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Te Kai Whakarongo Issue 1225 | 1 September 2026 | Proudly locally owned and operated

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CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA

Hooray for grass carp, but long journey ridiculous BY PAULINE STEWART

See page 2 Volunteers Krystine Banicevich and Wendy Bradshaw collecting on Daffodil Day.

ooks Beach has cause for celebration - the grass carp for their two lakes have been approved. Don’t pop the corks yet though. There is still the matter of containment screens that have to be built (commissioned by TCDC) and approved by DOC and then installed. Radio CFM published a good article on their Facebook page by Jusin Tuberan re the approval of the grass carp which highlighted the delays by both Council, TCDC staff, and disagreement from Ngati Hei. It gave cause for admonishing the role of the council and some staff processes and also had a stern word for central government. Excerpt - “Councillor John Grant agreed, saying the journey highlights the extremely convoluted systems councils have to work through to get multiple parties to complete consultation processes and sign off approval.” He also added, “This is a great example of what the government needs to fix.” Then there is the Press Release from TCDC – informative and positive. Some of it is included here:“The Department of Conservation has approved a release of grass carp, also known as white amur (Ctenopharyngodon idella), to help manage overabundant native vegetation growth in the two stormwater lakes at Cooks Beach. “The Cooks Beach lakes systems are

Aquatic weed has become a smelly and unsightly pest at Cooks Beach. Supplied by TCDC

man-made lakes that form part of the Thames-Coromandel District Council’s stormwater network. In recent years, the lakes have experienced increased aquatic plant growth. “The release of grass carp follows years of lobbying from local residents and ratepayers to the Council for grass carp to help manage vegetation growth. Council had previously tried various vegetation removal methods at the lakes, including mechanical weed harvesters and targeted herbicides, but these were not effective.” I guess the Cooks Beach residents should be very grateful – after all the carp are coming. It is commendable the Press Releases by CFM and TCDC share accuracies. Continued on page 3

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oody lives on the 309 road and grows a lot of daffodils on his land and pickers made up 180 bunches to give to donors at the Daffodil Day stations. Thank you, Woody. Winsome brought over 200 bunches all the way from Kaiawa to add to the Daffodil Day ambience. She brought them because her friend Dot Clacher was a volunteer collecting donations on Daffodil Day. These funds donated are not for local Cancer Support Organizations but are used by Waikato Bay of Plenty Cancer Society for research. If you know anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, it is not hard to notice that specific drugs are increasing the ability of sufferers to fight the cancer and the effects in many cases are less intrusive In many places cancer research is making a significant addition to the probability of being cured or extending a person’s life. I am from a big family. We have had tragedies from cancer but also some good news stories. Research is not an immediate return, but it is a huge benefit and needs to take time for proper experimentation across societies.

Winsome Levers and Dot Clacher having a busy Daffodil Friday; Chris Rix and Eveline Flowerday local volunteers out on Saturday for the Daffodil Day fundraiser.

The Covid vaccine did not have that research and experimentation period and the future will reveal through investigative research the impact of this largescale shortfall in science. The organisers of Daffodil Day want to thank all the volunteers who sat in the streets outside our supermarkets, walked canvassing businesses to gather donations. The Informer will report on how much was raised across the Peninsula when all the eftpos takings can be tallied. Hospitality is working hard

all around the Peninsula and on Hauraki Plains. They are organising all kinds of events to raise monies for worthy causes. They do this by offering their premises for the events – preparing food at a discounted price so supporters of a good cause pay some of their spend to fund raising but there is still a percentage for the restaurant, café, bar or tavern. This week we include the Buffalo Beach Club with its Big Brothers; Big Sisters event and the tenth celebrations of both Stoked on Buffalo Beach and Grace O’Malleys

on the Whitianga Esplanade. This is why The Informer is running the Winter Dine out. Eating out is not cheap but planned well and doing it with someone you care about can make the expense an investment. Tonight we will collect the receipts from eleven restaurant and randomly select two winners of $100 voucher each to eat out at the restaurant of their choice. I have come to the conclusion reading about the Momentum Fund and the 5 town – based Future Funds on The Coromandel

and reading about so many good ideas for the future coming from so many different locations that if one town benefits, we all benefit. That too is not immediately seen but it does come to pass. This truth works for when one area suffers, our patch will suffer too in time. We all share in the disgraceful appearance of the Kopu Roundabout. It is not cared for. It has no signage or information welcoming you. It has only the Ngati Maru Highway to read directly. Where is the bright welcome to what is tourist region? How come signage needs to give only Information? Could not NZ Transport or Waki Kotahi use the same budget for signs but with a far different effect? Everyone, every town, suffers because of this poor planning and lack of investment in what is a beautiful vista of scenery and experiences. Whose job is it to put pressure on the right points to get some collegial action. I dare say our MP Scott Simpson could make a few calls and see a process through from start to finish. Let’s not begrudge what another town might receive instead of your area – but keep fighting for what is needed just because it is needed. Don’t give up.

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Lack of listening to locals throughout

OPINION

Continued from front page

However, TCDC’s does not admit they held up the process, – just refer to locals, who had to lobby for years. CFM’s Press Release does not include the three years of delay before the 2026 delays which Councillor Grant refers to as, “The extremely convoluted systems that councils have to work through.” He states that the government will need to fix this. This simply does not apply. Council through the Community Board was presented with a very thorough researched paper regarding the grass carp in 2022 by representatives of the Cooks Beach community. It was received by the Community Board and the staff were asked to investigate it. A consultancy firm was engaged to investigate the grass carp proposal. The local representatives were not consulted in terms of the brief given to the consultancy by council staff and did not get back to the local community who waited almost a year before they began to agitate for some response to their proposal. The consultant finally presented a report on the wrong species of carp (koi carp, not grass carp) and at the meeting where they presented their findings which were totally off mark, the shocked local representatives were forbidden to ask questions.

www.theinformer.co.nz

An aerial view of the Cooks Beach lakes affected by aquatic weed. Supplied by TCDC

Generated by human with AI help..

From then on there was stonewalling and delays plus bad decisions by staff with mechanical weed harvesters that could not cope with the weed congesting the lakes. The Cooks Beach team, though upset and frustrated, kept on. They organised a meeting at Cooks Beach to which staff, councillors and community members came to listen to a national expert on grass carp who had worked with other councils successfully in managing weed culture in lakes. The presentation was excellent, professional and totally supported the local grass carp

proposal. The result:-no correcting directive from Councillors to staff and no action but more stonewalling and delaying. Tell me where in all of this did the council HAVE to work through convoluted processes set down by the RMA or central government? Nowhere – just a stubborn following of an ideology of some staff. The costs of the misguided consultancy, the three years of delays re communication and overspend on weed cuttings were not necessary. There was a culture that disregarded the value, wisdom and work of the local people.

Let’s accept responsibility for where it lies. One further important point is revealed by the CFM report. There does not seem to be any occasion whereby the local representatives, council staff, DOC and iwi ever talked around the one table. There is a dance going on – DoC talks to Iwi; Council talks to DoC; Council or Community Board talks to the local representatives, Council talks to DoC: DoC talks to iwi. For the sake of the future, this has to change. We are one people and we have one environment, and the huge cost comes from the people’s pockets and achieves little, especially in terms of trust and relationships with the stake holders and the huge delays that result.

“I am surprised that as reported the application was approved by Doc on 19th August. We just need the security screens in place before the fish can be released, hopefully that shouldn’t take too long!” – Steve Lloyd, project coordinator “The council hasn’t kept up as far as [up] keeping lake B which is consequently full of nutrients. The nutrients drive the weed growth and it’s a never ending saga really.” – Mercury Bay South Ratepayers Association Chairman, Paul Hopkins “There is a very low risk of the fish breeding in this environment, but even so, a condition of the permission requires monitoring after flood events to check if any grass carp escape”. – Press release DoC Acting Regional Manager, Graham Kimber.

The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 3

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Winter Hiatus! Luke's Kitchen will be CLOSED from Monday 20th July, reopens Thursday 3rd September. A big thank you to our locals, visitors, musicians & team for another epic season. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to kicking the doors back open in September! 20 Black Jack Rd, Kuaotunu PH: 07 866 4480 0 www.lukeskitchen.co.nz

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A Vision for Mercury Bay – Part 1 BY TREVOR AMMUNDSEN

he series of columns to be printed under the title Mercury Bay Vision come from a document submitted to the TCDC, entitled World’s Best Thermal Ocean Village – Vision and Planning Document. It is not about agreeing with that title, but I thought the name would attract attention and comment. This document was prepared based upon submissions made to an earlier Vision Series run by The Informer along with other contributions from the community. Electronic copies are available to the public through The Informer. It is a growing document with contributions still able to be included from the community for items of vision not yet included.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? The rationale behind this project is that somehow over time, priorities will become clear, and what are most important will show themselves. We aim to present these priorities to our readers, allowing them to decide based on need and passion. These visions or project ideas align with the Mercury Bay Future Fund, which, upon receiving sufficient legacies, will enable us to bring such visions to life, as showcased in this week's issue. Our local rates cannot support these projects. Every region in the Coromandel has its significant future projects

and corresponding Future Fund. The success of these projects depends on the community's hard work and generosity. Part 1 for Mercury Bay area focuses on contributions pertaining to the northern end of Buffalo Beach, extending from Brophy's Beach to the river mouth of Taputapatea Stream, also known as Mother Brown's Creek. The sailing academy is just one aspect of Part 1, but a very big one, proposed by Alan Hopping of The Lost Spring. SAILING ACADEMY A number of sources recommended the creation of a water

sports centre, providing a base for yachting, rowing, Waka Ama and so on. These have become part of a proposal for a Water Sports Centre based around a Sailing Academy. It is proposed that this be privately funded. What is proposed is a two-story building with a purpose-built sailing centre on the first floor and a 300-seat civic centre on the second story. Income would allow for paid sailing instructors at busy times and international sailing legends would be invited to inspire and develop budding legends. While providing a base for the Mercury Bay Boating Club the facility would be operated as a

commercial venture largely based on providing sailing training to international and New Zealand trainees. A similar entity is the International Rugby Academy of NZ which has now been running for over 25 years. The illustration accompanying this article illustrates the concept of the Academy, locating it at the northern end of Brophys Beach. It would require a reclamation of part of the beach with this reclamation being built as a groyne which would help control the preservation of Brophys Beach and return it to being a great ocean facility for both residents and visitors.

PROPOSAL FOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME The proposed project encompasses maritime and domestic tourism, particularly sailing academy and tourism in Canada. It acknowledges youth programs in China, USA, and England, emphasising teamwork, discipline, challenges, and courage. The project promotes family values, catering to individuals aged 5 to 100, involving parents and grandparents. International tourists can enjoy sailing tuition at the Commander Centre of Sailing in Whitianga. Attached sketches are provided. Following consultancy advice from Boffa Miskell, Tauranga, the project aims to establish a self-funding Civic Centre built over the Academy. Key features include: • A Civic Centre as a source of pride and place • Management by a professional board • The Mercury Bay Sailing Club as a beneficiary member of the academy • Income from the Civic Centre will cover costs and employ young, professional, internationally known sailors The academy aims to be self-funding, attracting both the young and old from across New Zealand, and introducing them to internationally successful sailing stars.

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The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 5

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Local Government Matters

Promises & more broken promises…

BY TONY FOX

t this time last year, potential TCDC Mayors, Councillors, and Community Board Members were out and about, attending meetings and making their case for your support at the ballot box. The common themes were: • Openness and Transparency • Empowered Communities • Better Community Engagement • Rates Control • and a range of other topics. It is fair to say that the 26/27 rates increase was kept below 4%, achieved through a combination of tightening the belt (and there is a lot more space to do that) in expenditure, sweating the life of assets and making significant changes to the depreciation rules. I agree with the depreciation treatment. In my mind, all capital works should be loan-funded over the life of the asset, and when that asset is due for replacement, a new project is put on the table and again loan-funded. To claim interest and depreciation is double dipping. We might ask where the depreciation is for the Thames swimming pool. Had we kept the depreciation on an asset worth, say, $3M and depre-

Generated by human with AI help..

Tony Fox.

ciated that asset over 30 years, there should be approximately $2.7M plus interest sitting in an account somewhere. On the basis that a replacement outdoor pool was to cost, let's say $8M, then there is only $5M to find by way of external and Council funding. This is not the case. And now, how do we fix the Thames pool? We change the rules. We go from local funding to a District Policy with a good percentage of that funding being provided by the District. Who remembers the Eastern Seaboard Councillors and candidates saying "there will be NO funding from us. This is a Thames

issue and not a District issue”? Do you know what the rating impact on this decision might be? Thankfully, the Government has advised that from 2029, rate increases will be capped at 2-4%. This may well change some of this thinking. In a recent Facebook post regarding the change to our rating model, a move from Land Value (LV) to Capital Value (CV), I responded with a degree of vitriol. Deputy Mayor Grant actively supported the move from LV to CV. I provided the rates assessments for some 20 randomly selected Whitianga properties where, in each instance, the rates

would increase by 10% or more. I was told I was wrong. Well, guess what: for most, the rates have gone up 10% or more! So, that is bad.

WATER METERS How about water meters? TCDC received approximately $5M from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF). The money was to be used for shovel-ready infrastructure projects. I strongly supported installing water meters in Whitianga because empirical evidence showed meters saved approximately 20% on usage - a good way to help what was at the time a water crisis in our town.

MASSIVE

OPINION

This proved to be the case. Once the water meters were installed, our usage dropped. I have spoken with our Deputy Mayor Grant to say that as a result of the water meter success, we would have a shortfall in our water revenue. This is based on the fact that if we have, say 5000 properties paying a fixed charge of approximately $450 pa which reduces by about 50% (for many homeowners the potable/drinking water charge went from $450 pa to $250 - $300 pa) and would have left a shortfall of close to $1M pa. Again, I was told this is not the case. So, what happened? Those without meters picked up the difference, and many homeowners saw their water rates increase from $450 pa to $800-$1800 pa after the actual usage rate was increased. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT Led by Mayor Revell and Deputy Grant, who both spouted support for this, Council signed away the Terms of Reference and adopted the Accord. In doing so, they neutered Community Boards.

Continued on page 9

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The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 7

Paeroa is growing - wastewater upgrade Hauraki District Council’s new Wastewater Treatment Plant.

EDITED PRESS RELEASE SUPPLIED BY HAURAKI DISTRICT COUNCIL

auraki District Council’s biggest infrastructure investment so far was revealed to councillors and media recently. The group had a tour of the amazing new upgrade to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, a very impressive site and presentation. The current plant has served the town for many years, but it is reaching its limits and there is pressure on the wastewater network. This upgrade replaces the older pond-based treatment system with a modern mechanical treatment plant. A new system was needed that can better cope with population and business growth, heavy rains, and today’s environmental expectations. This achievement will enable Council to meet its consent requirements, treat wastewater to a higher standard, and provide a more dependable service for Paeroa. “It is a big investment, and it is being made in one of the core services our community depends on every day.” The overall project is a big price investment - about $45 million, with Spartan Construction Ltd leading the main construction work. The raised site levels and an

Toby Adams confident in what the plant will deliver; Chris McGillivray – Spartan Construction; Waste water plant processing machinery.

elevated control room to improve flood resilience were pointed out to the tour group – the control room and important electrical equipment are lifted well above a one-in-100-year flood level. One of the key parts of the new plant is its membrane technology. These membranes work like very fine filters, helping treat the water to a much higher standard before it is discharged. Some treated water will also be reused on site for wash water, which helps reduce demand on treated drinking water.

Any reference to a “nice -tohave” would have to be dismissed in the face of providing necessary high-quality drinking water that meets the required standards as well as a wastewater infrastructure that meets the growing needs of Paeroa and surrounds. “This plant has been designed for today’s Paeroa, with room to expand for the Paeroa of tomorrow.” Solids collected during treatment are dewatered, which means excess water is removed before the material is taken away.

