do it they should’; Beau ‘loved every second of it’; Milan, ‘I loved every second of it and my favourite was climbing the mast’; Abby ‘can’t wait to look at all the photos’; Skye ‘so much fun, loved meeting everyone and doing the morning swims’; Caleb ‘very fun and recommend it to everyone’; Liam ‘It pushed me out of my comfort zone and I enjoyed all of it, everyone should give it a go’; Barnaby ‘it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I wished I could do it again’; Kaylah ‘The crew were so nice and made the experience fun’.

Whitianga, 7 Yankee Lane

Home is where the Hangar is

• Impressive GJ Gardener home with spacious 391m2 floor area and 944m2 section (mol).

• Separate downstairs rumpus room with self-contained living area.

• 5 heat pumps, a lift and seamless indoor / outdoor flow.

• Expansive hangar with workshop and separate double garage.

• Perfectly positioned for access to the airstrip, rural views and privacy.

Buffalo Beach Cleanup

A BBC (Buffalo Beach Cleanup) is being organised for Saturday, 23 May. This event is quite simple, volunteers are sought to come along and give some time to wander along the beach and pick up trash, be it human made or natural. The event starts at 10.30am with things kicking off from the conveniently named BBC (Buffalo Beach Club) on the Esplanade at Whitianga. BBC are organising the Buffalo Beach Cleanup and will be providing rewards for those contributing their efforts.

All you have to do is turn up with a bucket or bag, store your belongings at the BBC and then head down to the beach to start your part of the cleanup. The organisers will have trailers being towed up and down the beach for you to empty your bucket or bag, so you won’t have to trek back to the BBC with every load. We need to clean up the whole beach so the trailers will be running from the Taputapuatea Spit back to the Esplanade. It may be easier

for you to work at the far end or somewhere in the middle and that’s okay; we want to clean up the whole beach. Once finished, or if you feel tired, too tired, volunteers can make their way to the BBC where a sausage sizzle and a complimentary drink will await you. For kids, the rewards also extend to a free ice cream. So come along. Do the community some good, have a social time and have the best free meal you can get on a Saturday that your mum doesn’t have to cook.

Young people on the Spirit of New Zealand.

Letters to the Editor

CONCERN OVER TITLE OF ‘CLIMATE CHANGE’

The Climate Change Commission recently released its initial report on climate change, and a summary of options for New Zealand to deal with it. I have concerns over several areas with one such concern being the expression, “Climate Change”.

Climate has always changed and always will. Sea levels, CO2 levels, and temperatures always change, and our polar system has been in turmoil many times. These changes have affected our world such that approximately 99.9999% of all living things that have existed on earth are now extinct. “Climate Change” is a normal process.

Anecdotal accounts on “Causes” of this are of no use whatsoever. There have been newspaper stories going back over a century warning about the effects of climate change. To date none have come to bear. So, we must distance ourselves from opinions and focus our attention on quality research to make sure our focus is on what we humans are causing and differentiate from the background blur of panic. We need factual research to make sure we turn our attention to only those matters which we humans are influencing, and then in turn ensure we manage the worst offenders.

My background is in forestry. It has always amused me that government has viewed forestry as part of the “Management of Climate Change.” ETS, in relation to forestry, is a waste of resources which has merely lined the pockets of forest owners with zero benefit or gain in relation to climate change. Forestry is 100% neutral. Carbon in equals carbon out. Native forestry is a great sop to the environmentalists but is in the same category as plantation forestry. Agriculture falls into this same area, carbon in equals carbon out. My point is that if we go down the road of managing CO2 emissions, then we must be sure we have chosen the best areas to focus on to achieve the best gains and ignore the anecdotal nonsense.

Governments have decided that we will be spending a considerable sum of taxpayer money on managing human caused climate

change. We are extremely fortunate to live in a country where we have got an extremely high level of sustainable low carbon cost electricity. However, what we have currently is just enough to provide for how we supply it, and how we use it up. Management by conservation of energy (insulation on homes) must become a high priority .

The Climate Change Commission must analyse the recommendations by type to show what the cost per ton of carbon saved will be. They must also consider the effect of future technology changes so we can see how anticipated technology shifts in the future will affect costings.

All too often in the past we have seen decisions made which in hindsight were ill conceived. For example, simply changing all transport energy requirements to electricity means we need an enormous increase in electricity production - not from coal or gas and we know from international experience that solar and wind cannot provide enough. Perhaps nuclear energy?

Peter Bould, Whitianga

AUCKLAND’S SUPER CITY MISTAKE

Coromandel deserves better. The Government has given Thames-Coromandel District Council until 9 August – 12 weeks - to submit a reorganisation proposal, with Waikato Regional Council openly pushing for a single Hamilton-centred unitary authority stretching from Taupō to Thames. Before our Mayor signs us up, ratepayers should look hard at the Auckland evidence the Government is hoping we won’t read.

Auckland Council claims $2.4 billion in savings since 2010. The reality is less flattering. Household rates have risen 85 percent. Staff numbers are higher than before amalgamation. Just 18 percent of Aucklanders are satisfied with their Council’s performance and twice as many are dissatisfied, on Auckland Council’s own latest survey. S&P downgraded the Council’s credit rating from AA to AA- in 2023. And in 2022 the Infrastructure Commission found that council size has no bearing on cost efficiency - bigger is not cheaper.

That is the model being held up as our future. A Waikato

Letters to the Editor 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. They do not reflect the view of the Editor who reserves the right to edit and decide what is published.

super-council would govern the Coromandel Peninsula from Hamilton, with our catchments, our coastline and our economy reduced to a peripheral ward in someone else’s planning document. The Coromandel’s geography, environment, and community of interest have never fitted a Hamilton-centric structure. Nothing has changed since TCDC said so in 2013.

There is a better path. Thames-Coromandel can submit a stand-alone proposal - or a sub-regional one with Haurakibuilt around the Peninsula’s actual catchments and communities or possibly a closer relationship with the greater eastern seaboard – Western Bay of Plenty and possibly Tauranga. The Head Start rules explicitly allow proposals that don’t cover an entire region. Smaller, accountable, locally answerable government is what residents have consistently said they want.

