Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000 Scheduled air service to later this year By Tony Stickley

Whitianga will later this year have a daily a lot of sense for us and we think we will be scheduled air service connecting the town quite successful with it.” directly to , with its relatively Mr Bacon said that flying into Auckland easy connections to the rest of the city. Airport was considerably more convenient From mid-December, is than Ardmore in terms of connectivity with planning to start operating two flights a day, rental cars, buses or people being picked up. one in either direction, in an ultra-modern, Recommissioning the GPS approach to turbine engine-powered Cessna Grand would also provide a level of Caravan, which will whisk passengers to their dependability, as planes could fly in pretty destination in a smidgen over 20 minutes. much all weather, using instruments to The new service will appeal to people navigate. “It is a much better experience wanting to avoid the road journey over the for passengers because they are above the hills between Whitianga and Kopu and then weather,” Mr Bacon said. the gridlocked Southern Motorway. It will In addition, the Grand Caravan offered a also find favour with people who currently high degree of comfort and safety. “Being a use charter aircraft to and from Ardmore 14-seater, they offer a really nice passenger Airport, which is not ideally located so far experience,” Mr Bacon said. “They have south of Auckland. leather seats and air conditioning and all Barrier Air CEO, Grant Bacon, said they the latest safety equipment, which provides were looking to operate six or seven days a good experience compared to some a week. smaller planes. In preparation for the new service, Barrier Ticket prices would be a little over or under Air is recommissioning the Whitianga $80 one way, depending on peaks and troughs, Airfield’s GPS approach, meaning the planes and passengers would likely be allowed 20kg can fly in almost all weather as visibility will baggage and 7kg carry-on. not be an issue. However, as there are no Planes would overnight in Whitianga, landing lights at Whitianga, the planes will probably leaving around 7:30am and only operate during daylight hours. returning from Auckland at 5:00pm in Barrier Air will be drawing on its experience summer or 4:30pm in winter. in flying between Auckland Airport and both Mr Bacon said they had worked closely and Kaitaia in Northland, with the Aero Club, the owner and between North Shore Airport and of the Whitianga Airfield, and had also kept Great Barrier. the Civil Aviation Authority informed of Currently the airline operates three 14-seat their proposals. Cessna Grand Caravans and is in the process Barrier Air had also discussed its plans with of purchasing a fourth for the Whitianga Thames-Coromandel District Council which route. In peak season it has 35 or 36 staff was keen to promote the new service for Barrier Air CEO, Grant Bacon, at one of the airline’s Cessna Caravans. members, but this will rise to 37 when the the town and the benefits it would bring for The airline plans to start a scheduled service between Whitianga and Auckland new service comes on stream. local businesses. Airport using the Caravans later this year. Mr Bacon said that their experience with Local tourism operators would reap the the Kaitaia route since 2015 made them in Kaitaia and we think that we are ready for this route will actually be easier, because rewards, not just from day trippers but also confident that Whitianga would be at least as another route and we think that Whitianga is Whitianga has a bigger population base and from visitors who might want to stay two successful. “It is a town that is going places the place to be. the drive to Auckland is arguably worse, or three nights in Whitianga. “We will be and it is a community with a lot of ties to “Whitianga is something that we had been having to battle traffic. offering accommodation packages, so we Auckland,” he told The Informer. “We have talking about for a while. Following the “So, it is a similar type of journey [by road will be putting tourism dollars into the town,” actually built up quite a successful operation success we have had with Kaitaia, I think compared to Kaitaia] and that is why it makes Mr Bacon said.

Distributed throughout the , coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz Final act of kindness from a true community man By Suzanne Hansen Earlier this year, Alan Arbuckle, a long-time past community contributions. Glenn remembers his a single block story under it, and then lowered optimism, Alan dove into a long treatment plan resident of Whitianga, who in life was known time with Alan at the Mercury Bay Golf Club the original house to create a two-story home which gave him much more time than expected. for his generosity and community service, where Alan was instrumental in keeping all of the with panoramic views of the Bay. He enjoyed He eventually moved to Ohinemuri Resthome in made his last contribution to two Mercury electrics going, often negotiating underground welcoming and entertaining his extended family Paeroa because it was closer to family. He was Bay organisations - the Mercury Bay Golf cables where people had unwisely planted trees. and their friends, especially on the front balcony, happy there and lived a simple life of playing Club and St John - as well as the Alan would sometimes dig for days to find the where the nieces and nephews and guests would housie, reading the paper and walking around Cancer Society. origins of faults to fix. spend many summer evenings with a beverage the grounds. The generous bequests in his will, made In 1984, the Golf Club purchased the land in hand watching the many passers-by. Alan passed away on 21 November 2019 through Alan’s lawyer, was the final gesture that is now the back nine, financed by member When Alan sold Mercury Bay Electrical in and at his funeral was remembered by Grant of community kindness from a man known in debentures. In 2004, Alan generously forgave 1991, he retired and took up a new passion of as “a man of great humility, never thinking of Whitianga for giving his time and resources to his $6,000 debenture. According to Glenn, Alan cruising and travel. Grant says his uncle loved himself.” so many. was a quiet man who had a wry sense of humour the life on cruise ships, wearing his tuxedo to According to Graham Eccles, president of the Born on an orchard in Richmond Nelson, and enjoyed the camaraderie of the game. dinners and events, and even did a 109-day Mercury bay Golf Club, Alan’s bequest to the the only boy with five sisters, Alan was schooled Alan’s nephew, Grant Signal, said that the trip around the world. Plans for another cruise club “will be put to good use.” and trained as an electrician in Feilding. Golf Club was a happy place for Alan who loved a few years ago were unfortunately interrupted Alan’s contribution to St John was used in the One weekend in the early 1960s Alan and a golf, although golf did not always love Alan or by a dire cancer diagnosis. But with his usual purchase of the new Mercury Bay Health Shuttle. friend travelled to Whitianga on holiday and he treat him kindly. immediately fell in love with the area. He went A long-term member of the Lions, back to Feilding, sold everything and came Alan joined the organisation in Feilding in 1963 to Whitianga permanently. He got a job with and transferred his membership to Whitianga Mercury Bay Electrical and rented a room in a in 1970. When he transferred, it was noted on boarding house. He joined several community his membership form that, “Alan has been a groups and became the “go to man” for numerous particularly good Lion in our club. He has been working bees and fix-it jobs. a very willing worker and accepted many special Alan’s deep connections with the community jobs for projects and carried them out willingly spanned but was not limited to the Mercury and efficiently.” Bay Golf Club, the Whitianga Lions and Kauri During his time with the Whitianga Lions, 2000, and he was an original investor in getting Alan served in many leadership positions, the Whitianga Marina project started. He even including vice-president in 1975 and president had a berth in the marina, although he never from 1976 to 1977. had a boat. As former Thames-Coromandel Over his 52 years as a Lion, although Alan District Council mayor, Glenn Leach, said, received a number of awards and accolades, “Alan belonged to everything he needed to fellow Lion Gordon Barnaby remembers Alan belong to, to keep the community running.” as humble man, a quiet bachelor who never A respected businessman, Alan had the sought kudos. opportunity to buy Mercury Bay Electrical In 1981, Alan bought 10 Buffalo Beach Road in 1980 and ran that until 1991 when it was in Whitianga, which at the time was a modest purchased by 100% Electrical. Throughout single story house on the beachfront. A keen Long-time past resident of Whitianga, Alan Arbuckle, passed away on 21 November 2019. that time, his electrical skills were sought after project man, it wasn’t long before he started to Two Mercury Bay organisations - the Mercury Bay Golf Club and St John - and utilised in his trade, but even more in his rebuild. He lifted the house off the ground to build received generous bequests in his will earlier this year.