Odour from the process is also treated through a bark bed filter before air is released. This new technology treats wastewater to a higher standard than the current pond-based system. The treatment ponds are being kept however, though they will no longer process the everyday treatment. They will remain as a reserve for storm overflow situations. The construction to this point is almost complete and expected to be running by the end of October with enhancement tasks of planting and landscaping before

the big opening. “At its heart, this is about leaving stronger infrastructure for the next generation.” Those that attended the overview were: Campbell Moore - Manager Infrastructure and Operations, Hauraki District Council (HDC), Adrian de Laborde - Group Manager Service Delivery (HDC), David Spiers - Chief Executive, (HDC), Nicolas Mounsey - Project Manager, (HDC contractor), Mayor Toby Adams, (HDC), Chris McGillivray – Spartan Construction.

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OPINION

Continued from page 7

Leadership key to new culture MAORI WARDS A unilateral decision only to be overturned by way of a binding referendum. For TCDC to squander money on consultation; for Councillors to claim they have listened to the community and then vote against the community is, in my words, sheer HYPOCRISY.

SO, WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? The problem is a lack of Leadership. From the outside, it would appear that the elected arm and staff work in vacuums. If my information is correct, middle management and junior staff, rarely, if ever, see the CE, senior staff, or the Mayor. In fact, there would appear to be a clear divide between the staff and elected arm. The buzz statement amongst Council staff these days seems to be 'I feel unsafe.' It seems we have created an industry around this statement. I say harden up, buttercups. The one way to feel safe is to know your stuff and to have confidence in your peers.

A SOLUTION Let's take a look at the 2010 Leach-led Council - an all-butone new Council and a Mayor with a clear vision and objectives; – a Mayor who took his elected representatives on the same journey. The Mayor and

Council set the agenda. Staff provided support as outlined in S42 of the Local Government Act 2002 - that is: ‘Provide Accurate, timely, and unbiased advice’. Roles and responsibilities were assigned to Chairs, Committees and Community Boards. The elected arm and staff worked together. Communities were empowered and did have budgets. Stuff got done. So, what was different on Glenn's watch? Our elected members, particularly Chairs, had direct access to key staff. This helped us understand the issues and options for resolution. The Mayor and CE's had regular contact with all elected members and staff at all levels. In Mercury Bay, the Area Manager, Community Board Chair and Councillors met informally every second Friday (thanks to my colleague and good friend Murray McLean) to review local issues, swap notes on meetings that we had had, consider items for the pending Order Papers and generally keep our fingers on the pulse. At the end of these informal meetings, a tipple or two could be had.. Mercury Bay was the benchmark for other communities during this time. From time to time, we would have small but informal functions attended by our elected arm and staff at both a Council

and Community Board level. Murray would often host a post-Community Board gathering at his place, attended by staff and Board members. Senior staff would often seek us out when in town to catch up. How are your families? How is work? How can I help? In my military terms, we were developing Esprit de Corp. Maybe the fact that we had Councillors with RMA and Liquor Licencing accreditations, and that many RMA and Liquor Licencing matters were managed in-house, enabled us to communicate with staff regularly and, of course, save the Council External Commissioners' fees. Suggestions to get TCDC functional again: 1. The Mayor and CE need to hold hands and get on the same page 2. We need to rid ourselves of the ‘we’ and ‘they’. 3. We need to consider holding 2 or 3 one-day workshops where all staff attend one of the workshops and all elected members plus the CE attend all workshops 4. At these workshops the topic should be Teamwork and a better way to manage. 5. Hire the DVD 'THE GOYA EFFECT" (Get off your ...) 6. Find out what people like about their jobs and what they don't like 7. Then workshop 'How to

make a better working environment’ 8. With this done, the CE and Mayor should make a point of making contact with as many people in the TCDC workforce as possible. Where possible - on the job. 9. Practice the GOYA effect and watch the Council grow. How would we fund these workshops? My suggestion: cancel the external Audit and Risk Committee Chair's contract. Councillor Rasmussen, a practising lawyer, is well qualified to chair the Audit and Risk Committee. We can spend the significant savings on rebuilding the team. Summarising – • TCDC lacks Leadership • TCDC has too many square pegs in round holes • Successful managers delegate and review • The solution is simple - GOYA. SOME READING FOR THOSE INTERESTED I suggest: • From Third World to First World by Lee Kwan Yew – a better book on leadership will be hard to find – this is the bench mark for Leadership. • The Combat Medic by Dr Dan Pronk – a high-end combat/SAS Doctor with multiple Afghanistan deployments. If you want to understand 'unsafe' and leadership, read this.

JP Service Desk to open

From Tuesday, 1 September, a JP Service Desk has opened at Whitianga Social Services. It will be open once a week from 11.00am to 12 noon on a Tuesday. This is a drop-in service so no appointment is needed. If you require certified copies , bring the original documents as well as the copies. If any of your documents are online, bring your device so the JP can see the electronic original before processing the paper copy. Don’t sign any documents before you are with the JP. If your documents are form another country, check that a new Zealand Justice of the Peace can complete them for you. To get this service underway, these three local JP’s will take it in turns – Karen Hutchinson, Ernest Raina, and Kim Abrahamson who is also the Chair of Mercury Bay Community Board.

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Letters to the Editor THANK YOU WHITIANGA I have been involved since The Informer was first published and with every new owner I have seen improvements. You now have a coloured tabloid with a balance of news and advertising containing news and editorial content covering sports, community affairs and local interest. Thank your editorial and advertising staff for the job they are doing. As you know I was an accountant for a large weekly national newspaper, so I know a lot about publishing, printing and distribution of these papers. The unsung heroes are the advertising staff as without them you could not be able to create enough income to keep this paper going. My wife, Betty and I, have moved to Auckland recently to be near family but Whitianga is our much loved home where we took our part and worked to better the community. We still have that attitude – caring for Whitianga. Peter Grant, Whitianga MALCOLM CAMPBELL – WORTH NOTING That is a very good article from Malcolm Campbell (page 10, 18 August. It seems he and I share the same values. I’m searching for the solution and the answer to his frustrations as well. This was a great quote: “Every time regulation comes

into being, it seems that the theme is what the author of the regulations has been trained in. This means you get what someone else believes is true by education, without actual experience of local conditions, knowledge and resources.” M. Campbell. A wise man who, you can see, is proud of the country that he has lived in. He will be missed. https://theinformer.co.nz/ general/local-government/truelocal-government-reform-iswhen-locals-do-the-reforming/ Winton Bebbington, Whitianga P.S. Malcolm Campbell died 2Saturday, 22 August at 93. He never gave up and never gave

in to practises and decisions he believed were wrong.

TIME TO DISMANTLE POWER REGIMES The position of Mayor requires Peter Revell to put forth the views of his rate-payers and yet (Informer 18 Aug) he ignores what he calls ‘opinion’ saying: It’s not ‘fact’. Unable to perceive how badly he has let his voters down Revell is still keen to display the depth of his ignorance by questioning the integrity of the Informer’s editorship and even Geoff Robinson’s ability as a reporter. Revell states that the three

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.

amalgamating Mayors did not even discuss the possible outcomes of what they were signing us up to. There can only be ‘speculation’ and surely that speculation should have been made well before signing, not something left to the rate-payers afterwards. Of great concern is the way local residents continue to pay for such inconsiderate leadership. It is not inappropriate to compare this public acceptance with the way the Italian population put up with the abusive Fascist regime one hundred years ago which caused Aldous Huxley to remark: “It is the same attitude as one sees over the whole world - blank fatalistic resignation to stupid and wicked governments, to anything or any person with power.” This resigned condition was clearly illustrated by 90,000 Hamilton residents who only managed to send 500 submissions on the coming amalgamation issue to their council. What will it take to get the people of Coromandel to stand up together and make some strong demands, to take over the management of council services at a local level? John Veysey, Thames Coast MOEWAI ROAD/SH 25 INTERSECTION NZTA (Waka Kotahi) is currently consulting on installing an Intersection Speed Zone (ISZ) at the

Peter’s quiz

Issue 1225 – Quiz 18 1) What is at the west end of Coghill Street? 2) Who had a fourth term as U.S. President? 3) When was the first Model T Ford produced? 4) Where is the world’s longest undersea tunnel? 5) What did Roger Bannister achieve? For solutions see page 25

studio@taraking.co.nz 0210391086 @tarakinginteriors tarakinginteriors www.taraking.co.nz 10 | The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026

Moewai Road/South Highway/ SH25 intersection. The proposal is for electronic signage which lowers the speed limit to 60km/ hr when traffic is detected on the side roads. The cost of this is estimated to be $300,000. This dangerous intersection has a long history of crashes, culminating in a lethal one last year. Roundabout needed There is ever expanding industrial activity on the side roads as well as the sports park on the South Higway side and the soon to be developed Sherriff block which includes a new concert area on the Moewai Road side. The increase in traffic in the foreseeable future is such that a roundabout will be required before long. In fact it needs one now. Why is NZTA proposing to waste 300k on an ISZ when for a bit of additional funding a roundabout could be built now? Undoubtedly NZTA will argue that the cost would run into the millions as NZTA is capable of achieving massive cost overruns compared to private enterprise. But even TCDC manages to build roundabouts at moderate costs. A roundabout at this troublesome intersection should cost no more that 400k. I call on TCDC to collaborate with NZTA with the aim of building a safe roundabout. Dirk Sieling, Whitianga Continued on page 18

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Shine Canine: Where dogs get to be dogs

ADVERTORIAL

BY VERNA CARR

Every morning, Tarah and the team are greeted by wagging tails and excited dogs, ready for their day. Tarah runs Shine Canine, a doggy daycare, boarding kennel and training facility just out of town on Moewai Rd, set on a couple of fully fenced acres — a safe, wide open space built for dogs to roam. Twenty-plus years of working with and training dogs have given Tarah a strong understanding of canine behaviour and what dogs need to feel safe, settled and happy. That understanding is reflected in the way Shine Canine is run, with dogs given the freedom to explore, play, learn and simply be themselves. For many of the dogs who come regularly, Shine Canine becomes a real home away from home. Some have been coming for years, arriving excited for their day while their owners have peace of mind knowing they’re being well cared for. A LIFELONG PASSION Tarah got her first puppy at 16 and named her Shine — and every dog she’s owned since has had a name connected in some way to light or something that shines. She has been training dogs and competing and judging dog agility for more than 20 years. Just last weekend in Kawerau, her dog Azmin picked up first and second-place ribbons in different events. Watching Azmin, mum Ember, and dad Blaze sail over the agil-

Above: The dogs enjoy all kinds of play. Below: There is a shop with a large variety of toys, treats and accessories for dog care.

Tarah Spyve on the left with some of the dogs she cared for at Shine Canine.

ity course was a joy – weaving through poles, turning on command, ears flying and tails a blur, while Tarah called out cues with the easy rhythm of someone who’s done this ten thousand times before.

CARE YOU CAN TRUST Tarah and her team all hold dog daycare pack management certificates and know how to read dog behaviour. They keep a close eye on the dogs, carefully managing group interactions and making sure each dog is comfortable and well suited to the environment. Beyond day-to-day care, Tarah is a go-to source of advice on training and socialising and getting

Office: 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Phone: (07) 866 2090 Office hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-3:00pm We are online www.theinformer.co.nz Facebook, Instagram @theinformernz

www.theinformer.co.nz

the most out of the bond between dogs and their people.

SHOP, STAY, PLAY AND LEARN The front shop is small but well stocked - hand-picked toys, treats, accessories, quality food, and their own custom-made leads and collars. For overnight guests, there are clean, comfortable kennels, crates, and even deluxe suites complete with beds and couches, roomy enough for families of dogs to stay together. Every Thursday from 10am to 12pm, fully vaccinated puppies under six months are welcome at their free puppy play group. And for anyone wanting to see what

Shine Canine is all about, they offer local dogs a free daycare trial to experience the services and facilities firsthand. Tarah isn’t just running a daycare centre, boarding kennel, training school, or pet shop. She’s running a place where dogs shine – and where the people who love them can trust they’re in the best

Editorial/News: Contact Pauline Stewart, Editor/owner ph 027 271 6182 info@theinformer.co.nz Advertising/advertorial in The Informer: Phone (07) 866 2090, Email sales@theinformer.co.nz Letters to the Editor: 200 words or less please. Name and town of residence required. Email info@theinformer.co.nz Published weekly. Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula to Waihi. Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication is at the discretion of the Editor. Distribution: 10,500. ISSN 3021-4114 (Print), ISSN 3021-4122 (Online), © 2022 Mercury Bay Informer Ltd

possible hands. For quality daycare, boarding and experienced help with dog training, contact Shine Canine.

Shine Canine, Doggy daycare & boarding - open to visitors and locals alike. Shop: 027 360 4870, 142A Moewai Rd Open 8.00-9.00am and 4.30-5.15pm

Newspaper Layout: Diane Andrew & Debbie Morgan Business Manager & Sales: Emma Gaunt Delivery Managers: Dave Piper & Merv Gregory Writers: Trevor Ammundsen, Jack Biddle, Pam Ferla, Geoff Robinson, Verna Carr

The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 11

The Bill after the Handshake: Debt, Water and a Diluted Coromandel Voice. Amalgamation does not make debt disappear. It changes a lot of things. The big changes with amalgamation are the balance sheet, the decision-makers and the people ultimately exposed to the consequences. BY FLEMMING RASMUSSEN

n a 7-4 split vote led by Mayor Revell and Deputy Mayor Grant, four Thames-based Councillors, and Cr Freer (Whangamata), TCDC decided to enter the Government’s Head Start amalgamation process. We did not have to do that. The Government’s own policy calls Head Start voluntary and says councils that do not opt-in will face no mandatory change until after the 2028 local elections. Remaining a territorial authority is lawful, not defiant. It preserves TCDC’s ability to compare stand-alone, Eastern Waikato and Northern Bay of Plenty options. The Waihou-Piako-Hauraki-Coromandel Head Start proposal that Mayor Revell and Deputy Grant champion, asks ratepayers to accept the direction first and price it later. It is the cart in front of the horse. It is all backwards. Its financial section carries warnings that should stop any triumphalism. The preliminary figures exclude water services, do not constitute an opening balance sheet and do not establish a quantified net saving.

1. DEBT One table estimates net debt of $108.9m at June 30, 2027; the independent model elsewhere starts FY(for year ending) 28 at $216m and projects $348m by FY34. Those figures use different assumptions and inclusions - the very reason a binding baseline matters. The same model reports an indicative net present cost of $450 for each ratepayer (rating unit) through FY34, an indicative benefit of about $700 only through FY28-40, and break-even in FY37. It assumes operating efficiencies of 4-6% and integration costs equal to 30% of “amenable” operating expenditure.

A forecast benefit more than a decade away is not proof that a Thames, Whitianga or Whangamatā ratepayer will pay less, receive more, or avoid cross-subsidy. 1.1. TRANSACTION COSTS Meanwhile, the MoU says each council meets its own costs, with shared consultants, legal and financial reviews and consultation potentially divided one-third each. TCDC ratepayers are therefore funding the work needed to discover the bargain’s material terms after TCDC has already surrendered any leverage and accepted exclusivity.

