Issuu

Your Summer u o y r o f g Is waitin FREE

2025/2026

Inviting you to enjoy the life, energy and beauty of the people, places, food and events of the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

COASTAL WALKWAY

OUR PLAYGROUND, YOUR PLAYGROUND Take a fresh look at familiar places NEW CHUM BEACH

COROMANDEL TOWN

WHITIANGA

MOUTOHE CATHEDRAL COVE

HOT WATER BEACH

FIRTH OF THAMES WAIOMU TAIRUA PA-UANUI

KAIAUA SHOREBIRD COAST

THAMES KAUAERANGA VALLEY

PUKOROKORO/ MIRANDA

WHANGAMATA-

NGATEA

WHENUAKURA ISLAND

PAEROA KARANGAHAKE GORGE

w w w . t h e c o r o m an d 2

WAIHI-

WAIHI- BEACH

el.nz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

WELCOME

Leigh Hopper, Hopper Developments

he Lost Spring is ready to welcome you. We have everything to transport you to the world of a aci c sland Resort. The Coromandel has beautiful beaches, fantastic water and shing adventures, a laid-back environment, gastronomic delights — and The Lost Spring! We offer the ultimate day spa pampering and pure, natural, luxurious thermal bathing — with à la carte service. Everything has that outh aci c vibe he ost pring staff are waiting to provide an experience exceeding your expectation. We are ready to be part of your next holiday and that gap in your working week. True story: Hot March day — in the pools under the shade of the trees, shoulder to shoulder with their cocktails; one young couple caught my eye. I never got to speak with them. They were simply so engaged with each other — talking together for quite some time and later, soaking up the warmth of the sun. They were absorbed in that realm of relaxation and togetherness. Later that evening as the couple was checking out, the young man came over to where I was in the restaurant. “Do you own this place?” “Yes,” I smiled. He continued, “My wife and have ve children between us and today, we farmed all of them out to family and friends to come here. It has been the best day. We feel like we are 17 years old again. Thank you.” e con r ed what has aways been our aim and what has been living in my soul to achieve from the beginning of The Lost Spring, 24 years ago — to bring magic back into people’s lives. See more pages 98-99.

fell in love with the Coromandel just three years ago. That’s a late start in life for a place so beautiful and so near. wenty ve years ago, had so e work up here. It meant travelling up every week for one or two days. I focused on my job and hurried south to my other work rushing back and forward along the Kopu-Hikuai Highway. It wasn’t until I came to live here that I started looking sideways and around me. Even with daily worries, stress seemed to lift. I’m still working but I feel most days I’m partly on a holiday. What I see around me — pristine beauty plus the openness of the people, the events and simple pleasures available soak into your spirit. It is my hope, even prayer, that you will spend time enjoying the Coromandel Peninsula. I think it heals worry, gives you a slower pace, children love the simplicity; adults feel it doing them good. We have tried so very hard through the pages of Your Summer to reveal some of the amazing offerings this Peninsula has. Open the pages and then come and see. Pauline Stewart, Editor

Alan Hopping, The Lost Spring

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Photo AI engineering Steve Holmes

t seems as if my whole life has been creating communities. I am proud of this and what Hopper Developments have made possible in this region. For 34 years, beginning in Pauanui, we have been committed to developing the best of coastal living, enabling people to enjoy a lifestyle with their home connected with the land and the sea. We have succeeded. Some communities have been created by the water, and in other locations, we have brought the water to the community, with canals and berths for yachts and boats. All facilities are smoothly integrated. We have also built communities focused on active retirement lifestyles in holiday destinations — once again with the beach or water close by. We stand by our high quality and long-term sustainability. e were honoured and a r ed recently when Hopper Living received 8 awards across all four villages and our hospital, in the “Best of the Best’ categories of Seniors New Zealand/Aged Advisor Awards. We are ready to expand the lifestyle opportunities for kiwis so that living by the water is a daily reality, not just a dream. Despite the economy, we are pushing to the boundary of our investment, to offer a number of new and exciting projects. Some are being designed and built as I write this. Take a look inside. Think about coming to live on the Coromandel while you relax and enjoy,Your Summer.. Please turn the page to read more.

WHITIANGA WATERWAYS

A unique offering A NEW ERA FOR COASTAL LIVING IN WHITIANGA New Zealand’s first freehold marina ownership model launches this summer.

he Coromandel coast has always been about freedom, adventure, and the simple joy of being close to the water. Now, Whitianga is set to lead the way with a landmark development that’s changing how Kiwis can live, invest, and play by the sea. At the heart of this change is a new marine precinct — located on the site of the former Summer Concert Venue — offering New Zealand’s very rst freehold arina ownership odel his truly unique concept rede nes waterfront living for current and future generations while securing long-term value and lifestyle certainty. It blends the security of land ownership with an unparalleled coastal lifestyle, transforming how Kiwis live, invest, and play by the sea.

Stage one auction – 6 December 2025 Stage One is consented and ready to launch in early December, bringing 28 private berths paired with freehold waterfront lots (172–197 m²) to the market. Owners won’t just gain a berth for their vessel — they’ll own a slice of the waterfront itself, and an option to stay-aboard. On this lot, you can build a marina apartment-style dwelling, creating the perfect land base for your marine lifestyle. Imagine arriving late, resting up, and then casting off at rst light with the sea at your doorstep. It’s an extraordinary opportunity that marries freedom with security, lifestyle with legacy — and demand is already building. The plan is for the Marine Precinct to include a boutique marine-related retail hub with brokerage, chandlery, bait and tackle, and a

The Hopper family invite you to anchor your future in Whitianga’s new marine precinct.

general store for restocking essentials — making it a true one-stop destination for boaties.

Canal living – Stage 16 Meanwhile, just along Joan Gaskell Drive, earthworks are well underway. Known as Stage 16, this release features 10 canal-front sections and 7 coastal sections. With land works nearing completion and two canal-front lots already snapped up, the momentum is building fast.

These sites are part of the long-term vision for Whitianga: communities designed for connection, lifestyle, and a future that keeps the Kiwi dream alive.

The tide is turning Markets move in cycles, and while recent years have been challenging, the tide is turning. Investing in coastal property has always been about more than bricks and mortar – it’s about securing a lifestyle and a legacy. For those ready to act, the opportunities at Whitianga are here today, but they won’t wait around tomorrow.

Anchor your place in the future Whitianga’s Marine Precinct and Stage 16 release represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to combine lifestyle with investment. The question is simple: will you be on board? “There are very few suitable locations left for new marinas in New Zealand,” says Gray Hopper, Project Manager, Whitianga Waterways. “Boating is integral to the Kiwi way of life, and we believe developers like us have a responsibility to create communities where access to the water isn’t a dream but an everyday reality. The ocean’s a big playground — and it’s right on your doorstep.” The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

on.

6 DEC 2025

’ S AU C T

R YE

S ta

A New Era in Freehold Marina Ownership

WHITIANGA WATERWAYS

o re d e t a

o ils c

PRE-TITLE RELEASE This development includes:

*Ar t

ist’s I

mpression O

•

Initial 28 private FREEHOLD berths designed to accommodate a variety of vessels up to 25 metres

•

Each berth includes a small adjoining freehold land lot

•

Planned future marine facilities and services

nl y

The Coromandel Informeryour Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026 Register interest today | whitiangawaterways.co.nz/marine-precinct

CONTENTS

Whitianga Waterways

THAMES

Thames Hospital — enduring legacy of the gift of land

Sir Keith Park — a Thames hero

A&G Price — not your average engineering company

Cathedral Cove Macadamias — From tree to treat

Changing the future of off-grid design

Opito Bay and its sea salt

The Church Bistro — food, culture and community

Book review: Are you trying to kill us?

95 WHANGAMATA

Lance Popata — more than a store owner

The BBC — new and different on the esplanade

Brent Elder — just a bloke who loves a good pie

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

Keeping communities clean

Summer essentials

ON THE WATER

Emergency management

Boating info

hitianga arina avid and Goliath success story

Caring for our coast

23 COROMANDEL TOWN

50 WHITIANGA 50

Coastal Road Trip — Stage two

Weekend warrior cyclist

52 THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Coastal Road Trip — Stage one

ahi oa ar sunflower elds

Saving Kiwi for 25 years

The Waterworks — a very special, quirky park

Coastal Road Trip — Stage three

Pahi Coastal Walk

25 FOOD SCENE 26

New line of wakame seaweed sauces

Anne Louden — face of the Coromandel Oyster Company

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine is published by The Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga and printed by Webstar, Auckland. Enquiries – phone 07 866 2090 or email info@theinformer.co.nz © 2025. All rights reserved. Editorial contributors – Sarah-Jane Lee, Trevor Ammundsen, Dorothy Preece, Jack Biddle, Beverley Sheppard, Michelle Rhodes, Pauline Stewart, Stan Stewart Photographic contributors – Paul Schrader, Sarah-Jane Lee, Wayne Martin and Garry Brandon, Romy Stowers, Greg Brown Cover photo — AI engineering Steve Holmes, photo Romy Stowers Business manager – Emma Gaunt Design and production – Clare McGillivray, CM Design Advertising layout – Diane Andrew, Debbie Morgan Proof reading – Jillian Johnston

96 MATARANGI The magic of Matarangi

98 WELLNESS 98

The Lost Spring

102 TAIRUA AND PAUANUI 103 Relics of the prehistoric world 104 Anzac Day at dawn

105 WHAT’S ON 107

Gold Discovery Centre

110

Wheels within Walls — Wow!

111 CULTURE 113

Gold jewellery and sculptures for the community

114

Filipinos share goodness and positivity

115 RETAIL AND BEAUTY

62 COLVILLE 63

A town making waves

119

Experience Colville

Making precious jewellery and nding an ocean ho e

64 LIFESTYLE

121 STAY

The late arrivals club

Ron Connell

122 Nothing beats hospitality and service

Giorgio — a Kiwi with an Italian soul

Two treats in one stop

128 SERVICES 129

Adrian Catran JP — His life is with death

www.theinformer.co.nz 6

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES

Enjoy and stay before you head north. This pretty town has gold mine history everywhere, music and festivals, thriving Saturday markets, it’s the North Island home of Steam Punk and the town offers exciting events.

Wings & Wheels Thames

Porritt Park

WINGS AND WHEELS THAMES 2026

for everyone at this totally family-friendly event. Visit www.wingsandwheelsthames.com for more information.

Wings and Wheels Thames promises to be an outstanding event — held on Saturday 24 January 2026 over Anniversary Weekend at the ir eith ark e orial ir eld in ha es It will feature vintage aircraft, classic and vintage cars and motorcycles, live entertainment and food trucks, FMX Bikes — including a demonstration by professional riders, a WWII re-enactment (returning by popular de and after its rst appearance in , and a flight si ulator lassic rucks up to , will rst do a three-day tour around the Peninsula — stopping overnight in Whangamata and Coromandel Town before arriving in Thames. There’s something

SAT 24

JAN

2026

Steam Punk

THAMES INFO CENTRE Since it opened in 2024, the Thames Information Centre has welcomed thousands of visitors. It is superbly run by our manager and a team of trained volunteers. People come into the Centre for everything from a Thames map (very popular), to a cold drink, bus tickets, or to book an attraction or accommodation, to store luggage or charge their devices, and/or to buy souvenirs — from t-shirts and caps, to magnets and postcards, to local honey, Opito Bay Salt, and very special Maori art/jewellery.

hey also select fro a vast array of flyers of the local attractions they hope to visit, and those farther a eld ro ece ber it is open seven days/week, from 9am to 4pm. For more information, visit www.explorethames.nz/ thames-info-centre or phone 07 868 9803.

PORRITT PARK Porritt Park Destination Playground features the climbing tower lighthouse and ‘Wakatere’ boat. It also includes a wheelchair-accessible seesaw and carousel, hamster wheels, talking tubes and net climbers. In addition, some of the old favourites are there — swings galore, picnic tables and a BBQ area. Some of the soft-fall areas under the play equipment feature designs provided by local iwi g ti aru

10AM - 3PM

SIR KEITH PARK MEMORIAL AIRFIELD

FOOD STALLS ENTERTAINMENT VINTAGE AND CLASSIC DISPLAYS

CLASSIC TRUCKS - STATIONARY ENGINES - TRACTORS FMX BIKES - MILITARY VEHICLES - AIRCRAFT VINTAGE AND CLASSIC CARS

wingsandwheelsthames.com

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

205 SEALEY STREET, THAMES. PH: 07 868 6128 7

THAMES

Land gift for Thames Hospital The enduring legacy of the gift of land for a hospital and a church from local iwi chiefs By Sarah-Jane Lee

hames Hospital, one of New Zealand’s oldest continuously operating hospitals, recently marked its 150th anniversary. Its founding in the late 1860s, was a true community effort, driven by the needs of the booming gold rush town. The hospital’s story begins with a signi cant gift fro local iwi he land was o cially donated by the aipari fa ily, speci cally e oterene and irope aipari or g ti aru , for the purpose of a hospital and an Anglican Church in 1868. The land donated is the very site where the hospital stands today. This act of goodwill laid the foundation for this vital community institution. Initially established to care for the region’s gold miners, the hospital treated common

Te Hoterene and Wirope Taipari injuries from the perilous work, such as accidents with machinery, falling rocks, and collapsing mine shafts. It also served the wider settler population, providing care for prevalent illnesses like typhoid, tuberculosis, and measles. Remarkably, the hospital was built, furnished,

NEW ANCHOR PROTEIN+ SHAKE Fills you up. Keeps you going.

Ready-to-Drink High Protein Great Taste On-the-Go

and equipped for just £230, a cost funded entirely by the local community without any government assistance. As one of Thames Mayors noted, “It was founded 157 years ago not because the government of the day thought there should be a hospital here-but because members of the community saw the need and got the job done.” Thames Hospital is the oldest still operating in New Zealand. This legacy of community spirit and forward-thinking leadership has allowed Thames Hospital to serve the Coromandel Peninsula for over a century and a half. Medical security is very important as to whether people retire and stay in this paradise that is the Coromandel Peninsula. Continuing investment and development of Thames Hospital will be key to the future.

N EW 30g

HIGH PROTEIN No added sugar 8

No artificial sweeteners

Lactose free The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES

Do you know this man? By Pauline Stewart

Photos Garry Brandon Photography

o many in New Zealand don’t know him. He is Sir Keith Park and a two-metre bronze statue of his likeness as a pilot and airman, was unveiled in September, at ha es ir eld before a crowd of 600 people. The statue sits beneath a fullsized replica of Park’s personal Hurricane ghter in orld ar wo Thames is Sir Keith’s hometown. He grew up here until he went to boarding school. This man’s life, his character and actions were the central focus of the recent commemorations of the Battle of Britain in the open air under very chilly skies for local people and many visiting dignitaries in September, national and international. his very signi cant event was the culmination of years of planning by a small group whose leader is Thames resident Geoff Furkert. Geoff is himself a force to be reckoned with and says openly, “Keith Park is my hero and I believe many more New Zealanders should make Keith Park their hero.“ The bronze sculpture was a huge feat with the funds being raised locally, and by individuals throughout New Zealand. Internationally renowned sculptor, Joanne Sullivan, worked for over three years on Sir Keith’s bronze sculpture, being interrupted by Covid for a time. There is also a life size statue of Sir Keith outside the Thames Civic Centre. Why go to all this trouble for a man that not many New Zealanders seem to know? “Never has such an outstanding New Zealand leader been overlooked by so many and known by so few. If any one man won the Battle of Britain, he did. I do not believe it is realised how much that one man, with his leadership, his calm judgement and his skill, did to save not only our country but the world.” — Lord Tedder, Chief of the Royal Air Force, 1947. Sir Keith Park was a man of unparalleled strategic and tactical genius, and with foresight in aviation. Park was the ace ghter pilot and leader who saved ondon in the rst and critical victory of the Battle of Britain. As one speaker attested at the Thames ir eld, ritain ca e so very close to being invaded by Hitler — (a two day gap was all they had and Sir Keith’s strategy caused Hitler to change his plans).

“England was at a very low point in its ability and resources to keep on. Winning the Battle of Britain turned the tide.” — Captain Russell Skeet. he di cult part is that at the ti e when Keith was organising his air force group, according to the strategy he devised, to protect England from the Luftwaffe and implementing the strategy, Sir Keith was not appreciated by the hierarchical leaders at the time.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

The alternative tactics insisted on by his so-called colleagues soon failed. History showed that Park’s use of scarce aircraft and even scarcer pilots was the right and only approach. Park anticipated the value of blending multiple information sources shared across multiple locations (networks!) He created an interactive and open-loop physical network linking thousands of people in hundreds of locations without pause. Data, decisions and results were continuously exchanged for 24 hours in real time — and in minutes. The system, and Park’s use of it, saved Britain. After the war, Sir Keith returned to New ealand e influenced odern civil aviation and led the creation of Auckland International Airport. He was an environmentalist whose advocacy worked to save the Hauraki Gulf from pollution. His humanity and sensitivity changed the lives of underprivileged children, and those a icted with blindness and epilepsy Park was unassuming and not recognised in his lifetime for what he achieved. Sadly, this was also true in New Zealand, where our international airport was named after the swamp it was built on, not after the man who made it possible. Call in. To your left just past the Kopu roundabout 5 km from Thames township, is the ir eith ark e orial ir eld, Thames. See the sculpture, and the Hurricane plane. Read the words about him — be thankful and inspired. Contact:Geoff.furkert@xtra.co.nz Scan here for a video clip of Sir Keith Park’s leadership qualities, expressed through his life

THAMES

A & G Price

NOT YOUR AVERAGE ENGINEERING COMPANY SINCE 1868 AND STILL GOING STRONG By John Pratt

commissioned a three-metre CNC lathe with live tooling, and expanded its renewable energy systems. The company is also currently piloting a “circular engineering” programme, designing parts that can be more easily recycled, repaired, or repurposed. Yates believes this mix of tradition and innovation will keep the company competitive for decades to come. “Heavy engineering can be smart, sustainable, and scalable,” he says. “That’s where we’re headed — and we’re bringing New Zealand along with us.”

s the world of heavy engineering evolves at speed, one of New Zealand’s oldest r s is proving that heritage and innovation can go hand in hand. A & G Price Ltd, founded in 1868 and still operating from its historic Thames site, has survived wars, recessions, and even its nearclosure in 2017 in its 157-year history. Today, under general manager Peter Yates, the company is charting a bold new course built on technology, sustainability, and global reach. “We’re not just a foundry anymore — we’re a modern solutions partner,” Yates says.

FROM LOCOMOTIVES TO DEFENCE COMPONENTS he co panys history reflects ew ealands industrial story. Once known for forging steam locomotives, A & G Price now produces hightensile defence components, mining machinery, marine parts, and bespoke alloys for clients across Australasia, Asia, and Europe. Recent projects include refurbishing hydro turbines for electricity providers, supplying critical parts for international defence forces, and designing replacements for obsolete machinery in the recycling and primary industries.

INNOVATION AT THE CORE The revival of A & G Price has been driven by investment in new tools and smarter processes and include • Green initiatives: olar power, energy e cient furnaces and advanced sand-recycling systems reduce emissions and waste. • Digital integration: 3D modelling, simulationbased casting, and AI-assisted scheduling to improve accuracy and turnaround time. • Next-generation materials: Engineers are developing composite-metal blends to meet the demands of modern industry. These changes mean the Thames workshop can handle everything from emergency breakdowns to complex international orders. 10

ENGINEERING AT SCALE While technical detail may be daunting, the scale of A & G Price’s capabilities is striking. Its CNC lathes can machine components up to 12 metres long and 6.1 metres in diameter, while its foundry can pour castings in iron, steel, aluminium, and custom alloys. A dedicated 114-metre fabrication shop, complete with 20-tonne overhead cranes, allows the company to manage massive projects few others in the region could even attempt. Quality control is rigorous, backed by ISO certi cation and a laboratory equipped with spectrometry and metallurgical testing systems.

LOCAL ROOTS, GLOBAL REACH Despite its global clientele, A & G Price remains r ly tied to ha es he co pany e ploys local tradespeople, runs apprenticeship programmes, and continues to operate the foundry that once powered New Zealand’s industrial growth. At the same time, the co pany is continually looking further a eld and forging new partnerships in Australia, Southeast sia, and the aci c “We’ve survived economic downturns, war, automation — even closure,” Yates says. “Now we’re not just surviving — we’re building a future.”

LOOKING AHEAD In the past year alone, A & G Price has installed a new spectrometer in its foundry lab,

SOME FAST FACTS OF A & G PRICE Founded in 1868, Thames-based A & G Price remains one of New Zealand’s oldest engineering r s oday it co bines traditional heavy engineering with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. • Foundry: Casts iron, steel (including stainless), aluminium, brass and custom alloys • Machining: CNC lathes handle parts up to 12 metres long and 6.15 metres in diameter, CNC milling, multi pallet work centres, grinding, gear cutting. • Fabrication: 114-metre workshop with 20-tonne lifting capacity • Quality: certi ed, with in house spectrometry and metallurgical testing including non-destructive inspection • Sustainability: Powered by solar and hydro energy, advanced sand reclamation, airltration syste s and aterial recycling • Recent projects: Defence components, hydro turbine refurbishments, mining crusher parts, and recycling machinery rebuilds Alfred and George Price, the original Men of Metal as they were known, would be astonished to see just how the business has progressed, evolved and survived for so long. Their engineering expertise, vision and imagination are all attributes the company continues to implement today and will no doubt continue to do so into the foreseeable future.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

Welcome to

Thames-Coromandel District Haere mai, welcome to the Coromandel. Whether you live here permanently, you’re a regular visitor to your bach or you’re a firsttimer to the Coromandel, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer. This section of 12 pages is brought to you by Thames-Coromandel District Council. We’ll bring you up to speed on what our Council does, the facilities available and some of the rules to keep in mind including dog control and alcohol in public places. Chances are that even if you don’t know it, you’re using some of the infrastructure, facilities and services that our Council provides, from turning on your tap, flushing the toilet, to driving to the beach – we'll help you do it.

Aileen Lawrie, Chief Executive, Thames-Coromandel District Council

Launching your boat? Council runs 24 boat ramps and launching facilities and 15 wharves.

boat ramps

Tired of traffic? Take the ferry – We’ve worked with Explore Group and the Coromandel Business Association to bring back the Auckland to Coromandel Town ferry over the summer. It will run initially on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 24 October from the Viaduct to Hannaford’s Wharf, with a shuttle bus to take passengers to and from Coromandel Town. A transfer onward to Whitianga will also be available. Check our TCDC website for schedules.

wharves

Planning a wedding? We’ve got you covered: book one of our 13 community halls or get in touch if you’ve got your eye on one of our iconic seaside reserves for your special day.

public toilets playgrounds Planning a roadie? You won’t get caught short because we’ve got 99 public toilets across our town centres and our 2,000 hectares of parks and reserves. Want a playground for the kids – we’ve got 46 to choose from.

community halls

GO DEEPER – Want to take a deep dive into how Council’s services and infrastructure are funded? Check out our 20242034 Long Term Plan tcdc.govt.nz/LTP-2024-2034 The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

For those of you just visiting, when the sad day comes for you to pack up and go home, you can drop your recycling (no charge) and rubbish at one of our seven Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations.

Our TCDC website is loaded with information about our facilities, services, projects and budgets. FIND OUT MORE tcdc.govt.nz/contact customerservices@tcdc.govt.nz 07 868 0200 (24/7)

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

KERBSIDE BIN TIPS

MIXED RECYCLING

GLASS RECYCLING

Clean hard plastics 1, 2 & 5

Only glass bottles and jars

Cardboard

Council crates only

Paper

Maximum two crates per property

Tins

(You can buy a second one from Council)

✖ Dirty plastic containers (wash them) ✖ Lids ✖ Soft plastics

✖ No lids ✖ Don’t overfill them ✖ Don’t use other containers

I’m a Council crate

Council crates are designed to safely rest on the side of vehicles to allow the operator to sort colours

I identify as a storage crate

Soft plastics should be put in the special soft plastics bins in main centres tcdc.govt.nz/softplastics

I identify as a washing basket

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

Keeping Our Communities Clean

TRANSFER STATIONS

RUBBISH Milk & juice cartons Plastic bottles & containers numbered 3, 4, 6 & 7

Check out your nearest Refuse and Recycling Transfer Station tcdc.govt.nz/rts

Small lids, caps, pumps & spray triggers Nappies & sanitary items Takeaway coffee cups Wet wipes

Polystyrene

RESOURCE AND RECOVERY CENTRES

Broken glass, wrapped

✖ Hot ashes ✖ Medical waste, chemicals and hazardous materials

✖ Building material ✖ Large household items

Check out your nearest centre for recycling of liquid paperboard cartons, polystyrene, lids, e-waste and more

Seagull Centre Thames seagullcentre.co.nz The Goldmine Re-Use Centre, Coromandel Town cilt.org.nz/sustainability Wāhi Tukurua, Whitianga wahitukurua.co.nz Whangamatā Resource Recovery Trust Facebook page ‘Avoid the rubbish pit Whangamata’ The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

In the know this

Coromandel Summer WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED WITH EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON IN OUR STUNNING PART OF THE MOTU. NEED A HAND? Get in touch Got an issue or a query? Need some help Drop into your local Council Service Centre at Coromandel Town, Thames (includes an AA Service Centre), Whangamatā and Whitianga, send us an email or give us a call.

Our libraries Never be bored for a single holiday moment. ur district libraries have bunches of books to read, fun family activities and free school holiday programmes for the kids.

FIND OUT MORE

tcdc.govt.nz/contact

tcdc.govt.nz/libraries

customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz

facebook.com/tcdclibraries

07 868 0200 (24/7)

thameslibrary@tcdc.govt.nz

WE RUN 4 DISTRICT SERVICE CENTRES

Get connected Set up your Customer Connect profile to check out the status of your request for service, pay stuff online, report a leak, ag a missed rubbish collection and more.

FIND OUT MORE tcdc.govt.nz/contact-us

WHAT’S GOING DOWN THIS SUMMER?

Swimming pools Nothing says family fun like a pool. ur Council-owned and run Thames Centennial Pool has Learn to Swim and Fitness Fun programmes, and there are community swimming pools to enjoy at Mercury ay (Whitianga), Whangamatā and Coromandel Town.

07 868 6616

FIND OUT MORE

TCDC Libraries App and ePlatform by Wheelers – get it from your app store

tcdc.govt.nz/pools

WE RUN 3 DISTRICT LIBRARIES AND SUPPORT 6 COMMUNITY LIBRARIES

Water restrictions

WE RUN 1 DISTRICTWIDE SWIMMING POOL AND SUPPORT 3 COMMUNITY SWIMMING POOLS

FIND OUT MORE

educing our need for water restrictions over our longest, driest months starts right now. Stay informed about water saving tips and summer water restrictions on our website.

tcdc.govt.nz/savewater tcdc.govt.nz/waterrestrictions

WE RUN 14 WATER TREATMENT PLANTS AND 50 RESERVOIRS

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

KERBSIDE STUFF

Kerbside collections There are a few public holidays that can change up your usual kerbside collection days over summer. Also, kerbside services for our eastern communities will now be once a week from Christmas Day week to Waitangi Day week. Check out your local collection days on our website.

FIND OUT MORE tcdc.govt.nz/bindays

2026 COLLECTION DAY CALENDARS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER

PLAY SAFE THIS SUMMER DON’T SWITCH OFF JUST YET – THERE ARE SOME RULES AND RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE OVER THE BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON, SO WE CAN ALL HAVE A SAFE SUMMER.

Walk your dog safely

Swim safely AT OUR WHARVES: Our Council’s Wharf Ambassadors will be around over the peak summer season at Whangamatā and Whitianga wharves. Please follow their instructions and always supervise children.

FIND OUT MORE

Let’s make sure pets and people are safe. emember, special summer restrictions apply on many of our beaches so look out for the traffic light signage and check the rules in your local area.

tcdc.govt.nz/summerinfo WE MANAGE 15 WHARVES AND JETTIES AND 9 PONTOONS

AT OUR BEACHES: ur local beaches are a favourite playground, but they can be dangerous. Make sure you learn about the risks and stay safe at the beach.

FIND OUT MORE

tcdc.govt.nz/dogownerguide

sur ifesaving.org.n stay safe

Refuse and Recycling Transfer Stations (RTS)

Party safely Alcohol bans are in place over Christmas and New ear s and all long public holiday weekends. Follow the rules, show respect for others and look a er your friends and whānau.

ur TS are open every day from 8 0am – 0pm during daylight saving hours, e cept for Christmas and New ear’s Day. ou can still drop off your household waste a er hours at Matarangi, Tairua, Whangamatā and Pāuanui.

Safer Coromandel Check out Safer Coromandel on Facebook for handy tips to keep safe this summer as you e plore the stunning Coromandel.

FIND OUT MORE

tcdc.govt.nz/rts

tcdc.govt.nz/alcoholcontrol

facebook.com/SaferCoromandel

WE RUN 7 REFUSE AND RECYCLING TRANSFER STATIONS

Stay in the know C ec o

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

e nee

o no

on one p

c c o

n s

er n o 15

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

LEARNING what to do

IF The Big One hits

Thames-Coromandel District Council’s emergency management team invited schools to the Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga to view the Ru-aumoko Restless Land display in July and August, covering the cost of entry for children over six weeks. Nearly 1000 people took part in e ploring the display, on loan from Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa), including 12 tamariki who learned what to do should the ig ne hit. In the Thames-Coromandel area, our biggest threat is the Hikurangi Subduction Zone – an area off the ast Coast of the North Island. If an earthquake of a .1 magnitude strikes, our peninsula could e pect to face ha ards such as tsunami, landslides and liquefaction – not to mention power outages and road closures. Ways you can help you and your whānau prepare should the ig ne hit include

Staff and children from Kaiaua School learn and explore all about local earthquake risks at Thames Museum Te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga.

•

Have a whare home bach emergency plan.

emember If it’s long or strong, get gone.

•

For those of you not on holiday, have a wāhi-mahi workplace emergency plan

ut it’s not about being scared. It’s about being prepared.

•

nsure there’s enough food and drinkable water to last up to two weeks (including for pets).

There’s heaps of practical information that can help you and your whānau prepare and know what to do if there’s a Hikurangi Subduction Zone event.

•

nsure you have a Go ag with supplies and medication.

