Two female DJs were treated in an unacceptable and intimidating way by a small group of rugby players who were off duty but still in their dress uniforms of blazers and ties. That was the report on social media when The Informer received it Sunday 19 July.
More from that initial Sunday report - The men repeatedly tried to get onto the stage while the women were performing, even after the women asked them to get down. The situation escalated when some forced themselves on stage, became bumptious and physical, and made the women feel unsafe and disrespected.
Since then, the incident has been in the New Zealand Herald and on Newstalk ZB and every other media outlet. The women
involved know media and communicated clearly about what happened.
The Informer attempted to follow it up and asked for interviews but did not receive any further reports. Other women who have had bad experiences with rude or aggressive behaviour from rugby players, have joined the flow of interchanges with their unresolved incidents, some historical, some not rugby but related in terms of the hurt and disrespect they experienced and also the lack of accountability shown by the clubs and organisations the perpetrators represented.
What happened was wrong.
Other incidents to do with other rugby clubs and other organisations like this are wrong. The women had every right to speak
up. It is up to the community to keep a perspective. Every rugby player, every man, or every per son connected to the game of rugby cannot be judged by the actions of a few immature or enti tled rugby players.
The macho and disrespectful behaviour is the issue and the young women are saying it is widespread. The rugby uniform did not cause this attitude, but it has shone a light on the whole rugby community. Now the rugby council is involved, and our small town feels heavy with criticism and hurt.
It is right to want and expect fairness as well as accountability.
The way we are communicating our injustices and some their per ceived injustices lowers the tenor of everyone’s spirit and degrades
Dine out this winter and be in to win $100 meal voucher each month
Your receipt is your ticket to win. Place it in the box on the counter to be in the draw.
Dine out this
Your receipt is your ticket to win. Place it in the box on the counter to be in the draw. Put your name and phone number on the back of the receipt
My hope is that the Rugby Club in our town and elsewhere can deal with the accountability issue graciously and restore a sense of pride in chivalrous, courageous humility and any attitude of “we should be allowed to do this” can
Those that are hurt, need to be listened to and in time respond to actions that bring accountability, with their own graciousness If we are not willing to engage with people in our communities that have hurt us, we will end up just
ing that builds mutual respect can heal the wounds. The scars ten, you’ll find most people have
Place your receipt in the box marked on the counter of the restaurant and yours might be the receipt that is selected at ber to be on that receipt. We will select
Dine out at participating local cafés, pubs and restaurants in July, August and September, put the receipt for your meal in the marked box on the counter with you name and phone number, and be in to win one of two $100 vouchers each month.
Participants include – The Coroglen Tavern, Smitty’s Sports Bar, Marina Bay Eatery, Cooked, The Lost Spring, Clove Indian Restaurant, The Blue Lagoon, Blue Ginger, Grace O’Malleys Irish Inn, Basker and Luke’s Kitchen (September only).
Winners will be contacted and announced in the first issue of the month of The Coromandel Informer.
Participants include – The Coroglen Tavern, Smitty’s Sports Bar, Marina Bay Eatery, Cooked, The Lost Spring, Clove Indian Restaurant, The Blue Lagoon, Blue Ginger, Grace O’Malleys Irish Inn, Basker and Luke’s Kitchen (September only).
Dine out at participating local cafés, pubs and restaurants in July, August and September, put the receipt for your meal in the marked box on the counter with you name and phone number, and be in to win one of two $100 vouchers each month.
Winners will be contacted and announced in the first issue of the month of The Coromandel Informer.
BY PAULINE STEWART
The annual IHC Art Awards, New Zealand’s premier event celebrating artistic talent from artists with intellectual disabilities or autism, showcased over 530 artworks from July 24 to August 6 at Webb’s Wellington. The awards consist of First, Second, Third Place Award, a Youth Award, and the coveted Holdsworth Charitable Trust Scholarship Award. The latter is given to an art studio where creativity flourishes and new skills are learned, where art is taught and encouraged. ‘Artists in the Making’, is such a studio and it is in Whitianga. It is a programme run by Coromandel Independence Living Trust and offers three sessions a week in different locations in Whitianga. This locally based studio came first place in the national IHC art awards competition winning the Holdsworth Scholarship Award, worth $5,000, going to the winning Studio, not to the artist(s). This generous prize can be used at the studio’s discretion but generally towards materials, equipment, and a contribution towards additional tutor salaries.
Lizzie Leckie, one of the tutors
and co-ordinators of ‘Artists in the Making’, expressed her pride to The Informer at this achievement. “This an exciting accomplishment for our little group” says Lizzie. “We could hardly believe it. We heard the news last Friday and to think out of all the entries, our little studio has won; we feel very proud.”
Four artworks from the studio were showcased, but only three entries were allowed. Paige MacPherson, Brian Jarvie and
Caroline Tatton Brown were the three winning artists on behalf of Artists in the Making. A mosaic of SpongeBob SquarePants by the fourth local contender Kieran Clayton was exhibited but was not of an original subject. However, all four pieces sold on the first day of the exhibition.
“We have Anne Bowden to thank, C3 church also and my colleague Kathryn Tsu. We make our spaces a treasure house of art resources and great people – art-
ists and tutors,” added Lizzy.
The IHC judging panel concluded: “Congratulations to those who work as part of Artists in the Making - Whitianga, to learn artistic skills and produce the most amazing art works.”
The winning artworks, along with numerous other exceptional entries, are on display until 6 August at Webb’s Wellington.
Interested parties can join the classes held three times a week ‘Artists in the Making’. This small
studio’s victory serves as a testament to their commitment to nurturing artistic talent among individuals with intellectual disabilities. The programme is open to anyone under 65 who needs social support and has a Commuiy Services Card. Intellectual disability does not need to apply.
THE HOLDSWORTH CHARITABLE TRUST SCHOLARSHIP AWARD:
Artists in The Making, Whitianga
Paige MacPherson – ‘Paradise Ducks 2026’
Brian Jarvie – ‘Whitianga Harbour 2026’
Caroline Tatton-Brown –‘Happy Lion 2026’
Editor’s Note: The Holdsworth Charitable Trust is a New Zealand grant-making trust established by the late tech leader and philanthropist John Holdsworth and his wife Merrill. It primarily supports community, health, education, and welfare initiatives, most notably funding programs and art awards for New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities through organizations like IHC New Zealand.
We have 14 varieties available including Maori seed potatoes
BY DIANA FRANKLIN
Aspectacular Winter Wonderland greeted members and guests on Saturday night 25 July as Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club celebrated its Mid-Winter Christmas function in style.
More than 130 attended the sold-out event, with the clubrooms transformed into a dazzling sea of blue and silver. The stunning centrepiece of the evening was a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, generously presented by Penny’s Christmas, creating the perfect festive atmosphere.
The popularity of the event was evident, with tickets selling out shortly after going on sale. Adding to the excitement was a door prize generously sponsored by Guthrie Bowron.
The evening began with a lively Christmas trivia quiz that had teams scratching their heads over festive traditions they thought they knew so well. After plenty of laughter and friendly competition, congratulations went to Ron Logan’s team, Bad Santa, who claimed the winning prize.
Guests then enjoyed a delicious Christmas-themed buffet prepared by new Chef Sanil. The meal was rounded off with freshly baked
sticky date pudding and festively decorated pavlova – more than enough to test the waistbands of the many Christmas-themed outfits on display.
Live entertainment from Phil Hart and Hanna Sharps kept the dance floor buzzing throughout the evening, with enthusiastic dancers making the most of every song before the final tunes brought the night to a close at 11.00pm.
The Mid-Winter Christmas celebration was a wonderful success, bringing people together for an evening filled with great food, music, laughter, and festive spirit.
It was another memorable event for MBGFC and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the club’s volunteers, committee members, and staff, whose efforts behind the scenes made the evening such an outstanding occasion.
The event also provided the perfect opportunity to welcome back returning Manager Alan Proctor, whose leadership, alongside new Chef Sanil and the dedicated team of volunteers, helped create a truly memorable celebration.
Judging by the smiles, laughter, and full dance floor throughout the night, it was an evening that will be fondly remembered by all who attended.
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The story of Future Post began with a Coromandel local and a simple idea that would grow into one of New Zealand’s most successful environmental innovations.
