Te Kai Whakarongo Issue 1234 | 3 November 2026 | Proudly locally owned and operated
theinformer.co.nz
@theinformernz
CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA
Fashion parade re-purposed - a sellout T BY EDDIE CHURTON
Photo: Garry Brandon
he RePurpose OpShop Fashion Parade in Thames this last Saturday 31 October was a sellout. Together with the auction and clothing sales during the show, the event raised around $2,000 for the Thames Community Food Bank. But the afternoon’s success went well beyond the money raised. For many of the volunteer models, stepping onto the catwalk was a first, fulfilling a dream of being on stage and in the limelight. The parade offered an opportunity to try something new, build confidence and be celebrated by their community. Those moments were among the afternoon’s most memorable highlights, creating memories that will be cherished long into the future. The idea of holding a fashion parade featuring clothes from the op shop came from a shop volunteer. It reflects the creative thinking needed to keep finding ways to raise funds for the food bank and serve local individuals and whānau. Continued on page 11
It is about more than sweets
Coastguard
Page 6
Page 17
I had trouble voting this time. I knew which way I was going to vote but there was an added concern rumbling within me. I am Australian and spent the first forty years of my life principally in Australia. We came to New Zealand to live after many periods of work and holiday here, in 1992. It is easy to love New Zealand and want to contribute to its life. I am not a citizen but a permanent resident. That means I might be second class in Winson Peter’s policy, but that is not the cause of the rumbling concern. I have been searching as to which party and which leader could bring unity of purpose in New Zealand – lead a pathway of one people, different strands, but together wanting the best knowing money won’t resolve any of the problems and hurdles we face. I don’t think my vote will achieve this. I am not an idealist but I believe we need this to be a great New Zealand. Now we are divided by more than politics. I have given my space to Digital Decoder, EJ, today. He is our social media person, he’s the future
By Agent EJ
Your palm could replace your credit card
J
apan has quietly spent two decades building something that could replace the credit card. The future of payments was always tipped to be biometrics, and we’ve already met it with fingerprints and FaceID. Palm Vein Authentication goes a step further. Instead of reading your exterior, like a fingerprint or face, it uses infrared light to map the vein patterns underneath your skin, and even detects blood flow. It sounds like science fiction, but it’s been around for years. In the early 2000s, Hitachi focused on finger veins while Fujitsu focused on the palm. Fujitsu’s PalmSe-
Glen Bennett
cure found its first big market in 2004, when Japanese banks began putting palm vein readers into ATMs to deal with stolen card numbers. Banks wanted a biometric that customers would readily accept and that couldn’t be easily forged. In 2023, Tencent launched palm payments on WeChat Pay, starting on a Beijing airport metro line, removing the need for a phone, card, or even wallet. Typing out card details or passwords carries real risk, which is why biometrics have become the new standard. Veins can’t be copied from a photo of your face or a fingerprint left on a glass.
Pamela Grealey
Scott Simpson
The system also needs to detect blood flow, so it needs a living hand. Grim as it sounds, a severed one wouldn’t work. Japan’s wider cashless shift has been rapid. Its cashless ratio jumped from around 30% in 2021 to 58% in 2025, blowing past the government’s 40% target, though that’s mostly credit cards and QR wallets so far. Kiwis have embraced Paywave, but scams are the bigger problem. Netsafe estimates New Zealanders lost about $3 billion to scams in 2025, with credit and debit card payments among the top channels scammers use. A payment method that can’t be
Vincent Andersen Mike McCormick
Find The Informer on Instagram by scanning the QR code
typed into a fake website has obvious appeal. But don’t expect a government-backed digital currency to speed things along: the Reserve Bank paused its digital cash proposal this month to focus on modernising payments instead. There’s also a catch. You can change a leaked password, but you can’t change your palm. New Zealand’s Biometric Processing Privacy Code now requires businesses to tell people when a biometric system is in use and justify why it’s needed. If palm payments do reach our shores, that’s the standard we should hold them to.
Ray Cobb
Steven Hart
Independent
Three businesses all at 43 Moewai Rd, Whitianga
Philip Hart Chartered Accountant 47 years developing long term relationships with clients. Specialising in Business Development, Taxation, Farm Accounting, Structuring, Accounting Systems.
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Tony Jump (aka Jumpy) 027 251 1410 ironworks2112@gmail.com 2 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
www.theinformer.co.nz
A lifetime of planning travel INTERVIEW WITH MONETT JOHNSTON – PAULINE STEWART
M
onett Johnston was overseas when she was awarded the Manager Excellence Award by First Travel Group, New Zealand's leading independent travel alliance and network of independently owned travel agencies. She had received this well-deserved vote of confidence by the FTG head office for exceptional leadership - someone who inspires, motivates, develops and empowers their team to achieve outstanding results. In fact, one of her colleagues, Kim, was on hand to receive the award on Monett’s behalf. It doesn’t take anyone too long to see that Monett is a committed patron of the travel industry, particularly providing the best possible one stop service for travel needs in Mercury Bay and indeed for the Peninsula. When you sit down and chat with Monett, you realise how much knowledge and experience she loves to offer and share to provide something really good for her clients. Her experience is hard to match. Monett has been in the travel industry since she was 16 “I was trained as a shorthand typist,” says Monett. “That was the path then. Train as a shorthand typist and then work as a secretary till you got married. There
happened in my life, this is nothing.’ It is definitely not the end of the world.” Monett is married to Bruce. The Informer was keen to know how all the travel sat with Bruce. “I was in travel when we met and he does now like to travel very much. With fifty years of Uniworld Boutique Travel, the river cruise I was invited on was a plus one, so Bruce and I travelled together. Monett Johnston in her YOU Travel office.
were six children in our family and five were girls. We were all princesses to our Dad. “I saw an advert for a shorthand typist in a travel company. They employed me and what seemed like five minutes later, I was on the reception desk of Russell and Somers. When they were to open a new office, I was asked if I could go and assist the travel advisor. I was the person who would do the shorthand. Because of my job, I never felt I wanted to do the traditional OE. “My first travel training job was around New Zealand. It was on Newman’s Coaches. The next one was sailing in Economy Class from Auckland to Sydney
and returning First Class. It was important to experience all levels of the travel experience and to be able describe it and understand it. I received excellent training and it is what I try to do now with the staff. When someone comes in to enquire, it is vital we put them on to the right product. “Things can always go wrong. On my recent River Cruise in Europe, my luggage was lost. I had two outfits only with me – one in my carry-on bag and the pants suit I was wearing. The ship gave me free laundry and I managed for the four days it took for my luggage to arrive. People asked, “How can you stand it?” My attitude is – ‘Compared to what has
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS JOB “People I have trained in the travel industry, they visit and come to see me. People whom I started with in Whitianga – I am now booking their grandchildren on a travel experience. I love planning travel for others and I love travelling myself. The best is when a client returns and it has gone so very well for them.” FROM AUCKLAND TO YOU TRAVEL, WHITIANGA “I was in Auckland doing travel until we came here in 1974. In 1980 I helped Ron Willis who had Holland Real Estate. I came in a couple of mornings a week and we started Holland Travel. In 1984 I bought the travel part of the business off Ron and changed the name to Travel
Options. Richardsons bought the Real Estate and I had my office out the back. Our company was called Travel Options until I joined the United Travel Group. This meant we had better buying power and could offer our clients improved deals and experiences. Then United Travel was sold to another company and that deregistered United Travel. All of us got together and came up with You Travel – We are a boutique agency and it’s all about the client. Then I got the opportunity to come to this current office in the main street of Whitianga, and I have been here for a long time.
THE JOURNEY OF TRAVEL “In my time, travel has transitioned from people who were rich or big business travellers to becoming something affordable and even universal, but it is still a special experience and event for people. In my father’s day, he built swimming pools for people overseas, so he travelled by ship to do that. Cruises then were a return trip to England – people sailed to the United Kingdom for six weeks. Then it started to evolve – the idea of cruises arrived. A cruise company in Auckland offered training. It was exciting and it was such a thrill to book my first cruise as a travel agent. Continued on page 5
Join us for an evening discovering
LAND, RAIL AND SEA
Discover your next adventure with travel experts sharing inspiring journeys by land, rail and sea. Enjoy presentations from three leading travel brands, exclusive offers, expert advice, one-on-one consultations and welcome refreshments.
TUESDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2026 FROM 6:30 PM RSVP FOR VENUE DETAILS
Spaces limited. RSVP for more detail: 07 866 4397 info@youtravelwhitianga.co.nz www.theinformer.co.nz
The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 3
Your Weekly Kitchen Calendar Sponsored by
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Private Hire Charters • Auckland Airport Transfers 4 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
T O TA L M O B I L I T Y AC C P R OV I D E R www.theinformer.co.nz
Dogs Unleashed
Finding the right product for everyone’s travel bug
A
my Taylor and Georgie Harkin are coromandel locals and a formidable and very creative team. They are fundraising for SPAW – South Pacific Animal Welfare. Amy produced a video for them in Tonga some years ago and was really impressed with their work. “It's pretty grim for animals in the islands,” says Amy. South Pacific Animal Welfare is a NZ charity providing free veterinary care to animals in Pacific Island communities. “Knowing SPAW and seeing the incredible work they do for animals in the South Pacific Islands, we wanted to do something to help support them.” This idea for a local dog calendar started with Ted – or as they like to call him, Ted Hefner!” says Georgie. “It began with a photo of Ted (Ted is a dog) lounging by the pool looking like he owned the place. That photo sparked the idea of using AI to create fun, and character-filled portraits of dogs for a dog calendar to raise money for charity.” We’re creating a fun calendar celebrating the dogs of the Coromandel, using real dog photos with a touch of AI magic to bring them to life. There’s also the option to order just your individual photo. We’re excited to celebrate the dogs of the Coromandel while supporting a cause that
photo shoot, or upload your favourite photo of your dog. Entry form: https://docs. google.com/.../1kgLUNPJV1CMZKPeX3VDY.../preview
deserves all the love it can get!” 50% of calendar sales profit will go directly to SPAW, helping support their incredible work.
ENTER YOUR DOG FOR UNLEASHED! THE COROMANDEL DOG CALENDAR 2027 SUPPORT SPAW! PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT $20 Calendars will be ready in the first week of December, just in time for Christmas. To get involved fill in the entry form then book your free 5 min
BOOK YOUR FREE PHOTO SHOOT Go to https://calendar.google. com/.../AcZssZ0efasCq9ypL... Photo shoot details: This is a free photo shot on 6 November and we need people to book and come along, then the community will vote for their favourites. Friday 6 November – Brophys Beach BBQ area, Whitianga 9:30am – 1:00pm Warehouse Stationary: Thanks to our local sponsor Warehouse Stationery, you’ll be able to collect your calendar in person, or we can arrange postage. h t t p s : / / s p aw. o rg . n z / amytaylor.nz@gmail.com
Continued from page 3 Then airlines started to develop. At first, people were able to book seats offered on cargo planes. Planned travel is so now flexible. For example, we used to have the beautiful cruises to St Petersburg, but with the war in Ukraine, that changed. Operators simply find a different route, research it, prepare the details, and then offer it to the world. SOME THINGS I HAVE LEARNED • When I am packing – I ask, again and again, “Do you really need this?” • Every day I am learning something new. There are so many interesting places to learn about. Many times, you have to look past the way other people live, as that is their culture and their world. It is often not what we can understand, but it is of value to them and there is something there for me to learn, and to understand. • It’s so important to keep training. We are always wanting to enhance the experience we can offer our clients. I did some training this morning. • When after a travel experience, I am asked to write an article e.g. El Camino, I always do as it is important to me to consistently showcase our brand. The Magazine MINDFOOD collaborates
MASSIVE
Someone is missing – Monett was away when she was recognised nationally for her leadership in travel. Her colleague Kim received the award on her behalf.
with YOU TRAVEL & CRUISE and we have a travel feature in that. • If you want to be someone’s travel advisor, then that is what you are, and you need to look after them well from the start to the finish. THE FUTURE • I am always aspiring to make this agency better so that my client value just gets more! • I want to learn more about AI and how it can inter-act with this agency is that the value just gets more! • We are working on a Travel App for our clients to make their travel easier. As an agency I think together, we are all on track.
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The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 5
Halloween – a little bit of scary, but ...
...mostly fun with dressing up, a busy treat bag, and being with friends or parents to collect those treats. Thank you to all who decorated and gave out sweets.
Fun at the Carnival Fair at the Museum.
Children’s disco at The Mercury Bay Club was a fun alternative to Trick n Treating.
The baby sleeping in the pram was two weeks old.
Buffalo Beach Club halloween team put on a great families party.
Adult Ritual Disco at The Monkey House Theatre.
A Lifestyle Village in Thames on the Coromandel A variety of villas and apartments now available!
All villas and apartments are within walking distance to Thames’ shops, cafes, and walkways. The perfect location to enjoy your fun-filled retirement.
ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME, VIEW OUR VILLA AND APARTMENT OPTIONS TODAY!
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82 Richmond St, Thames Phone 0800 868 5484 richmondvillas.co.nz 6 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
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 www.theinformer.co.nz
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Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. If you are suffering cold and flu symptoms, stay at home and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for advice. Vitamins and minerals are supplementary to and not a replacement for a balanced diet. Weight management products should be used with a balanced diet and exercise. Limits Apply. The pharmacist reserves the right not to supply when contrary to our professional and ethical obligation. Limits Apply. «Breast milk is best for most babies. Infant formula is a healthy alternative if needed. Limits Apply °The save price advertised is off our EDLP (Everyday Low Price) at the time of printing. Not all products or promotions featured are available online. All products subject to Manufacturers Availability. We beat everyone’s prices! At Chemist Warehouse if you find a cheaper price on the exact same item at another New Zealand Retail Store, we will match it and give you 10% off the difference! (Excludes ‘online only’ offers). Exact same item means exact same product, with the same packaging and where the product on offer at the other retail store is not clearance or run out stock. Catalogue promotions only available while stocks last. No rain checks, holds, or lay-bys. We reserve the right to correct printing errors.
SALE STARTS: 29TH OCTOBER 2026 SALE ENDS: 18TH NOVEMBER 2026
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MR13995
The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 7
Four stores in one and always worth the visit
Blackout
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Sofa Sale
O ALE PROMOTION RUNS 29 OCTOBER – 10 NOVEMBER AY S range • Choose from a stunning D I R F ACK and quality of fashion BLfabrics W O NN Oleathers from Tasman Tanning SALE Y BLACK FR A D I R IDAY SALE • Luxurious quality and comfort ON NOW BLACK F B L A C K W F R O IDAY SALE guaranteed ON NOW ON N E L A BLACK FR YS A IDAY SALE D I R F ON NO K BLAC
Blackout Sale ends 30.11.26. 30-Day Comfort Guarantee available for in-store purchases only. Product ranges vary between stores and some products are available in selected stores only *12 months interest free is available on Long Term Finance (LTF) for in-store purchases only until 30.11.26. Min spend $499. Lending criteria, $50 annual Account Fee, fees, Ts&Cs apply. $55 Establishment Fee applies to your first LTF transaction, $35 Advance Fee applies to subsequent LTF transactions. Min payments of 3% of the monthly closing balance or $10 (whichever is greater) are required throughout interest free period. Paying only the minimum monthly payments will not fully repay the loan before the end of the interest free period. Standard Interest Rate of 28.95% p.a. applies to outstanding balance at the end of LTF Interest Free Period. Other interest rates and fees may apply. Rates and fees subject to change. New customers need to apply and be approved for a Q Mastercard credit card.
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8 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
(07) 866 5726 www.theinformer.co.nz
Upcoming concert
Popular Music Through Time
Jeremy Scott guest artist at Gallery 6
BY SHARRON KANE The Mercury Bay Community Choir invites you to join them on a musical journey – Popular Music Through Time!
FROM BEETHOVEN TO BEATLES AND BEYOND This very broad theme has allowed the choir to explore a number of musical genres, including some old favourites, while extending their vocal skills with some new and more challenging pieces. As the choir demonstrates the evolution of music through song – classical, jazz, folk, and modern pieces, the wide-ranging repertoire promises to deliver something for everyone. Led by their very talented musical director Kate Nielsen and expertly supported by piano accompanist Catherine Lee, the choir is in full rehearsal mode for their November concert. To be concert ready, a huge amount of time and effort is required to not just learn the songs, but to deliver a meaningful performance to an audience. While choosing pieces for this concert, Kate explained that she found the most difficult task was curating a list from the enormous
Jeremy Scott with his photography.
