Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 (07) 866 2090 - [email protected] Circulation 8,200 Sirens’ roar replaced by a “Whispir” By Gillian O’Neill

The drawn-out debate over the fate of the ’s tsunami sirens looks to be at an end as the devices are finally decommissioned this month. Thames-Coromandel’s Civil Defence controller, Garry Towler, confirmed that contractor, Kordia, would have commenced disconnecting the network from mid-August with the process taking up to a month. However, this would have been delayed by the recent Covid-19 lockdown. Mr Towler said the move towards alternative emergency alert mechanisms had now largely been accepted by local communities, including , where 10 resident and ratepayer representative groups had indicated they would not be funding or contributing to the costs of new sirens. Speaking to Thames-Coromandel District Council’s Emergency Management Committee recently, Mr Towler said the extensive communications undertaken by council with residents, including a booklet on emergency preparedness which had been distributed to households, had helped allay fears. The tsunami sirens on the Coromandel Peninsula are to be finally decommissioned this month. The Civil Defence controller met with representatives from the 10 Mercury Bay produced because it has come to back to us little or no cellular reception. ensure they are registered. The system will groups on 9 August. “Some of them are that it was a great calmer. It calmed the farm According to Mr Towler, TCDC will have operate in addition to the National Mobile reluctantly accepting what we are doing, in those communities when that booklet was the platform operational by December this Alert System which many have become and some are quite relaxed and happy to move handed out, they understood it.” year. It will initially be used for internal familiar with during the Covid pandemic with on with the new technology,” he outlined. In recent years, TCDC has argued that sirens communications for staff and be rolled out news of major alert level changes arriving to “The communities we still have to are outdated and unreliable and thus should for public sign-up next year. Residents will be people’s mobile phones with a shrill alarm. work with in terms of getting some sort of no longer be part of the Thames-Coromandel able to select how they would like to receive Meanwhile, Mr Towler confirmed the agreeance are , and . District’s Emergency Plan. The re-vamped the alerts - text, email or voice call, and the first 21 new tsunami evacuation information The rest of our communities are accepting of plan includes a $225,000 investment in system could be used for any localised alert boards will be installed on the outside of the disconnection.” upgraded tsunami evacuation signage and such as fire, flooding, etc. beachfront public toilets and beach reserve There are a total of 27 sirens on the a new communications platform, Whispir - The service will be free for residents and accessways along the eastern seaboard of Peninsula. a system being set up by the National in particular will be targeted at vulnerable the Coromandel between Whangamata and Mr Towler agreed with members of the Emergency Management Group for the use of residents who cannot be reached through Whitianga between now and November this committee that communication would all 21 local councils in the region. other means due to not having a cellphone/ year. The second phase of installation from continue to be key going forward. “We were As well as quickly sending alerts out via internet or poor mobile and broadband Whitianga to will take place always going to get to this point sooner multiple social media channels, websites and coverage. TCDC’s Emergency Response between November and March next year, or later,” he said. “What we have to do is text message, Whispir also has the capacity Unit intend to work with local community with the west coast communities following continue to promote that booklet that we to make automated voice calls to those with response teams to reach these individuals and through to July next year.

Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz OPC aims to attract staff with living wage and wellbeing focus By Stephan Bosman Whitianga-based mussel processor, OPC, “Aquaculture has also been hit by the inability announced last week that they will be of seasonal workers to get through the New introducing a living wage for their 2021/2022 Zealand border as a result of the Covid-19 season with a starting rate of $22.75 per hour pandemic, like many other industries,” for new staff. Hygiene assistants will start at says Andrew. “Our industry is lobbying the $23.50 per hour, increasing to $27.50 per hour government for an exemption similar to the one when fully trained. the horticulture industry received, but there’s The 2021/2022 season is expected to start no progress yet. later this month or early October. “We’re hoping that the way we’re looking “Experienced mussel openers on our after our employees here at OPC will put us increased contract piece rate can expect to earn to the front of the queue when people are job up to $35 or even $40 per hour,” says OPC hunting. What we’re ideally looking for are managing director, Andrew Selby. “Over the employees we can build relationships with and course of our 45-week season and working who’ll be happy to work at OPC for many years eight hours per day, five days a week, some to come.” our experienced openers will be able to earn The OPC living wage is in line with the $63,000 and more.” hourly rate Living Wage Movement Aotearoa On top of paying staff the living wage, New Zealand set to be effective from the OPC will be providing their employees beginning of this month. complimentary breakfast every day of the OPC Greenshell™ Mussels are all exported working week. to North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Andrew says their decision to improve The OPC brand is highly regarded overseas. the conditions of employment for their staff Andrew says the hospitality and food service stems from the fact that Whitianga has seen, industry ground to a halt in the markets they sell like many other places, a significant increase into during the Covid-19 pandemic, but activity in the cost of living. “Housing is the obvious is starting to pick up again. “It was a tough 18 example,” he says. “Just to have a roof over months,” he says. “We couldn’t stop processing your head comes at an enormous cost. Add to as we’ve had to do our bit to keep the mussel that things like food and transport and it’s not farms around the Coromandel going, but we easy to make ends meet. were fortunately able to manage our inventory “Our employees’ wellbeing is of utmost and cashflow in such a way that we’re in fairly importance to us. We’re part of the Toi Te good shape now that life overseas is starting to Ora Public Health WorkWell programme and return to some sort of normal. it simply makes sense to have staff who feel “Two of the things we pride ourselves on are valued and who can focus on their jobs as they the quality of our product and the consistency don’t have to worry about paying their bills.” of supply. What we’re now looking forward Another factor that drove the OPC to is a group of employees keen to share the thought process is the availability of staff. journey into the future with us.” OPC managing director, Andrew Selby.