Three months is barely enough to consult, let alone be railroaded. Mayor Revell and our ward councillors need to hear from us now. The question is simple: will TCDC stand up for the Coromandel, or quietly sign us into the next Auckland?

Patrick Kerr, Whangamata

A PRACTICAL SOLUTION

With all the doom and gloom in the world, and especially our own country, we must as individuals stay positive and look for opportunities in the future.

One opportunity I would like to promote is to do with the wonderful facility built at the Whitianga Sports Park off Moewai Road. This complex developed by Hopper Bros. and TCDC would have to be the most professional project in the district. Whilst the construction of the site has been finished, it needs much more work to complete the project and make it financially viable.

My practical solution is to provide an area to hold events and concerts, to bring in the people and provide revenue. Imagine, if you will, a permanent soundshell site built to accommodate up to 5000 people. The benefits of this proposal could be huge, both for Whitianga and the whole district. These benefits would include:

• A site well above flood levels

(all towns in our district are low lying).

• Adequate power supply.

• Large parking areas, 150 + car parks.

• Huge viewing area – covering rugby fields.

• Large convenience block –including paraplegic units.

I must state here that the current complex is well maintained by our Council and is a credit to management and staff.

Well, that is my practical solution for the week and if implemented, could give our Council much needed revenue to survive the future.

Noel S. Hewlett,

Whitianga

UNITARY AUTHORITY IS NOT THE ANSWER

Who stands to gain from a unitary authority? Not the rate payers!

In the past (from which we need to learn), the TCDC area was spilt into several small local bodies. Each had many interpersonal interactions, and their elected members and local staff had detailed knowledge of their area’s infrastructure.

The pressure from the government commission forced our present local body amalgamation with a cost saving as a carrot. But the citizens saw themselves losing the personal representation that so-called growth would allow. To forestall this, Community Boards and a Mayor were added.

The carrot of cost being less did not happen. Our growing population needed more infrastructure and consultants / contractors to replace the knowledgeable council workers; thus, the rates were raised.

Big is not better. It does not lower the changes; it just spreads them over folk who have already fixed their problems. The real problem is an increasing population with its need for water and sewerage. Councils think this is progress. It is not!

Peter H Wood, Whitianga CHECK WHAREKAHO

POLLUTION FACTS

I read with interest an article (Informer 28 April) by Ady ColeEwen entitled “Ongoing pollution confirmed at Simpsons Beach” regarding tests done in April on three samples from stormwater drains along the beach which

returned disturbingly high E-coli readings.

I hope that no one casts doubt on the validity of these test results as has been done with one I took on 11 February.

We’re talking about pollution that is potentially dangerous here, especially to small children so I feel I must push back against fact-disputing talk and accusations of “propaganda and scaremongering” that have swirled around:

• Hill Laboratories would never issue a Certificate of Analysis if they had any doubts about the accuracy of test results.

• Notes in their Certificate of Analysis referred to the E-coli test sample being slightly above ideal temperature when it was received. The lab people told me that’s not concerning unless it was higher than at the collection point – which it was not.

• It was at the lab for longer than their norm before the test was done – OK if under 48 hours Hill Labs assure me – which it was.

• Sample was taken by an untrained person - the lab people were confident of my understanding about sterility and avoiding contamination.

A simple phone call to Hill Labs would verify the above.

Other misinformation doing the rounds:

• Samples were taken just after flooding – a heavy rain event was on 21 January, the sample was taken on 9 February , a beautiful day fortunately not in holidays or there would have been young children playing in those beach pools being fed by seepage from the dune behind.

• Pollution comes from beachfront septic tanks – actually septic effluent can leach down until it enters groundwater which can then travel laterally for a considerable distance. Effluent can also be found in waterlogged heavy soils - it may not drain away but end up in stormwater flowing onto the beach, as shown in the April stormwater outlet test. Many families enjoy beautiful Wharekaho Beach. The danger that it may sometimes be polluted with harmful pathogens (Campylobacter is often found with E-coli) should be known. TCDC should do regular tests and erect warning signage.

Helen Vivian, Wharekaho

Inspiration Alley

By Ananda Laberge

The new buzz around consciousness

I’ve been exploring consciousness for many years now, having grown up in a family that initiated me into Transcendental Meditation at age 7. Books by Ram Dass, like Be Here Now, were commonplace in our home. As I grew up, went to college, started a family, and busied myself with a demanding career, all of this fell into the background. Now, as I have more time on my hands, I’ve started looking into it again. My desire was spurred on by feeling like I had no purpose (after ‘briefly’ retiring from my career and now in the midst of building a new one), and I desired more of a connection – to self and to community.

Merriam Webster defines consciousness as: “the state of being aware of one’s internal thoughts, feelings, and external surroundings, encompassing the subjective ‘inner world’ of experiences.” In researching this topic, I wanted to find out if others were also starting to investigate consciousness more. Turns out that Google searches on this topic worldwide have increased 70% during 2025! An astounding uptick. What makes this even more inspiring is that the type of search has changed from “what is consciousness?” to “tell me more.” Further-

more, podcasts, books, movies, and so on have also been proliferating. Businesses are realizing that in order to stay relevant in this new age of AI, they must find a way to stay human.

People are increasingly starting to ask: “Is there something more?” Just look at the chaos that surrounds us. Healthcare has devolved into disease management and symptom control rather than sustained health; government is all about control and power instead of liberation; economies are about poverty management rather than creating a generation of wealth. The out-

Motoring

comes of this are all around us: suicide rates are high (especially in New Zealand, which sadly has one of the highest suicide rates in the developed world); society is glued to a machine – be it computer, cell phone, or television –instead of connecting more with one another. Drugs and alcohol continue to proliferate, resulting in a further disconnection from self and death in the most extreme cases. Even our leaders in government fight more than they lead from love and compassion. There are a few unique individuals in the global community who are not like this, but they are

increasingly hard to find.