Find out more at tcdc.govt.nz/HSZ

HOW SAFE IS YOUR PLACE FROM FIRE? Summer can mean long, hot days but it also presents increased risk of bush fires. Help to prevent your risk from fire with simple preparation. ur Coromandel communities have ama ing first responders and firefighters but you can prevent the need for them at your place with simple preparation. Planning on lighting a bonfire, campfire,

bra ier or fire pit It’s likely a prohibited act during our summer season. However, if you follow certain conditions from our Council and Fire and mergency New Zealand to keep you and your family safe by getting a permit, you can enjoy your fire with no issue. Check out what you need to do before lighting fires at tcdc.govt.nz/ r or r and m rg nc .nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

g i Trou

AUSTRALIAN PLATE Hik

pi Al

u Fa

PACIFIC PLATE

Whangapoua Matarangi Coromandel Town Whitianga

groundshaking

tsunami

Tairua LANDSLIDES

ROADING CUT OFF

Thames

phone/power outages

Whangamatā

SOME OF THE HAzARDS LIKELY TO AFFECT COROMANDEL COMMUNITIES IF THERE IS

Hikurangi Subduction Zone event

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

BOAT PARKING MADE SMART There’s nothing like a day on the water in the Coromandel – sunshine, salty breezes and the promise of fish on the line or a lazy afternoon exploring the coast. Launching your boat is easier than ever, thanks to a smart way to pay for our boat ramp use. ur Council maintains 2 boat ramps across the ThamesCoromandel District. 1 are free the 10 with oating pontoons or limited parking require payment. Forget digging around for coins or waiting at an office, now you can take care of it in minutes, right from your smartphone. It’s easy. ou’ll find a sign with a unique code. ust open your phone’s camera, point it at the code, tap the banner that

PREFER THE TRADITIONAL WAY? ou can still pay for boat ramp permits in person at our Council offices in Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Whangamatā and Thames, or at participating retail outlets Coromandel Town P, Matarangi General Store, GAS Whangapoua, Cooks each esort, Longshore Marine, Gull Whitianga, Mobil Whitianga, Z Whitianga, Tairua Information Centre, Dutchys Tairua, Pāuanui Information Centre, Challenge Whangamatā, ubbas Fishing and utdoors and CD Customs Marine.

pops up, and you’ll be taken straight to a browser link with easyto-follow instructions for secure payment. ou can pay before you leave home, or right there at the ramp using your credit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. ach code is unique to the local area, meaning your fees go back into looking a er that specific community. However, with our boat ramp paid pass, you can launch from any Council-operated boat ramp, regardless of which one you select when you register.

Boat ramps this is valid for: Thames: KŌpŪ Coromandel-Colville: Te Ariki Tahi/Sugarloaf mercury bay: matarangi, pŪRANGI, ROBINSON ROAD, WHITIANGA ESPLANADE, WHANGAPOUA TAIRUA-PĀUANUI: TAIRUA WHARF, ROYAL BILLY WHANGAMATĀ: BEACH ROAD

If you’ve got more than one boat, no stress simply register your towing vehicle’s plate, and you can choose which boat to take out without buying multiple passes. Please remember to register your email for e piry notifications once the transaction is complete.

BOAT RAMPS THIS IS VALID FOR:

ROYAL BILLY

R SUGARLOAF

MATARANGI

ROBINSON RD

TAIRUA

WHANGAMAT

WHANGAPOUA

WHITIANGA WHARF

Whether you’re chasing snapper at sunrise or spending a long summer’s day exploring, launching your boat should be the easiest part of your adventure. With QR code payments, it’s scan, pay and you’re on your way. For more information, visit tcdc.govt.nz/ oatram s

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

KŌPŪ RECREATIONAL

BOAT RAMP The vibe

Spacious, reliable, and easy to use. The ōp oat amp was officially opened in une 202 , designed with boaties in mind. This modern facility makes for a smooth, stress-free launch.

The gateway to your next adventure on Tikapa Moana, the Firth of Thames.

Best features: •

Dual concrete ramps for quick, simple launching and easy boarding.

•

A roomy oating pontoon that’s happy to help both sides at once.

•

Parking for 0 vehicles and trailers (because no one likes a traffic jam).

•

Launching and parking fees apply (but hey, it’s easy).

or details on the

arine recinct and its co

tcdc.govt.nz/kopumarineprecinct

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

eep an eye out for rocks if you’re launching on the sides of the ramp at lower tides. Make your approach to the ramp from directly in line with the ramp, rather than cutting across the ramp to launch or retrieve.

Sort your permit online before you head out, then it’s straight in, launch and off to enjoy your day on the water.

•

Insider tip:

Kōpū Recreational ay St Qu Boat Ramp

ū Kōp

aru

igger boats over m Avoid two hours either side of low tide.

Rd Kōpū

•

ou’re sweet

l Ear

Smaller boats under m at any tide.

g St

Kin

•

It’s the ultimate time-saver. Forget queueing up at crowded ramps – ōp is spacious, well set up, and gives you a straight shot into the Firth of Thames. Que

At low tide, there’s around 1m of water depth (e cept on spring tides).

Why locals love it:

M āti Ng

Good to know:

Location: Just 9 minutes south of Thames, tucked off Queen Street onto King Street, Kōpū .

Waihou River

R Kōpū

ercial facilities, visit

Enjoy your time on the water! 19

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

Coastal Restoration

and Rewilding Together, we're restoring the Coromandel’s coast – starting in Matarangi – to improve dune health, increase native habitat, and build resilience to erosion and climate impacts.

We began in une 202 . Sections of the Matarangi dune front will undergo transformation over the coming years through foredune planting and rewilding efforts – this includes halting mowing, planting native species, controlling weeds and pests, and reshaping the dunes.

$ . million is budgeted in our 202 –20 Long Term Plan to restore appro imately km of coastline from Whangapoua to Whangamatā. Activities include native planting, weed and pest control and reshaping dunes (earthworks).

The coastal restoration programme supports priorities identified in the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) Project and meets obligations under the Wildlife Act 1 , the eserves Act 1 , and the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010.

What concerns has our Council anticipated and how are they addressed? Concern

Response

The area may look unkempt or block views due to reduced mowing

nly low-growing native vegetation will be planted to maintain sightlines and a tidy appearance.

Increased litter or presence of rodents

Predator control will be in place, along with additional bins and regular community clean-up efforts.

Fire risk from unmanaged vegetation

No significant increase in fire risk is e pected. fire bans and safety protocols will continue.

Loss of usable green space

Council will assess reserve usage on a case-bycase basis and keep local stakeholders informed throughout the process.

Preference for familiar non-native plants over native species

Public education will highlight the benefits of native dune species. Full removal of invasive species is not feasible at this stage, but will be managed.

Stay informed and get involved This is a team effort. We’re working closely with local community groups, iwi partners and Waikato egional Council to deliver the work and bring this vision to life. Working bees and planting events are an important part of this project – we’d love your help. In uly, a keen crew of locals came together in Matarangi to tend the dunes, pulling weeds and planting 1,200 native

isting

Our restoration programme will: •

ewild back dunes by reducing mowing to let nature take the lead and by planting native ora

• Increase and improve habitat for native li ards, birds and insects • Support climate adaptation and community resilience

What you may see: • Areas where mowing has stopped to allow native growth •

olunteers and contractors planting and maintaining dunes

• Signage e plaining the work

While some areas may temporarily look a little wild, rest assured – it’s part of creating a healthier, more resilient coast. It will take appro imately two-three years for the new habitat to establish and mature. ur Council, along with Waikato egional Council, applied for a five-year Wildlife Act permit to undertake this work. seedlings to help strengthen and protect our coastline. CoastCare supplied the gear, gloves and guidance, while the volunteers brought the energy. The morning finished just as it should – with shared stories and a hot cuppa at Pipers Caf . A big thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves to make a difference. For more information visit tcdc.govt.nz/coastal-matarangi

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

Caring for Our Coast Across the Coromandel, Coastcare events are buzzing with energy – and you’re invited to join in. Coastcare Waikato is all about locals coming together to protect and restore our stunning coastlines. It’s a true community effort, with residents, schools, iwi, Department of Conservation, Councils and

passionate volunteers rolling up their sleeves to give back to the dunes. From beach clean-ups to planting thousands of hardy natives, Coastcare is helping our beaches thrive while also sharing knowledge about why these sandy stretches are so important for people and wildlife alike.

It’s hands-on mahi with a big impact – think planting spinife and p ngao to rebuild dunes, fencing fragile areas, or pulling weeds before they spread. est of all, it’s a chance to meet like-minded people, enjoy the outdoors and finish the morning with a hot cuppa and good company. This year, Coastcare volunteers have been out in force, helping to restore dunes and wetlands across the Coromandel. A huge thank you to every single person who lent a hand.

Whangamatā – Pipi Road Dunes (August 2025)

Whangamatā – Williamson Park Basin (July 2025)

Cooks Beach – Pūkaki (August 2025)

At each Access 11–12, 2, 2 native plants – including spinife , p ngao and wiwi – were tucked into the sand to trap and stabilise dunes. olunteers didn’t stop there they augered holes, dropped fertiliser, stacked trays, baked scones and even fired up the . It was teamwork at its best, with plenty of fun along the way.

More than 2,000 native grasses, sedges and a plants were planted along the basin banks to stabilise the area and boost biodiversity. With another ,000 plants soon to be added, this green corridor will help filter stormwater run-off while creating a resilient ecosystem. The mahi was a combined effort between Coastcare, our Council, poutere School, Cra Haus staff and local volunteers.

Nearly 1, 00 native plants now line the back dunes of P kaki thanks to an inspiring group of volunteers and young leaders from across Aotearoa. This planting is part of a wider project to restore the foredunes, allowing them to naturally recover from coastal erosion. The day was a collaboration between the Leadership Training Programme, Cooks each Care Group (celebrating 1 years of beach care), Ngāti Hei, our Coastal estoration team and Coastcare – showcasing what’s possible when communities work together.

Protecting our beaches is about more than planting – it’s about people, connection and shared pride in our coast. Why not come along and be part of the next chapter? You can help by using the marked beach accessways, respect fencing and signage, and if you’re keen to dig in, bring your whānau or a friend along to a local event. Keep an eye on the Coastcare Waikato Facebook page (@CoastcareWaikato) to find an event near you.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT

FROM A To Z,

There's Jay in Between If you’ve ever popped into our offices or given our customer services team a call, chances are you’ve spoken with one of our superstars – Jay Palu. A Thames local, Jay exemplifies our peoplefirst approach to customer services and has a knack for making people feel at ease, even when they’re dealing with tricky situations. Whether he’s helping you find the right information or solving a problem on the spot, Jay’s cool approach and friendly smile can turn what could be a stressful moment into a smooth, positive experience.

passionate I do it because

everyone matters and behind every question is a

real person

What drew you to customer services work?

If your job was a song, what song would it be?

I’ve always been so passionate about helping the community and connecting with people. When this opportunity came up, I grabbed it with both hands – and I love it. I am still passionate about my role 10 years later.

The chorus of Tubthumping by Chumbawamba – I get knocked down, but I get up again!

On tough days, what keeps you inspired? The laughter and the support of my team.

What is the most enjoyable part of your role? I enjoy serving the community. I take pride seeing positive outcomes for all customers. I do it because everyone matters and behind every question is a real person.

What's your strangest encounter/ request at the front counter? An aggressive customer complaining about the increase of rates and how I’m ripping them off. I showed the customer the invoice had a totally different Council on the letterhead. He went red in the face and walked out of reception very sheepishly.

collective resourcefulness

here to make things

EASIER 22

Who are you when you’re not at work? I organise events outside of Council. My last event raised $20,000 for Goldfields School in Paeroa. I’ve also been a Zumba and Dance Fit Instructor. The last four years my partner and I have been guardians to my 10-year-old niece Sofia and 8-year-old nephew Laken. To watch their growth and showing them a house of love has been a huge accomplishment.

What's your favourite whakatauki and why? "Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi" ("With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive"), which highlights collective resourcefulness.

Jay is part of a team that’s here to make things easier for our communities. Every day, our customer services crew helps hundreds of people get the answers and support they need. So next time you visit or call, bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe even a smile – Jay and the team are ready to help you get it sorted.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

COROMANDEL TOWN

Turning pedals in and around Coromandel Town

With the long-awaited reinstatement of the Coromandel ferry service departing from Auckland Viaduct kicking off from Labour weekend, it begs the question of what’s on offer for a weekend warrior cyclist once stepping off the ferry at Hannaford’s Wharf Te Kouma. By Jack Biddle

hile the Coromandel in general is well known for its hilly terrain and ideal for those cyclists looking for the ultimate hill climbing challenge, the good news is there is still plenty to see and do for those looking for attractions on relatively flat ground, and all within a short distance from both the ferry and Coromandel Town itself. To get the Coromandel experience overall off to a good start, regular passengers will be met at Hannaford’s Wharf by a bus service connecting onto Coromandel Town while the cyclists can ount their achines and enjoy the short flat 10-kilometre ride to Coromandel Town where the rich past gold mining history of the area can be experienced. The beauty of the local attractions for cyclists (and walkers) such as the Coromandel School of Mines & Historical Museum plus the 125-year-old working Coromandel Gold Stamper Battery stamper battery tour is they are only a couple of kilometres from the town centre. Just a few more turns of the pedals for the cyclists and it’s onto arguably the top attraction in town, the Driving Creek Railway where bikes can be parked up while the iconic 1.5-hour train ride which includes 10 bridges, 3 tunnels, native forest and scenic views can begin. Depending on time restraints, additional attractions on-site include the 2.5-hour Zipline Tour and pottery classes and workshops which can last for around 1.5 hours. For those wanting to cycle out to a safe swimming and picnic spot, then the ride out to Wyuna Bay will hardly get a sweat up its so

close to Coromandel Town. Also, just around the corner from the township is the free-to-use Ride Coromandel Bike Park to check out, complete with a network of ountain bike trails, flow trails, downhill jumps and a Velo solutions pump track — perfect for cyclists and e-bikers of all ages. The other popular attraction and within easy reach of both Hannaford’s Wharf and Coromandel Town, is The Waterworks which has over 70 attractions to interact or look at; many of which are created from recycled materials and powered only by water. Situated on the picturesque The 309 road, the Waterworks is around 8kms from the wharf and only just over 10kms from Coromandel Town itself, which makes it an ideal diversion to or from the ferry. It also makes for a great coffee stop. The section of The 309 road leading to The Waterworks is sealed, but narrow in places, so cycling in single le is reco ended For the more adventurous and experienced cyclists, including those with fully charged e-bikes, the 53km out-and-back ride to Colville from Coromandel Town takes in parts of the stunning Coromandel Coastline before venturing into some beautiful inland landscapes. The Colville store makes for a well-earned pitstop before taking on some challenging climbs on the homeward journey. A ride with a lot less total distance, but arguably far more strenuous in effort, is up to the Tokatea Hill Lookout which is on Kennedy Bay Road and only around 10kms from Coromandel Town. It passes the Driving Creek Railway which is where the climb on the maintained metal road up to the lookout

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

begins. The road can carry a reasonable amount of tra c at ti es in both directions, so when heading up and descending down caution is paramount. All up plenty to see and do for those looking for a unique cycling adventure and experience on the Coromandel.

WATERWORKS!!! Watch out, you might get wet! The Waterworks offers a uniquely Kiwi experience that delights visitors of all ages. See page 56.

DRIVING CREEK RAILWAY This is one of the top things to do in Coromandel, New Zealand. It offers unforgettable experiences at a unique not for pro t destination Founded by artist, engineer and conservationist Barry Brickell, Driving Creek carries forward his vision. Every visit helps protect native biodiversity and supports New Zealand’s artistic community. See page 108.

COROMANDEL MUSEUM AND THE COROMANDEL GOLD STAMPER This is located no more than a gentle 10-minute walk and on your bike, it is two minutes from the ain town centre f you have an interest in gold mining, the history of farming, the establishment of the town, brass bands, local schooling, or medical history, there is something for you ee page . 23

COROMANDEL TOWN

One of New Zealand’s great coastal road trips For most people, travelling to the Coromandel Peninsula means focusing on the destination not the journey itself. This is a pity. This summer, take time to enjoy and see what’s around you. You’re in the Coromandel Peninsula where gold mining trails, amazing scenery and more beautiful beaches await. You are travelling one of New Zealand’s iconic summer road journeys. This coastal journey is best enjoyed in stages — we’ve broken it into three. Treat each stage as its own adventure, taking as much time as you like to stop, explore, and soak in the sights. Stage One: Kopu to Coromandel | Stage Two: Coromandel to Whitianga | Stage Three: Whitianga to Kopu

STAGE ONE – KOPU TO COROMANDEL By Trevor Ammundsen

he Coastal trip will start for many at Kopu, the entrance to the Coromandel Peninsula. Turning left you will pass through the commercial outskirts of Thames, then enter the township. Thames has retained its old-world charm. Visitors and residents can see what the world used to look like with restored villas, goldmine exhibitions and a terri c useu his all sits beside very trending businesses such as the ‘Ultimate Virtual Aviation Experience’ and Melbourne Cafe. Beyond Thames, the road leads you onto the aci c coastal highway gati aru with its many splendid views. At some spots you can view as far as Waiheke Island, Little Barrier Island and even the Waitakere Ranges on a clear day. You will pass through many bays and some small settlements — Tapu has the Tapu Pub, known o cially as the oyal ak otel aio u has an excellent bakery café right across from a park and the beach. At Tapu there is an alternative route to the

Leaving Thames you soon pass through Tararu Bay which offers expansive views up the Firth of Thames. east coast of the Peninsula, the Tapu Coroglen Road — 30km of gravel road winding over the ranges. Make sure your driver has been on nonalcoholic drinks if you wish to use this road. This time, continue on the coast road — overhanging pohutukawa and Wilsons Bay comes into view. Side excursion — a small road to the left taking you down to Kereta and giving you agni cent vistas of the auraki ulf and irth

of Thames. Soon, the township of Manaia, then climbing over the Manaia Hill and down to the straight roads leading to the Coromandel Village. Enjoy the break in Coromandel Town. You will discover lots of great things to do and see, and decide to come back and go further north to Colville and beyond. That completes Stage One — See page 50 for Stage Two.

From left – The coastal drive offers beautiful views of native forest, sea and coastal landscapes; The small settlement of Kereta can be viewed from the Manaia Road Saddle; The view back from the summit of the Coromandel Range, overlooking the township of Coromandel and the Firth of Thames. Photos Trevor Ammundsen 24

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

FOOD SCENE

Serving beach, food and drinks since 2023. The Waterways, Whitianga This summer come and soak up the sun at Basker. Start your day with a smooth Allpress coffee at sunrise and chill out with a Peroni on tap or a refreshing margarita as the day winds down. With a vibrant, laid back atmosphere, great sounds, and a delicious array of tapas, Basker is the perfect place to take in Whitianga’s stunning sunsets. Whether you’re catching up with friends, taking the kids to the park, or simply relaxing solo, there’s always a spot to bask at Basker.

3 Rewiti Drive, The Waterways, Whitianga Open 8am-Late 7 Days a Week info@basker.co.nz | www.basker.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

FOOD SCENE

BLACKBEARDS SMOKEHOUSE

NEW LINE OF WAKAME SEAWEED SAUCES FROM THE COROMANDEL

ess Jones and her team are Blackbeards Smokehouse, a small artisan smokehouse based in Kopu, Thames. Blackbeards is famous for locally produced seafood. From fresh coromandel mussels and oyster to seafood pies and chowders, the business is dedicated to celebrating the Coromandel’s rich aquaculture while innovating new ways to bring local flavours to the table Jessica has announced the launch of an exciting new product line: wakame seaweed– based sauces — expanding their offering with a range that co bines sustainability, flavour, and nutrition. The new ingredient growing just offshore in the Hauraki Gulf is wakame seaweed. The wakame used in these sauces is supplied by Premium Seas, a Coromandel company that sustainably harvests wakame from mussel farm infrastructure in the Hauraki Gulf under approved permits. By turning this invasive seaweed species into food, Premium Seas has created valuable economic opportunities

for the Coromandel and wider New Zealand while supporting economic outcomes. Blackbeards Smokehouse has crafted these. Prized globally in culinary applications, wakame (Undaria pinnati da is packed with nutrients and minerals. It is a natural source of iodine, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants that support thyroid health, bone strength, and overall wellbeing he flavours are aweso e Two unique sauces to showcase wakame’s potential: • Wakame & Lemon Hot Sauce — A mediumheat sauce with a citrus kick, perfect for drizzling over seafood, eggs, or roasted vegetables. • Wakame BBQ Sauce — Slow-smoked over manuka, this rich, smoky sauce is ideal for glazing meats, marinating chicken, or serving alongside mussels and oysters. “These sauces are our way of making

seaweed accessible and delicious for everyday eating,” says Jessica. “They pair beautifully with seafood, but we also love them on eggs or as a marinade for chicken and veggies. It’s a versatile, healthy addition to the pantry.” These sauces are available now in-store at Blackbeards Smokehouse in Kopu, at Coromandel Oyster Company in Coromandel, and online at www.blackbeardsmokehouse.co.nz. Contact: Blackbeards Smokehouse jessica@blackbeards.co.nz 021 023 203 15 www.blackbeardsmokehouse.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

FOOD SCENE

Meet Anne THE FACE OF COROMANDEL OYSTER COMPANY

he Coromandel Oyster Company is famous. It is a destination café on the aci c oast ighway just a few miles south of Coromandel town. However, the Company does much more than provide fresh seafood and burgers to a travelling population. This company provides fresh oysters uch further a eld Jess of Blackbeards Smokehouse in Thames works closely with the Coromandel Oyster Company ensuring she has fresh oysters instore for the smoke house. Coromandel Oyster Co. sends out fresh oysters to local eateries across the Peninsula as well as operating a national online shop www.coromandeloysters.co.nz There are two owners of this enduring and popular industry, John and Anne. “We have evolved over the 19 years we have been here, but it has generally been myself fronting the public,” says Anne. “ I have a fabulous team that supports me.” Anne looks after the business of getting the oysters out to the seafood-loving population whilst John is the farmer looking after the growing and harvesting of the oysters, bringing them to the inhouse factory to be graded and processed. The Coromandel Peninsula is the perfect place to grow oysters. We grow them naturally — the oysters spawn in warmer water and go out to eat plankton, then they

Anne Louden

latch on to the growing infrastructure. They take nine months to a year to become a saleable product. “All the oysters come from our ocean right here.” Annie points to the sea which is right behind their location. “If the spat season is not so good, then we need to buy in stock,” says Anne. “But I’m a purist. I believe if the community looks after the water quality, then we have a strong oyster industry, and my staff have a job. “Our biggest worry is always that there are not enough oysters. If a long weekend is coming up, I will ring the local businesses

that we supply and get them to order early.“ To come out to the Coromandel Oyster Company is just a few kilometres from Coromandel town but for anyone coming from Thames or across from Whitianga, they are on the beautiful aci c coast it is an ideal stopping place. he yster os burgers, fresh sh and chips served in a basket and mussel chowder are destination items on their menu. Their locally grown and harvested fresh oysters bring tourists from all over New Zealand. Sometimes it feels like the café of many nations when you stop for lunch or that early dinner.

S E A F O O D D E L I, F R E S H OYST E R & M U SS E L S OPEN SEVEN DAYS 8.30 -5.30PM (OVER SUMMER) CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY AND BOXING DAY

1611 SH25 Manaia Road, Coromandel | Phone 07 866 8028 Email corooysterco@farmside.co.nz | www.coromandeloysters.co.nz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

FOOD SCENE

From tree to treat A warm welcome awaits visitors to Cathedral Cove Macadamias.

he 1,000 organic macadamia nut tree orchard planted on 6.7 hectares just outside of Hahei in the 1980’s is a well established property which also encompasses a wide variety of native and sub tropical trees in a park like setting. The trees took seven years to start producing macadamias and by the time the second owners purchased the land in 2000 the trees (planted by Stella and Eric Evered) were well established. They started selling the nuts and related products and in 2008 the orchard converted to an organic macadamia farm. In 2016 Doug and Jillian Johnston purchased the organic orchard and added a complete onsite processing plant to enable the nuts to be husked, dried, cracked and sorted without needing to leave the premises. They are then made into different products in the onsite commercial kitchen. Visitors can enjoy sampling the raw and roasted nuts along with the macadamia crumb mixes when visiting the orchard shop. acada ia butter is a r favourite along with

Jillian Johnston ready to serve up a nutty treat. the brittle biscuit made using the nut in a toffee. During the summer months walkers can enjoy being rowed over from the Cooks Beach side of the Purangi River to the Stella Evered Memorial Park (by Ferryman Shannan from Coromandel Paddle Boarding) then continue their walk up The Path of Hei on Lees Road to the alternative Cathedral Cove track entrance 2km from the orchard. As the half way point between the Purangi River crossing and track entrance to Cathedral Cove, many walkers call into the orchard to

refresh their water bottles at our shop fountain and continue their walk happily munching on macadamia coated chocolates and ice cream. Aside from being closed Christmas, Boxing and New Year’s Day the macadamia shop is open 6 days a week (usually closed Wednesdays but check our website) 10am-3pm until 2 January and then is open 10am–4pm every day until the end of February. Visitors are most welcome to wander around the orchard after enjoying a tasting session at the shop or relax in our spacious grounds.

HOME OF THE

30CM

PIZZA SLICE

NEW YORK STYLE PIZZERIA

3/1 BLACKSMITH LANE. WHITIANGA, 3510

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

FOOD SCENE

A PLACE TO COME TOGETHER LUNCH | DINNER | DRINKS | SHOP DINE-IN OR TAKEAWAY HELLO@HIVEPURANGI.CO.NZ 0275119449

Welcome to Smitty’s Sports Bar THE BEATING HEART OF TOWN

Right in the centre of town, Smitty’s Sports Bar or widely known as “Smitianga” is where good times, great food, and unforgettable nights come together. Our menu is stacked with everything from classic pub favourites to mouth-watering plates that hit the spot after a long day in the sun. The real showstopper? Our giant TV wall — the biggest in the region. Every match, every try, every goal looks larger than life, so you’ll feel like you’re right there in the stadium. Add in our full TAB facilities and pokies room, and you’ve got non-stop entertainment under one roof. When the sun goes down, the party turns up. Smitty’s is famous for live bands that keep the summer nights buzzing, and our legendary New Year’s Eve bash is the kind of celebration you’ll still be talking about well into the new year. Whether you’re dropping in for dinner, settling in for the big game, or dancing the night away, Smitty’s is the spot locals love and visitors never forget.

This summer, make Smitty’s your go-to for sport, music, and memories made in the heart of Whitianga. Ph 07 866 4647 |

smittyssportsbarandgrillwhitianga | www.smittys.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

FOOD SCENE

G E T I N M Y B E L LY M O M E N T S

AT THE COROGLEN TAVERN

Located in the beautiful rural town of Coroglen on the Coromandel Peninsula, the Coroglen Tavern is an iconic kiwi pub known for good, honest food and epic summer concerts. The Tavern’s Mussel Fritters and Buffalo Wings are popular favourites from the menu. Both made from secret recipes that have been refined over time. There’s also long-time local fav - the Scallop Burger. A hot spot over the summer months, with bands like Shapeshifter, Six60 and Shihad performing sold-out concerts on the outdoor stage. There really is nothing like experiencing a Coroglen concert. Established in 1946, and steeped in history, this family-friendly tavern has been owned by locals for years.

1937 Tairua Whitianga Rd, Coroglen

www.coroglentavern.co.nz 30

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Opito Bay and its sea salt By Cole Channing

he road was narrow, dusty and windy. I was heading to Opito Bay to meet salt farmers Erin Mone and Perry Cornish. No one prepared me for how stunning the landscape I was to be confronted with. Sure, I’d done my research, checked out their social media and website, but the sparkling turquoise sea that greeted me, as I drove down the “Black Jack” Road into Opito Bay was something truly remarkable. Mone and Cornish started the business nearly ve years ago in this remote part of the Coromandel. Now after a slew of food awards and distribution through small retailers across NZ, I was keen to nd out ore about this truly natural and homegrown sea salt. I met the pair on the beach, the day being nearly windless with very little swell. “Is it a good day for salt farmers?” I asked. “Perfect,” stated Perry. “These are the types of days that make everything easy.” With a bit more quizzing I found out that sun, wind, tide and swell all have a part in making their now world class natural sea salt. The special micro-climate of Opito Bay, the stunning clear water and abundant marine ecosystem all playing their part in the unique minerality the sea salt is known for. As a regular Farro shopper (does

that make me a foodie?) it seemed that Opito Bay Salt Company has carved out a niche in the NZ food landscape that had previously only been lled with i ported or processed salt. So I asked Erin, what made their sea salt so different? “It all starts with the terroir — this place, this beach. It’s remote and possibly the best beach you’ll nd here on the oro andel hen it’s the traditional way that we make the sea salt. Taking time, around six weeks of slow, solar evaporation to make a batch in summer. And lastly, whilst we are super proud of our natural Coromandel sea salt, the flavour co binations we craft really excite peoples’ imaginations and provide real flavour I was lucky enough to tour the salt farm on my visit. Expansion each year has meant growth of the Opito Bay Salt Company, Perry and Erin now setting their sights on further a eld “We think we have something special here and we want, not just Kiwis, but the world, to taste how great natural NZ sea salt really is,” said Perry. I couldn’t agree more. The soft crunch and mellow but distinctly minerally taste of the sea came through when I tasted the sea salt. All that remained was to contemplate how to use the Black Garlic Sea Salt and BBQ Rub I was gifted on the long drive back to Auckland.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Summer Just Got More Salty

Check out the new range of award winning sea salts at good retailers across the Coromandel. Or order online www.opitobaysalt.co.nz Check out the new range of award winning sea salts at good retailers across the Coromandel. Or order online www.opitobaysalt.co.nz

FOOD SCENE

The Church Bistro I

n an era where dining is often reduced to fast service and fleeting trends, he hurch Bistro stands as a heartfelt reminder of what hospitality can truly mean. Run by Brazilian father-and-son duo, Guto and Gabriel Souza, this restaurant is more than a place to eat-it is a gathering place where food, culture, and community intertwine. Housed in a beautifully restored church, the setting itself is a conversation starter. High ceilings, historic details, and warm lighting create an atmosphere of reverence, not only for the building’s past but for the meals served within it. Yet, what makes the bistro exceptional isn’t the walls — it’s the people at its heart. Guto, with decades of culinary passion, brings depth of flavour and tradition to the kitchen is ra ilian roots influence the enu, where soulful ingredients and robust flavours are woven into dishes that feel both comforting and surprising. Gabriel, representing a new generation of chefs, complements this with a modern sensibility-balancing innovation with respect for authenticity. Together, they have crafted a menu that honours heritage while embracing creativity.

Grilled octopus with kumara fries, home-made tartar sauce and chimichurri.

The Bistro’s, father and son duo, Gabriel and Guto Souza.