BY GARRY BRANDON
Founder Jerome Wenzlick, who resides in Kōpū, spent years farming and fencing before becoming frustrated with constantly replacing rotten timber fence posts. The lightbulb moment came while installing a fence on a farm where buried plastic waste kept causing the timber posts to break as they were rammed into the ground. He knew there had to be a better way. His vision was simple but ambitious: transform New Zealand’s waste plastic into strong, durable fence posts that would outlast traditional timber.
After years of research, development, and determination, that vision became a reality. Today, Future Post manufactures an expanding range of products from 100% recycled New Zealand plastic, including fence posts, landscaping sleepers, garden beds, bollards, wheel stops and more. Every product diverts plastic from landfill while creating practical, long-lasting solutions for farms, vineyards, parks, businesses, and
Some of the products created and manufactured by Future Post.
homes.
Future Post transforms thousands of tonnes of New Zealand’s discarded plastic into durable fence posts, rails, bollards, wheel stops, garden edging and landscaping products that won’t rot, split or require chemical treatment. Its products are now used by homeowners, farmers, lifestyle
properties, councils, landscapers, vineyards, and other businesses throughout New Zealand.
In November last year, Future Post suffered a devastating and deliberate arson attack that caused more than $1 million in damage
to its Waiuku facility, and unfortunately insurance didn’t cover all the damages and trading out is no longer an option. The fire has placed the future of this proudly Kiwi business in jeopardy and so they have resorted to crowd funding. The response from New Zealanders has been overwhelming. Messages of encouragement,
offers of help and generous donations have poured in from people who believe businesses like Future Post deserve to survive.
For Jerome and the Future Post team, this isn’t simply about replacing the large amount of lost stock and yards. It’s about protecting a uniquely New Zealand innovation that turns waste into products built to last for generations. Future Post is continuing to manufacture, support its staff and honour customer commitments, but rebuilding takes time and significant resources. There are 25 local Coromandel Peninsula jobs directly affected by the crisis that faces Future Post.
If you would like to donate, the official Givealittle page provides a secure and trusted way to support their fundraising efforts, https:// givealittle.co.nz/cause/save-future-post-save-nz-recycling. However, if you’d like to donate directly their bank account is: Future Post Limited 38-9023-0689673-00.
Garry Brandon is a news and media photographer based in Thames. Twitter: @GarryBrandonNZ
BY VERNA CARR
Take a pencil and snap it in half, and now you and your sister have a pencil each. That small act of sharing shaped Mabel Murie’s childhood. She grew up in poverty in the Philippines, but she has never let that define her. Instead, it gave her the motivation to bring her community together to celebrate music through a charity concert, held at the Whitianga Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, July 25th. Mabel teamed up with her Filipino community and her friends Kathleen Conaghan, Anita Prime, and Rob Perks (Anita sang solo, and Rob played drums for The Risen) to present Voices Without Borders – an event dedicated to children all around the world having their voices heard, and being given the resources to go to school and receive an education. The money raised was split between Anita’s charity, Na Ihowa Ahau, which supports children’s education and wellbeing, the Better Tomorrow Centre in Uganda, which provides basic resources; and the village of Sorsogon in the Philippines, where Mabel grew up.
The town hall was alive with music of every type and genre, starting with the powerful presence and voice of soloist Anita Prime, who also teaches local children music and runs Na Ihowa
Ahau, a youth-based programme that helps young people navigate life’s challenges.
Next up was Earl Bodoa, a young and exceptionally talented violinist. He said that even as a toddler he loved classical music, and that people from his church encouraged him to play the violin. Between the ages of 16 and 18, he played in the Waikato Youth Orchestra and was selected for the NZ Secondary School Orchestra. Earl’s music is deeply emotional – during the interval, an
audience member came up to him in tears, moved by how much his playing had touched her.
Afternoon tea and the raffle draw followed (the organisers thank all of their generous sponsors). Teenage soprano Jazz then took the stage with operatic grandeur and theatrical flair, singing in several languages. Her powerhouse vocals, and charismatic personality held the audience spellbound as she performed everything from a song about growing rice in the Philippines
to offerings from Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, a stirring Italian aria, and a comic number from Monty Python’s Spamalot.
The atmosphere in the hall shifted again with the band, The Risen taking over the stage. This high-energy cover band playing post-modern jazz, country, and rock and roll, moved seamlessly between genres. They had the crowd singing along to nostalgic hits – Dire Straits, R.E.M., and Creedence Clearwater Revival,
closing the afternoon’s concert on a high.
Mabel Murie and her husband Derek own the local Paper Plus, so she no longer has to snap her pencils in half. Regardless, she remains passionate about helping end child poverty and making sure children’s voices are heard. If you would like to donate money to provide basic stationery and educational resources to disadvantaged children, or to help Anita run her youth life-skills programme, please do. All money raised goes directly to the designated charities – there is no middleman involved. Pop into Paper Plus and have a chat with Mabel.
The organisers of Voices Without Borders would like to thank everyone who helped make this concert a reality, and are grateful for the generosity of all those who gave their time, energy, and resources to make it happen. God bless you for your kindness.
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21 years of The Doc Edge Documentary festival and it’s a “must view as many documentaries as you can” – rare views of our unfiltered world.
BY JUDY BAILEY
The promotional line for this year’s Doc Edge Documentary Festival, ‘F#&k the Algorithm’, is much more than just an edgy eye catcher.
We are all held captive by algorithms, fed a diet of what the metaverse thinks we want to see … based on data it’s managed to garner from our random online interactions.
That’s why the documentary festival is so important to me. It breaks through the algorithms and offers raw, truthful, uncensored takes on an extraordinarily broad range of topics … some will
challenge us, many will broaden our minds, and they may even change us for the better.
This is Doc Edge’s twenty first festival. Over the years it has garnered international respect for the range of its offerings, its integrity and its courage. It will play documentaries that some may rather you didn’t see, offering deeply personal insights into some of the world’s major conflicts, issues, corporations and characters.
What is it really like for the doctors and journalists working in Gaza, or for women activists in Iran? Find out how far Elon Musk is prepared to go to make a profit.
Judy Bailey
Follow a father’s intimate ten-year journey as he raises a child with severe developmental challenges, or join a Maori astronomer as he takes indigenous knowledge to the frozen continent.
Doc Edge is an Oscar qualifying festival, in fact one of last year’s offerings, ‘Mr Nobody against Putin’, won the Oscar for best documentary.
The best news is that you can now see these films from the comfort of your own home. The festival is accessible online until Monday, 10 August.
Visit docedge.nz. I would hate you to miss it. See the stories too real for the algorithm.
BY GEOFFREY ROBINSON
You can’t put a price on democracy. A strong community voice in local government affairs is the bedrock of that democracy. And on that foundation the best built democracy reflects local decision-making by those who live with those decisions and are fully accountable to the people whose interests they represent – and hold in earnest trust.
As the end of a rushed local government reform exercise draws near, it appears virtually impossible that any of the three amalgamation options recently floated by Thames-Coromandel District Council could guarantee improved outcomes for its residents and ratepayers.
No case has been made, now or previously, as to how a multi-council merger would leave Coromandel communities better off.
What each of the amalgamation options can guarantee, however, is a dramatic and permanent loss of political self-determination and local control – in other words, a democracy disaster.
But the final act in TCDC’s local government reform efforts has not been written quite yet. According to its initial timetable, a final decision on whether to submit a proposal was scheduled for this week’s (Tuesday July 28) full Council meeting.
Instead, the meeting went into public-excluded discussion of ongoing “working group” activity with no indication of the Council’s current direction.
As of this writing (July 27), a further, and presumably final and public, Council meeting has been “reserved” for August 6 – three days before the government’s deadline for “Head Start” proposals.
FLAW: DEMOCRACY DILUTED
Since reducing its list of merger options to a hookup with Hauraki Plains districts, a clip-on to greater Tauranga, or an allWaikato supercity, a five-member Council subgroup has been carrying on “confidential” negotiations with potential partners. The council’s speed-dating exercise would be covering a range of important issues, from overall council structure and ring-fencing debt, to the fate of community boards and apportionment of council assets. But one fatal flaw infects all three amalgamation options and cannot be negotiated away – a foundational and never-to-be-regained loss of basic political power for Coromandel communities.