How do we love more? By starting with ourselves. If you love yourself, you will naturally want to love others – genuinely. If you want to complain about something someone has said or done or that has created a grudge between you in the past, consider reframing it to forgiveness and focusing on the good they have done. This physically changes your biochemistry and creates a completely different energy about you, and people notice that, even subconsciously. Ask yourself: would you prefer being around happy or miserable people? What I’ve noticed is that like tends to attract like. That old saying “misery loves company” pops into my mind. But the opposite is true as well: positive energy attracts likeness, too. However, to be better humans, we must not just hang out with those who are like us (in every sense of the word). It is our responsibility to help humanity, and that includes extending love to those who are unhappy. That sadness – often masked behind depression, loneliness, and or low self worth – often comes from a lack of love in themselves.

So how should we tackle this? I suggest that rather than avoiding a negative person (as I used to

do), we approach them with open arms, literally or figuratively. Even a smile does wonders. If we really want to make an impact, let’s look for those who are hurting and have been showing signs of withdrawing from society, and make a greater effort to get to know them. This is a big ask; it requires us to be bigger than we have been. It must be front of mind, a bit like creating a new habit.

I have been challenging myself to first look for someone who looks unhappy and then, based on circumstances, do something nice for them. If you work in customer service, you will have a plethora of opportunities! If you are a leader in your organization, lead with this in your heart.

So, what does this have to do with consciousness, you might be asking? If we tune in more to the love inside of us, we can share it with those who need it the most. But first, we must connect more with self to extend it to others. We can make a difference – one hug, one gesture, and one smile at a time.

„ Write to me at: ananda@ seismicaudit.com. You can also find me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anandalaberge. My website is coming soon.

Buying a used Battery Electric Vehicle

BY JACK BIDDLE

No surprises that interest and sales of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) have increased significantly in recent times driven mainly by the sharp increase in fuel costs. Both the new and used market segments are reporting an uplift in sales numbers in comparison to previous months.

While the golden rule of looking for a vehicle that is fit for purpose still applies for both new and used BEVs, it does become a lot less complicated for potential buyers when they have the coin to purchase new. All they need to concentrate on is finding a vehicle that ticks their boxes in terms of size, style and comfort etc. Purchasing new also means buyers get the benefit of full warranty periods, factory backup and updates and advice on the installation of home charges etc based on the manufacturers often strict guide lines.

DOING YOUR HOMEWORK ON USED BEVS

Purchasing a used BEV from an authorised franchise dealer also comes with some of those same benefits depending on the age of the vehicle, which do provide

peace of mind for buyers.

That’s not to say the non-franchised dealer networks around the country don’t offer a similar service, but as these vehicles age, there is a much heavier responsibility on potential owners to do their homework and ask as many questions as possible or put to bed some niggly doubts they may have.

BUYER TIPS WHEN LOOKING FOR A SUITABLE USED BEV VEHICLE

Finding a suitable vehicle and finding a reputable dealer are arguably just as important. Purchasing privately can also be a huge risk as it’s very much buyer beware.

The points listed below are general and should be used as a guide only.

1) Just for a moment put aside the fact that purchasing a BEV is the priority. Any motor vehicle under consideration needs to be checked out for such things as general wear and tear, body condition and water damage. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment of purchasing a BEV and forget some of the more important and traditional checks. A pre-purchase inspection of some sort is highly recommended, especially so if buying privately.

2) Once all the checks have been carried out and before signing on the dotted line, a call to the preferred household and vehicle insurance company is also recommended. They may ask questions that potential buyers didn’t see coming which may drive premium costs up.

3) Regardless of the vehicles age, a check and written report on the health of the vehicle’s battery is a high priority. The warranty on batteries from new for a mainstream BEV, currently sits around 8 to 10 years (or distance based) and while there will always be exceptions to the rule, it’s not a bad figure to keep in mind when

purchasing a used BEV. Also in many cases, the history of the actual conditions the vehicle was subjected to in its previous life, may have a bearing on the battery’s longevity. Try and carry out some research on the costs of a replacement battery. It won’t be cheap but reports from within the industry would suggest they are reducing in price.

4) As the BEVs age, battery capacity will gradually deteriorate over time which means travel distances between charges will become less, which in turn means the vehicles resale value will decrease as well.

5) As stated earlier, purchasing a vehicle fit for purchase is critical with a BEV having a few more boxes to tick. If towing, carrying extra weight or travelling long distances is a regular occurrence, then distances between charges will be a lot less in comparison to claimed figures. Checking out the nearest charging network and factoring in costs to recharge are necessary considerations. Also, its highly likely towing or the fitting of a towbar may not even be recommended at all by many manufacturers.

6) How and where the vehicle will be charged is another box to tick. If the vehicle is not garaged

then a discussion about a waterproof and approved outlet should be made with a qualified tradesperson. Similarly, the cost of an approved EV wall fast charger should be taken into account. If it’s a standard three pin plug type charger to be used, then the time it takes to charge the vehicle fully may come as a big surprise to many.

7) A chat with the current household power company to gain an understanding on costs, plans and the most affordable times to charge a BEV should be made.

8) BEVs must pay a Road User Charge which currently sits at $76 per 1,000kms so its another cost to factor in as is talking to repair shops about routine maintenance bills and the costs of replacement tyres which can be a lot more expensive than conventional mainstream rubber.

9) Be realistic with prices when selling privately or trading in the old vehicle especially if it’s a bit thirsty on the petrol or diesel.

In summary, weigh up all the pros and cons very carefully as making a bad call could potentially mean literally thousands of dollars are washed down the drain. In other cases, it may be the best move ever made.

