Issue 1211 26th May 2026

Photo supplied Karen McLeod

Pauline’s Piece

About bullying

Ican remember the first time I was bullied. I was seven and it stays with me. The part that stays is the teacher did not want to hear my story. He just saw a girl on a swing and someone waiting for a turn. He didn’t see that the ‘somone’ had pushed me so high I was frozen with fear and the swing board on which I was standing was slapping the upper bar of the structure. The ‘someone’ had pushed to make me afraid. He told the teacher he had been waiting for a turn on the swing. I was told I was selfish. I burned with justice not done.

However,I was not hurt like the child in a recent violent school incident that occurred at Mercury Bay Area School. Things are not so black and white.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Ross Dunn, Principal was not able to put things in writing as he was at a Principal’s Conference in Queenstown. He made time on the weekend to speak to The informer. Ross was very direct as are his face-

book videos discoursging the use of social media to discuss the incident and also addressing the issue of making the toilets safer with more supervision.

In conversation, Ross was clearly disturbed by the physical violence of this incident. The behaviour is abhorrent to everyone at the school and they are meticulously following the Ministry of Education guidelines which are very clear in dealing with incidents such as this. Ross explained that this means that the identity of both victim(s) and perpetrators must remain confidential and the consequences must be dealt with firm and fast. The School Board is involved and ensure accountability.

However, Ross was clear “that the consequences carried out cannot be fully explained to the public. We must allow for natural justice and to empathise with all parties affected by this.”

“We are building a positive culture and positive relationship and have done a lot of work on this with staff and students. Please

keep this incident in perspective. That day, 880 other students at MBAS were at school and did the right thing.”

Ross reported that the school has big buildng projects on the go and part of that is work to increase visibility and safety with the toilets. However, he was clear that this incident and bullying is not about the state of the toilets. This incident was not off the cuff. It is about something far deeper and present in our society. Ross will bring a report on things happening at the school once he returns from the conference in a few days.

This adjacent article which is a part of Pauline’s Piece is due to the fact that we have no other room in the paper. Also this topic is very sensitive to many parents and members of the wider community. Richard Shelford- Woodcock asked to share what is being discussed out there regarding bullying.

There is a Letter to the Editor on page 18 relating to this.

Our kids deserve better

BY RICHARD SHELFORDWOODCOCK

Recent events at Mercury Bay Area School have sparked significant concern across the wider Mercury Bay community, particularly following an incident in the school toilet block where a student was physically harmed. The person bullied had a leg broken by one student. The victim had been lured into the toilets; two stood guard, whilst the third student did the harm. While the incident itself understandably drew immediate attention, for many families it also became the catalyst for something much deeper bringing long-held frustrations and unresolved concerns to the surface.

Over recent weeks, parents, caregivers, former students, and members of the wider community have spoken openly about what they believe are broader issues surrounding student wellbeing, behaviour, school culture, and the way concerns are addressed when families seek reassurance or answers.

Alongside Hanna Bramley and Sarah Nicholson, concerns have been formally outlined to the Board of Trustees in an email supported by a significant number of families from across the Mercury Bay schooling community, including parents connected to our satellite schools The request is simple; an

opportunity for those concerns to be voiced respectfully and constructively through a community representative.

That request is awaiting a response.

For many within the community, however, the issue can never be simply about one opportunity to speak at a board meeting. What has become increasingly clear is that many families feel there has been a growing disconnect between sections of the school community and those responsible for leadership and governance.

The conversations now taking place are not being driven by anger alone. In many cases, they are being driven by disappointment, frustration, and a genuine desire to see local young people thrive in an environment where they feel safe, supported, and heard.

Many parents have expressed concern that issues raised privately over a long period of time have often appeared unresolved, only becoming more publicly acknowledged after serious incidents occur. Others have questioned what they see as a reactive approach to communication, particularly through the use of social media, when many families had hoped for more direct, face-to-face engagement and open dialogue with school leadership.

Importantly, these concerns should not automatically be interpreted as attacks on the school itself.

Continued on page 17

JUNE

and

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

Tuesday, 26 May – There will be a Tiangong pass from 5:52am high up towards the NW as it pops out of the Earth’s shadow and becomes visible. Wednesday, 27 May – We have a good Tiangong pass from 6:29am in the west. Friday, 29 May –From 6:18am very low in the south we have a short ISS pass with Jupiter sitting above bright Venus low in the western dusk sky.

Sunday, 31 May – We have a low ISS pass from 6:19am in the south starting between the two pointers to the Southern Cross. In the evening we can watch the Full Moon approach and then pass over the bright red giant star Antares in Scorpio starting from 7:25pm and ending at 8:35pm. Monday, 1 June – There is a good ISS pass from 5:30am in the south. Tuesday, 2 June – We have a long bright ISS pass starting in the SW from 6:20am and moving just above Saturn. Wednesday, 3 June – We have a bright ISS pass from 5:35am high overhead as it pops out of the Earth’s shadow. Jupiter and Venus are unmistakable beacons gracing the northwestern dusk sky with much brighter Venus moving steadily upwards towards Jupiter each night. Meanwhile the pre-dawn sky has Saturn sitting high above much fainter Mars in the east. Faint Mercury will join the party next week. There will be some Chinese Tiangong and International Space Station (ISS) passes to view this week but, as usual, timings may change especially towards the end of the week if they have to be moved to avoid space junk. It is always best to check the website heavens-above.com for updated timings.

Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides Wednesday 27 May

Sun: Rise 7:17am Set 5:11pm Moon: Set 3:05am Rise 2:30pm High Tides: 3:42am 4:19pm

Karen’s light box image shines in Auckland City

Congratulations are well deserved for Karen Moffatt-McLeod, Whitianga photographer for her submission to From The Pit being selected for the New Zealand Music Month exhibition.

Since its inception in 2019, From The Pit has served as an annual premier exhibition, dedicated to celebrating the craft of live music photography across New Zealand. The exhibition takes place in New Zealand Music Month which is May.

This year’s exhibition presents curated photographs from 58 talented photographers, who have captured the raw, unforgettable moments of New Zealand musicians in their element. Karen was one of those selected. She submitted some images to From The Pit and one of the images of Andrew Fagan taken at his show in Whitianga at The Monkey House was selected by the ‘From the Pit’ and Auckland Live people to be displayed in the Light Boxes in Auckland’s Karanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter as part of NZ Music Month celebrations.

The Light Boxes are an evocative collection and create a powerful intersection of music and photographs in Te Komiti-

tanga and Karanga Place in the centre of Auckland. Spending time gazing at the images is an experience of stepping inside the electric energy of Aotearoa’s vibrant live music scene. It is wonderful and a credit to Molly and Kaspur, Managers of The Monkey House, that they often organise and host music artists from the big city and from all over New Zealand, at their venue in Whitianga. This connects the Coromandel Peninsula to a much wider network of music and encourages our local artists.

Karen went to Auckland this last week to take a look at the exhibition and while she was there, another local photographer, Lia Piemus, took this photo of Karen on-site with her submission of Andrew Fagan.

Music photography captures an artist at a once in a life time moment. The artist is performing live - not posing for a photo but giving out of themselves through their voice, their instrument, their passion. The photo captures the essence of the artist’s emotion in that moment. It is a moment that only happens once and it is captured by the photographer to live on.

“Now in its eighth year, From The Pit has become an important archive of our vibrant local music scene. From the Pit wishes to say a massive thanks to all the photographers who submitted their work for inclusion in this year’s exhibition and to all the artist features in this year’s exhibition.” Copyright to all images remains with each photographer.

The major sponsors of From The Pit are Sony, Audioculture, Agent X, Auckland Council Events, New Zealand Music Commission, IMINZ, Auckland Live.

LOOK UP ON YOUTUBE

1. Just a Bunch of Farmers - Why the 2NZEF Crushed the Afrika Korps in Tunisia. Duration 52 min 58 sec.

Ed.Notes: Mike likes to rediscover the stories of New Zealand’s contribution to the Second World War effort, stories that are often lost in the annals of history but deserve to be related.

2. Why the World’s Richest Country is Falling Apart. Duration 15 min 32 sec.

Ed.Notes: Why we New Zealanders should be proud that our tax dollars go towards the upkeep of our country’s bridges, roads etc.

3. New Zealand in 4k - Incredible Scenes & Uncovering Hidden Gems. Duration 19 min 58 sec.

Ed.Notes: This video showcases some of the breathtaking places tourists to New Zealand discover and appreciate and that we New Zealanders often take for granted.

Enjoy viewing, Mike.

Karen Moffatt McLeod with her winning submission taken by Lia Priemus, of Priemus Photography, Whitianga.

Your Weekly Kitchen Calendar

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Editorial/News: Contact Pauline Stewart, Editor/owner ph

1 Blacksmith Lane Whitianga

866 0620

Kuaotunu product national finalist in 2026 Viva Beauty Awards

From a small town to packed theatres across Australia

FROM INTERVIEW WITH KOLBIE AND HER DAD, BLAIR

Kolbie Fraser is seventeen and until the beginning of 2025 she was in Cooks Beach preparing to go to Wellington for her post-MBAS college studies at the New Zealand School of Dance.

She is quietly proving that talent backed by grit goes far. Late last year almost at the end of her first year at the dance school, Kolbie earned the invitation to a fiveweek paid professional contract with Rising Ballet Company BIG Live, performing Nutcracker productions across Australia.

Under directors Joel Burke and Khalid Tarabay, part of one of the highest-selling ballet companies in the Southern Hemisphere, she completed 45 performances, dancing five ballet roles, some lasting nearly seven minutes, performing to around 80,000 people. She was also trusted with partner work, which was an honour and embraced wholeheartedly.

Kolbie could hardly believe the experience she was getting and being chosen to be part of the elite ballerinas in the country.

She knows her achievements to this point are not just about hours in the studio. There were

COROMANDEL-COLVILLE

BETTER HEALTH CARE

Snights walking 30 minutes uphill after training, soaked by Wellington rain and buffeted by wind, legs burning and body exhausted. Shared houses, different cul-

teph Wood lives in Kuaotunu and is founder of Sol Goods Sunscreen.

She needs your help to vote for People’s Vote Award for a product

Readers may have seen Steph’s products stocked in various local stores around Whitianga and the Coromandel. Sometimes you will meet Steph at Luke’s kitchen where she helps her partner Luke who owns Lukes Kitchen, that wonderful vital centre of great food and hospitality - lunch and dinner – at Kuaotunu, world famous in New Zealand.

When Steph is not helping Luke at Lukes kitchen or looking after their two young groms, she has been pouring her heart and soul into her other baby, Sol Goods.

“Sol Goods has been named a finalist and shortlisted in the Best SPF category for its Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, stand ing alongside some of the beauty industry’s biggest names;” says

tures, and strict dancer nutrition became unexpected hurdles, and Kolbie made the tough call to move, prioritising her health and training.

Hon Scott Simpson

“I’m incredibly excited to share this news, say Steph. “It is our Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, that has been judged a finalist in the 2026 Viva Beauty Awards. This recognition means the world to us. It is a proud moment for our family-run business, which was created with the goal of making natural mineral sunscreen more practical and accessible for everyday use.”

MP For Coromandel

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SOL GOODS’ EVERYDAY SPF 50 MINERAL SUNSCREEN

Kolbie’s success is inspiring others back home. Eight-year-old Harlow Macaw from Tairua also joined the Adelaide and Sydney legs of BIG Live’s Nutcracker tour, a remarkable achievement for someone so young. Performing in the Party scene’ in front of thousands each day, Harlow thrived on stage and says she loved every minute of it. She has since returned home full of inspiration and will continue training under Sarah Fitzsimons at Thames Hauraki Dance Theatre where all the girls have come from, united by their love of dance.

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We think it’s pretty special that a small Coromandel-born brand has made it to the finals alongside major names in the beauty industry, and we would love Steph to get the People’s Vote Award There are only five finalists in Steph’s category out of hundreds of entries. The category is ‘Best SPF – the broad spectrum SPF’s that fend off harmful UV rays and keep skin protected.’