What’s happening in the night ? Night sky information provided and sponsored by Week of Wednesday, 5 May to Wednesday, 12 May - This week we have a great chance to see a meteor shower, the Eta Aquarids, which are tiny specks from the ring of ice and dust left by Halley’s comet as it travels around the Sun. From 5 to 7 May, the Earth will pass through the thickest part of this material and after midnight on those nights or just before dawn will be the best time to see any slightly yellowish meteors which will be travelling fast and could even leave a trail in the sky. They should shoot by at one or two per minute. The International Space Station (ISS) makes some good passes this week and bright Jupiter and fainter Saturn are high in the pre-dawn sky. Wednesday, 5 May - The Moon now sits just above and to the right of bright Jupiter with Saturn in the early morning or late evening sky. Look for meteors before dawn coming from near Jupiter and Saturn. Thursday, 6 May - The Moon is now below both Jupiter and Saturn in the pre-dawn sky, while the ISS can be seen from 6:22pm low in the SW. Look for meteors before dawn in this region. Astronomy Tours and B&B Saturday, 8 May - A bright ISS pass tonight from 6:24pm in the SW. Look for meteors before dawn. Monday, 10 May - A good ISS pass tonight from Phone (07) 866 5343 6:27pm in the west passing just above Orion. Wednesday, 12 May - A very low ISS pass tonight from 6:30pm in the NW. www.stargazersbb.com

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Page 2 - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 New tractor for Whitianga Coastguard’s AC36 boat

The Whitianga Coastguard unit is privileged to have been allocated one of the 9m Protector boats that were used as chase and safety vessels in the recent America’s Cup (AC36) in Auckland. The 26 vessels have largely been funded by Lotteries grants with the purpose of being allocated to Coastguard units around New Zealand after the AC36 sailing has concluded. The AC36 boat will join Te Morehu, the Whitianga unit’s current 9m vessel, as a second primary rescue vessel. Delivery of the boat is expected in August. On Wednesday last week, the unit took ownership of a brand-new Kubota tractor that will be used to tow the AC36 boat. “Our vessels all need their own individual towing appliances, hooked up and ready to go when we receive a call-out,” says Graham Caddy, Whitianga Coastguard operations coordinator. “Generous support of Kubota New Zealand and Central Motors Ngatea, the Kubota dealer covering the Coromandel, made it possible for us to acquire the tractor. TRS Tyre and Wheel has also chipped in to ensure the tractor was fitted with upgraded with tyres more suitable for what we’ll be using it for.” Kubota New Zealand was also the main sponsor of the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club’s Billfish Classic tournament. “Kubota’s involvement in the Mercury Bay area is quite exceptional,” says Graham. “Not only are they supporting our recreational anglers to have a good time out on the ocean, they’re also ensuring we can get to those anglers as soon as possible should any of them ever get into trouble on the water.” Pictured are those who were present when the tractor was delivered on Wednesday. From the left - Stuart Brown (Whitianga Coastguard president), Mark Browne of Central Motors Ngatea, Hamish Lim of Kubota New Zealand, and Whitianga Coastguard members Graham Caddy, Steve O’Neill and Niels Dijkstra.

Issue 948699 - 427 May July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3 Coromandel baches take honours at regional Architecture Awards

Success in forging a comfortable relationship with their surroundings was a common theme The house, a four-bedroom family beach retreat, was designed by Strachan Group Architects, supporting two northern Coromandel baches to secure honours at the recently-announced / constructed by North Coromandel Builders and inspired by a typical New Zealand red shed on the Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards. opposite river bank. Waiapapa Bach (pictured left), located in , and Hill to Horizon (pictured right) at Otama Hill to Horizon at was described as “…cleverly modelled with a mannered response Beach were both selected as regional winners in the house category of the annual awards presented to the surrounding neighbourhood, this holiday house fits easily into its rural, coastal setting. by the New Zealand Institute of Architects The stained cedar cladding changes colour with the light, lending a mutable versatility to the exterior. The judges described how the Whangapoua home spoke to its surroundings “…with scoria-red The well-appointed and comfortable interior and outdoor living spaces ably cater for a couple or a corrugated iron and walnut-stained cedar cladding recalling the classic Kiwi farm shed. holiday crowd. The quality of the bathrooms is particularly worthy of mention. Both restful and lively, this is a house of many moods.” “The house nestles into its location next to the Pungapunga river and responds sympathetically to the landscape beyond. Everything is considered, from exceptional detailing to spaces that are The house was designed by Studio Brick Architects and Lloyd Hartley Architects. both functional and inviting, from multi-use bedrooms to an open-plan entertaining area. Outdoor A total of three of the seven category winners were on the Coromandel with a bach in Whangamata rooms with screen actuators mimic the ritualistic aspects of camping while retaining access to the also featuring, prompting the award organisers to specifically note the increased volume of houses comforts of modern living.” being built on the Peninsula.

Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5 The Small-time Investor By Whitianga resident, Max Ross

Okta My shares are up 8.69 percent, which is partners and contractors. This allows you $361.99. It’s a small pullback from last week. to give them more or less access to your The markets are steadily back on an uptrend company’s information. What do they need with some dips and troughs to be expected. and what adds value to the relationship, I’m happy with the returns and it’s good to be but doesn’t give away too much? Customers back into positive returns. can easily register and log in using Okta Nineteen of my picks are up and 14 are software so they can buy or signup to your down. My biggest winner is Tesla, up 48.1 business online. percent, followed by SmartPay, up 34.8 The adoption of mobile and cloud means percent. My biggest loser is still Plexure, that a company can no longer have a network- down 39.7 percent, followed by Microstrategy, based view of security. Instead, they need down 32 percent. Last week’s purchase of to securely enable access for various users Eroad has done really well and is up 12.53 regardless of their location, device or network. percent already. This then needs to be updated and checked all This week, I am investing my $75 into an the time without the users realising it. American technology company called Okta. They partner with a number of other They write software that helps larger firms software businesses and as these partnerships manage access control. Large firms with lots grow and expand, Okta’s moat and usefulness of employees that are constantly changing will hopefully snowball. More than 10,000 need clever ways to manage who has access to which computer systems, information, organisations trust Okta’s software and APIs documents and applications. Okta provides a to sign in, authorise and manage users. solution that easily links users to resources. With security and identity management Okta provides an Application Programming being a growth area, I’m investing my $75 this Interface (API) that allows other software to week into Okta. use its functionality. This means that if you Please remember that what I write in this are writing business software and you don’t column is all my personal opinion. Many want to write all the software for identity of my investments are losing money. I am management, then you can link in the API sharing my thoughts and strategies so you from Okta and use their systems for this part can learn from my mistakes. Be careful with of your software. APIs are really common in your money. modern software and it is a great way to add If you wish to join in and buy shares using functionality to your software without writing online platform, Sharesies, you can use everything from scratch. this link - https://sharesies.nz/r/KHQQWP. Okta is not only for your staff, it also allows You and I will each get $5 into our Sharesies you to manage the identity of customers, accounts.

Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Local Flavour By Joanna Mannington - Food and nutrition teacher at Mercury Bay Area School