Games & Puzzles

Issue 1210

Crossword Puzzle

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. Cuban capital (6)

5. Funny aside (4)

7. Indian Brahma worshipper (5)

8. 3-foot length (4)

9. Actor, ... Alda (4)

10. Shocked, taken ... (5)

11. Undeniably (6)

13. Eye membrane (4)

14. Small earphone (6)

18. Illegally fixed (race) (6)

21. Greenish-blue (4)

22. Prattle (6)

24. Florida resort city (5)

25. Bough (4)

Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS - S Pedley

26. Meditation routine (4)

27. Clear-headed (5)

28. I was, you ... (4)

29. Yelped (6)

DOWN

1. Disordered (7)

2. Waltz virtuoso, ... Rieu (5)

3. In the lead (5)

4. Military occupier (7)

5. Trembling (7)

6. Dream (5)

12. ... de Cologne (3)

15. Obtain (7)

16. Blackberry bush (7)

17. Make depraved (7)

19. Irish group (1,1,1) (3)

20. Stubborn person (3-4) (7)

22. Woozy (5)

23. Purchase (entire stock) (3,2) (5)

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.

1) What is the longest river in the world?

2) Which super-hero has “The Lasso of Truth?

3) In computer language, what does the P stand for in PDF ?

4) Which way does a cyclone spin?

5) Multiply one half by

Mystery colours made varied and imaginative photos

BY KATE BEAUCHAMP ON BEHALF OF WHITIANGA PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB

The Whitianga Photographic Club theme for April was Mystery Colour, with every member receiving a different colour to interpret in their own creative and unique way. The results were wonderfully varied and imaginative. Guest Judge: Our sincere appreciation goes to Adair Wilson for her generous time, expertise, and thoughtful commentary in judging the entries and selecting both Best in Show and our Photo of the Month.

BEST IN SHOW –

‘MONOCHROME LIME’ BY TINA MACRAE

Judge’s comments: The image has strong composition and effective use of backlighting, which gives the lime a striking translucent quality. The contrasting curves add visual tension, while the gradual shift from light to dark in the background creates an appealing sense of depth.

Honours

PHOTO OF THE MONTH ‘EYE OF THE STORM’ BY ANNAH STRETTON

Judge’s comments: “You have made good use of some dramatic lighting on the bird and

also the lighter area in the background to create both mood and drama across the scene.” Adair also highlighted the sharp, engaging eye of the bird and praised the background for adding a sense of depth, motion, and overall drama to the scene. Honours

A big shout out to Tina and Annah for their standout winning images! Their photos, along with all April submissions, are now live on our public Facebook page for everyone to enjoy. And there’s no slowing down: May’s theme is Silhouette Photography, and members are already buzzing with ideas for bold, creative shots.

Digital Decoder

By Agent EJ

No one left offline

Why digital literacy is now a matter of survival.

If you are reading this column, you are already more digitally literate than a significant portion of your fellow Kiwis. That gap between those who aim to understand technology reshaping our world, and those who don’t, is no longer just an inconvenience. It is becoming a matter of financial safety, personal autonomy, and democratic participation.

Our seniors are bearing the full brunt of this failure. As covered previously: AI scams, deepfake investment fraud, and hyper-personalised phishing attacks are accelerating – and older New Zealanders are disproportionately in the crosshairs. Not because they are naive, but because no one has adequately prepared them. Organisations like SeniorNet do genuinely valuable work, but patchwork digital literacy programmes cannot keep pace with the type of exponential technological change that is happening before us. We need a coordinated, societal commitment to digital inclusion, that treats tech literacy as a civic right, not a charitable afterthought.

The stakes extend beyond scam awareness. Every time a senior signs up to an app, or books a medical appointment online, they are generating data harvested by for-profit companies. Most have no idea this is happening. Globally, serious conversations are now underway about whether individuals should be compensated for data that corporations currently take for free. Our seniors deserve to be part of that conversation, not its most exploited participants.

The same duty of care extends to children. Young people navigating

algorithmic content feeds and AI-generated misinformation, face harms just as real, and just as under-addressed. Digital literacy must begin in schools... Not just as lessons in how to use software, but in understanding what technology is doing to you, and who benefits.

And then there are the remote rural towns and provincial communities, where technological disruption feels distant; That is until the jobs in logistics, agriculture, and retail, quietly disappear. The pace of change does not slow down for geography. New technology genuinely could mean less backbreaking labour and more productive, connected communities. But productivity gains extracted from an uninformed population are NOT progress, it is akin to slavery, as the “worker” was never really given a choice. Informed consent is a foundational principle of democracy.

That is why this column exists. Our aim isn’t to frighten, but to empower. Whether you are in Ponsonby, or Pukekura down south, whether 16 or 76 – you NEED to be prepared. We all do.

Entries open for high roller pie makers

Roll up, roll up! Entries are now open for the 28th Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards at pieawards.nz

NZ Bakels managing director Brent Kersel says: “The Pie Awards are one of the most closely followed food competitions in New Zealand, and probably the largest in terms of entry numbers. Who doesn’t love a good pie, right? On top of that, our Awards nights are legendary as we celebrate the success of our winners with a spectacular themed event.

“This year we’re taking that theme, Las Vegas, literally and we’re calling on all high-roller bakers to enter, and if you win, the sky’s the limit!

Last year Samraksmey (Sam) So from Rosedale Bakery and Café in Albany won the Supreme Award with a stunning looking and great tasting potato top pie.

In the month following his win, Sam sold 20,000 of his Supreme pie alone!”

The Coromandel Peninsula pie bakers have done very well in the last three years, with Whangamata’s Chill Cafe taking a second place and Whitianga’s Coghill Café gaining a special commendation. Please encourage your favourite bakery to enter.

And remember, if they win an award, “Everybody will be talking about them, and you’ll have helped them boost their business.”

There are 10 pie categories to enter: Mince and Gravy; Mince and Cheese; Steak and Gravy; Steak and Cheese; Bacon and Egg; Potato Top; Chicken and Vegetable; Gourmet Meat; Vegetarian;

Café Boutique, and Commercial Wholesale (for bakeries who produce a minimum of 60,000 pies in a seven-day period).