That resilience and decision to change her situation, soon turned into opportunity as it was after that she earned the invitation to dance in Australia

The Coromandel Peninsula’s presence in national dance continues to grow, with Kolbie training in ballet and Liarah Anderson – 2nd year, Izzy Fitzsimons and Neka Woolf - now accepted into the New Zealand School of Dance, first year contemporary programs.

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Access to healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for people in rural and remote areas and our government is committed to ensuring New Zealanders can get the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they live.

Last year’s Budget invested $164 million to strengthen urgent and after-hours care nationwide, meaning 98 per cent of New Zealanders will be able to access these services within one hour’s drive of their home. One of the initiatives funded was a pilot programme to enhance urgent and after-hours healthcare in six rural communities, including Coromandel and Colville.

I was thrilled to hear the announcement from Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey that these pilots have been rolled out and have shown the positive impact that locally led approaches can make, with faster care, better access to treatment, and stronger links between rural health services.

In terms of the Coromandel pilot programme, it began in mid2025 and is being delivered at the Coromandel Family Medical Centre and Colville Health Clinic practice. They’ve been benefiting from extra support, better access to information and working more closely with an Emergency Care Paramedic which can treat urgent care patients in the clinic, while also available to respond to local 111 calls.

I’m hoping that there will be even more support for similar projects around our region and the rest of the country in the coming year. People in rural areas can often travel long distances for care and rely on small teams supporting large regions, that’s why this investment is so important.

In other news, our region is still recovering from January’s heavy weather event, but it’s encouraging to see communities rebound so quickly and contractors working to stabilise our roads. There are parts of the Peninsula which are still affected by storm damage, and I visited these areas a

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Proudly carrying her Coromandel roots into every lesson, Kolbie’s journey is proof that big dreams are being built right here at home. Kolbie has just now begun her second year – carrying with her the lessons of life away from home and the experience of professional dancing for several weeks and there will be more to come!

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“Major events are critical for our hospitality and tourism sectors, especially here in the Coromandel. Accommodations fill up, restaurants and cafés thrive, and local businesses see more customers, creating jobs and lifting incomes.”

couple of weeks ago alongside the Associate Minister of Emergency Management and Recovery Chris Penk.

We received a briefing from the Thames-Coromandel District Council, which outlined the impact of the storm and the work ahead. It was stressed throughout these visits that support is available, such as Civil Defence payments through the Ministry of Social Development.

“Across New Zealand, Tourism directly contributes $17 billion to national GDP and just under 200,000 jobs. Tourism makes up almost 12% of Coromandel’s GDP. The economic ripple effect of major events is huge, supporting our local businesses and growing our economy.”

Addition to Scott’s column Excerpt from his Press release Wed 11 Feb.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR OCEANS FESTIVAL

“I’m excited that the Coromandel will once again host the Whitianga Oceans Festival in September 2026, attracting visitors from around New Zealand and overseas, as part of the national $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. “

“Events such as the Whitianga Oceans Festival don’t just bring visitors; they bring life and energy to our region and to our towns which helps to create vibrant communities and unforgettable experiences.”

“This funding is a significant boost to Whitianga and the wider Coromandel, and I’m looking forward to our region hosting another great event which encourages locals and visitors to celebrate all that we have offer.”

Kolbie posing infront of The Nutcracker promotion in which she featured; Kolbie with young ballerina Harlow.

Scott Simpson and Chris Penk; Oceans Festival.

Track removals at Mautohe Cathedral Cove prioritised

MEDIA RELEASE

DOC will prioritise investment in Coromandel’s iconic Mautohe Cathedral Cove as part of a proposal to remove two weather-damaged adjacent tracks.

Globally renowned for its picturesque rock arch, Mautohe Cathedral Cove is the main attraction for many visitors heading to the wider DOC-managed coastal reserve between Whitianga and Hahei for naturing.

However, the area is prone to landslides and is vulnerable to weather damage, as seen following Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 and Cyclone Vaianu this year.

Recent efforts to reinstate the Waimata-Gemstone Bay Track and Hahei Beach Short Walk were undone by the January 2026 storm. Although DOC contractors were able to clear a large volume of debris from the main slip to reopen the track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, responding to storm damage across the wider reserve in this way is not considered sustainable.

Tania Short, DOC Principal Advisor for Strategic Projects, says the situation has reached a tipping point and continued investment in the Waimata Gemstone Track and the Hahei Short Walk is not considered sensible or sustainable.

“When we committed to rebuilding these tracks, we cautioned it came with the risk of further storm and landslide

damage – unfortunately, that’s exactly what has happened,” Tania says.

“We had started a repair project at Waimata Gemstone Bay which, ultimately, was thwarted by another extreme weather event impacting Coromandel. The geological instability means we will continue to deal with storm damage at this site.”

Tania says DOC staff are aware some people in the community will be disappointed by the proposal.

“DOC has limited resource and must prioritise its spending – hence the proposal to focus on Mautohe Cathedral Cove and remove the Waimata-Gemstone Bay Track and Hahei Short Walk.

“Over the last few years, the local community has made it clear Mautohe

Cathedral Cove is the priority – and our sponds to that.

“Continuing to rebuild infrastructure in less popular, highly vulnerable locations, where we know damage will reoccur, is not sustainable.”

DOC staff have opened discussions with stakeholder groups and are now seeking public feedback on the proposal.

“We’ve added two option papers to our website. They describe the rationale for the proposed removal of these tracks and outline the significant challenges we would face if we continued repairing them.”

„ People can provide feedback on the proposal by emailing cathedralcove@ doc.govt.nz, up until 19 June.

Run Fest and ‘After Party’ this weekend

WHITIANGA RUN FESTIVAL

The Whitianga Run Fest is on this Saturday, 30 May. Sponsored by GJ Gardner there are three run – 21km Challenge, 10km Mission and the 5km Fun Run.

Start location is Buffalo Beach Reserve. 21km start time is 9:00am, 10km start time 10:00am and 5km fun run is 11:30am.

The event ends with prize giving between 1:00pm and 2:00pm.

AFTER PARTY

This year will be followed up by an ‘After Party’ at the Buffalo Beach Club. Live music will be provided, and you will be able to partake of ice-cold refreshments to soothe your throat while you tell fibs about how fast you were. This is a great event so come along and enjoy the whole day.

Mercury Bay Club Sunday, 31 May 7.30 - 10.30pm Tickets only $20 members & $25 non members. Door sales available.

WINNER OF 2 TICKETS

Congratulations to Jan Harvey for winning two tickets to

Govt moves to shield major polluters from climate accountability

The Government’s proposed amendments to the Climate Change Response Act would weaken climate accountability and restrict the ability of New Zealanders to challenge major polluters through the courts, says Green Party candidate for Coromandel Pamela Grealey.

“The proposed law changes appear designed to shut down climate litigation already before the courts and make it harder to hold both government and major emitters accountable for the climate damage caused by their actions.”

“The fact that these changes could benefit some of New Zealand’s largest polluters while communities are already dealing with worsening climate impacts is deeply concerning.”

Pamela Grealey says communities across the Coromandel electorate are already experiencing flooding, slips, coastal erosion, storm damage, and growing pressure on infrastructure and local economies.

“The Coromandel electorate

stretches from peninsula communities through the Hauraki Plains, around the Firth, and into the western Bay. People across our electorate understand the realworld cost of climate disruption.”

The proposed amendments would reduce consultation requirements, weaken the role of the Climate Change Commission, and limit legal avenues for climate accountability.

“The Government is calling this ‘efficiency’, but reducing scrutiny and limiting public participation is not good governance.”

“Our communities have a long history of standing up to environmental harm and protecting whenua, waterways, coastlines, and native ecosystems for future generations.”

“Climate policy should be science-based, transparent, and accountable to the public.”

“These proposed changes deserve full public scrutiny through a proper select committee process, not a rushed rewrite that weakens accountability.”

Digital Decoder

By Agent EJ

Swipe left on reality: How AI is breaking romance

A recent WIRED social experiment put 4 men in competition for 1 woman's attention, some using AI to polish their messages and profile photos, one using nothing but himself. She chose the AI-assisted version. When the truth was revealed, she walked away, and later reached out to the man who showed up as himself. It is a tidy parable, but the implications behind it are far messier.

A recent survey found that over a quarter of singles now use AI to enhance their dating lives, a 333% jump from the year before. Men are significantly more likely to do so than women. What begins as a confidence tool, quietly becomes a substitution, not for shyness, but for authenticity. The person who shows up on the date was never quite the person doing the talking. At the more extreme end, the consequences are alarming: A person with cognitive impairments had passed following intense romantic interactions with chatbots,

unaware it wasn't real. A man who considered ChatGPT his best friend used it to validate paranoid delusions about his mother, reinforcing his suspicions rather than challenging them, creating an echo chamber that ended in her murder. These are not fringe cases. They are stress tests of a dating culture already under severe strain. Tinder has made connection feel transactional, infinite choice producing less satisfaction, not more. A generation of lonely young men is being actively recruited by the “manosphere”, a loose ecosystem of anti-feminists promoting dominance and hostility toward women. It has moved from the fringes of

the internet into mainstream platforms, with growing evidence of its influence on young men's attitudes across schools in Australia and New Zealand. Isolated young men, believing society doesn't care about them, find false community in these spaces, and the language of abuse starts sounding like belonging.

Women are bearing the cost. Male loneliness is real, and deserves genuine societal attention. 50% of Gen Z now prefer the idea of dating a chatbot over risking rejection from a human, a figure that should alarm anyone thinking seriously about the future of relationships. Technology did not create loneliness. But left unexamined, it is making it significantly worse. The solution is upstream: real investment in male mental health, media literacy in schools that includes critical analysis of online influencers, and honest community conversations about what connection actually requires.

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

Pamela Grealey.

So, get on ya bike, mate

BY VERNA CARR

Why can't a bicycle stand on its own? Because it's two-tired. Why did the bicycle fall asleep? Because it was wheel-y tired. If you groaned and rolled your eyes – congratulations, you're ready for the Bike Park.

Tucked away at the end of Moewai Road, next to the water treatment station, lies one of the best-kept secrets in Whitianga: the Bike Park – part adventure playground, part nature reserve, part community hub.

The park welcomes everyone –kids, dogs, kids with dogs, adults with kids and dogs, and adults who just need some fresh air and an excuse to act like a kid again. Dogs, however, must come with a responsible adult attached.

Scattered around the grounds you'll find colourful playhouses, quirky climbing structures, picnic tables, and a native arboretum that'll make you feel like Dora the Explorer. It's the kind of place where the kids disappear into the bush and you don't panic – you just pour another cup of tea.

Bikes can be borrowed, Just please return them. The helmet too. Yes, both. Have a go at the mini BMX track, or for the more serious riders, there are 10 kilometres of trails winding through native bush and towering kauri

trees. Each trail is helpfully rated by fun factor, mud potential, difficulty – and what can only be described as the holey-moley-Ihope-your-accident-insuranceis-up-to-date scale. This is not the place for colour-coordinated lycra.

The Whitianga Bike Park was the brainchild of Bruce Chambers – serious cyclist, triathlete, and a man with a vision. The vision was – a safe place where kids could discover the pure joy of riding bikes. In 2004, Noel Hewlett and his brother Ray rolled up their sleeves and did most of the grunt work to build it. Then in 2016, Jon Maud took over the management

and running of the park – and the park hasn't looked back since, mainly because looking back while cycling is inadvisable.

A dedicated team of volunteers keeps the place going, spending their time gardening, weeding, pruning, planting, creating, maintaining, and fixing – with the enthusiasm of people who genuinely love what they do.

They also run a side hustle selling firewood, which brings in much-needed funds. Local schools use the park for conservation education, Search and Rescue run training out there, and the Fire Brigade does too.

There's no power at the park,

so everyone takes turns bringing the essentials: a thermos, sausage rolls, and – if their partners are in a good mood – home-made muffins (men can make muffins). The banter flows freely, the jokes are terrible, and nobody would have it any other way. Why don't bicycle riders ever win arguments? They always back-pedal.

