Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000 Not everyone happy with government’s “Revitalising the Gulf” plan By Stephan Bosman and Lachie Harvey

This aerial photo was taken overhead Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve on Saturday last week. Under the “Revitalising the Gulf - Government Action on the Sea Change Plan” document that was released early last week, the marine reserve will be extended by an additional 14km². A plan to better protect the Hauraki Gulf Whitianga over Queen’s Birthday Weekend seaboard of the Peninsula. Two large areas to to marine reserves, but will allow for (an area covering 1.2 million hectares from addressing the state of the ocean surrounding the north and south of the Alderman Islands customary take. In addition to trawl fishing, north of Auckland to Waihi Beach, including the Coromandel. and the waters surrounding Slipper Island sand extraction and mining will be prohibited the Waitemata Harbour, the Firth of Thames, According to the document, the will be classified as “High protection Areas”, in Seafloor Protection Areas. Great Barrier Island and the east coast of the government’s plan has two primary and Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve According to the government, the most Coromandel Peninsula) may finally be on the goals - to provide effective kaitiakitanga at Cathedral Cove will be extended by an notable benefits of the document will be horizon. Central government released early (guardianship) of the Hauraki Gulf, along additional 14km². an increase in the shellfish population, last week a document setting out their goals with healthy functioning ecosystems. In addition, two areas just north of Waitete allowing some biodiverse areas to recover, for restoring the health of the Gulf, taking The plan includes limiting trawl fishing - Bay on the west coast of the Coromandel and increased participation of mana into account the recommendations from the bottom trawling and Danish seining (taking in Tukituki Bay and Happy Jack whenua and stakeholders in local fisheries Sea Change - Tai Timu Tai Pari Hauraki specifically - to selected “corridors”, banning Island) and at Cape Colville at the top of management decisions. Gulf Marine Spatial Plan that was published recreational scallop dredging and freezing the the Peninsula will also be designated as Not everyone is happy with the in 2017. commercial scallop dredging footprint. High Protection Areas. A larger area at Cape government’s plan. Cooks Beach resident, Release of the document, titled Eighteen specifically identified areas Colville, surrounding the High Protection “Revitalsing the Gulf - Government Action scattered throughout the Gulf are also set to Area, will be classified as a “Seafloor Alison Henry, a member of the Sea Change on the Sea Change Plan”, came not long become subject to more stringent regulations. Protection Area”. working group, is disappointed that trawling after a well-attended public meeting in Four of these areas are along the eastern High Protection Areas will be similar (Continued on page 3)

Distributed throughout the Coromandel Peninsula, coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz Not too upset about not winning a TV “bigger than the house” By Tony Stickley Whitianga artist, John Henson, isn’t too upset could earn a living by painting. “I had reached demanded for a work of art, when he could not do too well, as the product became more that he did not draw first prize in an America’s that mid-life crisis situation where I was tired knock it out “for free”. expensive than the industry was prepared Cup painting competition run by The New of advertising. I was just getting too old for it,” John’s wife, Megan, chipped in, “We had to pay. Zealand Herald and Panasonic. he said. been married 25 years before he did any Several examples of his handiwork can be His entry, featuring superstars Blair Despite losing interest in the advertising paintings for our own home.” seen in the Mercury Bay Museum, including Tuke and Peter Burling on New Zealand’s industry, John employed methods straight from In addition to landscapes, John has also an animated model where visitors can see a AC75 lightning fast foiling monohull on the the ad man’s handbook to promote his painting dabbled in pet paintings and abstracts, simulated process for making butter by simply Waitemata Harbour with downtown Auckland career in Wellington. and has done artwork for SeniorNet pressing a button. in the background, was published as one of five “At one stage I did a lot of paintings of Whitianga and for the Lioness Club of John is also a keen model aircraft enthusiast finalists in a full page promotion in The Herald houses as an income on the side. I had got Mercury Bay. and a member of the Mercury Bay Aero Club’s back in March. sick of advertising and it was just a stop-gap However, his talents are not restricted to modeler section. “I was one of five finalists who had their measure. art but also extend to electronics and electro- At one stage he had a ham radio licence and painting published in The Herald and we then “Basically, I would get together a list of mechanical devices. dabbled in electronics to build a radio control went into a draw to win a 65-inch Panasonic heritage houses - what were referred to as arts When he decided he had had enough of system for his models. TV and a signed Emirates Team New and craft houses - and then I would go to the advertising, he turned his mind to the animated “They would have been very expensive to Zealand jersey. properties, knock on the door and ask if they display industry, though he admits he did buy off the shelf at the time,” he said. “There was no actual winner of the painting minded me taking some photographs of their competition as such, just whoever of the five home as I was thinking of painting it and after won the draw and that was not me,” said John, I finished, would they like to see it. who nevertheless was rewarded with a gift of “They would always say ‘yes, yes, yes’,” a set of sound cancelling ear pods, courtesy of said John. Panasonic. Later, when the painting was complete, He joked that he didn’t really want the TV he would put it in a temporary frame and take anyway, “as it is bigger than the house”. it back to the homeowner. Originally from Birmingham in England, “I would take the painting to show them and John (78) started working as a technician at would say they could buy it if they liked and the age of 16 in the photographic department usually they did want to buy it, as they were of what was the biggest advertising agency very proud of their homes. in New Zealand at the time, J. Ilott Limited. “It was a bit of a con-job. In a sense I was But he was much more interested in the creative really an ad man - I had presented them with side of the business. an offer they could not refuse.” “Because I had always been a ‘good drawer’, He does not belong to any artistic I became a commercial artist and progressed organisations and regards painting as work from there to visualiser and finally art director,” rather than a passion. said John, who is also counts photography “Some people enjoy it very much and among his many accomplishments. are consumed by it, but I am not like that,” When he was about 50, John decided that he said John, who has painted most of the pictures had enough of advertising and as a stop-gap hanging on the walls of his house because he Whitianga’s John Henson with the America’s Cup painting he entered in a measure decided to turn his hand to seeing if he was not prepared to pay the colossal sums competition run by The New Zealand Herald in March.