Sustainable is attainable Stop Food Waste Day was on Wednesday, Whitianga is 25 years behind many other regions food waste reduction measures. each shop and meal? Combining better waste 28 April. If anything, COVID-19 has highlighted in New Zealand that already are implementing • Feeding people - One in nine people management with eating fewer animal products the value of food and the fragility of our strategic plans for waste management and in the world is undernourished. will have further positive impacts on the food systems. minimisation activities. For example, Waipā Redistributing food through food rescue environment. Meat-free Mondays or Meatless Shortly after Auckland’s last lockdown, I was District Council aims to change attitudes to charities significantly assists people who May provide an opportunity to give this a try. fortunate enough to attend the New Zealand waste in Waipā by - face food insecurity. Buying food with less packaging is another Food Waste Summit in Auckland. With an • Changing the view of waste as a problem Whitianga currently has a window of proactive move. estimated 30 percent of food not making it from to waste as a resource so there is no waste opportunity to design our new resource recovery In the meantime, try this recipe. The chutney the paddock or packhouse to the plate and food at all. centre to include food waste composting. is roasted in the oven until everything has waste being responsible for 25 to 30 percent • Building resource recovery capacity so that What other tangible differences can we make reduced and caramelised. of household carbon emissions, addressing waste is reused and recycled back into the food waste is a logical place to start being community and the local economy. more sustainable. Roasted Feijoa Chutney • Collecting, monitoring and using waste Currently all Whitianga’s waste is trucked Ingredients data to plan for the future. over to the Waikato. Imagine the impact that 3kg feijoas, peeled and roughly chopped What is Thames-Coromandel District Council trucking 30 percent less waste over the hill 1.2kg onions, peeled and thinly sliced or chopped would have on just methane and CO2 emissions and Whitianga’s food strategy? By tackling 8 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped alone. If local households had the ability to food waste, Whitianga would win threefold - 150g ginger, peeled and grated/chopped collect organic waste for central composting or environmentally, economically and socially. 1.5kg light brown sugar vermiculture, our community could utilise the • Environmentally - Food loss and waste 2 dessert spoons salt resulting compost resource in local markets or currently contribute to eight percent of 300ml cider vinegar council gardens. global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing 1 quill cinnamon, broken up roughly Whitianga is at the very end of the food food waste is ranked as the third best global 6 green cardamom pods, crushed supply chain. We need to grow more of our food solution in addressing climate change. 6 star anise for our own food security as well as reduce the • Saving money - Economic losses from food 2 tablespoons coriander seeds costs trucking it to Whitianga. In the event of a waste are estimated at USD940 billion per 1 dessert spoon dried chilli flakes fuel shortage or transport issues in the future, year. Food businesses could face a 14-fold Method we would be more self-sufficient. return on their investment if they introduce Mix all ingredients together and leave covered in non-reactive roasting dishes overnight. Next day, place in an oven preheated to 180C°. Cook the chutney for two to three hours, stirring from time to time. It's ready when the liquid has mostly evaporated and the onions and fruit have started to caramelise. Taste for seasoning, then spoon into very hot sterilised recycled jars and seal. Let them cool down, then store in a fridge or very cool room away from the sun. Leave for at least a week before using. NB if you wish to speed the process up you can start cooking the chutney in a large pot to heat and reduce then transfer to the roasting dish to caramelize.

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Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7 Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Board Talk By the Mercury Bay Area School Board of Trustees

Much to be proud of There is much to be proud of in how our clearly and listen to others. community responded to the COVID-19 In the senior years, a major piece of ongoing pandemic. One stand-out is how our kura work has been to develop a way of measuring managed through lockdown and how we what matters. What is success, what does it coped with the constraints that was put on look like, sound like and feel like? Discussions our students, teachers and parents. It is all the focused on confidence, self-awareness, critical more remarkable that against this backdrop our and creative thinking, and the ability to navigate school achieved so much. the future. The teaching staff quickly pivoted Below I have tried to summarise the reports to provide learning for students with NCEA which were presented to the Board of Trustees Levels 1, 2 and 3 on their horizons. The success by the deputy principals - Anne-Maree of the students and teachers’ efforts in 2020 McDougall for the Primary Years, Jenny Bloom can be seen in the 57 students who completed for the Middle Years and Mike Wilkinson for formalised work experience placements which the Senior Years. My thanks to them. resulted in volunteering, apprenticeships, In the Primary Years, during 2020 we focused and part-time and full-time employment. The our attention on those things that matter Gateway programme saw seven students move most - wellbeing, connections between school into apprenticeships. and whānau and the need to maximise on the time The success of Mercury Bay Area School and resources available. There were significant students at NCEA is notable. Sixty percent of improvements in writing, mathematics and last years’ Year 11 students achieved NCEA statistics across the primary years and really Level 1 with Excellence or Merit compared promising signs that the level of te reo Māori to a national average of 53 percent. Forty-five across the primary school is rising. On the percent of last years’ Year 12 students achieved pastoral side there is a counsellor available NCEA Level 2 with Excellence or Merit for primary students to support wellbeing and compared with a national average of 42 percent helping to develop a culture of seeking support and 50 percent of last year’s Year 13 students when needed. achieved NCEA Level 3 Excellence or Merit In the middle years, there was outstanding compared with a national average of 44 percent. commitment from staff who worked through The challenges of 2020 were unprecedented the holidays in order to have educational and the response by our kura was outstanding. programmes available to students during I want to acknowledge the commitment of our lockdown. Staff embraced trying new things and students, teachers and whānau to the collective using technology in different ways to deliver wellbeing of the school community, and to learning. One of the aims in the middle years learning and achievement. is to develop confident thinkers and reflective It is so easy to take for granted what is there learners. Achievement of this is monitored in before us every day, but you have to step back responses to four dispositional statements so and try to see it with fresh eyes to realise that that by Year 10 the vast majority of students there is nothing more important than the making feel that they take responsibility for their own of confident, capable, creative, self-aware learning, understand the needs and strengths of people able to navigate the future. others, reflect on, persevere with and improve Dan Asquith their learning, and can communicate their ideas Chair Mercury Bay Area School Board of Trustees Catherine’s Column By Catherine Delahunty - Coromandel Peninsula resident and former Green Party MP

Remembering and forgetting I always find this time of year a bit hard to to a gulf between ourselves and our cousins deal with. ANZAC Day comes and no one whose fathers were in the territorials. wants to talk about the current wars or even I think it’s important to remember the the real reasons for wars like World War I. people we have lost, but also to ask why they No one wants to talk about the post-traumatic died and what impact did that really have on stress which affects frontline soldiers and the the next generations. effects on their families. We individualise The impact of war on women (if not nurses, sacrifice which might make us feel less terrible spies or soldiers) gets a low profile. We do not about young lives taken, but it’s not as if the talk about raped women and their children young soldiers are consulted about strategy. although they suffer in every war. We do not If they had been consulted about Gallipolli, talk about the violence women sometimes they might have refused to participate. experience from traumatised men who come What are the effects of war and military life home volatile and damaged. We do not talk on the following generations? We are used about rape as a weapon used in the attacks to minimising the impacts on families, but a on Parihaka to the more recent mayhem in quick look at my ancestry tells me a different Kosovo, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. We do story. My Irish ancestors came to Thames out not talk about the role of our own armies, of desperation. They carried the scars of the always claiming the moral high ground which English military occupation of their country, we might hope is well-deserved, but if not not to mention the English Parliament’s scrutinised cannot be assumed. complete and deliberate failure to mitigate I knew a SIS soldier who lost a foot in a famine in their home county of Tipperary. bomb blast in Afghanistan and nothing he They were survivors of an ongoing war told me reassured me as to why we were of occupation. fighting there, let alone why the USA was My English grandfather was born in India there. Nobody won that war, but no doubt into the ruling British Raj who were occupying some arms manufacturers have done okay out India and he grew up to be a doctor and a of it. Colonel in the Indian Army. His twin brother My father-in-law spent four years in a was killed fighting on the Afghani border. prisoner of war camp during World War II. Our first ancestor to live in India came out He was traumatised and unsupported. He from Devon in 1810 to be a soldier for the East refused to go to ANZAC Day events. I feel I India Company. Militarism in the defence of should honour his experience which shattered capitalism is part of our inheritance. many aspects of his life. I feel that I could go My mother was deeply affected by growing to an event if it was really about peace. But if up in a military family living in military it was about peace, it would not be run by the compounds, surrounded by parades and military but by the peacemakers, those who guns and rigid authoritarian rules. She hated have rejected violence and will talk honestly all violence and rejected all militarism, about who benefits from wars. Until those but it certainly affected her life and also led voices are privileged, I am staying at home. Issue 699948 - 274 May July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9 Pharmacy staff give COVID-19 jab the thumbs up By Gillian O’Neill