1.2. HAURAKI DC PARTNERSHIP OR BAIL-OUT A partnership with Hauraki brings real infrastructure and financing pressures. Hauraki’s Water Services Delivery Plan records $58m of water-service borrowing at June 30, 2024, and forecasts $122.8m of water-related debt at transfer to Waikato Waters on July 1, 2027. HDC’s status quo modelling forecasts water net debt of $92.7m, $126.3m and $127.1m over 2024/25-2026/27, with shortfalls against a 280% debt-to-revenue limit of $46.6m, $72.9m and $60.7m respectively. HDC says the Paeroa wastewater-treatment upgrade drives the rise. It has publicly acknowledged road-renewal costs are higher than previously accounted for lifting roading depreciation from $5.3m to $9.7m, and that parts of its 117-kilometre footpath network are deteriorating. HDC carries almost half of the three councils’ gross debt (49.6%) while only representing 21.6% of combined residents and 21.8% of rateable units. In debt servicing alone (essentially paying interest), Hauraki spends more than 2.5 times as much as us per rateable unit (HDC 2026/27 finance

cost $5.7m = $457/rateable unit, v TCDC $182/rateable unit). Based on the Government’s just-announced 2-4% rate-capping policy, HDC may indeed be a candidate for one of the few ratecap model exceptions: “Financial Difficulty”, allowing Councils at risk of financial distress to increase rates above the target range. Above is not an allegation of insolvency. It is a due-diligence fact pattern from which TCDC ratepayers need protection. Most HDC drinking water and wastewater debt is intended to be transferred under separate Waikato Waters agreements. Precisely because it is separate, TCDC needs the terms before tying its structural future to two existing shareholders.

“HDC may indeed be a candidate for one of the few rate-cap model exceptions: “Financial Difficulty”, allowing Councils at risk of financial distress to increase rates above the target range.“

2. WATER The filed proposal says Hauraki and Matamata-Piako are Waikato Waters shareholders. TCDC is not a shareholder at establishment. It leaves future ownership, funding and accountability to be confirmed. The executed MoU contains no water clause. It does not settle TCDC asset valuation, transferred debt, share allocation, guarantees, pricing path, service standards, capital prioritisation, stranded assets, stormwater or the approvals of existing shareholders and lenders. Waikato Waters already has seven shareholder councils

Onehunga Weed (Prickle Weed) Control throughout the district

September: 1st-3rd: Pauanui Reserves 4th-5th: Tairua Reserves 8th: Coromandel 9th: Whangapoua 10th: Kuaotunu, Opito 11th-12th: Matarangi 14th-16th: Whangamata 17th: Onemana/Opoutere 21st-23rd: Thames Coast/Thames

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er d h t a We 12 | The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026

ent d n epe

and operates under its constitution, shareholders’ agreement and council transfer agreements. “Equal terms” is not a transaction document.

3. DILUTED COROMANDEL VOICE The democratic risk is equally concrete. This proposal will replace existing territorial and regional arrangements with one mayor, 12-15 councillors and only four to six local boards across 5,232 KM2 and 93,500 people. It does not promise that Coromandel will retain its current five local (community) boards. Ward boundaries, membership, delegations, funding and even Māori representation that we overwhelmingly voted to remove only 10 months ago all remain undecided. That matters because the authority-wide body will decide the matters that shape household exposure over decades: financial strategy, debt capacity, major infrastructure sequencing, regulatory policy and ownership of council-controlled organisations. A local board can be highly visible yet fiscally subordinate. Accessibility is not control. Consultation is not a vote on the balance sheet. More strikingly, the proposal admits its principal risk: local boards may have formal representation without enough authority, funding or organisational support. Any promise that boards may set local targeted rates and make meaningful decisions depends on bespoke legislation not yet written. Under the Government’s policy, that legislation is the mechanism that would create the new unitary authority. Until its powers and funding formula are fixed, “strong local voice” is branding, not a legal right. 4. A FLAWED, BACKWARDS PROCESS Mayor Revell and Deputy Mayor

Grant chose a process was chosen that settles direction now and substance later. In my opinion, that is not commercial courage; it is option-value destruction. TCDC contributes a geographically dispersed rating base twice the size of Hauraki and a third larger than Matamata-Piako, major visitor demand and costly coastal infrastructure. We should negotiate from that strength, not donate it. No further commitment should occur without an audited opening balance sheet, asset-condition and renewal-gap registers, property-level rates modelling, enforceable legacy-debt rules, completed Waikato Waters terms, statutory local-board powers and formula funding, and a unilateral withdrawal gate before legislation becomes irreversible. Until then, staying a territorial authority is not doing nothing. It is refusing to make ratepayers underwrite a merger whose price, protections and local voice remain unfinished. What do you think?

Flemming Rasmussen.

This is my private opinion. It is NOT written in my capacity as an elected Mercury Bay Ward District Councilor. Flemming is a laywer and businessman living in Mercury Bay.

Flemming H Rasmussen LLB, MBA, B.Com.

Practical advice for doing business in the Coromandel. • COMPANY AND COMMERCIAL ADVICE • RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY

• PROPERTY LEASES, PROPERTY AND BUSINESS PURCHASES AND SALES • MEDIATION (ADR)

Phone 021 594 705 FRasmussen@coromandelchambers.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

A New Twist on Traditional Open Home in Tairua

he Harcourts Tairua team isn’t sitting back and waiting for buyers to find their properties. Led by Keli Jones and Philippa Evans, the team is always looking for creative ways to showcase homes and create a memorable experience for buyers and sellers. Last weekend, they put a fresh twist on the traditional open home, inviting three talented local stylists to transform an already elegant Tairua home. The event was the brainchild of Keli Jones, who loves to think out-

side the box and create experiences that showcase what is possible. A valued member of the Harcourts team, Keli brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience, having owned and operated The Shop in Tairua for more than 11 years. Local stylists Anna Brice and Dhyana Muir from ABODE, together with Mariana Kiebe from Espacios, each brought their own creative style to the home. Working with the existing furnishings, they rearranged spaces and introduced texture, colour and carefully chosen pieces to create three dis-

tinct looks. The concept was simple - to show buyers that there are many ways to make a home your own. Dhyana from ABODE says: “We bring soulful elements to your home, creating a welcoming space to suit your individual needs. Whether your goal is to sell or simply elevate your home, we bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of design experience.” For the owners of this magnificent home, Reece and Kerry, selling their home they built, is bittersweet. They have loved creating

ADVERTORIAL

and living in the property and say, “It is a real privilege to enjoy this view every day.” However, they are now ready for their next adventure. The bespoke open home generated plenty of interest and enquiries, much to the delight of the Harcourts Tairua team. For Keli, Philippa and the team, it was another opportunity to try something different and support talented local businesses. One beautiful home, three different styles – and plenty of possibilities for its next owners.

Enquiry now about 7 Mason Rise, Tairua phone Keli Jones 027 694 6446 or Philippa Evans 021 266 9295

www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 13

Ray’s Report #33

Opinion

The 2026 General Election BY RAY VAN BEYNEN

y father, a quiet, self-contained man, would have been 100 this year. He had a habit of giving advice with a pithy saying: “Don’t get married until you are 30” and “always take a good look at your prospective mother-in-law, because that’s what your fiancée will turn into”. “Never discuss politics, sex or religion,” was another one. He wasn’t always right and I haven’t always followed his advice as the following will show. So I come to the general election which is dominating the mainstream media (MSM) with an avalanche of bias, trivialities and downright BS. Take the social media ban as one example. If you bother to read what is actually proposed, it is nothing of the sort. The leaders have attracted way too much attention. This is not a presidential race. Our current crop is a mixed bag, and none of them inspire a great deal of confidence. There certainly isn’t a Helen Clark or a John Key among them. Sadly, a large number of voters choose the least offensive option.

THE GREENS The Greens need to sort out their vetting procedures. From this

parliamentary term, they broke records by farewelling a thief, an exploiter of immigrants, one with a dodgy social media profile and with Effeso Collin's untimely death and the axing of James Shaw, lost two good men who could have broadened their appeal. The Swarbrick-Davidson duo consists of a zealot and a cynic. Their “watermelon” tag is deserved, and I wish the truly green MPs in the Greens were permitted to express the core values of Donald and Fitzsimmons. At least they haven’t all adopted the practice of wearing colonial headgear in the House except Doyle who insulted every one of us who wore a beret in the service of New Zealand. If National ran a high-profile candidate in the mould of Nikki Kaye, Swarbrick would get a run for her money. TE PĀTI MĀORI Where to start? The Māori people I know regularly ask, “Is this the best we can do?” If we apply the test of racism to their leaders, they come uncomfortably close. Their policies are highly divisive and are lost on the general electorate. If their level of organisation and unity in the party room is anything to go by, what hope does a coalition agreement have?

Their manipulation of MMP is cynical and will ultimately backfire - though they are not the first. And then there is my old school mate, John Tamihere, pulling the strings.

LABOUR The general voting population is still reeling from its handling of the Covid emergency, and the backlash against Ardern remains strong. They don’t appear to have any real, pragmatic policies beyond some window dressing and “anything but National”. Don’t be fooled by Hipkins’s cherubic appearance. I have it on good authority that he led the push to remove Ardern in a desperate attempt to stave off defeat at the last election. Sound familiar? NEW ZEALAND FIRST Most people have a grudging respect for Winston - certainly he is the most experienced and one of the cleverest politicians we have – who is a great Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Its MPs roster has little depth. Shane Jones is one of the best orators in the House, and his sense of humour and command of the vernacular are admirable. But his strong support for populist causes and sections of the

commercial sector could cost the party votes.

ACT In Seymour, you have the cleverest and most capable politician in the bunch. There is depth in his well-disciplined party, and Brooke van der Velden will be sorely missed. McKee is a top performer. A serious debate about race relations is overdue, and race-based policies and law are not the Kiwi way. Their libertarian policies will always consign them to a small but consistent tally of votes, but they are a dependable coalition partner for National.

NATIONAL Luxon has several hard-working, capable ministers, but he has been underwhelming - a manager, not a leader. His inability to commit, and his penchant for turning everything vanilla, is uninspiring. The constant MSM campaign against him must be like water torture, and a lesser person would have run screaming from the room. A lack of internal discipline and clear policy priorities will cost them. What I have liked is their focus on public sector bosses, who have long led most politicians by the nose and, as in local government,

are the real villains. The reform of the RMA and the attempt to strip petty bureaucracy from process are to be admired. Working with Winston is no easy task. Elections are nearly always won or lost on the economy, but we need to face the fact we are at the mercy of international factors such as American tariffs and the price of oil.

THE OPPORTUNITIES PARTY TOP is attracting the protest vote, but their economic policies don’t stack up and would lead to financial ruin. Who would suffer the most? Beneficiaries and pensioners. I encourage you to take a hard look at the characters behind the scenes - they are well to the left of Labour and a natural coalition partner for Hipkins, should they get over the 5% threshold. Labour won’t do a deal with TOP in Mt Albert, and I believe that once voters realise the impact of their financial policies, their support will melt away. If only we had a party that showed real leadership, did some straight talking, was inclusive rather than divisive, and did what’s best for the country as a whole. Choose carefully - and don’t forget, no matter who you vote for, you still end up with a politician.

Travel with Sarah Jane Raglan unplugged: the coastal drives where slowing down is the point

aglan already has a reputation for making people loosen their grip on the clock. The west-coast town is known for black sand, surf breaks, cafés, art, harbour views and that particular beach-town mood where no one appears to be in quite as much of a hurry as they were when they left home. But the real Raglan reset often begins once visitors leave town. Within minutes, the roads narrow, the beaches empty out, the mobile signal weakens, cliffs rise above the coast and the Tasman Sea begins doing most of the talking. These are not productivity drives. They are slower coastal escapes where tides matter, weather matters, silence matters and stopping unexpectedly can become the best part of the day. For travellers used to packed itineraries, Raglan offers a useful swap: trade rushed beach stops for slow coastal wandering, overplanned day trips for flexible west-coast drives, perfect-weather expectations for wild coastal atmosphere, and busy schedules for sunset pacing.

Raglan works best once the day loosens up. Ngarunui Beach is the easiest place to begin. Just five minutes from town, it delivers black sand, wind and an enormous horizon. It feels dramatically different from calmer east-coast beaches. This is west-coast mood: rougher, wider, louder and more weather-shaped. Many visitors think of Ngarunui only as a surf beach, but it also rewards walkers, photographers and families who simply want space. At low tide, the scale of the beach changes completely, turning a quick stop into a long wander. Manu Bay, about 10 minutes from town, brings a different kind

14 | The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026

of energy. Even for those who never intend to surf, it still feels iconic. The appeal comes from the movement of the ocean, the black volcanic rock, the endless swell lines and the slower coastal pacing. It is a place to sit rather than rush. Watch the surfers, let the waves do the entertainment and resist the urge to treat it as a three-minute lookout stop. Further along the coast, Ruapuke feels more remote. The drive takes about 25 minutes, but the atmosphere shifts long before arrival. The road becomes quieter, the beaches emptier and the landscape starts to feel slightly wild. This is where Raglan begins to feel less like a town break and

more like a proper west-coast escape. Beach walks, driftwood photography, sunset stops and roadside pullovers are all part of the appeal. The weather shifts constantly along this coastline, and that is not a drawback. It is part of the experience. Not every Raglan escape points to the sea. Bridal Veil Falls, about 20 minutes inland, offers a completely different mood: native bush, cooler air, birdsong, mist and forest silence. The walk is short, which makes it easy to underestimate, but the best approach is not to rush it. Stay longer in the forest atmosphere. Listen. Look. Let the air change. Sometimes the best coastal day includes stepping away from the coast altogether. Then there is Mount Karioi, the volcanic presence that dominates the Raglan coastline. It changes constantly with fog, rain, sunset light and heavy cloud. On some days it is clear and commanding; on others it is half-hidden and more atmospheric because of it. The mountain is a reminder that Raglan’s beauty is not only about beaches. It is about the way land,

weather and sea keep shifting around each other. That shifting weather is part of the west-coast bargain. Raglan’s conditions can change quickly, with wind, cloud and rain adding to the mood. The smartest travel swap is to stop chasing perfect beach weather. Some of the best Raglan moments happen under dramatic cloud, during changing tides, after storms move through or just before sunset breaks open. A simple packing list helps: a wind layer, warm jumper, walking shoes, towel and thermos coffee. But the most important thing to bring is space in the day. Leave room for spontaneous stops. That is the entire point of Raglan. The town itself does not really ask visitors to do much, which may be why people love it. A black-sand beach, changing weather, a long café stop, waves rolling in and a road with no fixed destination can be enough. Raglan unplugged is not about ticking off attractions. It is about letting the coastline set the pace. And on the west coast, the coastline has never shown much interest in anyone’s schedule.

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Digital Decoder

By Agent EJ

Bluesky lets you choose not to go viral Bluesky has quietly added one of the more sensible social media features in years: a toggle that lets you opt out of ever going viral. The new setting stops your posts from appearing in the app's algorithmic Discover feed, the one that can surface any public post to total strangers. Your account stays public, anyone can still find your profile if they go looking, but you're no longer fed into the machine that pushes content to people who've never heard of you. It's a seemingly small setting solving a wildly familiar problem. Post something offhand, a joke, a vent, a halfformed thought, and watch it get plucked out of context and shown to a million people who missed the point entirely. Bluesky's own team put it simply: not everyone wants to go viral, sometimes you're just posting for your mates. For artists, activists, and anyone from a marginalised community who's copped a pile-on for saying something ordinary in the wrong feed, that's a genuine safety feature, not just a nice-to-have.

Here in New Zealand, platforms like TikTok, X, Facebook and Instagram, reign supreme as the social media sites that most people are active on. Bluesky remains relatively obscure here, it is mainly populated by users who have jumped ship from X after Elon Musk took over Twitter. It runs on an open protocol called AT Protocol, and this preference is stored at the account level rather than buried in one app's settings. That means it travels with you across any other app built on the same protocol, though those apps still have to choose to respect it. It's a rare bit of user control that isn't locked to one platform's walled garden, which is more

than X or Meta currently offer, both of which lean hard into algorithmic reach, with comparatively little say for the user. For Kiwis who've watched a local news comment, a workplace grumble, or a family photo get dragged into an unwanted national conversation, this is the kind of guardrail worth asking other platforms for. It won't stop targeted harassment, and it doesn't make your posts private if your account isn’t. But it does chip away at the assumption baked into most social media, that maximum reach is always the goal. Sometimes it isn't. Sometimes you just want your fifty followers to see the cat.