What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information provided and sponsored by Week of Tuesday, 7 September to Wednesday, 15 September - This week we can continue observing Venus and Mercury moving away from the Sun quite rapidly from our point of view by using the star Spica in Virgo as a reference point. Jupiter and Saturn remain shining brightly high in the sky at opposite ends of Capricorn all evening, but we are now moving away from them so they will become slightly fainter and smaller over the coming weeks and months. We can also see the International Space Station (ISS) narrowly miss two planets and the Moon within a few minutes on Thursday. Tuesday, 7 September - Venus lies above the star Spica after sunset. Mercury now lies below them, but will be at the same spot where Venus is now in about two weeks. A very bright ISS pass tonight from 6:41pm moving high overhead. Wednesday, 8 September - A minute crescent Moon sits just above faint Mars which is almost on the NW horizon at dusk. Thursday, 9 September - The thin crescent Moon now sits just to the right of bright Mercury Astronomy Tours and B&B at dusk with much brighter Venus above. This is the last evening ISS pass this month from 6:44pm in the west passing right next to Mercury and then Phone (07) 866 5343 the Moon and below Venus. Friday, 10 September - The crescent Moon is now next to brilliant Venus at dusk with fainter Mercury below and to the left. Wednesday, 15 September - The Moon is now in Sagittarius and sits high above and to the left of Saturn with much brighter Jupiter below. www.stargazersbb.com

Whitianga and tides Tides data sponsored by

nzwindows.co.nz 4 Dakota Drive Whitianga Tel 07 869 5990

Page 2 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 Public nominations requested for Business Awards

Nominations are now open for three Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards’ categories where input from the general public is requisted - People’s Choice, Community and Not For Profit, and Service to Business. People's Choice Award - Who do you think are the most awesome businesses in the Hauraki and Coromandel areas? Let the awards organisers know and those businesses will be voted on by the public. You can cast your vote via the awards website, haurakicoromandelbusinessawards.co.nz, when voting opens in two weeks. This award is sponsored by Thames Centre Pharmacy. Community and Not For Profit - Who are the heroes doing amazing things in our communities, for our communities? It’s a public pat on the back for volunteers, shops, organisations, event organisers and more. You can nominate your candidate now. The finalists will also be chosen by public vote, opening in two weeks. This award is sponsored by Richardsons Real Estate. Service to Business - Who are the local business champions among us? Let the awards organisers know who has given their time, energy and enthusiasm to businesses in the Hauraki and Coromandel communities. You’ll need to provide some information about these superstars, explaining why you think they’re deserving of this award. The finalists and eventual winner in this category are chosen by a panel of judges and the awards organisers. This award is sponsored by OceanaGold. To make a nomination, fill in the form at haurakicoromandelbusinessawards.co.nz/nominate-a- business or email [email protected]. Nominations close on Monday, 20 September at 5:00pm. In the meantime, the awards judges are busy going through loads of entries from candidates in the other categories - Emerging Business, Hospitality, Manufacturing and Trade, Professional Services, Retail, Rural and Primary Industries, and Tourism. The winners will be announced at the 2021 Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards gala evening on Thursday, 28 October at the Grand Mercure Puka Park in Pauanui. The last time the awards were held was in 2018. The awards were postponed last year due to Covid-19. Pictured is the awards’ 2018 gala evening at Grand Mercure Puka Park.

Issue 966699 - 727 September July 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3 Home cooking made easy With the most recent Covid lockdown generating a renewed interest in home cooking, chef Arvind Police Report Parshad of That Curry Place in Whitianga was happy to share one of his most enjoyable recipes By Constable Michael Carter of the Whitianga Police with us.

Garlic Dal Tadka Monday, 30 August to Monday, 6 September 2021 Ingredients 200g red lentils 1 garlic clove chopped General On 1 September, a local person was stopped 900ml water 2 small tomatoes chopped (or canned) On 30 August, a burglary was reported after shoplifting at New World. A court date 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon grated ginger that had occurred at the Whitianga Marina has been set for them to appear on charges. 1 tablespoon oil/butter 1 teaspoon turmeric overnight. Fishing rods and reels were taken On 2 September, threats were made by 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon garam masala from a boat parked within the compound. persons unlawfully walking through private 1 small chopped onion 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander On 1 or 2 September, a vehicle parked property in Opito Bay so they could go Method next to Countdown had all four tyres taken. fishing. All were spoken to and Level 3 Place the lentils in a pan with the salt, cover with water and bring to the boil. These tyres are quite distinctive Maxxis conditions reinforced to them as well as Remove the froth, reduce the heat and simmer until the lentils are soft (able to squeeze with Mud Tyres. their behaviour. your fingers). On 2 September, a burglary was reported Also on 2 September, two people were In a frying pan heat the oil/butter, add the cumin seeds, cook for 15 seconds, and add the that had occurred at a address walking their dog along Moewai Road when onions, garlic and ginger. Sautee until the ingredients turn light brown. Add the tomatoes and where the entire dwelling was searched by it jumped the paddock fence next to the cook until they are soft. Add the turmeric and cook for another 15 seconds. the offenders. Whitianga Bike Park and attacked a sheep. Transfer the cooked lentils into the frying pan with the other ingredients and boil so it gets the With the recent Covid Alert Level 3 Locals in the area were concerned, but the consistency of a soup. You can adjust the thickening to your liking by adding water or boiling lockdown, several people were still being two persons became quite disorderly and further for reduction. caught breaching the lockdown rules. threatening in attitude. They will be spoken Check the salt and adjust to taste, and add the fresh coriander. If you want to fish, fish locally and not a few to about this. Enjoy with a naan or tortilla available at your local grocery store. bays over. Fishing is allowed Under Level On 4 September at a Cook Drive address, 3 off the beach, not from the rocks, a boat or kayak. a young couple had a verbal disagreement Arrests with both parties spoken to by the Police. One arrest this week for the burglary of a On 5 September at a Moewai Park Road local car repair yard where petrol had been address, a married couple were spoken to siphoned from five vehicles. A local person after a verbal argument. will be appearing in court on this matter. Traffic Occurrences No traffic complaints this week. On 31 August, an assault occurred where Restraints, impairment, distractions and the victim was parked up listening to music. speed are traffic targets this month, so please They were punched through the open wear your seatbelt, don’t drive intoxicated or window by an unknown female on a scooter. under the influence of drugs, don’t use your If anyone observed this, can you please cell phone while driving and drive within advise the Police to assist in the identity of the applicable speed limits. Drive safe and the offender. drive well.

Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5 Letters to the Editor See page 8 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions

Dear Editor - Daffodil Day thanks Dear Editor - A marine based facility for the Boat & Fishing Club Kia ora. For the second year in a row, Covid interrupted the Cancer Society’s most important On 27 August, the Matarangi Boat & Fishing Club received an email from the Mercury Bay fundraising event, our Daffodil Day street appeal. Community Board advising that our submission had been declined for a marine based facility to For a charity dependent on the generosity of communities across our region, it was a be located near the Matarangi Wharf. This was well after having been told about this from a third disappointing blow and particularly concerning as we know Covid brings added stress for people party on 18 August, the date of the Community Board meeting. with cancer. In the first instance, we are extremely disappointed in having not been told ourselves but instead During lockdown, our nurses contactlessly deliver more meals to people with cancer. had to chase up the Community Board for further information. They spend more time talking with clients on the phone to offer information, support and We consider that the process, both leading up to the meeting and after the decision was made, reassurance. And our Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge stays open longer so guests don’t have to has failed to demonstrate adequate consultation. travel across the region. Secondly, in declining the submission, we believe that the community board has given little To have our most important fundraiser taken away during this time of heightened need was regard for the growing communities of Matarangi, , , Kuaotunu, Otama devastating. But once again the generosity of our communities and the value they place on the Beach and Opito Bay. Our reason for wanting this facility was to promote the Coastguard in Cancer Society’s work has been gratifying. an area where a long wait for help from Whitianga has already been an issue this past summer. To our volunteers who worked so hard in preparation for Daffodil Day, we thank you. You may We also want to promote Water Wise for the local children in these communities, to train and not have seen your efforts come to fruition, but we recognise and appreciate your dedication. instruct on the safe use of sailing boats, wind and kite surfers, jet skis, paddle boards, kayaks, etc And to the communities who fundraised for us or gave generously online when we couldn’t take as well as promoting safe boating instruction on bar crossing courses, Coastguard courses and to the streets with our collection buckets, we are so grateful. Your support ensures that, despite other marine safety courses for the public that not only use the harbour, but also the beaches and these uncertain times, we can continue to be there for people impacted by cancer. Ngā mihi nui. bays in our area. Shelley Campbell Thirdly, the solution from the Community Board to use The Dunes Golf Club facilities is Chief Executive, Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society unacceptable. It may have been fine if all we were looking at was clubrooms, but that is not Dear Editor - Two contentious issues the case. I returned home after three weeks’ absence to find two contentious issues still the order of the day. The marine based facility is intended to provide water based activities (as outlined in our First issue: The ongoing conflicts between people who love trees and those that struggle with detailed proposal) for the community as a whole. The golf clubrooms are simply too far away bushes unless they can be kept lower than 1.5m continue, this time at Otama. from the foreshore for this to be a workable option. In any event, the golf clubrooms already I try to be kind as our prime minister asks of us and remind myself that such destruction is in our cannot manage the influx of people due to capacity constraints, especially over summer, and with blood since a large number of our forebearers came from some pretty deprived slums of England existing golfing usage at the same time as local fishing tournaments, it will only create further and had possibly never seen a tree until they arrived here. Trees and forests represented money for constraints and conflict. timber, or something that had to be destroyed in order to plant some grass. It would appear that a new silver toilet block and covered BBQ area are more important to So thank you Jacinda, I shall gently try to encourage the appreciation of beautiful old trees and the Mercury Bay Community Board than promoting a marine based facility that would be more explain the difference between a view and a vista. beneficial to all local communities for the future. We are seeking discussions with the Matarangi Second issue: I was enjoying my morning coffee when, looking out towards Mercury Island, Ratepayers Association to work with them for a better outcome as they are aware of what we are I saw that four scallop dredges were busy ploughing up the seabed. I rechecked LegaSea and was trying to achieve. reminded many of those boats use the Victorian box dredge which destroys about 60 percent of We will be seeking a more equitable solution to this than just walking away from a future need all marine life in the process. for all local communities. John Macassey Peter Murphy Whitianga President, Matarangi Boat & Fishing Club

Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The Fire Siren Sponsored by Safety + Apparel - tel 0800 726 726

August was definitely an interesting month Thankfully we have only had four calls for all of us and a very busy one for the since lockdown and all of those have been to Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade with investigate private fire alarm activations. 18 calls in total, 14 of those in the first Under Covid-19 protocols, our response to three weeks. calls is a little different. Crews are limited to We backed up the Coromandel Town four and everyone wears personal protection Volunteer Fire Brigade at a shed fire and equipment, including gloves and face masks. responded to four calls relating to smoke that For medical calls we wear disposable gowns turned out to be controlled burns. We attended as well. two hazardous substance calls involving On return from calls we have to sanitise our picric acid and attended four motor vehicle accidents, one of which was a concrete truck appliances and anything we touch on station. that rolled, partly blocking the road for This is to protect not only ourselves, but our several hours. families we go home to. We were also called to an apartment fire, Please be safe out there and don't light any where the occupant was extremely lucky to unnecessary fires. We can all get through this escape and spent several days in hospital. if we work together. We also attended two house fires, one of Derek Collier which resulted in significant damage to the Whitianga Deputy Chief house and vehicles involved. Fire Officer

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Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7 Learning the ropes of a new business under lockdown By Suzanne Hansen