Frontline health workers on the Coromandel and some are bit scared,” Jacqui says. have begun rolling up their sleeves for the “So it’s nice to be able to put people’s minds COVID-19 vaccine with two staff members at rest by letting them know we have had it at Mercury Bay Pharmacy among those who done and it was absolutely fine.” have received the first jab. Waikato District Health Board is Jacqui Asplin and Julie Denning-Kemp coordinating the vaccine delivery travelled to the vaccination clinic at Thames programme locally and Jacqui says this Hospital on Wednesday last week to receive will be stepped up in the coming weeks the first of two doses of the Pfizer vaccine in with the vaccine also being administered what say was an easy and painless process. in Whitianga. “They are working through “It was super easy,” Jacqui says. the process of compiling lists of all those “Our appointment was at 9:30am, we had who want to have it, because it is voluntary, some forms to fill in, we answered some then they will know how much vaccine medical history questions and then we supply they will need and they will come were called in, it was over before I knew it, and do the vaccinations here,” she said. I didn’t even feel the injection.” The DHB had contacted healthcare Pharmacy staff are included in Group 2, providers inviting them to provide details the current phase of the vaccine schedule of staff who wished to be vaccinated. which, along with frontline health workers, “From there it was a really simple process,” includes long-term residential care staff and Jacqui says. “I sent through the names residents, and older Māori or Pacific people and the next day they sent me through a being cared for by whānau. choice of available times, and then we just Vaccines for Group 3 are due to commence booked in. later this month and will target people aged “Obviously, our whole staff couldn’t go 65 or older, those with disabilities, pregnant at the same time, so Julie and I decided we women, anyone with a relevant underlying would go first. It felt quite significant when health condition and people living in I got that email saying your COVID-19 custodial settings such as prisons. vaccination time is confirmed. It has been “We are getting close to having this rolled such a tough year and we’ve waited so long out to the wider public and we have lots of to get to this point so it was quite exciting customers asking us questions about the to realise that it is actually happening, the Mercury Bay Pharmacy staff member, Jacqui Asplin, after she has received vaccine, some aren’t sure what it involves vaccine is here and the process is underway.” her first COVID-19 vaccination shot at Thames Hospital last week.

Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Thumbs up to COVID-19 jab

As well as reasons linked to their jobs, proactive in encouraging its members both Jacqui and Julie say there was a personal to take up the offer of the COVID-19 aspect to their decision to be vaccinated. vaccine as soon as it was available to them. “I would really like to travel again, hopefully “We circulated an email to all our members in the not too distant future, and I think it’s which had been sent out by the Grey Power likely that being vaccinated could become NZ Federation Health National Advisory a requirement for that in some places,” Group,” she says. “We 100 percent support Jacqui says. “I did read the information their recommendation that members protect about the vaccine and did some research themselves and others in the community by beforehand, and I was confident it was the being vaccinated.” right thing to do.” “We are all aware that vaccinations are Apart from some mild soreness at the the most effective way of protecting not injection site, typical of any vaccination, only ourselves but also those around us,” both ladies say they had no symptoms or the National Advisory Group stated. “This is side effects. “We went and had a coffee and another way we can continue to be part of a wander around Goldfields Mall wearing the ‘team of 5 million’ doing our duty to try our stickers saying I’ve had the COVID-19 to eradicate this virus from the community. vaccine, they even gave us a lollypop,” Many of our seniors already utilise the Jacqui laughs. various immunisation programmes available With flu season underway, Jacqui also to ensure our children, grandchildren and suggests that over 65s who are keen to have great-grandchildren are protected from the the flu vaccine did so as soon as possible so many illnesses which are part of our day to they were ready to receive the COVID-19 day living. vaccine as soon as they became eligible. “In recommending the vaccine to our “That’s because there needs to be a two- seniors, it is also timely to remind them that week wait between the two vaccines, so it we must continue to use the contact tracing just makes sense to get the flu vaccine done app, sign into premises, wearing a mask so you won’t have to put off your COVID-19 when out and about on public transport, vaccine when the time comes,” she says. social distancing, washing our hands, staying Both vaccines are free. home if sick and if necessary getting tested.” Merle Edwards from Grey Power Vaccination for the general public is Whitianga says the organisation was being scheduled to begin in July.

Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11 Stay or go? The question looming for Coromandel’s coastal communities By Gillian O’Neill

A managed retreat away from low lying areas “[Then] you can go to Wellington and say we’ve may end up being the only viable solution for done all the work, so if you want to save this many Thames-Coromandel communities as the place this is how much, so government where district confronts the financial realities of dealing is your money. We (council) are not going to be with the impacts of climate change. able to do it, I tell you,” he told the meeting. Urgent action has now been recommended TCDC Mayor Sandra Goudie, who co-chairs for some areas where the existing risk of the SMP Committee, also acknowledged the inundation is already greater than what experts reality of what that could ultimately mean. had anticipated. Mercury Bay councillor, “What we can do is look at where we can go and Tony Fox, has described the challenge of that’s what we are doing now, that’s our adaption responding to rising sea levels as the largest option,” she said. any local councillor will face during their time Concerns were also raised about the future in office. insurability of properties and infrastructure The latest modelling conducted as part of the in low-lying areas. “It’s coming to the stage Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) process where properties in the line of this danger will has revealed that large parts of Thames and the either become uninsurable or they’ll end up Thames Coast are already in serious danger in with a 15 percent excess. We have to be ready the event of a major storm, even without any for it and we’d better have people in our coastal further sea level rise. communities ready for it,” Mr Fox warned. Royal HaskoningDHV, the consultants Coastal erosion in front of the Mercury Bay Boating Club in Whitianga. Emphasising the committee’s role in ensuring coordinating the development of the four SMPs A managed retreat from low lying areas may end up being the only viable solution every councillor in the Thames-Coromandel for the Thames-Coromandel District, have for many Thames-Coromandel communities as the district confronts the realities of dealing District was up to speed with what the advised that design, costing and consultation on with the impacts of climate change. communities they represent are facing, Mr Fox potential solutions, including managed retreat for true of the whole of that Thames Coast Road,” strategy should be considered in more detail,” said buy-in was needed from all parties. “If they these areas, need to be done urgently. “It’s about Ms John told the committee. the recommendations state. are not engaged now, get seriously engaged what could happen and what we are going to do Detailed reports on the specific infrastructure While it was agreed to seek additional funding because the biggest thing on this council that to be ready for it. We didn’t expect that level under threat including schools and homes, under the next TCDC Long Term Plan for any one is going to face and do is this project,” (of risk) to be apparent right now,” Sian John of is currently being fed back to the four Community additional scoping work, particularly to gain he said. Royal HaskoningDHV told the latest meeting Coastal Panels charged with providing input into details around the estimated timelines within As well as submitting to the draft TCDC Long of Thames-Coromandel District Council’s the plans. which adaptation needed to happen, it is already Term Plan to seek council funding for more Shoreline Management Committee. While the risk to Whitianga and believed that protection measures will be beyond detailed modelling, the committee also resolved Discussions also need to be commenced with was deemed to be short to medium term rather the financial reach of council. to hold a workshop with both an insurance expert Waka Kotahi/New Zealand Transport Agency, than urgent, it has also been recommended Mr Fox emphasised that even the $180 million and representatives from Waka Kotahi. with the loss of road access now a serious risk that design and cost benefit analysis of estimated cost of protecting the shoreline from The next stage of the SMP process will see for communities including Colville and / mitigation or retreat options for Whitianga be Thames to alone was beyond what 30,000 the Community Coastal Panels draft potential . “[In Colville], on a king tide the water assessed now, given the scale of such a project. ratepayers could afford, and said work needed to adaptive options and evaluate them against the comes over the road now, so that’s going to “The consequences of inundation with sea level be done across the entire Coromandel Peninsula community’s priorities vis-à-vis use of and happen much more frequently as time goes on, rise of above 0.5m are predicted to be significant. to understand what the solutions would be and access to the coast. From this, an action plan will so there will be real access issues and that is Hence, as for Thames, a longer-term plan/ the costs so a case could be made to government. be developed for public consultation.