Friday Fun at The Willy

Every Friday Afternoon in Whangamata, golfers gather at The Williamson Course in town for Twylight. Run by local legends Richard, Gay and Will it’s popular. In fact, getting a tee time mid-summer can be tough. It’s a stableford comp with two divisions and several meat packs from New World are the tempting prizes. Williamson is the par three course in town with one par four to start. It’s a perfect course for beginners and time poor and in the summer it’s full of families keen for a change from the beach.

Twylight is one of the few times in Whangamata that men and women come together to play. The two divisions mean anyone can win and the good-natured ribbing carries through to the bar and prize giving. It starts at two and is all over by five with proud winners clutching their meat pack. It’s winter and the field is not packed solid, so if raffles, relaxed golf and the chance to win a very nice meat pack appeals check out the Whangamata Golf Website. Friday Fun at Willy a great way to warm up your weekend.

Early winter mornings at The Lost Spring www.thelostspring.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 15

Musings from the Village How a cash worker suffer ‘tax attacks’ Opinion

BY GORDON T

had the stereo playing the other day when the gardener made his way to my beer fridge, the song at that time being ‘Taxman’ from the Beatles. The Gardener’s foot was tapping as he handed me a beer and sat himself down, saying as he did so, “Good thing we don’t live in those times, we have nothing to fear from the tax man”. I had to raise an eyebrow at this, so he carried on. “Well, you pay me cash and I presume don’t declare what you pay me?” I had to smile at his simplicity and remarked, “Actually I claim you as a donation, seems to be a more accurate description than labour.” He grimaced at the cutting remark and replied, “Well, at least that is about the only tax issue I have and it’s quite minor. Hopefully the election won’t change much.” I paused before replying, had a sip of beer and then stated, “If you vote for the current government, you won’t get much change of tax but if the left get in, we will all be in for some shocks. Labour have stated they want to increase government spending by billions and will have to tax us or borrow

Generated by human with AI help..

heaps to pay for this.” The gardener shook his head and replied. “But Hipkins said he would only bring in the capital gains tax to pay for our doctors’ visits. He carried on “Mind you, it is almost impossible to book three doctor visits a year in Whitianga; they are always booked out.” I had to smile at this comment, recognising its accuracy, and then explained; “The other prospective left coalition parties are all

demanding change and saying this will be a bottom line for them, so I would bet that Hipkins will find a reason to change his mind.” The gardener finished his beer, “I don’t really understand how this would effect a mere gardener of advancing years”. “Well, there are some curly taxes on the left’s policy list” I said. “For example, Te Pati Māori want a vacant house tax. Not much detail is provided but imag-

ine being taxed for leaving your house vacant while you take your annual holiday in Bali. Would really be upsetting to get a tax bill when you come back through customs, wouldn’t it?” The gardener grimaced then replied, “However, we will get eight weeks of free Kai on their suggested Kai Tax Credit scheme”. I had to laugh. “I want our eight weeks to be filled with crayfish, caviar and champagne, after all a credit when you are stuck with mince, pork sausages and kumara isn’t much chop ( but no lamb chops in the free kai) We both concentrated on another beer before I broke the silence saying. “They all seem to favour versions of wealth or asset taxes just based on asset value. Pretty hard to pay when you don’t have much declared income. You may end up being accused of money laundering.” My companion looked pained and gasped, “You aren’t suggesting I will need to declare my income, are you?” I hardly nodded but solemnly, before carrying on. “Of course, they all seem to want versions of transaction taxes on sales of assets and land; such as the capital gains tax and stamp duty

which will make things pretty difficult for landlords buying and selling rental properties, especially as they will bring back the landlords’ tax.” The gardener was looking really pained now and he was obviously thinking about his rental property nest egg he was relying on. He did not look happy. “Is there no good news from the left?” he asked in a muted tone. “Well, there is a Land Banking tax proposed but I dare say it won’t apply to Māori due to some clause in the Treaty so you need to check your genealogy, you might not have to pay that on the spare section you own if you have a glimmer if you can claim your Māori descent”. That made the Gardener smile a bit and he remarked “I know I can come up with a small percentage. And of course, aren’t a few of them saying they will lower taxes on those with lower incomes.” I leaned forward and broke the news. “That is true, but taxes are worse for those on higher incomes, so I have decided I need to cut costs. I have decided to buy a robot lawn mower. It will save a small fortune on beer.”

Can’t ignore Father’s Day Auckland Youth Choir comes to Thames

BY VERNA CARR

ather's Day falls on the first Sunday of September in New Zealand. So it is this coming Sunday. Sunday and it's worth taking a moment to talk about the strange, wonderful, contradictory creatures we call dads. He's often the first man you ever meet, and he often becomes the, "How does this actually work" person in your life - from teaching you to ride your first bike to helping you buy your first car. Good fathers are underrated infrastructure – the invisible beams holding the house up. Research consistently shows that kids with an engaged father figure tend to have better emotional regulation, higher academic achievement, fewer behavioural problems, and stronger social skills. Dads parent differently from mums – they encourage risk-taking, tolerance, and problem-solving. They play rougher, and they let you climb the tree so you can learn from your own mistakes. They're also the ones who let their little girls paint his nails, put beads in his beard, and cheerfully wear a handmade pink bracelet to work. He'll happily be the "man fairy" at his daughter's fifth birthday party. For the boys, he helps solve problems, fixes things, and shows up dressed as Batman at parent-teacher evenings. A good dad lets his kids win every third board game – teaching them both the joy of winning and the humility of losing. The Kiwi dad can fix a fence, back a trailer, mend a broken heart, and cook a proper roast for Sunday lunch – often all in the same week-

end. He's on the sideline every Saturday, cheering, coaching, and dressed head to toe in team colours. And yes, we all know he's secretly a genius who can answer every question on quiz night. He wields the barbecue tongs with perfection, hogs the TV remote without apology, refuses to read the instructions when assembling furniture, disappears into his man cave when he doesn't want to engage, and tells those awful puns and dad jokes that make you groan and roll your eyes. You'll also remember the summer road trips – getting hopelessly lost because he wouldn't stop to ask for directions, while insisting with total authority that he knew a shorter, more scenic route, despite never having driven it before. You developed excellent bladder control on those trips, because he never stopped for a wee break, and he was remarkably understanding when you threw up the Fanta you'd had for lunch as you were coming over the Kopu-Hikuai road. Don't bother buying him new clothes this Father's Day – the three shirts and two pairs of pants he owns are over ten years old, but there's still "plenty of wear left in

16 | The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026

them." Socks and jocks? Same story – five pairs of each, years old, still going strong. Tools? He's already got three of everything. But electronic gadgets? Now you're talking. The newest, latest, whizz-bang gadget on the shelf will always make him happy. Underneath the bad jokes and questionable navigation, he has been a steady influence throughout your life – comedian, authority, and advisor. Dad's love language is shown through actions, never words. He helped you build confidence and resilience. He was tougher than Mum and wouldn't let you get away with toddler or teenage tantrums, telling you to pull your socks up when you were being less than you could be. He taught you respect for yourself and others. He built the tree hut. Fixed your bike. Gave you budgeting advice. Taught you how to tie your shoelaces and how to drive. And he walked you up the aisle on your wedding day. He was there when you needed him to be. Happy Father's Day to all the dads and granddads out there – who are trying to be good dads – it’s really appreciated.

The Thames Music Group welcomes back the Auckland Youth Choir, directed by David Squire and accompanied by pianist Claire Caldwell. The choir was last in Thames in 2024, and had recently won a gold medal at the World Choir Games, this time, they have not long returned from their first international tour in 7 years, having taken a group of 47 singers to Australia to attend the Festival of Voices. Auckland Youth Choir is a 130-strong mixed voice group of singers aged 16–27 from across the city. The choir was set up in 1984 to bridge the gap between school and adult choirs and has had significant success since with innovative performances, large membership

growth and collaborations with some of New Zealand’s preeminent musicians and arts organisations. AYC celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2024. Auckland Youth Choir concerts have been a highlight of the Thames Music Group Sunday concert series, and this concert is bound to be a treat for your ears! DETAILS: Thames Music Group’s Sunday Concert series presents The Auckland Youth Orchestra, Sunday 13 September 2026 at 2.00 pm, St George’s Church, Mackay Street, Thames. Tickets: $20/Adult, $15/ TMG Member, Free entry/ Under 18 yrs old. Contact: thamesmusicgroup@yahoo.co.nz=

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Hon Scott Simpson Scott on open classrooms & online safety MP For Coromandel

he Government has announced that we’re taking another step toward ending the failed experiment that was open-plan classrooms, with an additional $31.3 million being invested in around 170 schools nationwide, including Mercury Bay Area School. That investment will be used to install internal walls to create clear, defined classroom spaces, as well as funding design work for more complex renovations. The result will be calmer, less disruptive learning spaces across New Zealand. This will provide a better environment for students to focus, take part and succeed in their education, while also giving teachers a more comfortable space to inspire the next generation of Kiwis. The education sector has been calling for this change, with nearly 200 schools across New Zealand submitting expressions of interest since the fund was first announced. Open-plan class-

rooms were noisy and hard to manage, and putting walls back up is a practical investment that backs our schools to do what they do best. This funding builds on the $10 million already committed last year, which has already seen eight schools finish their classrooms, with more on the way. New schools are no longer built

open-plan, so this is about fixing the older ones. In other news, the Government is taking action to protect children online, back parents, and hold technology companies accountable for the risks their platforms pose to young people. We’ve introduced the Online Safety (Minimum Age and Child Safety Risk Assessment) Bill

which will establish New Zealand’s first dedicated legislative framework for children’s online safety. This comes on the back of parents asking the Government to do more to protect children online. We’ve heard them, and we’re acting by raising the minimum age for high-risk social media platforms to 16 and requiring platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent under 16s from holding accounts. A 2025 survey found 90% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 used social media, with one in three respondents saying they spend at least five hours a day on these apps. Nearly 40% said they wished social media had never been invented. The first reading of the Bill will take place during the next parliamentary term. RAMARAMA STREAM BRIDGE REPLACEMENT Construction will begin next month on a new two-lane bridge

on State Highway 25 north of Whiritoa, The new bridge will replace the existing single-lane Ramarama Stream Bridge, which is nearly a century old and carries more than 2,500 vehicles each day, including around 13 percent heavy vehicles. Brian Perry Civil will deliver the approximately $10 million Ramarama Stream Bridge project. The new bridge will be built immediately east of the existing bridge, allowing traffic to continue using the current crossing during construction and minimising disruption. At least one lane of the new bridge is expected to open to traffic by August 2027, “The Government is also funding improvements across the wider Coromandel, including the replacement of the Pepe Stream Bridge in Tairua, completed work on the Boundary Creek Bridge north of Thames, and the replacement of the Onetai Stream Bridge north of Paeroa.”

their nighttime transit of Great Mercury Island. Training continues with four new radio operators undertaking both theory and hands on training including MAYDAY/ PANPAN calls. Nearly all the Radio operators have completed their first aid training. At our last full training evening we had the patient from a medical assist from earlier in the year debriefing the incident. It was an excellent opportunity for our volunteers (both wet crew and radio operators) to hear the customers’ view and how our actions assist people. I would like to expand on two points briefly mentioned above. Trip reports. A trip report can be done with anyone however with a Coastguard hat on it is best if competed with Coast-

guard. We look for details such as vessel, number of people, where you are going and the estimated time of return. It is the beginning of any Search and Rescue operation. If we do not know you are out there we may not know if any assistance is required. EPIRBS/ PLB’s. Emergency beacons are an excellent tool and certainly a life saver. However, it is best if they are registered as that way Rescue Co-ordination Centre will know who the beacon belongs to and have the extra contact details which will allow for the best type of response. Our boat build is progressing with the hull coming off the jig next week. I will include a photo of the build in the next report. Safe Boating.

Cliff face Whitianga Coastguard inspections in the Gorge BY STUART BROWN, COASTGUARD WHITIANGA PRESIDENT

A team of skilled abseilers check for loose and unstable rock in Karangahake Gorge.

BY KAITY ALEXANDER Specialist rope-access crews made good progress while the settled weather held last week. This photo was taken on day 3 of inspecting the steep cliff faces above the state highway and removing loose or unstable rock where needed. This rock scaling work helps reduce the risk of rockfall and keeps this important route between Waikato, Bay of Plenty

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and the Coromandel safer, more reliable and more resilient. SH2 Karangahake Gorge was closed from 9am to 4pm each day until Friday 28 August. This round of road closures was for inspection and any immediate, smaller rock removal. The crews will be back for a second lot of work from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October, where they will remove larger unstable rock and complete any further work identified during the inspections.

No urgent callouts and five general callouts all requiring a tow back to Whitianga. One callout was to a vessel outside the 12nm limit which requires a Maritime NZ exemption, which was given and a senior crew was sent. Conditions were good and they returned to base some seven and a half hours later. In this instance our Incident Management Team were stood up and were in contact with Police, Maritime NZ and Coastguard National Operations Center (CNOC) during the operation. Thank you to the crew who went on the callout. Other actions whilst not assists covered one skipper assessment – Congratulations to Graeme Thomas who now has become a Coastguard Skipper, a flare sighting, finding an EPIRB adrift that was unregistered, a lone kayaker was located draped over his kayak in the early morning and brought back to shore for handover to St. Johns and then taken to hospital. Our cadets are nearing the end of their cadetship program. They will now be prepping for

Mike’s Minutes

JUST KEY IN THE TITLE TO FIND THE VIDEO IN YOUTUBE (best on a flat screen tv)

1) YANGWANG U9X- FASTEST CAR ON EARTH, 496.22 KM/H The engineers from BYD take the Yangwang U9X, (in Chinese,

‘Worth Watching Online’

“aspiring to higher things”) BYD’s luxury high performance car to a secret testing facility in Germany. 2) Lost Photos Reveal the Hidden Horrors of Guadalcanal US Marines launch their first Pacific War attack, enduring a six month battle against the elu-

sive Japanese. 3) You Won’t Believe This is a Subway: Inside Shenzhen Metro, China Shenzhen Metro is one of the most advanced urban transit systems in the world. Enjoy watching, Mike

The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 17

WIN! Games & Puzzles Issue 1225

Crossword Puzzle © Lovatts Puzzles 5400

Name:................................................................................................................... Phone no:..........................................................................................................

Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Peter Hull For last week’s solutions see page 25

Issue 1225 – Grid 1192

Sudoku Puzzle

Proudly sponsored by Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver, mail, scan/photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@ theinformer.co.nz to reach us by 12:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World checkout manager directly.

ACROSS 1. Yellow egg parts (5) 7. Dual-carriage express road (8) 8. Drifter (5) 10. Most mischievous (10) 12. Proceeded (from) (8) 14. Pour with rain (4) 16. Expensive (4) 17. Compliant (8) 20. Load to excess (10) 23. Was brave enough (5) 24. Villain (8) 25. Overexcited, ... up (5)

DOWN 1. Union Army combatant (6) 2. Racist group, Ku Klux ... (4) 3. Chinese city, Hong ... (4) 4. Boxing matches (5) 5. Bribe (9) 6. The Solar ... (6) 9. Tibet’s ... Lama (5) 11. Ambulance officer (9) 13. Recede (3) 15. Moved slowly (5) 16. Aussie stockman (6) 18. Did business (6) 19. Home (5) 21. Lamented (4) 22. Sea-going defence force (4)

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Win a fish and chips for one from Snapper Jacks in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail, scan/photograph or email your entry to The Coromandel Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga, or info@theinformer. co.nz to reach us by 12.00 noon on Monday each week. The winner must claim their prize from Snapper Jacks directly with ID with their published name.