At present, Coromandel residents elect 100 percent of the councillors who make all decisions affecting the district’s services, infrastructure, policies and rates. Under any amalgamation scenario, that voting power of Coromandel residents would be reduced to 55, 45, 35, 25 percent or less depending on the “deal”. The rest of that power would migrate to representatives from Morrinsville or Tauranga or Hamilton or Paeroa – those being the remote voices who would decide whether a new pool is built in Thames, a wharf is built in Whitianga, Coromandel-Auckland ferry service is subsidised, or peninsula not-for-profits get a modest one-time grant. Simply put, the political control currently residing in Coromandel communities would be diluted severely and permanently. How the Thames-Coromandel District could be better off than at present, regardless of the “terms and conditions”, under any of the merger options will be hard to
argue. And this is the democracy disaster waiting to happen.
Meanwhile, despite the council’s focus on three advertised amalgamation options, there has been steady and growing interest on peninsula streets, on social media and through individual networks for rejection of any council amalgamation and for TCDC, instead, to reorganise as a standalone Unitary Coromandel Council, with full understanding that such a proposal is not acceptable at this time under the government’s current guidelines. Support for a unitary council has been historically strong on the peninsula, with frustration expressed recently that TCDC – unlike other New Zealand districts – has not offered that option for public consideration.
From its initial directive in early May, the government made clear that its “Head Start” simplification pathway is intended for those councils that are ready to proceed with amalgamations now.
According to ministerial guidance, the programme is a “voluntary, streamlined option for
councils that want to lead the transition” to single-tier local government. Thames-Coromandel District, with its unique geography, economy, and socio-cultural character, does not share a natural “community of interests” with nearby districts and is clearly not among those councils ready to put forward an amalgamation proposal or in need of a financial rescue plan in the form of a merger.
And TCDC would be far from alone among New Zealand councils should it decide to step back from the amalgamation frenzy, according to the latest press reports.
For the Coromandel, as residents and ratepayers have suggested for years, a standalone unitary council stands out as the best long-term structure to deliver efficient local government services and protect local decision-making. By assuming responsibility for those public transport, economic development, harbour management, and biodiversity services currently delivered by Waikato Regional Council, a newly formed unitary council would, in fact, increase district self-determination and expand local democratic control – ensuring locally developed policy, planning and service delivery with buck-stopping local accountability. Council jobs would remain in the community, with spending on contractors and council purchasing power focused on local businesses and individuals instead of leaving for Tauranga or Paeroa. Fully empowered community boards could play an important role rather than face certain extinction under amalgamation. Citizen advocates would keep their public forum speaking opportunities rather than being silenced with a council merger.
CAN A UNITARY COUNCIL WORK? IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS
While many New Zealand councils carry heavy external debt burdens and some face critical infrastructure issues, Thames-Coromandel District Council is in a strong financial position relative to its peers. The council has low debt, conservative fiscal policies, and a high rating base relative to population, enabling it in part to approve one of the lowest annual rates increases among all NZ territorial authorities last month. According to preliminary analysis by local government consultancy Morrison Low, when TCDC was initially pursuing structural reform, a standalone unitary Coromandel Council would be financially viable. Updated financial analysis would most likely come to the same conclusion, reinforced by the $19.2m paid by Coromandel ratepayers to Waikato Regional Council in 2025-26 –more than enough to handle statutory “regional” responsibilities with a few dollars to spare.
While the government’s current programme to kickstart local government simplification will have its amalgamation takers –mostly those councils needing to reach for a financial life ring –Thames-Coromandel is in no such straits and under no obligation to sign on to any plan that does not provide guaranteed long-term benefits in terms of dollars and democracy.
The obvious alternative of a bespoke unitary Coromandel Council as an aspirational goal has been on the table for years. Council will have a decision to make within the week. For generations of Coromandel residents and ratepayers to follow, the future of truly democratic local self-government hangs in the balance.
NZ Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi is currently consulting on a proposal to install an Intersection Speed Zone (ISZ) at the SH25/ South Highway West/Moewai Road intersection in Whitianga.
The survey closes at 5.00pm on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
You can view the consultation and provide feedback here: SH25/South Highway West/ Moewai Road (ISZ), Whitianga | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Esther Smith, Governance Support TCDC
1. I PUT SOLAR ON MY HOUSE. WAS IT WORTH IT?
How many Kiwis are contemplating the question; will my investment in residential solar power really make financial sense? A must watch Podcast by Kiwi journalist Frances Cook who did just that.
2. YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS IS A SUBWAY: INSIDE SHENZHEN METRO, CHINA.
A look at Shenzhen’s Metro. One of the most advanced urban transit systems in the world.
3) WHY MILLIONS OF AMERICANS VOTE AGAINST THEIR OWN SELF INTERESTS. A breakdown from a European view point as to why Americans support policies that clearly harm them.
FAIRER DRIVING ASSESSMENTS WELCOMED BY GREY POWER NATIONALLY
Grey Power Mercury Bay is welcoming new national guidance for doctors on the use of cognitive testing for older drivers, describing it as an important step towards a fairer and more consistent licence renewal process.
than relying on a single cognitive screening test. Where genuine concerns exist, further assessment, including an on-road safety test or occupational therapy driving assessment, may still be appropriate.
Grey Power Mercury Bay President Linda Cholmondeley Smith said the announcement would provide reassurance for many local seniors.
The guidance follows more than two years of determined advocacy by Grey Power New Zealand, working with NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), politicians and the medical profession to ensure driving assessments for older New Zealanders are based on evidence rather than routine agebased testing.
This announcement marks the successful conclusion of that advocacy and is welcome news for older drivers throughout New Zealand. The new guidance reflects the findings of an independent University of Auckland review, which concluded that, for older people who are physically and mentally healthy, current evidence does not support the routine use of cognitive assessments as part of fitness-to-drive evaluations.
Instead, doctors are encouraged to assess a person’s overall health, medical history, vision, physical abilities and clinical judgement, rather
“For many older drivers, renewing their licence has become a source of unnecessary anxiety. This new guidance recognises that one test cannot determine whether someone is a safe driver. It supports a more balanced approach that considers the whole person.”
“Our members have always supported appropriate assessments where there are genuine medical concerns. What they have objected to is routine cognitive testing simply because someone has reached a certain age.” Mrs. Cholmondeley Smith said the outcome demonstrated what constructive advocacy could achieve.
“We congratulate Grey Power New Zealand, and everyone involved in achieving this important outcome. It represents a fairer, more consistent and evidence-based approach that protects road safety while treating older New Zealanders with respect and dignity.”
BY BEV CALDER
After 9 years we have made the tough decision to close the café. A new business will be taking over the space closer to Christmas. We look forward to seeing a new business to town and wish them success.
It sure has been a journey since taking over in 2017; lots of ups, lots of cyclones, road closures, main street upgrade, a war in Iran, an economic downturn, and not to forget Covid!
During this time, we have lost two incredibly special people, my mum and dad, Daisy’s grandparents, and have gained the most beautiful grandson, Lenox. A special ‘Thank you’ goes to Ajay for his ongoing support and patience over the last few years!
I would like to thank the many great staff that we have employed over the years. A special thank you to Debbie who has been my rock for the last 9 years. We have buttered heads, laughed and cried together, but I will miss you so much.
To all the others who have passed through and, “my kids” – Bryn, Paris, Izzy, Lachie, Alex,
Nico, Angel, Coleville, Tony and Lexi. I have watched you all grow up and turn into great adults. There are many others, including Liss, Judy Powell and Annabelle who have helped make our little café into what it is today.
To Daisy and Dary (Basker) –thank you for always stepping in to help at a moment’s notice.
To my customers, who have been loyal over the years – I will miss our chats. However, I look forward to seeing you around town.
We will continue to operate Basker – Modern Beach Kitchen and I look forward to watching the team there grow and maybe catching up with some of you and a chat.
For now, I head back to Bayley’s, I would also like to thank my team there for being so supportive, especially over the last 3 years as I have worked between both businesses.
Our last day of trading will be Sunday, 2 August 2026.
Signing off for the last time Bev Calder and her team x
This coming Sunday, 2 August, a very special event is occurring with a fabulous jazz band from Japan. Route14 will be heading to the Monkey House Lounge & Cabaret in Whitianga after sold out shows in Auckland, and just before they head to the Bay of Islands Jazz Festival.
The 4-piece Tokyo-based instrumental jazz-fusion band have a specific style, known as “Singing Instruments” and they blend jazz, fusion, and rock, into highly melodic, emotional compositions.