Kate Nielsen, Director of the Community Choir, rehearsing for the coming concert.
catalogue of available music down to a repertoire that was singable in a single concert! The ever-popular raffles will be available to purchase on the day and, as per tradition, the audience are warmly invited to join the choir for complimentary afternoon tea following the performance. It is widely acknowledged that choral singing is beneficial for both mental and physical well-being and for the wider community in general. Perhaps these sentiments are best described in this quote – “Through the lens of choral music, we investigate language, culture, history, religion, philosophy, and individual psychology. The results are audible. And the explo-
ration strengthens our capacity to build bridges to audiences and to enrich the entire community.” – Kathy Salzman Romey, Artistic Director. Oregon Bach Festival The Mercury Bay Choir was established in 2004, is an incorporated society and a member of the New Zealand Choral Federation. Anyone who wishes to sing is welcomed without audition. It truly is a choir of the community, and regular concerts allow the choir to share their enthusiasm for singing with their community. Popular Music Through Time Time: 2.00pm Date: Sunday, 15 November Place: Whitianga Town Hall Tickets: Cash door sales only See you there! See poster below.
Following a very successful and happy time as part of the Coromandel Arts Tour, Gallery 6 is excited to welcome Jeremy Scott as their guest artist for November As a Coromandel-based fine art photographer, he is dedicated to showcasing the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Aotearoa through his lens. Jeremy’s passion lies in long exposure photography, which offers a distinctive perspective of the natural world. Prints of his images are on premium Hahnemuhle 308 GSM 100% Cotton Rag Fine Art Paper, framed with Tru Vue UV70 crystal clear, non-reflective museum quality glass, ensuring their longevity. There are also works on canvas. We invite you to experience the beauty of our environ-
ment and see it in a new light through his work. The gallery continues to display the pottery of Murray Rainey and Viv Blackler along with the brooch and necklace art pieces of Sally Tennent Brown. Our card supply has also been replenished. Come and see the gallery members Diann Cade, Donna Scatchard, Maia Fraser and Vaughan Udall, as they take their turn behind the desk for the day. They enjoy sharing their love of what they do. Updates of Gallery 6 happenings can be found on our Facebook page Gallery6. Coromandel. Gallery hours at 191 Kapanga Road, Coromandel are 10.00am to 2.00pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. After hours contact 027 777 1572.
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The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 9
‘Lifers’ tradition – a great benefit ‘L
All of these Year 13 graduates at MBAS are lifers; their entire student life (5-6) has been at MBAS. Back row left to right: Phoebe McDougall, India Percival, Jazaray Wilmshurst, Evelyn Wilson, Stella Baldwin, Tyron Cummings, Millie Gold. Front row left to right: Milley Pepper, Miranda Coleman, Joseph May, Tom Lamason, Taingarunui Hinds, Angel Scobie, Erika Watanabe.
The McDougall family – Anne-Maree and Matt of Mercury Twin Cinemas with their youngest daughter Phoebe, a lifer.
Daughter India Percival and mum Rekha Giri-Percival - both ‘Lifers’.
ifers’ at Mercury Bay Area school are very fortunate. Their ‘lifer sentence’ is thirteen years at the one school – a school they love, and each thirteenth year ‘Lifer’ gets to be a mentor/friend to a child beginning their first year of school at 5 or 6 years of age. Once a year, towards the end of the school year and before the year thirteen students have their study break, the school celebrates the ‘Lifers’ and the little people who have built a special friendship with their Year 13 mentors. The ceremony is important and a mix of formality and gentleness. The ‘Lifers’ are all seated in front of the school assembly adjacent to the current school leaders, as many of the ‘Lifers’ are also the leaders. Ross Dunn the Principal led the ceremony, welcoming everyone and spoke of the value of celebrating thirteen years of schooling at MBAS. He mentioned their experience of 2,500 lunches and too many dress-up days to count. He also spoke of their achievements and contribution to the life of the school. The current student leaders, Isabella White and Joseph May were introduced and they also welcomed the ’Lifers’, beginners and parents and friends. What follows is that the name of
the first year student is called out and the name of the ‘Lifer’. Both come together at the front of the Assembly and then walk to a designated seat. Following this, the student leaders for 2027 were announced and were congratulated by the current student leaders. There are many elements of extended family present at this Assembly. This was a time for remembering, photographs, closing a chapter of thirteen years, and being together as a family where that was possible. A few family aspects came to the attention of The Informer. The McDougall family – Sophie, the youngest, began her school life here. Her parents (Mum taught for many years at MBAS) own the Mercury Twin Cinemas. It was a proud day for Maree and Matt. India Percival, is a ‘Lifer’ and the Board of Trustees student representative. Rekha Percival, India’s Mum, who is well-known as a community leader and for her terms on the Community Board and as a TCDC Councillor, is also a ‘Lifer’ and to top things off, Rekha was the student representative on the School Board of Trustees and Head Girl at Mercury Bay Area School. She admits it was a few years ago now but it was an important day for them to be together. Amanda Coleman, a ‘Lifer’ happens to be
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Living Well Trust holds a great fashion parade
across the years Amelie Paterson’s cousin as well as her mentor/friend at MBAS. Amelie has known Amanda all her life and having her cousin at school to look out for her has been wonderful in her first year. For these little ones starting their school years to have a young adult who knows their name and looks out for them is a very rich addition to that first year of school. The value to the young adult student cannot be underestimated. In a life filed with peer pressures, school responsibilities, studies and exams, part time jobs, and thinking a lot about their future – the friendship of a 5-6 year old student could be an oasis.
Continued from front page
Friends for life Améliè Paterson and her cousin and ‘Lifer” Miranda Coleman.
Photos: Garry Brandon.
Ross Dunn, Prinicipal addresses the assembly.
School leaders 2026 – Isabella White and Joseph May.
Better Now
You work hard. Your pay should go further. Labour will cut everyday costs.
needed funds for the ministries while creating opportunities for people to shine. The show was MC'ed by Sharon Holding (wife of Rob Holding CFM) and Mayor Peter Revell opened the show and ran the auction at the end. Eddie is Team Leader Community Living Well Trust, Thames Baptist Community Ministries
Better Future
Your hard work should get you somewhere. Labour will help you get ahead. Backing Kiwi businesses with a new government investment fund
Three free GP visits a year for everyone with a new Medicard
Backing apprentices with hiring incentives and $1,000 for tools and kit
Weekly public transport capped at $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 everywhere else
Backing small business with new laws to get them paid on time and support to invest
Free prescriptions and maternity scans
Backing the next generation with good jobs and opportunities to build a future here at home
Solar power with no upfront cost to lower power bills
Spend less on the basics. Keep more for everything else.
RePurpose Op Shop itself is part of that approach: raising funds for community services while giving volunteers opportunities to give back, gain work experience, develop skills and establish a routine. For Living Well Trust, who run the Thames Baptist Church Community Ministries, the parade brought those purposes together-raising much-
Good jobs and incomes so your kids can build a future here at home.
Fully costed. Fully paid for. See the detail at labour.org.nz
Glen Bennett for Coromandel
glen.bennett@labour.org.nz labour.org.nz/glenbennett /glenbennettlabour /glen.bennettmp @gbennettmp Authorised by Rob Salmond, 2 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington.
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The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 11
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Shocktober at the Op Shop Lisa, Sharon, and Dianne, St John first responders.