What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information provided and sponsored by Week of Wednesday, 30 June to Wednesday, 7 July - The Pleaides/Matariki star cluster will be visible before dawn in the east for early risers. It will make a nice sight in binoculars with brilliant Jupiter and fainter Saturn high above. Saturn rises at about 8:30pm followed by bright Jupiter about an hour later. Brilliant Venus, and fainter and more reddish Mars will lie close together and very low in the NW sky after sunset. Wednesday, 30 June - The Moon sits below bright Jupiter with fainter Saturn above in the late evening sky. Thursday, 1 July - Saturn rises at about 8:30pm, with much brighter Jupiter following about 9:30pm and the Moon joining the party around midnight. Matariki (the Pleaides) will lie far below them just before sunrise. Saturday, 3 July - There will be a very low and short International Space Station (ISS) pass from 6:22pm in the south before it quickly passes into the Earth’s shadow. Monday, 5 July - The Moon lies just above the Pleiades (Matariki) in the predawn sky while Mercury is at its highest in the NE dusk sky. Astronomy Tours and B&B Tuesday, 6 July - The Moon has now moved to be just above and to the right of Matariki at sunrise, with Orion further to the right and Mercury much lower Phone (07) 866 5343 down also on the right. Wednesday, 7 July - The pre-dawn Moon now sits just below a line connecting Matariki on the left and the red giant star Aldebaran in Taurus on the right with Mercury lower down. www.stargazersbb.com

Whitianga and Hot Water Beach 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 956 - 29 June 2021 Government’s “Revitalising the Gulf” plan (Continued from page 1) will be allowed in designated corridors. which used to house scallop beds.” “There is no indication of where these Likewise, politicians Scott Simpson and [corridors] are to go, who will use them, Denis Tegg are of the view that the document how they will be controlled and how they will doesn’t go far enough. “I had hoped the be monitored,” she says. “This inclusion is a government’s response to the Sea Change nonsense and undermines the credibility of plan would have been more ambitious for the plan’s good intentions.” the health of the Gulf and our region’s Whitianga’s Dirk Sieling, another member marine environment,” says Mr Simpson, of the Sea Change working group, shares Mrs the Coromandel Electorate MP. “It’s obvious Henry disappointment that trawl fishing will to everyone that the need for change is urgent be allowed. “…there was an opportunity to and so far the response has been anything promote the [Hauraki Gulf] as a high value but. The creation of marine reserves is always commercial fishery by only allowing artisan contentious, but I’m a big supporter and will fishing methods such as long lining that do everything I can to see [the] proposals produce high quality fish, while allowing for advanced as quickly as possible.” the safe return to the sea of fish that is not Mr Tegg, the Thames-Coromandel wanted for being the wrong size or the wrong representative on Waikato Regional Council, species,” he says. would like to see much greater protection of the seafloor, with bottom-impact fishing Those who were involved in organising methods like dredging and trawling the Queen’s Birthday Weekend meeting in removed from the entire Hauraki Gulf. Whitianga are also critical of the document. “The extension of the marine reserve at “While expansion of some marine reserves Cathedral Cove and new protected areas such as our local reserve at Hahei will be around the Aldermen Islands and Slipper welcomed, the overall effort is pathetic and Island are welcomed, [but] the omission of is unlikely to cause the systemic regeneration the Mercury Island group is disappointing,” of the Gulf that we so desperately need,” he says. says Whitianga resident, Thomas Everth. According to LegaSea, a non-profit “Further, it is hard to fathom that commercial organisation advocating for the abundance bottom dredging and trawling are permitted and health of New Zealand’s marine life, to continue, and the modest restrictions that the plan fails to deliver any more than vague the plan provides look like token actions.” promises and more restraints on “recreational Sharyn Morcom of Cooks Beach feels fishers seeking to provide for their family’s the document was influenced by economics wellbeing from fishing”. “The Hauraki and, what she calls, “popular sway”. Gulf belongs to all of us, we must be part “I’m disappointed trawling is not being of the solution, so let’s start by banning all banned all together,” she says. “And they destructive fishing techniques and urgently are freezing the commercial scallop footprint addressing the overharvesting of depleted rather than closing or reducing it, despite the fish species,” the organisation says in fact we have seen a huge depletion in areas a statement.