As it’s a Sunday evening show, doors open at 5.30pm and the band will hit the stage at 6.30pm.
This is an All Ages Event, with under 18s tickets only $13 and adult tickets $25. Grab those tickets from Eventfinda or the Whitianga isite.
A town favourite, the glamourous trio, The Madeleines, will be here in Whitianga on Saturday, 8 August, one last time at the Monkey House. Playing all the favourites from the 1940s, 50s, and a few modern hits too, their distinctive style brings jazz and swing to life! Already selling incredibly fast, tickets are also available from Eventfinda or the Whitianga isite.
BY DOROTHY PREECE
Mercury Bay Historical Society members recently enjoyed a day out around Kuaotunu, to rediscover hidden remnants of its history.
Society Chairman Alastair Brickell dug into research documents, including R.A. Simpson’s authoritative work “This is Kuaotunu”, first printed in 1955 and reprinted several times.
The first stop on the tour was the site of the Dunsdale School, set up in 1922 by Simpson brothers Arthur and Henry on their farm on the Kuaotunu Road. Nothing is left of the converted chaff mill
schoolroom, where generations of Simpson children were taught up to 1940. Their first teacher was 16-year-old Winifred Simpson.
The group then ventured into the bush south of Kuaotunu village, to find the Kuaotunu School house built in 1892, which is still standing but unoccupied. Remnants of concrete and rubble mark the spots where the school itself once stood, and lower down the slope, a Catholic Church.
From Alastair’s research they identified the original plantings of kauri and rimu trees.
In the early 1940’s half of the school was moved down to the
village and became the Kuaotunu Hall. The other half went to the Mercury Bay School in School Road Whitianga. The Whitianga Art Group now uses that same building. The Catholic Church was removed to Tairua in the 1950’s.
At Kuaotunu Hall Alastair shared information about the framed items around the walls, including the story of Nurse Christina Campbell, the only woman named on the Kuaotunu School Roll of Honour. During the Great War (1914-18) Christina Campbell served in England and France. The Kuaotunu Hall Committee raised funds to preserve all the precious memorabilia now
in pride of place in the lovely old hall.
After lunch the convoy stopped halfway up the Blackjack Road, to view some geological samples of ‘blackjack’ inferior coal found locally, the origin of the name given to the road by the early gold miners.
Next stop was the Opito Bay Salt Company, where proprietor Perry Cornish told how the first experiments of the operation have now led to tonnes of the purest high quality salt being obtained by solar power from Opito Bay sea water, earning the company multiple awards.
Further on, property devel-
oper Sue Edens (nee Chapman) described her early life on the Chapman farm at Opito, now subdivided. Her parents, ‘Skipper’ and Joyce Chapman are remembered in the names of Skipper’s Road and Joyce Place, and her brother Perry is memorialised at the Perry Chapman Reserve and play area.
Late in the day, a few die-hard historians again ventured into the bush just south of Kuaotunu to the site of the original cemetery. A scattering of headstones dating back to the turn of the century can still be found in the undergrowth, recalling poignant stories of those who pioneered the area.
Mercury Bay Area School hosted with excitement on Thursday 23 July the New Zealand Science Roadshow, sponsored by the Ministry of Education. Thursday, 23 July was quite exciting for Year 7, 8 and 9 students hosting this day of discovery and fun.
The popular Science Roadshow gave students the chance to explore a vast range of science ideas through live demonstrations and interactive exhibits. From the moment the sessions began, students were highly engaged, asking questions, testing ideas and eagerly taking part in each activity. The visit created a lively atmosphere as learners moved between displays and shows, discovering that science can be exciting, surprising and relevant to everyday life.
The Roadshow is designed to make science accessible and memorable for students, and this was certainly the case for these students as they enjoyed investigating different areas of science, including topics linked to the natural world, chemistry, human performance, astronomy, movement and more. The hands-on approach
The New Zealand Science Roadshow team engages the Year 7, 8 and 9 students with great interest and involvement at Mercury Bay Area School recently. The Roadshow is touring New Zealand schools.
meant students were not just watching science happen – they were actively involved in it.
Teachers appreciated that the experience helped spark curiosity across a wide range of scientific ideas and that the Roadshow encouraged students to think, question and explore, giving them a chance to see how science connects to the world around them.
They could see that by engaging with practical demonstrations and interactive challenges, their students gained a deeper understanding of how science works and why it matters.
For many of the students, it was a highlight of the school term.
The Science Roadshow continues to be an important educational experience for schools across Aotearoa New Zealand, helping young people build confidence and interest in science through fun, hands-on learning. At Mercury Bay Area School, the day was a great success – Years 7, 8 and 9 students leaving with new knowledge, plenty to talk about, and a stronger appreciation for the many different areas of science.
More than 1,600 residents, ratepayers and visitors have shared their views on local government reform, with the East Waikato option (of joining with Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and South Waikato districts) receiving the strongest support followed by the North Bay of Plenty option (joining with Tauranga and Western Bay councils).
Community feedback has highlighted the importance of protecting local voice, financial
Entries have now closed for this year’s Claymark Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards but there’s still time to vote for your favourite.
The awards recognise the outstanding businesses, organisations and individuals making a positive impact across the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki districts.
Award categories are community contribution, customer experience, employer excellence, marketing and digital edge, new and emerging, excellence and sustainability, Māori business excellence, service to business and people’s choice.
Voting for people’s choice opens on 10 August and closes on 23 August. Finalists will be announced on 28 August and the awards event will be held at Thames War Memorial Civic Centre on 15 October.
Find out more about the awards at www.tcdc.govt.nz/HCBA
considerations, and ensuring communities of interest remain connected.
Thames-Coromandel – Have Your Say
Councillors will consider the options again on 28 July before making a final decision on 6 August.
Learn more and follow the latest updates at www.tcdc.govt.nz/reformfeedback
Check out whether you might be eligible to apply for a rates rebate up to $830 from Te Tari Taiwhenua/Department of Internal Affairs for this financial year. Rebates depend on your income, your dependants and the amount of your rates. To apply you need to be the legal ratepayer and the property has to be your residence. Application forms are online now. You can start applying as soon as you receive your rates bill. You can also get help at our offices in Coromandel Town, Whitianga or Whangamatā any time during office hours until 30 June 2027.
www.tcdc.govt.nz/ratesrebate
Our Council has introduced a new online boat ramp launch system.
The new system is designed to provide a smooth transition, minimal disruption and an easier experience for everyone. Find out more at www.tcdc.govt.nz/boatramps
We’re developing a big picture spatial plan that will outline what the district could look like in 30+ years, and what needs to be done to get there.
To shape this plan, we want to hear what matters most to you, including your vision for the future, what we have today on the peninsula that should be kept, changed or removed, and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead. Your input will help guide the plan and the future of the district for our children and grandchildren. Feedback closes 5pm, Wednesday 12 August
Have your say at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/imagine
Tairua Coastal Protection
Share your experiences of how
Register your dog online by 31 July 2026 to avoid late
HELP
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.
Regarding the Department of Conservations (DOC) reduction of public infrastructure at Mautohe Cathedral Cove, it is timely to evaluate the role of DOC in this community.
DOC was created in 1987 with a clear and principled purpose: to protect the nation’s natural heritage. It was born from a coalition of environmental groups, iwi voices, scientists, and a public who demanded that native forests, species, and wild places be safeguarded. The fourth Labour Government merged three small agencies into one unified conservation guardian. That original vision was simple: conservation on public lands first, everything else second.
Today, that clarity has been lost in policy fog and politics. DOC has become a top heavy, secretive, multi purpose oligarchy stretched across conflicting mandates. It attempts to protect ecosystems along political affiliations, while simultaneously promoting tourism, butchering local commercial concessions (did you know local applications are determined in Hokitika?), enabling development, and maintaining thousands of kilometres of visitor infrastructure. It must act as both regulator and promoter of activities on the very land it is meant to look after. The results are predictable: ethical conflict, nepotism, waste, confusion, lower levels of service to the public and plain wrong thinking as shown in DOCs proposal to reduce visitor infrastructure at Mautohe Cathedral Cove.
If we are serious about safeguarding the nations natural heritage, DOC must return to the founding principle: conservation must be its primary and overriding purpose. One way to achieve this is to split DOC in two: (1) Dedicated solely to Treaty partnership, conservation, science and biodiversity. (2) Land management transferred to an existing agency such as Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) which already manages its own administration of land-concessions, leases, licences, cadastral boundaries, and geospatial records.