BY VERNA CARR
O
n 29 October three St John first responders – Sharon, Dianne and Lisa – turned up at the St John Opportunity Shop and proceeded to give the most shocking advice. “If poor old Bob or Annie doesn’t look right, give them a firm shake or a squeeze. Rip their clothes off, and it doesn’t matter if you break a rib.” Make sure they’re actually having a cardiac arrest and not just sleeping, otherwise you will have a lot of explaining to do. This, it turned out, was Shocktober: a free CPR and AED awareness session designed to give someone the confidence to take action if someone suffers a cardiac arrest. The three step message was simple. Call 111. Start CPR. Use an AED if there’s one nearby. Everything else is sec-
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ondary. Clothes are optional in an emergency. Rip the top off if you have to. Cut the bra. Fashion is not a consideration when someone’s heart has stopped. Breaking a rib is also acceptable; if they wake up and moan about chest pains it is better than the permanent silence of not waking up at all. When you call 111 it is likely that the fire brigade will turn up, as there are more of them than there are ambulances in town and they are really good at running compressions. Umm, a big strong, handsome fireman doing mouth to mouth and pressing on my chest… No, they don’t do mouth to mouth anymore. It was discovered breathing is less urgent than most people think. Keep the blood moving to the brain first. A bit of air will find its way in. CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is the
Mark practicing the art of CPR; Dianne carefully instructs Aiden on CPR.
emergency life-saving technique used when someone’s heart has stopped beating or they have stopped breathing. It uses chest compressions to keep blood and oxygen circulating until medical help arrives. The St John team demonstrated with brisk efficiency. Lock your arms, use your body weight, and press hard and fast in the middle of the chest – about two compressions a second. Forget trying to keep time with “Stayin’ Alive” or “Baby Shark.” That will just drive you nuts. Just find a steady rhythm
and keep going. Then came the AED, the Automatic External Defibrillator. There are thirty to forty of them scattered around Whitianga. The 111 operator can usually tell you where the nearest one is. The machine talks you through it, so don’t panic. Pads go on seatbelt-style: one on the fleshy bit under the right collarbone, the other lower down above the left hip. Then you stand clear. Touch the patient while the shock is delivered and both of you will be dancing the tango.
An interesting fact emerged: the AED does not “restart” the heart the way the movies claim. It actually stops the chaotic rhythm so the heart has a chance to reset itself properly. Hollywood, it seems, likes drama. The St John team’s final advice was straightforward: Go and learn CPR properly. It might save the life of someone you care about, or someone you have never met before. Both are worth saving. Free training is available for individuals or groups through stjohn.org.nz.
The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 13
LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS
Motion to halt amalgamation and MOU for a stand-alone TCDC lost BY PAULINE STEWART
W
hat could have been an angry, deliberative session at TCDC's full council meeting last Thursday was not. A notice of motion before the council proposed halting the current Memorandum of Understanding and the associated head start proposal to amalgamate TCDC with Hauraki Plains and Matamata-Piako councils. The Notice of Motion proposed a stand-alone unitary council as a benchmark (Comparator) against which all other proposals should be measured. The motion was allegedly leaked to the Waikato Times beforehand, without Mayor Revell knowing. The motion, which contained 11 points, was prepared by Councillor Rasmussen, seconded by Councillor Tony Brjlevich and supported by Councillors Rob Ashman and Allison Smith. Despite media sources saying the Mayor slammed Councillor Rasmussen for the way it was done, the tone and content of what Mayor Peter said was not angry or heated. He did feel blindsided but technically he received the motion
Thursday, 29 October, full TCDC Council meeting.
on Sunday 18 October; all councillors received it on Monday and the motion was released to the media after that under embargo until Tuesday 20 October. TCDC's Standing Orders require it to be released not less than five working days before the meeting. That means Wednesday 21 October and the meeting was Thursday. The council was clearly divided and not evenly, but it was chaired well, and all councillors had the opportunity to speak and state their position before the vote – the outcome of which was four supporting, who have been named and seven against. In the light of... ....the hurried nature of the
decision to amalgamate with Hauraki Plains and Matamata Piako councils and a binding exclusive MOU signed to meet a pressured deadline; ...the options presented for discussion and survey never included a stand-alone unitary council; ...the fact that the government called a pause in September to process the head start proposals; ...the content of the arguments presented at the meeting will be important to residents and ratepayers.
BY SHAUN FAY
winner. The creativity was simply mind blowing with over 50 entries. What a job for the judges with many outstanding pieces. The winner was Jayne Smith with her entry Penny The Pig. All proceeds went to Menz Shed Like to see some more entries go to their Facebook page: artscollectiveNZ Email:shaunbesidethesea.co.nz, www.besidetheseaside.co.nz
MAYOR REVELL’S INTRODUCTORY RESPONSE I do not have an issue with the
fact that the matter has been brought to the table. It is clearly an important matter for four councillors. My issue is with how that was done. I have been blindsided with information that was not shared with me beforehand. Information was shared with the media before I had a chance to share it with council. Four councillors kept me in the dark. There are a lot of downsides to this. There is nothing in the MOU that prevents us from building relationships. We do not know yet what the ground rules are going to be. The most difficult aspect of how this was done has been the risk to our reputation as a council. Is this going to be the pattern? Any decision that we make gets relitigated before the ink is dry? It has been said that this council is a poster child in terms of getting the rates down. Now I receive comments such as “What have you got - a council that is trying to de-stabilise things?” That impacts significantly in terms of our council being known to be relied on. There are ethics that are worthy. It is not the time
to walk away from an agreement we have with other councils.
COUNCILLOR RASMUSSEN'S PRESENTATION: He reviewed the request from central government for councils to come up with a Head Start proposal; that our Council had made a decision within a tight deadline; that on 24 September this decision was deferred; and that the goalposts had shifted. We have time and an opportunity to rethink local government reform. This was an opportunity to keep all options open for TCDC's future. Whatever our position, each of us should ask ourselves: does this option best serve our people? The amalgamation offers no certainty or answers on debt ringfencing, rates harmonisation, local voice, and representation. What decisions will remain local? The MOU contains no tangible answers. He referred to his notice as an option to establish a cost-workable plan for a standalone Coromandel – against which all other options should be compared. The stand-alone option to include concession costs, legacy,
Have a Ball with bowling art
The winners.
The Arts Collective in Whangamata got together with the bowling club to create a unique art event over Labour Weekend. The club had some old bowls they needed to get rid of as they were running out of storage. They offered them to the Arts Collective in Whangamata who sold them for $20 each. Then on Labour Weekend Sunday they were put on display at The Bowling club to find a
14 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT MATTERS liabilities – test the cost of amalgamation honestly. This gives people something tangible to judge. What services they could expect and what say they would retain. We must show our communities who would make local decisions and how local communities can be called to account. We can share resources and co-operate on major aspects but keep decisions in local hands. Representation still needs further work and investigation. We need time to strengthen our options. The other two councils remain welcome partners. Their work remains valuable. We need to measure everything against a stand-alone alternative – a stand-alone TCDC.
SPEAKING AGAINST THE NOTICE OF MOTION: 1. G.H. “An MOU was signed 12 weeks ago with goodwill and in good faith. Next steps will occur after the general election. The current government’s process for amalgamation has simply paused. “This council went through a very thorough and costly process – supported by a majority of our council. The council should hold its current position. This motion is well intended, but premature and pre-emptive of the election result. “It has risks of unknown and unintended consequences. It
poses extra work and depletes our time and preparations for other pressing matters.It risks reputational damage with our intended partners in the amalgamation.” 2. M.B. “The fundamental basis has not changed though situations have. We have a shared commitment. There is not enough justification to change the MOU.” 3. J.G. “We are a council district of 32,000 residents, 400kms of coastline, our repair and maintenance costs per rate payer are higher than any other council district, $2b of assets that require a lot of upkeep. “That is the balance sheet of this district. No good intentions can change the balance sheet. The Head Start was a ministerial invitation. The MOU commits us to one thing – to keep working with a detailed case. It is a direction-setting decision. The hard answers are at Stage Two. This Notice of Motion prevents Stage Two. “Councillor Rasmussen was a member of the working group and helped with the MOU. He reviewed and described the MOU as compliant and well-informed. I raise it because the arguments against the amalgamation plan and the MOU made in his five columns in The informer deserve to be tested against the facts. (Councillor Rasmussen defended this argument in his final summing up. (“I did develop the principles and
help draft the MOU referred to; but somehow from being nailed down on 22nd August to its signing by the three Mayors the MOU morphed from something we could take to our communities to discuss into “we need to do this now and let’s see where we end up.”) “The MOU binds us to good faith, not an outcome. Councillor Rasmussen is entitled to change his mind. If Stage Two procures a case that does not stack up, I will be voting against it too.”