Issue 956699 - 2927 JuneJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3 Whitianga earmarked for a dedicated COVID-19 vaccination centre By Stephan Bosman

Plans are in motion for Whitianga to have a “We are committed to make it as easy as possible dedicated COVID-19 vaccination centre by the for everyone to get vaccinated.” time vaccinations for the general population Once the campaign to vaccinate the general opens at the end of July. If successful, it will population kicks off, you will receive an be one of two centres on the Coromandel invitation from the Ministry of Health to book Peninsula, with the other in Thames. your vaccination online or through a national “We’re looking for suitable premises in call centre. Whitianga,” says Kathleen Makiri of Te Vaccinations will take place in age bands. Korowai Hauora O Hauraki. From 28 July, those 60 and older will be able Te Korowai staff, in conjunction with Waikato to book an appointment and from 11 August District Health Board, have been vaccinating bookings will open for those 55 and older. people against COVID-19 since 15 April, It’s expected that people 45 and older will be mostly at Thames Hospital. “We’ve had several able to book an appointment from mid to late days where people were vaccinated at our clinic August, and that those 35 and older will be able in Whitianga as well,” says Kathleen. to book a month later. Everyone older than 16 Up to recently, frontline health workers, and older should be able to make a booking aged residential care residents, and members from October. of the Māori and Pacific communities 65 and You will be allowed to book both your first older were eligible to receive the vaccine. Some of those involved in the COVID-19 vaccination day in Whitianga on Thursday last week. and second doses of the vaccine at the same Invitations to be vaccinated were coordinated From the left - Jannah Johnston (Mercury Bay Medical Centre), Alison Kendall (Te Korowai), Anne time. The second dose should be administered by Waikato DHB. Nicol (Mercury Bay Medical Centre), Jennie Hema (Waikato District Health Board), Rebecca Adlam three to six weeks after the first. In Whitianga, Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Waikato District Health Board), Vanessa Mills (Mercury Bay Medical Centre), Tracy Arrol (Mercury Everyone will be able to register online for (MBMC), was responsible for vaccinating the Bay Medical Centre), Janine Thompson (Te Korowai), Tania Herewini (Hauraki Primary Health an invitation to be vaccinated from 28 July. residents of Whitianga Continuing Care. Organisation), Sophie Bennett (Mercury Bay Medical Centre) and Rhianna Thompson (Te Korowai). Registration will ensure the Ministry of Health On Thursday last week, Te Korowai and says Lorraine Macallister of MBMC. “The fact that we got through the day on has your correct contact details and when MBMC joined forces to vaccinate Mercury “The logistics involved in the vaccination Thursday without any hiccups is giving bookings for your age group opens, you will get Bay residents who are at risk of getting very programme have many components, it’s not a us confidence that the centre will operate an invitation to book. sick from COVID-19. They were assisted by straightforward process. We needed 12 people, efficiently,” says Lorraine. Kathleen asks that no one turns up to be staff from Hauraki Primary Health Organisation from nurses to administration staff, to ensure In addition to the vaccination centres in vaccinated without a booking. “We understand and Waikato DHB. The invitations were everything ran the way it was supposed to.” Whitianga and Thames, Te Korowai will have many people want to be vaccinated as soon as coordinated by MBMC in accordance with Other local healthcare providers (including a mobile vaccination clinic visiting other possible, but turning up without an appointment Waikato DHB guidelines. “We’ve made pharmacies) will be invited to join forces with Hauraki (Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki means staff have to deal with your enquiry our premises at 58 Albert Street available Te Korowai and MBMC when a vaccination Plains) communities on a three-weekly basis. and slows the process down to get everyone for the day and vaccinated 157 people,” centre is being established in Whitianga. “No one needs to worry,” says Kathleen. vaccinated on time,” she says.

Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5 The record-breaking ocean diver who calls Whitianga home By Suzanne Hansen Sumptuous vegemite sandwiches and freshly Indian, Arctic and Southern Oceans. Although baked ANZAC biscuits helped provide the this was Rob’s first time at full ocean depth, sustenance for Whitianga’s Rob McCallum he has been integrally involved with Limiting and Australian, Tim Macdonald, during their Factor as the team’s operational leader for record breaking “ANZAC Dive” to the bottom every expedition. of Challenger Deep, the deepest known place Challenger Deep, 340km southwest of on earth. Guam, is the deepest part of the world’s oceans. The mission at the southern end of the Pacific The Mariana Trench is 2,550km in length and Ocean’s Mariana Trench took place in late April 69km in width. Challenger Deep is 2.1km and set a depth record for both Australia and deeper than Mount Everest is high. Visibility New Zealand. It is the custom of the Austrian is pitch black and the pressure is immense, chef on board their support vessel to make a up to 16,500 pounds per square inch with the special lunch to cater to the national cuisine 90mm titanium pressure hull of Limiting factor of each of the members of an expedition, subjected to over 100,000 tons of pressure. so they can eat local at full ocean depth. It took four hours to complete the journey. Although the pair’s lunch was covered Rob, co-founder of EYOS Expeditions, widely by the national New Zealand media, is a professional expedition leader who has their actual task was to run acoustical location planned, managed and led expeditions for a testing to help work out how to measure distance and location at full ocean depth so that variety of clients to the most remote parts of they can later locate scientific observational the planet. His particular passion is running equipment left down in the trench. complex logistical operations in ultra-remote The pair reached their Australia-New and often hostile environments. He has become Zealand depth record of 10,928 metres in the an expert in deep water submersible operations, deep submergence vehicle, Limiting Factor, leading multiple expeditions to the Titanic and which was designed - and commercially the Bismarck wrecks and designing the finally certified by international maritime authority, successful search for Air France 447. He also DNV-GL - for extensive, repeated dives to that helped coordinate James Cameron’s record depth, the first and only vehicle ever to do so. setting dive into the Mariana Trench in 2012 in Limiting Factor was commissioned by his Deepsea Challenger. Texas businessman, Victor Vescovo, for his Referring to Whitianga as his “home base,” epic global 2019 mission called Five Deeps Rob and his parents, Ada and Tam (Thomas), Expedition, which saw a manned submersible and sister, Alison, made the move from Rob McCallum with wife, Kathy, and 11-year-old son, Kai, at Wharekaho during reach the deepest points in the Atlantic, Pacific, Papua New Guinea to Te Aroha in the 1980s. their last visit to Whitianga just prior to lockdown last year.

Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Record-breaking ocean diver

Tam had managed a large educational facility honed a passion for executing complex in PNG, as well as running a crocodile farm, logistics to make projects happen in some while Ada taught technical English for the of the most remote parts of New Zealand. financial and aviation sectors. After arriving in Much of this isolated work meant that he and Te Aroha, they built a supermarket. his team were airlifted or boated into extremely Rob attended secondary school at Te Aroha remote areas, needing to survive on what they College and went on to study at Lincoln could carry on their backs or by designing University in Canterbury, during which time complicated logistics for replenishing supplies. Ada and Tam relocated to Whitianga where In those days there was no GPS, they operated the Buffalo Beach Four Square. so navigation skills had to be spot on. Rob used Ada became deeply involved in the local all these same skills when he moved into a role community and in 2010 was awarded a Queen’s as a United Nations technical advisor in the Service Medal for services to the community. South Pacific and Melanesia, and later leading She spent many years advocating for better technical expeditions in Papua New Guinea, policies and services for senior citizens, Vanuatu and French Polynesia as a divemaster. EYOS was born when Rob and fellow co- was an active member of Grey Power and was founder, Tim Soper, saw a gap in the market a staunch voice in local politics. for private and technical expeditions. They first Ada and Alison still call Whitianga home started to take on such missions as a hobby and and Rob gets back to Whitianga two or three went on to found EYOS 14 years ago. Over the times a year. years since, the company has run over 1,250 Rob earned his bachelor’s degree in Parks expeditions, all with a level of deep complexity and Recreation Management at Lincoln and requiring and sheer innovation. As Rob University and his Master of Science in says, “If it does not break the laws of physics, Conservation Management from the University it’s doable.” of Wales (Aberystwyth). After university Although living currently in Massachusetts, and a nine-month stint trekking through USA, Rob does see a time when he and his South America and the Himalaya mountains, family will return to New Zealand. With the he started with the Department of Conservation benefit of wide global travel, Rob sees the on the bottom rung cleaning toilets and value of the Coromandel and Whitianga as building tracks. By the time he left, he was at a community with a special essence. He is the top of the organisation’s operational arm as hoping that, with proper planning for the a conservator. future, the area can keep this essence for the It was during his time at DOC that Rob next generation.