DOC would remain responsible for ensuring conservation values are protected, and upholding kaitiakitanga through its treaty partners across the estate. In this model, DOC becomes a pure ecological guardian, making decisions based on science, environmental limits, and Treaty obligations, rather than political affiliation, economic or tourism pressures. This preserves the integrity of conservation land while reducing DOC’s political and administrative burden, allowing it to focus on what it was created to do: protect the country’s natural heritage.
Locally this would free staff from the office bound tyranny of social engineering projects such as colouring-in and photo competitions, video production, tee shirt competitions, hospitality functions and other general fun-
damentalist propaganda. This would mean that DOC staff could go out and work with the wider community again. They could go out to Mautohe Cathedral Cove as I did nearly four decades ago and “do” conservation with the wider community, not just their politically favoured proxies. They could kill the weeds, reduce the pest numbers working alongside the community. They may be surprised how much highlevel thinking can be done over ‘smoko’ with able practical people. They may even learn from the community, develop cost effective solutions that benefit both the community and the conservation estate.
It’s time for DOC to be reorganised, refocussed; - time to put the “Little Green Wellington Book” back on the shelf, turn off the PR Engineering machine, to start working with local communities to meet local aspirations. Focus on Public Conservation Land issues: kill the pests and let those with more energy fix the walking tracks; act in the wider public interest.
Paddy Stewart Whitianga
While scrolling through social media, I was reading through a comment section and was disgusted by what crossed my path. It highlighted a concerning trend playing out across New Zealand public life: the rapid escalation of cancel culture, digital vigilantism,
and malicious doxxing.
People are always screaming for “accountability,” but online, that word has lost all meaning. It’s turned into an empty catchphrase —just an excuse thrown around to justify character assassination, defamation, and public shaming under the guise of justice.
Modern platforms seem to feed off this behaviour, rewarding fake outrage with quick likes and reactions over facts, context, or common sense. The moment an event breaks, comment sections gets flooded by people who know very little about what actually happened, yet rush straight to playing judge, jury, and executioner.
These digital pile-ons completely bypass basic due process. Real-world investigations and fair outcomes take time, evidence, and impartiality. Instead, self-appointed arbiters rush to pass judgment, throw around extreme claims, and demand immediate cancellation —oblivious to the fact that there reckless commentary often compromises the very justice they claim to support.
Let’s call this what it is: the work of pathetic keyboard warriors causing actual harm. Hiding behind screens, alt accounts, and fake names, these cowards spew vile language they’d never have the guts to say to someone’s face in the real world. What they post drags in all sorts of innocent parties, and I genuinely don’t know whether these people fail to realize the damage they’re doing to innocent lives, or if they do see it and simply don’t care. Either way,
they point the finger at everyone else — forgetting that sooner or later, that finger points right back at them.
Lives and reputations are routinely damaged in these social media outbursts. I’m calling out every single person online who participates in this sort of nonsense: grow up, drop the crusades, and let standard, fair due process take its course.
Greg Johnson
The electorate is holding its breath before a council decision on 9 August.
TCDC councillors were elected on the basis they would effect “change”. Here is an ideal situation in which to stand up and speak out for change, real change, but have those elected people got the mettle?
Last week 1500 Petitioners submitted their support for a stand-alone TCDC council.
TCDC issued a submission form looking for public preference for one of three options. This form rejected the possibility of an Option 4.
During the discussion period numerous alternative options raised their heads yet TCDC has studiously ignored them and claiming 54% public support for Option 3 from the 500 submission forms they received before Option 4 was on the table. (For a period the Survey was skewed so you had to choose one of the three
Options before being able to go further in the survey or state you had another option preference.)
This is the kind of skullduggery we have observed from central government and it is sad to see the same misinformation techniques being used to silence local voices at District council level.
From the actual submission figures it is clear that at least 75% of rate-payers and residents now expect our council to stand up for an option 4 and reject all three original options.
They do not have to choose an option 4 now. All they have to do is ask for more time to negotiate with rate-payers, explore the possibilities of all the Option 4’s, knowing it’ll be two years before a decision is required.
Our district councillors have no option but to follow the demands of their rate-payers if, indeed, they really are our ‘representatives’.
John Veysey, Thames Coast
I would like to remind people who offer life stories, and to those who report and edit these stories, to get their facts and figures right. One can research up to100 years into the past to bring up what is written in community newspapers. Going into the future, all that is written in the present can be found. When the facts and figures are recorded, they are there for all to see. Please be aware.
Jenny Lines, Whitianga
By Agent EJ
Last week, OpenAI admitted something that should worry more than just the IT crowd. During an internal test, two of its most advanced models broke out of a sealed-off, no-internet sandbox. It found an unknown vulnerability, stole login credentials, and hacked into another AI company, Hugging Face, entirely on their own, chasing a goal nobody told it to pursue that way.
OpenAI called it “unprecedented.” It wasn’t the only one. Anthropic disclosed a similar escape by its Mythos model earlier this year, and OpenAI reported a second incident days later, where different models slipped containment and started posting to GitHub unsupervised. Why does it matter to us here?
Most of us bank, pay tax, and log in to MyIR or MSD using passwords and a text-message code. We have security measures built
to stop a human on the other side of the world, or a slow-moving bot, but NOT an AI that can find and exploit unknown flaws faster than any person could react.
Our banks and government agencies will need to rethink what “secure” even means, and that won’t be optional for long. Meanwhile, the industry keeps selling us a story of “abundance”,
with claims of AI freeing everyone from the boring, repetitive parts of work. But freedom for whom?
The same labs racing to automate warehouses, call centres, and factories aren’t the ones funding what happens to the people those jobs supported. If large-scale job loss becomes the normalised outcome of “efficiency,” it’s worth asking how
our benefits system, built around IRD income data, and our housing market, built around steady wages, holds up in a future where a growing share of people simply aren’t earning one. Not many in Wellington are seriously road-testing that scenario. Despite the backlash, the rogue AI incidents, job losses and surveillance fears, adoption isn’t slowing down. It’s spreading into healthcare, education, farming, & increasingly the military and surveillance sectors, arguably the worst possible place for a technology that can’t be fully contained.
So here’s the real question sitting underneath all of it, in the middle of a global race, nobody seems willing to pause: what does it actually mean for us to live in a free, open and thriving society? What does that world look like, and who’s currently being left out of building it?
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Iread a quote recently by a famous Jewish scholar, Abraham Joshua Heschel. He said, “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” I found this so insightful and relatable. It got me thinking about all the kindness all around us. It’s so hard to see sometimes because we get caught up in the negative that gets talked about so much more through the media.
Kindness can be big or small. A smile to someone who looks despondent can lift in ways we may never know. A hug can brighten a person’s day. I wonder what this world would be like if everyone woke up each day with one idea in mind: how can I show kindness today?
I remember years ago when I was living in California, I went out to dinner with my husband, and I saw a young mother and her son out to dinner. The boy would have been around eleven and he was dressed up and you could tell they were celebrating something, could have been his birthday or some accomplishment perhaps that he had. I was touched. The love between them seemed so
strong. I felt a strong urge to buy them their dinner. I walked up to the cash register and took care of it and never mentioned a thing to them. I wanted it to be an anonymous surprise. We left as they were being served dinner. The joy I got from that experience was so fulfilling. Sometimes we are just moved to do things out of the blue and it taught me that I don’t really need to wait for a sign to do some good thing for someone else, I could make it a
proactive perspective in my life.
Years before this incident, someone had done the same for me, and I felt it was not just a good thing to do but a necessary thing to pass along the good. If we can do that more frequently, we can keep the love and kindness moving through our world, like a spiritual currency.