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 Emergency (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 24 hours ...... 111 entirely at the discretion of the editor. Contributions will only be considered for publication when 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 Editors - Stephan Bosman and Gillian O’Neill Dog and Noise Control ...... 868 0200 Contributors - Meghan Hawkes, Jack Biddle, Anusha Bhana, Suzanne Hansen Civil Defence ...... 868 0200 and Tony Stickley Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) ...... 866 5911 Advertiser Management - Petra Bosman and Alex Kennedy, 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 Telephone (07) 866 2090, Fax (07) 866 2092 Harbourmaster (Whitianga) ...... 027 476 2651 Editorial email [email protected], Advertising email [email protected] Coastguard Radio Operators ...... 866 2883 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 address your concerns to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with ONLINE POLL FOR MAY 2021 the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or Do you have any concerns about www.presscouncil.org.nz. See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook. being vaccinated against COVID-19? 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 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Issue 699948 - 274 May July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13 Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Issue 699948 - 274 May July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15 Making time for the mums in our lives No matter what age or stage they are at, ready to consider myself a senior citizen,” and the mix of men and ladies and ages was scene that she hadn’t previously known when it comes to the mums in our lives, Suzanne laughs. “Ruth and I went along and great to see.” about. All round, a pretty good outcome from arguably the most valuable thing we can give although Ruth was somewhat anxious about The mood was so good that Ruth, and a day out with the mum in your life. them is time. Depending on circumstances, such a new experience, we were made to potentially Suzanne too, will be making The Whitianga Senior Citizen’s Club meets that could involve sharing our time with them, feel very welcome. We were met at the door a return visit. “It is a club for over 55s, every Monday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the but it could also mean ensuring they get some by club president, Adrian Telders, and from but anyone can join in and there was a range Whitianga Town Hall to socialise and play precious time to themselves. there introduced and welcomed around the of ages,” says Suzanne. “With 40 to 50 people a variety of games and enjoy afternoon tea. Getting out and about for a fun family day room. We were given the run-down and told turning up each Monday, it is clearly a club All of the games are fun and non-competitive. is bliss for some of us, but if juggling young to join in whatever game tickled our fancy. which keeps active.” The club also organises a lunch out each kids (or even temperamental teenagers) is “Ruth is an avid card player, so we gravitated Suzanne was delighted that their day out month as well as mid-year Christmas and part of the daily routine, pampering with a that way. Ruth joined a table with three others together had not only paid off (Ruth had Christmas luncheons. The cost is $5 per glass of wine and some peace and quiet might and she was completely welcomed. The game an absolute blast), but had also helped her member yearly, plus a $2 entry on the day. for some be a more appealing option. was 500 which she had never played, so she uncover quite a gem on the Whitianga social All are welcome to come along and join in. Informer contributor, Suzanne Hansen, was hesitant, but the ladies at the table said, recently experienced the joy of a shared ‘Sit down and we will teach you.’” outing with her mother-in-law, Ruth. Ruth moved to Whitianga last October to Suzanne says while the intent of the visit be closer to daughter-in-law, Suzanne, and was to support her mother-in-law, she herself son, Mark. After some months of settling thoroughly enjoyed the connections made in to her new home, Suzanne was keen to and was touched by the positive and open encourage Ruth to get to know more people ambiance. “Teaching and learning a new in the community and decided the best card game can be daunting, but because of way to do that was to go along for the ride, the non-competitive nature of the club, they with the Whitianga Senior Citizens Club took Ruth under their wings and they were settled upon as a good first step. patient and nurturing,” she says. “There were “Ruth is not naturally comfortable with a few card tables in play so when one table joining new clubs or meeting new friends, claimed 500, they rotated folk so that there so I decided I would spend the day there too, were constantly new people to meet. It was although at my tender age of 61, I am not quite lovely how relaxed and jovial everyone was,

If you are looking for ideas how to make Mother’s Day - Sunday, 9 May - extra special for Mum, why not consider what these Informer advertisers have to offer - An Indian or Thai buffet for lunch or dinner at That Curry Place in Whitianga, a roast dinner at the Mercury Bay Club with a complimentary dessert and glass of bubbles, a free round of mini golf (with a paying child) at Wild Wood, a pamper gift package from Coastal Sanctuary, a meal at Smitty’s Sports Bar & Grill with a complimentary dessert or glass of bubbles, a trip to lunch in a chauffeur- driven classic Rolls Royce supplied by Whitianga Classic Rollers or some time out with Nanny Neera looking after the kids. See the opposite page for more details. Informer contributor, Suzanne Hansen, with her mother-in-law, Ruth.

Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Issue 699948 - 274 May July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17 Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles

Crossword Puzzle 948

Name: ______

Tel no: ______Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week following the issue in which they were announced the winner.

ACROSS DOWN 1. Blossom part 1. Launch forward 7. Illicit 2. Curved span 3. Rebuff 8. Sixteenth of pound 4. Egypt’s capital 10. Fast food snacks 5. Religious gifts 12. Slimness 6. Shut 14. Tie with rope 9. Receives as salary 11. Tidal zone trees 16. Annoys constantly 13. Movie filming area 17. Without deviation 15. Prickly desert plants 20. Bring into accord 16. Kindest 18. Disastrous 23. Frosting 19. Official decree 24. Quick drawings 21. Necessity 25. Noxious 22. Reflected sound Last week’s solution

Last week’s winner - Annie Warner

“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week) “Tēnā te ringa tango parahia” - That is the hand that pulls up weeds. Equivalent in English, “Now, there’s a hard worker.” 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 and Tuesday 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 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 What’s On In the next few weeks

Regular Activities session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available. Op-Shops Mercury Bay Tennis Club • Social Services Op-Shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Mercury Bay Table Tennis • The Church Op-Shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Meets every Tuesday from 9:00am - 11:30am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. (07) 869 5162 or (027) 565 5575 for more information. • St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Mercury Bay Badminton 10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets every Wednesday from 9:30am - 11:00am in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Phone (07) 866 5476 for more information. 10:00am - 2:00pm. Alcoholics Anonymous Whitianga Senior Citizens Club Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Phone Meets Mondays in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information. etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. Serenity Al-Anon Group Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. someone else’s drinking. Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. Women’s Wellbeing and Weight Loss Whitianga SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Meets every Wednesday from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in Room 10 at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Learn portion control, eliminate processed sugar, eat well at meals and eat well for life. Support to lose weight wisely. computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on Check out our Facebook page or phone (027) 294 1750 for more information. (027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. ICONZ for Girls AA Driver Licensing Every Tuesday during the school term from 4:00pm - 5:30pm at the Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Town Road. For girls 8 - 13 years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information. Scrapbags Quilting Group ICONZ (for Boys) Meets every Wednesday from 9:00am - 3:00pm at the St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Street, Whitianga. All welcome. Every Tuesday during the school term from 5:30pm - 7:00pm at the Kuaotunu Hall, corner of Blackjack Road and Irish phone Shelley on 866 0236 for more information. Town Road. For boys 5 - 10 years old. Phone Robyn on (020) 409 39674 for more information. Mercury Bay Creative Fibre Dog Walking Group Meets the first and third Wednesday of every month from 10:00am - 2:00pm. in the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street, Meets every Thursday at 2:00pm at Lovers Rock, Robinson Road, Whitianga. An opportunity to socialise your dog. Whitianga. Phone Wendy Russell on 866 3225 for more information. Craft Group Meets fortnightly at the Matarangi Fire Station. Phone Lesley on 866 0788 for more information. Specific Activities/Events Mercury Bay Quilters Thames Valley First XV Rugby - Saturday, 8 May Meets the first and third Mondays, and second and fourth Saturdays of every month from 10:00am - 4:00pm at Whitianga Mercury Bay Area School v Hauraki Plains College in Wahi. Kick-off at 12:30pm. Social Services, Cook Drive. New members welcome. Phone Margaret on (07) 866 0411 for more information. Thames Valley Senior Rugby - Saturday, 8 May Mercury Bay Community Choir Mercury Bay Senior A v Waihi Athletic Senior A in Whitianga. Kick-off at 2:00pm. This “all-comers” choir rehearses every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area school Music Room. Mercury Bay Senior B v Hauraki North in Whitianga. Kick-off at 12:25pm. New rehearsals start on 8 February. New singers always welcome. Phone (022) 643 7462 for more information. Coromandel Town Senior B v Waihou in Te Aroha. Kick-off at 12:25pm. Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club Whitianga Marathon Meet every Wednesday at 1:00pm and every Thursday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Saturday, 22 May. Four course options - 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km. Entries now open. Phone Gavin on (07) 866 2343 or (021) 146 9203 for more information. Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club See whitiangamarathon.co.nz for more information. Meets every Thursday at 6:45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Come along and join in or phone Alan on Whitianga Town Garage Sale 866 4024 or Cheryl on 0274 527887 for more information. Saturday 5 - Monday, 7 June. Entries now open, $15 fee. All fees to be donated to a Mercury Bay community group Mercury Bay Pickleball Club or charity. Meets every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per

Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19 Sudoku

Sudoku Puzzle 948

Name: ______

Tel no: ______Win two Trumpet ice creams. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Buffalo Beach Four Square directly before the Wednesday of the week following the issue in which they were announced the winner. Sudoku Puzzle Instructions Fill in the boxes using the numbers 1 to 9. Every row and column, and every group of nine boxes inside the thick lines, must contain each number only once.