If you use the facilities, dropping a gold coin in the box goes a long way. The park is also a great spot for children's birthday parties, and there's a barbecue available if you bring your own gas bottle. For group bookings, a minimum contribution of $35 applies, payable to bank account

38-9002-0611973-00. As much as we'd all like one, there's no such thing as a free ride. So get on ya bike, mate – come on down to the Bike Park. Borrow a bike, borrow a helmet, let the kids loose, let the dog run, and breathe in that native bush air. And if you fancy getting involved, the volunteers will welcome you with open arms – gardening gloves, a hard time, and morning tea included.

I asked my bike for advice once. It told me to just roll with it.

Vibrant re-vamp for Wharekaho and Simpsons Beach Ratepayers Assn.

Around 50 ratepayers packed the room at Mercury Bay Club on Saturday afternoon to meet with the new Interim Committee of 4, (introduced below) to set up WASBRA as an Incorporated Society. Chaired by Tony Fox and with Councillor Flemming Rasmussen as the main speaker, the attendees were treated to an inspiring look forward as to what an Incorporated Society will mean for WASBRA, and also the aspirations of our Mercury Bay Councillors and Community Board. The convivial meeting was enjoyed by all.

Stephanie Shaw – a senior paediatric nurse brings strong communication, problem solving, organisational and people skills.

Over the last few months Steph has engaged with the Wharekaho community and councillors, and taken legal guidance to ensure a fair, transparent and inclusive re-establishment of WASBRA.

Hon Scott Simpson

MP For Coromandel

TKathy McDowell, daughter of local identity Max Bosselmann, is a Registered Nurse living in Thames who has holidayed here all her life, as have her children and grand-children. Kathy is

standing to ensure WASBRA is properly and legally re-constituted and see the pollution and lack of long overdue and much needed lack of services here are addressed.

Tracey Robinson – proudly a 3rd generation bach owner, is Managing Director of a food manufacturing company and brings leadership, strategic planning skills, along with extensive experience working collaboratively with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Sam Vivian LLB, B.COMM University of Otago 2009 –Head of Project Development, Helios Energy Ltd., brings legal expertise and work experience dealing with stakeholders and councils. Sam has been associated with Simpsons Beach all his life, and feels it is time for a younger generation to step up and ensure our community is well represented in negotiating for essential infrastructure.

The Budget is coming Ray’s Report #23 TCDC emergency action & Community Response Groups

his time of the political year is dominated by the Budget, which will be delivered by Finance Minister Nicola Willis on Thursday 28 May. The Budget is where the Government outlines its spending priorities, as well as setting its policies for managing the economy for the coming years.

Responsibly managing the economy is crucial to New Zealand’s ability to withstand international shocks and recover from unpredictable events. It means building up a buffer and restoring our financial security so there are more opportunities for hard-working Kiwis to get ahead.

In the lead-up to the Budget, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed National’s commitment to returning the books to surplus by 2028/29 and putting debt on a downward trajectory towards 40 percent of GDP. We’ll do this while continuing to invest in the essentials like health, education, defence, law and order, and infrastructure.

EDUCATION

This continued investment is evident in the next phase of Teaching the Basics Brilliantly, which is the Government’s education policy to raise achievement in reading, writing, and maths and ensure every child can benefit from a world-leading

education.

We’ll be rolling out practical classroom resources like Maths Hubs, hands-on maths games and tools, writing workbooks, and digital learning support. There’ll also be more targeted interventions, additional maths intervention teachers, and new literacy and maths checks to help identify where students need extra support.

TREATY SETTLEMENTS

In other news, I want to acknowledge the treaty settlements of Ngāti Tara Tokanui, Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu and Ngāti Hei, which officially passed their third readings in Parliament on Wednesday 13 May 2026. It was a privilege to speak at the powhiri and in the House of Representatives, and to join my parliamentary colleagues and local iwi delegates to mark this historic occasion. These settlements involve years

of research and negotiation, and I want to congratulate all those who have been involved in this treaty settlement process.

These iwi have been on a journey to get to this point, which encompasses their own histories, their own burdens, their own challenges and their own debates. Settling these treaty claims will not solve every issue overnight, but I’m hopeful that there is now a pathway forward which will benefit both current and future generations.

Treaty settlements are guided by a simple principle of doing the right thing. That commitment was made by former Prime Minister Jim Bolger when he and his colleagues embarked on this process back in the 1990s. The right thing was done here and I’m looking forward to seeing our people and our region prospering into the future.

BY RAY VAN BEYNEN

The start of this year has now seen at least three extreme weather events involving unusually high rainfall and resulting in major slips and millions of dollars in repair bills.

Whitianga and villages on the ‘Darkside’ were particularly hard hit with record flooding and a number of roads closed.

This is where the Thames Coromandel District Council Emergency Management Unit swings into action. The team are well practised at dealing with these types of events and are ably supported by the elected council officials and the wider council team.

Their Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is set up in Thames with local council offices throughout the district in support. It is headed by our District Emergency Manager Brian Carter. The EOC is staffed from within the Emergency Management Unit and also has representatives from Police, Fire and Ambulance.

Last Saturday Brian and one of his team, Rita Max-

well, attended the Hahei Community Response Group training in Hahei. Community Response Groups (CRG) have been set up throughout the Peninsula to support the Emergency Response Groups in responding to a major event. The CRG assist with intelligence gathering, community support, in particular for vulnerable people in our communities, and providing information to locals and visitors. Once the emergency event has passed, the ERG will physically check every address in their area making sure the occupants are safe and reporting properties with damage.

The local CRG were inducting new members and ran through setting up the local base at their Community Hall, checking their equipment and test

running the generator. The group also received training in setting up and running a long-term response. Brian and Rita were to the fore in assisting and advising the training session and observing and debriefing a short tabletop exercise. This focussed on an extreme weather event where flooding caused road closures and isolated the Hahei and Hot Water Beach Communities. A number of flooded campers were required to be evacuated and then housed either in the community hall or in accommodation provided by locals. The exercise was based on a couple of deployments the group has carried out and it also identified a number of gaps in our training and equipment.

From its inception, the HCRG has had tremendous local support. Members were very grateful to Brian and Rita for their attendance and would like to acknowledge the generous support of a number of local donors making possible the funding of much needed equipment as well as the support of our local Hahei Hall Committee.

Left to right: Stephanie Shaw, Kathy McDowell and Sam Vivian.

Scott Simpson at National Party Central North Island Regional Conference in Hamilton.

Local Government Matters

A Unitary Coromandel Council:

It works elsewhere, it can work here

BY GEOFFREY ROBINSON

Coromandel communities are at a government-mandated democracy crossroads. Representatives at TCDC will likely be exploring options for an eastern Waikato council that would better serve the unique community of interests of peninsula residents and their rural and coastal neighbours. Already floated regionally is the possibility of a Hamilton-based council that would absorb the Coromandel into an all-Waikato supercity.

Councils across New Zealand have been tasked to present proposals to reorganise as unitary councils -- local authorities that combine the functions of both district (or city) and regional councils. TCDC, like other councils, is working against an August 9 deadline.

Facing all councils is the question of efficiency, cost and affordability of smaller subregional unitaries, and that is the number one issue for Thames-Coromandel as it assesses potential eastern Waikato groupings. With the Auckland supercity looming as a cautionary example, there is ample evidence that bigger does not mean better and promised economies of scale often fail to pan out. At the other end of the spectrum, there are concerns about affordability -- can smaller unitary councils deliver what they need to while keeping costs and rates down?

SMALL UNITARY COUNCILS: THREE GOOD EXAMPLES

Marlborough, Tasman, and Gisborne councils provide hard evidence that smaller unitary councils comparable to what might be designed for the Coromandel, do indeed deliver. The three councils have been carrying out district and regional functions ever since New Zealand’s two-tier system was established in 1989.

“Small

unitary councils show typical regional work can be handled locally.” All three annual reports 2025-26 of Marlborough, Tasman and Gisborne District Councils are easily googled or can be retrieved from the council websites.

Small unitary councils are nothing new, and a preliminary look at the numbers gives guidance and reassurance.

Marlborough District has a (June 2025) population of 50,800.

Gisborne District population is 52,700. Tasman population is 59,900. A hypothetical Coromandel/Hauraki unitary council would have a comparable population of 54,300.

As for total council income, Marlborough Council 2024-25 revenue was $218 million. Gisborne Council revenue was $235 million. Tasman revenue was $232 million. Combined Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki total revenue in 2024-25 was $221 million.

Total general and targeted council rates for 2024-25 follow the same pattern. Marlborough rates income, including targeted water, totaled $100.2 million. Gisborne rates income including water was $87.7 million. Tasman rates income was $110 million. Combined TCDC and Hauraki rates income for the period was $157 million. And each unitary council manages a geographic area over twice the size of TCDC and Hauraki combined.

In 2013, when TCDC first explored reorganisation as a

unitary eastern Waikato council, staff analysis concluded the proposal could be financially viable. Today’s statistics appear to support a similar conclusion.

THE TASKS AT HAND: WHAT’S REALLY REQUIRED?

Marlborough, Gisborne and Tasman councils oversee flood protection, environmental management, animal control and biosecurity, transportation, public safety, emergency management, and coastal assets – all workstreams that are generally claimed by regional councils, including WRC. According to their most recent annual reports, the councils succeed in meeting performance targets for all these activities, and do so within budget. While large regional councils like WRC lay claim to special competencies, smaller unitary councils are host to the same highlevel professional skills, with the extra benefits of local knowledge, attention to local needs, and local accountability.

Most importantly (and to ease the nerves of reorganisation planners), regional councils do not advertise that many projects, activities, initiatives and works they undertake are not – and

never were – required by statute. This is one reason regional councils have expanded in spending and rates demands at the pace they have. Some activities, such as controlling discharges to air and water, are required by statute. Councils are empowered – but not mandated – to take up a wide range of other activities by the RMA, other legislation, or their “power of general competence” under the LGA (2002). Still other major spending, including economic development and community leadership, are entirely discretionary. A line-item look at regional council spending turns up many nice-to-haves and other “completely unnecessaries”.

ABOUT-FACE AT WRC: MAYORS LOOKING LOCAL Facing dissolution of WRC by 2028, Chair Warren Maher dialed up communication last week, promoting the benefits of regional oversight from Hamilton. Two days after the May 5 government directive and without consulting the public or the region’s 10 mayors, WRC had announced support for a unitary supercity council for the entire Waikato. WRC’s proposal, however, went down like a spotlighted possum. Following

a meeting of the Waikato Mayoral Forum, Maher was forced to admit “the concept of a single Waikato-wide unitary authority appears unlikely.” District mayors and councils across the region are instead exploring smaller groupings, such as a King Country council for Waitomo and Ōtorohanga and a Greater Hamilton council to include districts in the city’s natural urban catchment. Options for groupings best suited to the Thames-Coromandel District will be explored in coming weeks. Smaller subregional councils like Marlborough, Tasman and Gisborne demonstrate they have the expertise and tools to carry out regional functions, and do so within affordable budgets. And as those promoting the unitary structure point out, bringing those responsibilities back from the regional headquarters expands local control into additional work areas, increases accountability, and broadens the impact of local opinion and voices. Coromandel residents have long argued that functions such as harbour management, pest control, transportation and civil defense are best understood and delivered locally. Many would call that enhancing local democracy.

Provided by AI.

Chook-Chat with Marlene from Meadow

Munchers

Not all chickens are created equal

Welcome back to my final chook chat. This week we’re looking into chicken feed.

When it comes to chickens, not all feeds are created equal. A good quality feed can make a huge difference to your flock’s health, egg production, feather condition, and overall wellbeing.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the variety available: pellets, crumbles, mash, grain mixes, and specialty blends. Pellets are popular because they’re balanced and prevent chickens from picking out only their favourite bits, while grain mixes can encourage more natural scratching and foraging behaviour. Some owners like to use a mix of both.