SPEAKERS IN FAVOUR OF THE MOTION 1. A.S. “What we were subjected to this year meant a very rushed and not very thorough exercise. “There were many things I did not feel comfortable supporting. “In terms of reputational damage, we would be remiss with what the government has done to not reconsider and rework our options and take another look at the MOU. This agreement no longer needs to be in place.” 2. T.B. “I believe I am fulfilling my responsibility by seconding this motion. My fiduciary oath was to work in the best interests of this district. “What is our reputational damage to our own ratepayers? That is where our focus should be, more than on what other councils think of us. “Even if the government is
re-elected, issues remain with the current form. Should we not be investigating a unitary authority with the time we have? We have not had time to talk to our communities properly. The government coerced us. We chose to go into this MOU. We can choose to leave the MOU. This MOU binds our hands and overrides our withdrawal. “The unfortunate thing is that we would have liked to organise this differently. My concern was that we could be manipulated and stonewalled.” COUNCILLOR RASMUSSEN (AS THE MOVER OF THE MOTION) CLOSED THE DEBATE “This is not relitigation as alleged. This is local democracy in practice. After the general election, whoever gets in will form a NEW government. That government has not got a local government reform policy. If this motion is not passed, then, based on our Standing Orders, we are hamstrung for 12 months from re-proposing a similar motion. “The three mayors are quoted as saying on 20 October that: ‘none of the three councils would think it would be a bad thing if the motion passed.’ We are simply saying, ‘Let’s develop alternatives. Let's do it constructively and respectfully to find out what is best for our ratepayers’ ”.
SWIMMING POOLS GET ATTENTION AND FUNDING FOR THE SUMMER PERIOD
The council supported the Whangamata Community Board’s request for the assurance of an amount of up to $135,000. The pool had current and urgent needs for $102,000 but that amount left no provision for unforeseen events. With every dollar granted already spent, there was no ability for the pool committee to go to sponsors if they cannot guarantee that the pool will remain open. The only query is whether this comes from SE Ward retained earnings or does it come from district retained earnings.
THAMES SWIMMING POOL $35,000 was approved from district retained earnings to repaint the pool. Chair of Thames CB, Adrian Catran assured the council that the life of the Thames pool was being extended with the painting and that it was time critical. There is a three-week closure of the Thames Pool to do this. When it was asked what was the need when it is going to be demolished, Adrian added that the graciousness of Ngati Maru has enabled the pool to be opened longer. There is full support with councillors for community swimming pools. A district wide Aquatic Policy is currently being developed by TCDC to give assurance to local pool volunteer committees that they do not have to keep going cap in hand to keep the pools maintained, clean, operable and open for their communities.
Meet the winners Explore top wines at newworld.co.nz/wineawards
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The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 15
Planning a fishing trip in the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana?
Hook a
H S I F not a FINE
Know the marine protection rules and boundaries before you head out: doc.govt.nz/haurakigulfprotections
16 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
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A successful Open Day at the Coastguard Whitianga BY JACK BIDDLE
T
he main purpose for Coastguard Whitianga holding their annual open day is twofold. Firstly, the local crew love to open the doors of their immaculately kept Marina based facility and proudly provide a walkaround and summary with visitors of just what it takes to run such a vital community service. Coastguard's primary purpose includes saving lives at sea, coordinating maritime search and rescue operations along with the ongoing proactive drive to promote safe boating, a task the general public often takes for granted. The second purpose and focus of hosting an open day is based around recruitment. A heavy emphasis currently is on enrolling more wet crew who are those that physically man the rescue boats. New recruits are required for both the current boat and the new replacement when it arrives early next year. The need to increase numbers and help spread the volunteer workload was highlighted when two of the three callouts fielded occurred during the 4-hour open day period. Held on the Saturday of the
recent Labour Day weekend, upwards of 70 people visited the site where they were able to take advantage of a free sausage sizzle, chat with a very enthusiastic crew, view a display of the new 10.8 metre Coastguard boat which is currently under construction in Tauranga and taking a look at the workings of the Radio room. CFM Radio was onsite for the day where interviews took place with various crew members about their specific roles as well as recruits from the most recent cadet programme. All spoke
positively about what making a voluntary contribution to the coastguard and the community meant to them. Another highlight of the day was the drawing of the two free prizes on offer. First up was a one-year subscription to Coastguard valued at $150.00 won by a cadet from this year’s Cadet programme while the second prize was a ride out on the harbour on ‘Takarito’ which is one of the rescue vessels. A family group of 5 were the worthy winners who had a very enjoyable morning out
on the water the following day. An extra surprise for all onboard was spotting one of the whales currently in the Harbour. The biggest and completely unexpected surprise of all, however, was the very generous anonymous donation made by a visitor to the open day. Through their generosity, the money donated will go toward purchasing new equipment for the new vessel. Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, Judy Hindrup said overall the day was most successful. “We deeply appreci-
ate the anonymous donation and sincerely thank the ongoing support we receive from the people of Whitianga who are so very generous. Following on from general enquiries during the open day, our recruitment officer now has several prospective people to follow up on which is a positive sign." For those who missed the open day and would like to find out more and discuss becoming a volunteer, then contact Bill Walkington on 027 435 4165.
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The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 17
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WILKIE MAC & PENNI FEATHER
WilkieMac and Penni Feather are two NZ folk/ acoustic acts, currently touring as a double bill throughout the North Island. They bring a mix of original songs, contemporary folk, traditional English and Celtic folk and a little blues. Penni has previously been a guest artist at Hamilton and Wellington folk festivals. In the last couple of years she's had a one-woman show in the Hamilton Arts Festival and performed solo at the inaugural Raglan Country & Blues Festival. With heartfelt vocals - and a sometimes irreverent
stage presence - Penni's solo sets have songs to inspire and beguile. Her recent sets have included a number of folk protest songs that speak to today's issues. WilkieMac have earned a well-deserved reputation in NZ's folk scene and have been guests at a number of folk, acoustic, arts, and Celtic music festivals in Australia over the years. The duo craft their arrangements to create a multi-instrumental landscape for their Celtic, contemporary and original songs. Michael provides the solid backdrop on guitar, while Lynne brings a
varied soundscape into the mix with flutes, whistles, guilele, harmonicas, and guitar. From closeyour-eyes renditions of beautiful melodies to songs with rousing singalong choruses, from the humorous to toe-tapping takes on the unexpected, every song chosen by the duo has a story behind it. WilkieMac and Penni Feather will perform separately and together instrumental variety and harmonies are guaranteed! Sat, 14 Nov, 7:30pm, Kauaeranga Hall. tickets at www.khallmusic.nz or Carson’s bookshop.
Have a great night out with the Thames Harness Racing Club Friday, 27 November 2026 Alexandra Park, Auckland
Thursday, 17 December 2026 Cambridge Raceway The Thames Harness Racing Club will be running a bus to these meetings –Departing Thames High School at 3.30pm Bus trip to harness races at ALEXANDRA PARK and CAMBRIDGE RACEWAY Fun night out for all ages Pick your horses, get dressed up and come enjoy the fun Members travel FREE – Non-members only $15 Phone 868 6436 or email office@hdas.co.nz to reserve your seat on the bus www.theinformer.co.nz
The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 19
Letters to the Editor FLAGS – A DIFFERENT VIEW PB (Whitianga), 27/10/2026, is feeling threatened by the flying of the Maori flag alongside the New Zealand flag at Mercury Bay Area School. An indigenous flag does not mean separatism, it simply acknowledges the indigenous people of the land, te tangata whenua. Australia, which I would venture, doesn’t have the level of racial harmony, especially towards the Indigenous, First Nation people, that we have in Aotearoa, has for years flown the Australian flag, the State flag and the Indigenous flag at public institutions such as hospitals and schools, and municipal buildings. As far as I could tell, and I lived there for 10 years, the flying of the three flags hasn’t led to separatism, nor does it signify three nations. The school is not defining separation of one race, as PB claims; it is simply showing respect for the history and culture of Aotearoa. Liz MacIntyre, Hahei DO BETTER THE INFORMER I am wondering why your “esteemed” publication felt the need to print the flag letter? What purpose does it serve? And on receipt of this why would you not simply refer them straight to the school? Or perhaps if you wanted to practise your journalism skills, you could have sought clarification from the school and
nitely a racist. Do better P.B and do better The Informer! Bronny Jones, Whitianga
responded to P.B. You wouldn’t have even had to try that hard! The schools website homepage proudly displays the name of the school, firstly in te reo and then in English, followed by ‘Raising Achievement through Unity and Positivity’. One further click onto the ‘About our School’ link advises that they acknowledge local iwi Ngāti Hei as tangata whenua. Given this, why would they not display an indigenous flag alongside the New Zealand flag? Your paper shows that letters to the editor does not reflect the view of the editor who reserves the right to edit and decide what is published. I can guarantee that had you received this letter with the flags in question being flipped, you would not have published it. The anonymous P.B sounds a little unhinged to me. Anyone who finds this flag sad, intimidating and disturbing has problems that they should seek help with. New Zealand is not one nation and we are not one people and the last time I looked Pauline Hansen was not running a political campaign here. And also P.B, anybody who says ‘I am not a racist’ is most defi-
THE BASIS OF OUR DEMOCRACY Remember to get out and vote, whether to keep this government in, or to throw it out, or to vary the mix. It’s your right, a right that was bought by the blood, sweat and tears of our forebears. The vote is the basis of our democracy. The American editor and playwright George Jean Nathan once said: “Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.” Rod Wain, RD2, Whitianga MAKE BOTH YOUR VOTES COUNT Under New Zealand’s Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system, your ballot paper has two parts that perform completely different jobs: • The Party Vote: This is your most important vote. It dictates the total proportion of the 120 seats each political party gets in Parliament. • The Electorate or Candidate Vote: This chooses the individual MP to represent your local area. Understanding the "overhang" Parliament is normally baseline-capped at 120 seats (71 electorate seats and 49 party list seats). An overhang occurs if a party wins more local electorate
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.