Entries close on June 24. Judging day is July 30 and the winners will be announced at the Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards on August 4.

FOR

APPRENTICE PIE MAKERS

The 2026 Apprentice Pie Maker competition is also inviting entries and any apprentice working towards their NZ Certificate in Trade Baking Level 4 qualification can enter.

NZ Bakels bakery tutor Glenn Callow, says baking training can take you beyond a job, and entering the Apprentice Pie Maker Awards, will not only look good on your CV forever, it will secure a future in baking with far-reaching

opportunities.

Glenn has been involved in the baking industry for more than 40 years, “since before mince and cheese pies were invented”. He says entrants will be able to test their pastry making skills, and their recipe innovation as they’ll be required to make a mince and cheese pie, and a gourmet meat pie and send them through for the blind judging on 10 June.

As a bakery tutor, Glenn says the apprentices have to be self-motivated to enter and prepare for the judging themselves. In order to maintain impartiality, bakery tutors and advisors are not allowed to be involved in any part of the competition.

The winning apprentice will be announced on 11 June and will be presented their award at the Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards on 4 August.

Monochrome Lime by Tina Macrae; Eye of the Storm by Annah Stretton.

2025 Bakels NZ Supreme Pie

What’s On

outlook.com

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. NEW HOURS - 9.30am-1pm Tue-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-Sun 9am-5pm.

MONTHLY

AA Driver Licensing – NEW LOCATION. Monday, 25 May, Friday 12 and Monday 22 June, Whitianga Community Service Trust Centre, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. 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.

Hauraki U3A (University of the Third Age) has interesting speakers every 3rd Tuesday of the month. All are welcome. Tuesday 19th May Rob Harley, NZ distinguished journalist will share stories from 50 years of meeting fascinating people. 10am-12noon. Paeroa Baptist Church, 2 Wood St, Paeroa. $10 at door. To book email event_registration@u3ahauraki.nz

Hei Mara Garden Club Hahei - We meet on the first Monday of each month at members’ homes, 11am - 2.30pm. New members from Hahei and surrounding areas are welcome. Phone Liz on 0210649232 for more information.

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

Ohuka Garden Club meets 2nd Wednesday of the month. New members welcome. Contact Beverley Sheppard Ph 02109028855 or email beverley@annabells.co.nz

Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Phone Jo on 021 264 3753. Tairua Market takes place on the 1st Saturday of the month all year at Tairua Community Hall, 9am till 1pm. Food, fruit and veges, crafts, clothing, home decor, plants, furniture, books and much more.

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 Sue 021 274 7899. Email suzyed@

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.

Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016.

Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information.

WEEKLY OR MORE

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

Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for more info.

Badminton – Whitianga Badminton Club –Thurs 5-7pm, MBAS school gym. Four courts. Now open to new members wanting to play competitive Badminton. Coaching provided for those wanting to improve their skills. Phone Steve for more details 027 211 3568.

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

Coffee and Korero – Every Wednesday 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 – Meet new friends, learn about coastal conservation and make a difference. Hands-on weeding and planting, Thursday mornings. Register at: www.cooksbeachcaregroup.org.nz; www.facebook.com/ CooksBeachCareGroup

Cooks Beach Indoor Bowling Club –Wednesday at 1.45pm. Come and join us at the Community Centre (Hall). New members are most welcome, please contact Coral ph. 0212303944.

Cooks Beach Pickleball – tennis courts, cnr Purangi Rd and Rees Ave. Saturday mornings 9am. All welcome. First time free, then $5. Contact Kevin 021 396 062.

Coromandel ‘Growers & Artisans Market’ –Every Saturday from 9am - 1pm at The Anglican Church Hall, Coromandel Town. 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 – 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 1.00pm and every Thursday at 7.00pm at the MB Bowling and Sports Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. For more information contact Gavin 021 146 9203.

Mercury Bay Community Choir - meets Monday 5.45 to 7.15 pm at the Mercury Bay Area School music room. Friendly non

auditioned choir. All comers welcome Start date 25 May 2026

Phone Kate 0272709058 for details

Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised prior. For more information, phone 022 104 1701 please 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, beginners and visitors very welcome. Phone/txt Cheryl 027 452 7887 or Sandie 021 825 666 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 9.30-11.30am; Sundays All Players 4-6pm. Contact Tony 021 426 150. Matarangi (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5 -7pm (Summer) Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 022 383 6351. Hahei Tennis & Pickleball ClubThursday & Sunday Contact Tim 027 843 2683 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

Self-defence classes – Town Hall, Tues/Wed 6-7.30pm. Ph Tony 027 333 5146.

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

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. Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30am12.30pm 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 10am-4pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for more information.

Whitianga Menz Shed – NEW LOCATION - 18 Abrahamson Drive, Open Tues/Thurs, 9am-12 noon. Phone Glenn 0274-952-015. All welcome. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9am12 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.

Whitianga Toy Library - NEW. Tummy Time sessions for parents/caregivers and babies under 12m. Every Wednesday 9:30am at the toy library - Shop 4, Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Members and non-members welcome. Contact librarian@whititoylibrary.co.nz for more information

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 - Whitianga - beginners, retirees, inflexibles welcome. Mon 2.30pm, Tues 5.15pm, Thurs 4.20pm, Fri 8.45am, Sat 8.15am. Gentle Simple. $25 for a 90 minute session. Text 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 – Held in the Whitianga Town Hall. Tuesdays beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniors 12.45-2.30pm; Thursdays Seniors 10.15-11.15am, Absolute Beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Improvers 12.45-1.45pm. Night class held at Whitianga Town Hall for Absolute Beginners 5.25-6.25pm. Contact Margaret 027 463 8850, Glynis 021 1099 155, Kathleen 022 154 1702. Silver Swans Adult Ballet Class – Tuesday’s weekly 10am to 11.10am $20, Whitianga Town Hall supper room. All ages welcome. Marilyn Swan, experienced professional teacher of Dance.M: 0273365263 E; swanebbs@gmail.com Whitianga Line Dancing Club Classes –Town Hall, Monk St, $7 per session. Beginner/ Improver classes Monday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes Wed, 12-1.30pm; . Contact Kathy 027 4321 353 or Cecily 027 294 1750 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

Greypower, Whitianga – Our next gathering will be 10.30am Thursday 14 May for our AGM at the Mercury Bay Club. 10.30am start (doors open at 10.00am). Morning tea will be provided & memberships can be paid. Further info please phone Grey Power on 078665516 or E: greypower.mercurybay@gmail.com Come and join us there is lots to celebrate. Mercury Bay Athletics – For info contact mercurybayathletics@gmail.com Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. Phone Cecily 027 253 3088 or Chrissy 021 177 4226.