A good poultry feed should contain quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and for laying hens, enough calcium to support strong eggshells. If hens aren’t getting the nutrition they

need, it often shows up quickly, poor laying, weak shells, or scruffy feathers.

It’s also important to feed for the stage of life your birds are in.

Chicks need a high-protein starter feed to support growth, while pullets (teenage chickens) need a feed suited to developing birds. Laying hens require extra calcium and balanced nutrition for egg production, and meat birds have their own specific requirements. Matching feed to life stage really does make a difference.

Of course, chickens also love food scraps, and many backyard flocks happily help clean up leftovers. Leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, rice, pasta, and bread in moderation are all common treats. However, there are a few things chickens should never have, including mouldy food, avocado, chocolate, onion, raw potatoes and overly salty or processed foods.

Fresh, clean water is just as important as feed, especially over the warmer months. A chicken will stop laying much faster without water than without feed.

Feeding chickens could be a

Mercury Bay Meadow Munchers

Your go-to shop for farm feed on the Eastern Coromandel Peninsula! We’re here to fill the gap and provide top-quality feed for all your livestock needs. Visit us for the best in local supply!

great little chore for the kids, with adult supervision of course. It’s a simple way to help them learn responsibility while spending time with the flock. Using practical feeder and watering systems, like Grandpa feeders, can make

WHO DO WE CATER FOR?

Poultry, Small ruminants, Equines, Cattle, Pigs and more...

Mr Mobility Gary Darkes

day-to-day care a lot easier and more efficient, especially for busy households or larger flocks. At the end of the day, feeding chickens doesn’t need to be complicated. Start with a good quality feed and add a few healthy extras, and you’ll usually keep your flock happy, healthy, and productive. Thanks for following along with Chook Chat over the past few weeks. I hope it’s helped make the world of backyard chickens feel a little less daunting and a lot more achievable. If you’re new to chickens or just have questions, feel free to call in and see me at MB Meadow Munchers, 1 Moewai Road, Whitianga. I’m always happy to chat or point you in the right direction.

And last but not least, thank you to Pauline and the Informer for the opportunity to share some chicken wisdom with our community.

Whitianga Thames Paeroa Waihi Whangamata

EVENTS Gallery 6 guest artist for June

The Gallery 6 guest artist is Sally Tennent Brown.

She writes…….

I am delighted to be part of the Guest Artist initiative at Gallery 6. This is a thriving small gallery co-operative that started as a pop up for a month or two and is now happily heading into its fifth year!

So this month I will have a few paintings showing, along with my brooches.

Some of you will know my work – it tends to intuitive, spontaneous and gestural. I like to experiment with the possibilities to be found in recycled materials; old sail cloth, sliced up tins, paper packaging…with a multidisciplinary approach. I usually have no idea where a piece is going to when we head out together, but the relationship with the chosen materials becomes an important part of the making process, as the mark-making and visual imagery builds.

I hope you find the time to pop in and check out this happy space, and I hope you enjoy the pieces I’ve selected.

More of my work can be seen on Instagram @sallytennentbrown.

„ Gallery hours are 10.00am–2.00pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, or contact 027 777 1572 after hours.

Environment Matters

FERTILISER INSANITY

BY MALCOLMN CAMPBELL

The Informer Issue number 1208 sub heading ‘Nitrogen’ I explained that above every hectare on the planet there is 78,000 tons of nitrogen available to the soil provided the biological activity is in condition in the soil to harvest this free already spread and available nitrogen from the atmosphere.

Some of my figures I had underestimated – I stated the use of nitrogen had risen from 59,000 tons in 1959 to 452,000 tons in 2019. At present, New Zealand imports 500,000 tons and produces 265,000 tons meaning that New Zealand farmers are spending M$765,000,000 at current prices on something nature is providing for free.

Once the soil is activated the nitrogen is free for the taking. The Waikato Regional Council and all of the Local Government agencies know that there is far too much nitrogen damaging the fresh water in New Zealand (Waikato River is a classic) and they collectively know that man-made nitrogen breaks down the carbon in the soil causing more havoc to the water ways. There are now three critical issues 1. The breakdown and loss of carbon from the soil. 2. The release of nitrogen into the water to stimulate weed growth. 3. Local Government tries to control the weeds with poison without any success, adding to the calamity.

A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

An Australian Company plans to spend three billion dollars to build a nitrogen production factory in Southland. The factory will be able to produce 1.5 million tons of nitrogen fertiliser. The announcement is accompanied by the usual ‘care of the environment’ and so on and the good news is there will be no need to import more nitrogen into New Zealand. It will also provide much needed employment for Southland people who are already plagued with excess nitrogen in the ground water there and in Canterbury.

For the last ten years, we have been exhorted to lower the NZ wide ‘Carbon Footprint’ that has been causing climate change, raising sea levels, with more storms with more floods and droughts. This is all blamed on rising CO2 levels. To lower the CO2 levels, millions of pine trees have been planted uprooting rural life including small towns with slash causing flooding and bridge destruction. The message in no uncertain terms; ‘lower the carbon footprint.’ To produce this nitrogen which is not needed, if New Zealanders studied soil biology, the factory is going to use ‘lignite’, a type of coal readily available in Southland. The lignite is of course buried ‘carbon’ harmless where it is but NZers are going to dig it up, put it into the atmosphere to produce something not needed and cause more environmental destruction for nothing.

NZTrio concert full of surprises

Music lovers were treated to a varied programme of music covering many modern innovations when the popular group NZTrio re-visited St Andrew’s Church last Sunday.

Robert Schumann’s romantic classical work ‘Piano Trio No 1 in D minor’ was performed to traditional perfection by guest pianist Jian Liu, violinist Amalia Hall and cellist Matthias Balzat. Also on the programme, Roxanna Panufnik’s ‘Around Three Corners’ is described as a modern composition displaying ‘contrariety

in mood, key and tempo’. Contrariety became more obvious in Clare Cowan’s ‘Wood, strings, hammers, flesh,’ when Jian Liu intrigued the audience by removing the top of the grand piano to use the strings as a pizzicato instrument and knocking on the wood of the piano frame.

Amelia and Matthias also joined in with knuckles and fingertips, using the violin and the cello as percussion instruments. The last modern composer on the programme, Charles Ives, is described as having ‘an

incalculable influence on American music’. His three pieces, ‘Moderato’, ‘TSIAJ Presto’ and ‘Moderato com moto’ were inspired by his college days, reflecting his memories of those turbulent years.

The whole programme served to showcase the high accomplishment and professionalism of all three musicians.

The NZTrio visit is an annual event. The musicians say they love to perform at St Andrew’s, where the kauri construction of the church makes for near-perfect acoustics.

People’s Choice Award -

Vanessa ‘makes what she loves’

BY KATE BEAUCHAMP

During the Mercury Bay Art Escape, the works of art exhibited at Hot Waves Café are open to voting for the People’s Choice Award which is sponsored by Ryan Laird, Kaizen.

This year Vanessa Graham of Otapaurau won this coveted award. Her stunning ceramic piece ‘Into The Trees’ was the people’s choice. This colourful clay display piece with a branch structure, a conical beehive and pohutukawa leaves was designed to be hung for depth and movement. Vanessa describes creating “Into the Trees” was intended to make hearts smile and to bring the marvels of nature into the home.

Vanessa makes charming, eclectic ceramic art from pockets of wild clay found on her Owera Farm property and attributes finding and sourcing her own clay as part of the creative magic. She is inspired by colours, textures, forms and oddities of the natural world. Her maxim is, she makes what she loves.

NZ Trio in Whitianga: Jian Liu (piano) Amalia Hall (violin) and Matthias Balzat (cello).

Photos courtesy of NZTrio manager Jessica Duirs

Gallery 6 will be waiting to greet you, in the main street of Coromandel; below, a sample of our guest artist’s work.

Ryan Laird presenting the winner Vanessa Graham, from Otapaurau with her award.

Inspiration Alley

By Ananda Laberge

Are you Emotionally Intelligent?

It used to be that the only marker of intelligence was your IQ, your skills knowledge and expertise that now may only get you in the door in a job interview. We now have a variety of intelligence traits that are being valued and recognized. One such marker is that of EQ, Emotional Intelligence. In business this is what differentiates high performers and impactful leaders from those that have only developed their technical acumen.

So, what is EQ? It is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and reason with emotions—both your own and those of the people around you. This is much harder than it appears. It’s so much easier to just stay in our bubble of what we have always known and not pursue a deeper understanding of both ourselves and those we interact with.

There are four pillars of EQ: Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Social Awareness (Empathy) and Relationship Management. Let’s go through these.

SELF-AWARENESS

Self-awareness is the ability to pinpoint what emotion we are feeling at a particular moment. In

therapy, they often use an Emotional Wheel to help patients identify what that emotion is they are feeling. There are 8 core emotions: Joy v Sadness, Anger v Fear, Trust v Disgust and Anticipation v Surprise. While a wheel gives us nuance, a highly practical way to sort your feelings in the moment is to look at them through two primary lenses: Love and Fear; love is the positive bucket, everything that makes us behave unlike our best selves can be grouped into the other bucket that I generally refer to as Fear.

SELF-REGULATION

Once we identify what emotion we are feeling, we now have to

control those often-impulsive feelings and behaviours-that’s when self-regulation comes into the picture.

Someone who is good at self-regulating will manage stress in a healthy way, take appropriate initiative, and adapt to changing circumstances without emotionally boiling over. Fights-physical or emotional-will often break out between people that are not great at this trait.

SOCIAL AWARENESS (EMPATHY)

If someone is present enough to be self-aware and good at self-regulating, they tend to be better at picking up on emotional cues, understanding the needs and concerns of other people, and recognizing the unspoken power dynamics in a group. That is Social Awareness (empathy). If someone does not have the skills to be compassionate to Self, this trait is much more difficult to learn. Psychology recognizes that when people become emotionally ‘stunted’ by trauma at a young age, many of these EQ traits never develop unless the person has willingly worked on them to out survive a past that was difficult.

When these 3 traits are working well, the final pillar of Relationship Management is much easier.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

We are able to communicate clearly, inspire and influence others, work well in a team, and navigate conflict constructively. Without the grounding and experience of the first three traits, relationship management becomes challenged at best, destructive at worst. Imagine being thrown into a math class where they are teaching calculus when you can barely add; it’s a long leap.

So how can we improve if we want to be more tapped into a productive EQ? For self-awareness, try checking in with yourself a few times a day and asking yourself two questions: What physical sensations am I feeling right now? and What is the exact name of the emotion attached to it? Know your triggers and get good at knowing where these emotions are felt in the body. Next, give yourself a pause if trying to be better at self-regulation. Emotions tend to last only 90-seconds, so let it pass. The next step is to try and stay objective about the situation rather than going into ‘victim’ mode and ask your-

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self: What can I do right now to fix this? or “What is the actual data telling me? At this point, if we can cognitively reframe the situation that they aren’t doing this to me, we can get some perspective that it may not be about us.

For improving your social awareness and empathy skills, try being curious. In that curiosity you might ask them questions around what is making them feel this way and just listen. It’s usually not about you so having someone to talk to might be just what is needed and appreciated by the person that is reacting.

That takes us to relationship management. What I’ve seen work best is to frame conversations in the “I” framework, which takes the defensiveness out of the other person. “I felt unsupported when...” or “I need more clarity on...” This gives you a path of resolution without intense conflict of blame.

Look at this as a fun game of self-improvement and watch the gifts it brings!

„ Feel like commenting or getting in touch? You can reach me at: ananda@seismicaudit.com. You can also find me online at: www.linkedin.com/in/anandalaberge.

Coromandel Our

News from Thames-Coromandel District Council

Local government reform announcement

Many in the community will have already heard about the Government’s latest announcement on reforming the local government sector.

Councils have until 9 August to submit a high-level proposal on joining with other councils to form unitary authorities that combine the functions of both local and regional councils.