Every new business faces challenges, to the shop and made all the preparations to but opening their doors on the first day of close after only one day of trading. the latest Covid lockdown has meant fast It was an incredibly tough day to start a new learning, adaptation and a real baptism of fire business, Teresa recalls. Her first thoughts for the new family at the helm of Whitianga were about how she was going to pay wages, Takeaways and Fresh Fish. pay rent and find a place for all the new food With her youngest of five children starting she had ordered. school, Teresa Kereopa was looking to go The fresh fish and salads were divvyed out back to full-time work. Although trained in to staff and friends, and as much as possible hairdressing, it was no longer her passion of what remained was frozen. Teresa says that and she was motivated to turn her hand to because Whitianga Takeaways and Fresh Fish something different. was an established business, she was luckily With a family pedigree in food and able to apply for the wage subsidy. hospitality - her sister and brother-in-law, Undaunted, she viewed the initial enforced Michelle and Jed Harper, own the time off as a paperwork opportunity and a Tavern while her parents, Michael and Robyn chance to learn the administrative side of the Gee, previously owned Frankie’s Sports Bar business and how to best prepare for the next and Grill (now Smitty’s) - Teresa toyed with Covid alert levels. By the time Whitianga buying a business. After leaning towards moved to Level 3 last Wednesday, Teresa either a bottle store or a fish and chip shop, had done her research and taken on board her for a variety of reasons the takeaways won sister’s practical experience of how to pivot The Kereopa family, new owners of Whitianga Takeaways and Fresh Fish. the vote. to contactless trading. From the left - Sam, Paiggon, Nixxon, Maddison, Quinnzon, Teresa and Fergie. Teresa describes how - with the help of Consulting with all the staff as to they And so, with a massive team effort and the business could, however, be much clearer, her parents and sister, and Briar Sturgeon felt about sharing a trading bubble was plenty of trial and error, fish and chips were she suggests. While it was rather hard at of Coromandel Takeaways and Fresh Fish - important, she says, because, from her own back on the menu on the first day of Level 3. times to hear through the screen and masks, she and husband, Sam, prepared to take family experience, she understands the By Friday last week, Teresa says demand everyone was coping and getting on with over the business. Almost all the staff particular concerns for people who may be was so high that the business returned to pre- the job. were retained. immunocompromised. However, all but one lockdown opening hours. Most of all, she feels fortunate to have Despite a steep learning curve, Teresa and were in a position to come back in Level 3. While there inevitably been have been “a family and staff who have been through the Sam had great support and the team was Teresa also faced the task of completing few muck ups” while everyone got familiar lockdown process before and could offer raring to go, ready for their opening day of her own training with Briar from Coromandel with the new system, Teresa says all the solid experience. She is looking forward to trading on Tuesday, 17 August. Town no longer able to visit Whitianga. customers were extremely understanding further drops in alert levels and is hopeful After what was a busy first day, Teresa went Instead, she organised to learn from her and patient. that customers will continue to be generous home for dinner and turned on the news to existing staff. As was permitted, she and Sam As a novice fish and chip shop proprietor, with their patience as she gets up to speed. hear the entire country was going into Alert went in a couple of days early to order all of Teresa believes the information provided She also very much appreciates the efforts of Level 4 lockdown. Teresa, her family and the the fresh food needed and to install a new from the government was thorough and so many in the community to support a local staff of the business immediately returned Perspex screen. useful. The regulations around mask use in business during these challenging times.

The Mercury Bay Informer is published weekly on Tuesday afternoons and is distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula. What’s that Number? Readers’ contributions of articles and letters are welcome. Publication of contributions are entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 24 hours ...... 111 accompanied by the author’s name and surname, telephone number and residential address. Police (Whitianga) ...... 866 4000 Opinions expressed (especially in letters) are not necessarily those of the owner or publisher. Police (Tairua) ...... 864 8888 Statement of scientific fact needs to be accompanied by evidence of the fact. Police (Coromandel Town) ...... 866 1190 Published by Mercury Bay Media Limited Fight crime anonymously - Call Crime Stoppers ...... 0800 555 111 Editor - Gillian O’Neill, Chief Reporter - Stephan Bosman Dog and Noise Control ...... 868 0200 Contributors - Meghan Hawkes, Jack Biddle, Anusha Bhana, Suzanne Hansen, Tony Stickley, Civil Defence ...... 868 0200 Kyla McLean and Pam Ferla Advertiser Management - Alex Kennedy and Petra Bosman Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) ...... 866 5911 Graphic Designer - Ange Gregory (Firefly Graphic Design) Medical Centre (Tairua)...... 864 8737 Administration - Diane Lodge Need to talk? Call/text anytime for support from a trained counsellor...... 1737 Office 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Mail PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542 Harbourmaster (Whitianga) ...... 027 476 2651 Telephone (07) 866 2090, Fax (07) 866 2092 Coastguard Radio Operators ...... 866 2883 Editorial email [email protected], Advertising email [email protected] Whitianga Social Services ...... 866 4476 ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2021 Mercury Bay Media Limited Whitianga Locksmith Services ...... 027 446 6921 The Mercury Bay Informer is subject to the principles of the New Zealand Media Council. Please contact us first if you have concerns about any of the editorial content published in The Informer. If we were unable to ONLINE POLL FOR SEPTEMBER 2021 address your concerns to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or Do you agree with the government’s current www.presscouncil.org.nz. Covid-19 elimination strategy? See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook. in the night sky, and the Whitianga and Follow us on Twitter. Hot Water Beach tides. Check us out on Instagram. Have your say at www.theinformer.co.nz.

Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 Issue 699966 - 277 September July 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9 Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11 Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 Car Talk By Jack Biddle A question for Jack? Just email us or drop us a note.