seats than its overall Party Vote proportion entitles it to. When this happens, the party keeps those extra electorate seats, and the overall size of Parliament temporarily expands beyond 120 to accommodate them. Strategic "split voting" in Coromandel electorate Voters looking to secure a centre-right coalition government should use their two votes strategically: • Party Vote: Give this to a potential centre-right coalition partner like NZ First or ACT. • Candidate Vote: Cast this for National's Scott Simpson to ensure the local electorate seat stays with the centre-right. Even if it feels uncomfortable to vote for Mr Simpson, the result will likely be much more comfortable than a left-leaning government. If National wins a large number of local electorates, its share of list MPs shrinks or triggers an overhang. Directing your Party Vote to NZ First or ACT ensures that those crucial minor coalition partners clear the 5% threshold and bolster their seat numbers, maximizing the collective strength of a centre-right coalition. A slightly expanded Parliament is a minimal trade-off for a resilient, multiparty government compared to what could be the alternative! For further information visit: www.VoteSmart2026.co.nz Kathy Thompson, Whitianga
BACK TO BASICS — ARE OUR PRIORITIES AND RATES GOING UP IN SMOKE? The Planning Act 2026 requires one coordinated Waikato Regional Spatial Plan, not eleven independently invented district plans. What is spatial planning? It considers population growth, housing and land use, transport, water and wastewater networks, natural hazards, environmental constraints, economic development, cultural interests and major infrastructure investment. These are regional strategic questions, not a shopping list for local facilities. Waikato Regional Council already has an evidence inventory and framework. National spatial-planning standards are expected in September 2027, with a draft regional plan expected around June 2028. Yet TCDC intends to complete its own Peninsula Spatial Plan by mid-2027. Why the rush before the common requirements are settled? Why not wait until the Waikato partners agree exactly what evidence each council must supply, and in what format? Government wants less duplication. Council should not create work simply because it can. Until the regional requirements are clear, limit spending to essential evidence that will be reusable, rather than risk paying to do the work twice.
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20 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
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AI cartoon.
Supplied by David Yeomans.
Meanwhile, TCDC asks us to imagine what we want for the next thirty years. Where is the money to deliver it? Since the 2009–2010 Coromandel Blueprint, communities have contributed through Annual Plans, Long-Term Plans and Community Boards. Publish a register of proposals accepted, rejected, deferred, funded or delivered. Show the costs and let residents rank what remains. Why start with another blank page? Whangamatā’s leaking library roof, playgrounds and exercise park are not distant aspirations. They are existing assets that rates should maintain. Why did swimming-pool funding require repeated submissions? And why was $4.17 million spent on the Hetherington Road pipeline when Council’s commissioned Morphum advice recommended holding off on new pipes pending flood and coastal hazard planning? Where was community consultation before Council decided on a permanent wetland in Williamson Park? Council seems urgent about collecting aspirations, yet far less urgent about
delivering obligations. Under a proposed 4% rates cap, the question is not whether staff work hard. It is whether Council should be creating duplicated work at all. What share of rates, budgets and decision-making will Community Boards receive under the promised accord, so local priorities can actually be delivered? A spatial plan cannot itself fund the wish list. Without choices, costs and committed funding, it is another catalogue destined for the bonfire. Our previous submissions are going up in smoke. So is the rates money spent collecting more, while management redirects effort from outcomes it already owes. Patrick Kerr, Whangamatā
BLINDSIDED? ASK WHO STRUCK FIRST! The Mayor says he was blindsided by a Notice of Motion to reverse the decision to amalgamate. A pause is in order: who was blindsided first? New Zealanders had amalgamation thrust upon them. The method was familiar: a claim yet to be substantiated, a
veiled threat, then haste and an untimely deadline. Many councils bent the knee to a demand that will shape every New Zealander’s life for good. The people of each council were then blindsided in turn. If a Notice of Motion is an ambush, the technique was taught from the top and practised down the line. Consider what the Government’s own consultation omits. Simplifying Local Government offers worked case studies, voting formulas precise enough to weigh populations of fewer than fifty, and seven assessment criteria. None of those criteria addresses the council staff whose positions fund the promised savings. They rate a single parenthetical about how staff “might be moved”. The 1989 reforms and the Te Pūkenga merger show what follows when human cost goes unmeasured. In districts like ours, councils are among the largest stable employers outside the summer tourism spike. Each lost position is a mortgage, a local contract and a place on a school roll. To impose this in a time of catastrophic uncertainty was, in effect, to tell Kiwis the Government no longer wished to govern. Whoever designed that strategy has earned a Darwin Award nomination. A Mayor who took part in that process may reasonably feel surprised by a motion demanding a second look. Surprise, however, is not the same as being the first to be blindsided. If a decision of this magnitude must be revisited, let it be revisited openly, with the full costs on the table, including those to the people the consultation never mentioned. Second time around, “we-the-people” might finally be listened to. David Yeomans, Pauanui
Mike’s Minutes
‘Worth Watching Online’
JUST KEY IN THE TITLE AS WRITTEN TO FIND THE VIDEO IN YOUTUBE 1) THE FIRST HALF-MILLION VOLT D.C. TRANSMISSION LINE (1965) How electricity was fed to the Cook Strait submarine cable from the Benmore Dam to connect to the North Island’s power grid. 2) If You Go to China You Will NEVER see the World the Same! Martin Jacques EXPOSES Why is the West in a state of “collective delusion” regarding China? World renowned Scholar Martin Jacques (author of “When China Rules the World”) exposes the massive gap between Western media perception and the staggering reality on the ground in China. 3) New Zealand Found 18 of These Birds Left on Earth-What Followed Was Impossible. In 1974, scientists believed the Kakapo was finished, but after decades of searching they discovered 18 birds remained on earth. New Zealand launched one of the most ambitious wildlife rescue projects ever attempted. Enjoy watching, Mike
Oh Here We Go Again: Election 2026 BY VERNA CARR
Saturday 7 November – that’s the final day to vote. Already the nation is bracing itself like a cat at bath time - all tense muscles, profound distrust, and the quiet certainty that this will not end well. Under our Mixed Member Proportional system, Parliament works like a flat full of misfits. Everyone has a different opinion, nobody will do the dishes, and the rent still needs to be paid. We have had a glorious few months. Every politician in the country suddenly remembers we exist. Signs have sprouted up
like mushrooms after rain, and MPs who’ve been unavailable for three years are now free for every breakfast show, panel and podcast. They’ll talk about anything. Watching a politician dodge a direct question is like watching an eel escape a net. She/he’s not lying, of course – just being “optimistic” with the truth. Then come the promises, built with the same care and permanence as a sandcastle at high tide. And nothing is ever their fault. Petrol prices? Previous government. Grocery prices? Previous government. Inflation, the weather, the general vibe of the
Peter’s quiz Issue 1234 – Quiz 27
1) What is the name of the stamper battery near the cemetery in Coromandel Town? 2) Does the Whitianga ferry carry cars across the estuary? 3) What is the Bella Street pumphouse in Thames?