Mayor Peter Revell says while he and his elected colleagues support the moves toward cost savings and efficiencies, our Council will still ensure there is

TOUGH CHOICES FOR LOWER RATES: FINAL DECISIONS NEAR

A big thank you to everyone who took time to share their views during our public feedback period on our proposed 2026/27 Annual Plan proposals.

opportunity for all voices to contribute to any reform proposal that emerges.

The next step is for Council to discuss in public how the reform proposal will be approached. This will take place at the Council meeting on 26 May, and is open to the public in person or via our meeting livestream function on our website.

The report to Council on the Government’s reform proposals, and the option to watch the meeting livestream, will be available on our website at www.tcdc.govt.nz/meetings

Calling all local businesses

If you own or manage a business in the Thames-Coromandel District, Council would love to hear from you.

KERBSIDE COLLECTIONS AND TRANSFER STATIONS

Kerbside collections will be a day later than usual following the King’s Birthday public holiday on Monday 1 June. For year-round kerbside collection calendars, check your local schedule at www.tcdc.govt.nz/bindays

Our seven refuse and recycling transfer stations are open daily from 8:30am–4:30pm, including King’s Birthday. www.tcdc.govt.nz/rts

OFFICES | DISTRICT LIBRARIES

We asked for feedback on four key trade-offs to help us lower the proposed rates increase. These were reducing mowing and garden maintenance, changing opening hours at some refuse and recycling transfer stations, increasing fees and introducing new charges, and reducing selected rates remissions.

Our Council reviewed the feedback at its meeting on Tuesday 26 May and is scheduled to make final decisions on Tuesday 30 June.

Watch this space for the latest updates and our final decisions. www.tcdc.govt.nz/AP2627

Our Economic Development team is inviting local businesses to take part in a short annual survey to help us better understand the challenges you’re facing, and what conditions would help your businesses grow and thrive over the long term.

All completed surveys go in the draw to win one of three great prizes:

• a business advertising package on CFM

• $150 petrol vouchers (two available) Head online until midnight, Sunday 31 May 2026. www.tcdc.govt.nz/EDSurvey2026

We’ve received feedback that some visitors to our district can feel confused or alarmed when they hear the local fire siren. In some other areas and countries, sirens can signal an evacuation due to tsunami or other emergencies, which is not the case here.

To support our Emergency Management Unit’s work in building informed and resilient communities, we’ve developed new visitor-focused flyers that explain what local sirens mean, where to find trusted information, and what to do in an emergency. These are designed to help visitors feel informed and avoid unnecessary panic.

The flyers are now available on our website for download and printing via www.tcdc.govt.nz/EMvisitorguide

Heard of the Hikurangi Subduction Zone? It’s a bit of a mouthful but it’s also our biggest threat, should it strike.

Make sure you know what to do should The Big One hit and what local hazards to look out for by taking part in our fun five-question quiz to see who in your family or workplace can claim bragging rights and be in to win one of five grab bags!

Take part before Sunday 31 May 2026 by visiting www.tcdc.govt.nz/HSZ

NO DOGS

Our offices (including AA services) and district libraries will be closed on Monday 1 June. You can still reach us 24/7 at 07 868 0200 or customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz

THAMES POOL

Thames Centennial Pool will be closed on Monday 1 June, resuming normal hours on Tuesday 2 June. www.tcdc.govt.nz/pools

DOG RESTRICTIONS

Please keep your dog on a lead in urban areas such as town centres and roads. Look out for Council’s traffic light signage and check the rules in your area at www.tcdc.govt.nz/dogownerguide

ALCOHOL BANS

An alcohol ban is in place over King’s Birthday weekend from 4pm Friday 29 May to 4pm Monday 1 June. www.tcdc.govt.nz/alcoholcontrol

Whitianga AUTOWORX – School Old Boy returns home

BY JACK BIDDLE

Whitianga AUTOWORX may be an all-new mechanical repair shop in town, but owners/ operators Dan and Vivien Mizen are far from new kids on the block when it comes to experience in the automotive trade. In fact, Dan has had his head under the bonnet and around motor vehicles practically all his working life. “Being owner/operators is nothing new for us either as we ran our own workshop on Auckland’s North Shore for 16 years before we made the decision to make Whitianga home some 3 years ago. I initially started out on the tools in a local garage in town after our move here, and while it was enjoyable, I really had the urge to run my own workshop once again.”.

In some ways Dan has only been on extended leave from Whitianga as it’s where he grew up and where he did all his primary and secondary school education. “I actually attended the original school in town for a short time before the new Mercury Bay Area School (MBAS) was open. I have never lost my passion and love of the place plus Vivien and I have spent many holidays with our two teenage kids in the wider Coromandel, so it was only a matter of when, not if, that we would eventually call Whitianga home. Away from work, we are very passionate outdoors people with walking, fishing and mountain biking taking up most of our spare time.”

Dan has the experience, diagnostic tools and knowledge to take on or advise on pretty much all makes and models of vehicles including hybrids, 4x4’s and trailer repairs. The business is also authorised to carry out Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspections plus has a waiting room for those happy to wait for a job

that has a quick turnaround.

“We would love the opportunity to have a general chat, showcase the workshop and discuss any technical issues owners may have with their vehicles. I’m sure our clients will quickly find that both Vivien and I pride ourselves on our communication skills with the aim of building long term business relationships.”

While working part time at the MBAS as a Teacher Aide, Vivien will be mainly behind the scenes doing the book work etc and working on marketing plans to get the business name out to the community. “We have a mail drop in the planning which will highlight what we are all about plus a few specials that hopefully will appeal.”

The road frontage sign at 6/43 Moewai Road is very hard to miss. “Yellow has always been our business colours so we have stuck with it for WHITIANGA AUTOWORX. We are down a lane beside and behind Paradise Pets,” adds Dan.

„ Contact numbers: 07 211 9531 or 020 417 27855

Our kids deserve better cont.

Continued from page 2

Mercury Bay Area School remains an important part of the community, with many dedicated staff, teachers, volunteers, and families who care deeply about the wellbeing of local children. Most parents speaking out are not seeking division or conflict. They are seeking accountability, reassurance, and meaningful engagement.

At the heart of this discussion is something much bigger than one isolated incident. It is about whether families feel genuinely listened to when concerns are raised, and whether communities are invited into difficult conversations before frustration reaches boiling point.

One of the more sobering themes emerging from recent conversations has been hearing from local families who now feel they may need to consider sending their children away to boarding school earlier than ever expected. For many parents, that thought comes with genuine sadness because they believe Mercury Bay should be a place where young people can grow, learn, and remain connected to their own community.

Communities are strongest when difficult conversations can happen openly, respectfully, and without fear

of dismissal. Wanting to be part of those conversations should never be viewed as opposition. It should be recognised for what it truly is a community that cares deeply about its children and wants to help shape a positive path forward.

The concerns raised over recent weeks will not simply disappear. If anything, the response from the wider community has shown just how strongly many families feel about the future wellbeing of local students. Mercury Bay is a resilient and compassionate community. The hope now is that the conversations emerging from this difficult moment can ultimately lead toward greater understanding, restorative approaches, stronger relationships, and positive change. At the end of the day, every family wants the same thing: Our kids deserve better.

Editor’s Note: Richard ShelfordWoodcock is currently on leave from his role as Chair of the Mercury Bay Community Board. A number in the wider Mercury Bay community contacted Richard in his role as Chair with their concerns as parents. They were asking for their voices to be heard. Richard has a child at Whenuakite School.

Dan and Vivien Mizen, owners of Whitianga AUTOWORX.

Letters to the Editor

MOEWAI PARK RESERVE MUST REMAIN

Hand delivered to Thames-Coromandel District Council, prior to “Written objections” deadline Friday 22 May.

I wish to formally object to the proposed reclassification of Moewai Park Reserve from a Recreation Reserve to a Local Purpose (Community Facilities) Reserve.

Moewai Park Reserve is not “underutilised” (as stated in the Public Notice, also attached) land. It is a treasured green space used daily by residents and families for picnics, dog walking, informal recreation, riding four-wheelers, and enjoying the peace and openness that is becoming increasingly rare in Whitianga. The reserve is also home to our community fruit forest, creating opportunities for sustainability, education, and connection with nature.

Importantly, the park serves as a sanctuary for native birdlife including oyster catchers, bitterns, and grey heron. During storms, flocks of shoreline birds take refuge in this open space, making it an important ecological area within Mercury Bay.

Residents are deeply concerned that changing the reserve classification will open the door to future development and permanent loss of green space. Once this land is built on, its natural character and environmental value cannot be restored.

TCDC already removed the children’s playground from this reserve, reducing recreational opportunities for local families. Had the playground remained, more children and visitors could continue to enjoy one of the most unique outlooks in Whitiangaswinging while looking toward our beautiful maunga, There is nowhere else in our community where people can enjoy this sense of open space.

We respectfully ask Council to protect Moewai Park Reserve for future generations and retain its current Recreation Reserve classification.

Neera Giri, on behalf of Residents of Moewai Park Road and South Highway West, Whitianga

OBJECTION TO RECLASSIFYING RESERVE FOR COMMUNITY MARAE

As a concerned resident of Whitianga, I wish to notify readers that a recent Public Notice from the Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC), was seeking “written objections” to its proposal, to change the “Recreation Reserve” classification of the Moewai Park Reserve, to that of a “Local Purpose (Community Facilities) Reserve”.

“Moewai Park Reserve” is located at 42 Moewai Park Road,

and its grassy field abuts South Highway West Road. The name and location of the park, is not to be confused with Moewai Road, which is a road, on the opposite side of SH25.

TCDC initiated this reclassification process, as a stepping stone for the Ngā Tūmanako Whitianga Charitable Trust, to eventually build a community marae at that location.

Residents in the vicinity of the Moewai Park Reserve do NOT want a marae located there. Moewai Park Reserve is a rare “green” space, well used by locals, as a valuable place to walk to with their children and/or dogs.

In a TCDC Facebook post-dated 22 March 2024, TCDC communicated that, “There are no plans for Moewai Park to be used for anything other than public reserve.”

However, the TCDC has already taken away the much loved and used playground, that was located at this park. Erecting instead, a new but very rudimentary “playground” inside the grounds of the Mercury Bay Multi-Sports Park, which does NOT allow dogs inside its grounds.

Therefore, local parents, wanting to continue to take both their children and their dogs out to an open green space, will have nowhere within walking distance of their homes to go to. Fruit trees already adorn the park making for a family friendly place to enjoy.

The Mercury Bay Multi-Sports Park has sealed car parking which could be utilised by a community marae located on part of its lands.

TCDC should be sticking to its original intentions, to keep Moewai Park as a recreation reserve.

People wishing to voice their concern about this matter, can register with TCDC to speak in the “Public Forum”, from 9.00 am, at the upcoming Mercury Bay Community Board meeting, Wednesday 3 June, in the Community Board rooms, Mercury Bay TCDC office, 10 Monk Street.

Kathy Thompson, Whitianga

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.

WE HAD SOMETHING THAT WORKED - IT DOESN’T KNOW

At last we may be able to be free from the clutches of a regional council bent on using environmental toxins to solve all their problems. Before regional councils were formed in 1989, we had catchment boards who were responsible for catchment, harbour, drainage, and pest management. No shiny new utes, offices and glossy pamphlets.

Since then the overreach from Hamilton into our local affairs is both unwanted and unhelpful. Responsible for flood mitigation – how’s that working out? Riparian margins are the strip of land next to streams and water sheds. It’s proven that if they are native planted, wide enough, not only do they mitigate flooding, they decrease the amount of effluent, nitrogen and situation run off into the harbours and create corridors for native bird life, freshwater fish and prevent the spread of mangroves.

A drive around our peninsula shows the amount of farms and pine forests with none or insufficient planted margins is undeniable. The Resource Consents for forestry, although inadequate, provide the WRC with the power to enforce riparian planting and yet nothing is done to their corporate colleagues?

So due to our steep terrain and high rainfall, we rate payers pay for the clean-up (Hikuai Settlement Road, 2008).