New vehicle registrations for August take a big dive

The Motor Industry Association Chief • Compact and medium SUVs remain Executive, David Crawford, says that August strong market segments with a 22 and 16 2021 sales of new vehicles were heavily percent share respectively. affected by the countrywide Alert Level 4 • The Ford Ranger was once again the top snap lockdown. selling model (671 units), followed by “With the Covid-19 snap lockdown the Toyota Corolla and the Toyota RAV4. effectively shutting down the second half Overall market leaders in August of August for all but essential vehicles, Toyota remains the overall market leader it is no surprise that the August outturn came with 23 percent market share (1,578 units), in approximately 45 percent lower than the followed by Ford with 12 percent (817 units) three previous months of this year. Year to and Mitsubishi in third spot with 10 percent date, there has been 106,498 vehicles sold (673 units). compared to 76,572 to the end of August 2020, an overall increase year to date of 39.1 BEVs, PHEVs and hybrids percent (29,926 units).” • There were 328 light and 22 heavy For the month of August, there were 6,746 BEVs registered. vehicles sold compared to 10,610 vehicles • The top selling models were the Tesla in August 2020, a decrease of 36.2 percent Model 3 (191 units), followed by the (3,864 units). MG ZS (56 units) and the Hyundai Kona Putting aside the August decline, the new (31 units). vehicle industry hasn’t got too much to • There were 81 PHEVs registered. complain about really. It has enjoyed some The top selling models were the very good times of late with many distributors Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (28 units), struggling to keep up with ongoing consumer followed by the Mitsubishi Outlander demand largely created by the initial Covid-19 (23 units) and the MG HS (12 units). March 2020 lockdown. It turned out to be • Even though the second half of August something of a financial windfall for the was effectively shut down, hybrids industry overall with consumers spending big continued their strong growth with on new wheels, among other things, in place 804 vehicles registered. The top of overseas travel. The tap was still flowing selling models were the Toyota RAV4 seemingly non-stop at the recent Mystery (219 units) followed by the Toyota Creek Fieldays as well, with reports of order Corolla (150 units) and Toyota Camry books overflowing with orders for new utes. (94 units). Toyota and Lexus together The Government’s recent Clean Car Rebate accounted for 85 percent of the hybrid

The Toyota Corolla was New Zealand’s most popular new car/SUV in August. scheme announcement only added fuel to market in August (689 units). the sales fire with ute sales accelerating Top 15 new vehicle registrations in August almost out of control with many buyers Toyota 1,578 updating early to avoid the upcoming high Ford 817 emission fees to be imposed on these vehicles Mitsubishi 673 from 2022. Mazda 434 When the scheme was initially announced, Suzuki 414 it was considered by many commentators Hyundai 276 to be a tough call on tradies, farmers and Nissan 212 businesses that rely on utes as a necessary Volkswagen 206 business tool, especially when there were no MG 191 “clean” alternatives available to them in the Tesla 189 foreseeable future. But it also had some of the Haval 176 inner city dwellers trading up as well, some in Kia 171 the strange belief they were supporting those Honda 152 who heavily rely on working utes by driving a Mercedes Benz 110 new oil burner to the local supermarket or on Skoda 99 school runs in congested communities. This only left the big ute players in the Top 10 new car/SUV models in August industry rubbing their hands together even Toyota Corolla 441 more, as for every ute sold there is usually Toyota RAV4 302 a mountain-load of expensive accessories Mitsubishi ASX 245 tagged onto the sale. The Clean Car Rebate Tesla Model 3 189 scheme did have its intended benefits as Mazda CX-5 179 well with sales and enquiry for battery Suzuki Swift 168 electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids Mitsubishi Outlander 154 (PHEVs) increasing almost overnight. MG ZS 140 With new vehicle distributors slowly Haval H6 117 catching up on back orders and stock Hyundai Kona 110 shortages, there may well be a continued Top seven commercial vehicles in August levelling of the sales curve that the Ford Ranger 671 industry will need to adapt to moving Toyota Hilux 298 forward, especially if the lockdown in Toyota Hiace 136 Auckland continues. Mitsubishi Triton 125 Key points for the August sales Nissan Navara 81 • There were 350 BEVs, 81 PHEVs and Mazda BT-50 75 804 hybrid vehicles registered. Great Wall GWM Cannon 61 Issue 699966 - 277 September July 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13 Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles

Crossword Puzzle 966

Name: ______

Tel no: ______Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver, mail, or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World check out manager directly. The prize can only be redeemed under Covid-19 Alert Level 2 or lower.

ACROSS DOWN 1. Debate 1. Public disturbance 2. Single entity 7. Coldly analytical 3. Arm bone 8. Liquid 4. Biting flies 10. Large hairy spiders 5. Scamp 12. Craving, ... for 6. Shut 9. Mends (sock) 14. Tinted 11. Keeps up 16. Charged atoms 13. Convent sister 17. Too young 15. Garden-maze wall 20. Milk-jelly dessert 16. Congenital 18. Occurrences 23. Consumed food 19. Remnant 24. Plunders 21. Makes request 25. Adhesives 22. Noble rank Last week’s solution

Last week’s winner - Janet Brown

“Rerenga kōrero o te wiki” (saying of the week) “Arā, titiro!” - “Look, over there - check it out!” Saying of the week supplied by Te Puna Reo o Whitianga - a playgroup with a focus on Māori tikanga and te reo Māori. The group meets every Monday at 9:00am at the old dental clinic at Mercury Bay Area School. All those with pēpi or young tamariki are welcome to join.

Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The accidental drowning of Peter Lynch Informer contributor, Meghan Hawkes, expertly pieced together the final hours of another a bundle of clothes were found on a beach. come adrift. They made two of them fast but historic Coromandel character believed to be laid to rest at the Mercury Bay Cemetery. Alarm bells rang for Edward McDonnell and the third was aground. They left it intending Sixty-three-year-old bushman, Peter Lynch, intended to go over to Coromandel but, as he he headed over to the Waitakuri River camp to go back next high water and fasten it. was up early to cook breakfast on a March had no particular business there, he decided to ask the bushmen there if Peter had passed They then went up the creek to the first morning in 1863. He planned to go to to return home. He also asked if he could take by on his way to Coromandel and to see if boom. Hugh Craig noticed that there was Coromandel and asked his workmate, Edward one of Thomas’s dogs so he could hunt pigs. the bundle found was his. He was told Peter something afloat in the creek on the other McDonnell, for a large handkerchief to take They both left Thomas’s hut together and had had been there but that he had turned back side of the booms. On coming closer they some clothes in. Edward left their hut for walked about 100 yards along the road when for Opitonui. Bushmen now began searching discovered that it was the body of a man. work as Peter was wrapping up his bundle. the dog vanished. Peter was not too bothered for Peter. The back of the head and shoulders were Peter left Opitonui on foot and around and said he would return some time later for Meanwhile Hugh Craig and Thomas above the water. His toes were dragging on 1:00pm came to the hut of Thomas Dunn, it. He left Thomas and set off, but after a short Binns, having made an early start in a boat, the sandbank. They recognised him as Peter another bushman who worked on the distance he called out that he had found the headed up the Opitonui Creek to inspect Lynch. They got him on shore and lay him on Waitakuri River near Whangapoua. He dog which he took with him. About 5:00pm the log booms and see that all was right. the bank. They then took the boat to the upper stayed there about an hour and a half and had the same afternoon the dog returned soaking They expected a change in weather and booms, made her fast and took the track to the some dinner. wet to Thomas where he was working. anticipated enough rain to cause a “fresh” to bushman’s hut about three miles above where Peter’s plans seemed a bit vague. He told Although no more was heard from Peter, force the logs downstream. Peter had been working. Thomas that when he left home he had it was thought he had gone to Coromandel until On their way they found that three logs had When they were about halfway, they were met by two of the bushmen searching for Peter. They all returned to the hut where a note was written to the Resident Magistrate which another man then took to Coromandel. The weary and shocked men had some breakfast, then returned to the booms with a pair of blankets to bind up the body before taking it down to the mill. An inquest found that Peter Lynch met his death by accidentally falling off a boom into a dam and drowning. It was not unusual for men to cross the booms and there was a shallow place in the creek where they generally crossed at low water. But it was probably high water at the time Peter attempted to cross with the dog. His walking stick was discovered dropped on the boom and he was found with his pipe still in his hand. Peter is probably buried at the Mercury Bay cemetery in one of the many A boom of kauri logs in Mercury Bay. Photo courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. unmarked graves.

Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15 Sudoku

Sudoku Puzzle 966

Name: ______

Tel no: ______

Win a $10 Supreme Coffee voucher from Café Coghill House in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Café Coghill House directly. The prize can only be redeemed under Covid-19 Alert Level 2 or lower.

Last week’s solution Last week’s winner - Kay Harrison

Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 Disappointment as “bureaucratic blocks” stall housing efforts By Gillian O’Neill

Frustration is mounting over a lack of progress for our purposes, but still seem to be there in the that can be leased in order to build a house for The staff report also recommended dialogue be on identifying any suitable public land for preferences of staff.” assisted living. opened with the Mercury Bay Bowling Club as the provision of pensioner and assisted living The comments echo those made in April this The report under discussion noted that that regards their long-term plans. However, other accommodation in Whitianga. year when an earlier report on the issue was the MBCF had suggested the site would need than “supporting the aspirations” of the two Despite the Mercury Bay Community Board presented. Board chair, Rekha Giri-Percival, to accommodate six to eight units and be no local groups, the Community Board made no agreeing to consider making a site available, was among the critics at the time saying more than 2km from Monk Street. It provided further resolutions, electing instead to discuss one advocate says multiple reports from the content was not line with some of the comment on seven potential locations. It stated the matter at a workshop later this month. Thames-Coromandel District Council staff conversations around the boardroom table in development at the School Road Reserve would Deputy mayor, Murray McClean, clearly have yet to put forward any realistic option and which the members had signalled a clear desire be “premature” as it was being evaluated as a signalled his concerns about committing to instead persists in highlighting the hurdles and to find a solution. potential site to mitigate stormwater issues pensioner housing at the Bowling Club site difficulties associated with the process. “Our trust has presented to the board for five in the area. A site at the Taputapuatea Stream when there was a lease in place for another The Mercury Bay Community Fund (MBCF) or more years and there is no question that there Reserve was also deemed unsuitable, while 10 years. “It’s too far out to make any of previously identified the School Road Reserve is a demonstrated need for pensioner housing another recreation reserve at 245 Cook Drive those decisions, the whole council will have or the overflow parking area at the Mercury changed by then,” he said. “If we put the land Bay Bowling Club - which leases its site from into pensioner housing, we are tying it up for TCDC - as potential options for a new pensioner perpetuity. It may get used for a swimming pool housing development. The proposal was for a one day, we need to be very cautious.” lease arrangement with no council funding Mrs Giri-Percival said she believed there was being sought. still merit in a discussion around the currently MBCF Trustee, Alison Henry, was scathing under-utilised part of the Bowling Club site in her response to the latest TCDC staff report but emphasised that, if the matter was to on the matter which came before the 18 August Alison Henry of the Mercury Bay Community Fund at the School Road Reserve, one of the workshopped, it should happen sooner rather meeting of the Community Board, which was sites they have identified to be suitable for pensioner housing in Whitianga than later. “They’ve come to us a number of held remotely under Alert Level 4. in this area,” Mrs Henry said. “It is reflected was noted as prone to flooding. times, it has been going around the table for “This report does not provide a review of the in TCDC’s own Positive Aging Strategy. Another option examined was the Cook some time,” she said. Bowling Club site or any other identified site, We provide a lot of facilities for young people Drive Reserve which already accommodates Describing it as a “worthy cause”, board and it is both unfortunate and disappointing in and for sports, but we’d be hard pressed to find Whitianga Social Services and St John. member, Jeremy Lomas, agreed that some sense that it does not give you as a board any guidance what we provide for our aging population.” However, staff recommended the Board gave of urgency was needed. as to how you could or should help,” she said In their case to the Community Board earlier further consideration to sites at 137C Albert It was unanimously agreed to bring the “It looks at all the bureaucratic blocks and this year, the MBCF, which currently operates Street (the White Street Reserve) and 50 existing report back to a board workshop later processes, but does not look at what could be nine pensioner units in Whitianga, reported Robinson Road (the Robinson Road Estuary this month. Councillor Tony Fox said the board possible. It appears to be a cut and paste exercise having 36 people on their waiting list. Reserve), despite stating that the latter may not would need to work out its position on the issue from other documents including casting back to The Mercury Bay Enabling Good Lives Trust be suitable due to limited space for construction. of pensioner housing and where that sat in terms the Robinson Road and White Street reserves has previously addressed and written to the The White Street Reserve would accommodate of the need for open space which would be at a which we have already stated are not suitable Mercury Bay Community Board seeking land just two units. premium in 50 years.