I remember an incident in New York several years ago when I was there for a work trip. There was an old lady at a crosswalk with
By Ananda Laberge
a cane. I was stuck in traffic at a stop light a couple blocks away from her. By the time our taxi approached the crosswalk, I saw she was still there. The lights at the crosswalk only gave pedestrians about 20 seconds to cross and she clearly was fretting thinking she wouldn’t make it across in time. When the pedestrian light turned on the walking sign again, the woman was approached by a young man. He started walking her across. They had only made it halfway across when the crosswalk light started blinking red. That’s when my taxi driver got out of the car, just as the light turned green for the traffic to move. He put his hazard lights on and stepped in front of the traffic coming both ways directing the cars to wait. It was just touching. That taxi driver received a very large tip from me that day. It was a great lesson. Why didn’t I think of that? Why didn’t I have the initiative? I was so touched by the action and yet at the same time, I felt a sense of shame for not thinking of it myself. As I reflected on it, I turned the incident into a learning. The shame went away and I realized these
things happen for us to wake up to the kindness we have inside of us that are there to be shared. I have never forgotten that moment and I now share it with you all in hopes that you might also wake up to opportunities of kindness.
I think of it as taking what could be a nightmare of a day and turning it into a happy dream. The more anxious or caught up in my world I got, the more I would reflect on this incident and look for a chance to show kindness. It always changed my day for the better. Now, after years of practice, it’s become part of my being. But I still need to remind myself of it on a daily basis.
Spreading kindness in our communities can change our communities. The love extends to more and more people this way. I am hopeful that even if only one person reads this column and decides to impart more kindness, that one gesture will lift all of us up. So today, I will not just look for opportunities to be kind, I will just be kind.
Feel like reaching out? Email me at: ananda.laberge@gmail. com
DOC will explore alternatives to the removal of the Hahei Short Walk as part of ongoing discussions with a local community group.
Globally renowned, Coromandel’s Mautohe Cathedral Cove is the main attraction for many visitors heading to the DOC-managed recreation reserve between Whitianga and Hahei.
The Hahei Short Walk is one of several access points to the Cathedral Cove Walk and has been closed since 2023 due to damage sustained in Cyclone Gabrielle. Storm damage in January 2026 resulted in multiple landslides across the reserve, disrupting track repair efforts at Waimata Gemstone Bay and on the Hahei Short Walk track.
Following the re-opening of the main track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, DOC staff worked with iwi and the community to develop an adaptation plan to inform future management options. The plan considered elements like climate change, particularly extreme rain events and cyclones which contribute to geological instability and ongoing risk to visitor infrastructure. Costs to rebuild were also considered.
Based on the guidance offered by the adaptation plan, and in response to the most recent damage, DOC proposed removing the two tracks and sought public submissions on the proposal.
Alongside the 33 submissions received, 1,311 people signed a “Don’t Close Our Cathedral Cove Tracks” petition before consultation closed in June. The petition remains active.
DOC’s Hauraki Waikato Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says the Hahei Residents and Ratepayers Association (HRRA) requested further discussions on the future of the Hahei Short Walk, which DOC will pursue.
“We’re enthused to hear there is desire to look after a track residents care about,” says Tinaka. “We’re looking to try something new for this site. There’s a strong sense of ownership within the local community, and we’re responding.”
The next step will be confirming a date for talks with the HRRA and members of the Harsant family, who have a connection to the land.
“We expect the discussion with the HRRA to be thorough and
transparent, and it may take the parties time to come to a workable arrangement.”
DOC has determined repairing and reopening the Hahei Short Walk is not feasible for the department due to known geological instability, increasing frequency of severe storms, and infrastructure vulnerability to landslides.
They will be working with the HRRA to explore the Hahei reroute option previously outlined in reports.
“We’ll be sharing this information with the HRRA, so the group is aware of the challenges and risks we’ve been managing.
“Beyond what we committed to the paused repair project, DOC has not allocated further funding to work on the Hahei Short Walk or the Waimata-Gemstone Bay Track.
“…..the Waimata Gemstone Bay Track will not be repaired a third time. “
She urged the community to support DOC and discourage peo-
ple from using the Hahei Short Walk until any future repair has been completed.
“People have still been using these two tracks, and we are concerned about this,” Tinaka says.
“We don’t want anybody to get hurt, so we encourage potential visitors to try another track instead.”
DOC has a page of information dedicated to Mautohe Cathedral Cove.
www.doc.govt.nz/ always-be-naturing
Editor’s note: The walks referred to - Gemstone Bay and The Hahei Short Walk Track have continued to be used despite their being closed by DOC. Locals have done considerable work on them. The Harsant family forebears gifted the Cathedral Cove land to the Crown. See Letters to the Editor on this matter.
3-course ‘Le Lunch’ awaits you at the MB Bowling Club
Tasty platters on long tables – stunning French style starters, delicious main courses and delectable desserts that’s what awaits you. Mercury Bay Lions is offering – a three course French style lunch to be held at Mercury Bay Bowling Club on Saturday, 8 August, 11.00am – 2.00pm.
L’escargot (snails) or frog legs are not on the menu , but there will be music, spot prizes and some wonderful raffles. Make up a group of friends to enjoy a fun and generous lunch. (If your group wishes to
be seated together, their tickets will need to be purchased as a group.)
Tickets are on sale at the Whitianga Information Centre – cost is $60 per person and a cash bar available. All proceeds will be used to fund local projects. Mercury Bay Lions have supported many projects over the last two years such as Bellyful, the Toy Library, Playcentre, the Guided Journey Charitable Trust and Te Tiihi Nui Trust. We could not do this without your support.
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.
AA Driver Licensing – NEW LOCATION. Friday 14 and Monday 24 August, 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 021 0247 7460 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 emailbeverley@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.
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@ outlook.com
Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the first and third Mondays and second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Contact Margaret on 021 140 4016.
Whitianga Tramping Group – Every second Sunday at 8.30am. Phone Wally 021 907 782 or Lesley 021 157 9979 for more information.
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
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 ClubWednesday 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 – Community Tennis Courts, 9am Saturday morning. Weather permitting. Nets and bats provided. $5 each, first time free. Contact Kevin 021 396 062.
Cooks Beach Table Tennis – Every Thursday night 6.00-8.00pm, $5pp each night. Cooks Beach Community Centre. All welcome. Contact Stu 0274 572 243 or 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.
Hahei Tennis & Pickleball Club - Thursday & Sunday Contact Tim 0278432683 or refer their facebook page.
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 – All welcome
to this friendly non auditioned choir. Mondays 6pm to 8pmMercury Bay Area School Music Room. Start date 10th August. Phone Kate 027 2709058 for more information.
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 9-11am; Sundays All Players 4-6pm. Members/ Guests/Visitors $5, a complimentary session is available to new players wanting to trial pickleball. Current membership only $10 to 30/09/2026 www.mercurybaypickleball.co.nzContact Tony 021426150. Moewai Sportspark sessions are weather dependant & advised on our facebook page Mercury Bay Pickleball. Matarangi Pickleball Club (Matai Pl Courts) Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5-7pm (Summer) Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 0223836351. Mercury Bay Squash Club – Lyon Park, Albert Street - New members/enquires please email 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-3pm, 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 library - Shop 4, Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Members and non-members welcome. Contact librarian@whititoylibrary. co.nz for more information
Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss
Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Cecily on 027 294 1750 for more information.
Yoga for Everyone - Whitianga - beginners, retirees, inflexibles welcome. Mon 2.30pm, Tues 5.15pm, Thurs 4.20pm, Fri 8.45am, Sat 8.15am. Gentle Simple. $25 for a 90 minute session. Text Rosemary 0274 489326 for info.
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. Absolute Beginners Wed 2.00-3.00pm ($5); Beginner/Improver classes Monday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes Wed, 12-1.30pm. $7 per session. 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.m at the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk St.
GROUP INFO
Grey Power Mercury Bay – our next gathering will be on Thursday 6 August “Mad Hatters Luncheon at The Mercury Bay Club. Further info please phone Grey Power Mercury Bay 07 866 5516 or email:- 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 Jon Maud 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.
The Mercury Bay Club is looking for a new volunteer to drive our courtesy vehicle on Tuesday & Friday evenings. This is a volunteer role, but each night the driver is given a $40 food & beverage voucher to reimburse reasonable expenses considering the driver can’t go home for dinner etc. This is a valuable service for our members. If you have a full, valid drivers licence, and would like to support the Club in this way, please leave your contact details with the staff. The courtesy vehicle drivers are entered into a roster system and you might typically be rostered on once every 4 weeks or so.
The Order of St John (known by everyone as St John’s Ambulance) run New Zealand’s Ambulance Service throughout the country (except Wellington).
The Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki come under the St John Northern Region and each day there can be up to 800 emergency calls to the service in our region alone.