Any pest problem from possums to polluted ponds is “solved” with environmental toxins. The amount of poison sprayed on our whenua and in our water by WRC is staggering!

The Mercury Bay Boating Club were prevented from saving the seaward land of their clubhouse by people from Hamilton? We are prevented from trying simple alternative seashore protections by WRC “policy”.

“Economy of scale” yeah right. If the WRC rates were managed correctly by TCDC, We, and our environment, would far better off.

Roger Harwood, Whenuakite

CONCERNED PARENTS TO THE MERCURY BAY AREA SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES

We are writing as concerned parents, with the support of a number of other parents from Mercury Bay Area School, Whenuakite School, Coroglen School and Te Rerenga School regarding ongoing concerns about the safety, security, and privacy of students using the school toilets.

While the recent incident involving a student being assaulted in the school toilets has understandably heightened

concern within the community, we would like to make clear that this letter was already being drafted prior to that event. This incident has reinforced that these concerns are longstanding and require urgent attention.

Over the past year, multiple students have shared experiences of feeling unsafe or intimidated when using the toilets at school. Concerns raised include toilet doors being kicked in while occupied, students being locked in toilet stalls, students being laughed at or harassed, reports of filming or fear of being filmed, and students avoiding the toilets altogether due to feeling unsafe.

Some students are avoiding drinking water during the day; girls have not attended school during their period, students are waiting until class time to use the bathroom, using the disabled single toilet because it feels safer, or left school grounds to use nearby toilets. These concerns are not isolated to MBAS students alone, but have also been raised by the satellite school students who attend MBAS for technology classes.

Every student has the right to feel safe using basic school facilities and to feel protected from intimidation, harassment, or invasion of privacy while using school toilets.

We respectfully ask the Board to urgently review the current state, supervision, and safety of the school toilets, and to consider what further measures can be taken to ensure this. This could include exploring individual fully enclosed toilet spaces similar to those used in the Hot Water Beach and Tairua public toilet facilities.

We also ask the Board to review the school’s behavioural expectations and consequences. Many families are concerned that serious behaviour issues are not being addressed strongly enough, and that clearer expectations and stronger consequences are needed to better ensure student safety and wellbeing.

We would appreciate acknowledgement that these concerns have been received, along with information about the steps the Board intends to take to address them.

Hanna Bramley

Richard Shelford-Woodcock

Sarah Nicholson

All from Mercury Bay

CLIMATE CHANGE IS A GIVEN

Although I agree with some of Mr Bould’s points, his letter (Informer, 19 May) contains a number of misunderstandings.

Firstly, he expresses concern over the expression “climate change”. However, this is the terminology used throughout our Climate Change Response Act, as well as internationally (eg

by organisations such as NASA and the Yale Centre of Climate Change), to refer to human caused climate change. It would be both odd and potentially confusing if our Climate Change Commission was to adopt some other terminology.

Secondly, he says that the climate has always changed and always will. He is, of course, correct. Natural climate change cycles such as El Niño and the Milankovich cycles (relating to changes in the earth’s orbit and the sun’s orbit) will always be with us. However, our climate change legislation, under which the Commission operates, obviously doesn’t try to grapple with those natural cycles.

Thirdly, he refers to “anecdotal accounts” of causes and says that these are of no use. The causes have passed well beyond being “anecdotal”. Our legislation is based on the premise that human caused climate change is an indisputable reality. This approach plainly isn’t unique to New Zealand. It is shared by all the other countries who have signed the international treaties, with the recent exception of the USA.

Fourthly, he advocates that we focus our attention on quality research. There has already been a vast amount of climate change research. For instance NASA refers to over 80,000 climate related studies. And in New Zealand, apart from the recent report of the Commission a couple of examples of well researched papers are NIWA’s report on climate change in the Wellington region (June 2017) and, closer to home, the Waikato Regional Council report (23 May 2025). It is now time for decisive government action, not more research or reports.

Fifthly, Mr Bould refers to the need for the Commission to take certain further steps. This misunderstands its role. Under the legislation the ball has now passed to the Climate Change Minister to act on the Commission’s report. The Minister, for his part, has to engage in public consultation on a draft plan. Perhaps Mr Bould should consider participating in that consultation phase . Phil Bartlett, Coromandel Town BACKGROUND TO THE BAFFLING CHANGES

To your readers who are baffled by seemingly odd local government goings-on and other things such as “managed retreat” etc, I would suggest they search United Nations Agenda 2021/2030. There is ample information available, including on United Nation’s website.

This will make things much clearer for all to see and understand.

Dan Allen, Whitianga

Neera’s nieces, playing in the old playground.

GENERAL:

Monday, 18 May a theft was reported as having occurred outside a South Highway address.

Tuesday, 19 May a shoplifting incident was reported at a local commercial premises. The offending parties will be spoken to regarding their dishonesty.

Wednesday, 20 May a report of Wilful Damage was made regarding an incident at a Joan Gaskell Drive address. Enquiries are continuing regarding this matter.

Also, Wednesday, 20 May, a stolen motor vehicle was recovered

Police Report

on Captain Wood Ave. Two suspicious males were observed, and one subsequently arrested for Resisting Arrest. A search of his accommodation located fraudulently purchased items from commercial stores in Whitianga and a pistol. Enquiries are continuing and he is likely to face a raft of charges at his next court appearance.

Friday, 22 May a burglary was reported as having occurred at a Buffalo Beach Road address. Police are making enquiries with a person of interest.

Whitianga Coastguard

BY STUART BROWN

A very changeable month weather wise with some nice and not so nice sea conditions. Last month the unit undertook six callouts.

URGENT:

Reports of a vessel in the Whitianga River with an injured person onboard. This callout was Police led and included local St John ambulance staff, a Rescue Helicopter and local Fire crews and Harbourmaster.

The remaining callouts were standard assists due to flat batteries or mechanical issues with the area ranging from the river to Great Mercury Island.

A total of eighteen people were assisted across these jobs.

In addition, the radio operators and Duty Officers dealt with various actions not requiring the launch of a rescue vessel covering, SAR watch, lost inflatable tender and various reports of channel markers moving.

NEW VESSEL SELECTED:

The unit has been looking at our options for the replacement vessel for our 9m Naiad ‘Te Morehu Rescue’. We have selected a 10m Fantom vessel which will be the sister ship to Waihi Beach’s new vessel ‘Gallagher Rescue’. We will soon be

Seniornet

WHAT’S HAPPENING:

Term 2 kicked off on 29 April with three, 45 minute “One on One” sessions and a get together of our Apple Group A. In that session our tutor, Pam Martin, went over some “Tips and Tricks.”

If you touch and hold a notification on your lock screen your phone will automatically open the notification. (This includes texts too).

Touch and hold on any app to see what other options you get.

Everyone wants to look good on their selfies. Here are Pam’s tips to have a selfie of fabulous you:

If you want to look skinny (who doesn’t?), hold the phone up high and to your right. To look intelligent, hold the camera/phone to your right at head

ARRESTS:

1x male arrested for Unlawfully Takes Motor Vehicle, Fraud, Resist Police, Possession of Pistol

OCCURRENCES: FAMILY HARM INCIDENTS

Monday, 18 May at a Kupe Drive address. A heated argument between both parties with information being past to all persons involved.

Tuesday, 19 May at a Meadow Drive address. Assistance from external agencies has been supplied.

WET-CREW VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

Whitianga, Pauanui-Tairua and Whangamata units are continuing to look for wet crew. If you are interested, please get in touch with your local unit.

RADIO – OPERATORS REQUIRED AT WHITIANGA

We need to cover our local working slots and wet crew who go out to assist the vessels and people on them.

You can go to www.coastguard.nz/support-the-crew/volunteer to see further information.

Cadet selections completed: Nominations for the “Alan Jackson Memorial Cadetship” programme have now closed. Cadet selections have now been completed, and those successful cadets will be notified and given the details. Congratulations to the successful cadets. I hope you make the most of what this amazing cadetship programme offers.

Safe Boating

height. To look attractive, snap from the left. (If you want to do all three things at once, good luck!!)

PRESENTATION

Wednesday, 17 June, 10.15am-12.00pm. Social Services Building, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Everyone welcome. Preventing and Dealing with Accidents and Medical Events as We Age. Kim Winters, RN, will present helpful information about Apps and Tech innovations that make life easier and safer for the aged. She will give you tips on avoiding accidents and maintaining good health along with resources that help you and your loved ones. Kim will also talk about modifications you can make to your home that will enable you to stay put rather than having to go into care.

Cost: Gold coin donation to help pay for the use of the room.

„ To get more information, contact our Admin, Carol, by email on: seniornet. whitianga.admin@gmail.com.

Wednesday, 20 May occurred online. Both parties have been spoken to regarding the incident. Also, on 20 May, an incident occurred between estranged partners at a Cooks Beach address. Enquiries are continuing.

Thursday, 21 May a Criminal Harassment incident occurred at a Purangi Road address. Police will be speaking with the offending party.

Friday, 22 May at a South Highway address. Both parties were separated by police. Also, 22 May an adult male made threats at a

Catherine Cres address to other family members. He has been spoken to regarding his behaviour. Saturday, 23 May at a Catherine Crescent address. The offending party was removed from the address prior to returning and causing further issues. He was subsequently issued a Police Safety Order.

TRAFFIC:

Tuesday, 19 May a driver was stopped due to his driving. He was found to be more than the legal breath alcohol limit.

GARAGE

LISTINGS THIS WEEKEND

14 Monk Street, Whitianga Saturday 8.00am-10.00am

New Queen duvet winter weight, 4 person tent, Wall art, 7 fin oil heater, paintings.

6 Digby Place, Whitianga Saturday 8.00am-4pm

Tools, Fishing, Boating Craft, Extension Ladder, Bric a Brac and lots more!

3 Kelly Place, Whitianga Saturday 9.00am-4pm

Boating, Outboards, Tools, General, Gardening, Clothing.

18B Albert Street, Whitianga Saturday From 9.00am

24 Park Lane, Whitianga

Saturday 8.30am-1pm, Sunday 8.30am-1pm Workshop clearout, Loads of tools, Ladders, Trailer, Fishing and Boating gear, Lawnmower, Weedeaters, Garden tools, Books, CDs, Clothes & much much more !!

73 Centennial Drive, Whitianga Saturday & Sunday 9.00am -10.30am, no early birds please.

Not quite everything but the kitchen sink – A good variety of items.

239 South Highway, Whitianga (Next to the Refuse Station) Saturday 9.30am-3.30pm & Sunday 10am-1pm

Building, Hardware, DIY, Tools, Furniture, Household Items, Bric a Brac, Clothing.

2 Dundas Street, Whitianga Saturday and Sunday 9am 3pm

General Items, Garage and shed clear out, Outboards, Camping gear, Clothes etc.

69 Centennial Drive, Whitianga (Access of Cooks Lookout)

Saturday, Sunday and Monday 10am-3pm

Vintage Items, Linen, Tools, Collectables, Fabric/ Sewing Items, Plants. All money raised for the Maritime Memorial.

looking to commence the build project. I will detail more over the next few months.

What’s On

outlook.com

OP SHOPS

Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust

Bookshop – Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Mon-Sat 10am-2pm.

Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre ReUse Store 239 South Highway, Whitianga Open Tues-Sat 9:30am-3:30pm

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. 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. 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 – 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 - Tummy Time sessions for parents/caregivers and babies under 12m. Every Wednesday 9:30am at the toy libraryShop 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

Grey Power Mercury Bay – our next gathering will be on Thursday 2nd July 10.30am start. (Doors will open at 10am). Guest speakers. Morning tea $5 per person. Further info please phone Grey Power Mercury Bay 07 8665516 or e: greypower.mercurybay@gmail.com. Come and join us for our next get together. 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.

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

APOLOGY

The Informer apologises to Trevor Jensen for including his name in the article called “A Story of Shame” Issue 1199, 3 March 2026.

We apologise that he was offended by the inference that he did not help the Mercury Bay Boating Club in its efforts to find a new venue.

Games & Puzzles WIN!

Crossword Puzzle

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.