Last week’s solution

1 6 4 2 8 3 5 7 9 2 9 7 5 6 1 4 3 8 8 3 5 4 7 9 2 1 6 4 7 6 9 3 2 8 5 1 5 8 2 1 4 7 6 9 3 9 1 3 8 5 6 7 4 2 3 4 8 6 1 5 9 2 7 7 5 9 3 2 8 1 6 4

6 2 1 7 9 4 3 8 5 Last week’s winner - Monika Gladbach

Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Fishing Report Letters to the Editor Sponsored by Mercury Bay Marine - Tel (07) 867 1280 See our requirements with regard to letters and contributions below

Favourable weather conditions caused many anglers to try their luck out on the water last week and Dear Editor - Clayton’s pedestrian crossings Dear Editor - Supergold Card funding for they weren’t disappointed. “The fishing was very good,” says John Ellwood, skipper of charter boat, in Whitianga the Whitianga ferry MV Whai. “Snapper, kingfish and trevally were all keen to bite. The inside of Great Mercury Island During the course of the remodelling of I have just returned from a six week, 4,000km and Korapuki Island fished very well. The Black Rocks also delivered good results on the outgoing Whitianga’s Albert Street and The Esplanade, road trip that took me as far south as Bluff, and tide in approximately 20m of water. Most of the anglers I took out used squid as bait, which seemed Thames-Coromandel District Council into the wilds and not so wilds of Southland, to do the trick just fine. introduced what I refer to as Clayton’s Otago, Canterbury, Taranaki and so on. “There’s some good crayfish around at the moment too, some divers have done very well.” pedestrian crossings. An area of pavement was Along the way, being a Supergold Card holder, I enjoyed the bonus of funded transport Those onboard the Whai on Friday last week were in for an additional treat when they spotted a large marked out with raised yellow dots on either on buses, trains and ferries which helped me pod of dolphins playing in the water at Korapuki Island. “It was spectacular,” says John. side of the road inviting pedestrians to cross the road between these two yellow pavement areas. immensely on my journey. Further down the coast towards Tairua, seasoned angler, Peter Maxwell, says the Unfortunately not in Whitianga. It seems that have also delivered very good results. “There were lots of snapper of a beautiful size,” he says. But while pedestrians may have thought this layout invited a safe crossing of the road, even though we have a large number of elderly “There are still some large kahawai schools around, so catching some bait wasn’t a problem. A good relying on the Whitianga ferry (many of whom berley trail also helped. the motorists were not legally obliged to give way to pedestrians. struggle financially) for reasons such as visits “For those fishing from the shore, dusk was still the best time of day for a few good catches. I do not know how many close calls there to the doctor, shopping and visits to the Ferry The anglers I’ve spoken to most certainly weren’t disappointed.” have been of pedestrian/motorist clashes at Landing Cemetery, there has been zero progress. On the game fishing front, last week was nothing short of memorable for Tairua- Sports these crossings, but something has prompted In fact, since 2015 and despite valiant efforts supported by Coromandel MP, Fishing Club member, Kevin Robinson, who had success with three marlin. council to revisit the set-up. Just recently by Scott Simpson, former Waikato Regional He tagged the first two and landed the third, a fish of 122.35kg. these yellow dotted areas in Albert Street and Council representative, Clyde Graf, and The In Whitianga, angler Darryll Williams weighed a broadbill of 97.40kg on Friday on The Esplanade, posts have been stuck in Informer among others, for reasons unknown, last week. the pavement with a sign screwed on each post the total lack of Supergold Card funding for the advising, “Pedestrians must give way to traffic.” Whitianga ferry still stands as both an exception With these new signs, TCDC has now gone and a mystery. from the sublime to the ridiculous. I always I have read a few documents from 2016 which thought that at a pedestrian crossing, the traffic almost sound like the tasks of Odysseus. had to give way to the pedestrians, not the other One example from WRC being, “At this stage way round as now prescribed by council on the onus is on Thames-Coromandel District these signs. Council and Grey Power to develop a business Instead of removing the yellow dots and case that clearly demonstrates that there is a thus removing all confusion and danger for problem with the present service and [WRC] pedestrians and motorists alike, TCDC is needs to step in.” What? now emphasising the danger and saying to The ferry service was and still is excellent. pedestrians, “Cross here and run the risk of The only problem is that many elderly, being killed/maimed/injured by a motorist.” especially those who are no longer able to drive, Where has common sense gone? find it a financial burden and feel quite trapped. Peter Mackenzie John Macassey Whitianga Kuaotunu

Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21 Brain Teaser - Anagram © Tamaki Education and Sports Society Inc

Brain Teaser Puzzles 948

Name: ______

Tel no: ______

Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver or 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 Monday each week. The winner must please claim their prize from Espy Cafe directly before the Wednesday of the week following the issue in which they were announced the winner.

Instructions - Fit the numbers 1 to 6 into each hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Last week’s solution - Vexagon 1. Abbey, 2. Breath, 3. Acrobat, 4. Fragrant, 5. Attribute, 6. Dictator, 7. Blatant, 8. Tarmac, 9. About.

Last week’s winner - Bedford Cross

Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The mystery surrounding Henry Ring’s name Researching those buried in the cemeteries of Mercury Bay, Informer contributor and historian, Meghan Hawkes, often uncovers interesting pieces of history. This is a contribution about Henry Ring, buried at the Whangapoua Cemetery. Henry Ring lived his 70 years in absolute sawmiller at Whangapoua. The graves of both silence, touching those who lived at the miller and his servant are said to be located Whangapoua with his kindness and empathy. at the Whangapoua cemetery. The benevolent Māori was born deaf and mute There were European sawmillers in the and was affectionately known as “Dummy,” district around the early 1830s when Henry the name evidently given to him by a European was born, but the Ring brothers, Charles and who adopted him as a child. Frederick, sawmillers at Coromandel Town Henry was a follower of modern ideas. before discovering gold there in 1852, didn’t He was patriotic and keen to salute the flag or come to the area until Henry was well into curse the Boers. His shanty was immaculate his 40s. inside and ship-shape outside. A powerfully George White and his business partner, built man, he was always ready to help and McCormack (first name unknown), were the first lend his strength. He also tended the sick, doing recorded Europeans to come to Whangapoua. all that he could for those in need. Although The year was 1840 when Henry would have praised and admired, Henry had his quirks. He been nine years old. White and McCormack disliked Māori customs and preferred to live in stayed for over a year trading with local Māori Pakeha fashion. and felling trees. White left the area while When Henry became ill in 1901, he was taken McCormack stayed on and became involved in to Coromandel Hospital (in Coromandel Town) the kauri gum trade. suffering from an internal disease. Despite the Early sawmillers at Whangapoua were care, his illness had gone too far and against Thomas Craig who arrived in 1862 when Henry all advice, Henry crept away from the hospital was aged 39, followed by the two Christopher and returned to his home. He quickly became Atwell Harris’, senior and junior. Henry may worse and if it hadn’t been for his Whangapoua have later been a “servant” to one of these men, friends, he would have been in a desperate but was well past childhood when they arrived. plight. Eventually Henry fell into a stupor As well as the age inconsistencies, none before dying around 4:30pm on a Friday. of these people are buried at Whangapoua The next day residents gathered to pay their with Henry. last respects. The school flag flew at half mast. The naming of Henry Ring may just be a The coffin was placed in a boat which had story distorted over time. Perhaps it was a belonged to Henry and towed down to Karaka mispronunciation of his original name. George Bay. Henry was then carried up the hill to White or McCormack may have adopted and the little Whangapoua cemetery overlooking named him as a nine-year-old or there may have the sea. The service was read by the village been an earlier, unknown European named Ring schoolmaster, as a clergyman was not available. who took him under their wing. Mystery surrounds Henry’s name. A source Henry’s headstone is one of only two still says the headland between New Chums and at the Whangapoua cemetery. The inscription Whangapoua is Dummies-Motuto Point, reads “Erected by his friends in appreciation of “Dummies” being the servant of an early Henry Ring’s headstone at the Whangapoua cemetery. the sterling character of the deceased.”

Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23 Sport Results

MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB Gross - Steve Geach, Twos - Dave Enright, Wayne Willie Jones (runner-up) finished the day with three also shared the highest break of 23 with Willie. April Competition Round 3 - Wednesday, 28 April Kearney, Zander Sheath and Steve Geach, Nearest the wins. Those with two wins were Ken Gibson, Ian MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB North/South - 1 Bob Schibli and Tadek Gawor 61.25, Pin (Division 1) - Richard Schofield, Nearest the Pin Pudney and Brian Codyre. Thursday 29 April 2 Gavin Hedwig and Kate Palmano 56.67, 3 Deidre (Division 2) - John Sedcole, Longest Drive (Division Highest Break - Wayne Bellingham 19. Winners - Brian Codyre, Wayne Fisher, Graham Walker Stevenson and Sue Gill 54.17. 1) - Zander Sheath, Longest Drive (Division 2) - Saturday, 1 May and Lionel Lawrence. East/West - 1 Giorgio Allemano and Myra Hoogwerf Shane Hardy. Best of three frames. Runners-up - Ray Rout, Doreen Davies and Alan 67.08, 2 Robyn Hogg and Bill Cummings 55.83, PURANGI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Nine players. Only Ian Baumgren and Willie Jones Henderson. 3 Ischelle Stevenson and Colin McAnnalley 49.58. Nine-hole Men and Ladies Stableford – achieved two straight wins to fight out the final frame. Good Sports - Keith Denney, Cheryl Henderson and Bev Autumn-1 Competition Round 3 - Thursday, 29 April Thursday, 29 April What a great frame the final was, but club singles McAllister. Results - 1 Deidre Stevenson and Robyn Anderson Results - 1 Wayne Morrison 17, 2 Meryll Hawke 16, championship runner-up, Ian, was too good for Willie Mercury Bay Senior Rugby 66.67, 2 Larisa King and Pat Doube 60.71, 3 Carol 3 Dick Hawke 15. and took home the meat pack. Saturday, 1 May Robertson and Gavin Hedwig 59.52. Eighteen-hole Men and Ladies Cooks Beach Those with two wins were Willie Jones (runner-up), Mercury Bay Senior A won by default v Hauraki North. BRIDGE CLUB Hardware Monthly Medal (Net) - Saturday, 1 May Doug Pascoe, Wayne Bellingham and Barry Roach, who Senior B 15 v Thames 8. Hahei Pairs Week 2 - Tuesday, 27 April Results - 1 Neil Vowles 68, 2 Barry Scott 79, 3 Jeff North/South - 1 Annette Cummings and Sue Gill 60.50, Bright 80. Memorial workout to honour Cindy Paurini 2 Bev Dickie and Robyn Hogg 56.00, 3 Val Dwight and 4BBB - Neil Vowles and Barry Scott 60, Best Gross Annette Cox 48.50. - Neil Vowles 79, Nearest the Pin - Neil Vowles, Whiti Cross WOD will hold a fundraising event on Saturday, 8 May at 8:30am in memory of Cindy East/West - 1 Chris Ellett and Pauline van Groenedaal Net Eagles/Twos - Neil Vowles and Richard Agnes. Paurini. 62.00, 2 Sheryll Roberts and Vivienne Leigh 54.00, THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB Cindy’s daughter, Misty, has been part of the Whiti Cross WOD gym for just under a year. 3 Barry Scott and Bill Cummings 50.00. Eighteen-hole Men Net Medal - Wednesday, 28 April A Memorial Tribute WOD (Workout of the Day), “Cinnita,” is being named after Cindy. The workout MERCURY BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Results - 1 Barry Titchmarsh 71, 2 Dennis Ford 73, will be based around her age, 52, and her birthday, 12 April 1969. Eighteen-hole Ladies - Wednesday, 28 April 3 Tony De Coek 73. Results Division 1 - 1 Chrissie Smith, 2 Caron Clinning, Twos - Ray Green, Nearest the Pin #18 - Jim Dale. A Memorial WOD is a workout that is designed as a tribute to a person that has passed away 3 Rachel Johnstone. Eighteen-hole Men and Ladies Stableford - fighting for their life. Results Division 2 - 1 Gail Doughty, 2 Chris van Veen, Saturday, 1 May “We have been blessed to have our friends Buddy and Billie Hunter, owners of Evolution Fitness 3 Jane Deadman. Results - 1 Julie Douglas (Hutt Park) 41, 2 Tony De Gym, help support and share our event across their members, for this we are grateful. We are Nearest the Pin #4 - Chrissie Smith, Nearest the Pin Coek 40, 3 Margaret Stevens 36. #18 - Rachel Johnstone, Longest Putt - Caron Clinning. Twos - Kevin Verner (Coromandel Town), Nearest The asking that people book online through our website, email or text if you would like to join the Eighteen-hole Men Scramble - Wednesday, 28 April Pin #18 - Daniel Kinney (Akarana). workout. Otherwise, everyone is welcome to come along and support those doing it in Cindy’s Results - 1 Dan Ray 41, 2 Mark Burcombe 39, MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER honour,” says Rachel Subritzky of Whiti Cross WOD. The contact details are www.whiticross.co.nz, 3 Graham Eccles 38. Wednesday, 28 April [email protected] or (022) 123 2892. Twos - John Lister and Mark Burcombe, Gross - Best of three frames. There has also been a Givealittle page set up - givealittle.co.nz/cause/cindys-fight-for-life. Mark Burcombe. Twelve players. Forrest Littlejohn, Ken Gibson and All funds raised will support Cindy’s family with her funeral costs. Nine-hole Ladies Combined Stableford - Willie Jones progressed to the finals with two straight Thursday, 30 April wines each. Forrest won the bye draw, so it was Ken, Cindy has been heavily involved with sports in the Mercury Bay community. The mother of five, Results - 1 Julie Rutledge and Barbara Tatton, 2 Audrey last week’s winner, and Willie facing each other in the daughter, nanny, sister, aunty and niece was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. She received Vickers and Annette Harris. semi-final. A very close frame in which Willie took the radiation, chemotherapy and had a mastectomy in April 2019. In February this year, a CT scan Eighteen-hole Men Scramble Par - Saturday, 1 May win. In the final between two good mates, Forrest, the revealed that the cancer had metastasised. Cindy fought a courageous battle to the bitter end and Results - 1 Kerry Allan, 2 John Sedcole, 3 James club’s singles champion, was too good for Willie and sadly found her wings on 13 April surrounded by those she loved most. Duncan. took home the meat pack.

Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Classifieds and Public Notices

TO LET

STORAGE SHEDS, various sizes, dry and secure. Affordable rates. Ph: 0800 944 660 STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 Container It Self Storage, 17 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258 STORAGE, Self storage/boat storage, Matarangi - Kuaotunu. Ph: 07 866 5693

Classifieds and Public Notices

MEMORIAL SERVICE PROPERTY SERVICES/PROJECTS Small office space in central Whitianga location Hari Giri Memorial Service Available long term, affordable rent. A memorial service will be held to celebrate Hari’s life at 1.30pm Thursday 6th May at the Mercury Bay Club. The Giri, Barns and Percival families would like to thank the community for the love and Phone (021) 672 748 for details. support shown at the passing of their loved husband, Dad and Grandad (Nana ji/Dada ji). BOARD AVAILABLE SITUATIONS VACANT BOARD AVAILABLE Mid-June, possibly longer, Whitianga. Phone 027 585 4921.

LAND WANTED

LAND WANTED 2-4+ ha Cooks Beach/Hahei area 027 483 2403 or 09 431 4749 ACCOMMODATION WANTED Wanting to rent A 2 - 4 bedroom house long term for a house-proud father and 11-year-old daughter. Reliable, clean and respectful tenant with references. Please contact Michael on 022 023 3566. SITUATIONS VACANT

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Youth Worker Wanted for Respite OP Columbia (OPC) is a major participant in the aquaculture industry on the We provide a mentoring programme that Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. empowers rangatahi/young males to make We specialise in processing Greenshell™ mussels. positive life choices. The role is to provide If you are motivated, reliable and have an excellent work ethic, respite for two days and nights per week. then this job would suit you. We pay competitive rates with the opportunity The requirements are - to increase pay based on performance. • A passion to work with young males and make a positive difference in Travellers are required to provide a current work visa. their lives. NZ applicants need to have NZ residence or a valid NZ work visa. • Being able to multi task. Shift times available: • To be honest, ethical and keep Dayshift processing 6:00am to 3:00pm information private. Hygiene (cleaning) shift 3:30pm • To pass a Police and Oranga (times are subject to change) Tamariki check. Applications can be made online at www.opcolumbia.co.nz For more information phone or call into the office to submit an application. 021 247 0226 or 021 646 459.

Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25 Classifieds and Public Notices for sale CHURCH SERVICES HEALTH AND NUTRITION PUBLIC NOTICES

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM FIREWOOD WITH THE BEST NUTRITION A TIME FOR REFLECTION FOR THE Dry wood - Stay healthy. HEALTH FACTORY Old Pine $130, Red Gum $160, Phone 027 947 8311 or email Noel Hewlett Black Wattle $180, Macrocarpa $150. [email protected] Analyse the past, design the future www.goodwoodfirewood.co.nz (Edward De Bono) Chris - 021 240 9909 HOLISTIC HEALTH It is now May 2021, and as co-owner of The Health Factory Ltd with my wife, INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER Nicola, I feel it is time for reflection of Firewood for sale WORKSHOP FACILITATOR where we are now and where we are Dry pine $100 cube delivered local. TAROT CARD READINGS going in the future. Also kindling wood, $15 box. SPIRITUAL MENTOR During the COVID-19 pandemic, Phone 027 247 7410 CLAIRVOYANT we had no bookings for our Monkey House Theatre for over six months. 866 4273 VERNA (027) 320 0079 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com The 30 years of hard work and cattery commitment in taking a closed fish factory to a community facility called WANTED The Health Factory was in jeopardy, and needed urgent action. Vehicles wanted The present Health Factory contains two Top cash paid for any buildings (Coghill Theatre, seating 70, and VANS, UTES, TRUCKS, 4X4s, the Monkey House Theatre, seating 50), CARS - dead or alive, damaged, five rental spaces/offices, one business de-registered, mechanical problem, (Endeavour Print) and one health facility/ community bus no WOF - we buy it. radiology unit. Call 0800 333 398 When confronted with the affordability of the complex in January 2021, MERCURY BAY PUBLIC NOTICES we contacted past and present users for COMMUNITY BUS their ideas about a clear vision looking forward for the future of The Health For your door to door travel to MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY BUS hospitals and related services in Factory. The response was overwhelming AGM and humbling for my wife and I, and gave Tuesday 18 May, 11:00 Thames, Waikato, Auckland us both the encouragement to continue 21 Cobham Lane and . ahead in a positive way. To book phone 866 4993 or As for the rental spaces, business 867 1333 or 021 0270 6897 premises and health facility, we would Advertisement sponsored by the Mercury Bay Club WHITIANGA SENIOR CITIZENS like to publicly thank them for their CLUB INC support throughout 2020. Without their NOTICE OF THE 35th DOG GROOMING support, we could not have made ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING it through. To be held on Monday, May 31 2021 The true measure of a community is how at the Whitianga Town Hall at 12:00pm they respond in times of adversity and ST ANDREW’S BY THE SEA followed by a finger food lunch. ours - once again - has shown itself to be Community Church Signed one of the best. Albert Street, Whitianga N. Chaney, Secretary COMMUNITY WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY 9:30am. DOG FOOD Come, join the family of God! WORK WANTED Enquiries 869 5452 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Everyone Welcome Sunday 10 am – 12 noon @ 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga (Community Service Bldg) Enquiries - 021 113 0566 Rubbish Removal WORK WANTED Trees, Lawns, Garden Bags Phone John 866 5511 PENINSULA CHIMNEYS Chimney Sweep DAVE’S DRAINAGE Clean and efficient service. Drainlaying, Public & Private, Phone or text John 1.8 Ton Digger Hire. (021) 138 3295. 30 Years Experience. A member of Free Quotes or Advice. Call Dave 027 727 0348 [email protected] WORK WANTED Mercury Bay Spouting coromandel garage doors MIKE’S MOWING For new door installations, auto openers and full maintenance service. For all types of guttering $25 empty sections, Phone Don McLean (022) 453 2188 and spouting fortnightly or monthly mowing. Email [email protected] Free edge spraying. Tony 021 505 109 Phone Mike or Deb 866 4678 or 027 320 1703. THE BESS HANDZ EMBROIDERED MONOGRAMS Alterations, repairs, zip and hem service. Phone 866 5277. HOUSE WASHING Detergent Soft Wash, Handyman Services. CHIMNEY SWEEP Phone Russell Short on 25 years servicing the area. Phone Chris (021) 082 47928 866 2097 or 0273 602 937

Page 26 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 948 - 4 May 2021 Homebrew Club competition “Piri’s Tiki Tour” in “a really good day” Despite duck shooting season impacting on the number of people who participated in last Saturday’s Mercury Bay Homebrew Club competition, the judges still had the opportunity to taste 20 beers and Whitianga eight entries in the Wine, Spirits and Liqueurs Category. As usual, the competition was held at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club in Whitianga. “Unfortunately, the only time the Bowling Club was available for us coincided with the opening of duck shooting season,” says Neil Reynolds, club president. “We’ve had to combine the light and dark beer categories, but overall we’re still happy with the number of entries. It was a really good day, everyone enjoyed themselves.” In the Beer Category, Jacob Campbell came out on top. It was a good day for Jacob as his second beer entry finished second equal with the entry of Brian Sexton. Michael Hollister finished in third place. In the Wine, Spirits and Liqueurs Category, Chris Batey’s whiskey was judged the best among the spirits entered, while Wayne Hill’s Drambuie was judged the best liqueur. The club holds two competitions every year. This year’s second competition will take place in approximately six months’ time. Pictured is Neil Reynolds (on the left) with some of Saturday’s placegetters. From left to right - Brian Sexton (next to Neil), Jacob Campbell, Michael Hollister and Chris Batey.

The Mercury Bay Girls XV rugby team were in for a treat on Tuesday afternoon last week when ex-All Black, Piri Weepu, joined them for their training session at Lyon Park in Whitianga. Piri is at the moment filming the next season of “Piri’s Tiki Tour,” a series of programmes determining whether the rugby legend’s skills on the field are matched by his ability to gather food at various locations around New Zealand. During his time on the Coromandel, Piri went out on a mussel barge, tried his hand at spearfishing and attended the Coromandel Town Seafood Fest last Saturday. The production team told The Informer they have heard about the achievements of the MBAS girls rugby players and thought it fitting to include them in one of the programmes. Pictured is MBAS player, Scarlett Dowling, passing the ball to Piri on Tuesday.

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