SeniorNet Whitianga, Inc. – Learn, update your skills using smart phones, etc. in a friendly setting. Call Carol Wood on 021 022 62504 or email Carol on 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 Neville Crawford 021 276 2169.

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

WHITIANGA SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB INC. Notice of the 40th AGM to be held on Monday 25 May 2026, at the Whitianga Town Hall at 12.00pm. A light luncheon will be provided.

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB LEARN TO PLAY BRIDGE Lessons from 5.00-6.30pm Thursdays or 11.00am-12.30pm Wednesdays. Only $25 for 10 lessons. At the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, 92 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Starting Wednesday 20th May. Please register before 10th May. Contact Ischelle Stevenson 021 060 8869 or email ischelle_stevenson@hotmail.com

Trades & Services

Trades & Services

Classifieds

Church Services

C3 Church Whitianga Join Us – Expect Miracles! Sundays 10am 22 Coghill Street, Whitianga

Every Sunday at 9.00am at St Peter the Fisherman 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga ALL WELCOME Enquiries ph 021 781 081 Anglican Worship www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.org.nz

St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church 82 Albert St Whitianga (Opp Z) SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00AM Come, join the familyFind peace and friendship. Enquiries: ph 022 1322 061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz

Trish’s Bible Gems

“Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thought; Let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7

HARATAUNGA MARAE TRUST

– NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

A Special General Meeting of Harataunga Marae Trust will be held Friday 30 May 2026 at 10am

Agenda:

To be held on Monday 25 May 2026, at the Whitianga Town Hall at 12.00pm. A light luncheon will be provided.

BAY COMMUNITY PATROL INC

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Wednesday 10th June, 2026 Masonic Hall, 68 Cook Dr, Whitianga, 7.00pm

4pm Sunday 14th June at Grace O’Malley’s in back room Everyone Welcome! We’d love to have you involved in the future of our growing club

St Andrew’s Community Church NOTICE OF SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUNDAY 7th JUNE after service. To approve use of invested funds to renovate the Manse. All members of the Fellowship are encouraged to attend.

1) Nominations and election of Marae Trustees

2) Change to Charter review timeframe

3) Approval of audit pathway

Please contact the Secretary at kaihaupotiki@gmail.com for any questions

Rating Information Database

relating to each rating unit:

(a) All information that relates to the rating unit that is included in the district valuation roll for the district; and

(b) All information that relates to the unit that is required to (1) determine the category to which the unit belongs for setting general rates and

(2) determine the category to which the unit belongs for setting targeted rates.

(3) calculate the amount of liability for a targeted rate.

(c) The name and postal address of the owner unless Council has received a written request to withhold the owners’ name or postal address (or both) from the database.

No fee is payable for inspecting the rating information database but a fee is payable for being supplied with a copy of the particulars.

Any ratepayer may object to the information contained in the database on one or more of the following grounds:

(a) that a rating unit included in the district valuation roll has been omitted from the database;

(b) that information included in the district valuation roll has been omitted from, or inaccurately entered in, the database;

(c) that information included in the database, other than information entered from the district valuation roll, is incorrect;

(d) that there has been a failure to enter a lawful amendment to the district valuation roll into the database.

A condensed version (without name and address information) of the RID is also available on Councils website www.tcdc.govt.nz

Objections must be lodged in writing, setting out the grounds for the objection and forwarded to the Chief Executive, ThamesCoromandel District Council, Private Bag, Thames.

A Lawrie Chief Executive Thames-Coromandel District Council www.tcdc.govt.nz

Classifieds

SITUATIONS VACANT

COMMUNITY CONNECTOR /WHANAU SUPPORT WORKER

Worker Full Time Role (flexible)

Whitianga Community Services Trust

Whitianga, Waikato

Child Welfare, Youth & Family Services

(Community Services & Development)

Full time/Part time

Community Connector/Whanau Support

Whitianga Community Services Trust, (Whitianga Social Services) is a multidisciplinary organisation committed to supporting whanau and families to improve their wellbeing.

We are a supportive team providing a varied range of social services. As a professional team, we are passionate and innovative about what we do in our community.

Our team is growing, and we are looking to employ a Community Connector/Whanau Support Worker. The ideal candidate will be a New Zealand citizen that has a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing or is working toward it. (we can help you).

• You will be able to work with both adults, youth, whanau and children.

• You will have demonstrated skills across all cultures and client groups.

• You will meet the obligations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and have excellent communication and computer skills.

• You will be a team player and contribute to the Social Wellbeing Teams initiatives.

We offer:

• A competitive salary

• A friendly supportive work environment with a great, dynamic team

• Paid leave for your birthday

• Being part of a skilled multi-disciplinary team

• Professional Supervision – external paid

• Peer and Cultural Supervision – inhouse

• Professional Development is encouraged.

• Work /Life Balance

Days and Hours of work are negotiable.

If you think this role may be for you, please email your CV to: karen.h@wcst.org.nz Applications close Friday 29th May 2026.

REGISTERED SOCIAL WORKER

Full Time Role (flexible)

Whitianga Community Services Trust

Whitianga, Waikato

Child Welfare, Youth & Family Services (Community Services & Development) Full time/Part time

Registered Social Worker

Whitianga Community Services Trust, (Whitianga Social Services) is a multidisciplinary organisation committed to supporting whanau and families to improve their wellbeing.