But food is only half the story. Diners often remark on the warmth of the welcome at The Church Bistro. Front of house is managed by Neel and Aline, the Chefs’ wives, whose welcoming presence and attentive service

ensure that every guest feels like more than just a diner. There is a familial quality to the experience, as though every guest is invited into the Souza family’s own home.

A CASUAL STYLE ITALIAN EATERY & WINERY

Located in the beautiful Hahei Village, The Church Bistro is a casual fine dining restaurant where you can enjoy contemporary Brazilian, European and Kiwi inspired food. Father and Son working together in the kitchen to offer you a great dining experience. We are happy to discuss requests for birthday celebrations, business functions and boutique style weddings.

OPEN 5 Days a week for Lunch & Tastings. 761a Purangi Road, Cooks Beach. Ph: (07) 866 4066

www.mercurybayestate.co.nz 32

Contact us: 07 866 3797 or 021 0847 8880 www.thechurchbistro.co.nz 87 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei, Whitianga, 3591 The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

FOOD SCENE

SUMMER OPENING HOURS

TO MAKE A BOOKING CALL: 07 864 9390 EMAIL: bookings@oldmillcafetairua.com

1 The Esplanade, Tairua

www.oldmillcafetairua.com

27 Dec - 15 Feb Tuesday to Sunday 8:30am to 2:30pm Follow our Facebook Page for the latest updates and check out our website for our evening event details.

COROMANDEL

YOUR LOCAL FRESH GROCER OPEN 7 DAYS 50 WHARF ROAD, COROMANDEL The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

• Red Kitchen Gourmet Frozen Dinners • Gourmet Artisan Products • Gelato – the best in Whitianga • Speciality Cheese Toasties • Charcuterie & Antipasto • Cheese, Chocolate & Chutneys • GF, Dairy-free & Vegan available • Gift Vouchers & Hampers

Whitianga s Gourmet Delicatessen A Albert Street, Whitianga, Phone 7 www wellstockeddeli co nz wellstockeddeli Summer Hours – Open 7 days/week 33

FOOD SCENE

LANCE POPATA MORE THAN A STORE OWNER

Brendon Lawry (Liquorland CEO), Renata (centre) and Lance Popata (right) celebrating the Sel Granger Award at the Liquorland Awards evening 2025.

he behaviours and energy Lance Popata brings to his role as owner of Liquorland Whitianga, may seem natural to him — but to others, they are something truly exceptional. he el ranger ward is one of the ost prestigious and rarely awarded individual honours within the Liquorland network. It is named after Sel Granger, a pioneer of the Liquorland brand who was instrumental in pushing for its transition from DB ownership to the independent franchise model that thrives today. In 2025, the award was presented to Lance. ances selection for the award reflects not just what he has accomplished, but how he has gone about it. The judging team recognised that Lance has shown the kind of unwavering tenacity that few others de onstrate or any years, Lance spoke of his goal to become a Liquorland franchisee — a goal that, for most, remains just an idea. But Lance followed through. He consistently displayed the same energy, passion, and drive seen in Liquorland’s best operators - even before he owned a store. However, when the opportunity arose, he took the bold and personal step of selling up, relocating to Whitianga, and purchasing his own store.

It wasn’t just ambition that earned him this award. From day one, he brought a customerrst approach, re ned syste s and processes, and built a store culture that is now regarded as one of the strongest in the country. His product knowledge and attention to detail are exceptional — but more importantly, he and his team use them to build a place so closely tied to Whitianga that people don’t talk about going to a store — they talk about going to see Lance, Renata, Kim and David.

A DEEP CONNECTION TO THE WHITIANGA COMMUNITY Lance and his wife Renata jumped right in to take part in the community. Whether it’s sponsoring local events, backing fundraisers, or hosting tasting nights that bring people together, Lance and Renata understand that Liquorland stores are about more than just

bottles on shelves — they are part of the communities they serve.

REGIONAL AWARD Liquorland Whitianga was also named the Regional Franchise Award Winner for the Mid North Island, placing in the Top 4 stores nationwide across the iquorland network This award recognises outstanding franchise performance across multiple areas, with judging based on Operational Excellence, Customer Satisfaction, Marketing and Execution, Business Growth. eceiving both the el ranger ward and the Regional Franchise Award in the same year is an exceptional accomplishment, and a clear reflection of the hard work, dedication, and passion that the Liquorland Whitianga team, Lance, Renata, Kim and David bring to the business every single day.

Liquorland NZ Award Winner Sel Granger Award Winner: Lance Popata

Excellence in Liquorland culture, principles & standards

Regional Franchise Award Liquorland Whitianga Mid North Island Top 4 in New Zealand

Whitianga, thank you for your continued support Locally Owned and Operated | 1A Lee Street, Whitianga Phone 07 886 5942 | whitianga@liquorland.co.nz 34

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

FOOD SCENE

CHECK OUT OUR SOCIALS & WEBSITE FOR OPENING HOURS

RESTAURANT & BAR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS WEDDINGS MEETING ROOM

Mercury Bay Club Inc. www.mercurybayclub.co.nz

PROMOTING FRIENDSHIP, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS FACILITES FOR MEMEBERS. • Live Music & Bands • Restaurant • Function Facilities

Everyone is welcome, you don’t have to be a member of The Dunes Golf Club to enjoy our facilities and relax taking in the view from our deck overlooking the 18th green.

The Mercury Bay Restaurant a perfect venue for you. With delicious food and great club prices. Come along and relax in a warm and friendly environment.

We are open for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Bar Snacks, Woodfired Pizzas and Cocktails. Whether it is refreshments after a game of golf or bowls, catching up with family & friends or simply enjoying the view and sunshine we can accommodate.

• Quiz night • TAB Pod • Large Screen TV • Indoor bowls • Darts • Snooker • 8 Ball • Gaming Machines and lots more.

We are situated ½ way between Coromandel Town and Whitianga, take the turn off and visit the stunning Matarangi beach and The Dunes Restaurant and Bar DINNER BOOKINGS ADVISED PHONE 07 866 5394

thedunesmatarangi

thedunes

69 Cook Drive, Whitianga 07 866 5576

Mercury Bay Club is home of Mercury Bay RSA

e of Hom the illa Godz ! a Pizz

Serving up the Coromandels’ fave Sourdough pizzas! Follow us online for current menu & opening hours. Gluten free & dairy free options available. 23C Albert Street, Whitianga. Phone 07 211 6545

sliceslicebabynz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Slice Slice Baby Pizza Whitianga 35

FOOD SCENE

WHITIANGA FINE WINES AND SPIRITS

Passionate about fine wines and spirits

ASK US ABOUT OUR WINE/SPIRIT AND CRAFT BEER CLUB

23A ALBERT STREET, WHITIANGA PH 07 211 6542 | OPEN 7 DAYS

 Over 170 gins in store  Huge range of international wines  Proudly supporting locals producers of wine and beer

 Full range of craft beer  Stocking locally produced boutique chocolates and honey

 Unique bottle gift ideas you can’t find anywhere else

 Hosting regular wine tasting evenings

 Great variety of gifts for Christmas and New Year

Cheese factory BYO Cafe Ice Cream • Gifts Animal Farm 4 Wainui Road Matatoki 3578 Ph 07 868 1284 OPEN 6 DAYS - closed Mondays • www.thecheesebarn.co.nz

A STORE NOT TO MISS

hitianga Fine Wines and Spirits is a boutique gem nestled between Well Stocked Deli and Slice, Slice Baby Pizza, just a short stroll from beautiful Buffalo Beach on Whitianga’s main street. Owned by Reema and Gary, the store reflects their passion for the Coromandel community and for bringing together an exceptional selection of wines, spirits, and beers. “We offer so many different kinds of beverages,” says Reema. “Our store has not only some of the best wines and spirits, but also a big chiller full of beers — with an ever-expanding range of craft brews.” The shelves are home to over 170 gins, including local favorites such as Awildian (Thames) and Coromandel Spirit Gin from The Pour House in Hahei. The couple also proudly support local producers like Mercury Bay Winery, Hot Water Brewing Co., Coromandel Town Supply, Coromandel Brewing Company, as well as the much-loved Macadamia Chocolates from Hahei and boutique chocolates from Coromandel

Chocolate in Whangamata. Gary and Reema have worked tirelessly to curate not only quality beverages but also ne snacks and nibbles, creating a space that is as welcoming as it is well-stocked. ver the past ve years, ee a and Gary have hosted around 30 wine nights — this year alone featuring country themes like French, Italian, and Spanish, all of which have been a huge hit! For Gary and Reema, Whitianga isn’t just where they work — it’s home. After 15 years of living here, they can’t imagine being anywhere else. “Whitianga is home for us, and we would never think of living anywhere else — this truly is a beautiful piece of heaven,” says Gary. Whitianga Fine Wines and Spirits are now proudly stocking New Zealand’s First reusable ice by Coromandel Cold. This is a fantastic initiative supporting a plastic-free Coromandel and NZ, and we’re proud to be the very rst to stock it Whitianga Fine Wines and Spirits is a true must-visit stop for both locals and visitors alike. Join us in a beautiful setting of macadamias and native trees and sample free tastings of our macadamia produce. Self-guided and organised tours available. OPENING HOURS 02 Jan 2026 to 28 Feb 2026 Daily 10am – 4pm Closed Christmas Day Closed Boxing Day Closed New Years Day 02 Jun 2026 to 31 Aug 2026 Open by appointment while we harvest For the rest of the year, Check our website or phone us

335 Lees Rd, Hahei Ph: 07 867 1221

www.cathedralcovemacadamias.co.nz

Mercury Bay Club Restaurant & Bar Excellent range of delicious starters, main meals and desserts. Open every day from 11.30am Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon on Sunday. Great lunch specials at only $15.00. Dine in our restaurant area or be part of the friendly club environment. Delicious club sandwich and other platters on request. 69 Cook Drive, Whitianga, 07 866 5576 36

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

CHECK OUT OUR SOCIALS & WEBSITE FOR OPENING HOURS & LIVE MUSIC GIG GUIDE.

WOODFIRED PIZZAS LOCAL SEAFOOD LIVE TUNES EPIC SUNSETS

20 BLACK JACK ROAD, KUAOTUNU. ph: 07 866 4480 dine in or takeaway. LUKES_KITCHEN

LUKES KITCHEN

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

www.lukeskitchen.co.nz 37

FOOD SCENE

CORO CLUB CAFE - ALL WELCOME, YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO VISIT US. Delicious cabinet food, a seasonal menu & now fully licensed. 7 Dakota Drive, Whitianga Airfield.

CHECK OUT WWW.CORO.CLUB FOR OUR OPENING HOURS

A spacious, fully licensed venue, ready to host your next event. Located at 7 Dakota Drive, Whitianga Airfield. Formerly ‘Flightclub Ballroom’.

info@mainhangar.com

www.mainhangar.com

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

FOOD SCENE Artists impression of what will be there by December.

THE BBC

NEW AND DIFFERENT ON THE ESPLANADE

By Trevor Ammundsen

ts’ not the British Broadcasting Company — it’s a new club and bar on Buffalo Beach, Whitianga. This summer — probably in November — CLIENT NOTE: seesIMPORTANT the addition of a new establishment on Dash Fellowes ©THESE DRAWINGS & DESIGNS ARE COPYRIGHT & SHALL NOT BE USED OR REPRODUCED BY ANY MEANS,Esplanade WHOLLY OR PARTLY the Whitianga with the opening of WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THREE SIXTY LIMITED. the Buffalo Beach Club, next doorPROJECT to Stoked BUFFALO BEACH CLUB THESE DRAWINGS & DESIGNS ARE OENED ENTIRELY BY THREE JOB NUMBER SIXTY LIMITED &Restaurant. CANNOT BE UTILISEDYour UNLESSproprietor PAID FOR IN FULL. is Dash Fellowes 25485 and he is ready to welcome you. The BBC, as it will be known, offers customers a different experience to what you would normally get at a bar or restaurant in such a pristine location. So let’s explore what is on offer. The main feature of the BBC is the extensive

deck at the front of the premises. It’s the main seating area and provides glorious views of Mercury Bay and Buffalo Beach for all patrons. You can pick the seating area you want, be it in sun or shade, your comfort is catered for. You can enjoy dining from their extensive tapas menu, or from one of the specialty visiting dining carts. Regular customers can see that there is something different available when they arrive to be part of BBC. And of course you can enjoy the tipple of your choice from the well-stocked bar. The bar is located in a large container towards the rear and will provide beers and wines from many sources including Heineken. Seating is provided in the bar area so those that are just after a

quick refreshment are well catered for. A treat on offer is Gelato Ice Cream served from a dedicated ice cream counter at the end of the drive. People of any age can rouse themselves from their sun bathing on Buffalo Beach and make their way across the road DATE: 23/09/25 REV: 00 and down the BBC driveway for a refreshing PAGE DESCRIPTION: treat. There is no need for them to go inside CONCEPT_VIEW 1 an establishment, no need have nervous09 PAGEto NUMBER: ISSUE: discussions about togs or undies; access is CONCEPTUAL close and easy. Ice cream is available until the bar closes, so even if you have a dinner elsewhere in town you can still stroll around to the BBC for a generous serving of Gelato for dessert, accompanied by the tipple of your choice.

Asian Fusion and European

We strive for the best dining experience in Whitianga. The small plate sharing menu offers the freshest of the best ingredients. e ser e resh local sea ood pac ed ith a ours and lo e

Gold Card 10% discount

on Monday-Thursday (lunch and dinner); Friday-Sunday (lunch only).

1/15 Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga (we face the estuary)

Open daily 12.00-3.00pm and 5.00-9.00pm. Bookings recommended.

Ph 07 867 1710 • www.marinabayeatery.co.nz

NAM

OPENING HOURS 4:30pm - 9.30pm everyday.

Indian and Indian Fusion Cuisine The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga clovewhitianga@gmail.com

Ph 07 867 1983 39

FOOD SCENE

“Just a bloke who loves a good pie

To our amazing staff, customers, suppliers, family, and community-thank you for helping us build something meaningful, one cup (or pie!) at a time. Here’s to many more summers! #nothingbutlove

By Brent Elder, Café Coghill House

’ve always believed in good, simple, honest food. othing fancy just hearty flavours, slow-cooked meats, and a crust that holds it all together. That’s how the Slow Cooked Beef Cheek and Red Wine Pie came to be. I didn’t make it to win awards. I made it because I love cooking food that people truly enjoy. So when my wife suggested I enter it into the NZ Bakels Supreme Pie Awards, I shrugged it off. I’m not one for fuss or spotlights. I’d rather stay in the kitchen where the real work gets done and take quiet joy when a happy customer sends a compliment through the pass. But between Fiona’s fast talking and our young staff egging me on — plus the news that Seven Sharp was interested in covering a rst ti e entry reluctantly said yes ruth be told, was terri ed he fear of falling flat in such a big co petition was real But I’ve always told our young crew to give things a go, even if it feels scary. So, I took a dose of my own advice. And somehow… it worked.

Out of more than 500 pies in the Café Boutique category, ours was tasted twice by the judges. We didn’t win the top spot (that went to a clever sweet rhubarb pie), but the recognition, the TV coverage, and the wave of people asking for “that pie from the telly” has been surreal. We’ve since added a few more pie tins

to keep up with demand — and it’s not just the Beef Cheek Pie people rave about. Our Chicken, Leek & Mushroom, Mince & Cheese, and Smoked Kahawai & Kumara pies have become local favourites in their own right. We’re still just doing what we’ve always done — making food with heart. Thanks to everyone who’s come in and shared a kind word. That means more than any prize ever could.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Summer is here Sailing in the Bay Sunset cruises Staff parties Private charters – up to 25 people from as little as $60pp

Raise the sails and head off to some of the most spectacular coastal scenery that New Zealand has to offer

CONTACT US Avon: 0274 752 411 avon@windborne.co.nz www.windborne.co.nz P hoto C redit: D m itri K otelev ki – FernV ision The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

ON THE WATER

• • • • • •

No skippers licence required Well-equipped vessels with all safety gear Very stable and comfortable Skippers available if needed Great set ups for fishing, snorkelling or sightseeing Launch/retrieve service and fishing gear avail.

Book online www.whitiangaboathire.co.nz

The best way to explore above and below the surface

Departing daily from the Whitianga Wharf 42

Bookings essential www.gbbw.co.nz 07 867 1962

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

ON THE WATER

Whitianga Marina A DAVID AND GOLIATH SUCCESS STORY The opening in April 2024 of 31 new berths in the Whitianga Marina marks just the latest stage in a David and Goliath success story that started nearly 40 years ago. By Dorothy Preece

n 1986 developers approached Thames Coromandel District Council with a plan to build a marina upriver, in the Whitianga estuary. A large area of mangrove was going to be destroyed and the whole proposal caused a huge outcry. The developer went away. That aborted plan set local entrepreneur, Richard Simpson, to thinking how good it would be to have a marina — somewhere to work on his boat, with proper facilities instead of hauling the boat up on the beach between tides. So Richard approached other local boaties and found they agreed with him. At a public meeting in 1988 he floated his idea about for ing a local committee to build a marina. The response was overwhelmingly in favour of ‘giving it a go’. A committee of six local boat owners, headed by Richard Simpson was started. Their aim was ‘to provide a marina for the locals.’ They were rightly called ‘a bunch of amateurs’, but they had plenty of local knowledge. They looked for a place with the least environmental impact and settled on an area of udflats at the end of undas treet, where no mangroves grew. The area dried out between tides, and was well away from the main river channel, but close to town and the water. The public were approached for speculative funds (non-refundable) to begin scoping the project and people responded. The local Iwi, Ngati Hei were consulted from the start, and a good lasting relationship was formed. Whitianga Marina Society (Inc) was formed. In February 1989 an initial plan of the proposed marina was drawn up. If the committee had known what was involved, they might never have proceeded! Endless meetings followed with all the government agencies.

The Department of Conservation challenged the committee to ‘prove the demand’ for a marina in Whitianga. Prospective berth owners were asked to pay $100 to register an interest, and the demand was proved beyond doubt. Many environmental objections were raised. In one-on-one discussions each issue was addressed and mitigated. Advances of risk capital continued to flow in n arch the rst lanning pplication was lodged with TCDC. The document stated, ‘Currently 180 boats are moored on swing moorings in the Whitianga Estuary. The problem is an environmental one. There is no provision for rubbish or waste disposal …. Our conclusion is that the provision of a marina is the best solution ...’ Planning Consent was granted in August 1991. Paid-up members were promised 25% off the purchase price of their berths and the Secretary’s o ce was working day and night to keep up with the demand. It should have been all plain sailing, but then the newly-legislated Resource Management Act raised its ugly head. Whitianga Marina became a test case, watched by the whole country. By the time RMA Consent was gained, $700,000 had been expended on hearings alone. The Securities Commission ruled that the total cost of the proposed construction had to be in the bank before the work started. The total cost was $5.16 million. The Society was shy of $1.8 million. Again the call for investment capital went out. Some investors purchased multiple berths, the $1.8 million shortfall was achieved in six months, and still no commercial interests were involved. Secretary Neil Mitchell recalls the day he collected the Westpac Bank cheque for $1.8 million, and presented it to Trustees Executors

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Richard Simpson

uckland o ce e was greeted with the words, ‘We never thought you could do it.’ The diggers moved in on 18 July, 1994. After six years of intensive bureaucratic slog, the build took less than one year, on time and under budget. The ‘bunch of amateurs’ had pulled it off. On 8 April, 1995, seven years after he had a dream, Richard Simpson and hillybin proudly led the rst flotilla of boats into the hitianga Marina. It was soon acclaimed the best in New Zealand, with its sheltered

position and its close proximity to shops and services. Suddenly the fabulous cruising grounds in Mercury Bay and the islands beyond became accessible to water-borne visitors. The marina proved to be a catalyst for growth, not only in marine trades and related industries, but more broadly in main street shops and in the hospitality industry. Then in 2000 came Hopper Construction and the Whitianga Waterways — another success story. Richard Simpson died in 2020. Whitianga owes a lot to his vision and tenacity to see it through!

PROPERTY & YACHT MAINTENANCE

Maintaining your valuable assets to the highest standard.

PROPERTY • Executive Housekeeping • Exterior Housewashing • Window Cleaning Inside & Out • Lawnmowing and gardening • Arrival set up and Departure breakdown • Home provisioning • Pool cleaning and Pool maintenance • Interior detailing • Exterior maintenance and repairs

YACHT • Boat Washing • Cut, Polish and Wax • Interior Boat Valet • Provisioning • Vessel relocation • Engine room checks • Captain & Crewing

THE ELITE DIFFERENCE

Locally owned and operated www.elitemgmt.co.nz

Morgan 021 025 05777 | Toni 021 027 77356 43

ON THE WATER

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

ON THE WATER

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

ON THE WATER

Landing daily at Cathedral Cove!

kayaktours.co.nz The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve opens up a sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands and rock gardens that are just waiting to be explored. Paddle in the secluded bays of the Coromandel’s first Marine Reserve, interact with the local sea life and discover the thrill of kayak sailing with the wind on your back! This tour offers great photo opportunities and is topped off with cappuccinos, hot chocolates and cookies on the beach at Cathedral Cove. Hot

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL ONLINE: kayaktours.co.nz

chocolate cappucc s, in & cookie os s included !

Departs Hahei Beach daily: 8.45am & 1.30pm (September - April) 9.30am & 1.00pm (May - August) Additional departures: 5.30am & 5pm (December/January only)

(online bookings recommended)

NZ Freephone 0800 529 258 TEXT +64 2744 30266 INT +647 866 3877 Office: 88 Hahei Beach Rd (first on the left as you enter Hahei)

Duration: 3 hours (paddle time: 2-2.5 hours) Land at Cathedral Cove: Yes!

Pricing & Packages: Please visit our website for latest information From first timers to experienced kayakers, we run small groups that cater to all levels and abilities.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

ON THE WATER

Bring the whole family! We have designed a Cathedral Cove Classic Tour exclusively for families...

TOURISM

AWARD WINNER 2021 / 2022

We paddle at a comfortable and relaxed pace to enjoy the views and soak up the sun. Our guides are full of local knowledge and have loads of New Zealand history and fascinating stories to share. Our stable sea kayaks allow children to safely enjoy their kayaking experience with an adult paddling right behind them. Let us know your family requirements and your guide will ensure your kayaking tour is safe, memorable and fun! The meeting point is on the beach beside the kayaks

Child prices apply to ages 5yrs -17yrs! Family Passes available!

S IER GR

ON CL

(The calmest sea conditions are usually in the morning!)

HAHE I BE AC H

SHOPS

Please visit our website for latest information Daily Tours: 8.45am & 1.30pm

Book online: kayaktours.co.nz

RO AD

Pricing & Packages:

Duration: 3hrs - including hot chocolates, cookies and a swim at Cathedral Cove!

HA RS AN TA DA VE W N AV E

BEACH

HOLIDAY HAHEI VILLAGE HAHEI RESORT

MA RG OT

20 min walk from carpark to beach o

OFFICE

JA CK SO N

MAIN A ROA D CAR PARK

FREE PARKING

You enter Hahei from here

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

ON THE WATER

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

WHITIANGA

Coastal Road Trip STAGE TWO – COROMANDEL TO WHITIANGA

By Trevor Ammundsen

his takes you east of Coromandel. Across the Coromandel Range it’s a steep hill drive with a stop at the top — the view is jaw dropping — so many islands, oyster and mussel farms intensely blue water. Eastward, you will get a glimpse of the beaches that await you once you have made your way down off the range nce back on flat earth, its the s all village of Te Rerenga. Take a left turn here and make your way out to Whangapoua, a lovely beach with a village providing great holiday options for visitors. Whangapoua General Store has great baking treats and good coffee. There’s a walk to the famous New Chums Beach. The walk isn’t too onerous, a bit rocky. Carry in any water or food you need. New Chums is a pristine unspoiled beach, listed as one of the top ten beaches in the world. All rubbish comes back with you. Back to the car after a short drive there’s an intersection to the seaside village of Matarangi. The beach is pristine, and the Dunes Golf Course is ready for a good game of golf, dining and bar attached. You could also go past the

Kuaotunu Store turnoff and take the walk from Rings Beach by continuing along the highway and reach Kuaotunu West. Turn off the main road and drive through Kuaotunu village and the road will take you around a headland and down to Rings Beach. Not many get to see it as it is off the main track. You can take a walk around the headland to neighbouring Matarangi Beach. This road used to be the main road into Matarangi but now suitable only for walking. Entering Matarangi from the

beach provides a much more admirable entrance than the suburban one offered by the main road. Once you return from Rings Beach, why not enjoy Kuaotunu Beach. This popular spot offers walks, swi ing, shing and the opportunity to launch your boat. The settlement of Kuaotunu is spread out from the western village, through the housing along the beach and to an inland area. For many Kuaotunu is the little shopping centre just off the main road at the eastern end. Take a sharp left-hand turn into Blackjack Road and you will come to Kuaotunu Village, an excellent rest and recreation stop and direct access to the beach. There is delightful park across the road from Lukes Kitchen (licenced dining), the General Store and Te Kua Café — great ice-cream in Kuaotunu. Then your journey takes you over the hill and down to Wharekaho (Simpson’s Beach). Walk along this beach and ad ire your rst view of Mercury Bay. Once over the hill, Buffalo Beach is hitiangas very ne welco e to ercury ay You have completed stage two of New Zealand’s greatest coastal road trip and have reached one of New Zealand’s fantastic coastal townships. See page 57 for Stage Three

MERCURY BAY GAME FISHING CLUB

The Club has been the place to share fishy tales since 1925. Come and tell yours! One of the oldest game fishing clubs in NZ. Regular tournaments for all ages and skill levels. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME.

Kuaotunu Reserve

Non members welcome*

*T&C apply

Bar open from 3pm daily Bistro open from 5.30pm daily In the summer open every day from 12 noon. THE SEAFOOD IS A TREAT

12 The Esplanade, Whitianga Phone 07 866 4121 | Email office@mbgfc.co.nz

www.mbgfc.co.nz 50

Kuaotunu Beach with Rings Beach and Matarangi in the background. The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Whitianga Bike Park A magical adventure place “ride, roam, relax”

Experience magnificent bush trails and views of Mercury Bay or simply enjoy the fun family atmosphere with wide open picnic areas and children’s playground.

Whitianga Bike Park is located at the airport end of Moewai Rd – 5 minutes drive from town or 20 minutes cycle. Bike Park Tracks and Trails

Family picnic facilities

Selection of rides for all ages, abilities and experience. BMX, mountain bike, and relaxing gentle trails. There are free bicycles and helmets available for those who didn’t bring their own or just want to have a go!

Easy bush walk trails together with ample spaces for picnics. Dog friendly. Undercover pavilion for special events / birthday parties. Purpose built concert sound shell. Children’s playground – swings, slides, fun games.

This wonderful park is maintained by an outstanding team of community volunteers. A gold coin donation is appreciated.

WHITIANGA

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Contact and supporter enquiries to: Jon 027 366 4606 whitiangabikepark@gmail.com 51

OUR REMARKABLE SOUTHERN KAURI LANDS Hidden in the heart of the Coromandel lie some of the last strongholds of southern kauri, mighty trees that have stood for over 1,500 years. Rare ferns, orchids and frogs make these forests home. They’re among the few places untouched by Kauri Disease. This summer, take a moment to connect with one of Aotearoa’s most iconic taonga. Wander beneath towering trunks, breathe in their ancient presence and learn how you can help keep them standing.

Kauri distriubtion in the Waikato region

Why kauri matter Over 94,000 hectares of kauri forest remain in Waikato and Coromandel. Kauri plays a unique role in shaping the forest. The slowto-decompose leaves, bark and cone scales they drop build up around the trees and change soil chemistry, influencing which other plants can grow nearby. Kauri provide critical habitat for rare and endangeredLegend species to thrive, like the Waikato Region Boundary Archey’s frog, Rawling’s strapfern, and fan fern. Aggreated Kauri Distriubtion

How you can help

Acknowledgements and Disclaimers

Kauri: © Waikato Regional Council 2016. Oblique Aerial Photography Data. Copyright Reserved. Stats NZ, Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, METI/NASA, USGS, Esri, USGS

Approximate Distribution of Kauri in the Waikato Region

Whether you’re hiking, holidaying or just curious, your actions make a difference.

Where to explore this summer

10 20 30 40 50

Scale at A3 = 1:1,000,000

Created by: WRC-RCF Date: 7/08/2025 Version: 1 Job No.: INC0266920 File: INC0266920_Kauri Distribution Map.aprx

Long Bay Reserve,

DISCLAIMER: While Waikato Regional Council has exercised all reasonable skill and care in controlling the contents of this information, Waikato Regional Council accepts no liability in contract, tort or otherwise howsoever, for any loss, damage, injury expense (whether direct, indirect or consequential) arising out of the provision of this information or its use by you.

3200 Long Bay Rd, Coromandel

Check

Spray

Stay

Follow the rules to protect our taonga. kauriprotection.co.nz

Waiau Kauri Grove,

801 The 309 Road, Waiau

Square Kauri Track, Tapu-Coroglen Road in Coromandel Forest Park Waiomu Kauri Grove,

83 Waiomu Valley Road, Coromandel

Tuahu Kauri Track, Hot Springs Road, Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park

Te Kauri Park, SH31, Kāwhia View the full article at waikatoregion.govt.nz/services/biosecurity/kauri-protection

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Taken at Long Bay by Ian Preece (Seascape Photography)

Scrub

The Sunflower Fields @ TAHI TOA FARM

By Sarah- Jane Lee

SUNFLOWERS — FUN FACTS

ndrew and Winona have accomplished a monumental task, planting 400,000 sunflowers that will be open to the public in January 2026. The sheer scale of the project is a testament to their vision: to create a place of joy and bring smiles to countless faces. This is sure to be a truly special experience. isitors will be able to walk a ong the flowers, enjoy a picnic with friends, or even pick their own sunflowers to take ho e or give as a gift In addition to more than three hectares of the classic large yellow flowers, there will be a “Secret Garden” to immerse yourself in — a i ture of over varieties of sunflowers of varied colours and sizes. The intention of the project is to create connection and spread joy, it is a beautiful way to share happiness with the community.