A few weeks ago, our family urgently needed their services. That day we had collected one of our young granddaughters from the airport to spend a week of the school holidays with us. She
arrived with her usual high levels of energy and excitement and carrying a cold.
That evening around bedtime she started complaining of some breathlessness and a cough. Despite some Pamol and a hot lemon and honey drink, her condition gradually worsened. We ran through the options of calling the Mercury Bay Medical Centre, 111 or driving her to Thames Hospital A and E.
There is also a superb free telephone service available throughout the country Healthline 0800 611 116. The service is manned
by a variety of health professionals and in our case a young man calmly and carefully listened to the situation and gave some excellent advice. He immediately called an ambulance and then continued to update us on its’ ETA, reassured us and directed that we call 111 if things deteriorated.
By the time the ambulance arrived some 40 minutes later our little one was starting to really struggle for breath. The two paramedics swung into action and soon determined that her oxygen saturation levels were way too
low and immediately placed her on supplementary oxygen and then a nebuliser.
A call was then made to their clinical centre, and a decision was quickly made to transport her to Thames Hospital accompanied by her Nana. For both it was their first and hopefully their last ambulance ride.
Despite Thames Hospital’s A and E (now Emergency Department) being full they were quickly assessed, diagnosed with a viral wheeze. treated and discharged the following morning.
You will all have read the shock
horror stories of our ‘broken health services’ but be assured that in this case each and every health professional involved, from the Healthline call takers, to the paramedics and the hospital staff, were all highly professional, compassionate and an absolute credit to their profession.
The lesson for us was that we shouldn’t be afraid to call for help but unless it’s an obvious emergency and you don’t want to trouble 111, try the Healthline first.
A huge thank you to our health professionals who are too often underpaid and underappreciated.
Tracey: 027 4907988
Jim (Gubay) VERNER
It is with immense sadness that we share the news of Jim’s passing, surrounded by family on 11 July 2026 in Whitianga. He was well loved by his late wife Bev, children Kim and Jane and his sister Tricia.
Please join us for an informal gathering at the Mercury Bay Rugby Club at 2pm on Sunday 2 August to raise a glass, have a laugh and share tales of Gubay’s (Jim’s) well lived life. If anybody
We
region
Contact richard@septicbalance.co.nz www.septicbalance.co.nz
MERCURY BAY CLUB INDOOR BOWLS
Monday 20 July
1, Ray Rout and Ian Mitchell; 2, Ken Lack and Han Harvey. Good Sports, Cheryl Henderson, Wayne Fisher and Betty Simpson.
MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB
Thursday 23 July
Tonight we welcomed three visitors, Robert and Janet Barber who were first time players and spectator Christine, thanks Jan Harvey for bringing your family along to join in.
Robert and Janet played really well, especially Janet who was in the winning team.
Winners: Ray Rout, Lee Pudney and Janet Barber Runners Up: Maureen Lack, Sandie Morris, Betty Simpson and Betty Russell. Good Sports: Cheryl Henderson, Shirley Marshall and Ken Lack.
MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS
25 players this week, so 501 doubles were played. One team went through unbeaten in all four sets to be the winners this week and they were Mike Gillett & Lauren Stephens. Highest finish this week for the men was 88, scored by Bluey Stratton. No finishes over 50 for the ladies this week and no 180’s scored.
TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB
Session 3 Shoe Pairs
Monday 20 July
1, Jill Huston & Tony White 69.57; 2, Jenny Hemmings & Liz Young 58.13.
HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB
Week 3 of the Mahurangi Pairs
Tuesday 21 July
North/South: 1, Johanna Bonnar and Peter Clark 71.25%; 2, Lee Hughes and Ngaire O’Brien 54.17%; 3, Maggie Urlich and Sue Gill 48.75%
East/West: 1, Alison Tichbon and Robyn Waters 55.42%; 2, Angela Butterworth and Robyn Hogg 50.83%; 3, Tia Ormsby and Denise Knutson 49.17%
THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB
9 hole men’s 4-Man ambrose
Monday 20 July
1, Mark Rea, Noel Rogers, Grant Short, Richard Cummins.
9 hole Ladies Yellow Tee Day Stableford
Tuesday 21 July
1, Ruth Fiskens 19; 2, Maree Cabaret 18; 3, Pip Perry 17.
18 hole men’s stableford
Wednesday 22 July
1, Richard Agnew 39; 2, Paul Anderson 38; 3, Geoff Atmore 36; 4, Rowan Toms 36; 5, Norman Gilbert 36.
Twos: Graham Harrison #14
NTP: Murry James (Muzza)
9 hole men’s yellow tees Stableford
Thursday 23 July
1, Richard Cummins 19; 2, Lance Croawell 18; 3, Graham Kemp 18. 18 hole ladies stableford shootout
qualifier
Thursday 23 July
1, Sheryn Parry 37; 2, Sandra Bowen 35; 3, Polly Lambert 33.
Saturday Haggle Net
Saturday 25 July
1, Grant Smallwood 74; 2, Craig Batty75; 3, Robert Fisken 75; 4, Oliver Rose 78.
Twos: Grant Smallwood #7, Geoffrey Hill #18.
NTP: Geoffrey Hill
TAIRUA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Thursday 2 July 18 hole net medal
1, Glen Farrell 71; 2, Ken Edwards 76; 3, Phil Smith 76; 4, Murray Graham 77. 9 hole stableford
1, Matt Heath 17; 2, Susan McDonnell 16; 3, Gabrielle Tucker 15; 4, Joyce Birdsall 11.
Saturday 4 July
18 hole net medal
1, Phil Smith 74; 2, Mike McCann 75; 3, Glen Farrell 76; 4, Mark Cory-Wright 76. 18 hole net medal
Saturday 11 July
1, Nat Hoskin 75; 2, Norm Hammond 76; 3, Johnny Grundling 76; 4, Ryan MacFarlane 78.
9 hole stableford shootout
Tuesday 14 July
1, Anna McGuire 36; 2, Mike McCann 36; 3, Susan McDonnell 36; 4, Leo Gage-Brown 37.
18 hole net medal
Thursday 16 July
1, Glen Farrell 75; 2, Ray Russell 76; 3, John Reid 76; 4, Mark Cory-Wright 76.
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB
Ladies 9 hole stableford
Tuesday 21 July
1, Alison Goodlet 16; 2, Lee Rattray 13.
Men’s 9 hole stableford
1=, Rodrick Bott & Jeff Dixon 20; 3, Gordon Brain.
There were no twos today.
Women’s 18 hole LGU
Wednesday 21 July
Div 1: Diane Gilmour; 2, Anita Ellmers; 3, Diane Eccles.
Div 2: Jenna Leach; 2, Diane Andrew; 3, Marg Maher
Jenna Leach won the Winter Putting Cup after a “Putt Off” against Julie Rutledge and she also won the 5th round of the LGU.
Men’s 18 hole
Wednesday 21 July
Gross winner: Senior Mark Boe 69, Junior
Jay Marshall 97
Stableford: 1, Mark Boe 36; 2, Steve Geach 34; 3=, Ken George & Greg “You never put me in The Informer” Peterken, 33.
Twos: Mark Boe and Dominik Szparagowski on #4, Carl Mitchell #6.
The gents played today in mint weather conditions even if it was slightly wet underfoot. Another round in the 60’s from Mark Boe and couple that with 36 points, pretty good effort from the plus handicapper.
Mens 9 hole
Friday 24 July
Stableford: 1, Gavin Brinkley 23; 2, Gordon Brain 20; 3=, Don Maguire and Gavin Green 17.
NTP: Patrick Gonthier on #2 and #4. Mens 18 hole
Saturday 25 July
Gross: Senior, Nathan Wilson 70; Jnr, Paul Lupton 100
Stableford: 1, Dominik Szparagowski 36; 2, Patrick Gonthier 35; 3, Nathan Wilson.
Twos: Rowan Virbikas and Carl Mitchell.
PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
9 hole stableford
Tuesday 21 July
1, Ryan Cochrane; 2, Jason Godward; 3, John Hamilton. 9 hole nett
Thursday 23 July
1=, Jo Geoghegan, Richard Duckworth; 3, John Hamilton. 18 hole nett
Saturday 25 July
1, Ryan Cochrane; 2, Callum Murray; 3=, Grant Webster, Phil Ander, Mike Farrance. 4BBB nett: Ryan Cochrane and Phil Ander.