We are a supportive team providing a varied range of social services. As a professional team, we are passionate and innovative about what we do in our community.

Our team is growing, and we are looking to employ Registered Whanau Social Worker. The ideal candidate will be a New Zealand registered social worker.

• You will be able to work with both adults, youth, whanau and children.

• You will have demonstrated skills across all cultures and client groups.

• You will meet the obligations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and have excellent communication and computer skills.

• You will be a team player and contribute to the Social Wellbeing Teams initiatives.

We offer:

• A competitive salary

• A friendly supportive work environment with a great, dynamic team

• Paid leave for your birthday

• Being part of a skilled multi-disciplinary team

• Professional Supervision – external paid for

• Peer and Cultural Supervision – inhouse

• Professional Development is encouraged.

• Work/Life Balance

Days and Hours of work are negotiable.

If you think this role may be for you, please email your CV to: karen.h@wcst.org.nz Applications close Friday 29th May 2026.

SAYERS CONSTRUCTION LTD IS LOOKING TO HIRE A FULL TIME CARPENTRY APPRENTICE

The ideal candidate must be:

• Hard working, trustworthy, reliable, punctual.

• Passionate about becoming a qualified builder.

• Comfortable working in a team environment.

He/she must have:

• A reliable vehicle and a driver’s licence (minimum restricted).

• A good sense of initiative.

• Positive attitude is a must!

We offer:

• A full-time position.

• A competitive hourly rate based on your commitment.

• The opportunity to grow in a highly experienced and supportive team environment.

Sayers Construction Ltd is a well-established Kuaotunu based construction company. We build predominantly high end architectural new homes. Most of our builds are located between Opito Bay and Whangapoua. Please send us an email or txt to express your interest to paul@sayersconstruction.co.nz – 027 2306545

Junior Rugby - a young champion

Haze Lowe (7yrs) has had a fantastic start to the rugby season. He plays for the Mercury Bay Jnr Rugby Year 4 team and has been awarded Player of the Day two weeks in a row.

The first game was the first weekend in May against Whangamata at Moewai Sports Park for a wet and muddy game.

The second Player of the Day award was for the

SPORTS RESULTS

2nd Round of the Paku Pairs, Monday 11 May

North/South – 1, Liz Young & Lynnette Flowers 61.50; 2, Johanna Bonnar & Peter McNeil 57.00; 3, Kim van Diepen & Peter Clark 47.00.

East/West – 1, Jenny Hemmings & Sally Rumbold 69.50; 2, Ray & Sharon Verrall 51.50; 3, Ngaire O’Brien & Lee Hughes 50.00.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Hahei Pairs

Tuesday 12 May

North South – 1, Robyn Hogg and Sue Gill 63.54%; 2, Val Dwight and Peter Clark 60.42%; 3, Bev Dickie and Ngaire O’Brien 43.75%

East West – 1, Don Barry and Tia Ormsby 56.88%; 2, Henk and Christine Egelmeer 55.00%; 3, Alison Tichbon and Maggie Beattie 54.38%

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB

Championship Pairs round 3

Wednesday 13 May

North/South - 1 Giorgio Allemano & Robyn Hogg 63.3; 2, Gavin Hedwig & Kate Palmano 55.9; 3, Deidre Stevenson & Sue Gill 55.2

East/West - 1, Don Barry & Pete Hogg 63.0; 2, Sue Swan & Bob Schibli 54.4; 3, Denise Knutson & Pat Doube 50.9

Kaimarama Pairs round 2

Thursday 14 May

1, Bob Schibli & Faith Stock 68.3; 2, Gavin Hedwig & Kate Palmano 65.9; 3 ,Augusta Canegallo & Pam Churchill 52.4

MERCURY BAY CLUB

INDOOR BOWLS

Played Drawn Pairs

Monday 11 May

1, Ken Lack and Sue Webb; 2, Wayne Fisher and Ian Sanderson.

Good Sorts: Maureen Lack and Sandie Morris.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR

BOWLING CLUB

Thursday, 14 May

Winners: Ray Rout, Maureen Lack and Sandie Morris.

Runners Up: Ken Lack and Sue

game against Tairua after giving the players a run around on the field. He was like a little lightning bolt, dodging tackles, holding the ball tight, beautiful passes, and gaining three tries!!

As well as that, he showed good sportsmanship with his encouragement and enthusiasm towards players on both teams. He is following in his big brother’s sporting footsteps that is for sure!

Webb. Good Sports: Merle Ward, Ian Sanderson and Jan Harvey.

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS

25 players this week, so 501 doubles were played. Two teams went through unbeaten in all four sets and they were Peter Reekers & Benson Lockhart and Mike Gillett and Wombat. Peter & Benson came away with the win in the one game final after a great three dart finish from Benson. Highest finish from the men was 117, scored by Steve Pointing. No finishes over 50 for the ladies this week and no 180's scored. We have two challengers coming up. One against Tauranga Citizens Club down in Tauranga and another one against the Whangamata Club to be held at the Mercury Bay Club.

WHANGAMATA GOLF CLUB

Whangamata Stroke Play Stroke Champions Decided

One of the highlights of any Golf Club’s Calendar is the stroke championships. This ain’t stableford. Every shot counts. Whangamata’s was played for over three rounds and two weekends.

Organisers run the men’s and women’s stroke play together. This had its moments but any moves that put people together in a golf club has to be worth trying. And a tribute to mothers on Mother’s Day with a sign was a great touch.

2026 Strokeplay. 3 rounds- Par 70 x 3 = 210

Senior Mens

1, Rob Peart 212; 2, Otis Baxter 222; 3, Josh Alderton 223 Senior Women

1, Jill Agnew 265; 2, Raewyn Marshall 269 Full division results available at the club. Well done to the organisers and wonderful the threatening weather never arrived.