INVITATION: You are invited to bring your friends and family to spend the day joyfully strolling through the bloo s, picking flowers, rela ing, picnicking and enjoying over , beautiful sunflowers this January. There will be various special events including food trucks, music, art and movement classes offered throughout the month. • Open most days in January 2026; weather dependent. • Check for special events and daily schedule on FB/IG/TG @tahitoafarm • $5 entry per person, includes one bloom;

• • •

Winona and Andrew additional picked flowers for a no inal fee • 1322 SH25 Whenuakite (between Delmany and oroglen elds are off the ain road, follow the signs. • For private bookings email tahitoa@proton.me

HOW LONG DO SUNFLOWERS LAST WHEN CUT? Your sunflower bouquet can last up to two weeks if you follow these tips: • Make sure no leaves are underwater. • Place your blooms in fresh water and keep them in the shade. • Change your bouquet water every second day if the water starts to get a little cloudy. • Snip the stem ends just before popping them into the water.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

•

he tallest recorded sunflower was a ginormous 9.17m (30 ft 1 inch). unflowers are usually given on a third wedding anniversary. ach sunflower can produce between 1000-2000 seeds, the seeds are packed with calcium. A “Flower” Is Not a Single Flower: A sunflowers head is actually a cluster of any s aller flowers he outer petals are called ray florets, while the central disk is made up of hundreds of tiny disk florets that can each develop into a seed Native to the Americas: unflowers were rst cultivated by ative ericans over 4,000 years ago for food, oil, and medicine. Spanish explorers later introduced them to Europe. The sunflower is now the national flower for both Russia and Ukraine. Phytoremediation: unflowers have the remarkable ability to absorb toxins from the soil, a process called phytoremediation. They have been planted in areas affected by nuclear disasters to help clean up the environment. • Heliotropic: unflowers turn to face the sun throughout the day; and when the day is cloudy — they turn to face each other.

GREAT OUTDOORS

Saving kiwi for 25 years THE WORK OF WHENUAKITE KIWI CARE GROUP The magic of the eastern Coromandel beaches and spectacular coastline between Whitianga and Tairua is well documented and enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. Not so well-known is the work of a group of volunteers dedicated to protecting this pristine environment and in particular, the habitat of the brown kiwi.

Arthur Hinds

The Dunes Golf Club Matarangi ol

o rs from 20th of Dec 7.00am to dusk 7 days a week

An affordable, fun-filled, day out is guaranteed for ALL the family

Closed on Christmas Day For Tee Bookings - Book online via The Dunes Website For enquiries; Call 07-8665394 ext 1 or Email; golf@thedunesmatarangi.com For Hours check the website; www.thedunes.co.nz

The Coromandel’s best kept secret Experience The Dunes! 54

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Co o k s Be a c h

H a h e i

Pu r a n g i

Castle Is

By Dorothy Preece !

K a ito k e !

Wh e n u a k i t e

H o t Wa t e r Be a c h

Ba s e m a p : Ge o g r a p h X

t all started in 1992 when conservationist Sid Marsh, working for the Department of Conservation, carried out a survey of the kiwi population from the top of the Coromandel Peninsula down to Whangamata. That survey found that, though the kiwi numbers were declining, the Whenuakite area was a favourite habitat for the kiwi. Local landowners were approached to help support the DOC work to protect the birds. Whenuakite farmer Arthur Hinds and his family were very familiar with the haunting sound of kiwi calls after dark and Arthur enthusiastically responded to the challenge of looking after these unique and special inhabitants. With his neighbour Fin Buchanan, they shared their enthusiasm with other property owners and in 2000 they formed the Whenuakite Kiwi Care Group. The combined properties cover 3500 hectares of coastal farmland, native bush, iwi and conservation land. Arthur soon became the leading light for the group. He sometimes got into trouble trying to keep dogs off the land, but he was passionate about the birds. In 2001 there were estimated to be just 29 brown kiwi in the protected area. A kiwi aversion training programme for dogs was high on the agenda. Volunteers also responded to the challenge and following Department of Conservation guidelines, plans for trapping mustelids and other pests were implemented. Eventually a contractor was employed to oversee the work and organise the volunteer help. The programme now involves keeping 110 km of traplines open, and servicing 553 traps. Mustelids, rats, hedgehogs and feral cats all threaten the kiwi. Arthur Hinds went on to become Chairman of the Waikato Conservation Board and for many years served as a

Ta i r u a

Shoe Is (Motuhoa)

Tanehua

Pa u a n u i

The Pinnacles

H ik u a i !

2 k m

Map provided by Jeff Neems DOC

Oh u i

Waikato Regional Councillor. He died in 2017. His daughter Janice now carries on the dedicated work that her father was so passionate about. Four generations of the Hinds family are now involved, the youngest being Lincoln Edwards, age three, already initiated in bush walking and monitoring the traps.

STEADY ANNUAL INCREASE The success of the work is counted in the annual steady increase in kiwi numbers.

Youngest volunteer — Fourth generation Lincoln Edwards, age three, with Barnaby Roache

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Kiwi are only heard in the mating season. A regular programme of listening for the adult bird calls now shows an estimated 122 pairs of brown kiwi in the protected area. And still the work continues. In August this year the group received a Department of Conservation grant of almost $320,000 to take them over the next three years. Janice Hinds says the continuing funding support shows recognition at the highest level, of the valued work the group is doing. “Such recognition gives us heart. It is greatly appreciated,” Janice said.

Regular volunteers Isabelle Roache, Tessa McGovern, Barnaby Roache and Will McGovern

GREAT OUTDOORS

The Waterworks - A VERY SPECIAL, QUIRKY PARK By Stan Stewart

n arrival at The Waterworks you immediately realise that this is something different. The carpark, surrounded by hundreds of porcelain toilet bases dressed with planted fresh flowers and its large, water sculpture sporting work, safety helmets, are obvious clues that this park is different. The reception area and café are re-assuring — welcoming, well-lit with curiosities everywhere and prices are very and dampen your affordable. The parents. Waterworks is well For adults established and along the paths, obviously has many there are large visitors. We had lunch easy-to-read story at the café — lots of boards containing an room. It was delicious. Geoff Howarth amazing variety of bites The park itself is in a very of information, from history, attractive, spacious, bush setting. science, and everyday life. These Immediately there are quaint pumps are amusing and provocative stories, all and machinery, activities of interest to displayed on specially designed boards, so children. There is nothing that is ‘fairground’ very easy to read. spectacular, but as you walk along the cienti c facts you have forgotten or paths, there are quirky, enticing, inviting never known, stories of characters, ancient and intriguing attractions to the small fry and modern, accounts of controversies and their parents, as well as challenging with government and local councils are all things to try old bicycles, gures ade presented on these boards. Just when you from remarkable combinations of materials think you will never read another board, a that all move to the power of water. The topic cleverly catches your attention. The ponds are alive with water life but also paths and the boards in the park are for are used to power and display the quirky, wandering, not for hurrying. quaint machines. The children can use The Waterworks is set in beautiful bush some of the machines to move water, spurt and bounded on one side by an exquisite water, amaze and surprise your friends

mountain stream which is accessible for wading. Don’t go to Waterworks to be overwhelmed by attractions. Go to be surprised and enchanted by natural things. Be reminded of how simply water can power so much of life. The playground is relaxing and spread out, all created by the owners. All of this is the brainchild and work of the owner, Jeff Howarth, along with his partner, Chunmei. Jeff, with his knowledge of language, science and history, is the author of all the story boards and the creator of all of the water inventions. When he purchased the property, it was already a playground park with lots of water, so he began building on that theme. This was 19 years ago. The Waterworks is on the 309 Road, 8km from Coromandel town and 24k from Whitianga. Look for the great spider sitting on the cutting opposite the entrance. The 309 Road is an iconic winding journey through the most beautiful bush. www.thewaterworks.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

GREAT OUTDOORS

Sunrise on Buffalo Beach, Whitianga

Coastal Road Trip STAGE THREE – WHITIANGA TO KOPU By Trevor Ammundsen

he road south of Whitianga winds its way around the Whitianga harbour and eventually, at Coroglen, crosses the upper reaches of the harbour at the Waiwawa River. While many are familiar with the famous Coroglen Tavern the Waiwawa River is a great stopping point with picnic facilities and public toilets. The river is great for swimming so the family can have a very pleasant break here. You can check the historical artefacts in the tavern. Locals have been known to ride up to the Tavern fro hitianga in a flotilla of dinghies, to have an enjoyable lunch before boating back, having flour bo b ghts on the way he tides ust be right though as a stranding is risked by the unwary. Moving on you will move past the turn off to the attractions of southern Mercury Bay — Cooks Beach, Hahei, Hot Water Beach and of course, the agni cent athedral ove ou need ti e to experience these — not a quick detour. These places are jewels deserving a lot more time.

TAIRUA Wind your way down Pumpkin Hill, and before you get off the hill take a left turn on to Sailors

Tairua Harbour

Grave Road to the lovely beach of Sailors Grave. This was named in memory of a sailor who lost his life swamped by the surf in his long boat in 1841. The beach is a pristine place where bush and ocean meet. A creek offers paddling and play opportunities for little ones and exploration upstream. There is the surf beach, picnic tables in the shade of the bush — a truly beautiful and relaxing spot. Travelling down the hill to Tairua involves quite a lot of multiple 25km and 35km turns. You catch wonderful vistas at the top and on some of the turns. Tairua can be just a quick toilet and coffee stop with annoying one-way bridges, but there’s more to Tairua.

Turn off the State Highway at the bottom of u pkin ill, before you get to the rst bridge, turn left into Ocean Beach Road. This leads you down to the airua each, a agni cent surf beach. Continue on, turning into Paku Drive past the Marina and a couple of excellent dining cafes. When the tide is out in Tairua harbour you have before you a spectacular water playground safe for paddling, playing — children love it. Leaving Tairua, it’s a great trip across the new bridge completed December 2023 and over the hills and back to Kopu. Around every bend there is beauty in this part of the world.

KICKSTART MOTORCYCLES WHITIANGA

SALES - SERVICE - REPAIRS Kids of all ages enjoy the Summer Sandcastle Competition at Buffalo Beach, Whitianga. The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

ROAD, FARM AND TRAIL

211 SOUTH HIGHWAY, WHITIANGA 027 726 3797 • kickstartmotorcycles211@gmail.com 57

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

GREAT OUTDOORS

Pahi Coastal Walk A BOUTIQUE WALK AT THE TOP OF THE COROMANDEL By Cath Ward

t the very tip of the Coromandel Peninsula, where the sealed roads end and the aci c see s to stretch forever, lies a special slice of farmland that has been cared for by the ard fa ily for ve generations. Today, that land is not only a working farm — it’s also home to the Pahi Coastal Walk, a three-day, two-night catered walking experience launched in 2022. It’s a boutique adventure with a simple promise: you just turn up, walk at your own pace, and everything else is taken care of.

• Day 3: A gentle 5km farm walk, or, if you’re keen, an e-bike ride back to Colville. he walk is designed to be fle ible o e guests stride out, others dawdle — either way, everybody loves it!

HOW FIT DO YOU NEED TO BE? If you can walk 10–15km comfortably, you’ll be ne here are hills it is the oro andel, after all), but plenty of breaks and the freedom to walk at your own rhythm. It’s less about racing to the nish and ore about soaking it all in

WHO CAN COME? We host up to 12 guests per night — small enough to feel personal, big enough for a good mix of company. Friends, couples, book clubs, family groups — we’ve seen them all.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD & CARRYING GEAR? That’s the beauty of it: you don’t have to lug heavy packs. We transport your bags between the two accommodations, so all you

WHAT YOU’LL SEE The track winds through rolling farmland, regenerating bush, and rugged coastal cliffs. One moment you’re passing sheep in open paddocks, the next you’re gazing out over Great Barrier Island, Cuvier, and the endless blues of the Hauraki Gulf. Each day brings new perspectives — from wide panoramas to quiet corners where the land and sea meet.

THE WALK, DAY BY DAY • Day 1: Up to 12km, with shorter options if you prefer to ease in. • Day 2: Choose between a 12km or 19km route — the longer option takes you further along the dramatic coastline. 60

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

GREAT OUTDOORS

need is a day pack with water, snacks, and your camera. As for food — well, that’s our favourite part. Think hearty, home-style meals with a touch of flair, ade with fresh, local ingredients Packed lunches for the trail, shared dinners at the end of the day, even a platter or two if you opt for our VIP upgrade. Guests often say they come for the walk but leave raving about the food.

WHERE YOU’LL STAY • Night 1: Pahi Retreat, a cosy farmhouse surrounded by natural beauty and a clear running stream. • Night 2: The Shearers Quarters, a sixbedroom house with sweeping sea views. Gorgeous, comfortable, and full of character — just like staying with friends, but easier.

WHY WE DO THIS

TOURISM IN THE NORTH

For me, Cath, creating Pahi was about sharing the beauty of Port Jackson while supporting the local community. I’ve always loved food and hospitality, and when the time was right, I wanted to bring people north — not just for the walk, but for the experience of being here. It hasn’t always been easy. Cyclone Gabrielle wiped out over a month of our rst season ut resilience is part of farm life, and seeing guests arrive wound-up and leave glowing and relaxed makes it worth it every time. In 2024, we were proud to win the Rural Women’s Business Award (Supreme Award + Love of the Land category) — recognition that this little dream of ours has grown into something that makes a difference.

Our hope is that more visitors venture beyond the usual stops to discover the magic at the top of the Peninsula. Tourism here doesn’t need to be mass-market — in fact, it works best when it’s small-scale, thoughtful, and rooted in community. That way, guests get an authentic experience and the land and locals thrive too.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

READY TO WALK? The Pahi Coastal Walk runs September to early May, with packages from $850pp including shuttles, meals, accommodation, and track access. Bring your boots and a sense of adventure — Pahi is about slowing down, reconnecting and carrying the landscape with you long after you’ve left. www.pahicoastalwalk.co.nz

COLVILLE

Come North to Colville Heading north from Coromandel Town, the road follows a rhythm of its own: curving past coves and rocky bays, then turning inland across valleys and fields before meeting the sea again. Always ahead lies Moehau, the mountain that anchors the north.

ross the narrow bridge and your Colville adventure begins. First stop: Greg Taylor Woodworking, where local timber is crafted into sturdy, beautiful furniture that carries the character of the land. Further along the Colville Road, the Mahamudra Centre for Unity offers space for reflection and retreat his ibetan uddhist centre is a long-standing presence in the valley, welcoming visitors for meditation, accommodation, or simply a quiet wander in its serene grounds. Farmland stretches ahead, where White Star invites travellers to experience far life rst hand with pony treks and rural stays, offering a glimpse of the rhythms that shape this northern community. And then you reach Colville. The old stockyards mark the edge of town, a reminder of its farming roots. Opposite the village hall and our volunteerrun rural post o ce youll nd the colourful Himalaya Shop and, right next door, Colville Junction. More than an op shop and library, the Junction is where people drop in for advice, to use the computers or internet, or to get pointed in the right direction for everything from dog licences to government services. Alongside that, it runs projects that strengthen the community and support locals in practical ways. It’s a place built on the same values of cooperation and care that run through all of Colville. The real anchor of the town is the Colville General Store. Born in 1978 as a community co-op, the Colville Store has been owned and supported by locals ever since. It’s where the community still comes together, and where visitors get their rst real taste of olvilles character. Inside, the shelves hold everyday groceries, local honey, organics, shing gear, a handful of holiday gifts, and even some essential hardware items for bach or campsite repairs. From the forecourt, where you can buy your ‘last chance’ fuel before the road runs out, you’ll see the beautiful original wooden doors that frame the entrance to this iconic building. Recently repainted, its façade now carries a striking mandala mural created by artist Caitlyn Maloney with help from local school pupils, making the Store as colourful on the outside as it is lively within. For travellers, the Store is both practical and symbolic, a place to stock up, to pause, and to feel the cooperative spirit that has kept Colville thriving for 50 years.

The new Colville General Store mural was created by the youth of the Colville communities and artist Caitlin Moloney. Each section of the mandala represents aspects of our community.

NO COLVILLE WITHOUT A GREAT CAFÉ Step back outside and the smell of coffee and sizzling Hereford beef will draw you into Hereford ’n’ a Pickle, the farm-shop café a few steps away. Famous for its home-raised beef burgers, preserves, real fruit ice creams, and some delicious home baking, it’s a favourite spot to pause with something delicious before heading north again. On the outskirts of town, Wharf Road stretches out short way along you ll nd the studio of Tracey Johnson, tattooist and artist, whose work carries the wild beauty of the Coromandel. Further along is Hike & Bike, connecting travellers with two of the north’s great adventures. Their shuttles run to the spectacular Pahi Coastal Walkway, a track so popular it books out early each season. There is the Coromandel Coastal Walk, a 20-kilometre route from Stony Bay to Fletcher Bay at the very top of the peninsula. When the walk is done, you can choose to

return by shuttle or ride back to Colville on one of Hike & Bike’s e-bikes, turning the journey home into part of the adventure. Also on Wharf Road, but very much its own destination, is the Colville Bay Motel & Motor Camp. Set just a short walk from the shoreline, it offers comfortable self-contained units and relaxed campsites. For many travellers, it’s the perfect base — close to the village, handy to the Store, and well placed for exploring the northern tip of the peninsula. And when it’s time for a picnic, head back to the main road and just north past the school. The foreshore opens wide beneath ancient p hutukawa trees, the perfect place to sit with food gathered from the Store or Hereford ’n’ a Pickle, looking out across Colville Bay and watching the tide shift with the day. Colville may be the last township before the road runs out, but it is anything but an ending. It’s a place where community spirit and simple pleasures endure, and where families can still holiday the way they used to — with freedom, generosity, and the kind of unspoilt charm that lasts across generations.

Your last stop on the way to Port Jackson! Stock up on snacks, groceries, fresh produce and local treasures. We also do LPG swaps and sell petrol. SUMMER HOURS: 8.30AM-5PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK – FIND US AT 2314 COLVILLE ROAD Phone: 07-866-6805 | Email: colvillegeneralstore@gmail.com 62

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

COLVILLE

ESCAPE TO PEACE: FIND YOUR HAVEN IN THE COROMANDEL By Lisa Bavidge

onging for a true escape? Nestled on eight acres in the inspiring Colville Valley, the Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity offers a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist retreat where everyone is welcome. Whether you seek deep spiritual introspection or simply a tranquil base to explore the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, this is your haven. The centre provides a perfect blend of comfort and serenity. Choose from selfcontained cabins with private kitchenettes, cozy single/double rooms, or budget-friendly

ca ping sites n site, you ll nd beautiful park-like gardens, a majestic Tibetan stupa, a comfortable lounge, and a shared, vegetarian kitchen. Guests appreciate the convenient location, which is a perfect springboard for exploring the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, Fletcher Bay, and the sandy swimming beaches just a 10-minute drive away. You don’t have to be a Buddhist to visit! Our teacher Venerable Tony will also be offering group meditation retreats, offering accessible, practical wisdom designed to help anyone e plore how to nd happiness and transfor their mind. Guests are welcome to join daily meditations or simply relax in the beautiful environment. Come and recharge your mind in this idyllic rural setting. Book your stay today and discover the peace and beauty of the Mahamudra Centre. lease note he centre aintains ve ethical guidelines (including refraining from intoxicants) and operates a vegetarian kitchen to ensure a safe, calm, and conducive environment for all. Book your stay now: www.mahamudra.org.nz

WHERE CULTURE MEETS CRAFT

he Himalaya Shop in Colville village is more than a store The owners, Rob and Anette Olsen, see it as an art installation. The colours, the ornaments, wall pieces, the handloomed cloth, rugs, jewellery and clothing are all imported from India and areas close to the Himalayas. The store is a tapestry of eastern culture making a visit for any shopper so very stimulating and enjoyable. One might ask why the name of Himalaya Shop in Colville. Rob explains. “I lived in the Himalaya part of India from 1972 — a long time. It was quite tough. Sleeping on rice straw mats, but it was what we were seeking after in a way — new places, new cultures, different life. I can remember standing in the doorway of the bus because there were no seats. And there were herds of sheep in the bus. t was the rst ti e had seen the aking of handloom woollen vests, coats and shawls. I loved the years there. I happened to come to New Zealand on holiday in 1990. I came to visit my sister who was working in the pre-school in Colville. I fell in love

with the place and the style of living. It was very relaxed but stimulating and interesting. We had moved from India and been living in Denmark as my wife, Anette is Danish. We felt we needed more in our lives and decided on New Zealand. From my previous visit to my sister, we were drawn to Colville. It felt refreshing and people had a sense of freedom. Soon after we settled, we started planning to import merchandise from India. From my knowledge of India, I had a sense of what tourists would like and what kiwis would be looking for in terms of their homes and lifestyle. We set out to import good quality products genuinely made in India and wholesale them. A shop became available in Colville and we decided to slow down the wholesaling and run the shop. It would have been very complex otherwise. We look for clothing and jewellery, some artifacts and hand-print clothing. We buy these rugs — 50% wool and 50% cotton. They are hand woven, very special for the home. I think our soul is in the right place! 2311 Colville Road, Colville | 021 0286 6011

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Craftsman Greg Taylor

BRANCH CREEK FURNITURE — WORLD FAMOUS FROM COLVILLE

reg Taylor is a one-off craftsman and so are the wooden creations he makes. No two pieces are the same. Unique is the right description for the handcrafted wooden furniture that Greg skilfully creates and beautifully nishes He actually logs and mills the timber he uses for his very ne woodwork, hi self People from all over the world have pieces from Branch Creek Furniture in their homes — dining tables with six kauri chairs, feature living room tables, everything down to coasters. Even with the Cape Cod chairs he makes for kiwis and tourists — “I always change each set I make a little,” says Greg. Greg is a bushman. Timber runs in his blood. His dad was a bushman. “I was trained as a logger, but I gave that up as there was too much red tape. I actually milled timber for years without sawing, carving and turning it. Then I suddenly remembered why I moved up here and that was to do woodwork and make it my life. I have heaps of timber here on my land. I have a forest, and a sawmill as well as virgin native bush. I also use kauri that was jammed up in the kauri dams of yesteryear, when they opened the sluice gates. I love wood; I love designing furniture. Even when someone requests a boring benchtop, I try to use the natural edges to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. “What gives me pleasure and satisfaction is that furniture and smaller pieces I have made sit in people’s places all around the world — Switzerland, Scotland, Holland, America and of course all over New Zealand. That’s a piece of me and a piece of this beautiful region with those people. Once there was a whole truck and trailer order for the Cook Island Trading Post Store that needed to be shipped.” Just meeting Greg is worth the visit to Branch Creek Furniture in Colville. Come and see his showroom. 1925 Colville Road, Colville | 07 866 6846 63

CREATE YOUR DREAM SPACE GUTHRIE BOWRON WHITIANGA

Guthrie Bowron Whitianga is your one-stop destination for transforming any space. From premium paints and stunning wallpapers to stylish curtains, blinds, and flooring, their curated range brings together quality, innovation, and design. Whether you're refreshing a room or revamping your whole home, Guthrie Bowron Whitianga makes it easy to turn your vision into reality with expert advice every step of the way.

Mural Wallpaper

Carpet

Wall mural wallpaper covers a full Create a warm, healthy wall to create a bold focal point, with home with our exceptional styles from nature to unique designs. range of quality carpets.

07 866 0035

Laminate Get the look of natural wood with contemporary laminate flooring.

sales@gbwhitianga.co.nz

Tiles Durable. Stylish. Timeless. Tiles that do it all

2/9 Joan Gaskell Drive,

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026 Whitianga

STYLE STARTS AT HOME

GUTHRIE BOWRON WHITIANGA

Transform your home into a space that truly reflects you with Guthrie Bowron Whitianga’s inspiring home decor collection. From eye-catching artwork and statement mirrors to stylish cushions, and decorative accents, we’ve got everything you need to add personality and polish to every room. Whether you're refreshing a corner or revamping an entire space, our curated decor range is designed to elevate your home effortlessly. Come in-store and discover the perfect finishing touches, because inspiration starts here.

07 866 0035

sales@gbwhitianga.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

2/9 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga

LIFESTYLE

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED M

ay 2025 saw a change in ownership of Guthrie Bowron Whitianga. Now owned and operated by Pete and Dale Banks, who bring with them a wealth of business experience and knowledge, having built, owned, and operated numerous businesses in the Waikato area. Pete and Dale are passionate about ensuring every customer receives the best experience possible fro the rst o ent you walk in the store. They also support and encourage their team to take up as many training opportunities as possible, whether that be to upskill professionally or to pursue an opportunity for their personal development. Continuing to be involved with and support the local community has already begun, and over the coming months and years this support will grow and continue, with both local and surrounding organisations and events. Employing 14 full time staff, three installation

sub-contractors and three part time subcontractors, their e pert and professional team cover all aspects of interior decorating, with over 75 years of combined knowledge and experience. Let them guide you through what could be an overwhelming process — from an initial consult through to a quality nished result Specialists in paint and wallpaper, they can offer instore colour consultations and can mix up paint test pots on the spot. Check out their new wallpaper mural, the kids will love it too. heir award winning flooring consultants handle tiles, carpet, vinyl, laminates and timber, offering an extensive range of samples. Carpet offcuts can be turned into rugs with their in-house rug binding service. When it comes to window coverings, their expert curtain consultants are well equipped to assist with your curtain, blind and shutter needs. They can handle complex questions around

motorisation, recessed roller blinds or tracks, with shaped shutters. Let Guthrie Bowron Whitianga co-ordinate timing and details directly with your painter, tiler, builder, electrician, plumber or kitchen joiners on your behalf. Whether you need guidance on interior nishes or an e terior colour sche e, they offer you valuable advice and inspiration. Their knowledgeable team are comfortable with all manner of interior design styles, and the showroom is equipped to inspire, with an extensive range of home décor including furniture and accessories, mirrors, clocks, cushions and wall art. Guthrie Bowron Whitianga provide free inhome consultations, measures and quotes from as far south as Pauanui and as far north as Port Jackson. Come instore and meet with their friendly team and talk to them about your next project.

2/9 Joan Gaskell Dr, Whitianga Ph 07 866 0035 sales@gbwhitianga.co.nz Open Monday-Friday 7.30am-5pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, Sunday closed

www.guthriebowron.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

Transforming Your Curtains WE LOVE WHAT WE DO, AND YOU WILL TOO !! WITH OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE AND 20,000 PLUS DELIGHTED CUSTOMERS, CURTAIN CLINIC IS YOUR GO-TO EXPERT FOR CURTAIN AND ROMAN BLIND CLEANING AND REPAIRS.

hether you need mould, water marks, or even the odd spilt red wine stain removed, we will do it for you. Our fantastic team also take care of repairs to hems, or any other minor repairs that will have your curtains looking almost like new again. Here’s what one of our customers had to say – “Do NOT — repeat — do NOT even consider having your curtains cleaned and repaired by anyone else other than CURTAIN CLINIC! If ever they decide to throw in the towel — or in this case — the curtain — they could do very well showing the rest of us how to give just the best custo er service ever o nd another customer experience like this will be hard, so do yourself a big favour and have your curtains looked after by this company!

BEFORE

AFTER

OUR WONDERFUL WHITIANGA-BASED AGENTS, ROB AND ELAINE, OFFER OUR SERVICE FROM COROMANDEL TO WHANGAMATA — THEY WILL PICK UP AND DELIVERY, AND CAN EVEN TAKEDOWN AND REINSTALL

Call us on 0800-477-478 if you have any questions, or pop onto our website

www.curtainclinic.co.nz, fill out the enquiry form, and we will be in touch The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

Your local one stop shop, for all things interiors

CARPET

LAMINATE

TIMBER

VINYL

TILES

PAINT

CURTAINS

BLINDS

Whitianga Flooring Xtra

E: whitianga@flooringxtra.co.nz

68 Albert Street, Whitianga

P: (07) 866 2836 The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

Family cross Peninsula for Flooring Xtra

Peninsula

GL GLASS ASS && SCREENS SCREENS

w. wo rth y.c o

n 2022, Flooring Xtra Whitianga saw new owners, Hana and Kurt taking up the challenge of running this very hands-on business. They were parents of a young family and residing in Coromandel at the time. Dane, their youngest, was just a few weeks old at the time they took over the reins. Kurt is the face of the business, bringing over 20 years of hands-on e perience in the flooring industry as a quali ed installer hile urt leads on the tools and customer service, Hana plays a vital part-time role behind the scenes, involved in the ad inistration and nancial side of the business — all while juggling the demands of family life and raising their kids. “Flooring runs in the family for Kurt,” says Hana. “He began his apprenticeship straight out of college under the guidance of his Uncle Todd, who has been in the industry for decades. His father, Shane, also plays a key role in the business, bringing a lifetime of e perience in floor sanding and restoration - a skillset we’ve recently added to expand the services we offer. The family is where it all started for Kurt, but it’s his own grit and determination that have driven him to grow the business and stay ahead of the latest products, styles, and techniques. It’s more than just work for him — it’s a passion passed down through generations.” “When we took over the business, Kurt was our only installer — and we quickly discovered how challenging it was to nd e perienced flooring installers in our area. So, we made the decision to ‘grow our own’ and invest in local talent. Over the past three years, we’ve proudly taken on three young locals as apprentices. ur rst has recently beco e fully quali ed, our second is a year into

their training, and our third has just begun their journey in 2025. Kurt takes great pride in mentoring them, providing a wide range of hands-on experience right here in their home community. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to offer meaningful career opportunities to our local youth.” “We also have one team member who has come to our community from the Philippines,” says Hana. “He is experienced and a great worker, and although our rst option is to employ locals, you New owners can advertise to no end with Kurt and Hana no response. With a dedicated with young son team of waged installers and a Dane select group of trusted, highly our circa 1900 villa, fully restoring “We want to see the skilled contractors, we’ve built an a classic (and very pink!) vintage whole Peninsula succeed exceptional team — one we’re truly caravan, and bringing a WW2 Miller — and that means working together, proud of.” & Tunnage Kauri launch back to life.” supporting each other, and building “As proud Coromandel Peninsula It’s this hands-on passion for something strong for the future.” locals, we’re committed to bringing breathing new life into old treasures “Renovating and restoration is top quality flooring solutions to our that feeds into their business, too — something we genuinely love to do communities,” says Kurt. “Flooring whether its restoring ti ber floors in our (rare!) spare time,” laughs is at the heart of what we do, and or helping customers reimagine ana ver the past ve years, with the strength of the Flooring their spaces with new flooring and we’ve taken on some pretty special Xtra brand behind us, we’re able to nishes projects — including renovating offer an exceptional range — from carpet and vinyl to laminate, luxury vinyl planks, and engineered timber — all backed by expert advice and professional installation.” To complement their core A division of Worthy Developments Ltd flooring services, urt and ana also offer a carefully selected range of add-ons, including Resene paint and wallpaper, Tile Warehouse products, For all and ost recently, ti ber floor • Glazing Work sanding and restoration, along with • Balustrading custom window treatments. These additions allow them to provide • Pet Doors clients with a more complete • Security & Insect Screens interior solution, all while staying • Shower Doors & Mirrors focused on what they do best — flooring Get your Despite the challenges of insect screens now running a business while raising a young family, Hana and Kurt are passionate about supporting local growth. “This is our home,” says Kurt.