Name:......................................................................................................................... Phone no:................................................................................................................

Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Jocelyn Worsfold 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.

MERCURY BAY PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC 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) Kuaotunu & Hahei Clinics 0800 868 9579

Scott Simpson MP for Coromandel Contact me anytime

0800 550 330 • scottsimpson.co.nz mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz scottsimpsonmp

Authorised by Scott Simpson, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

18 | The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026

Satellite Dish Sales,

Installations, Realignments, Starlink Installer Decoder Sales, Set-ups & Re-scans for new channels

Call or text Woody (Steve) The change0275 437 980 is coming whiti.css@gmail.com www.theinformer.co.nz

Inspiration Alley

By Ananda Laberge

The Mind as a Healing Agent

ow would you define your mind? Is it what makes something true for you? What we see with our eyes creates our “reality”. But what is reality? Deep questions because I see so much suffering in the world. If we could just change our thoughts about things around us, think about them as learnings, as teachings and a clear way to understand love it can transform us all. Physical sickness can come from a sick mind. If the mind believes the body is sick, it creates its own reality. Therefore, the reverse can be true. Think of love and beauty all around you and the body can get better and symptoms disappear, and we take the support we need, that we believe in alongside, like helpful physicians. Mental illness is rampant and many who suffer from this are also suffering from physical symptoms. But once the illness in the mind is cured, so does the body often follow. This may sound outlandish to you but look around, there are countless stories of people who have experienced body healing by healing the mind. If we believe in hate, in differences, in judgment… that is something inside us. That then becomes a bitter enemy

inside us that is fighting against healing of any kind. The mind is fertile ground for change and lightness. If we don’t like how we feel, then try changing your perceptions about the world around you. See it as you want to see it, not what you think it is. If we could just look at experiences that occur to us as learning opportunities to detach from negative results, our minds would open to love and healing. If you change for the positive, those around you do as well. I’ve experienced this many times in my own life. When friends come to me in pain at the situation they are in, I ask them first to look inside. If inside sees an outcome they do not like, then change it! If you are going into a situation that in the past you have seen as having been “bad” in any way, are you letting that experience repeat itself by having the expectation that it will result in the same way? Then that it is you letting the past dictate your future. Don’t give it that power! What if instead, you took a moment before meeting someone you are anxious about meeting again and in your mind’s eye you saw the outcome you wanted? At best, you will feel better about

approaching the situation and at worst they act the same way. But you walk away feeling better because your thoughts are healing and often their actions affect you less. All change must start within and then those around you receive the benefits as well. But trying to start from the outside – pointing the finger to people outside as the cause of your suffering – continues the outcome you have come from. Why not try something new? See what happens?

The peace we search for is within each of us, but we must be willing to clear out all the memories that keep us in a never-ending story. Think of the Bill Murray movie, Groundhog Day. The premise is he is trapped in 24 hours of his life that keeps repeating itself. At first, he tries to get pleasure any way he can to get through his monotony. He even tries to kill himself, but no, he wakes up again to the same day. By the end of the movie, he real-

izes that when he comes from a place of helping others and being compassionate, he starts feeling better and eventually, he “wakes up” out of his delusion and a truly new day begins. We do the same thing when we unconsciously are repeating our thoughts of the past and expecting a different outcome. Change starts in our thoughts first! We’ve had it all wrong all along. Inside out not outside in. I want to have beauty around me, and I have to believe in the beauty inside myself first, or I will see with a sickened soul a world I do not like. People talk about manifesting their realities, but it is often tied to “things”. That means they are putting value on outside things to make them happy. Then when they do manifest those things, they wonder why they are still not happy. Look around, stories of billionaires who have experienced this abound. Some of them drown themselves in worldly pleasures and are still not joyous. Start with you from the inside and watch the world around you become beautiful. Want to reach out? You can find me at: ananda.laberge@ gmail.com

A Lifestyle Village in Thames on the Coromandel

2 & 3 Bedroom Villas and North Facing Apartments Available Now! All villas and apartments are within walking distance to Thames’ shops, cafes, and walkways. The perfect location to enjoy your fun-ﬁlled retirement.

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Phone us to view by appointment! Come and experience the diﬀerence!

82 Richmond St, Thames Phone 0800 868 5484 richmondvillas.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

Our open plan, single level apartments feature covered balconies with fantastic views of the sea, Kauaeranga River and mountains. Each unit’s elegantly ﬁnished kitchen, lounge, bedroom and bathroom oﬀer stylish warmth and light. All residents enjoy scenic views from each level’s shared lounges, use of the Village Community Lodge and participation in all activities and amenities at your leisure The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 19

What’s On From a small town to packed

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.

theatres across Australia

Whitianga – Wed 5-6pm, Room 10, Whitianga Room. Start date 10th August. Phone Kate 027 Social Services, 2 Cook Dr. Support to lose weight 2709058 for more information. Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop wisely. Check out our Facebook page or phone Mercury Bay Environmental Trust – Every – Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every MonCecily on 027 294 1750 for more information. Tues and Fri from 9-11am, location advised Sat 10am-2pm. prior. For more information, phone 022 104 Yoga for Everyone - Whitianga - beginners, Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre Re1701 please email mbenvironmentaltrust@ retirees, inflexibles welcome. Mon 2.30pm, Tues Use Store 239 South Highway, Whitianga Open gmail.com or go to www.mbet.co.nz. 5.15pm, Thurs 4.20pm, Fri 8.45am, Sat 8.15am. Tues-Sat 9:30am-3:30pm Gentle Simple. $25 for a 90 minute session. Text Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club. Every WEEKLY OR MORE FROM WITH– 29 Albert St, Kolbie’s St John INTERVIEW Opportunity Shop 489326success for info. is inspiring Thursday evening, Whitianga Town Hall 6.45pm. Rosemary 0274 Whitianga. OpenHER Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4pm Alcoholics Anonymous – The Whitianga Big KOLBIE AND DAD, BLAIR and Sat others back home. Eight-year-old New members, beginners and visitors very DANCING 9.30am-2pm. Book Group meets every Thursday at 6.30pm at Macaw from Tairua also welcome. Phone/txt Cheryl 027 452 7887 or ArgentineHarlow Tango Dance Class – Fridays, St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. St Andrew’s Church Op-shop – Owen St, Sandie 021 825 666 for more information. olbie Fraser is seventeen joined the Adelaide and Sydney Town Hall, Whitianga, 5.30-7.30pm. No prior Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for Whitianga. NEW HOURS - 9.30am-1pm Tue-Sat. Mercury Bay Pickleball Club – At the Mercury experiencelegs or partner necessary. Text Sergiotour, for and until the beginning of BIG Live’s Nutcracker more information. Social Services Op-shop – 15 Coghill St, Bay Area School Gymnasium, Tuesdays Members questions a 027remarkable 410 2454. of 2025 she was in Cooks achievement for Al-Anon Serenity Group – For those affected Whitianga. Open Mon-Sat 9.30am-2pm. Only League Nights 5.30-7.30pm, Saturdays Belly Dancing – Contact Catherine Corcoran, in by someone else’s drinking. Every Wednesday Beach preparing someone so young. Performing Donations welcome. to go to WelSocial & New Members 9.30-11.30am, Sundays 021 210 2438 or smile@catherinecorcoran.com. at 1.30pm. Phone Pauline on 021 086 10955 for lington for her– post-MBAS the Party inatfront SPCA Op-shop 2 Blacksmithcollege Lane, Whitianga. All Players 4-6pm. Members, Guests & Visitors Weekend classes twicescene’ a month 4pm.of thoumore info. Open Mon-Sun $5, a complimentary session is available to studies at the 9am-5pm. New Zealand School sands each day,Club Harlow Mercury Bay Line Dancing – Heldthrived in Badminton – Whitianga Badminton Club – local new players wanting to try pickleball – all of Dance. on Town stageHall. and says beginners she loved the Whitianga Tuesdays Thurs 5-7pm, MBAS school gym. Four courts. equipment provided, please wear non marking MONTHLY 11.30am-12.30pm, Seniorsof 12.45-2.30pm; She is quietly proving that talevery minute it. She has since Now open to new members wanting to play court shoes. Membership is $20 annually Thursdaysreturned Seniors 10.15-11.15am, AA Driver Licensing – NEW LOCATION. Friday ent backed by grit goes far. Late home full ofAbsolute inspiration competitive Badminton. Coaching provided for and online application is provided at www. Beginners 11.30am-12.30pm, Improvers 12.4511 and Monday 28 at September, those wanting to improve their skills. Phone last year almost the end Whitianga of her and will continue training under mercurybaypickleball.co.nz . Outdoor sessions 1.45pm. Night class held at Whitianga Town Hall Community Service Trust Centre, 2 Cook Drive, Steve for more details 027 211 3568. are held at Mercury Bay Sport Park which are first year at the dance school, KolSarah Fitzsimons at Thames for Absolute Beginners 5.25-6.25pm. Contact Whitianga. weather dependant and advised on our facebook Boys Brigade – An adventure, activity, and bie earnedMuscle the invitation toCustom a five- Club Hauraki Dance Theatre where Margaret 027 463 8850, Glynis 021 1099 155,all American Street and page Mercury Bay Pickleball. values based ministry for boys. For boys aged Kathleen 022 154 1702. week paid– professional contract the girls have come from, united Whitianga Club meetings first Sunday of the Matarangi Pickleball Club (Matai Pl Courts) 5-13 years old. Tues 5.30-7pm For information Silver Swans Adultlove Ballet – Tuesday’s month,Rising 11am at Buffalo Beach Reserve with Ballet Company BIG for cars by their ofClass dance. Thurs 3-5pm (Winter) 5-7pm (Summer) contact Robyn 020 409 39674. weekly 10amThe to 11.10am $20, Whitianga Town and coffee. Phone Reg and Julie Smith on 027 Live, performing Nutcracker proCoromandel Peninsula’s Saturday 9-11am Contact Grant 0223836351. Chess Club – Mondays 6.30-9.30pm, MB Hall supper room. All ages welcome.Marilyn 493 5822. Mercury Bay Squash Club – Lyon Park, Albert ductions across Australia. presenceprofessional in nationalteacher danceofcontinBowling Club. Players of all levels. Cost Swan, experienced Cooks Beach Garden Circle –Last Thurs of Street - New members/enquires please email $2. Contact Brett Soanes 0272117195 or Under Joel Burke ues to grow,E;with Kolbie training in Dance.M: 0273365263 swanebbs@gmail.com the monthdirectors 11.15am-2.30pm. New and members mercbaysquash@gmail.com brettsoanes16@hotmail.com Khalid Tarabay, of 0247 one of thefor more and Liarah Whitiangaballet Line Dancing ClubAnderson Classes – – 2nd welcome. Ph Annepart on 021 7460 Mercury Bay Table Tennis – Every Tues, Coroglen Farmers Market every Sunday until Town Hall, Monk St. Absolute Beginners highest-selling ballet companies year, Izzy Fitzsimons andWed Neka information. 9-11.30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Easter at Coroglen Gumtown Hall (SH25), from 2.00-3.00pm ($5);- now Beginner/Improver classes Craftthe Group – Meets first Saturday of the month in Southern Hemisphere, Woolf accepted into the New Street. All welcome. Ph Anne on 07 869 5162 or 9am-1pm. Monday 10.30-11.45am, Intermediate classes 10am-3pm at Whitianga Social Services, 2 027 565 5575 for more info. she completed 45 performances, Zealand School of Dance, first year Wed, 12-1.30pm. $7 per session. Contact Kathy Coffee and Discussion Group – Every Sunday, Cook Dr, carpark end. Work on your own craft Mercury Bay Tennis Club – Social tennis at dancing five ballet roles, some contemporary programs. 027 4321 353 or Cecily 027 294 1750 2-4pm, at The Lost Spring. Topics are open and (stitching, colouring in, scrapbook, card making Lyon Park on Thursdays at 5.30pm. All welcome. lasting minutes, per-enjoy Proudly atcarrying her forCororespect shown. No charge. Convener Peter H. Zumba – Wednesdays 5.30pm at gym anythingnearly goes). seven Bring your lunch and Ph Jason 022 186 7992 or Carl 027 680 5570. Wood. forming to around 80,000 people. roots into every lesson, Zumba andmandel Step Zumba on Mondays at 4.m at mixing with other crafty people. Any queries ph Oneness Meditation Centre – The centre the Whitianga Town Hall in Monk Cooks Beach Care Group – Meet new friends, Alison 021 0508 772 orwith Sally 027 3962 383. She was also trusted partner Kolbie’s journey isSt.proof that focuses on the meditative art of going deeper learn about coastal conservation and make a Kūaotunu Dune Care Every third Wed work, which was an– honour and big dreams are being built right within. Learn how to meditate, breath, calm difference. Hands-on weeding and planting, of the month. To get involved, please email GROUP INFO the mind, relieve stress, anxiety and be a calm, embraced wholeheartedly. here at home. Kolbie has just now Thursday mornings. Register at:www.cookskuaotunudunecare@gmail.com. Grey Power Mercury – International Day of peaceful, courageous, dynamic human being. Kolbie could hardly believe the begun her Bay second year – carrying beachcaregroup.org.nz; www.facebook.com/ Hauraki U3A (University of the Third Age) Kolbie posing infront of The Nutcracker promotion in which sheMonday, featured; Kolbie withFurther younginfo. ballerina the Older Person, 1st October. All welcome and Every 9.30-11.00am. text Harlow. experience she was getting and with her the lessons of life away CooksBeachCareGroup has interesting speakers every 3rd Tuesday morning tea provided at The Mercury Bay Club. Linda 027 650 4881 or email linda_c@orcon. being chosen part Paeroa of theBaptist nights walking 30 minutes and strict dancer nutrition That resilience and decision to from home and the experience of Cooks Beach Indooruphill Bowling tures, ClubWednesday of the month. All to are be welcome. Doors open 10am. Further info please phone net.nz at 1.45pm. Come join us at became the Community Church, 2 Wood St, $10 at door. Toafter booktraining, elite ballerinas inPaeroa. the country. soaked byand Wellingunexpected hurdles, and professional dancing fororseveral Grey Power Mercury Bay 07 866 5516 email:Self-defence classeschange – Town her Hall,situation, Tues/Wed soon turned (Hall). New most welcome, email Come andto Sheevent_registration@u3ahauraki.nz knows her achievements ton rain Centre and buffeted bymembers wind, areKolbie made the 6-7.30pm. tough call to 027 into opportunity as it wasgreypower.mercurybay@gmail.com. after weeks and there will be more Ph Tony 333 5146. please contact Coral ph. 0212303944. join us our next get together. Hei Mara Garden Club Hahei We meet on the to this point are not just about legs burning and body exhausted. move, prioritising Spiritual her health and thatMornings she earned theTues invitation to for come! Conversation – Every Cooks Beach Pickleball – Community Tennis first Monday of each month at members’ homes, Mercury BayWell Athletics and Wed, 10.30am-12pm, Rd, Whitianga hours the studio. Therefrom were houses, cul- training. dance15inMill Australia done!– For info contact Courts, 9amdifferent Saturday morning. Weather 11am - in 2.30pm. New members HaheiShared and mercurybayathletics@gmail.com the Starlight Centre. Grab a coffee and join in permitting. Nets and bats provided. $5 each, first some great conversation where we talk about surrounding areas are welcome. Phone Liz on Mercury Bay Lions Club – New members are time free. Contact Kevin 021 396 062. 0210649232 for more information. welcome. Email mercurybaylions@gmail.com. topics and subjects that have meaning. $5 Cooks Beach Table Tennis – Every Thursday Hospice Waikato’s Bereavement Support Phone Cecily 027 253 3088 or Chrissy 021 177 donation. Contact Verna 027 320 0079. night 6.00-8.00pm, $5pp each night. Cooks Group – Lost a loved one? Join Hospice 4226. Tai Chi for all levels – Town Hall, Mondays Beach Community Centre. All welcome. Contact Waikato’s monthly bereavement support group. SeniorNet Whitianga, Inc. – Learn, update 6-7pm. Gold coin donation. Ph Tony 027 333 Stu 0274 572 243 or Kevin 021 396 062. MP For Coromandel Connect over morning tea with others who your skills using smart phones, etc. in a friendly 5146 for more info. understand. Held on the fourth Tuesday of each Coromandel ‘Growers & Artisans Market’ – Tairua Contract Bridge Club – Every Monday at setting. Call Carol Wood on 021 022 62504 or month. 10.30am to 12.00pm at Whitianga Social Every Saturday from 9am - 1pm at The Anglican 12.30pm at the Tairua Bowling Club, 44 Hornsea email Carol on seniornet.whitianga.admin@ Services. Registration required. Contact Hospice Church Hall, Coromandel Town. gmail.com. Rd. Contact Lynnette Flowers 021 252 4709 or COROMANDEL-COLVILLE Waikato to register at 07 859 1260. In terms the Coromandel “Major are critical for Whitianga Bike Parkevents – 144 Moewai Rd, Dogof walking group – Every Thurs, 2pm, Lovers Johanna Bonnar 027 466 3726. BETTER HEALTH Mercury Bay ModelCARE Railway Club – Monthly Whitianga.our Open 24/7. Manyand bike tracks Rock, Robinson Road. breeds and sizes pilot programme, it began in All midhospitality tourism secTairua Markets – Held at the Tairua Bowling meet. Contact. Damon 0273551650 available, picnic areas, BBQs here and walking to a delivered very sociable Club, starting first Sunday in October 2026 until Access to healthcare is one of 2025 andwelcome is being atgroup. Ph Jenny on tors, especially in thetrails. CoroMercury Bay Shooting Federation – Muzzle Donations welcome on entry. If you wish to 021 186 5797. June 2027. Closed winter. the biggest people Coromandel Family Medical mandel. Accommodations fill up, loader, rimfire,concerns centre fire,for military, pistol.the Email volunteer or for programme enquiries, contact Hahei Contract Bridge Club – Every Tuesday Whenuakite Area Playgroup – 9.30amColville Health Clinic restaurants and cafés thrive, and in rural and remote areas and Centre and mbsfsecretary@gmail.com Jon Maud 027 366 4606. 12.30pm at the Hahei Community Hall. Learners 12.30pm every Wednesday morning our government is committed practice. They’ve benefiting businesses see more cusOhuka Garden Club meets 2nd Wednesday of Whitiangalocal Gun Club – For information, phone and casualbeen welcome. Contact Don Barry 021 741 at the Hahei Community Centre. Ages theensuring month. New members welcome. Contact Mike Deverell 0274 959 477 orjobs Neville Crawford from extra support, access tomers, creating and lifting to New Zealanders can 959 or Robynbetter Hogg 021543015. newborn-5years. We invite all parents, Beverley Sheppard Ph 02109028855 021 276 2169. get the care they need, when theyor to information working more Club - Thursday & incomes.” carers, visitors and grandparents. Contact Hahei and Tennis & Pickleball emailbeverley@annabells.co.nz Whitianga Community Patrol – Monitors the whenuakiteareaplaygroup@gmail.com Sunday Tim 0278432683 or refer their need it, no matter where they live. closely with an Contact Emergency Care “Across New Zealand, Tourism Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) township and neighbourhood. If interested in facebook page. Whitianga Art Group – Every Thurs/Fri 10amLast year’s Budget invested Paramedic which can treat urgent directly contributes $17 billion Fourth Monday of every month, 10am at volunteering, ph Gary 027 391 3043. Meditation Classes – Thursday evening. 3pm, 23 School Road. Visitors and new members $164 million toBowling strengthen care patients in the clinic, while national GDP and just the Mercury Bay Club,urgent Cook Drive, Whitiangato Lions Club – We welcome new under Spiritual, heart, soul development. Sacred welcome. Phone Margaret on 027 635 1615 for tochakra respond to localworking with jobs. Tourism makes up and after-hours care nationwide, Whitianga. Phone Jo on 021 264 3753. also available members. 200,000 Dinners first Thursday of every energy, activations, more information. Tairua Market takes place on theZea1st Saturday meaning 98 per cent of New 111 calls.spiritual guides. Open forum conversation, almost 12% of Coromandel’s GDP. month, 6.00pm at The Mercury Bay Club. Contact Whitianga Menz Shed – 18 Abrahamson Drive, of the month yearable at Tairua Bowling Club, John 0272The 480 779. Email whitianga@lionsclub. Thursdays, at Flatbe 1, 15 Mill Rd, landers willall be to access I’m hoping that 6.30pm there will economic ripple effect of Open Tues/Thurs, 9am-12 noon. Phone Glenn 9am tillservices 1pm Starting 1st Sunday in October org.nz Whitianga. Costfor $10.similar Contact Verna 027 320 0274-952-015. All welcome. these within one hour’s even more support major events is huge, supporting until June 2027 (closed for winter). Food, fruit 0079, vernajcarr@gmail.com. Whitianga Playcentre – Every Tues/Fri 9amdrive of their home. One of the projects around our region and our local businesses and growing and veges, crafts, clothing, home decor, plants, Bay Badminton – Every Wednesday noon,Penk; 1F White St. Contact whitianga@ Scott Simpson and12 Chris Oceans Festival. COURTESY VEHICLE DRIVERS the country in the comour economy.” initiatives funded wasmore. a pilot the rest ofMercury furniture, books and much 9-11am, at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk playcentre.org.nz or 027 880 3947. in rural areas can “Events such as the Whitianga programme to enhance urgent ing year. People The Mercury Bay Club is looking for a new Street. Social badminton. Casual players and Whitianga Senior Citizens Club – Indoor bowls and after-hours healthcare in six often travel long distancesPlayers for ofcouple of weeks ago alongside theMondays Addition Scott’s column Oceans Festival don’t just bring volunteer to drive our courtesy vehicle visitors are welcome. all levels, FORTNIGHTLY and card games. at thetoWhitianga Town Excerpt ages on 16+.small Phoneteams Carol 027 7493 for more on Tuesday & Friday evenings. Thisenergy is a rural communities, including Cor-and care sup-474 Associate MinisterHall, of Emergency fromJoin hisus Press visitors; they bring life and Monk St, 1pm-4pm. for arelease fun timeWed 11 Feb. Greeting Card Making – The second fourthand rely information. volunteer role, region but eachand night and afternoon tea, 55+ age group. Phone Lionel Fridays of and the month, 10am-12pm at St Peter the large omandel Colville. porting regions, that’s why Management and Recovery Chris to our to the ourdriver towns is given a $40 food & beverage voucher to Mercury Bay Bowling and Sports Club – 92 Lawrence (president) on 027 274 6964 for more Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. All materials provided. GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR which helps to create vibrant I was thrilled to hear the this investment is so important. Penk. reimburse reasonable expenses considDrive, Whitianga. Social Bowls, Thursday & info. Contact Rev. Gillian from Reid onAssociate 021 781 081 or In justotherCook OCEANS FESTIVAL announcement news, our region is still We received a briefing from communities and unforgettable Sunday at 12.30pm, Contact Steve Williams 027 ering the driver can’t go home for dinner turn up. Whiti Stitchers – Embroiderers meet every Health MattandDoocey recovering from Dis“I’m information excited that the Coromanexperiences.” 855 2772.January’s heavy the Thames-Coromandel etc. This is a valuable service for our Tues 9am start. For more phone Knit for aMinister Purpose – First third Fridays but it’s encourag“This is valid a significant that pilots have been trictWednesday Council, which outlined the7802 del744.will oncewelcome. again host members. the If youfunding have a full, drivers Mercury Bay Bridge Club – Every Margaret on 027 All levels of thethese month, 10am-12pm at St rolled Peter the weather event, licence, and would like to support 1.00pm and every Thursday impact at 7.00pm out and have shown positive rebound ofatthe storm and the work Whitianga Festival in Sepboost to Whitianga andthe the Fisherman, 7 Dundas St. the Ph Gillian Reid oning 021to seeat communities Whitianga Toy Library - TummyOceans Time sessions MBcontractors Bowling and Sports Cook Drive, Club in this way, please leave and yourI’m contact 781081 that for further or just turn up.so quicklythe for parents/caregivers and babies under 12m. and work-Club, wider Coromandel, lookimpact locallydetails, led approaches ahead. It was stressed through- tember 2026, attracting visitors Whitianga. more information contact staff. The courtesy vehicle Everysupport Wednesday the toy library Mercury Bay Creative Spin, knit,ing weave, can make, with fasterFibre care,– better to stabilise ourFor roads. There out theseGavin visits that is 9:30am from ataround New -Zealand details and with ing the forward to our region host021 146 9203. driversing are entered a roster system Whitianga. Members crochet.to First and third and Wednesday every are month, access treatment, stronger partsMercury of the Peninsula which available, such asShop Civil4, Blacksmith Defence Lane, overseas, as part of the national anotherinto great event which Bay Community Choir – All welcome and you might typically be rostered on and non-members welcome. Contact librarian@ 10am-1pm, supper room of Town Hall. Phone are still affected by storm damencourages locals and visitors to links between rural health serpayments through the Ministry of $70 million Major Events and to this friendly non auditioned choir. Mondays whititoylibrary.co.nz for more information Sue 021 274 7899. Email suzyed@outlook.com once every 4 weeks or so. vices. age, and I visited these areas a Social Development. Tourism Package. “ celebrate all that we have offer.” 6pm to 8pm Mercury Bay Area School Music Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Mercury Bay Quilters – 10am-4pm on the