1. Diaries (8)

5. Long tooth (4)

7. Spiritual glow (4)

8. Unblemished (8)

9. Sounds (6)

12. Duplicate (7)

15. Showed (to seat) (7)

19. Nimbly (6)

21. Solves (8)

22. Sacred vow (4)

23. Permit use of (4)

24. Gift of money (8)

Stu Johnson

For last week’s solutions see page 27

1. Actress, ... Lumley (6)

2. Gains (benefit) (5)

3. Lies adjacent to (5)

4. Straightforward (6)

5. Eveningwear, ... attire (6)

6. Naked rider, Lady ... (6)

10. Irritation (4)

11. For all eternity, ... after (4)

12. Free (of) (3)

13. Vain display (4)

14. Very black (4)

15. Straighten out (6)

16. Running chore (6)

17. Elongate (6)

18. Dash (5)

19. Circular tray, lazy ... (5)

20. Bird’s perch (5)

JUST FOR FUN !!

Issue 1211 – Grid 179

Sudoku Puzzle

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.

Issue 1211 – Quiz 04

Peter’s quiz

1) What colour is the ocean after heavy rain?

2) How many islands can be seen from Buffalo Beach?

3) What is the name of the parasite worm that NZ dogs used to spread to humans?

4) What shape is a football?

5) What part of a flower grows into seeds? For solutions see page 27

Trades & Services

HEAT PUMPS

Sales and installation of Mitsubishi and Fujitsu heat-pump/air conditioning. Call Bill for a free no obligation quote. 027 2714803

www.dynamicelectrical-whitianga.co.nz

Warm up a medium sized bedroom with a Mitsubishi heatpump. Starting at $2000 installed.

STUMP GRINDING SERVICES

Servicing Whitianga & the surrounding area.

Call Jon 021 0254 3570 or email jonmacca4@gmail.com

SERVICE

Coromandel/Thames & Whitianga area.

HOUSE WASHING

Tony 027 494 7692 NZ manufactured aluminium windows and doors since 1990:

McManus 027 493 1601 Email:

- New builds & renovations

- Replacement joinery in existing homes

- Aluminium & glass balustrades

07 869 5990 | nzwindows.co.nz 1 Abrahamson Drive, Whitianga (Mon-Fri, 8-4)

Classifieds

RUNFEST

Saturday 30 May

The Whitianga Run Fest run and walk event will take place on Saturday 30 May between 9:00am and 3:00pm. Approximately 700-900 participants will take part. The courses are on roads, tracks and reserves around Whitianga.

Event parking & the finish line is at Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga

We ask all drivers to please be aware of runners and walkers during the event.

We thank you for your cooperation!

All enquiries to Event Manager - Nick Reader 021 632 721 | nick@elementevents.co.nz

Full course maps & schedule at www.whitiangarunfest.co.nz

YEOMANS, Marjorie Lynne

Known as Lynne

7th December 1951 - 22 May 2026

Died following an accident at home.

Dearly loved wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

Sadly missed by Robbie (husband), children – James, Roseanne and Anthony, grandchildren – Jaxon, Summer, Maverick and Jingwen, brothers – Russell, Murray (deceased), Leighton, sisters – Glennis and Shannley.

Memorial Lunch

Sunday, 31 May 11:30am

Will be held at Whitianga Baptist Church on Sunday following the morning service.

Anglican Worship www.anglicanchurchwhitianga.org.nz

Every Sunday at 9.00am at St Peter the Fisherman 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga ALL WELCOME Enquiries ph 021 781 081

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

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

“Nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thankable or unthinkable –absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love. ” Romans 8:38-39

Sports

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB

3rd Round of Paku Pairs

Monday 18 May

North/South: 1, Ron Baker & Rob Stewart

67.01; 2, Jenny Prince & Judy McKenzie 60.76; 3, Josie Feasey & Doreen Wernham 52.43.

East/West: 1, Jenny Hemmings & Sally Rumbold 56.75; 2, Ray & Sharon Verrall 55.95; 3, Ton van der Meer & Peter Clark 52.78.

HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB

Hahei Pairs

Tuesday 19 May

North/South: 1, Val Dwight and Peter Clark 63.02%; 2, Robyn Hogg and Sue Gill 61.98%; 3, Bev Dickie and Ngaire O’Brien 45.31%

East/West: 1, Don Barry and Tia Ormsby 58.75%; 2, Maggie Beattie and Robyn Waters 56.88%; 3, Denise Knutson and Dave Dylla 55.00%

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB

Championship Pairs round 4

Wednesday 20 May

North/South: 1, Gavin Hedwig & Kate Palmano 57.6; 2, Giorgio Allemano & Robyn Hogg 55.9; 3, Ischelle Stevenson & Jenny Layton 54.2

East/West: 1, Sue Swan & Bob Schibli 64.3; 2, Augusta Canegallo & Lois Page 55.6; 3, Rose Tegg & Terri Lipanovic 53.6 Kaimarama Pairs round 3

Thursday 21 May

1, Kathy Moy-Low & Julie Rutledge 55.0; 2= Rose Tegg & Ischelle Stevenson, Bob Schibli & Faith Stock 53.8

MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS

We had 23 players this week, so 501 doubles were played with one player on their own. The single player was Stoney. Stoney won all four sets to be the outright winner. Not bad for the oldest player in the club. Highest finish for the men was 86, scored by John Munro. No finishes over 50 for the ladies this week and no 180s scored.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER

Wednesday 13 May

After 3 rounds of games were completed in section play, Greg Murphy and Rob Reilly remained unbeaten to force a play-off final. Rob was too strong on the day to take out the day’s top prize. Ian Baumgren and Dave Colman had two wins each and Peter Challis won the High Break prize with a break of 21.

Saturday 16 May

A third-round match-up between Doug Pascoe and Rob Reilly effectively turned into a play-off final as they were the only players to remain unbeaten after 2 rounds. Rob built up a handy lead in the frame over Doug which was enough to carry him across the finishing line and take out the prize-money. Ian Baumgren, Phil Jones and

Bob Haase had two wins each.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

There were only eight bowlers last Thursday so pairs was the logical game to play.

Winners: 1 - Merle Ward and Betty Simpson. 2 - Ian Pudney and Judy Cullinane. Good Sorts: Lee Pudney and Sandie Morris. Ray and Robert were the also rans.

THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB

Junior Tournament – Sunday 5 May

Stableford

1, Robbie Lendrum 16; 2, Elton Tukiri 13

Gross Groups (Non-Handicaps)

1, Otis Marshall 50

Sunday 10 May

1, Robbie Lendrum 48; 2, Elton Tukiri 51.

18 Hole Men’s Net Medal

Wednesday 6 May

1, Tony Nicholson 68; 2, Allan Trow 72; 3, Selwyn Knaggs 72.

Twos: Bob Walker & Mike Purchase on #7, Brian Tomlinson & Murray James & David Gaskell on #13, Wally Hayes on #18

Nearest the Pin #18: Wally Hayes

18 hole Ladies Net Medal

Thursday 7 May

1, Bev Gwyn 70; 2, Rachel Johnstone 73; 3, Michele Swainbank 73.

Twos: Mary Coughlan-Mason #5

Peter Moore-Jones Tournament

Saturday 9 May

1, Charlie Chilwell, Jade Kennedy, Ashley

Hetherington & Christine Threadgold55.12; 2, Brian Tomlinson, Ray Fanning, Max Gaskell, Luke Steiner 57.25 .

18 hole Men’s

5 Club Day Stableford

Wednesday 13 May

1, Tony DeCoek 37; 2, Selwyn Knaggs 36; 3, David Gaskell 36.

Twos: Ross Alexander & Graham Harrison #13.

NTP: Mike Friis

9 hole Men’s – 2-man Ambrose

Thursday 14 May

1, Paul Anderson + Peter Ritchie 34.75; 2, Richard Cummins + Bruce Clayton 35.25

Saturday Haggle 16 May

1, Charlie Chillwell 39; 2, Cathy DrakeWells 38; Paul Shaw 38

Twos: Nick Lambert & Cathy Drake-Wells on #7; Charlie Chilwell on #13

9 hole Men’s Par Monday 18 May

1, Lance Croawell; 2, Trevor Martin; 3, Richard Cummins

Nearest the pin: Noel Rodgers

5 Club Day Including Putter

Tuesday 19 May

1, Ruth Fisken

9 holes Men’s Russian Roulette

1, Noel Rogers + Paul Anderson 39; 2, Rey Bertling + Lance Croawell 35 18 hole Men’s Stableford

Wednesday 20 May

1, Robert Fisken 39; 2, Selwyn Knaggs 37; 3, Trevor Martin 35; 4, Nick Lambert 35; 5, Steve Moss 34; 6, Joshua Woods 33

Nearest the pin: Steve Moss

Twos: Steve Moss, Mark Hall and Graham Harrison on #7, Joshua Woods on #18

Mixed Saturday Haggle Stableford

Saturday 23 May

1, Gary Bancroft 37; 2, Ross Alexander 36; 3, Joanne Dartnall 36; 4, Paul Anderson 35; 5, Darryn Pritchard 33

Nearest the pin: Gary Bancroft

Twos: Gary Bancroft on #7; Nick Lambert on #14; Charlie Chilwell on #18

PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

G Free Trophy Putts plus Stableford

Tuesday 19 May

1, Annelise La Roche; 2, Mark Bell; 3, Ryan Cochran. Putts

1=, Mark Bell, Ryan Cochran, Wayne Morrison 9-hole Stableford

Thursday 21May

1, Kelly Phillips, 2=, Neil Robertson, Mark Bell.

18 hole Stableford

Saturday 23 May

1, Mike Farance, 2=, Wayne Radonich, Kelly Phillips; 4, Danny Phillips. 4BBB Stableford

Mike Farance and Bob Walker

MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB

Tuesday, 19 May

9 Hole women Combined stableford. (Teams of 2)

Winners: Christine Godden and Gaylene Imms with 32 points

Runners up: Audrey Vickers and Sheryl Carruthers with 31 points.

The day dawned fine at Mercury Bay on this day and we managed to get 18 ladies in the field. It is great to see everyone enjoying the Sun and more importantly, enjoying our wonderful course.

9 Hole Men

Stableford back nine

Winner: Gavin Green on 20 points on a countback from Graeme Heathcote, also on 20, with Les Walbridge, Roderick Bott & Paul Bradley all on 19.

18 Hole women Wednesday, 19 May 17 ladies fronted up to play matchplay in groups of 3 and each played 2 matches within the group. I am not going to try to give you the results, but lets just say, golf was the winner of the day!!

18 Hole Men Wednesday, 19 May

Stableford: Winner Mark Boe with 37pts, 2nd Greg Peterken and 2nd equal, our intrepid ball finder, Ken George with 36 points.

Twos: Mark Boe and Mens captain, Kevin Smith.

This is a couple of weeks in a row where Mark Boe has been at the top of the tree, and him scoring over 36 points is a bit of an achievement, considering he is on +3 handicap, so in essence has to shoot 67 to

achieve this. Not too bad I say!

9 Hole men Stableford Friday, 22 May

Winner: Jeff Dixon and Gavin Brinkley both with 21 points and Graeme Heathcote, Gordon Brain & Paul Bradley all on 18 points.

Twos: Jeff Dixon.

Mercury Bay Golf Club finals day Saturday, 23 May.

Mercury Bay Golf Club had finals day for the Club Championship (Results below). The finals day arrived and the day was overcast, but not too cool.

There was an exciting vibe from all the players and the spectators as well which was fantastic!!

Everyone played their matches in the spirit of fairness and enjoyment, which is the key to golf satisfaction.

At the prize giving Mark Boe was moved to say that this was the best crowd of supporters he had seen gracing our fairways, this was also echoed by our other trophy recipients, including Womens Captain, Christine van Veen, herself a winner. Club Championships Mens division.