Call now 07 866 4180

By Pauline Stewart

sa le

wo r

th y.c o

.n z

The WW2 Miller & Tunnage Kauri launch has a new lease on life

Call now

07 866 5749 28 Campbell St, Whitianga

For all your premium Vistalite aluminium joinery needs The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

w w w .t a r a k in g .c o .n z s t u d io @ t a r a k in g .c o .n z 0210391086 @ t a r a k in g in t e r io r s t a r a k in g in t e r io r s

Your drapery and blind specialist. Call today for your free measure and quote. Interior and Exterior Design to enhance your indoor and outdoor living space. Tara King Interior Design, covering all your interior and exterior needs, from blinds, shutters and drapery to exterior blinds, pergolas and awnings.

Designing spaces with style T

ara King Interior Design will transform your space into a luxurious haven with their high-end drapery, blinds, shutters, including interior and exterior motorisation. Tara works with the latest colour trends and textures that will elevate any new or existing build. Tara’s personality and energy reflect the passion she has for this kind of work. Her study and years of working in both London and New Zealand provide valuable experience and insight that she draws on intuitively. She is very much the “Go to”

person for design and furnishings in ercury ay and further a eld It is important to her that she collaborates with local suppliers and retailers to source the best exterior and interior furniture and soft furnishings that will bring a client’s dream of what their space could look like, to reality. This includes exterior colour sche es and cladding to roo ng and joinery. For Tara, all the aspects of a home connect, creating a masterpiece. “Every single space has the potential to be beautiful, regardless of its shape or size.”

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Four stores in one and always worth the visit HOME APPLIANCES

BEDS & BEDDING

SOFAS & RECLINERS

INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE

corom andel lif e:st y le centre 4/9 joan gaskell drive, whitianga The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

(0 7 ) 8 6 6 5 7 2 6 71

LIFESTYLE

KEITH MAHON PAINTERS LTD • Interior/Exterior Painting • Interior Plastering • Airless Spraying • Wallpapering • Chemical Cleaning • Chemical Paint Remover • Moss and Mould Spraying Justin Toomey 021 797406 Rodney Gamble 021 2411 421

07 866 4513 | mike@dimax.co.nz | dimax. co.nz

KITCHENS BATHROOMS WARDROBES Keith Mahon Painters Ltd admin@kmahonp.co.nz

or any of your custom requirements for renovations or new builds

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

The Late Arrivals Club “It’s never too late to come back” Only 300 people in the world were ever awarded the Flying Boot medal — this is the remarkable story of one recipient whose son lives in Tairua. By Scott Lee

photo in an old copy of the NZ Listener caught my eye. The photo was of a silver medal depicting a single aircrew flying boot with wings. I knew I had seen one in my deceased mother’s jewellery box. A quick search of my Dad’s service record and his remarkable story unfolded. During WW2, Allied soldiers formed exclusive clubs honouring servicemen and women who survived despite impossible odds hese uno cial groups boosted morale, built camaraderie, and offered hope. One such club was” The Late Arrivals Club”, the members of which were awarded the Flying Boot medal. To qualify, you had to be an RAF pilot, be shot down over enemy territory in North Africa, and make your own way back to the U.K. With such strict criteria, it is no wonder only 300 were ever awarded.

DAD’S STORY: FLIGHT LIEUTENANT KENNETH LESLIE LEE — 41916 Dad enlisted in February 1941, aged 19. He attended flight training school in anada and the is rst posting was the Squadron in March 1942. Armed with aging Hurricanes, 229’s mission was to defend Malta at all costs, a seemingly impossible task since the island

was short of fuel, ammunition, and spare parts. At one stage, 229 Squadron was down to seven serviceable Hurricanes. After three months of intense action with daily sorties (sometimes several), Dad, along with other members of 229, was sent to Cairo. Nearing the North African coast, several of the group peeled off and headed for land. As they were under strict radio silence, no explanation was given, and it wasn’t until later when Dad turned on his long-range tanks that their plight was obvious. The fuel had been stolen. Approaching the coast, a German Stuka dive bomber sprayed Dad’s aircraft. He knew the Stuka would have reported his position, so he flew on as long as he could before landing with a few bruises. After two nights walking in the desert, he was befriended by a group of Arabs who fed him and gave him a place to sleep. He was disappointed to be woken by an Italian patrol. The hospitable Arabs were witnessed receiving a reward for an Allied pilot. Dad, as a prisoner of war, was transferred to Campo 47 in Modena, Italy. Dad spoke of the gnawing hunger of the rst few weeks until your sto ach shrank, the fleas like socks in your barracks, and the bitter cold in the winter. He also spoke of the strength of spirit among his fellow inmates, the importance of hope and a sense of humour, and the endless escape plans. > Continued on page 74

TOTALLY SORTED START TO FINISH

Totalspan Coromandel 1/46 Kopu Road, Kopu, Thames Phone: 07 869 0400 The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

0800 TOTALSPAN TOTALSPAN.CO.NZ 73

LIFESTYLE

> Continued from page 73 By September ’43, Dad and his fellow prisoners were getting restless. The Germans were retreating through Italy, and they knew the camp would soon be under German guard. They may even be taken to Germany. The day before the camp was due to change hands Dad and his South African friend, Alan Flederman, hid in the roof of the barracks in a pre-prepared cavity. The following night the two of them escaped across the fence without a guard in sight. The Germans were late arriving and the Italian guards had disappeared. The escaped P.O.W.s headed north. After a few days hiding in rural Modena, they were discovered by the Italian resistance the artisans t rst, the artisans didn t trust Dad and wanted to shoot him. After 18 months in an Italian P.O.W. Dad could speak Italian perfectly, and his detailed e planations nally convinced the

ENCOUNTERING EXTREME COURAGE Dad spent three months with Partisan families as he made his way to Switzerland. Dad described the Partisan families as some of the bravest people he had ever met. Even though they were under the threat of death for their entire families, they continued to hide escaped P.O.W.s. Dad crossed the border into landlocked Switzerland — once again with the help of Partisans, in November 1943. Dad spent 9 months wondering how to get back home to the U.K. Fed up with waiting to be repatriated, he crossed into German-occupied Italy to rendezvous with the advancing U.S forces. The Americans obliged and shipped him back to the U.K. in November 1944. Dad crashed in North Africa in May 1942 and returned to the U.K. in November 1944.

Lieutenant Kenneth Leslie LEE — 41916

It took 2 1/2 years and involved a journey of so e iles ad earned his flying boot medal and certainly lived up to the motto of the Late Arrivals Club. “It’s never too late to come back.’ Dad returned to NZ, married my mother, Joy. He had a long and successful career, rst with the ir orce and later with Civil Aviation. He retired to Turangi and

skied on ost ne days until he was “The only good thing to come out of that bloody war. “He never went back to Italy but corresponded with the Partisan families and his fellow escapee Alan Flederman every Xmas until his passing. e was an o cer and a gentle an, a man of dignity, integrity, and principles — one of the old school.

NEED WINDOW & DOOR REPAIRS? • WINDOW HANDLES, SEALS AND HINGES • DIGITAL LOCKS • SLIDING AND BI-FOLD DOORS • ROLLERS, LOCKS & HANDLES • RETRACTABLE INSECT SCREENS FOR WINDOWS & DOORS

LOCAL SERVICING FOR THE COROMANDEL

CALL FREE 0800 37 37 10 74

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LLI

STA GE

NO W

Retirement Living where every day feels like a holiday! The Moorings is Hopper Livings newest retirement village, offering a unique coastal retreat at Whitianga Waterways. Come experience dream retirement living at our gorgeous Show Villa or get in touch with Toni today.

Brand-new luxury villas Warm inviting community for over 60s Capital Gains offer to

Toni Hatton | 021 349 101 sales@mooringsvillage.co.nz

protect your investment Pet friendly

THE MOORINGS

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026 91 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga | MOORINGSVILLAGE.CO.NZ

LIFESTYLE

I couldn’t miss his ten-gallon hat By Pauline Stewart

on Connell, until very recently was a ture in the main street of Whitianga. He was a daily customer at The Fig Café and would sit outside in his wheelchair in all weathers with his wife Judy, drinking his favourite coffee and wearing a ten-gallon white Texan hat. That is where I met him. Actually, I could not miss Ron. His appearance and friendly nature drew many conversations and friendships. His hat is symbolic of his big scale adventurous life and a story of love at rst sight Ron Connell working life started early his very rst job was with horses in Johnsonville, Wellington. He learned to shoe the horses and hire them out. His big adventures began at 14 — hanging around the aircraft hangar looking at aircraft. Helicopters were just appearing in New Zealand, and he was fascinated by them. really wanted to fly and kept asking about how I could learn to be a pilot. No one ever said, ll teach you to fly inally, one guy said, ‘Read the bloody book. That’s how you learn to fly “So I read the book again and again.

the deer. It was hellishly dangerous. Flying the helicopters became one of my jobs and I was good at it. I just started flying the helicopters because I had read that book. “It wasn’t very long before I earned enough to own one of the helicopters. The government in New Zealand did not have all the regulations. In fact, there really wasn’t any then. I started SouthWest helicopters, operating to service the deer industry out of Hokitika. Looking back, it was the best time in my life — every day was high adventure. “The most nerve-wracking Ron Connell o ent when flying the helicopters was — you had to judge exactly when to yell, ‘Jump!’ That was someone’s life in your hands. You knew you had to yell very loudly and just at the right moment. I learned to shoot from the helicopter while “The venison industry had just begun. It I was the pilot. You really didn’t think too was exciting to be around the hangars and much about how dangerous it was, yet the helicopters those rst days of hunting underneath you remained alert with every deer and recovering them for the deer muscle tensile. farms. I just joined in and became a part of “Some of my mates died doing these it. It felt good to be involved in something so things. We were young and invincible. No exciting. You had to learn everything. I was one is ever that, but you think you are. We soon shooting deer and recovering deer, all all took huge risks with our lives and with a part of trying to make a living. business. “One of the jobs was standing on the skids of the helicopter waiting for the pilot to say, ‘Jump!’ You had to try and jump on to > Continued on page 78

ROOFING FLASHINGS CLADDING

SCAFFOLDING SHRINK WRAPPING SAFETY NETS TEMPORARY FENCING STAGING

WATERPROOFING The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

www.penroofscaff.co.nz ENQUIRE NOW

info@penroofscaff.co.nz 07 866 4200

LIFESTYLE

> Continued from page 77 “When that season was over and the need was no longer there for deer culling and hunting or deer farming, I started my own business of buying and selling helicopters and aircraft and began travelling many places in the world. “Sometimes you had to do things you didn’t want to do. It was a dangerous time when I found myself selling guns in Africa. I didn’t realise the implications and quickly exited. It had been part of a deal with buying a helicopter and a plane. It was the early seventies. “However, most of my business was in the United States, buying planes or helicopters for sale in New Zealand. I would stay at the Hilton in Oklahoma City. This was the operations centre of United Airlines and they managed all the contracts and registrations of the airplanes. “One day I was booking in at the front desk of the Hilton and I saw this very pretty girl on the front desk doing registrations. I didn’t have the courage to talk to her the rst year ut knew she was the girl for e On my second visit the next year, she was still there. I asked, ‘Would you like to have dinner with me?’ Her reply was prompt. ‘I

don’t date guests.’ I waited another year. “The third year worked. That was thirtysix years ago. I had met Judy Anne — the love of my life.“ Ron touches his hat with a fondness. “This hat, I bought it thirty-six years ago, the day I met Judy.” By the late seventies Ron was selling quite a few helicopters and twin-engine aircraft to ew ealand was the rst person to have a Q500 helicopter in and I bought a second one to sell. In those early days, flew just about everything that could fly learned all the correct approach and departure procedures for all the different airports and for each aircraft and each helicopter. Reading the manuals carefully became second nature.” Ron gave many pilots their start. From the late sixties he did this, doing much more than telling them to read the book. He taught them and would help them achieve their hours and attain their licences. In some ways Ron is one of the controversial pioneer gures of ew Zealand aviation. If he had an idea, he believed, ‘It can be done!’ Ron accomplished a great deal as a pioneer and leader in the helicopter industry, and he was a phenomenal teacher.

These days Ron is happy to spend a quieter life in Whitianga with Judy as his constant companion. He enjoys the company and conversation of people, his country music and wearing that ten-gallon hat. Ron grins; “Whitianga is a very wonderful little town. New Zealand, of all the places I have been, is the best place to be.”

Coastline Pool and Spa Ltd •

SALES

Chemicals | Pumps | Filters | Covers | Heaters •

SERVICE/REPAIRS • MAINTENANCE

Ph (07) 211 9445 | 021 653 907 (Nathan) E info@spapool.co.nz

SCAFFOLDING SHRINK WRAPPING SAFETY NETS TEMPORARY FENCING STAGING

ROOFING FLASHINGS

www.penroofscaff.co.nz

CLADDING

WATERPROOFING 78

ENQUIRE NOW

info@penroofscaff.co.nz 07 866 4200

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

* Bulk Hedging, Trees, Grasses & Shrubs. * Natives, Veges & Flowers. * Pots, Garden Hardware & Giftware. * Bulk & Bagged Garden Mix & Compost. * Lawn Mix, Topsoil, Natural & Black Mulch. * No5 & No6 Bark. * Lime Chip & Riverstones. * Gap 20 & Crusher Dust. * Hansen Fittings. * Pavers.

72 Link Road, Hot Water Beach | 021 717 564

OPEN 7 DAYS 9am - 4.30pm

www.bulklandscapesupplies.co.nz | www.facebook.com/hwbgardecentre

Let’s L et s build build iit, t together.

Summer Guide MER GUIDE 133mm

From beachfront holiday havens to forever family homes, our team at Urban Homes Thames-Coromandel is here to bring your dream to life. Connect with Dan and Tanya at our Whitianga Design Centre, to discover craftsmanship, personal service and award-winning results. This summer, make the most of our local knowledge, trusted tradies, and passion for design and build across the Coromandel Peninsula. lacksmith ane, Whitianga www.urban.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

GIORGIO:

THE KIWI WITH AN ITALIAN SOUL You know he’s Italian from his name — Giorgio. But you feel it in his story and the way he tells it, full of passion and colour, yet uncomplicated. He’s a true world citizen, but the warmth of Italy runs through every part of his narrative.

iorgio’s story is a beautiful, connected patchwork, with two dogs and his wife, Margherita, as the strong, continuous thread. He paints vivid pictures with his words. His life, both ordinary and extraordinary, began a new chapter when he and Margherita moved to New Zealand in 1995.

THE STRAIGHT TALKER VS. THE KIWIS “I’m a straight talker being Italian,” Giorgio says. “’I’m going to move to NZ,’ I told my family.” He quickly learned that in New Zealand, the talk isn’t always so direct. Over the years, he’s become a master of translation: • “Nice try” means ‘that was disappointing’.

2019 9 WINNER EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

2019 9 WINNER

2021 WINNER

GARAGE

DISTRIBUTOR

OF THE YEAR

2021 WINNER COTTAGE

OF THE YEAR

2022 WINNER

• “It could be worse” means ‘you are not dead, you’re still alive’. • “No hurry” means urgent! • “No worries” means ‘something is really bad’. • “Interesting” means ‘that’s a horrible idea’. • “I’m listening” means ‘I don’t understand’. • “I’ll keep it in mind” means ‘forget It’. At 70, Giorgio’s desire for direct communication has only grown. “I try to say clearly whatever I mean,” he explains. He’s found that when Kiwis accept his directness, it’s a sign they like him. “Be honest, but don’t offend,” is his philosophy. He gives an example: If someone asks what he thinks of New Zealand wine, he simply says, “Aah, good!” because he’s not comparing it to Italian wine. It’s like an Italian

2023 WINNER

DISTRIBUTOR CUSTOMER EXCELLENCE OF THE YEAR

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE

2023 WINNER GARAGE

OF THE YEAR

2024 WINNER COTTAGE

OF THE YEAR

asking a Kiwi what they think about Italian rugby. Some things are just too complicated to compare.

A STORY TO BE PASSED ON Giorgio doesn’t consider himself an author. He says he had one vital story to tell: the one in his book. “There was something important about the journey, and I didn’t want the story to be wasted,” he says. “It was so vital in moulding me.” t took hi ve years to write and three years to translate from Italian to English. He is certain this will be his only book, just as his Whitianga home will be the only house he ever builds. His story is for his two children, but there’s a lot for everyone who reads it.

Building Just Got Easier! The Government is easing consent rules for detached buildings like garages and sheds up to 30sqm. Soon you can build closer to boundaries, no consent needed! Get in early for your 2026 build and secure your spot with Ideal Buildings Coromandel. Trusted, reliable, Kiwi-built. Ideal Buildings Coromandel Paulette & Jason Hoyland corosales@idealbuildings.co.nz 021 879 356 0800 50 67 67 IDEALBUILDINGS.CO.NZ IDL0049

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

A MAN OF THREE LIVES Giorgio sees his life in three distinct parts. Life One was his young adulthood. He studied biological sciences to please his family but left Italy at 25 without the PhD they had hoped for. He followed his passion and became a global expert in shrimp culture, traveling to Hawaii, Taiwan, Mexico, and Wales. He eventually returned to Italy and was drawn into the family business, which his family had run since 1858, manufacturing drafting instruments. His adventures were over, but his heart wasn’t in it. He spent the whole year waiting for his four weeks of holiday. Life Two began in 1995 when he and Margherita made the lifechanging decision to move to New Zealand with their son, Giorma. They were searching for a place with a stable community, a warm climate, and a marina. Giorgio’s love for the sea, sparked by his years in aquaculture, never faded. An encounter with developer Leigh Hopper led them to Whitianga. I said we really need a stable community that is more than a holiday place and that has a Marina. Leigh said, “Whitianga has a marina, I’ll show you.” That was the deciding factor,” says Giorgio. In 1997, they began building their home, the Villa Toscana, which soon beca e a ve star acco odation business. For 30 years, they’ve been the sole owners, pouring their souls into the house, which is lled with Italian furniture, features and tiles. Although their talent for hospitality was exceptional, after years of à la carte service and spectacular weddings, the 24-hour schedule became too much.

Life Three is the present. Whitianga is their home. Through his love of bridge and golf he enjoys their social life. He watched his father play bridge as a teenager and later learned that his mother had once been asked if he would become a professional bridge player. She said no. Now, the game is a joyful social activity for him, a contrast to the competitive sport it is in Europe. Giorgio and Margherita’s two children are world citizens. Their son, Giorma, has just returned to set up his business locally as a nancial advisor after working overseas. For their daughter, Fiamma, after a year as an exchange student in Italy, decided she wanted Europe to be her future. She now works for the European Commission in Belgium. With her Kiwi husband from Auckland, she remains a very proud Kiwi. “Our soul is in this home,” Giorgio says, “Not one thing manipulated.” Villa Toscana is the place where his Italian soul, his dear Margherita and their dog are at home in New Zealand.

Unlock Your Coastal Potential Whether you’re building a family home by the beach, creating a lifestyle block, or a subdivision. Turning that vision into reality in the Coromandal takes more than ideas; it takes expert guidance and a clear plan. When we first meet a client, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: ‘What can I do with my site?’ At Cato Bolam, our expert team specialises in assisting clients in unlocking their land’s full potential and transforming their vision into a reality. Development Feasibility Assessments From zoning regulations to the availability of utility services, many factors must be considered. Our Feasibility Assessments include hand-sketched design options tailored for residential sections, factoring in planning and infrastructure constraints.

• Two Dogs One Wife is available at Whitianga Paper Plus. RRP $35.

Financial Advisor

MORTGAGES – First home buyers/Investment via equity or difficulty being approved – Mortgage of over $500k coming up for a refix? You could be entitled to a large cashback KIWISAVER & INVESTMENTS – Is your KiwiSaver still with a bank or unsure of how it is set-up?

FREE Financial Advice Based in Whitianga

GIORMA ALLEMANO Ph 021 035 1213 | giorma@ascendfinancial.co.nz www.ascendfinancial.co.nz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

With input from our planners, engineers, and architects, we offer the clarity you need to move forward. And, if you move ahead with us, we’ll credit your feasibility cost back to you (ts & cs apply). Confidence at Every Step Whether you’re building your dream home or subdividing, let Cato Bolam be your trusted partner in unlocking your land’s value. We’re here to help. Book your obligation-free discovery call on 09 837 0486.

PLANNERS SURVEYORS ENGINEERS ARCHITECTS ENVIRONMENTAL

catobolam.co.nz

creating great places 81

LIFESTYLE

TWO TREATS IN ONE STOP AEROVIEW GARDEN CENTRE AND TASTEBUD CAFE AEROVIEW GARDEN CENTRE

t , aul reen is t and strong and positive — perhaps thanks to a lifetime surrounded by green plants and flowers, fruit and vegetables. Plus he has the name, Green. The energy he gives to growing, breeding and cultivating plants is a sure link. He and wife Irene own Aeroview Garden Centre, a landmark for garden supplies and landscaping in the Coromandel and Hauraki region, where visitors can also enjoy coffee and a meal. It began in 1978 on Irene’s parents’ four acres at Kopu-Thames. Irene’s parents, along with Eric Gilmore and Paul, started growing vegetables, planting 12,500 strawberry plants and kumaras, and leasing the property next door for potatoes and lettuces. Paul recalls it all clearly. “Totara Garden Centre was next door and it had closed down. We started to run the place and at the same time, worked part-time at Toyota and at the Junction Hotel in Thames on Friday and Saturday nights. “We worked long hours. We sold out of the Skyline garage. Glass houses were built in 1979/80 for tomatoes. Then we started growing all the flower and vege seedlings preparing , punnets — 12 different kinds of vege plants. This

Paul Green

was in the early 80s. We had students come on the weekend to help us. “Eventually, we made the decision to stop growing veges and seedlings altogether and completely turned our business to plants. We sold in 1990, but in 2013 after a couple of years of hard times for the most recent owner, the receiver came to see us. “Are you interested in acquiring the Garden Centre and shop again?” It didn’t take me long to say ‘Yes!’ I kept on landscaping however but now my son Michael runs the landscaping — AGW Landscapes. In 2015 we built 400m2 of covered roof area and in 2020, we built the concrete bins — there are 22 of them. Aeroview is the biggest seller of bedding plants. “We do a lot of colour in the spring — fruit trees and deciduous trees. A lot of customers passing through to their beach sections stop here. Many of our plants don’t mind salt spray and coastal areas — Leucadendron, Grava lea, rhododendron do very well in places close to the coast. “The biggest challenge as an independent garden centre is the box centres. The large groups monopolise the growers and independents get shut out. We have the big range and older type of plants and a lot of unusual plants as many of these enjoy the Peninsula climate. “We are the biggest independent buyer of Dalton’s Nurseries fertilizer supplies. The bulk bins are very popular. People want to mulch their own garden. The bins range from bark to sand, topsoil and composts and the free trailer service helps people a lot. “Spring and summer garden projects always require a bit more thinking than the decision to do a makeover of the garden. We also do a lot of truck deliveries. We are at home with plants and we help other people experience that.” Paul and Irene invite all travellers and residents to come and enjoy Aeroview and have a relaxing bite to eat.

Seyha and Angela

TASTEBUD CAFE Angela and Seyha have run Tastebud Café since 2012. Angela came from Cambodia in 2001 to study and met Seyha while he was studying too. They loved New Zealand so decided to stay and make a life together. They worked in cafes and restaurants and gained hospitality experience. Baking and preparing food was their passion so in 2012 when Tastebud Café was looking for new owners, they took over. “We decided to move to Thames. At the time we had a baby girl and the people were so kind and welcoming. Our son and daughter have both been brought up in the café. They love New Zealand. They love school life and are involved in rugby, karate and gymnastics. “When we took over the cafe, we decided to stay with the Kiwi cuisine and our date and cheese scones are very popular and so is our cheesecake. We feel very proud that we make all the food in the cabinet.” We found the food delicious, tasty and the service very caring. There is a menu additional to cabinet food for a freshly cooked breakfast or lunch. Aeroview Garden Centre and its wonderful Cafe are just 3.8km from the roundabout at Kopu, on your way to Thames.

Aeroview For all your gardening needs and desires! • Large range of plants • Potting mixes, compost, fertilizers and more • Huge range of ceramic pots, hanging baskets • Knowledgeable,

qualified staff • Bulk landscape supplies • Large 400m2 outdoor covered area • A wide selection of native plants

THE LARGEST RANGE OF FRUIT TREES, LARGE AND SMALL... PENINSULA-WIDE 328 Ngati Maru Highway • Thames • 07-868 7960 82

CAFE ON SITE! • A great gift shop • Gift vouchers • Free gift wrapping

Plenty of parking • Open 7 days 8.30am-5pm The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

Love where your live, but your home no longer suits your lifestyle? Make the most of your property and lifestyle through a new home build with Jennian Homes Hauraki Coromandel. Discover the freedom of a home built to suit your needs and enjoy a build journey that’s first focussed on relationship and trust.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

ER BUIL ST

Jennian Homes Hauraki Coromandel 614 Port Road, Whangamatā P 07 865 67 67 | E coromandel@jennian.co.nz jennian.co.nz

With 40 years of experience, we’re experts in helping you create a purposeful, functional home that’s suited to your personal style and way of life.

RAN

LIFESTYLE

Contemporay coastal living ~ Tairua

Pepe Ridge

Local Purpose Reserve (Drainage) to vest

SOLD

676m2

12209m2

1409m2

Future Land Release

1240m2

SOLD

1051m2

SOLD

1363m2

1113m2

SOLD

1153m2

1075m2

ROAD 1

SOLD

1476m2

1350m2

SOLD

AZ SOLD

2854m2

SOLD

2080m2

3552m2

SOLD

1797m2

SOLD

1060m2

SOLD

8253m2

~ Titles Issued Secure Your Place. With titles now issued, Pepe Ridge is ready to welcome its first residents. peperidge.co.nz

Heather Sturgeon +64 20 418 48964 heather.sturgeon@bayleys.co.nz Licensed Agent REAA 2008

84251002_PepeRidge_Magazine_DPS.indd All Pages

All lot areas are approximate and subject to final survey

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

Visualisation of Pepe Ridge Development Myles Montgomery

A significant milestone has been reached at Pepe Ridge, with titles now issued for Stage One sections. This marks an exciting moment for the development, giving buyers the opportunity to secure their lot and begin planning a home in one of the Coromandel’s most sought-after coastal towns. A Place of Natural Beauty

Jeremy says this approach ensures residents have more

Pepe Ridge is set across 42 hectares of gently sloping

than just a home: “The low density, extensive planting,

hillside that curves around the western side of the

and protected natural features will give people a deep

Tairua Golf Course. The land stretches from Grahams

connection to the environment and the beauty of Tairua.”

Creek in the north to Pepe Stream in the south, with

Well-considered covenants will guide the quality and

panoramic views across Tairua and Pauanui, and out

design of homes, safeguarding both the neighbourhood’s

to the Shoe, Slipper and Aldermen Islands. To the west,

appeal and the surrounding landscape for years to come.

residents will enjoy the backdrop of mature native forest and the Coromandel Ranges. Developers Jeremy Disher, John and Jason Carruthers recognised the site’s “enormous potential” when they acquired it in 2021. Their vision has been to create a lowdensity, environmentally integrated community that celebrates the landscape rather than dominates it. Designed in Harmony with Nature

A Growing Community Sections in Stage One are priced from $550,000, and a majority have already been secured by eager buyers. Beyond these first 44 lots, a further 25 hectares is planned for future stages, ensuring ongoing opportunities to join the community. Tairua’s enviable lifestyle—its golden beaches, sheltered harbour, and welcoming small-town feel—make Pepe

The 44 lots in Stage One range from 676m2 to over

Ridge more than just a place to live. It is an opportunity

8,000m2, offering generous space while ensuring the

to be part of something enduring, a neighbourhood

community retains a sense of openness and privacy.

designed to reflect and respect the natural beauty of the

The development preserves and enhances three

Coromandel.

natural wetlands and is being enriched with 30,000 native plants to restore ecological corridors, manage stormwater, and support local biodiversity.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

02/10/2025 2:28 PM 85

LIFESTYLE

Your Local Plumbing & Bathroom Experts

Discover a wide range of showers, vanities, baths, and tapware at Chesters Plumbing & Bathroom Centre Whitianga. Our friendly showroom team, Andrea & Carol, are here to help you create the perfect space for your new build or renovation. Whether it’s a new build or a washer, the shared years of experience within Our team means providing solutions is an everyday occurrence.

Located opposite the Warehouse and in business here in Whitianga for over 2 years we are one of over 20 stores nationwide.

0 2 74 7 1 2 2 47

“Proudly NZ owned since 1973” www.chesters.co.nz 07 777 4111 6/9 Joan Gaskell Drive, Whitianga

matarangiplumbing@gmail.com

Thomassen Roofing Ltd is a trusted family-owned business proudly based in Whitianga. Since 1988, we’ve been meeting the Coromandel’s roofing and cladding needs with quality workmanship and reliable service. With over 50 years of experience, Neil and his skilled team bring expertise to every project – big or small. From new roofs and re-roofing to leak repairs, butynol waterproofing, and steel cladding, we’re the professionals you can rely on. We specialise in New roofs Re-roofing Leak repairs Steel cladding Butynol rubber Spouting systems Edge protection 86

GET A QUOTE FROM OUR EXPERTS CONTACT US AT

07 866 4958 9.30AM-1.00PM

info@thomassenroofing.co.nz www.thomassenroofing.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

Ready to explore your property’s potential? Thinking about subdividing your property or taking on a land development project in the Waikato?

eet Geoff, the expert behind Hydrocorp NZ, a consultancy offering honest, hands-on support from planning through to delivery. With over 30 years of experience, Geoff brings a rare depth of knowledge to the table. After 21 years charting coastlines in the Royal New Zealand Navy, his career took him around the world, managing offshore cable installations and leading major infrastructure projects across South America, Asia, and the Middle East, including a four-year

Geoff Marshall

project with Shell in Iraq. Back home, Geoff has become a trusted name in subdivision and land development across Whitianga and the wider Waikato region. His clients value the clear, personalised advice he offers — no fluff, no jargon just practical solutions that make the process smoother and less stressful. hether youre a rst time landowner or a seasoned developer, Hydrocorp NZ is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact Hydrocorp NZ www.hydrocorpnz.com

PROJECT MANAGEMENT • SUBDIVISIONS • GEOSPATIAL Your land development journey made simple - with expert support from Hydrocorp NZ READ

TO GET

OUR PROJECT MOVING LET S TAL

022 431 2001 • geoff@hydrocorpnz.com

www.hydrocorpnz.com

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

D L SO

Sma

WHITIANGA

NEVER TIRED OF HANDING OVER THE KEYS

Arizto Whitianga has arrived N

eill Fawcett and Peter Neumark-Payne are a refreshing breeze to real estate. The two work as part of Arizto Whitianga and though only established with this franchise since October 2024, they are a dream team when it comes to previous experience, clear marketing, light overheads, and their generous and compelling package for vendors. This duo did not just drop into Arizto Real Estate. Both have a strong brand background. Neill comes from many years in advertising. “My wife and I had a beach house in Matarangi for 14 years and eight years ago, decided on a life change and we moved here. I have been doing real estate for the past seven years. Five of those years were at Bayleys Real Estate and that’s where I met Peter.” Peter had not been at Bayleys very long having transferred from another local real estate. His life experience had been hospitality — owning and operating English pubs and restaurants. He owned Nina’s restaurant in Whitianga and built a strong following with locals and visitors to the town. Neill got to know Peter at Bayleys. “We worked well as a team and talked about doing something together ourselves. It was a random phone call that provided the impetus to make the change and go into business together. Neill received a phone call from Arizto Real Estate. The nature of it was, “What could Arizto offer him?” He decided to talk to his good friend Peter.