4) How many schools are there in Thames? 5) What was the Coromandel Town art gallery in an earlier life? For solutions see pg 25 www.theinformer.co.nz
VOTE HERE
nation? Previous government. “Cost of living” will be said so often this campaign it deserves its own seat in the House. Ask an MP what he’s done for the taxpayer and he’ll tell you what the taxpayer has done for him. MPs get a pay rise every year
- funnily enough, the one policy that always passes unanimously. Meanwhile, what do New Zealanders actually want? Not much - affordable homes, fresh food, clean air, clean water, jobs that make things, energy and education we can afford, a health system that works, roads that last more than a summer, communities that look after their own, freedom to speak our minds and chart our own course. What we don’t want is mass immigration, big overseas companies running our food supply, or piggies at the trough. Somebody’s getting rich and fat, and it isn’t the
person holding the shopping bags or putting petrol in the car. We have been showered with favours and promises like a lolly scramble at the school fair. Apparently every party’s opponents are simultaneously idiots and criminal masterminds. Here’s my advice. If someone has to ask you to trust them, don’t. As for me, I’m voting for the Christmas Party. I believe in Santa, and he’s the only one who delivers what he promises. Sure, he only works once a year, but at least he doesn’t claim expenses for his sleigh from the taxpayer. That’s already better than most MPs.
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WIN! Games & Puzzles Issue 1234
Crossword Puzzle © Lovatts Puzzles 5447
Name:................................................................................................................... Phone no:..........................................................................................................
Last weeks winner CONGRATULATIONS Ken Hindmarsh For last week’s solutions see page 25
Issue 1234 – Grid 1201
Sudoku Puzzle
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24 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
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Effective from 2nd November 2026
Jane Hunter Solicitor Thames Office at “The Old Lodge”
133 Martha Street, Grahamstown, Thames will be open and staffed on Wednesdays-Thursdays-Fridays (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Cook’s Beach Office at “The Cottage”
970 Purangi Road, Cook’s Beach will have Jane available, by appointment only, on Mondays and Tuesdays For appointments, please phone the Thames Office 07-868-8666 or email office@janehunter.co.nz Jane Hunter mobile 027-2764226
THE MERCURY BAY RUGBY & SPORTS CLUB INCORPORATED
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Monday 23 November 2026, 7.00pm at the Mercury Bay Rugby & Sports Club Inc Clubrooms, Lyon Park, Albert Street Whitianga. Enquires or expressions of interest for office holders, please contact the secretary mercurybayrugby@gmail.com
STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage, opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660
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Te Tiihi Nui Trust wish to acknowledge and thank outgoing Trustees Kim Abrahamson, David Enright, Phillip Hart and Karen Johansen for setting up and running Te Tiihi Nui Trust for the last four years. Te Tiihi Nui Trust welcome new Trustees Sally Sloane, Vaughan Grigsby and Celeste Reed. Te Tiihi Nui Trust
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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)
Anglican Worship Every Sunday at 9.00am at St Peter the Fisherman 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga ALL WELCOME Enquiries ph 021 781 081
SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00AM Come, join the family Find peace and friendship.
Enquiries: ph 022 1322 061 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz
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Armistice Day Wednesday 11 November 2026
The Mercury Bay RSA Inc. are having a small service at the Flag Pole in the Carpark of the Mercury Bay Club, 69 Cook Drive, Whitianga at 11am. Please assemble in the Carpark by 10.45am. All welcome to attend. Linda Fraser Secretary, Mercury Bay RSA
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INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER TAROT CARD READER LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
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PETER’S QUIZ ANSWERS Answers to quiz 27 on page 21 1) Coromandel Gold Stamper Battery
2) No, though one tried 3) A museum 4) Five
5) A primary school
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The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 25
Sports
Proudly sponsored by
Pool tournament Te Atatu RSA and Mercury Bay Club A pool tournament at Mercury Bay Club on Saturday brought a team of 45 from Te Atatu RSA to compete with Whitianga. All the pool tables were occupied. Good players from Te Atatu held their own, but in the end the Whitianga pool team won.
Te Atatu players having some fun in between shots.
Astronomy Tours and B&B Phone (07) 866 5343 www.stargazersbb.com
Mercury Bay – the sun, the moon and the tides
Wednesday 4 November
STAR and SPACE STATION GAZING IN 2026 – your guide to the night sky Tuesday, 3 November: The third quarter Moon sits right between bright Jupiter and fainter Mars in the eastern dawn sky. Wednesday, 4 November: The Moon now sits below Jupiter with the bright star Regulus in Leo between them with Mars higher up. Thursday, 5 November: The Moon is now almost half way down towards bright Venus very low on the eastern pre-dawn horizon. Friday, 6 November: The crescent Moon lies about half way between Jupiter and Venus in the pre-dawn sky. Saturday,7 November: The crescent Moon lies just to the left of bright Venus at dawn.
Sunday, 8 November: The Moon now sits right next to Venus but both are very low on the horizon and easily lost in the glare of the rising Sun. The early morning eastern pre-dawn sky has bright Jupiter and fainter and slightly reddish Mars near each other with bright Venus further down. Venus has completed its pass behind the Sun and is now visible as the morning ’star’. It will rise higher each day as it gradually pulls away from the Sun and has much fainter Mercury well below it. Meanwhile ,slightly yellowish Saturn remains high overhead in the evening sky all night.
Thursday 5 November
Friday 6 November
Saturday 7 November
Sun: Rise 6:09am Set 7:52pm
Sun: Rise 6:08am Set 7:53pm
Sun: Rise 6:07am Set 7:54pm
Sun: Rise 6:06am Set 7:55pm
Moon: Rise 3:16am Set 2:45pm
Moon: Rise 3:42am Set 3:50pm
Moon: Rise 4:06am Set 4:53pm
Moon: Rise 4:31am Set 5:57pm
High Tides:3:11am 3:43pm
High Tides:4:15am 4:41pm
High Tides:5:16am 5:36pm
High Tides:6:12am 6:27pm
HOT WATER Low Tides:8:58am 9:41pm BEACH
HOT HOT HOT WATER Low Tides:10:00am 10:40pm WATER Low Tides:11:01am 11:36pm WATER Low Tides:11:57am BEACH BEACH BEACH
Sunday 8 November
Monday 9 November
Tuesday 10 November
Sun: Rise 6:05am Set 7:57pm
Sun: Rise 6:04am Set 7:58pm
Sun: Rise 6:03am Set 7:59pm
Moon: Rise 4:58am Set 7:00pm
Moon: Rise 5:27am Set 8:03pm
Moon: Rise 6:00am Set 9:05pm
High Tides:7:04am 7:16pm HOT WATER Low Tides:12:28am 12:49pm BEACH
High Tides:7:52am 8:02pm HOT WATER Low Tides:1:16am 1:37pm BEACH
High Tides:8:37am 8:45pm HOT WATER Low Tides:2:00am 2:23pm BEACH
THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS Sponsor the tides column
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DOWNLOAD THE APP CFM.CO.NZ/APP 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
26 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
Newspaper Layout: Debbie Morgan Business Manager & Sales: Emma Gaunt Delivery Managers: Merv Gregory & Peter Anderson Writers: Trevor Ammundsen, Jack Biddle, Pam Ferla, Geoff Robinson, Verna Carr
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Sports
Proudly sponsored by
Mercury Bay Bowls Club – New World Triples winners were Martin White, Christine Mason and Phil Oliver presented with New World vouchers by Club Patron Pam Phillips.
HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB The Hahei Bridge Club results for week 4 of the Handicap Pairs held on 27 October 2026 are as follows; North South: 1st Dave Dylla and Angela Butterworth 56.30%, 2nd Robyn Hogg and Tia Ormsby 52.94%, 3rd Ngaire O’Brien and Peter Clark 49.96% East West: 1st Natasha Courtney and Margaret Muir 57.68%, 2nd Don Barry and Pam Churchill 54.90%, 3rd Anne Knowles and Ann Scott 52.33%
MERCURY BAY BRIDGE CLUB November Pairs round 1 Wednesday, 28 October North/South: 1 Alison Tichbon & Gavin Hedwig 61.3; 2 Terri Lipanovic & Robyn Hogg 55.1; 3 Augusta Canegallo & Denise Knutson 54.8 East/West: 1 Rose Tegg & Chris Hilford 58.0; 2 Don Barry & Giorgio Allemano 57.6; 3 Johanna Bonnar & Sheryll Roberts 52.4 Centennial Pairs round 2 Thursday, 29 October 1 Faith Stock & Gavin Hedwig 73.8; 2 Hillary Scott & Bryan Patterson 52.5; 3 Julie Rutledge & Steven Knowles 51.3 MERCURY BAY CLUB DARTS 24 players this week so 501 doubles were played. Two teams went through unbeaten in all four sets, they were Mike Gillett & Marsh Wylie and Selwyn Whatarangi & Richie Neighbours. Selwyn Whatarangi and Richie Neighbours won the one game final. Highest finish this week was 66, scored by Rex Donaldson. No finishes over 50 for the ladies this week and no 180's scored. No darts on Melbourne Cup day so see you all the following week. MERCURY BAY BOWLS CLUB New World Triples 29 October This event attracted bowlers from Mercury Bay, and Tairua to Coromandel.