OP SHOPS

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.

Hon Scott Simpson

20 | | The TheCoromandel CoromandelInformer Informer––17 1 September 2026 16 February 2026

www.theinformer.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

Fundraising for local Big Brothers, Big Sisters at BBC BY PAULINE STEWART

A very generous and successful Fund raising night was held last week in Whitianga for the organization Big Brothers, Big Sisters due to the hosting of a dinner and an auction by Buffalo Beach Club and its energetic host, Dash Fellowes. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that focusses on the mentoring of children and young people from 6 -12 years and up to 18 years. o It a life changing programme that provides and ensures mentors are trained and matched and are monitored. This takes funds. Mentoring is so simple and it works! Guests purchased a table and just about all tables of 6 or 8 were full. All the proceeds from the evening went to Big Brothers Big Sisters. The Informer spoke to Nicki Airey, who is a resident of Whitianga and is the Coromandel Manager/Mentoring coordinator. Nicki has been seven years with this organization running the programme in Rotorua from a Police Station. Since the age of 19, she has worked in this field, starting in education by coaching and training young nannies “There was a period in my own life where I was raising children who weren’t my own. I struggled to find help and assistance for them. So often a child needs a reliable, trustworthy relationship outside of their family and school. When you ask any adult, who was their mentor growing up, it is often someone who was just

Above: Generous supporters of the cause – from left – Rebecca Murray – Sweet as On Aquila, Rod and Maria Johnson – Coastline Excavations, Carla Magford – Concrete Worx Ltd, Martin Holmes – Sweetas on Aquila, Warren George – Concrete Worx Ltd; Lou Hall’s hair cut raised $1000. Below: From left – Chris, Richard, Dennis, Wazza, Robin. Richard Shelford-Woodcock, Board Member, and Nicki Airey, Manager/Mentoring Co-ordinator.

there for them. The person is generally not a superhero; just someone who is interested in them and is trustworthy and often shares similar interests.” Three years ago, a small group established a local non-affiliated mentoring programme – and it worked well but it needed the help of a larger network. When Nicky approached the local board and asked, “How would you feel if

we started Big Brothers Big Sisters on the Coromandel absorbing the local one to be part of the national framework. That has all happened and two members from the original team who are on the current board of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters, Richard Shelford- Woodcock and Azzie …, were present and assisting with the evening’s programme. Richard was the excellent auctioneer.

The programme. Included copious amounts of smoked ribs, fish, prawns, calamari, steak- all with sides; many raffles, an exciting auction, Phil Hart’s music which included his professional standard singing a Dolly Parton segment loved by all. In addition to The Buffalo Beach Club’s sponsorship, the wonderful donations by Stunned Mullet, Hunting and Fishing, Glass Bottom Boats,

Okuma, Fishing and Adventures plus the financial contributions from the table guests and the companies they represented, made it a successful night for Big Brothers Big Sisters local work. Mentoring makes a big impact in a child’s life. Do you have a spare hour a week to be a mentor? If you would like to know more about becoming a mentor or enrolling a child, or supporting the programme, please contact the office of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Comments from guests: “We brought up our children in a very amazing place. We are grateful for that and want to give back.” Rebecca. “We are retired and are away a lot travelling to visit family. Mentoring becomes difficult so we want to find other ways of supporting this organization.” – Chris. More information: nicki@ bbbs.nz. Ph: 0211588227. www.bbbs. org.nz/Coromandel

Sci-Fi epic ‘Maui Meets The Future’ – excellent dramatic production

udiences at Mercury Bay Area School were treated to a captivating blend of Māori mythology and futuristic science fiction during an impressive four-show run from 18 – 20 August. The production brought high energy, thought-provoking drama, and stellar student performances to the local stage telling the story of Māui Unmasked. Set in the year 2050, the narrative imagines an overpopulated Earth where humanity prepares for a 40,000-year one-way journey into deep space. To preserve key history, an evaluation panel of androids -led by the formidable Lady Sarah, portrayed by Anahera Kingi (Rm 20) - summons legendary figures to decide which stories deserve a spot in the universal knowledge bank. A cultural clash erupts when the legendary demigod Māui - played with bravado by Nash Martin - is brought forth to account for his

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mances from Olivia McGregor as Ruaki and Marley Anderson as Martha Mischief, the production highlighted the immense theatrical talent across MBAS classrooms. The fusion of traditional storytelling and speculative fiction left local audiences thoroughly entertained and inspired.

life. Joined by his brothers Māuitaha (Ben Castle), Māui-roto (Jonah Samuels), Māui-pae (Wallace Roberts), and Māui-waho (Jake Leddy), alongside sister Hina (Amelia Jones), the cast vividly retold iconic legends: fishing up Te Ika-a-Māui, slowing the sun, finding fire from Mahuika (Summer Anderson), and confronting

the goddess of death, Hine-nuite-Po (Gia Choi). Narrators, Muri-rangi-whenua (Sean Proctor) and Mahuika, guided the audience through Māui’s bold exploits. However, the sterile evaluation panel - featuring Lord Mortimer (Keylan Taogaga), Rupert (Junior Morgan-Joyce), Karen (Marli Jarvis),

Andy01 (Parker Churches), and the human voice Nan (Davie Hutt)- abhorred Māui’s cavalier tricks and voted to erase his legacy entirely. Yet, true to character, Māui leaves the audience with one final, unforgettable twist before the curtain falls. Supported by standout perfor-

BEHIND THE SCENES: A TRUE VILLAGE EFFORT Overseeing and directing the ambitious sci-fi epic was Freya Marra (Miss Marra). Miss Marra emphasized the immense collective effort required to bring the show to the stage: “Putting on a production like this is no small feat; it truly takes a village, and I could not be prouder of the incredible team who brought this vision to life.” A show of this scale relied on dedicated contributions from across the school and wider community.