TAIRUA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

9 hole Stableford

Tuesday 5 May 1, Frances Reid 19; 2, Mike McCann 18; 3, Kim Kelly 16; 4, Ros Rundle 13. 18 hole Net Medal

Thursday 7 May

1, Tony Anderson 73; 2, Kath Hale 74; 3, John Fraser 79; 4, John Reid 79.

9 hole Stableford

1, Jan Stanley 19; 2, Anna McGuire 18; 3, Kay van Lubeck 17; 4, Donna Hunt 15 & Annette Eltringham 15.

Stableford Net Medal

Saturday 9 May

1, Rick Tawa 66; 2, Mark CoryWright 66; 3, Tony Anderson 70; 4, Johnny Grundling 70. 18 hole Net Medal

Thursday 14 May

1, Terry Kingham 38; 2, Ray Russell 36; 3, Tony Anderson 35; 4, Kath Hale 34. 9 hole Stableford

1, Anette Eltringham 19; 2, Donna Hunt 19; 3, Gabrielle Tucker 18; 4, Anna McGuire 18.

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

18 hole Ladies matchplay

Wednesday 13 May

Winners: Diane Gilmour, Anita Ellmers, Marg Maher, Chris van Veen, Sheree Henderson and Debbie Holmes. Well done ladies!

Mens 18 hole Gross

Winner Mark Boe with a sensational 66 off the stick in pretty tough conditions, excellent round there Mark. The Junior winner was Rodney Price with 95.

Stableford

1, Mark Boe 39; 2, Wayne Kearney, and 4 on 37 points, Kevin Smith, Sam Murphy, Kerry Allan and Steve Geach.

Twos: Kerry Allan, Dave Enright & Mark Boe.

Mens 9 hole stableford

Friday 15 May 1, Kelvin O’Leary 21; 2, Gavin Brinkley 18; 3, Jeff Bubb 17. NTP: Les Wallbridge #3rd and Kevin O’Leary # 6th.

Mens 18 hole stableford

Saturday 17 May 1, Tom Sutcliffe and Trevor Hayde 42; Jeff Dixon & Richard Bennet 38.

Gross

1, Nathan Wilson 75 and Tom Sutcliffe 88.

Twos: Jeff Dixon, Tom Sutcliffe, Tony Foster & Richard Steel

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

Haze Lowe just seven years, awarded two Players of the Day at Junior Rugby.

Removing barriers to bring kids back to the game of cricket

Mercury Bay Cricket Club has recorded a 250 percent increase in junior participation after redesigning its competition structure to better suit local whanau (families) and community life.

This small-town cricket club is proving that changing the way sport is delivered can have a major impact on participation and enjoyment for young people. Based in Whitianga, the club moved away from the traditional club-versus-club model, and instead the club introduced a locally-led, school-based approach focused on shorter games, less travel, flexibility and fun.

The Club President, Rob Corkill, s also Sport Waikato’s Regional Connectivity Coordinator for the area. Corkill says the old model was creating significant barriers for local families.

“We had junior cricket teams

travelling two hours for a game of cricket that was then taking five hours to play and then travelling over two hours home again,” says Corkill. “So, no one was really having fun.”

The club partnered with nearby schools within a 30-minute radius and introduced shorter, two-hour games played every second Saturday.

“The kids here, they’re not committed to playing every week,” says Corkill. “Trainings are optional, and it’s very much turn up on the day, work out the numbers as we go. It’s super casual. Super fun.”

Local parent and junior coach Daniel Brownlee says the changes

MBAS rugby teams

– two big wins

It was a victorious weekend for Mercury Bay Area Schools two senior rugby teams – First XV and the Under 15s. Both teams played Thames and Thames did the travelling to Whitianga’s home ground.

The scores: Under 15 – MBAS 27 V Thames 18 (pictured above). First XV – MBAS 50 V Thames 7 (pictured below)

have transformed the experience for both whanau and tamaraki (children).

“The challenges before were just such a massive level of commitment,” says Brownlee. “There was so much travel and time away nearly every week. Saturday was gone, and that’s a big sacrifice for a lot of families.”

Now, he says, the focus has shifted back to enjoyment and inclusion.

“It’s brought a lot of fun back into cricket rather than boredom and tedium,” says Brownlee. “It doesn’t matter what skill level they are. Anyone can show up and enjoy themselves.”

To keep players engaged, the club also adapted the way games are played. Smaller teams, batting pairs and more opportunities to bowl and run, mean children are constantly involved in the action.

“What that also meant was the barrier of the non-striking

batsman leaning on their bat, not being engaged in the game, was immediately removed,” says Corkill. “They get to hit the ball more. They get to run more and they just feel more engaged in the game itself.”

The initiative aligns with Sport Waikato’s focus on reducing barriers to participation and creating quality sporting experiences for tamariki and rangatahi (teenagers) across the region.

The success of the new model demonstrates how community sport can evolve to better reflect the realities of rural and coastal communities, while helping more young people stay active and connected through sport.

„ For more information, visit: https://www.sportwaikato.org. nz/news/a-local-approach-tobringing-kids-back-to-cricket View the video: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=t_ZxluRwV-c

Photos by Togo Kubota.

Sports Waihi versus Mercury Bay - tough clash

BY MIKE SKEEN

Sunshine, a dry ground, no wind. What more could you ask for, for a top of the table clash between Waihi and Mercury Bay.

Waihi came out of the blocks fast, scoring two tries before the Bay boys settled down and got to work. A see saw battle saw The Bay score twice and Waihi once again for a halftime lead to Waihi 19 -14. The second half saw Mercury Bay have a territorial advan-

tage but missed 3 or 4 try scoring opportunities through dropped passes or wrong options. Waihi capitalised on these mistakes for a couple of long range tries with their ever-reliable kicker adding the extra points.

While Waihi fully deserved the win, the final score 36 - 14 did not reflect how close the game was. Both teams will be feeling the bruises today, after a very physical game. Can't wait for the second-round return clash in Whitianga.

Photos by Sophia Kerr, email: teuila123@icloud.com