Mercury Bay Golf Club – Christine Van Veen and Kevin Smith; Matchplay Club Champions L to R: Brett Proctor – Intermediate Champion, Kevin Smith – Senior Champion and Club Captain and Graeme Butlet – Junior Champion. Well done to all 3 of you.
On Special and third place were Nirie Reddy and Dave & Larisa King. Super savers Ray Rout, Colin Everett and Ross Hickey were placed second. However bargains of the day and winners were Martin White, Christine Mason and Phil Oliver who were presented with New World vouchers by Club Patron Pam Phillips.
MERCURY BAY CLUB INDOOR BOWLS Monday 19 October We played our clubs triples championship 1st Ray Rout, Judy Cullinane, Colleen Holmes 2nd Alan Henderson, Cheryl Henderson, Betty Simpson Good sports Ken Lack, Sandie Morris, Pat Fisher Monday 26th October 1st Ken Lack, Betty Simpson 2nd Maureen Lack, Pat Fisher Good sports Wayne Fisher, Colleen Holmes MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB Thursday 29 October Tonight was the Clubs last night of bowls for the year and we were joined by 6 members of the Cooks Beach Indoor Bowls Club. A fun night playing each game with “crazy” jacks and the chance to win a prize by landing on an obstacle. The chocolate treats were well sort after, and everyone had a fun night. The winners were Ray Rout, Judy Leabourn and Summer Bartlett. Runners Up were Ken Lack, Coral Strong and Leon Bigland. Good Sports: Maureen Lack and Colleen Holmes Indoor Bowls will start again March 2027.
MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Wednesday, 28 October Section-play saw a great turnout of players reduced to one player - Rob Reilly with 3 wins after 3 rounds to take the day’s honours. Those with 2 wins each included
INK Biography, Drama R13, 116 Mins Guy Pearce (The Brutalist) stars as Murdoch, alongside Jack O’Connell (Sinners) as newspaper editor Larry Lamb, newly assigned to oversee the fledgling daily paper. Tasked with attracting new readers in the competitive British media market, Lamb devises a new tactic - throw anything onto the page that will turn heads, no matter the veracity. The Sun sees a massive spike in readership, and this new broad scope allows Jules Davies (Claire Foy) to break through the male-dominated hierarchy. But as the paper circulation grows, so too does the number of its critics.
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PURANGI GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 9 hole stableford Tues 27 Oct 1 Jock Peacock, 2 Catherine Borlase, 3 =Di Gilmour, Mark Bell, Colin Campbell . 9 hole stableford Thurs 29 Oct 1 Dave Gibson, 2 =Neil Golan, Annelise La Roche, Jason Godward. 18 hole stableford Sat 31 Oct 1 Jason Godward, 2 Steve Borlase, 3 Callum Murray. 4BBB: Callum Murray and Catherine Borlase
DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB 9 Hole Men’s Shootout Qualifying Stbfd Tue 27 Oct 1 Peter Mathias 19,2 Lance Croawell 18. 18 Hole Men’s Tony Cotton Nett Medal and Gross Wed 29 Oct Nett: 1 Geoffrey Hill 66, 2 Gary Bancroft 69 (on count back) 69, 3 Steve Moss 69. Gross: 1 Wally Hayes 78 TWO’S: Allan Trow & Kerry Mason # 5, Steve Moss & Graham Harrison # 7, Mike Peterson & Geoffrey Hill #14 Gary Bancroft & Richard Agnew (Purangi) # 18. Nearest The Pin # 18: Mike Purchase 9 Hole Men’s and Ladies Mixed Ambrose Nett Thurs 29 Oct 1 Mark Deutsch-Richard Cummins- Maree Cabaret, 2 Lance Croawell- Harry Karl- Glenys Wilson.
Nov‘26
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Nearest The Pin #18: Mark Deutsch 18 Hole Ladies Stbfd 1 Mary Coughlan-Mason 39, 2 Sandra Bowen 36, 3 Marie Murphy 35. 18 Hole Mixed Haggle Nett Sat 31 Oct 1 Tony De Coek 69,2 Joanne Dartnall 70, 3 Polly Lambert 71. TWO’S: Robert Smith - Darryn Pritchard # 7, Tony De Coek # 14, Simon Pringle (Warksworth) # 18. Nearest The Pin #18: Ashley Hetherington
MERCURY BAY GOLF CLUB BBC Sunday Fun Day Sunday 25 Oct Stableford winner: Paul Lupton (41), 2 Christine Van Veen (40), 3 Jenna Leach (40). 9 Hole Ladies Tuesday 27 October Putting winner: Audrey Vickers, 2 Christine Godden, 3 Linda Stratford. 9 Hole Men Stableford winner: Don Maguire (21 on a countback from Rodrick Bott), 3 Graeme Heathcote (20). J&D Trophy Women vs Men Wed 28 Oct 10 Drawn cards and the winner is………. The Women!! 9 Hole Men Friday 30 October Stableford winner: Edwin Lyle (20,) 2 Bob Holiday & Graeme Heathcote (18). Twilight Stableford winner: Paul Mason (19), 2 Matty Menzies (16), 3 Nick Gill (15). 18 Hole Men Saturday 31 October Gross Snr. Sam Murphy. Gross Jnr. Ken George Stableford winner: Graeme Heathcote (44), 2 Patrick Gonthier (42), 3 Dan Ray (41), Two’s: Matty Menzies, Vern Bahr, Tony Foster, Sam Murphy, Chian Ho, David Simpson, Richard Steel, John McNicol & Alan Henderson. On this very fine day we had 50 players in the scramble and some visitors from out of town, all who complimented us on our fine course.
britishfilmfestival.co.nz
November 2026
At Mercury Twin Cinemas
27 October to 18 November
Ken Gibson, Peter Schultz, Wayne Malcolm (welcome back cobber) and Bob Haase who also took out the High Break Jackpot with a break of 25. Sunday, 1 November Four players survived the rigours of section-play to meet in two play-off semi-finals. Ian Baumgren was too good for Peter Schultz while Bob Haase won a close game against Wayne Malcolm. A closely contested final saw Bob come from behind to clinch the day’s honours over Ian.
For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com
The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026 | 27
Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Solutions
HARKIN BOAT WORKS
Amy Balme (CA) Geoff Balme (FCA) Adele Scobie
45+ years of experience in timber and composite construction • New Builds • Modifications • Repairs
office@accountingbydesign.co.nz
Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques
28 Lee Street, Whitianga 3510
Phone +64212207288 | harkinnz@gmail.com Unit 1, 5 Abrahamson Drive, Whitianga 3510 www.harkinboatworks.com
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
OUR LEGAL SERVICES INCLUDE:
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WAITAIA NURSERY Waitaia Road, Kuaotunu Phone Colin or Cam 07 869 5910 www.waitaianursery.co.nz
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Right now at Guthrie Bowron, get 15% off Laura Ashley fabrics*, and 15% off selected blinds, shutters and motorisation^! Orders must be in by 2nd November 2026, so pop in store and have a chat to our knowledgeable team about your window furnishings. Inspiration starts here, at your local Guthrie Bowron.
14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510 www.renniecox.co.nz whitianga@renniecox.co.nz 0800RENNIECOX (0800 736 643) 28 | The Coromandel Informer – 3 November 2026
Guthrie Bowron Whitianga 2/9 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga 3510 07 866 0035 Email curtains@gbwhitianga.co.nz *Applies to the retail price of fabric only. Excludes any making or installation costs and not available in conjunction with any other offer. Orders must be confirmed by 2nd November 2026 to be eligible for this offer. ^Selected styles and brands only. Conditions apply. Orders must be confirmed by 2nd November 2026 to be eligible for this offer. Please see guthriebowron. co.nz or in-store for full details. #Travel distance parameters may apply.
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