WHITIANGA UPHOLSTERY La-z-boy/Morgan repair agent All aspects of furniture upholstery Car & marine upholstery Free measure & quote Fabric samples available 13 South Highway, Whitianga Phone: Warren or Debbie 866 0178 or 0210 245 3277

Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17 Brain Teaser - Missing Link © Lovatts Puzzles

Brain Teaser Puzzles 966

Name: ______

Tel no: ______

Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail, or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm on Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Café directly. The prize can only be redeemed under Covid-19 Alert Level 2 or lower. Missing Link Instructions - Complete the words in the grid by using each letter of the alpabet once only.

Last week’s solution - Figures of Fun

Last week’s winner - Vanessa Lomas

Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 Business success comes from the head and the heart says Tairua author By Pam Ferla

Tairua resident and businessman, It was while lecturing during the mid-80s Kiyoshi Suzaki, reckons business decisions that Kiyoshi developed the idea of increasing should come from the heart as well as the efficiency through mini companies within brain, and he has written a book about it. organisations, where workers are empowered The book, “Results from the Heart”, to self-manage. He began writing books has been endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai and lecturing on his business philosophies. Lama, who wrote in the foreword, “I agree He believes people may have abilities that with Kiyoshi that if we all learned to use the are not being acknowledged or used by brain, but at the same time to listen to the employers and sees this as a waste of talent. heart, we could make our world a happier, A deep-thinking kind of person, Kiyoshi more peaceful and successful place.” mixes his curiosity for life with a stillness that As a business consultant, Japanese born may come from the influence of meditation Kiyoshi has promoted his philosophy and Zen. About 25 years ago he visited New worldwide through his writing and lectures. Zealand, loved it and decided to return. His publications have been translated into 12 Now he has a home on Tairua’s Mount Paku languages and he shares many of his ideas where he can relax in his hammock and enjoy via YouTube. He is currently developing the expansive views of offshore islands and a software program aimed at empowering the Pacific. people to identify their aspirations and talents, A tall man with an easy smile, and work towards their goals in life. the 73-year-old has an inquisitive nature and Author, Kiyoshi Suzaki, at home in Tairua. “Artificial intelligence is like meditation,” enjoys meeting people - including through Kiyoshi says. “It synthesises and brings find the inspiration to follow it through. I also like robots, the job of each worker can be hitchhiking. “Whenever such occasion arises, clarity. And by incorporating AI in the believe that our imagination can be powerful endowed with a deeper meaning if people I love the possibilities this brings,” he smiles. software project I’m working on, I aim to in helping us achieve if we first explore and see themselves as president of their own area “The people I meet are so interesting.” help people achieve clarity about themselves imagine what we want.” of responsibility. This can bring increased The word “interesting” crops up a lot in and their personalities. I want to help them The martial arts enthusiast sits cross-legged morale and increased productivity. Kiyoshi’s conversations. Close to his home be sincere and truthful about themselves, with ease as he explains the rationale behind Kiyoshi - known to friends as Kio - grew there is a narrow path leading down to the then chart their findings and work towards his book. “I believe that to find meaning up in a traditional Japanese family with rules sea, and this is where he loves to dive and continuous improvement. and purpose at work we must use our brain, and expectations. But as an adventurous fish. He also enjoys painting and has an “We are living in a turbulent environment. but also listen to our heart,” he says. young man, he felt restricted by tradition and eclectic mix of styles decorating the walls I want people to feel empowered and able to Results from the Heart offers questions that longed to follow a different path. An engineer of his home. A few are traditional Japanese, adjust their behaviour towards reaching their determine how much our brain is actually by trade, he eventually left Japan, travelled to some are portraits and others of nature. He is goal. Of course, this takes willpower and they engaged with our heart. It demonstrates that America, studied at Stanford University and currently working on a large painting of the may need to dig deeper into themselves to in a larger workplace, instead of feeling started a business. ocean and what lies beneath.

Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19 Coastguard News

Last month was obviously impacted by obviously subject to our area being in an Covid, thus there hasn’t been too much water- appropriate Covid alert level. based activity. Our additional Coastguard vessel We had three call-outs of a general nature (from the America’s Cup) has been delayed prior to lockdown, one being to tow a boat by a couple of months due to the short supply that was six nautical miles over the 12 of various items required to complete the nautical mile limit of the Coastguard rescue fitout. Prior to this latest lockdown, we were vessel survey certificates. While over our expecting it around late November. However, survey limits, the Whitianga Coastguard Unit planning of the fitout has been ongoing and will still attend these call-outs as we would hopefully, fingers crossed, we will have this rather act in a preventative manner than have boat sometime in December. it evolve into an urgent call-out. The third year of our Alan Jackson Now would be a good time to start Memorial Cadet Programme has been planning boat maintenance in preparation completed and planning is starting soon for for the upcoming summer season, especially next year’s programme. Congratulations given the current supply shortage and again to all the cadets for their efforts and for delays in receiving equipment that are passing the course. being experienced. Our AGM has been postponed until Safe boating, Saturday, 25 September at 11:00am in the Stuart Brown Whitianga Coastguard shed. This date is President, Whitianga Coastguard Unit

The Whitianga Coastguard cadets who have recently completed the 2021 Alan Jackson Memorial Cadet Programme.