The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 21

Letters to the Editor

14 Million for Thames Swimming Pool but no funding for Infrastructure Continued from page 11 Saturday 15th August saw the first of two meetings offered by council for a Q and A session with Simpsons Beach residents to clarify issues involved with the Wharekaho reticulation programme. The long awaited letter that would supposedly give us all the information we were waiting for arrived weeks later than promised, and contained nothing but a repeat of the figures that Cr. Fleming Rasmussen had already shared with us months prior. Q & A is always good - provided those answering the questions actually have the answers. Cr. Grant was asked if Council had considered any other options for the reticulation of water and waste water. He replied "No". That should have been a "Yes". All possible options were listed, investigated and shown clearly by Stantec. Cr. Grant was asked if Council had done any Water Testing at Simpsons Beach - he rightly replied "No". The person’s response, "So the test results that Murray was ranting on about were a load of rubbish". Instead of acknowledging that tests had indeed been collected by a local resident and tested by the nationally accredited HillsLabs, and had provided damning reports on the ecoli levels at the beach, he allowed the comment to stand and shut down any attempt to qualify the statement. Cr. Grant was asked what the cost of a Macerator was. He said

ture has to be paid for before you get close to the cost of the water. The cost of the water, and meters, is all under council control and once tied in to that scheme you are obliged to pay whatever they ask. A UV treatment system works well and we all have our own catchment areas - our rooves serve us well and with septic tanks eliminated, the bore water would be safe and usable again. With regard to those who stand to have their water cut off in October - Mo Imtiaz, GM for

KAUAERANGA TRAIL

Wharekaho Simpsons Beach.

he did not know. TCDC had quoted a cost of $14,000 to $17,000 in their original document. A quote I requested 3 months ago from a highly reputable local firm was a firm $12,500 installed and, if we did a bulk buy it would definitely make it more cost effective. Cr. Grant was asked by a resident why she had to sign up with an annual fee for her newly installed $55,000 state of the art septic system - and that when she rang council they knew nothing about it. Cr. Grant said he did not know. The answer is:- It is standard procedure with a "state of the art" septic system that they have to be monitored annually and a contract signed up with a local company for annual monitoring and servicing at the owners expense. These details need to be notified

Infrastructure TCDC, together with Max Bosselmann and Murray Ward have sorted a temporary system which has the potential to possibly become permanent. (A work in progress) Cr.Grant was high in his praise for the payment scheme pushed through by Crs Rasmussen and Brljevich - spread over 50 years. A first in New Zealand and sets a president for other councils to follow. Ady Cole-Ewen, Wharekaho-Simpsons Beach

to council for their records to ensure the septic system is being properly maintained. TCDC has admitted to being remiss in that fact that they have never monitored our septic tanks, and under the new regulations ALL septic tanks must be monitored. Also, under the new regulations, septic tanks installed prior to 1990 are now well passed their "used-by" date and will have to be replaced. A standard old type unit has a life span of 20 - 25 years - and some high-tech units have a life span of 50-55 years. An old type unit replacement is around $35,000 to $45,000 depending on the installation site. Council have not been forthcoming with any of this information which I believe is misleading. The cost of reticulated water is excessive as all the infrastruc-

I’m blessed to live up the Kauaeranga Valley, It’s a beautiful place, but traffic tends not to dally. People are busy, they haven’t got time…. There’s places to go and Pinnacles to climb.

Our river has so many great swimming places, The kids love them and often jump from rock faces! If only they could walk safely…. or bike to their school, Some can’t catch the school bus – there’s a 3.2 km rule! In winter the sun is low in the sky, When you bike out of the valley the sun’s in your eye. There’s a lovely big verge at the top of the hill, But cars in both directions can still be a thrill! You drivers are careful - I’ve never had a close call, But if I stuff up my gear changes, I do tend to fall… I don’t want to give you motorists a fright. So I lean to the left….never to the right!

We want a simple track, it doesn’t need to be flash. We all know the council’s pretty strapped for cash. Just a gravel track so we’re off the road… We don’t want our health service to have too great a load!! Rose Davis, Thames

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info@penroofscaff.co.nz

Rug Binding Need some Mats bound? We do Rug Binding for mats, stair runners or fitted carpets for your home. Please note: We do not overlock second-hand or used carpets.

Guthrie Bowron Whitianga

BEFORE

2/9 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga 07 866 0035 flooring@gbwhitianga.co.nz

ADVERTISE WITH US AFTER

Visit our website: www.curtainclinic.co.nz or phone us on 0800 477 478 22 | The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026

Call 07 866 2090 or email sales@theinformer.co.nz

HAMMER HARDWARE WHITIANGA TRADE

OPENING HOURS MON - FRI (8AM - 4:30PM) SAT (8:00AM - 1:00PM) CLOSED SUN WE’RE YOUR LOCAL FOR:

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Trades & Services Peninsula Home Kills

SERVING THE WHOLE PENINSULA - 2011

Processing beef, sheep, pigs & all game Top quality sausages, bacon, ham & salami

FARRIER AND HOOF TRIMMING SERVICE

Coromandel/Thames & Whitianga area. Phone: Tony 027 494 7692

STUMP GRINDING SERVICES Servicing Whitianga & the surrounding area.

Bookings essential

KICKSTART MOTORCYCLES WHITIANGA

BJOLI BUILDERS Contact John 0276 425 654

Agents for

MRS MOW-IT-ALL

ROAD, FARM AND TRAIL

Maintenance & Landscaping PHONE: OLIVIA 021 713 900

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

Phone Nick Burcombe 866 3970 or 021 2125 260 21 Rangihau Road, Coroglen

NEED WINDOW & DOOR REPAIRS?

027 726 3797 211 SOUTH HIGHWAY, WHITIANGA

kickstartmotorcycles211@gmail.com

For all your concreting requirements including:

LOCAL SERVICING FOR THE COROMANDEL

House Floors Driveways Pathways & Patios Vehicle Crossings Concrete Cutting

CALL US ON 0800 25 25 00

Any queries or quotes please contact Nathan

• WINDOW HANDLES, SEALS, HINGES & STAYS • SECURITY LOCKS FOR WINDOWS & DOORS • SLIDING AND BI-FOLD DOOR ROLLERS, LOCKS & HANDLES • RETRACTABLE INSECT SCREENS

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027 687 0107 WHITIANGA

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Construct, Place & Finish – Grind & Polish Cutting & Drilling – Floor Levelling – Bush Hammer Block, Hone & Seal – Concrete Sealing Warren Carla

Phone Email: info@concreteworx.co.nz

www.concreteworx.co.nz

NZ manufactured aluminium windows and doors since 1990: - New builds & renovations - Replacement joinery in

Call 027 557 7023 shorelinepainters23@gmail.com

existing homes

- Aluminium & glass balustrades

Photo: FernVision

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

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.

Whitianga Contact Stu Macfarlane Mobile: 021 914 226 Email: stu@drainagesystems.co.nz web: www.drainagesystems.co.nz Windscreens Showers Splashbacks Mirrors

07 867 1772 (24hrs)

22 Bryce Street, Whitianga whitianga@gatewayglass.co.nz www.gatewayglass.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

Residential & Commercial Glass “We’re your one stop shop when it comes to all things glass”.

Whitianga Property Renovators • Builders • Plastering • Painting • Section Maintenance • Wallpapering • Fences • Decks Maree(Director) WPR Safe as Houses swprenos@xtra.co.nz

Safe as 0274 571 436 Houses 0800 007 366

ADVERTISE WITH US Call 07 866 2090 or email sales@theinformer.co.nz

Your Local Electricians - we do it all! * Domestic * Commercial * Rural * Ph: 07 866 2452 | 027 4972 680 | 24/7 Service

• New Houses, Buildings and Renovations • Heat Pump Installations & Underfloor Heating • Security Alarms & Cameras • Maintenance & Service • Installer of Evnex EV Chargers plus we offer other brands • FREE Quotes - call today

www.coromandel.laserelectrical.co.nz | p.hally@laserelectrical.co.nz

JIMMY RODLEY CONCRETE POLISHING LTD Owner/Operated 25 years experience High quality finishes • Ground and polished concrete floors • Residential and commercial • Outdoor patios and driveways • Garage floors • Floor prep • Shot blasting • Fire hearths Contact Jimmy Rodley 027 656 8717 jimmyrodley@hotmail.com | 31 Wells Place, Whitianga

The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 23

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES ST ANDREW’S COMMUNITY CHURCH

Now Leasing:

Albert Street, Whitianga

ANNUAL MEETING

NOTICE OF AGM ST ANDREW’S CHURCH OP-SHOP

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NZ-OWNED & TRUSTED ACROSS THE COROMANDEL & NORTH ISLAND

Your Bach, Taken Care Of

√ 3m x 6m bays available √ 6m x 10m bays available √ Fully undercover √ Great access and security

NOTICE OF

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER After Sunday Service

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

STORAGE AVAILABLE

MyStays offers full-service holiday home management with local care, professional standards & clear reporting.

UNDERCOVER Car Hoist day hire Call Nick: 021 666 350 STORAGE Call Caleb: 027 537 5953

Arrange an obligation-free chat today | mystays.co.nz

3.6m high doors

will be held on

WEDNESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER

1.30pm IN ST ANDREW’S CHURCH HALL All Welcome

TE TAWHARAU GROUP

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Date: Saturday, 26th September 2026 Time: 9.00am Venue: Whakaue Marae, 721 Maketu Road, Maketu AGM AGENDA 1. Apologies 5. Annual Plan 2026 2. Previous Minutes 6. Appointment of Auditor 3. Annual Report 7. Trustees Remuneration 4. Audited Financial Accounts

For more information please contact the Administrator on 0800-895-212 or email tetawharau@ngatipukenga.com

THE KUAOTUNU VOLUNTEER FIRE FORCE AGM

Will be held Wed 16 Sept 2026, 7.00pm at the Kuaotunu Fire Station. Members of the community are welcome to attend.

ALTOGETHER YOUR

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

GR STORAGE

EXPERTS

For all your storage needs?!!

8 GOLF ROAD WHITIANGA

We have clean dry containers and units in a range of sizes for you to choose from at four different sites. If you need a temporary or longer term storage solution at an affordable price give us a call today!

Phil 027 343 3023 storage@gr8storage.co.nz

GR8 STORAGE, WHITIANGA Phil – 0273 433023, Car, boat, campervan storage, 20 foot containers available to store your belongings.

• Units – range of sizes from 2m x 1m to 9m x 6m with roller doors for easy access. Prices start from $30 per week. • Containers – range from 1.9m x 1.6m to 6m x 2.4m. Prices start from $27 per week. Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258

Jasmin Cottle-Gallichan | 021 867 703 Melanie Stephens | 027 600 0349 Residential Property Managers

WANTED! Long term & holiday. Free rental appraisals. Landlords & Tenants, for all your rental requirements.

E: whiti@totalstorage.co.nz www.totalstorage.co.nz

STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage, opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 SITUATIONS VACANT the cut hut

HAIRDRESSER Full or part time

If you love cutting hair... Looking for negotiable hours... No weekends..... Please phone Sally 0276 849 050

NGĀ POU TAUNAHA O AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND GEOGRAPHIC BOARD

Quality homes for quality tenants.

Call

Krissie Brand OUR PROPERTY MANAGER OF 25 YEARS

07 866 2373 or 027 273 4420

Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 Understanding the Coromandel Since 1960

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT &

Rentals

Coromandel Beaches Rentals Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Shannon Smith M 027 592 0636 P (07) 866 4981

propertymanager.whitianga@harcourts.co.nz

The New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa advises of six altered geographic names and four discontinued Crown protected area names resulting from the Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Act 2026. The altered geographic names became official on the settlement date, 13 August 2026. The features are in Waikato Region. More information is in the New Zealand Gazetteer: https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/ First Schedule

Former Name and Status

Castle Island / Ngātūturu

A very small island at 59m high approximately 6.5km east of Hot Water Beach on Coromandel Peninsula. NZTopo50-BA36 576158.

Castle Island (recorded name)

Ko Tahuri-ki-teRangi Stream

A small stream that flows generally north for 2.5km to the southeast end of Hahei Beach on Coromandel Peninsula. NZTopo50-BA35 504171 to BA35 508189.

Wigmore Stream (recorded name)

Motumāhanga / The Twins

Two very isolated small islands approximately 2.4km southwest of Devils Point, Coromandel Peninsula. NZTopo50-BA35 501279.

The Twins (Motumanga) (recorded name)

Motu-o-Whairaka / Rabbit Island

A small island less than 300m north of Opito Point on Coromandel Peninsula. NZTopo50-BA35 517332.

Rabbit Island (recorded name)

Waikaiā / Rabbit Island

An island approximately 4km northeast of Opoutere Beach on Coromandel Peninsula. NZTopo50-BB36 602933.

Rabbit Island (recorded name)

Waitoko Stream

A stream that flows generally east for approximately 7.8km from the foothills of Coromandel Range into Tairua Harbour. NZTopo50-BB35 490026 to BB36 541019.

Grahams Stream (recorded name)

Second Schedule

Discontinued Official Crown Protected Area Name

Generic Term (Purpose of Reservation) and Description

Former New Zealand Gazette Notice

Bald Spur Historic Reserve

A historic reserve south of Kūaotunu, at the intersection of State Highway 25 and Waitaia Road, on Coromandel Peninsula. Centred at NZTopo50-BA35 437312.

19 January 1984, No. 3, page 104

Black Jack Scenic Reserve

A scenic reserve northeast of Kūaotunu on Coromandel Peninsula. Centred at NZTopo50-BA35 444335.

15 August 1974, No. 78, page 1717

Cook Bluff Scenic Reserve

A scenic reserve extending east from Cook Bluff, approximately 3.5km north-northwest of Hahei on Coromandel Peninsula. Centred at NZTopo50-BA35 474212.

27 August 1970, No. 51, page 1521

A scenic reserve on Diggers Hill approximately 1km south-southeast of Cooks Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. Centred at NZTopo50-BA35 460182.

20 August 1970, No 50, page 1478

Diggers Hill Scenic Reserve

24 | The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026

FOR SALE

TO RENT

ROOM/OFFICE TO FIREWOOD FOR SALE RENT TOWN CENTRE Tea tree $240 or Pine $150 4A/62 Albert Street, Whitianga load per metre2 delivered. Phone (07) 866 3026 or text (027) 866 3026

HOLISTIC HEALTH

INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER TAROT CARD READER VERNA (027) 320 0079 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com

Room area 47 sq. metres. Upstairs above Stirling Sports. Bright sunny aspect – newly painted. Available now – $160 plus GST/week Contact John 0274375321 or jhs@xtra.co.nz

ADVERTISE WITH US

Description

Call 07 866 2090

Altered Official Geographic Name

DEATH NOTICE

Trish’s Bible Gems

These things have I written for you who believe in the name of the Son of God:- that you may know that you have eternal life 1 John 15:13

CAMPBELL, Malcolm 7 April 1933-21 August 2026

Farewell Service Honouring the man, the farmer, the inventor, the environmentalist, the pilot, the friend. 11:00am on Thursday 3 September at St David’s Cooperating Church, Te Aroha.

www.theinformer.co.nz

Classifieds

Church Services

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 family Find peace and friendship.

Enquiries: ph 022 1322 061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz

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

ACCOMMODATION OFFERED x www.tongariroriverretreat.com

GARAGE SALE

SATURDAY 5 Septemer from 8:30am till 1:00pm 1 BRAVO PLACE, WHITIANGA (airfield subdivision)

book@tongariroriverretreat.com 26 Ngawaka Place, Turangi. Ph 07 386 8949

Quality furniture, 2x3 seater couches, tub chairs, table and 6 chairs, kitchen items, queen beds, quality bedding, pillows, cushions etc.

LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

PETER’S QUIZ ANSWERS Answers to quiz 18 on page 10

1) Albert Street 2) F.D. Roosevelt 3) 1926 4) The English Channel 5) Beat the 4 minute mile run

Winner of two free tickets is Wayne McGregor

www.theinformer.co.nz

Sports

Proudly sponsored by

MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB August Competition Round 3 Wed, 26 August North/South: 1 Kate Palmano & Gavin Hedwig 68.6; 2 Robyn Hogg & Jenny Layton 60.4; Deidre Stevenson & Rose Tegg 45.4. East/West: 1= Tadek Gawor & Jan Autumn, Susan Peake & Faith Stock 57.1; 3 Chris Hilford & Pete Hogg 55.0. Championship Singles (Thurs) Round 2 Thursday, 27 August 1 Tadek Gawor & Gavin Hedwig 65.0; 2 Faith Stock & Angela Cook 58.8; 3 Tony Van Der Drift & Ischelle Stevenson 53.8. HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB Week 4 of the Te Pare Point 25 August North/South: 1st Jean Myles and Johanna Bonnar 57.29%, 2nd David Wilkinson and Robyn Hogg 54.17%, 3rd Alison Tichbon and Peter Clark 47.40% East/West: 1 Peter Hogg and Tia Ormsby 68.13, 2 Nigel Milius and Dave Dylla 60.63, 3 Anne Knowles and Maggie Beattie 51.25.

TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB Round 4 - Pacific Pairs, Mon 24 August. North/South: 1 Jocelyn Taylor & Peter McNeil 61.80. 2 Ron Baker & Rob Stewart 53.73. 3 Kim van Diepen & Peter Clark 52.17. East/West: 1 Chris Death & Liz Young 68.01. 2 Josie Feasey & Doreen Wernham 58.07. 3 Sue Poland & Donna Harvey 50.31. MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS 25 players this week so 501 doubles were played. Two teams went through unbeaten in all four sets and they were Rex Donaldson & Fran Montague and Malcolm Cryer & Nan. Rex Donaldson and Fran Montague came away with the win in a one game playoff with a great two dart finish of 82 by Fran Montague. Highest finish for the ladies was 82 scored by Fran Montague and 109 for the men, scored by Steve Pointing. No 180's scored this week.

MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Wednesday 26 August Three rounds of matches in section play saw a good turnout of players reduced to one left standing. Ian Baumgren won all of his matches to take the day's top prize. Brian Codyre, Ken Gibson and Greg Murphy scored two wins each with Greg also achieving the day's highest break with 22. Saturday 29 August Bob Haase has continued to show consistent form over the last few weeks and again he took the day's honours with 3 straight hard-fought wins in section play. Peter Schultz, Rob Reilly and Greg Murphy each had two wins. No high break recorded. 10 Red Championship The 10 Red Championship was concluded recently with the final between Peter Schultz and Rob Reilly being contested over

Mercury Bay Juniors.

5 frames. Rob took the first two frames for an early lead but Peter fought back with a good win in the third frame. Consistent potting by Rob saw him take out the fourth frame and the title 3-1.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Thurs 27 August Winners: Alan Henderson and Judy Cullinane. Runners Up: Lee Pudney and Jan Harvey. Good Sports: Maureen Lack and Sandie Morris.

MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLS Mon 24 August Men’s Singles: 1 Ray Rout, 2, Lionel Lawrence. Good Sports: Wayne Fisher. PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 9 Hole Nett Round 3. Tues 25 August 1 Catherine Borlase, 2 Jo Geoghegan, 3 Jason Godward . Winner- Best 2 of 3 Rounds: Lady - Catherine Borlase ; Man Wayne Morrison. 9 Hole Stableford Thurs 27 August 1 Jason Godward, 2 =Wayne Morrison, Steve Borlase.

DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB 9-Hole Mens STBFD 24/8 1 Graham Kemp 23, 2 David Griffiths 17, 3 Kevin Walmsley 16, 4 Lance Croawell 16. 9-Hole Ladies STBFD 15/8 1 Maree Cabaret 23, 2 Glenda Philpott 21. 18 Hole Mens Tony Cotton 26/8 (Nett) 1 Trevor Martin 64, 2 Robert Fisken 66, 3 Robert Smith 69, 4 Chris Palmer 71, 5 Tracey Mulligan 71, 6 Mike Purchase 71. Twos: Tony Joblin # 7; Doug Smith # 7; Brain Tomlinson #7; Mark Hall #7. Nearest the Pin = Gary Bancroft Best Gross = Gary Bancroft 9-Hole Men 3 Blind Mice 27/8 1 Richard Cummings; 2 David

Griffiths; 3 Rey Bertling. Best Stableford = Paul Anderson (20) Twos = Paul Anderson #5 18 Hole Ladies 27/8 Nett: 1 Sandra Bowen 61, 2 Polly Lambert 68, 3 Ann Dale 71.

FOOTBALL Mercury Bay Junior Girls It was a hard battle against St Peters Cambridge. who are still firmly in the hunt for the top of the league table. The Bay girls took a deserved 1–0 lead into halftime, thanks to a well-taken goal from Neela Sacult and some great team defending. The second half, St Peter’s managed to find the net twice to turn the game around. Final score 2-1. The Bay girls continue to work hard to finish the season on a high note with two home games remaining. Players of the Day: Neela Sacult and Arabella McDonald. Battle in the Storm: Mercury Bay Juniors v Rototuna In conditions that would test even the most seasoned professionals, the Mercury Bay Junior Football team battled through torrential downpours and a severe weather warning to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw against fierce rivals Rototuna. Following a controversial 1-3 loss in their previous encounter, Mercury Bay took to the pitch determined to claim redemption. Facing a MetService orange weather warning, cold driving rain, and a squad depleted by illness and injury, the team’s resilience was put to the ultimate test. With five minutes remaining, the score of 2-0 with Mercury Bay in the lead, a cruel twist when left-back Tylar was forced off with an injury. Rototuna capitalized quickly, scoring two rapid goals in the final five minutes to level the score at 2-2 as the final whistle blew. Exceptional determination was shown by the entire squad: Luke, Zeke, Owen, Kayleb, Tylar, Fara, Cooper, Mekhi, Jesse, Trym, Zen, Hunter, and Alfie.

The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 25

Sports

Proudly sponsored by

SURF AND TURF brings over 120 bowlers

host of lawn bowling teams gathered in Whitianga for the weekend regional Surf and Turf Tournament hosted by the Mercury Bay Bowling Club Friday 28 – to Sunday 30 August. Surf and Turf annual Tournament is quite the event with 32 teams competing. The Mercury Bay Club provides breakfast, lunch and dinner – a host of volunteers in the kitchen was testament to that. The Saturday rain was a slight dampener but out came the umbrellas and raincoats and with such a good all weather turf, the bowling tournament didn’t miss a beat. Sunday’s sunshine was a boost however with an 8.00am start. Bowling teams come from all around the region and two teams came from Christchurch. Representing their Papanui Bowls Club, they drive all the way. Some of the Christchurch bowlers have been coming for 16 years The Informer spoke to Grant who was one of the drivers and a first timer to this tournament.” “We loved the drive – the scenery and I can’t believe how beautiful the Coromandel is. I was spell bound by Tairua on the way here. But it’s the generosity of our hosts and the friendliness of the people whenever we stopped that makes this such a great experience. “ Malcolm, the President of Papanui Bowls, spoke about the planning and effort preparing for the tournament each year. “Darryl organises polo shirts and warmer sweat shirts with the annual Mercury Bay tournament insignia. We want people to know we feel privileged to be a part of this Tournament. We have designated drivers and a great van for the road trip.” Speaking to Robyn Anderson, Vice-President, “It is a success already and Sunday is just beginning. With Saturday night’s heavy rain, the Club brought out the karaoke machine, and it was a

Cold and wet Saturday players - who cares.

Above: Two teams all the way from Christchurch, back L to R: Garry Gardner, Gary Radburnd, Grant James, Daryl Morris, Andy Ellis; front L to R: Chris Marshall, Tony Marshall, Malcolm Hogan (President Papanui Bowls). Below: Graeme Goss, Tournament Director, at the start of Sundays play.

good-time hoot for everyone. “We are very appreciative of Hopper Living and their monetary sponsorship from The Moorings. It has made such a good tournament possible.” Opposite the winners are first and second divisions in the Surf and Turf Tournament are presented with their awards by the Marketing Manager of The Moorings Retirement Village, the major sponsor.

WINNERS OF 1ST DIVISION Phillip Goddard David Weatherley Debbie Lee, Sponsor The Moorings Richie McKeever Erryl D’Sylva WINNERS OF 2ND DIVISION Allan Peers Belinda Goodall (Skip) Chrissie Peers Debbie Lee, Sponsor The Moorings Danny Goodall

Winners from 1st Division with MBBC President Nirie Reddy on the right.

Why not check out joining the Bowling Club? Being made welcome, knowing you’re useful, and playing on a great turf are consistent experiences at this Club.

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 Tuesday, 1 Sept: We have a very low ISS pass from 7:06pm in the west moving below Venus while at dawn the Moon is now just to the right of Saturn in the west. Wednesday, 2 Sept: The Moon now lies just above and to the right of Saturn at dawn and from 6:19pm we have a low ISS pass in the west again moving just below Venus. Thursday, 3 Sept: The bright Moon lies above and to the left of Matariki or the Pleiades at dawn but binoculars will help find them. Friday, 4 Sept The Moon now lies just below Matariki at dawn. Saturday, 5 Sept: Faint Mars lies half way between the Moon and bright Jupiter in the predawn sky. Sunday, 6 Sept: The Moon now sits above and to the left of faint Mars and there will be a Tiangong pass from 5:25am in the NE. Monday, 7 Sept: The Moon now

lies just below Mars at dawn with bright Jupiter further down and from 6:03am in the west we have a Tiangong pass. Tuesday, 8 Sept: The Moon is now midway between faint Mars and bright Jupiter before sunrise. Wednesday, 9 Sept: The Moon now lies right below Jupiter at dawn and there will be a Tiangong pass from 5:43am in the west. Venus continues to dominate the western dusk sky this week and is still the brightest thing apart from the Moon at present and sits very near to the bright star Spica in Virgo. The ancients described the planets as ‘wanderers’ as they appear to wander through the stars and this week we can watch Venus wandering past Spica from night to night on its seven month path around the Sun. The Moon can help us find Saturn, Jupiter and Mars in the mornings.

26 | The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026

Winners from 2nd Division.

Photos by Robyn Anderson

Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides

Wednesday 2 September

Thursday 3 September

Friday 4 September

Saturday 5 September

Sun: Rise 6:37am Set 5:57pm

Sun: Rise 6:35am Set 5:58pm

Sun: Rise 6:34am Set 5:58pm

Sun: Rise 6:32am Set 5:59pm

Moon: Set 8:47am Rise 11:26pm

Moon: Set 9:24am

Moon: Rise 12:39am Set 10:09am

Moon: Rise 1:49am Set 11:04am

High Tides:10:31am 11:52pm

High Tides:11:20am 11:40pm

High Tides:12:13pm

High Tides:12:32am 1:11pm

HOT WATER Low Tides:4:02am 4:20pm BEACH

HOT WATER Low Tides:4:49am 5:10pm BEACH

HOT WATER Low Tides:5:38am 6:05pm BEACH

Sunday 6 September

Monday 7 September

Tuesday 8 September

Sun: Rise 6:31am Set 6:00pm

Sun: Rise 6:30am Set 6:01pm

Sun: Rise 6:28am Set 6:02pm

Moon: Rise 2:54am Set 12:09pm

Moon: Rise 3:49am Set 1:21pm

Moon: Rise 4:34am Set 2:36pm

High Tides:1:30am 2:14pm HOT WATER Low Tides:7:29am 8:07pm BEACH

High Tides:2:34am 3:19pm HOT WATER Low Tides:8:31am 9:12pm BEACH

High Tides:3:41am 4:22pm HOT WATER Low Tides:9:36am 10:16pm BEACH

HOT WATER Low Tides:6:31am 7:03pm BEACH

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS Sponsor the tides column

For details email: sales@theinformer.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz

Sports

Proudly sponsored by

MBAS Sports Camp Movies screening

on Father’s Day

SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER

SUPPLIED BY MBAS

Sep‘26

September 2026

Last week, a squad of 30 Year 7 and 8 students attended the Coast to Coast Sports Camp at Tōtara Springs in Matamata. Competing against nine other schools from the Auckland and Waikato regions, our team faced a wide and varied range of sports – from traditional staples like Netball, Touch Rugby, and Football, to unique events like Cage Soccer, Wallball, and European Handball. It was an action-packed week, with events kicking off on Monday afternoon and running late into the evening each day. We started strong on Monday, taking out 1st place in Cage Soccer and securing 2nd place in Athletics. Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with a packed round-robin schedule across multiple sports, along with an early morning Cross Country and a late afternoon Triathlon on Wednesday.

Wednesday evening brought the excitement of the semi-final draw, with our team qualifying for the semis in Softball, Football, Boys' Tag, and Indoor Hockey. On semi-final day, our Softball and Football teams fought in two nail-biting matches that came down to the very last play. While we narrowly missed out on the finals, the team walked away with valuable tournament experience and key learnings for the future. On Thursday night, the squad brought fantastic energy as they performed their cheer in front of all the participating schools. Overall, Sports Camp was an amazing experience where our students demonstrated outstanding team spirit and sportsmanship. A huge thank you to our parent helpers, Jody Brower and Hayley Goodall, our dance teacher Megan, and staff members Miss McCleery and Mr Taogaga for making this trip possible!

Lomu (E) 10:30am The End of Oak Street (M) 11:00am Cars (20th Anniversary) (G) 1:00pm Fall 2 Deadpoint (M) 1:30pm The Dog Stars (R13) 3:30pm Terminator 2: Judgement Day 35th Anniversary (M) 4:00pm

For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com

Shade that fits. Everyone’s home is different, and your shade should match. With Archgola, you can customise your canopy and outdoor blinds to fit your style and space just right. We’re about making your space, yours. Call Daniel for your FREE Quote 0204 198 4000 ARCHGOLA.CO.NZ

www.theinformer.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer – 1 September 2026 | 27

Whitianga Boat Repairs & Chandlery Mitch has over 40 years experience with an Advanced Trade Cert Wooden Boat Building qualification to back it up

Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Solutions Amy Balme (CA) Geoff Balme (FCA) Adele Scobie office@accountingbydesign.co.nz 28 Lee Street, Whitianga 3510 07 866 5891

Trevor & Raewyn Hildreth P. 07 866 5799 M. 027 677 4930 M. 027 487 1978

9 Austin Drive Whitianga 3510 E. theframeplace@xtra.co.nz

Please phone us to arrange an appointment 

We specialise in woodwork repairs & maintenance, including teak decks & platforms, insurance and rot repairs, plus we fit new transducers, anchor winches, bow thrusters and more.

We stock International & Altex antifoul & marine paints, Propspeed, anodes, resin, fibreglass, TruDesign plumbing fittings and so much more!

Phone or email for info: info@whitiangaboatrepairs.co.nz info@whitiangaboatchandlery.co.nz Mitch 027 4852046 | Phyll 027 4852036

WANT

• Native • Ornamental • Big Trees • Fruit Trees • Citrus • Hedging • Palms• Hire Plants • Bagged Products • Bulk Mulch • Bulk Compost and more... Open Thurs-Sun 8.30am-4.30pm; others days by phone appointment

WAITAIA NURSERY Waitaia Road, Kuaotunu Phone Colin or Cam 07 869 5910 www.waitaianursery.co.nz

OUR LEGAL SERVICES INCLUDE: PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL - FAMILY COMMON LAW - PERSONAL - FINANCING TRUSTS - ASSET PROTECTION - NOTARY PUBLIC WHAT WE OFFER: • Long tradition of trusted performance and reliability • Quality of service and practical advice • Promptness and eﬃciency • Reasonable fees and regular reporting

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