The proposal from Arizto seemed right for the two of them to make that change they had talked about. It was not long before they began working together as part of the Arizto franchise. “We feel it is ours even though we don’t own it,” says Peter. “With the bigger companies, they have a format and structure that everyone adheres to and it works for them,” says Neill. “Arizto has let us tweak how we work, to accommodate the local market. We feel a lot more independent. “What is very real to us is that we own the Arizto brand in Whitianga — Mercury Bay. We are Real Estate Re-imagined!

FOR US THAT MEANS: We don’t chase or sell anyone else’s property. We don’t do conjunctional. We don’t share another agent’s lunch. For example, If we have a buyer who is interested in Tim’s house, we will send them to Tim. There are no up-front charges. No sale — no fee. We love the technologically and have a strong familiarity with using it and that added to the con dence we felt in starting something ourselves.

e dont have o ces we are light on overheads and we travel light. Due to having our own separate and successful business backgrounds, we have not been intimidated by having to ‘start from scratch’. We list anything and everything — from rst ho es to ulti illion dollar ho es and two million dollar sections. In our business, people trust you with what might well be their most valuable asset; their life savings or their biggest investment. We don’t take that responsibility lightly. We have found that 99 percent of our vendors have been delightful, open and wonderfully generous people with their trust in us and our abilities. “You can’t beat the win-win situation; when you get the right buyer for the right house. It is such a great experience, knowing we have made a really great thing happen. “When you hand the keys to someone, it can be a cabin or a palace — a $600,000 home or a $6m dollar home. “The feeling of shared achievement is the same. We never tire of that. “We love this way of working, it gives us enjoyment and challenge. “We are a good team, proving oil and water do mix, meaning no day is a work day. “

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

Building Homes Across the Coromandel for Over 45 Years THAMES COAST

Covering all aspects of Real Estate sales and marketing to managing property portfolios with excellent results!

Locally Made. Ready to Move. We specialise in High-quality transportable homes built in Whitianga. Featuring signature timber interiors, perfect for family living, holiday escapes, rentals, or farm accommodation.

Call Tracey Bergersen

Why Choose us ?

• Over 45 Years of Local Expertise • Fixed Pricing from the Floor Up • Fully Finished & Move-In Ready • Warm, Durable Timber Interior

Book a visit today and find your dream home 5 Moewai Road, Whitianga evanshomes@xtra.co.nz

PH 027 497 1183 www.evansgroup.co.nz

One Agency Thames Coast on 07 777 4005 or 027 405 3678 Email traceybergersen@oneagency.net.nz www.oneagency.nz or traceybergersen.co.nz REAA 2008

Design & Build New Homes Extensions Alterations Project Management

Your Local Award Winning Master Builder PO Box 42, Whitianga 027 222 2286 info@ohlsonandwhitelaw.co.nz

www.ohlsonandwhitelaw.co.nz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

Nationwide Housemovers Ltd Free quotes and expert advice. Lift and shift all types of buildings. Houselifting and supporting. Repiling.

Over 38 years experience on the move! ph: 09 2 9 8 2 19 5 mob: 02 1 9 50 575 90

email: info@nwhm.co.nz web: www. nationwidehousemovers.co.nz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

SMALL KIWI HUT CHANGING THE FUTURE OF OFF-GRID DESIGN — Wastewater managed through a Natural Flow system using tiger worms. • Lifestyle and community: — Hughes’ wife and mother-in-law are building a flourishing per aculture garden. — The family shares produce locally, including through a community “sharing shelf” in Tairua. — They enjoy the bush, birdlife, and even the sound of kiwi at night. • Future plans: Instead of building a larger new home, the family intends to extend their current Passivhaus with an additional 100m². I’m ready to help you create a home that’s sustainable, comfortable and uniquely yours.

By Steve Hughes

’m Steve Hughes, founder of Build Good Architecture. I want to share a project that’s been a labour of love. ve recently co pleted ew ealands rst off-grid Passivhaus Premium. It’s a small home (just 60m²), built just North of Tairua, here on the Coromandel, that produces more energy than it uses. But for me, this wasn’t just about hitting technical benchmarks. I wanted to prove that living off the grid could mean comfort, beauty and performance — not compromise. I designed and built this home for my own family, drawing inspiration from classic Kiwi hunting huts but applying Passivhaus standards to create something that feels timeless, resilient, and deeply connected to the land. After years managing large, complex builds like hospitals and laboratories, this project was a chance to bring precision and performance into a very human-scale, personal design. My hope is that it can serve as a blueprint for others who want to combine sustainability with warmth, elegance, and accessibility.

SOME FEATURES OF STEVE’S DESIGN • From city to country: Steve Hughes and his wife Amy Jane Todd left behind their renovated 1860s Ponsonby cottage and big-city life in Auckland to pursue something more sustainable and intentional. • Turning point: While directing a 90-apartment project, Hughes was struck by the enormous energy demand of conventional housing sparking his interest in the Passivhaus standard, which builds far beyond New Zealand’s Building Code. • Off-grid living: The family settled on 4.5 hectares of regenerating bush north of Tairua on the Coromandel. They began in

Steve and his family a tent, tested ideas in a 30m² cabin, and then designed and built a certi ed assivhaus ew ealands rst to operate fully off-grid. • Compact, flexible spaces: Their onebedroom Passivhaus is complemented by a 12m² bedroom pod for their daughter and niece, and the original 30m² cabin is now home to Amy’s mother. Steve works from a small timber studio on the property. • Passivhaus features: Airtight construction, constant ventilation (MHRV), superior insulation, and high-performance glazing create a healthy, dry and comfortable interior. Heating is rarely needed; cooking dinner often su ces to war the ho e • Energy and water systems: — 24-panel solar PV array with battery storage powers the home and charges their EVs for much of the year. — Backup generator for extended cloudy periods. — Rainwater harvesting provides 110,000L storage.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Steve has also featured on a couple of podcasts and videos. From the Grid Free video he was approached by a Korean documentary company to make an episode for Korean public TV! Scan the QR Codes to watch on YouTube.

Steve Hughes is an architectural designer and founder of:

027 508 9627 | www.buildgood.co.nz 91

LIFESTYLE

Need to move items to or from the Coromandel Peninsula?

Local, NZ Wide & Worldwide Furniture Relocations

STRIVING ST TRIVING TO DELIVER DEL LIVER

tthe th he re rresults esu es sul ultlts ltsts yo yyou ou wa ou w want ant an nt AND THE SERVICE

you deserve

Weekly runs to Auckland

Can collect bulky online purchases

Small jobs no problem!

We have an exceptional reputation.

Just look what our recent customers have to say!

FIND US HERE

P. McNeill, 2025 (repeat customer)

Licensed REAA 2008

TAIRUA COOKS BEACH WHITIANGA COROMANDEL TOWN

“NZ Move It team were incredibly careful with my fragile items - the care was very evident! Nothing was too hard to assist with - I highly recommend their services”

“The guys were both really nice. They arrived on time and the move went perfectly. They were efficient and worked hard. It could not have been a better experience (and I have moved house almost 50 times over the years!)” R. Preston, 2025 “The boys were marvellous. Couldn’t fault them!” T. and L. True, 2025

Your trusted local experts based in Whitianga. Free no obligation quotes

07 864 7822

www.harcourtscoromandel.co.nz 92

Packing | Removals | Storage Residential & Commercial 07 866 5589

info@nzmoveit.co.nz

www.nzmoveit.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

BOOK REVIEW

RUGGED RACES FORM DEEP BONDS By Jack Biddle

hen I received this book for review, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down — and before I knew it, it was past midnight. Are You Trying to Kill Us? is a compelling and beautifully presented 200+ page journey through the rich 20-year history of Adventure Racing Coromandel (ARC), written by former multisport athlete and race director Andy Reid. Andy, along with his great mate Keith Stephenson, helped elevate a relatively young and evolving sport into something extraordinary in the early 2000s. The Coromandel Peninsula became their playground-a rugged, remote, and stunningly scenic environment that not only tested participants to their limits but also showcased the raw beauty of this amazing area. This book, accompanied by stunning full-colour photos, traces ARC’s humble beginnings — amateurish, inventive, and lled with heart through to its evolution into a benchmark for outdoor events in New Zealand and beyond. The events themselves

became known for their originality and audacity: mountain biking, kayaking, bush tracking, navigation, rifle shooting, and ine exploration were just some of the disciplines. Some athletes would go on to become world champions; for many others, ARC was the spark that ignited a lifelong love of the outdoors. Also featured is the now-legendary K2 cycle ride around the Coromandel — a race once described as both the toughest and most beautiful one-day cycle event in the Southern Hemisphere. But the book isn’t just about the races. It’s a story of mate-ship, community, and shared purpose. Andy, a former London accountant, and Keith, a Coromandel-based butcher with deep roots in the land and people, forged a powerful partnership. Together, they established the Spirit of Coromandel Trust, directing net proceeds from their events into helping over 100 local young people attend life-changing programmes like Outward Bound, OPC, and the Spirit of Adventure. Later, they turned their focus to creating long-term community assets such as the Coromandel Bike Park. Keith’s wife, Rita, was also a vital part of the team-her calm, practical support and

Available now for order through the ARC website www.arcevents.co.nz ` All net proceeds go to the Coromandel Bike Park – Keith Stephenson’s legacy.

masterful coordination of volunteers helped ensure the success of every event. Sadly, Keith passed away in 2021 while cycling in his hometown of Coromandel. He was 75. Andy’s heartfelt tribute speaks volumes. “I cherished his companionship, his deadpan sense of humour, his unquestioning support. He was like a brother, a dear friend, partner in crime, and I miss him tremendously.” This book is more than a memoir of outdoor exploits — it’s a tribute to a unique friendship, a celebration of grassroots adventure culture, and a testament to what’s possible when community spirit leads the way. Whether you were part of the ARC journey or are simply drawn to inspiring Kiwi stories of determination, creativity, and generosity, Are You Trying to Kill Us? is a must-read. It’s packed with stories, humour, mystery, mayhem, and mate-ship, all wrapped in a visually striking, large-format package.

From left: Richie McCaw — 2018 Excalibur; Dion Nash — 2004 Quest for the Inner Sanctuary; Anna Berthelsen — 2006 Escape from Coromandel. The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

LIFESTYLE

021 614 720

Planners Plus LIMITED 5 Monk Street, Whitianga Office Ph: 07 8671087 Email: info@plannersplus.co.nz

021 614 720

• Residential Painting • Restoration • Furniture and Kitchen Effects • Special Effects accesspainting1@outlook.com • Staining • Commercial Buildings – Small or Large • Private Newly Builds and Old Villas • Roof Spraying

021 088 74735

0210 282 6803

coastalbay1@hotmail.com

David: 027 4994833 Tracey: 027 4907988 See us for all your land development, planning, subdivision and resource consent requirements.

www.plannersplus.co.nz

ac es painting1@outlo k.com

021 08 74735

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 (2 4hrs)

2 2 Br y c e St r e e t , Wh i t i a n g a w h itia n g a @ g a te w a y g la s s .c o .n z www.gatewayglass.co.nz

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

Plumbing

Gas fitting

Drainage

General maintenance

Covering Whitianga, Coromandel, Tairua & Pauanui

Phone 07 866 0070 | Whitianga whitianga@laserplumbing.co.nz

PENINSULA SHOWERS Ph: Ross

027 444 7667 peninsulashowers@hotmail.com

MERCURY BAY SANDBLASTERS Blast & Paint – All Steel Work Trailers Tractors House Builds Garnet & Glass Bead Blast Media Contact Rob 027 668 8470 mbsandblasters@gmail.com 94

• PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTIONS • THIRD PARTY REPORTS FOR BUILDING WORK PRIOR TO 1992 • FENCING OF SWIMMING POOL INSPECTIONS • BUILDINGS FOR RELOCATION • SMALL BUILDING PROJECTS • BUILDING CONSULTANCY & ADVICE

nce, “Do it o t” do it righ For fast and reliable service contact us today

M 0221 874 910

CONTACT: steve@inspectservices.co.nz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

WHANGAMATA

Whangamata A TOWN MAKING WAVES BY THRIVING ON ITS PAST HISTORY By Jack Biddle

he township of Whangamata has a rich and deep history of wave riding for all levels of surfers. The passion for the sport runs through generations of locals who began visiting the area in growing numbers in the early 1960’s and never left the paradise they had found. It is also the home of one of the oldest board riders clubs in the country which has hosted any successful co petitive sur ng events over the years. For the more experienced surfers, the beach also features one of the best and most popular waves in the country, the Whanga Bar. On a good day, the long paddle out to join any other ad keen sur ng enthusiasts, is rewarded with rides of up to 300 metres long. Many passionate surfers travel far and wide to experience and get a taste of this legendary spot. ue to the engrained history of sur ng in the area, the Whangamata Area School offers students the opportunity to e cel in sur ng through their successful high-performance sur ng progra e he acade y sets high standards for students and requires a substantial amount of commitment and dedication to both the sport of sur ng and acade ia achieve ent Many past and present students have achieved success at local and national competitions while some have gone on to represent New Zealand and their school at international competitions overseas. Local surf schools are another great option for beginners wanting to learn the ner points of trying to stay upright on their boards for reasonable periods. Information can be found on how to book a lesson at the iconic Saltwater Surfboards and Whangamata Surf Shops in the town centre which is only a short distance walk from the beach.

But such is the charm of Whangamata that it offers a family friendly and safe environment for families who simply enjoy a picnic day at the beach or body sur ng onto the beach on a gentle wave between the flags he local urf Club patrol the beach in the holiday period. If the waves are too big then the Whangamata Wharf offers safe jumping and is another fantastic way to send a few hours with the family in the water. The local shops many of which are ‘beachy’ focused are always a popular way to spend a day away from the beach if needed or a visit to the nearby popular Mountain Bike Park. In the summer, Whangamata is packed full of visitors enjoying the magical local beach and shops that retain its long reputation for being one of the best summer holiday spots in the country.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

REPCO BEACH HOP Whangamata is famous for celebrating another piece of past history that draws thousands of visitors each year The almost week-long Repco Beach Hop rock and roll festival which dates back over 25 years and celebrates the golden period of motoring from the 50s and 60s. It was a time where the motor vehicle blended in perfectly with the Elvis led era of rock ‘n’ roll music and drive in movies. For those who spent part of their life in that magical period of time, the Beach Hop is the opportunity to walk down memory lane while for the younger generation, it’s a time to enthusiastically reenact an era many wish they were part of originally. 95

MATARANGI

THE MAGIC OF MATARANGI With its white sandy beach, stunning harbour, and endless outdoor adventures, Matarangi is the perfect destination for holidays or permanent living. Each summer the vibrant Matarangi Summer Festival brings the community together with family fun, friendly competition, and events for all ages.

ituated along a picture-perfect northfacing, white sandy beach, Matarangi has a lot to offer for both holidays or per anent living ts easy to nd your own spot on the stunning beach to relax, or swim and surf in the gentle waves. The harbour is ideal for sailing, kite boarding and foiling, kayaking, water skiing and jet skiing, or venture offshore to some e cellent shing and diving spots Public tennis courts are dotted around the development, a bowling green at the golf course, and the network of walkways is great for family biking and walking excursions. There are longer walks that suit all levels of tness, around the sand spit at the western end of the beach or up the bluff to the Rings beach loop at the eastern end. The 18 hole golf course has picturesque sea and harbour views from most holes and The Dunes restaurant and bar overlooks the 18th. Matarangi shopping centre provides a Four Square supermarket, a gift and hardware shop, café and liquor store. All properties in Matarangi have the luxury of town services so life is made easy for you, just arrive and enjoy. Come and experience the magic that this stunning paradise offers. s holiday ho e owners and visitors flock to the Coromandel over the summer holidays,

THE IDYLLIC LIFESTYLE, AND A SUMMER FESTIVAL OF FUN! the stunning environment and family-friendly beach settlement of Matarangi comes alive with people making the most of their time off. Matarangi provides an excellent natural environment, plus amenities to enjoy, and adding to this- the Matarangi Summer Festival kicks into gear. The Festival is a collection of fun events, sponsored and run by local businesses and

organisations, to enhance the summertime experience in Matarangi. The local team at Richardsons Real Estate are proud to have been actively involved from the beginning, when the Festival started nearly 20 years ago. A great variety of events include lots of classics to keep the kids entertained, like the Big Dig, Sandcastle Competition

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

MATARANGI

and Santa Parade. An entertaining option for both competitors and spectators, is the Richardsons Real Estate Cardboard Cup, where competitors build a boat from cardboard, and then try to stay afloat while racing in it! There’s plenty more for those with a competitive streak, including the Blindfolded Food and Drink Challenge. There are Fishing Competitions catering for both

young and older anglers, and a Bar-Crossing Seminar, helping to keep everyone safe on the water. For vehicle enthusiasts there are Classic Car Displays, and the NZ Thundercat Race Boats are always a spectacle in the surf! The Volunteers at Fire Emergency NZ open their station and allow people to get up close to their equipment and see how they help to keep everyone safe.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Sunday Market days run throughout the estival, where youre sure to nd so ething you like, or that special gift for someone. If you’re interested in experiencing the dream Matarangi beach lifestyle from your own property, there’s a great selection of ownership options available. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact the friendly team at Richardsons Real Estate Matarangi.

Your Pacific Resort THE LOST SPRING New Zealand’s only Pacific Island Resort In the Coromandel.

The Coolest Place to Be This Summer A ard-winning spa Aw treatments, poolside cocktails, and dining beneath a cascading waterfalls - The Lost Spring brings the Pacific Islands to the heart of the Coromandel. Discover the perfect range of temperature in our geothermal oasis, a treetop day spa, and a lagoonside restaurant - the perfect summer combination.

From Geothermal Pools to Treetop Bliss

Feel like you’re in Fij i i this summer. With cocktails, platters, ij no kids, and no sand, just a chill vibe; it’s the coolest place to be this summer.

121A Cook Drive, Whitianga Ph: 07 866 0456 |www. w thelostspring.co.nz w. 98

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

5 Reasons to Vi V sit This Summer Lagoonside Restaurant

Escape the crowds with sunlit breakfasts among birdsong, lazy aft f ernoon cocktails by ft the waterfall, or starlit à la carte dining. Every moment feels like a holiday.

Geothermal Pools

Our pools feel like a Pacific lagoon - without kids, sand, or stress. Relax with poolside food and drink service in the coolest spot this season.

T eetop Day Tr a Spa ay

A arded Pure Fij Aw i i Clinic of the Ye ij Y ar 2025 - for the second year running - our spa is the ultimate indulgence amongst the trees.

Celebrate Wi W th Us

From girlfriends’ getaways to hens parties and special celebrations, our tailored packages create unforgettable moments.

Gift f s & Vo ft V uchers

Not sure what to give? Pure Fij i i products and ij The Lost Spring vouchers are perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s or “j “ ust because.” A ailable online and onsite. Av

Try one of our favourite packages.

Whether it’s cocktails and a soak, or a romantic spa journey, we’ve crafted the perfect way to indulge.

Pool Combo Scan to Plan Your Visit Today

The Romantic Journey

Dip & Dine

Soak. Dine. Indulge. Repeat.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

TLS Signature Package thelostspringw g hitianga gw thelostspring 99

WELLNESS

KNOWING WHAT BEAUTY IS By Louise Wilson

was asked to write about what beauty means to me. “Beauty really is an inside job” says Dr Libby Weaver and she is so right! To me Beauty is about how we perceive ourselves, both on the outside and how we interact with the world around us. It goes beyond traditional notions of outward appearance and encompasses a broader sense of well-being, con dence, and self acceptance To me, personal beauty is not con ned to how we look but rather, it emerges from the energy and genuineness that radiates from within. It’s about embracing imperfections, understanding that they are a part of what makes us unique. Personal beauty is found in kindness, resilience, and the way we interact with others. A genuine smile, the warmth of a thoughtful gesture, or the strength to persevere through challenges often hold more value than any external feature. Personal beauty evolves with

Louise Wilson is owner and practising beauty therapist at Coastal Sanctuary. time and experience. It’s shaped by personal growth, the lessons we learn, and the way we express our true selves. A person who feels beautiful on the inside often manifests that beauty outwardly, through their posture, the way they speak, and their interactions with others on dence, in this sense, becomes the most attractive trait, because it’s rooted in self-love and self-awareness. Ultimately, personal beauty is about feeling at peace with who you are and honouring your individuality both on the inside as well as the outside. It’s not about perfection but about embracing and celebrating the person you choose to become each day.

COASTAL SANCTUARY

B E AU T Y

Summer Relax Package Valid from 1 Dec 2025 until 31 Jan 2026

* Eye trio

* Gel Pedicure

* Organics Radiance Treatment Facial Only $170 (RRP$192) T & C Apply

COASTAL SANCTUARY BEAUTY 07 866 2679 • 14 Victoria Street, Whitianga www.coastalsanctuary.com 100

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

WELLNESS

Sylvia Lok WORKING WONDERS WITH FEET AND FACES

alking should be the most natural thing ever, but for many, sore or ageing feet protest. It is a fact of life that for most of us, our feet can crack or harden or grow crustier. Rough skin and bumps appear which are not glamorous and some are painful. This is where a medical pedicure helps. This process is not only good for appearance; it greatly improves function. Sylvia Lok brings the great skill of a fantastic medical pedicure to Mercury Bay and surrounds. She really knows how to treat feet so that they will do their job with maximum e ciency and the ini u of fuss and discomfort. But there is much more to Sylvia’s therapy than her hidden solution for specialist footcare treatments for him and her’. She is a trained beautician who specialises in permanent make-up eyes and brows, Guinot Facials,

as well as her unique footcare/ pedicures. Sylvia’s training was in her home country, The Netherlands. She is now settled in Whitianga and brings her over twenty years of experience — running her own business in The Netherlands as well as working for Hilton Queenstown and in salons in Wellington and Taupo. Her professional workspace is fully equipped — bright, peaceful and comfortable. If your feet are complaining in any way, or if it’s time to give attention to your facial care and appearance, pay Sylvia a visit. Male or female, young or not so young, diabetes or regular care, Sylvia is well equipped to treat you and pamper those who need pa pering in her tted salon clinic in Whitianga. Sylvia works by appointment only. Ph: 0211990222 E-mail: info@ sylvialok.co.nz | www.sylvialok.co.nz

Stockists of: GUINOT Skincare, COOLA Sunscreen and Gehwol footcream.

Medical Pedicures

Removal of ingrown toenails, corns, thickened and yellow toenails, callus/dry skin – suitable for diabetic patients.

Permanent Make-Up

Natural looking eyebrows and eye-liner. Free consulation to discuss your requirements.

European trained Operating full time out of Whitianga Other services:

• GUINOT advanced facials • Eye trio - Lash tint, brow tint and shape • Body and Brazilian waxing • Dermaplaning

Phone 021 199 0222 www.sylvialok.co.nz

Summer Special Couple Massage Deluxe 60 minutes $198 (for two)

Mobile massage available for family and group bookings:

Please text 021 931 353 or 022 186 1884 60 Catherine Cres Whitianga

hanabalinesemassage.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

101

Heaven & Earth

Tairua has New Zealand’s Most Amazing Gallery of Crystals, Minerals, Fossils, Gems & Jewellery!

Thousands of Crystals, Tumbled Gemstones, Decorator Pieces, Necklaces, Earrings, Rings, Pendants, Beads, Bracelets, Carvings, Healing Stones, Spheres, Meditation Pieces, Fossils, Kid’s Treasure Chest, Massage Tools, Pendulums, Books, Gifts, Art, Rock Tumblers, Bookends, Altar Stones & much more!

VISIT OUR NEW ONLINE STORE AT www.nzcrystals.com

1000s of Minerals & Gemstones • Gemstone Jewellery From Around the World

Organite

100’s of Fossils

Many New Zealand Stones

227 Main Road • Tairua email: crystals@together.net phone: 07 864 8875 Open 7 Days from 9:30 a.m.

102

NEW ONLINE STORE www.nzcrystals.com

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

TAIRUA AND PAUANUI

From left: Sand Dollar Fossil, Trilobite Fossil, Odontus Fossil Shark Tooth, Megaladon Fossil Shark Tooth, Fossil Mosasaur Tooth

RELICS OF THE PREHISTORIC WORLD By Robert Simmons

he Heaven and Earth mineral, crystal and jewellery gallery on the Main Road in Tairua is all about stones. The big 220 square eter space is lled to the bri with thousands of raw and polished stones, gems, crystals, jewellery and fossils — every kind of treasure that comes from the Earth. In fact, there are even some treasures from beyond the Earth, including nickel-iron and stony meteorites, Tibetan and Libyan tektites, and Moldavite, the gemstone from the stars. One of the shop’s most popular sections is the fossil area. That space includes tables and shelves lled with everything fro fossili ed turtle poo to the teeth of ancient reptilian Mosasaurs and Megaladon sharks. The most popular fossils in the shop are orthocerus, ammonites, trilobites, dinosaur teeth, shark teeth and coprolite (the turtle poo). Orthocerus was an ancient squid-like creature that lived around 350 million years ago. It had a segmented body and could be as much as a metre long. It had the ability to inflate or deflate its air sacs so that it could move up and down to different depths in the ocean to search for food or avoid predators. Ammonites were ancient snail-shaped creatures that lived from 150 to 350 million years ago. They ranged from smaller than a ngernail to the si e of a s all auto obile Some ammonite fossils have iridescent opalized surfaces that reflect a rainbow of colours Trilobites were among the most successful of all early animals, existing in oceans for almost 270 million years, with over 22,000 species having been described. They lived from about 250 to 520 million years ago. They were arachnids, related to horseshoe crabs and spiders he last of the trilobites nally disappeared in the mass extinction at the end of the Permian Age, about 251.9 million years ago. The smaller fossilized shark teeth come primarily from Morocco and are about 150

Robert Simmons and Opalized Ammonite Fossil (left). million years old. They are from the extinct shark species otodus obliquus, an ancestor of the great white shark. Sharks have existed for over 450 million years. Heaven and Earth’s most prized and amazing shark teeth are from the Megaladon, the largest species of shark that ever lived. Some Megaladon teeth are as long as seven inches (18cm). The dinosaur teeth at Heaven and Earth are from a reptilian ‘sea monster’ called the Mosasaur. Mosasaurs were the dominant ocean predators for about twenty million years, from 86 to 66 million years ago. They grew to be as large as seventeen meters long, and the largest of them could have easily eaten an adult human in one bite! All of the Mosasaurs died out in the great extinction event caused by an asteroid collision with the Earth about 66 million years ago. That event, called the K-Pg event, killed off about 75

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

percent of all the species living on Earth at that time. It ended the dinosaur era and made way for the evolution of mammals and, eventually, human beings. Coprolite is fossilized turtle poo, and perhaps for that reason, it is a favourite fossil of children. My wife laughs at me for saying this, but I don’t think they smell very good! Heaven and Earth’s fossil offerings also include sand dollars, cla shells, sh, petri ed wood and zig zag oysters. The shop offers free printed information cards about most of the species. And the shop’s co-owner, Kathy Helen Warner, has created some great fossil kits for kids, which offer ten different fossils for $35. I spend most of my time working with crystals and gemstones, and I like to write and talk with people about their spiritual properties. But the ten year-old-kid inside me just loves fossils, and it’s fun for us to bring them into our shop, and to share tales of ancient life with our customers. 103

TAIRUA AND PAUANUI

Anzac Day at Dawn Every year at dawn, Anzac Day is commemorated on the beach at Pauanui. This years Anzac was particularly memorable.

A LEST WE FORGET Anzac Day services are held in every community on the Coromandel Peninsula (as they are across Australia and New Zealand) to remember New Zealand and Australian soldiers (ANZACs) killed in war as well as honouring honour returned service personnel. Anzac Day is 25 April and is a national

104

public holiday. Always and forever, they will be remembered. These beautiful photographs were taken at Anzac Day service in Pauanui 2025 by Paul Schraeder, a highly accomplished professional Peninsula photographer. www.facebook.com/whats.on.at.pauanui

s the light began to surface through the darkness, the sun peering over the ocean, the service began. Throngs of people, almost one thousand, wove themselves into a circular position around the flag and speakers at the urf Club of Pauanui Beach. A piper began playing adding to the sombre mood of remembrance. The location for this service is so emotionally stirring. The moody sky, the breezy peacefulness and solemn reverence were such a contrast to the bloody and hostile beach our New Zealand and Australian soldiers landed on in 1915 and where so many lost their lives 105 years ago. The annual service is organised by Tairuaauanui he concluding flyover is both thrilling and poignant. It is well worth coming to Pauanui just to be a part of this Anzac commemoration.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

WHAT’S ON

2ND JAN

9AM-4PM COROMANDEL AREA SCHOOL GROUNDS

Only $2 Entry!