Classifieds and Public Notices

situations vacant

Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 Classifieds and Public Notices situations vacant TO LET

Greenshell™ Mussel Processor South Highway, Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula OPC has introduced the living wage for 21/22 season. Minimum starting rate $22.75/hour. APPLICATIONS NOW INVITED: MUSSEL OPENERS • Starting rate $22.75/hour. • Our current contract mussel openers are consistently being paid from $25 to $40/hour. • 10-month season with breakfast provided daily. • Dayshift processing 6am to 3pm Monday to Friday. APPLICATIONS NOW INVITED: HYGIENE ASSISTANTS

• Starting rate $23.50/hour, fully trained rate $27.50/hour. STORAGE SHEDS, various sizes, dry and secure. Affordable rates. • 10-month season with food provided daily. Ph: 0800 944 660 • Afternoon shift times 3.30pm to approximately 10pm Monday to Friday. STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 , 17 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258 At OPC our people are our most valuable resource. Container It Self Storage , Self storage/boat storage, Matarangi - Kuaotunu. Ph: 07 866 5693 OPC operates a WorkWell programme where your well-being matters. STORAGE OPC offers an EAP programme to assist you with any issues requiring specialist advice. Please apply online at www.opcolumbia.co.nz (start date subject to Covid levels).

SITUATIONS VACANT

Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21 Classifieds and Public Notices community bus DOG GROOMING PUBLIC NOTICES

MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY BUS For your door to door travel to hospitals and medical-related facilities. HOLISTIC HEALTH Public, DHB and private. Waikato, Tauranga, INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER WORKSHOP FACILITATOR Thames Auckland. TAROT CARD READINGS To book phone 07 866 4993 or SPIRITUAL MENTOR 867 1333 or 021 0270 6897 CLAIRVOYANT Advertisement sponsored VERNA (027) 320 0079 by the Mercury Bay Club vernacarrspiritualhealing.com

death notice

SPEAR, Margaret Eileen (The Rev) (nee Bright) Passed away peacefully on the 30th August 2021 at Continuing Care Rest Home, Whitianga, in her 93rd year. Dearly loved wife of the late Rev John Spear (), and loved mother of her late children, Janet, Alison and Peter. Very much loved mother and mother-in-law of Noeline and Ian (Whitianga), and Grandma of six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Due to current restrictions Margaret has had a private cremation. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Our very special thanks to Louise and the staff at Whitianga Continuing Care for their love and care of Mum over the past four years. Communications to the Boardman family, 27 Tarapatiki Drive, Whitianga 3510. TWENTYMANS

HEALTH AND NUTRITION WANTED

Vehicles wanted Top cash paid for any VANS, UTES, TRUCKS, 4X4s, CARS - dead or alive, damaged, de-registered, PROPERTY SERVICES/PROJECTS BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM mechanical problem, WITH THE BEST NUTRITION Stay healthy. no WOF - we buy it. Phone 027 947 8311 or email Call 0800 333 398 [email protected] WORK WANTED WORK WANTED

HOUSE WASHING Detergent Soft Wash, Handyman Services. Phone Russell Short on 866 2097 or 0273 602 937 WORK WANTED Rubbish Removal Trees, Lawns, Garden Bags Phone John 866 5511 DAVE’S DRAINAGE THE BESS HANDZ EMBROIDERED MONOGRAMS MIKE’S MOWING Drainlaying, Public & Private, Alterations, repairs, $25 empty sections, fortnightly 1.8 Ton Digger Hire. zip and hem service. or monthly mowing. 30 Years Experience. Phone 866 5277 Free edge spraying. Phone Mike or Deb 866 4678 Free Quotes or Advice. or 027 320 1703. Call Dave 027 727 0348 [email protected] Mercury Bay Spouting For all types of guttering and spouting Tony 021 505 109

coromandel garage doors For new doors, auto openers and full maintenance and repair service. Phone Don McLean 022 453 2188 Email [email protected] www.corogaragedoors.co.nz

Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The sheer size of one of the world’s largest superyachts Mercury Bay Boating Club (MBBC) commodore, Jonathan Kline, travelled back to his native home of America during the month of August. While there, he was invited to sail in one of the superyacht regattas he frequented in previous years, the Newport Bucket (now called the Safe Harbour Race Weekend), held in the waters off Newport, Rhode Island. On the same weekend that MBBC keelboat sailors were battling it out in Round 6 of the club’s Polar Bear competition, Jonathan was on the flybridge of the 200ft sloop, Perseus ^3 (the symbol means “cubed”). Designed by New Zealander (and recent MBBC guest speaker, Ron Holland) and built by the Perini Navi Shipyard in Italy, Perseus ^3’s dimensions are hard to believe. With an air draft of 78m, she cannot get under the bridge that spans the Panama Canal. To get to the Pacific, she must round Cape Horn or the Cape of Good Hope. Nor can she get under the Verrazano Bridge in New York City or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The Auckland Harbour Bridge would only allow half of her mast to pass beneath. Her carbon mast combined with her 23m boom and carbon bowsprit allow Perseus ^3 to fly an astonishing 4,100m² of sail downwind, much of which comes from the A2 spinnaker, the largest ever built. That sail alone has a sail area of just over 2,600m² or well over half an acre. The fully battened mainsail, which weighs in at 873kg, has a sheet load of 35 tons, that means the winches must have a pulling power of 70,000lb. For this regatta, as some of the regular crew could not travel due to Covid, the skipper elected to use the reacher sail, instead of the spinnaker. With her “light sail wardrobe”, Perseus ^3 only needed 20 crew. When the spinnaker and spinnaker staysail come in to play, 30 crew are required. Two days of racing in 10 to 16kt of true wind made for some spectacular sailing across a fleet of varied boats, from the massive Perseus P^3 and the graceful J-Class, Hanuman, to the elegant baby of the fleet at 23m, Wild Horses. The Informer will next week publish an interview with Jonathan about his perceptions of the Covid-19 pandemic in the USA and MIQ in Perseus ^3, one of the world’s largest superyachts, during a regatta that was last month held in the New Zealand. waters off Newport, Rhode Island, USA. Photo by Becky Chen.

Issue 966 - 7 September 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23