MERCURY BAY FOOTBALL
U11 Orcas
The Orcas played Whangamata Dynamite at Whangamata in very testing weather conditions today. The commitment and determination from both sides was incredible. Great sportsmanship and great team work all around. Lex Battaerd and AJ Rawat received recognition for their efforts today. Lex for some good saves in goal in the 1st half and AJ for keeping the pressure on and great attacking.
U11 Marlins
Second half of the season kicked off today with a home game against Thames Black. Thames brought plenty of skill and relentless attacking pressure from start to finish, making Marlins work hard for every ball and really dig deep as a team.
The Marlins stepped up in the second half with some fantastic plays and creating several great opportunities on goal. While we didn’t quite get there it was a brilliant game of football and an awesome challenge that saw our players continue to grow
Astronomy Tours and B&B Phone (07) 866 5343 www.stargazersbb.com
STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2026 – your guide to the night sky
28 July 28-5 August
Venus continues to dominate the northwestern dusk sky and rises slightly higher each night. However it will soon slip lower and become lost on the horizon. The predawn sky shows a lovely reddish triangle in the east with the two red giant stars Aldebaran in Taurus and Betelgeuse in Orion sitting above similarly reddish Mars. Faint Mercury lies even lower down to its right and will soon be lost in the Sun’s glow. 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.
Wednesday, 29 July: There will be a low ISS pass in the south from 6:51am. Thursday, 30 July: There will be a very low ISS pass from 6:04am moving just above the Southern Cross. Saturday, 1 August: From 6:06am there is a bright ISS pass in the SW. Monday, 3 August: From 5:08am there will be a good ISS pass from the west. Tuesday, 4 August: We have a lovely reddish triangle before dawn with the red giants Aldebaran and Betelgeuse joining up with Mars low in the east. Wednesday, 5 August: The dawn triangle remains with Matariki or the Pleiades to its left.
in confidence, develop their skills, and strengthen their teamwork on the field.
A huge congratulations to Nash, who was named Player of the Day for an outstanding performance.
To start the second half of the U13 competition, the Mercury Bay Sharks travelled to Paeroa to take on the Orange Rangers in blustery, showery conditions.
The Sharks were one player short and the Rangers loaned us one of their own players to even up the numbers. Thank you rangers.
There was very little to separate the two sides in the opening half. At the break, the score remained locked at 0–0.
The second half brought a spark for the Sharks with the welcome return of Marley from injury - it seemed to lift the whole team. Then Harry produced a brilliant run straight through the heart of the Paeroa defence giving the Sharks a deserved 1–0 lead.
The Orange Rangers responded with a well-worked goal of their own to level the scores at 1–1. It was Sarico, who once again produced a standout performance, who found the decisive goal. His tireless work throughout the match earned him the Umino Hoshi Player of the Day award. Harry led superbly as captain, combining determined defensive work with dangerous attacking runs that constantly troubled the Rangers. Piata, Seth, Saneo, also played with skill and confidence, strengthening the teams play against Paeroa.
As coaches, we couldn’t be prouder of the entire squad. The team spirit, resilience and willingness to keep improving was a fantastic way to begin the second half of the season.
Mercury Bay Junior Boys
25 July
The Mercury Bay Junior Boys set off
Wednesday 29 July Sun: Rise 7:18am Set 5:29pm Moon: Rise 4:56pm Set 7:04am
Tides:
long before sunrise to take on Cambridge Junior Boys. Relentless rain and freezing temperatures, setting the stage for a true mid-winter battle.
From the opening whistle, both teams kicked off with ferocity, desperate to claim the early advantage. The Bay team was determined not to let history repeat itself. Attackers on both ends threatened to break through, but firm defensive lines refused to give an inch.
The pitch deteriorated into a mud bath. Fighting to the bitter end in brutal conditions, the Bay team held strong to secure a hard-fought 0-0 draw and take a valuable point back home.
Following the final whistle, both teams showed great sportsmanship, thanking the referee for a fair match and acknowledging the parents whose support made the trip possible.
A massive well done to Zeke, Kaleb, Alfie, Owen, Luke, Farai, Milan, Zen, Trym, Jesse, Hunter, Mekhi, Tylar, and Cooper for keeping a clean sheet, fighting to the end, and representing the Bay with pride on the road!
By Coach Taddy
MERCURY BAY FOOTBALL
The MBAS Senior Boys football team hosted HBHS Green on Saturday. It was a rusty first half for us, going behind for the first time in this competition. A nice goal after relentless attack meant it was 1-1 at halftime. The second half gave us the opportunity to show our quality, scoring a further four goals against a tiring opposition. Great performances as usual by all of the team, with special performances from our back two Cameron Johansen and Elijah Bianchi and quality midfield play from Ben Collins and Hyodo Tani-
guchi in particular. Scorers were Curtis Treherne, Lui Yamada, Noah Palmer and Hyodo Taniguch with two.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER
Wednesday 22 July
With a small turnout, a round-robin was played with Greg Murphy showing the way with some good potting to come through undefeated with 4 wins and take out the prize money for the day. Peter Challis and Peter Schultz achieved 2 wins each. No high break recorded.
Saturday, 25 July
After section play, 2 players came through with 3 wins each. Ian Baumgren and Doug Pascoe contested a close playoff final with Ian clinching the win on the final black to take the day’s honours. With 2 wins each were Peter Schultz and Bob Haase. Phil Jones recorded the day’s highest break with 24.
MERCURY BAY JUNIOR GIRLS
FOOTBALL
The Mercury Bay Junior Girls gave it everything on the weekend, narrowly losing an exciting 1:0 away match against a tough Whangamata side.
With the team captain sidelined, Charlotte stepped up to lead the side, while Miley delivered a standout performance deputising for Cieara at centre-back. The whole defence had a great game, breaking up numerous attacks with goalkeeper Taylor Mullins earning Player of the Day.
Mercury Bay threw everything forward in a frantic, action-packed finale. Despite creating several clear-cut chances in the dying minutes, the girls were unlucky not to find the back of the net before the final whistle blew.
Robert Lindsay Dip Phty(Otago) ADP(OMT), Dip.MT. Co-author of ‘Treat Your Own Shoulder’, ‘Treat Your Own Knee’ & ‘Treat Your Own Hip’ and Associates Rebecca Wood BHScPhysiotherapy Crystal Vause BHScPhysiotherapy, Post Grad Cert Acupuncture Manipulation / Back and Neck Pain / Work Injuries Sports Injuries / Post Surgery and Fracture Rehab Acupuncture Hand Therapy / Women’s Health Clinic Physiotherapists with the qualifications to provide excellence in physical health care 24b Lee Street, Whitianga (Next door to Pathlab)
Local filmmaker Wayne Johnson was working on his documentary, “Will It Fly” (about Richard Pearse and his flying machine) when he first met Sergeant Dean Hart. Dean approached him and declared he was working on something he thought Wayne would find interesting; - “I’m building a jet car”.
That was all the invitation Wayne needed. Fascinated by cars, planes, and the engineering that makes them work, he’s equally intrigued by the people who devote themselves to building machines that are as exhilarating as they are dangerous. So he headed to Dean’s shed to see it for himself.
There he found a typical Kiwi bloke in a shed - the slight difference being the shed was filled with the makings of a top fuel drag car with a jet engine, and had to go in on an angle because that’s the only way it would fit!
There was obviously a story here, and it soon became clear that it wasn’t just about building the car, but Dean’s dream of breaking the New Zealand land speed record.
For the next 5 years, Wayne kept popping back and forth to document Dean’s dream as it took shape. You only have to spend 5 minutes with Wayne to feel his immense affection for the project, his respect for Dean, as well as Wayne’s knack for telling a story.
Trash 2 Dash is that story, and MTC-Mercury Twin Cinemas, Whitianga is proud to host a week of screenings, commencing Thursday, 6 August. Don’t miss your chance to see this incredible chapter of New Zealand history as it unfolded.
RAISING SOME FUNDS FOR A LOCAL CAUSE
Join us on Sunday 9 August at 4.30pm for a special screening followed by the chance to meet filmmaker Wayne Johnson and Dean Hart in person.
Tickets are on sale now and can be bought at the cinema or online.
https://www.mercurytwincinemas. com/movie/trash-2-dash I haven’t told them about Yuki’s undies coz I don’t want to spoil it!!
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