FEATURING: UP TO 300 TRADE STALLS & FOOD STALLS • FUN

to benefit a Coromandel Are l o Scho

New Zealand’s Largest One Day Fair! www.kelticfair.co.nz

The Keltic Fair is organised by CEDACT in co-operation with the Coromandel Area School Proceeds to support the Coromandel Area School and education in the district

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC SIDE SHOWS FOR ALL AGES 105

106

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

WHAT’S ON

VISION 20/20 PAYS OFF IN WAIHI

By Dorothy Preece

“W

e wanted the Gold Discovery Centre to be the hub of a tourism network that would not only bring people to Waihi, but take them on to other tourist experiences in the area,” Eddie Morrow says. “The Waihi Museum and Arts Centre, the old elds ailway, the scenic arangahake Gorge and the Hauraki Rail Trail are all spokes of that wheel.” That’s all come true for the town of Waihi. OceanaGold is now the owner of the modern mining operation, which is also a focus for informative bus tours. The Waihi Gold Discovery Centre has now been operating for more than years n its rst year of business, the centre won the New Zealand Museums Award for ‘Best Visitor Experience’. The Waihi I-SITE is also housed at the centre, pointing visitors to other attractions in the area. Waihi has been a gold-mining town since 1878. Since then the mining industry has been the major employer and brought prosperity to the region. At the start of the new millennium, people began to worry that the industry might be regulated out of existence — and what then? How to ensure the future viability of the town? Community consultations led to the formation of the Waihi Community Vision Group in 2004, leading to the Vision Waihi Trust being

Eddie Morrow formed in 2006, a group with 20/20 vision. Leading the charge was the new CEO, Eddie Morrow, experienced with Tourism Coromandel and the economic development of the area. The Trust focused on attracting tourists to the area, centring rst on the rich gold ining history in Waihi. Years of work went into planning how that might look and building partnerships to boost the plans. Funding was sought, to a ratio of 50/50 public and private sponsors, and plans for the impressive Gold Discovery Centre took

shape. “Building those long-term partnerships was crucial,” Eddie Morrow says. n the centre nally opened, across the road from the iconic remains of the Martha Mine Pump House, bringing history alive, telling the stories and engaging visitors with its interactive displays and the hologram theatre. “We sought out some very talented exhibition designers, including some from the Weta Workshops background.” “Before Covid we had 80,000 people through the I-SITE, many of whom went on to other recommended attractions,” Eddie says. “Covid and the cyclones stopped people from getting here for a couple of years, but we are almost back to pre-Covid numbers. Last summer our visitors were 70% domestic and 30% international, and we keep on telling the market we are here! “We continue to collaborate with existing partners here and overseas to boost the visitor experience. Every year we are assessed by Qualmark and we are determined to maintain the high standards we have set for ourselves.” Eddie Morrow is often front and centre to welcome visitors. He is as enthusiastic as he ever was about attracting businesses and tourism operators to grow the economy of the whole region, and there is always more to be done. “I have been involved here for thirty years, and this is the industry that I love.”

The home of

BIG SCREEN

entertainment on the Coromandel For our latest screening schedule and trailers go to www.mercurytwincinemas.com

Scan barcode to take you directly to our website

1a Lee Street, Whitianga Phone 07 867 1001 The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

107

WHAT’S ON

WHY VISIT DRIVING CREEK? By Sarah-Jane Lee

ide the iconic Driving Creek Railway through regenerating native forest. Soar above the trees on our Coromandel Zipline Tour. Create with clay in our vibrant pottery classes and workshops. Shop handcrafted pottery made from 100% New Zealand clay. You will discover a place shaped by innovation, conservation, and over 50 years of creativity. It is an experience like no other. Driving Creek Railway is a narrow

gauge bush and mountain railway on the outskirts of Coromandel township. In 1975, Barry Brickell (creator) purchased 60 hectares of bushland and began working on his dream of a railway line through the beautiful native bush and a pottery studio using the clay that was on the land. The railway leads up the mountain to a viewing platform building 165 metres (541 ft) high above the surrounding Coromandel west coast country. Coromandel town is very proud of The Driving Creek railway.

COROMANDEL GOLD STAMPER LAUNCH A THUNDEROUS SUCCESS HOME OF THE COROMANDEL’S BEST ENTERTAINMENT VARIETY

By Sarah-Jane Lee Sir Peter Beck has set up New Zealand Gold Mining Heritage Limited, owned by the Beck Foundation with the twin goals of preservation and education of this important part of New Zealand’s history. His foundation has bought the Stamper Battery and restored it. Sir Peter, an engineer, loves New Zealand’s engineering history,

MONKEY HOUSE LOUNGE & CABARET, 18 COGHILL ST, WHITIANGA

Bike races for children 5-11 yrs engraved cups for winners

Lions invite you to

Family icnic

2024 winners

Come and en oy a day at the ike park

108

and remarked, “This is about the furthest away from a rocket that you can get. It is very analogue engineering and it is super important to save pieces of New Zealand’s engineering heritage. I just love the engineering. I love gold mining and its history.” Go to the museum and pay the entry fee. You could spend a good hour, at least, exploring the history of Coromandel District and Coromandel Town.

Teddy Bear hunt

18th January 2026

Egg and Spoon Race

at Whitianga Bike Park 10am-3pm

Entertainment

Food, Coffee

Proceeds to The Mercury Bay Performing Arts 2026 production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

WHAT’S ON

20 2

Pauanui Market is held the last Sunday of every month from 9am to 12.30pm in the Recreational Hall, 31 Sheppard Ave, Pauanui Loads of fabulous stalls with live music, Market Cafe with fresh, homemade fare, Coffee Cart, wood carvings, bird houses, macadamia products, flowers, plants, books, knitting, art, quality second hand clothing, jewellery, candles, keto products, fruit and veggies, chutneys, jams, sauces, and crafts.

We close from end of April to Labour Weekend

HAHEI LIBRARY PRESENTS

HAHEI MARKET DAY

MARK IT IN YOUR DIARY!

LOCAL ARTS, CRAFTS & PRODUCE STALLS. FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT & RIDES FOR THE KIDS

5 JANUARY - 9AM TO 2PM DON’T FORGET THE BIG LIBRARY BOOK SALE

3RD JANUARY FROM 9AM - 1PM @ THE HAHEI COMMUNITY CENTRE

KOTARE RESERVE PA ROAD, HAHEI

visit www.facebook.com/hahei.library for more information Marketing sponsored by Richardsons Real Estate Hahei, Licensed REAA 2008 & Geoff Hick Builders

Whiti City Markets – Whitianga Your must-visit weekend destination Discover the heart of Whitianga every Saturday morning at Whiti City Markets • Fresh local produce • Artisan crafts & gifts • Delicious food & coffee • Live music & family fun Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert St, Whitianga Town Centre Saturdays, 8.30am – 12.30pm

Come for the shopping, stay for the atmosphere! The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

109

WHAT’S ON

Wheels Within Walls – Wow! By Michelle Rhodes

Free

Yo u r

28- Dec

10 D

WELLBEING MARKET

3260 Tairua Whitianga Rd, Whitianga Ph 021 124 4406 | mrjrjgee@xtra.co.nz Wheels Within Walls

Mind Body Spirit Market HERBAL Remedies

ON-SITE Practitioners

WHITIANGA TOWN HALL 110

CRYSTALS & Cards

PERSONAL READINGS

6 Jan

WHITIANGA

available for private party bookings. “Wheels Within Walls” is a major asset to both local interest and for tourism on the Coromandel. We really are lucky that Robyn and Michael chose to sell their farm, come back to Whitianga and showcase their wonderful collections. Please go — you will be impressed.

his and hers Mustangs as well as a few friends’ vehicles from vintage Jaguars and a Rolls Royce to bicycles, plus there are farm tools, sheep shearing accoutrements and children’s vintage toys. Really, I’ve only just touched the surface. There is something for everyone and only $10 entry fee; no charge if you’re under 15 yrs. Persuaded by friends to open their new purpose-built buildings and grounds to the public, Robyn and Michael have been super busy creating quirky outdoor seating and venue spaces using an old petrol station frontage. Taking pride of place is the most amazing Steam Punk meets Webber BBQ range spit roaster ve ever seen his can be red up and is

hitianga is lucky to have such an amazing private ‘collection of collections’ is the only way I can describe it. Michael and Robyn Gee have opened their amazing private collections to the public. Their military jeep was parked at a recent Beach Meet on Buffalo Beach Reserve, hitianga ow the jeep bears a red flag and is a very conspicuous ‘notice board’ parked right on the main Whitianga Tairua Road (no. 3260 Whitianga) telling all passersby that their collections are on display for the public. It is called Wheels Within Walls but it is way more than wheels and cars. It’s a museum quality, curated assortment of interesting things collected lovingly over many, many years by Michael and Robyn. Amongst the many displays cleverly and meticulously arranged is “The Bar” including a melted beer jug and whiskey miniatures. A collection of hub caps covers the ceiling. Robyn’s father, John Henry Mayhew, is remembered for his superb carpentry skills in “The Woodworking Room”, a display of his smallscale apprentice pieces (pictures). Then there’s the “Boys Toys” presenting Robyn and Michael’s

T R AVA

MASSAGE & Healing

EMAIL US AT: WELLBEINGMARKETNZ@GMAIL.COM

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

MERCURY BAY ART ESCAPE

MERCURY BAY ART ESCAPE COROMANDEL PENINSULA

COROMANDEL PENINSULA

VISIT OVER 50 ARTISTS FROM PAUANUI TO WHANGAPOUA OPEN STUDIOS: 7–9 March and 14–16 March 2026 OPENING NIGHT: 6 March 2026, Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach

Proudly locally owned and operated

theinformer.co.nz

@theinformernz

www.mercurybayartescape.com The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

111

CULTURE

2026 SUMMER EXHIBITION

Whitianga Art Group

A collection of new work by local artists

Sarah Gordon

WHITIANGA ART CENTRE

Summer arti Wong &&Design Marti Marti WongSculpture Wong Sculpture Sculpture Design & DesignExhibition Raffle prize “Paua” by Suzie Andrews

Sunday 4 January – Saturday 31 January 2026 10am-4pm daily – 23 School Rd, Whitianga GUEST ARTIST – SARAH GORDON Exhibition Sponsored by

Bayleys Real Estate Whitianga

he 46th Annual Summer Exhibition promises to be another stunning showcase of local creativity, with 20 talented artists e hibiting brand new works Thanks to the event’s open format, visitors can expect the exhibition to continually evolve — sold artworks are replaced with new pieces throughout, ensuring there’s always dycled Metal Sculpture and and Outdoor Custom Gates Welcome Metal Sculpture RecycledIndoor Metal Indoor Sculpture Outdoor Indoor and Custom Outdoor Gates Commissions Custom Commissions Gates Welcome Commissions Welcome something fresh to discover. Whether you’re an art Or visit Vessel Gallery 752 Pollen St Gallery Thames Or visit Vessel Gallery Or visit 752 Vessel Pollen St Thames 752 Pollen St Thames tact Marti 027 622 0247 ontact Marti Contact 027 Marti 622 0247 027 622 0247 enthusiast, a holidaymaker exploring Whitianga, or simply someone who appreciates a great community event, the Summer hibition is ust see Entry is free, making it easy to Recycled Metal Sculpture and Outdoor Custom Custom Gates Welcome Recycled Metal Sculpture IndoorIndoor and Outdoor Gates Commissions Commissions pop in,Welcome admire the creativity, and Recycled Metal Sculpture Indoor and Outdoor Custom Gates Commissions Welcome Recycled Metal Sculpture Indoor and Outdoor Custom Gates Commissions Welcome Recycled Metal Sculpture Indoor and Outdoor Custom Gates Commissions RecycledMetal MetalSculpture Sculpture Indoor Commissions Welcome maybe takeCommissions home a piece Welcome of local Recycled and Outdoor Custom Gates Commissions Welcome Or visit Vessel Gallery 752 Pollen St Thames Contact Marti 027 622 0247 Recycled Metal Sculpture Indoor and Outdoor Custom Gallery 752 Gates Pollen St Thames visit Vessel Gallery Or 752visit PollenVessel St Thames Contact Marti 027 622 0247 artistry. Or visit visit Vessel Vessel Gallery 752 Pollen Contact Marti 027 622 0247 Contact Marti 027 622 0247 OrOr VesselGallery Gallery752 752Pollen PollenSt StThames Thames © Bayleys Realty Group. Licensed (REAA 2008)

Marti Wong Sculpture & Design Marti Wong Sculpture & Design Marti Wong Sculpture & Design Marti Wong Sculpture & Design Wong Sculpture & Design

lpture

Marti Sculpture & & Design Design Marti Wong Wong Sculpture

Contact Marti 027 622 0247 Contact MartiCommissions 027 622 0247 Indoor and Outdoor Custom Gates Welcome Contact Marti 027 622 0247

Marti 027 622 0247

Or visit Vessel Gallery 752 Pollen St Thames

GUEST ARTIST SARAH GORDON Adding to the excitement, this year’s event features guest artist Sarah Gordon, a popular local mixed media painter. Sarah will open the exhibition and offer attendees the chance to engage with her extraordinary work, a unique opportunity for art lovers in the Coromandel. This year, Sarah has focused on painting local coastal views. Her paintings aim to embody the spirit of the landscapes she experiences, blending them into layered, evocative artworks that capture the soul and texture of much-loved coastlines. The Whitianga Art group will give you a warm welcome.

Or visit Vessel Gallery 752 Pollen St Thames

52 Springbok Ave, Whitianga

Door knock, or contact Peter on 0212063603 for opening times or appointment

Let’s Connect www.heda.co.nz 112

Mob. 021.060.3346

Peter Augustin and invited artists. Paintings, Printmaking, Photography, ceramics and more.

Member: Mercury Bay Art Escape & X-Press Artists

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

CULTURE

HANS-LEO PETERS - GOLDEN ART STUDIO 0064 (07) 866 5806 | art@golden-art.com | www.golden-art.com | www.sky-sculpture.com

Memory rings — gold, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds

Sky Sculpture KORU – pure New Zealand

“We love the sun, moon and the stars”, gold, diamond, rubies

Personal gold jewellery AND SCULPTURES FOR THE COMMUNITY By Pauline Stewart

wishes of the client wishes. Some order it for two metres high. “I am a sculptor and understand the ratios very well and how the sculpture will t a particular environment.”

ince Hans Leo Peters I was a young adult, he has been crafting gold and precious gem jewellery bold and delicate rings, brooches and pendants. His work is intricate and dazzling. He has won world awards for his gold jewellery and for his sculptures. Hans did live in Europe but he is content to live on the Coromandel and to create in this paradise. His business is all online. In the last twenty years Hans has added to his craft, the sculpturing of stainless-steel pieces. Hans calls these sky sculptures and with his intuitive and very creative mind and hands, he creates sy bols of eaning for signi cant cultural, societal events and celebrations. They are intended to stand tall and for people to gaze at them against the backdrop of the sky.

KORU SKY SCULPTURE “I am pleased to present my newest Sky Sculpture KORU as pure New Zealand,” says Hans.

A NEW ZEALAND PIN

New Zealand Pin “The Koru is considered the most important New Zealand symbol and originates from the unfurling leaf of the silver fern in Maori art. As the inventor of Braille Art in the world, I have created the light sculpture, KORU as a spiral in the form of playful lightness. I hope that this sculpture will nd its way to any different outdoor public places — museums, civic centre foregrounds and parks as that where it belongs.” The model of the Sky Sculpture KORU is 40cm high and can be made according to the

“This small gold jewellery piece is meant for the blazer or jacket. It is the New Zealand pin. So any countries have a flag and a pin thought to create something that distinctively unites people who love New Zealand. Now I have done this, and I am pleased with it. I offer it to everyone. “ We are fortunate to have Hans living on the Coromandel. His shop and studio are online and Hans is available by phone 07 866 5806 or email art@goldenart.com

MULTI AWARD WINNING ARTIST

Kowhai Watercolour Studio

600 Wyuna Bay Road Coromandel, New Zealand 00-64-7-8668453 Prior Appointment Preferred The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

113

CULTURE

Filipinos share goodness and positivity Filipinos have become an integral part of Coromandel life — working hard, contributing to local businesses, sharing their culture and food, and celebrating their heritage with warmth and joy. Their presence enriches the community, even as many face uncertain futures. By Pauline Stewart

here is a considerable community of Filipinos on the Coromandel. They live and work here in all number of professions. Some are business owners, some are married to kiwis and others have taken up work opportunities in the hospitality, seafood and entertainment industries. They have a very good reputation for hard work and reliability and some have much higher education levels than required for the work they are able to nd here heir purpose is not only to further their opportunities economically, but also to support their families back in the Philippines. Their spirit of community is strong, but so is their intentional attitude to connecting authentically with the kiwi community. Filipino people become your friends and help with all aspects of community events. Their food is aking a signi cant contribution to menus on the Coromandel. They remain a people very proud of their country and their struggle for Independence from the Spanish after 400 years. They share this pride in a joyful and enthusiastic way on their Independence Day, 12 June,1898, every year. For those on the Coromandel and further a eld, this occurs in hitianga own Hall. They invite everyone until there is no more room. The Mayor and local Member of arlia ent are o cial honoured guests who bring a greeting. In attendance as well, are their employers, their employees, sponsors, extended family; all of whom regard the Filipinos as good friends and neighbours. The hall becomes a feast of colour in every aspect of décor, a feast of hospitality, dance and music. It is a total celebration of goodwill to make memorable for everyone, the day that local Filipinos celebrated their Independence. Actually, everyone is treated as an honoured guest. The word that comes to mind to describe the experience of the evening, is ‘happiness’. The happiness people experience lies in the spirit of the Filipino

114

people. Their whole approach and attitude to celebrating is in their values of thankfulness, working hard and sharing what they have, plus a deep sense that spiritual values imbue the whole of their life. Even the struggles, disappointments and hardship they experience cannot hold back celebrating. Many of the Filipino people in our

communities face uncertainty with immigration requirements and changing rules regarding visas. We need them in our community. They enrich it. Their music, their industriousness, their creativity, their playfulness, are needed here. We trust their futures will be enabled to be more secure here in New Zealand.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

RETAIL & BEAUTY

STILO SS 25/26 Instore Now

Whitianga’s premier boutique hair salon specializing in beautiful cuts and stunning bespoke colours and textures. Smartbond NZ Salon of the Year

• Zoe Kratzmann • Curate By Trelise • Coop by Trelise • Cooper by Treslise • Briarwood • Country Road • Nyne • New London • Pol • Madly Sweetly • Loobies Story • Kinney • and so much more

07 866 4229 www.stilo.co.nz 30 Monk St. Whitianga

good hair day, every day

30 Monk Street, Whitianga • 07 - 866 4370 • www.stilodesign.co.nz

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

07 866 4229

115

RETAIL & BEAUTY

the CAVE Whitianga’s Aladdin’s cave Treasures from Asia and NZ Open every day in Summer from 8.30am – 5.30pm

• Great for gifts • A tourist’s paradise • Musical instruments • Jewellery • Full range of Manuka and Lanolin products with testers • Colourful and beautiful housewares, ornaments and lamps • Beach wear • Crystals

28 Monk Street, Whitianga

116

SHOPPING COROMANDEL

hopping on the Coromandel offers a unique and charming experience, blending the latest fashions and trends with local artisan products and the natural beauty of the region. Shopping is so much more relaxed with breaks for coffee and delicious pastries at very short distance he area is lled with boutique shops, local markets and specialty stores that cater to both residents, kiwi and international visitors. Whitianga and Whangamata have vibrant town centres offering everything from handcrafted jewellery, to locally produced skincare products and high fashion. isitors can nd galleries featuring local artists as well as beautiful and locally designed home décor in all ve centres ha es, hanga ata, Tairua, Whitianga and Coromandel township over on the west coast. Coromandel Town is quite a different shopping experience,

more rustic and laid-back. The gold mining history imbues your experience of the town. Local pottery, local paintings acrylics and oils, as well as woodwork and handmade goods are a feature. In the smaller towns of Pauanui and Tairua, the shops cater very well for tourists and holiday makers with beachwear, artisan gifts and locally made giftware being popular purchases. Their boutique stores are often set against stunning beach backdrops, making the shopping experience feel truly like a holiday. With everything from fashion to jewellery, gifts of every description and bespoke jewellery for those wanting to indulge, Coromandel has you covered. Shopping on the Coromandel is not just about buying things — it’s experiencing the culture and creativity that abounds on the Peninsula, one of the most picturesque regions in NZ.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Whitianga Butchery

WHERE SKILL MEETS SERVICE

t’s a butcher shop full of character and it starts with the owner and host, Arthur Olsen and extends to his staff. They are key on the floor and so e have been with Arthur since the shop opened over seven years ago. There’s always bright banter and a youthful reception when you enter the shop. “With lambs and pigs, we break all of them down on site here at the shop,” says Arthur. “We make all our own sausages and we prepare all our bacon. “It is pretty full on with so many skills required to prepare meat exactly as the customer likes. We need four staff in the summer season. We source our meat locally and all our trays are rinse and recycle, and we are proud of that.” Arthur’s Whitianga Butchery is not the ideal shop for a vegetarian

but it certainly is great service for the custo er who is looking for ne quality, skilfully prepared, lean, local and home-killed meat. But there’s his free range eggs at a great price so the vegetarian won’t go home empty handed. Arthur and his team provide the best of personal butcher service. The team are always ready to cut to request. There are homemade small goods and free range options are available. They also support Bellyful and invite customers to do so. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 7.30am–5.30pm, Saturday 7.30am-1pm and closed on Sunday. Drop by Arthur’s Whitianga Butchery for quality local meat, homemade small goods, and good old-fashioned service — the team is always ready to cut to your request.

RETAIL & BEAUTY

We have got you covered for all your BBQ needs! For an amazing selection of tasty quality meats, Free range eggs, Salami, milk, smoked & cured products & Christmas Hams. 69 Albert Street, Whitianga • 07 866 5191 • 027 305 0011 • whitiangabutchery@gmail.com 25 Albert Street, Whitianga

07 866 4817

Your local never-ending variety store!

THE GLASS HOUSE

EMPORIUM

OPEN

7 days

PINKY’S BARGAINS

BEACH TOYS & GOGGLES CHILLY BINS & CONTAINERS CAMPING BBQ – PARTY ITEMS ART CRAFTS & GAMES GARDEN TOOL HARDWARE STATIONERY HEALTH & BEAUTY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

1/B Lee St, Whitianga. Phone 866 0100 The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

117

MADE IN

OCEAN LOVER

WHITIANGA, COROMANDEL

HANDCRAFTED WITH CARE

ETHICAL JEWELLERY

Jewellery

FA M I L Y OW N E D BUSINESS

CUSTOM DESIGN

REDESIGN

Private Gallery By Appointment Only TEL: Email: 118

Akihiko 0273697355 Hiromi 0273687207

WEB:

aojewellery.com

INSTA:

ao.jewellery_

hello@aojewellery.com

Facebook:

aojewellery.2019

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

RETAIL & BEAUTY

MAKING PRECIOUS JEWELLERY and finding an ocean home By Pauline Stewart

ki and Hiromi have lived in New Zealand since 2015. They returned to Japan in 2017, their home country, for their wedding ceremony and came back to New Zealand to start their new life and a family. Now with their two children, they call Whitianga, New Zealand their home. In 2019, they began their jewellery creation business. Hiromi is the designer, and Aki makes the jewellery — rings, earrings, necklaces and bracelets. They work as partners. The pieces are made from 9 carat gold, but they also use silver and incorporate a variety of gemstones. “We can make and include what the customer wants,” says Hiromi. In their travels they collected and purchased many samples sensing this was what they were going to do. Their Australian opals are very impressive — strikingly beautiful. Hiromi ‘s designs are inspired by the power and beauty of the ocean. Their elegance and beauty co e fro their a nity with its life and energy. The ocean has always surrounded them. ith ki s re ned skill working with the etals and gemstones, they produce amazing pieces — so very careful with every detail. “When I was studying in college I worked as a chef before going to university, “says Aki. “Following my graduation, I went into retail, working with all the processes involved with retail. I was representing Patagonia developing the wet suits and surf clothing market for their merchant stores. Developing that business category for the stores in Kobe was a big achievement. That was where I met Hiromi.

COMING TO NEW ZEALAND “We feel that destiny played a part in our being in New Zealand,” says Hiromi. “We had decided to

travel away from Japan. The big earthquake and tsunami destroyed so many places and so many died. The nuclear plant was leaking. It was all around us. We felt we didn’t have a future there. Before we left Japan, we had decided that New Zealand was the country where we wanted to live. That decision felt right from the very beginning. “ There is also a sense of destiny in their experience of how they came to live in Whitianga. e both love sur ng n a sur ng visit to Whangamata, we met this guy in Whangamata who said he was living in Whitianga. “On our travels we were planning our wedding ceremony which was to be in Japan. We had been looking for a small New Zealand gift suitable for giving everyone at the wedding. It had to be small, useful, light and attractive. “We found these really nice containers of good sunscreen, a beautiful product. We had found out that the sunscreen owner lived in a place called Kuaotunu. The guy we met in Whangamata invited us to come to Whitianga with him. Then by chance, we met a woman who is also looking for the’ sunscreen’ at Cafe (Kua) at Kuaotunu. “We travelled with this guy we met in Whangamata to the Kua Café in the Kuaotunu village right next to Lukes Kitchen. What we had no idea about was that the woman looking for the Kua Café regarding sunscreen was actually making the sunscreen. We could hardly believe the nature of all these connections; almost as if it was meant to be. “We bought lots of sunscreen as gifts and spent time with our new friends. We went back home to Japan for our wedding in 2017 — everyone got some sunscreen. When we returned to New Zealand, we knew this was our home. Our children are New Zealand born.

Decor Gifts & Little Darlings 11A Coghill St Whitianga (07) 280 0536 www.chique.nz Summer Hours Mon- Sat 10am - 4pm Sun 10am - 2pm Closed Xmas, Boxing Day, Jan 1 & 2, 2026

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Whitianga has given us great connections with

people.” Aki and Hiromi have developed an online store and website and are keen to sit down and meet with their customers to provide the very best of crafted gold or silver jewellery. Call or contact online to organise a visit. www.aojewellery.com

Hiromi and Aki

A big thank you to all our A big thank to you shoppers. We appreciate all our shoppers. We your support and look appreciated your valued forward to bringing you support and look forward more beautiful Decor, to bringing you more Gifts & Little Darlings beautiful Décor, gifts and Clothing, Little DarlingsAccessories clothing, and Toys throughout accessories and toys. the coming year. Wishing all Happy & Wishing youyou all happy Safe Holidays from the and safe holidays from ladies at Chique. the ladies at Chique.

Specialists in baby wear from 0-2 years

119

RETAIL & BEAUTY

GRAPEFRUIT GULLY

rapefruit Gully is a gift shop with everything you can imagine and some items you have never thought of. Karen says she still gets a bu when a custo er nds just the right thing. ‘They don’t know what they want when they come in here just here to browse around hen they nd the ite that e cites them it’s so satisfying,” says Karen. Karen Meendering blew into Whitianga from windy Palmerston North (with her partner Darren Hartley) in 1996. These days in her gift and novelty store she is serving adults whom she served as children and meeting their children. She also has

had return visitors years after on their annual holiday in beautiful Mercury Bay buying that souvenir for presents. For more than one year she worked as a staff person in Grapefruit Gully in Monk Street. Then in 1998 she purchased the business. Her store in the main shopping street in the centre of town is much larger. She credits her partner Darren for the huge effort renovating the space and printing signs (he owns Coastal Signs in Campbell St and hes also a quali ed builder What you notice immediately is the wide variety of New Zealand souvenirs and so many

of them feature the native birds and fauna of Aotearoa. Looking further in, there is a lot of art and decor for home and garden. As well as very stylish hand and shoulder bags. The whole store is a colour and ornament feast and displayed in themes in three different areas as well as an alley for outdoor items. Everything is very reasonably priced and Karen packages your purchases so creatively. For several decades she has worked in the business seven days a week. Karen will be there to greet you whatever day you come to Grapefruit Gully except for Christmas Day.

53 Albert St, Whitianga 07 866 5711 grapEfruitgully

Blackjack Surf, 35 Albert Street Whitianga, 07 866 5800 www.blackjacksurf.co.nz blackjacksurf@outlook.com

COME INTO OUR LARGE FRIENDLY BEACH STORE AND SEE FOR YOURSELF

Open 9am-5pm 7days – Extended hours over summer

C H oT K T O S R F

120

Leading surfwear brands Quiksilver • Roxy • Rip Curl • Billabong • Rusty • Volcom • RPM & Hurley Footwear brands include Vans • Globe • Kustom • Havaianas • Reef • Skechers • DCs Other brands stocked include All About Eve • Lee • Riders • Levis • Mad Hueys • Dickies • Element Oakley • Dragon • Ethika • Sea Level • RVCA • Salty Crew • Betty Basics • Rhythm • Huffer The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

MyStays Holiday homes made for memory-making. From the golden shores of Whangamatā, Whitianga, Matarangi, Pauanui and Tairua, MyStays offers a curated collection of fully managed holiday homes across the Coromandel — all with inclusive rates covering professional cleaning and hotel-quality linen. Whether it’s a family escape, friends’ weekend, or couples’ retreat, you’ll find the space, comfort, and local care to make your stay unforgettable.

Looking further afield? MyStays is trusted by

Turn Your Holiday Home Into Income

thousands of guests, with over 160 holiday homes across the North Island, including Taupō, Waikato, Bay Of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Auckland and more.

Award-winning management with nationwide reach and 24/7 guest care. From bookings and cleaning to guest support — we take care of it all. Find out how we can manage your property.

@mystaysNZ

info@mystays.co.nz | 07 376 7163 The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

BOOK DIRECT FOR OUR B E S T P R I C E G UA RA N T E E

mystays.co.nz 121

STAY

Hospitality and service – nothing beats them By David Hall

he difference between hospitality and service, is nothing at all. They actually are inextricably linked and entwined with each other and should always be at the heart of any business that serves the public. One should always remember that a customer or a client, has the choice of whether they give you their business or not. Perhaps this is the rst ti e they have interacted with you, and this is the key moment to seize the opportunity to make yourself shine, to be professional and to make the effort to not only greet your client warmly, by giving your name and asking how you can help them today? ever underesti ate the rst contact with a potential client, and what this can bring to your business, not just today, but also in the

for Business

future he rst contact is often where people make their decision about you. Did they form an impression about you and your business that could lead to successful business relationship between you in the future. My name is David Louis Hall, and I own Bayview Valley Lodge, an award-winning accommodation in Whitianga, and since 2009, we have been welcoming guests from around the world where often English is not always their rst language This can present barriers, and I always greet our guests in a slow, but calm voice, welcoming them to Bayview. Often they say, “How nice it is to be able to understand you, as we have found it di cult to understand any of our hosts due to the fast way they speak.” After this happened multiple times on guests’ arrivals, I realised just how important it is to

David Hall

Bayview Valley Lodge

12 x WINNER OF THE TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE BEST OF THE BEST | TOP 1% 2024/2025

You’re among the top 1% of hotels worldwide

Two Oceanview Suites with stunning Paciﬁc views, including Gourmet Breakfast, Free Wi Fi, and a beautiful Hot Spa Pool with Paciﬁc views. Let us assist you in planning the very best places to visit during your stay in Coromandel. 19A Tarapatiki Dr, Whitianga | Tel: 027 453 2821 | E: bayviewvalleylodge@gmail.com

www.bayviewvalleylodge.com

Each year, we recognise travellers’ favourite spots around the world, based on reviews and ratings collected throughout the past year. Their reviews proved you’re one of the best – congrats on your well-deserved win.