Mens Senior Champion: Mark Boe

Runner Up: Nathan Wilson

Mens Intermediate Champion: Tony Barlett, Runner Up: Steve Colins

Mens Junior Champion: Blair Lovell

Runner Up: Vern Bahr

Mens 9 Hole Champion: Roger Phesant

Runner Up: Eddie Lyle

Womens division:

Sliver Champion: Saki Mosen (by default)

Bronze 1 Champion: Anita Ellmers

Runner Up: Debbie Holmes

Bronze 2 Champion: Marg Maher Runner Up: Julie Rutledge

Bronze 3 Champion: Christine van Veen.

Runner Up: Joanne Geoghegan

MERCURY BAY JUNIOR FOOTBALL

THRILLING SECOND-HALF COMEBACK SECURES DOUBLE VICTORY

Mercury Bay Junior Football team last weekend faced off against the Cambridge Junior Boys White team. The clash served a dual purpose: a critical First Division league home game and a high-stakes Knockout Cup fixture, meaning a draw was never going to be an option.

A Rocky First Half: Cambridge wasted no time showing they meant business, launching an aggressive attack right from the opening whistle.

Mercury Bay fought back, creating several promising opportunities in front of the Cambridge net, but they struggled to find the clinical finish needed to equalize. Disaster struck again later in the half. A sharp Cambridge forward sneaked in, stole possession, and slotted the ball home to double the visitors’ lead. At halftime, Mercury Bay faced a tough 0-2 deficit.

THE BAY FIGHTS BACK TO A WIN Mercury Bay made tactical adjustments and returned to the pitch with a fierce, never-say-die attitude. Reef skilfully skipped past the Cambridge goalkeeper to pull one back, bringing the score to 1-2. With the momentum shifting, the

home crowd rallied. Soon after, a beautifully orchestrated team attack allowed Tylar to slot home the equalizer, levelling the playing field at 2-2. Because this was a cup game, the looming threat of a penalty shootout hung in the air. The Bay team completely took control of the match. Hunter capitalized on exceptional team play, firing a fantastic strike into the top-left corner of the net to put Mercury Bay ahead for the first time at 3-2. Reef struck again, sealing the spectacular comeback with his second goal of the match to bring the final score to a triumphant 4-2.Massive congratulations to the entire squad for an incredible win: Kayleb, Zeke, Alfie, Luke, Farai, Milan, Zen, Reef, Jesse, Hunter, Mekhi, Tylar, and Cooper.

A Community Effort: A spectacular match like this isn’t possible without a wider team effort. Thank you to Hugo Fairweather for officiating the match. Heartfelt thanks also go out to all the local supporters who turned up on the sidelines to cheer the boys on. Finally, a big thank you to the traveling Cambridge team and their management for making the trip and providing such a fair, highly competitive, and spirited game of football. Thank you to Divezone for our new drink bottles.

Winners of the Margaret Jones Trophy, end of season tournament. From left to right, Nirie Reddy, Maisie Primrose and Steve Williams.

MERCURY BAY BOWLING CLUB

Mercury Bay (in red) takes the lead over Cambridge (in blue) in the second half.

FOOTBALL

U9 played Whenuakite R2D2 in Whenuakite on Saturday 23 May. The team continue to get more consistent playing in set positions. Player of the day awarded to Wallace Roberts and Whenuakite selected Albie McCarthy Keys.

MERCURY BAY FOOTBALL

U13 Sharks

The Mercury Bay Sharks travelled to Kuaotunu on Saturday to take on Te Rerenga U13.

The Sharks warmed up extremely well and dominated large periods of the match with strong possession football and astute defending. There was some outstanding teamwork which led to several well-worked goals. Sarico led the scoring with a double hat-trick, while Leo also chimed in with a goal of his own.

Te Rerenga defended with real conviction for the entire match and never gave up. They were rewarded with a great consolation goal from a very well taken

corner kick.

Coach Carl was extremely pleased with everyone’s performances especially the teamwork and communication.

Player of the Day went to Leo for his outstanding organisational skills and leadership on the pitch.

MBAS SENIOR BOYS FOOTBALL

MBAS Senior Boys Football team defeated Hamilton Boys High School Green 3-0. The Bay dominated large parts of the game but stout defence from the opposition kept the scores close. All 12 players available played extremely well, displaying exceptional passing and improving communication. Special mention to Cameron Johansen for his brave defending, Ben Collins for his aggressive tackling, Lui Yamada for his all round game, and Curtis Treherne for causing havoc down the left. Goal scorers were Hyodo Tamaguchi, Curtis Treherne and Noah Palmer.

GIRLS FOOTBALL

Mercury Bay and Whangamatā in Close Opener

Mercury Bay opened the first proper game of the season with a narrow loss to local rivals Whangamatā in a fast, open match that echoed the teams’ earlier meeting during a grading round.

Both sides created plenty of chances, but Whangamatā’s individual skill proved the difference on the day, earning them a deserved 3:1 victory.

Mercury Bay’s Jessica Allen impressed with her work rate and earned praise from the visitors, capping her performance with a well taken goal. However, our Player of the Day went to goalkeeper Taylor Mullins, whose brave saves kept the Bay in contention throughout.

Not the result they wanted, but a whole lot of fun all the same.

Super Rugby – 30 years and no imagination

BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

The Super Rugby season of 2026 winds itself along with some great rugby being on display but the same old organisation problems persist. Seemingly, there is no attempt to do anything about them by the organisers. I guess if I am to be responsible, I should note my plan to improve this competition for the benefit of fans, players, franchises and NZ Rugby.

When the Super Rugby competition started 30 years ago, NZ Rugby was desperate to protect the All Blacks’ player strength and our internal provincial competition. They were not successful in protecting our New Zealand Provincial Competition (NPC), which has become a second-rate competition, but they have largely, but not entirely, protected the All Blacks. One of the major reasons for this is player drain where young players strive to make the All Blacks but if they are unsuc-

cessful, often head overseas for money and life experience. Recent examples of this are Stephen Perofeta who is probably our fifth ranked first five and is now heading overseas. A more important one is Hurricanes explosive winger Fehi Fineanganofo who was destined for All Black selection this year but has instead signed up with an English Club.

We need to keep such players here as it boosts our player depth and enhances competitions for fans enjoyment. This should result in better competitions and revenues for organisers. The NZRFU does not appear to have come up with anything to address this problem.

Here are a couple of ideas. Firstly, let’s allow players to expand their horizons and be available for All Black selection so long as they play for any Super Rugby side, not just New Zealand ones as is the current situation. This would allow players to relo-

cate to Australia, Fiji or Samoa if they wished and continue their careers. It would also enable the Australian sides to strengthen their sides with a few Kiwis which helps them out, but does not affect player’s national selection chances.

The other part of this equation is to enable the NZ Super sides to hire overseas talent. Sides would be strengthened by having South Africans or top European players boosting their squads. I realise this can happen to a certain extent, but it is limited by super franchise ownership and money. The current structure prevents money pouring into the game as there is limited income earning potential for the Franchises. This is the big change that must happen. The current model is basically that NZRFU controls money and distributes it out to the clubs (franchises). This must change to a model where the clubs control their revenue and costs, and pay fees to the NZRFU. This would give

flexibility for the clubs to find new owners with deep pockets who would be interested in strengthening their teams, making them more interesting for fans. This in turn would make it more interesting for fans and open revenue opportunities in addition to their share of TV revenue.

The competition itself could also be smartened up a bit. The current arrangement of playing every other team once but some twice is quite stupid and unfair. Every team should play every other team once with a finals series that consists of the top four teams only.

If no Australian teams make it, such is life. However, having the ability to strengthen their sides with Kiwis should help them be more competitive. The finals series, consisting of three games, should be held at one venue which is announced at the start of the season so fans can organise a trip around this.

For example, Perth may host

the finals having the semi-finals on the Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend and the final on the following Saturday. This is great for fans who want to organise a holiday and a great event for the host city.

The season would need to be broken up for two weeks to allow the annual ANZAC Day test to be held. I know we haven’t had one yet, but we should, and it appears that the powers are looking at this favourably.

Every Super team gets a twoweek rest period while the national teams prepare then battle. This is much like leagues State of Origin and would be an excellent event. Of course, this should be the only Bledisloe Cup match of the year.

There you go, my solution to the current woes of Super Rugby which would lead to better competition, a better experience for fans and hopefully, could lead to a stronger NPC competition, but that is another article.

Under 9’s Mercury Bay Players of the Day were Wallace Roberts and Albie McCarthy Keys selected by Whenuakite.

Mercury Bay U13 Sharks celebrate their win with new drink bottles from Divezone.

Wishing both teams good luck for the season – first day of play for Whangamata and Mercury Bay.

24 films - Book your tickets

Most of the films are in French with English subtitles.

COLOURS OF TIME

Festival de Cannes (Out of Competition)

A genuine crowd pleasing story that blends the excitement, wonder and art of Belle Epoque France with present day themes around identity, legacy and connection.

In 1895, young Adele (Suzanne Lindon) leaves Normandy for Paris, a city alive and buzzing with invention, photography and the rise of Impressionism.

Comedy, Drama M Drug use, offensive language & nudity126 Mins

Screenings: Thurs 28 May 6.30pm; Sat 30 May

1.00pm; Sat 6 June 4.40pm; Sat 13 June 1.00pm.

DE GAULLE: TILTING IRON

Direct from the world premiere in France. June 1940. France collapses and signs the Armistice. In the midst of the chaos, one man, Charles de Gaulle, refuses to give up. Taking the ultimate gamble he flees to London and seeks to convince the world that the battle for France is neither over or lost. What follows next is a triumphant story of faith, audacity and an unshakeable quest for freedom. Simon Abkarian commands the screen as the titular General, Sure to be a talking point of the Festival.

Biography, Drama M Violence & wound detail

158 Mins

Screenings: Sat 6 June 1.30pm; Fri 12 June

7.00pm; Sun 14 June 6.45pm.

THE RICHEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD

CÉSAR AWARD WINNER:

Best Actor – Laurent Lafitte

Few modern scandals have captivated France as the astonishing events surrounding Liliane Bettencourt, the billionaire heiress to the L’Oreal fortune and doyenne of Parisian society.

With several twists too good to spoil, The Richest Woman in the World makes the most of its fabulous ensemble cast, but Huppert and Lafitte simply eat up the screen.

Comedy, Drama M Offensive language, sexual references & nudity122 Mins

Screenings: Sun 31 May 6.00pm; Sun 7 June 2.45pm; Fri 12 June 11.00am.

CASE 137

Drama, Crime, Thriller M116 minutes French with English Subtitles – CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Actress – Léa Drucker Drucker plays Stéphanie, an Internal Affairs police officer who is assigned the case of a young man severely wounded during a tense and chaotic demonstration in Paris. When she discovers that the victim hails from her hometown of Saint-Dizier, the case suddenly becomes far more personal. This compelling crime drama highlights themes of loyalty and justice that resonate long after the final scene.

Screenings: Mon 1 June 1.45pm; Fri 5 June 7.00pm; Sat13 June 3.30pm.

THE STRANGER

Drama M123 minutes French with English Subtitles

OFFICIAL SELECTION: Venice International Film Festival

CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Supporting Actor – Pierre Lottin Summer, 1938. Meursault (Benjamin Voisin, Lost Illusions), a quiet and unassuming clerk in his early thirties, attends his mother’s funeral. The next day he begins a casual affair with Marie (Rebecca Marder), a colleague randomly encountered at the local baths, and quickly slips back into routine. However, daily life is soon disrupted by his volatile neighbour. Should not be missed.

Screenings: Sat 30 May 3.45pm; Thurs 4 June 3.00pm; Sun 14 June 1.30pm.

JEAN VALJEAN

Drama M99 minutes

Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables is one of the most beloved novels of the 19th century. 1815. Provence, France. In the peaceful village of Digne, rumour spreads that a dangerous man has entered the area; indeed, the hulking Valjean (Gadebois) has just been released from prison.

Screenings: Fri 29 May 7.15pm; Thurs 4 June 11.00am; Sun 7 June 5.15pm

Whitianga Boat Repairs & Chandlery

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