122

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

STAY

focus on the vocal welcome to all guests. I have learned to adjust to the needs of the guests in this regard. Everyone is different. There are three key elements to my guest’s enjoyment of their stay at Bayview Valley Lodge.

PRIVACY I always ensure my guests have privacy, meaning not only being out of sight, but also out of sound to them as well. Privacy, peace and quiet are always key elements for enjoyment of guests.

CLEANLINESS I ensure our Suites are cleaned after each stay with the bathrooms being a key area where I am obsessive to ensure each client knows we care.

ATTENTIVENESS Committed to being attentive to my guests means not only being considerate, but to demonstrate courtesy and thoughtfulness. This

Mat’s Cafe means a lot to them. Living in the small town of Whitianga, I’m also a customer of many shops, restaurants and cafés and often see special people in our community who truly shine in their own respective ways. I share with you some of the wonderful members of our community who truly make it a joy to be a customer. The following businesses have given my guests excellence in service, time and time again. Guests return with glowing reports of their experience of outstanding service and culinary delights. • Mat’s Cafe • Marina Bay Eatery & Bar • Tahi Toa

Green Door on 4 is a brand new, modern and inviting holiday accommodation, situated in the heart of Whitianga. Whether you want to simply relax or go shopping and sightseeing, Green Door on 4’s central location will meet your every requirement. Just a 4 minute walk to get to the beach, a 3 minute drive will take you into the thriving main street of Whitianga, where there is an abundance of cafes, restaurants and pubs to choose from, along with a great range of shops and art galleries. Or relax at the magical Lost Spring Geo-thermal Pools, Day Spa & Restaurant.

Phone Julie 021 168 4129

Robert 027 555 2376

stay@greendoor on4.co.nz 4 Wells Place, Whitianga

www.greendooron4.co.nz

ROOFTOPS ACCOMMODATION Rooftops is situated in the heart of Whitianga. We offer newly refurbished and self-contained 2-bedroom apartments and studios, a well established garden, ample of parking and room for a boat. 13 Albert Street | Whitianga NZ contact@rooftops.co.nz | +64 21 782 108 rooftops.co.nz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

123

STAY

Your Slice of a Tropical Retreat

PENINSULA MOTEL Stay in the Heart of the Coromandel

Just a short stroll from town, Peninsula Motel offers clean, comfortable, and fully self-contained units, ideal for families, groups, or business travellers. Enjoy free WiFi, Sky TV, and generous parking (even for boats and trailers), making it the perfect base to relax, explore, and enjoy everything the Coromandel has to offer.

Unwind, Explore and Enjoy the Best of Whitianga Discover iconic local gems like The Lost Spring, Cathedral Cove, and top-rated ﬁshing charters, all just minutes away.Locally owned and operated, Peninsula Motel offers genuine Kiwi hospitality and a peaceful, comfortable stay you’ll love coming home to.

PH +64 7 866 5607 ~ www.peninsulamotel.co.nz 124

Annabell’s is a B&B with 2 suites surrounded by three acres of rainforest. Beaches nearby are perfect for swimming in and gazing at the islands out to sea. Situated just a few minutes from the Whitianga township, high on the hill overlooking Mercury Bay, this B&B is a beautiful, safe and perfect place to recharge your batteries. A delicious cooked breakfast each morning is served in the dining room.

Ph 021 0902 8855 www.annabells.co.nz | beverley@annabells.co.nz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

STAY

Discover journeys crafted by Experts inspired by YOU Curated Journeys, Escorted Tours, Memorable Holidays.

Contact your local travel experts at YOU Travel & Cruise Whitianga

07 866 4397 youtravelwhitianga.co.nz 75 Albert Street, Whitianga The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

125

STAY

FOR SALE

BAYSIDE MOTEL A PROFITABLE LIFESTYLE BY THE SEA

Live where others come to holiday. That’s the everyday reality at Bayside Motel, a thriving boutique accommodation business located in the heart of Whitianga, right on beautiful Buffalo Beach Road.

ositioned directly across from the sparkling ocean waters of Mercury Bay, Bayside Motel offers more than just income — it offers lifestyle, freedom, and connection. With nine well-maintained units and a private, spacious penthouse-style apartment for the owners, this is a turnkey business with plenty of charm and untapped potential.

BAYSIDE MOTEL AT A GLANCE

YOUR SEASIDE BUSINESS AWAITS Owners Warren and Robyn have lovingly restored and operated Bayside Motel, creating a warm, welcoming space that draws repeat guests year after year. Their reason for selling? It’s time to spend more time with family in Australia. But they’re looking for the right buyer — someone who will fall in love with Bayside just as they did. “This has been more than a business for us,” says Robyn. “It’s been a lifestyle we’ve truly loved.”

A LOCATION GUESTS FALL IN LOVE WITH Whitianga is one of New Zealand’s fastestgrowing beachside towns, with a welcoming community and vibrant local culture. From sur ng and sailing to bush walks and hidden gems like Lovers Rock and the Sleeping Giant, there’s so much for guests to explore — and the owners get to enjoy it all too. “When the motel is full, you work hard in the mornings,” says Warren. “But on quieter days, we’re often having coffee in town by 11. It’s a great balance.”

BUSINESS-READY AND FUTURE-PROOFED Originally a public service holiday home, Bayside Motel was transformed by Warren and Robyn into a fully operational, boutique accommodation provider. Despite challenges

 Prime location opposite Buffalo Beach  Nine fully-equipped guest units + accessible unit  Spacious ocean-view owners’ apartment  Strong income with growth potential  Close-knit, supportive community  Excellent online reviews and repeat business

Robyn and Warren like COVID and infrastructure disruptions, they’ve built the business up to a solid income level — with the bonus of strong repeat business and a loyal customer base. “We’re now right where we hoped to be, nancially, says arren hitianga just keeps growing, and so does the potential of this business.”

PERFECT FOR A SEMIRETIRED COUPLE OR LIFESTYLE CHANGE This opportunity is ideal for a semi-retired couple, or anyone looking to escape the hustle and embrace a life by the sea. Robyn explains: “If you love meeting people, showing off the local area, and helping guests feel at home, then ayside will be a perfect t e even have a fully accessible unit that’s a favourite for families with special needs.” And when the day’s work is done, retreat

to the stylish and private owner’s apartment upstairs, with panoramic ocean views and enough space to truly feel at home.

ONGOING SUPPORT FOR A SEAMLESS HANDOVER Warren and Robyn are committed to making the transition smooth for the new owners. “We’re happy to stay on for a handover period, sharing all the tips and insights we’ve learned. We want to see the next owners succeed and love Bayside as much as we have.”

READY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE? Make the beach your backyard and your business ayside otel isn t just a pro table opportunity- it’s a chance to live the dream. • Enquiries: ROB BALL — Ball & Co. • Phone: 021 023 897 67 • Email: rob@ballandco.nz

BAYSIDE MOTEL www.baysidewhitianga.co.nz 126

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

STAY

ESPLANADE APARTMENTS

BLUE MARLIN APARTMENTS

8 The Esplanade, Whitianga

4 Buffalo Beach Road Whitianga 027 222 8311

info@theesplanade.co.nz

viv@bluemarlinapartments.co.nz

Waterfront, spa pool, lifts, pool

www.bluemarlinapartments.co.nz

ME AW

Mercury Bay Holiday Park

07 869 5124 / 027 647 2583

N E W Z E A L A N D A O T E A R O A

A relaxed atmosphere with a full range of accommodation options and great facilities. Mercury Bay Holiday Park is the perfect place for you and your family.

2025

Heated Pool. Modern Facilities. 5 mins north of Coromandel town. 100% proudly Kiwi-owned.

Iconic Beachside Holidays in Paradise!

Range of options - Camping, Glamping, Cabins & Units. Book Direct & Save www.ShellyBeachCoromandel.co.nz

E. info@mercurybayholidaypark.co.nz | P. 07 866 5579 A.121 Albert Street, Whitianga | www.mercurybayholidaypark.co.nz

TUSCANY ON THAMES

PAUANUI PINES MOTOR LODGE

200 Jellicoe Crescent, Thames

174 Vista Paku, Pauanui

07 868 5099

07 864 8086

book@tuscanyonthames.co.nz

info@pauanuipines.co.nz

www.tuscanyonthames.co.nz

www.pauanuipines.co.nz

Property Features • 4 Star corporate motel • Spa baths • Across the road from the Hauraki rail trail • Plenty of bike storage • Air conditioning / heat pump • NZ Gold Card reduced rates • Outdoor swimming pool • Electric car charging

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Property Features • Within easy walking distance of the beach, shops, recreational club and two nine-hole golf courses. • Childrens Playground • Swimming pool & spa pool • Tennis court & gas BBQs • Free WiFi. • Small Conference room for hire. • Pet Friendly.

127

SERVICES

A LASTING GIFT

TO YOUR BELOVED COROMANDEL COMMUNITY By Peter Farmer

fter 28 months of dedicated work from many enthusiastic supporters, the vision to establish an Endowment Fund for the Coromandel is now a reality. he o cial launch was held on ctober 2025 at the CORO Cafe/Hanger at Whitianga Airport with guest speaker, Sir Stephen Tindall who has been the driving force to the formation of 18 Endowment funds throughout New Zealand. Sir Stephen seed funded many of these funds, which were all based upon the successful formation of ACORN FOUNDATION (Bay of Plenty) some 20 years ago. Acorn now distributes over $3 million to entities in the Bay of Plenty and has $100 million in funds with 480 named endowment funds yet to mature upon the donors’ passing. he oro andel fund consists of ve rea Funds: • Mercury Bay Future Fund • Coromandel/Colville Future Fund

• Thames Future Fund • Tairua/Pauanui Future Fund • Whangamata Future Fund Plus there is an overall Coromandel Future Fund. All the above six funds operate within the Waikato based Momentum Foundation. he ercury ay uture und is the rst of the ve funds to be for ed and launched he local fund champions are Peter Farmer and Geoff Balme. Peter and Geoff have worked hard to get this rst fund underway hey together have a target to achieve 15 named onor unds for ed in the rst si onths since the fund’s launch in October . They have introduced a Rugby theme in naming this target: “THE FIRST FIFTEEN”. Already they have two fully formed signi cant donor endow ent funds with another two getting close to formation. As part of this project’s formation, Peter and Geoff have focused on understanding community needs and existing community groups. Also, they have developed a closer relationship with the legal community within

the Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions as many Coromandel residents have their legal advisers in those three large regions. For the next 12 months the Mercury Bay Future Fund will consolidate and build upon projects to date. It is expected that the re aining ve rea unds will be launched over the next 12 months. If you would like more information as to how you can make a real difference to your community long after your lifetime, please contact Janice Lapwood, General Manager Endowment, Momentum Foundation — janice@momentumwaikato.nz: Peter Farmer — peter@farmerautovillage.co.nz; Geoff Balme — gbalme@xtra.co.nz

Peter Farmer

Located at the historic homestead in the heart of Hahei, The Lawnmower’s Son Art Gallery and gift shop showcases a variety of art, jewellery, sculptures and garden art from all across New Zealand. The perfect place to choose wedding presents, art, a gift for that special someone. We have an online shop and deliver throughout New Zealand as well as overseas.

Accommodation

Two one-bedroomed self-catering cottages in the private grounds of the peaceful Hahei Homestead. An idyllic garden setting below the art gallery. Willow & Kauri Cottage - Take a weekend away for two. At the foot of the route to Cathedral Cove and a 2-minute walk to the stunning Hahei Beach. Strictly 2 people. 3pm check-in, 10am checkout. The Lawnmower’s Son also has Kayak rentals, the Walnut and Fig eatery for scrumptious takeaways and ice cream van.

4 Grange Road, Hahei P: 021 618 083 E: shop@lawnmowersson.co.nz More information: haheiholidayhomes.co.nz/ Book accommodation: bookings@lawnmowersson.co.nz Facebook: facebook.com/thelawnmowersson Instagram: instagram.com/thelawnmowers_son/ 128

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

SERVICES

His life is with death Adrian Catran JP is fourth generation Thames resident. The home of his mother in Thames still stands proudly. He is a man whose name is associated with death more than any other on the Coromandel and Hauraki Plains and he recently received a national distinguished service award for 34 years continuous service as a funeral director. By Pauline Stewart

drian is the manager of Twentymans, a name synonymous with funerals, and more recently, funerals for pets. He is also currently the chair of the local Thames Community Board.

THE JOURNEY I became involved in this business because I have always enjoyed helping people through a di cult time. It is still true of now. However, my work with death and trauma started long before that. As a much younger man, I had been involved with the New Zealand police on trauma cases. This was in my spare time. I was an unpaid police o cer with all the power of a police constable under the Civil Defence Act. There were six of us in Thames and we were sent for training in Hamilton. We were shoulder tapped

for the role, perhaps due to our volunteer work in the community. In those days, one of the aspects after death in a motor vehicle accident was the police would come and wash the bodies in the mortuary. That was a part of our training, but it doesn’t happen anymore as the pathologist now must examine the body. It was not until 1990 that I started at Twentymans Funeral Services. Since 1 April, 1990, Twentymans have just clicked over 11,000 deaths at which they have o ciated his number does not include Coroners work. If the Coroner is involved with a death, often that person might have died in this region but lives elsewhere. That applies to forty percent of the coroners cases. If they die in this region, and it is a Coroners case. Our records only go back to 1931 and we are the longest serving Coronial Contractor in New Zealand. That means every minute of every hour of every day, we are on call.

Adrian Catran JP > Continued on page 130

Scott Simpson Flemming Rasmussen LLB, MBA, B.Com.

MP for Coromandel Contact me anytime

Practical advice for doing business in the Coromandel.

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

• COMPANY AND COMMERCIAL ADVICE • PROPERTY AND BUSINESS SALES AND PURCHASES • PROPERTY LEASES • RESTRUCTURING AND INSOLVENCY • DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR)

Phone 021 594 705 FRasmussen@coromandelchambers.co.nz The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Scott Simpson, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

129

SERVICES > Continued from page 129

WORKING WITH DEATH AND GRIEF I have learned in my training and experience to distance myself from the person who had died; to stand to one side in my thinking and my actions. My mind cannot be emotionally involved because what I am doing will take its toll unless I disassociate myself from personal grief. It doesn’t mean you don’t respect the person or feel regret or sadness, but you need to move away from the reality of whom you are dealing with. Way back then when I started as well as now, we see babies right through to centenarians. Many funeral directors have great di culty with this hat early training with the police has stayed with me. I need to make decisions as the funeral director. The grieving families need someone who has the strength and clarity of mind to make decisions and not get caught up in the emotional situation in the room. I have always been strong about my role when helping the family to plan the funeral and do the essential things required by law. We need to always keep the long-term view. Grieving doesn’t go away just like that. A funeral is an opportunity to say goodbye as a fa ily and as a co unity t is a di cult but an essential part of the healing process.

COVID CHANGED THINGS A lot of people organise a direct cremation. My view is that this is not really the best healing process. We all need something to help us begin the closure process here is no nal closure to the death of someone you love, but somehow as extended families and as a community, we need to say goodbye. I am very aware of the extra physical cost to have the person embalmed for viewing and the co n hat is hard for any fa ilies At Twentymans, we changed the rules of engagement allowing people two hours of free viewing before the direct cremation, within 24 hours of death. We do our very best to prepare their loved one.

Direct cremations all arose from Covid. People were not allowed to view the body, so there was no funeral. That has scarred a lot of grieving people. The community could not participate — sharing in the grief of the family and saying their own goodbyes. We have observed a dramatic shift in people’s way of thinking since Covid. People were locked away, loved ones stood outside buildings and waved. They redirected their emotions over that long period of not being with people. The attitude of many is not as soft or as kind.

“A family is never aware of the total circle of contacts and relationships that a person has had over a lifetime. “ For example, ‘Mum has died and the funeral ust be on this day, here is little fle ibility and a reluctance to pass on information. Sometimes a grieving person will say, ‘No Death Notice.’ In that situation, I will then ask them for a few lines just so the person does not nally go without people knowing eople deserve a Death Notice. My view is that the community needs to know. A family is never aware of the total circle of contacts and relationships that a person has had over a lifetime. Death — that one single word

sums up so much. You can imagine this industry is extremely di cult to attract staff t is not an eight to ve job and is essentially a pastoral one but at the sa e ti e requires very e cient infor ation gathering and intricate attention to detail.

WHERE IT BEGAN All these years of conducting funerals started with the Twentyman family in 1867. William Twentyman was a builder in Thames, and like every builder at that time, a common request was, e need a co n e built any co ns his business was well known as Twentymans, the Builders and Undertakers. There were 60,000 people living in Thames at the peak of the gold rush and there were eight undertakers (as they were called then) or funeral directors. Twentymans is the only one to survive all these years. I have the original sign on the side of our current building. I started formal funeral training as one of the oldest at 47, and I am now the oldest funeral director still working. My family and staff have taken over some responsibilities, but this is my life and it’s my ministry. It is as vital as ever to enable the funeral to suitably celebrate that particular person’s life to the best of our ability. At the close of the day, my hope for the family whose loved one has died, is that there are no regrets and they carry a sense of peace.

Satellite Dish Sales, Installations, Realignments, & Starlink Installer. Decoder Sales, Set-ups & Re-scans for new channels Call or text - Woody (Steve)

0275 437 980

whiti.css@gmail.com 130

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

SERVICES

Your love for animals can live on They give you love in their lifetime — give them hope after yours. Every year, over 35,000 animals arrive at SPCA — abandoned, abused, afraid. 1 in 3 of them will be saved through gifts in Wills. Just 1% of your estate could give an animal the care, shelter, or second chance they desperately need. Leave a Legacy of Kindness. Leave a Gift in your Will to SPCA. Request your SPCA Gifts in Wills brochure at www.spca.nz/ leave-a-legacy or call our Legacy Team on 021 598 313

Saying goodbye is one of life’s hardest moments. When the time comes, Forever Pets is here to support you and your beloved companion. Nestled in the heart of Thames, our boutique Pet Chapel and Crematorium offers a serene and comforting setting for a final farewell. With our respectful individual cremation process, you can rest assured that only your pet’s ashes will be returned to you.

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

P: 07 868 6003 E: info@foreverpets.co.nz www.foreverpets.co.nz

131

What if your rubbish wasn’t rubbish at all? You’ve just cleaned out the garage. There’s a pile of stuff. Old furniture, a broken toaster, a few boxes of “maybe useful one day” bits. You’re thinking:“Off to the tip?” But what if there was a better way? Welcome to Wāhi Tukurua, r ur a ur r r . Where your unwanted items can become someone else’s treasure, and your clean-up can help the planet, your wallet, and your community. Based in Whitianga, and ra a hari – Mercury Bay Resource Recovery Centre Trust, Wāhi Tukurua services communities from Hotwater Beach to Matarangi and every other nook and cranny of the Mercury Bay Ward.

We’ re p a r t of a g row i n g m ove m e n t a c ro s s t h e Co ro m a n d e l – a n e t wo r k of Re s o u rce Re cove r y Ce n t re s wo r k i n g to g e t h e r to re d u ce wa ste a n d b u i ld a b e tte r f u t u re . At Wāhi Tukurua, we’re all about giving good stuff a second life – and helping you clear space, save money, and feel great doing it.

So… W h a t C a n Yo u Br i n g ?

Furniture – from retro chairs to that shelf you never quite loved E-waste & appliances – toasters, TVs, tech (working or not) Tools & hardware – hand tools, power tools, leftover DIY bits Clothing & textiles – clean, wearable, and ready to be re-loved Garden gear – spades, pots, hoses, and more Building material – timber, tiles, fittings, and fixtures

If it’s reusable, repairable, or just too good to throw away — bring it in! We’ll sort it, save it, and help it find a new home. Some items may have a small drop-off fee to help us cover transport and processing — but it’s still cheaper (and way better) than the tip!

an t

et to

? We l l

e to

We know Mercury Bay is big. That’s why we’ve launched Reuse Roadie – our mobile pickup service for outlying areas. Clearing the family home? Emptying the bach? We’ll come collect your reusable items. There’s a small charge to cover our team and transport; but it saves you time, hassle, and landfill fees. Call us to book a pickup.

Wa n t t o Hel p ?

Yo u ca n j o i n t h e te a m o n t h e Re u s e Revo l u t i o n - we’ re a lways lo o k i n g fo r vo l u n te e rs to h e l p s o r t , re p a i r, u p c yc le , a n d s h a re t h e sto r y of re u s e . G ot a few h o u rs o r a s p e c i a l s k i l l? J o i n u s !

Wāhi Tukurua 239 South Highway, Whitianga (Next to the TCDC Refuse Transfer Station)

132

w w w.w a h i t u k u r u a .c o. n z 022 184 4256 The Coromandel Informer Your& Summer Magazine 2025/2026 Follow us on Facebook Instagram

SERVICES

CHILDMINDING SERVICE OFFERS TRUSTED CARE ON THE PENINSULA

amilies have access to a trusted, experienced childminding and dogsitting service with Nanny Near U — a caring, community-focused service launched by a local, registered teacher. The journey began when The Lost Spring opened, but families were unable to enjoy it fully because they had no childcare options. The founder of ‘Nanny Near U’ developed the idea to offer a safe, fle ible and affordable solution for parents and caregivers. Nanny Near U offers childminding for all ages, including infants and children with additional needs. With professional experience and autism awareness training, the service ensures a safe, inclusive environment tailored to each child.

Whether you’re planning a spa visit, night out, or simply need reliable daytime care, Nanny Near U is ready to help. Booking is easy. Simply provide the names and ages of the children, any allergies or medical conditions, your address, and the date and start nish ti e required. Whether a visitor to Whitianga or a local in need of a helping hand, Nanny Near U means care you can count on.

ST PETER THE FISHERMAN – WHITIANGA

e are a small rural congregation here in Whitianga, but yet the people who make up our church have been suburban and city dwellers, and some have been farmers or business owners. We have come to make our home here in Mercury Bay. Many of us have been worshippers in congregations in our previous communities. Belonging is important. Christian faith is meant to be liberating and strengthening. People need the church to

be here for them — to provide for them in times of trouble and sadness. We are here all the time and invite you to be a part of a community of faith throughout your life. You will be welcome any Sunday, 9.00am. Christmas Day and Easter Day are very special and meaningful occasions. Bring the family or just come by yourself. Reverend Gillian Reid — Vicar Ph: 021 781 081, Email: gillianreid. home@gmail.com, 7 Dundas Street, Whitianga 3510

OUR LEGAL SERVICES INCLUDE: PROPERTY - COMMERCIAL - FAMILY COMMON LAW - PERSONAL - FINANCING TRUSTS - ASSET PROTECTION - NOTARY PUBLIC

Open Your Home to the World & become an Evakona Homestay Host!

WHAT WE OFFER: • Long tradition of trusted performance and reliability • Quality of service and practical advice • Promptness and efficiency • Reasonable fees and regular reporting

EVAKONA EDUCATION IS LOOKING FOR HOMESTAY FAMILIES Current pay rate is $336 per week, per student (max 2). Hosting dates: January 10 or 11 – 3 weeks stay. Long term intake end of March for 10 months. The student will need a private room, three nutritious meals a day, your warm kiwi hospitality & care. The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

14 Monk St, Whitianga 3510 www.renniecox.co.nz whitianga@renniecox.co.nz 0800RENNIECOX (0800 736 643) 133

SERVICES

Mercury Bay Service Station

Important Numbers Civil Defence 07 868 0200

Coastguard Radio Operators 07 866 2883

Dog and Noise Control 07 868 0200

Information Centres

Fuel, Bait, Tackle, Ice, Lubricants, Auto Parts, Drinks, Groceries and More...

Whitianga 66 Albert St, Whitianga 07 866 5555

Pauanui 23 Centreway, Pauanui 07 864 7101

Tairua 2 Manaia Rd, Tairua 07 864 7575

Whangamata 616 Port Rd, Whangamata 0273 114 102

Coromandel Town 74 Kapanga Rd, Coromandel Town 07 866 8598

Thames 200 Mary St, Thames 07 868 9803

5 MONK ST, WHITIANGA Phone 07 866 5485

SHUTTLE SERVICE

Specialising in everyday transport. Your premier choice for efficient and comfortable shuttle services across the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula.

• 4 Door Sedans • Station Wagons • 8 seater mini vans • 11 seater vans Whether it be events, weddings or group functions we have your transport needs covered.

8 Campbell Street, Whitianga. Office: 07 866 2226/Mobile: 021 039 3828 • Email: info@peninsularentacar.co.nz

www.peninsularentacar.co.nz

134

The Coromandel Informer Your Summer Magazine 2025/2026

135

Selling homes in a place we call

Proudly Kiwi owned and locally operated 07 866 0098 | coromandel.bayleys.co.nz M H REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Tairua

Whitianga Thames

Pauanui

Whangamata

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

25,000 readers

9800 HOMES SEVEN TOWNS

from Colville to Waihi

Issue 1088 Circulation 8800

Proudly locally owned & operated Connecting communities across the Coromandel Peninsula Te Kai

e 21

See pag

Issue 1126 Circ ulation

mernz

9000

@theinfor

INDEPE

er.co.nz

CO NN

theinform

EC TIN

G CO

MM UN

ITI ES

Te Kai

AC RO

NDENT

SS TH

E CO

ngo Whakaro ember

30 Sept

RO MA

ND EL

PE NIN

Proudly

2025 |

d ly owne

local

ated

and oper

CON NEC

COM MUN

ACR ITIE S

OSS THE

COR OM

AND EL

PEN INS

ULA

HT ROAST NIG t BASKryERWednesday nigh

TIN G

Issue 1177 9800 Circulation

Eve

5pm

from or beef , chicken bar Pork, lamb and sauce Buffet saladrecommended

SU LA

16 Sep

2090 (07) 866 r.co.nz theinforme info@

Issue 1175 Circ ulation

Photo

ls ry Dea

Living

Luxu Unlock

gs on

huge savin

luxury

,000 First $1 tion Installa

flooring

off

FREE! nga

Making

selected

shings

ow furni

and wind

% 50

carpet

and lining

and

lined custom

itia ga court Wh Carpet ith Lane, Whitian 1 Blacksm

curtains

this sprin

* Terms

ons apply

& conditi

5 | Pro

udly

loca

ed and

6463 (07) 834 our t.co.nz einform arpetc er.c www.c o.nz

rongo

Whaka

operate

EC TIN

G CO

MM UN

BASK

ITI ES

ER RO

Every

theinfo

rme

AC RO

r.co.nz

SS TH

E CO

Wedn AST NIGH esday T fro

@th

RO MA

m 5pm night Pork, lam Buffet b, chicke sala n or Booking d and sau beef ce bar s reco mm

ernz

PE NIN

SU LA

3A Re

You’ll

Sunday get The 28th InformeSeptem r one ber hour ear

mernz

lier!

(07) einform866 209 er.co.nz0

info@th

andel e Corom dule th g n ti c Reconne gular ferry sche with re er.co.nz

weti Dri ated and oper Issue 1174 9800 www.b ve (oppo owned Circulation locally sit Proudly info@ asker.co e Mobil) 2025 | ember 9 Sept Phon basker.c .nz Hours e: 07 866 o.nz 8.00am 0645 to lat e

ended

w this

man?

See centr page e featur page e 15-17

Continued

– 16

Septem

ber 202

5 |

NG SPRIL E SA EDS ON B

Visit us Totalsp at

rmer

on page

@theinfor

theinform

to be ry del fer is proud roman Group d. Explore pular Co long weeken ing po er Octob reinstat by the service

1/46 Kop an Corom andel Ph: 07 u Road, Kop u, Tha 869 040 mes Email: corom 0 andel@ 0800 totalsp TOTALS an.co. PAN TOT nz The ALSPAN Corom .CO.NZ andel Info

Great

E• EsuP RPRICRE U FURNIT

Spring

RICE RPUR E suPE IT FURN

•

t Snoozyse d Ba

Napnes

Deals Mattress an$559 gle

Sin 99 gle $5 King Sinle $689 Doub $739 Queen 99 King $9 954

2116 3500 07 Thames 307 367 Street, 07 2119 Pollen 07 2800 es 3500 es 513 t, Tham t, Whitianga 3510 iture Tham n Stree SPF Furn Shop 543 Polle 33 Albert Stree a .nz | 1 SPF Bed iture Whitiang niture.co 2025 ember erpricefur SPF Furn 9 Sept www.sup mer –

.nz

former.co

www.thein

2090 (07) 866 r.co.nz

theinforme

info@

einform

ND EL

So ma know ny in Ne and this ma w Zealan statue a two-po n. He is Sir d don’t int-th of his Kei was ree-m th Park like un etre befor veiled at ness as e Thame a pilo bronze Sir Kei a crowd s Air t and air of th’s man, home 600 pe ﬁeld on chara focus cter an town. Thi ople. Tha Sunday d ac of tions s man’s mes is of Brit the comm were life, ain in skies the opemoratio the cen his for loc tral ns of en air dignit al the aries people under ver Battle on Sun and ma y ch illy day, ny 14 Sep visitin tembe g r.

www.th

Te Kai

Bookings

lly own

u kno

TRU LOCAST YOUR L E XP ERTS

rongo

ber 202

from 5pm

or beef , chicken bar Pork, lamb and sauce Buffet saladrecommended

Whaka

tem

9800

Do yo

Bookings

d by Hopper

supplie

Eve

CO NN

OUT EV LY OWNED ER LIVING – “WE’RSE!” D P AROUNERY WEEK HWOINP NERS OF 8 AWAR COROM D THE PENINSANDEL ULA (07) einform866 209 er.co.nz0

info@th

e Mobil) e (opposit eti Driv ker.co.nz www.bassker.co.nz info@ba 866 0645 07 Phone: am to late Hours 8.00

3A Rew

HT ROAST NIG t BASKryERWednesday nigh

il)

e Mob e (opposit eti Driv ker.co.nz 3A Rew www.bassker.co.nz info@ba 866 0645 07 Phone: am to late Hours 8.00

(07) 866 2090 info@theinformer.co.nz

www.theinformer.co.nz P: 07 866 2090 • E: info@theinformer.co.nz

mandel

The Coro

Infor