4

Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7 Climate change the focus of Great support for the Whitianga author’s latest book Renowned Whitianga author, Des Hunt’s of fossil fuels.” people of Fiji latest book has just been published, but this It’s examples like that which help make one is a bit different. Instead of the usual the book engaging and hopefully useful Great support from the people of Mercury Bay has resulted in a significant amount of financial assistance recently thrills of his eco-fiction, Des has written a for teachers, parents and younger readers. being transferred to Fiji to help with food for the people of non-fiction book to teach children about Well-known book reviewer, Bob Docherty, the Sigatoka area, and Nakalova and Nanoka villages. “With climate change. in a review of Inside Bubble Earth: Climate COVID-19 rampant in the country, the residents of Fiji are “The intention was to write about climate Change, said that by being well illustrated, not having it easy,” says Ian Diprose, who is coordinating change in a way that would give younger simply explained and using the details of the fundraising campaign with his wife, Raewyn. readers hope we could avoid the dystopian science, Des, “Clearly explains the science Part of the campaign is a fruit and vegetable honesty box futures so often portrayed in films and behind the causes of climate change, global system outside Ian and Raewyn’s home in Marlin Street, novels,” says Des about his new book, warming and what can be done to avoid the Whitianga, with the produce being donated by generous “Inside Bubble Earth: Climate Change”. major crisis that will affect all life on Earth.” members of the community. “As a science teacher, I have always taught It’s probably not surprising that Des, The plan is to send more financial support in the next three that a good scientific understanding of a who has written more than 20 books and has weeks. “We are very grateful to everyone who helps make problem is required before any meaningful won several major children’s writing awards this happen,” says Ian. solution can be found. in New Zealand, is straight into another Pictured is the church in Nakalova distributing food parcels “There are billions of words written on book. “I’m looking at a companion book to families in the village. climate change, ranging from top research that might become ‘Inside Bubble Earth: articles in prestigious journals through to Recycling’,” says Des. “I want to relate the rants on conspiracy websites. My problem recycling of man-made goods to the natural was trying to put the science in a way recycling processes that have allowed that younger readers could understand. life to develop for a billion years without Most climate change articles use huge exhausting resources. numbers that even adults find difficult, “Inside Bubble Earth: Climate Change for youngsters they become meaningless. investigates the key relationships between “I needed to find a way to express fossil plants and animals, a second book would fuel consumption in a way that showed show the role that fungi and bacteria play in we were degrading the planet faster than the cycles that ensure life continues on this ever before. Eventually I related fossil-fuel planet. If we use similar processes to recycle burning to the rate at which photosynthesis and reuse the materials we create, then this could make the fuel. This is what I came up will only increase the good that can come with - all of the carbon dioxide produced out of a climate change reboot.” by photosynthesis during the nine years my Inside Bubble Earth: Climate Change is readers have been alive is poured back into available online from publisher, OneTree the atmosphere in just two minutes’ burning House, or at your favourite bookstore.

Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Issue 699956 - 2729 JulyJune 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9 Calling local artists - applications open for pARTner Up artist mentoring programme A contribution by Creative Coromandel In 2020, He Mana Toi Moehau Trust/Creative documentary that captured the learnings Coromandel created and successfully of each artist and their next steps. The full coordinated the first artist mentoring Flourish documentary is available to view on programme for the Coromandel Peninsula the Creative Coromandel YouTube channel. and Hauraki rohe, called “pARTner Up.” “This is the core purpose of pARTner Up,” pARTner Up connects creatives in mentor- says Jan. “It’s for local artists who are mentee relationships that propel artists to serious about advancing their practice so they build confidence, thrive and flourish with can really flourish in their artform and are their art at the centre of their success. supported in setting and achieving long-term Applications are now open for local artists career goals.” who are interested in participating in pARTner Creative Coromandel have put together an Up as a mentee for the 2021/2022 programme. exceptional team of established local artists The cost to participate as a mentee in pARTner to be mentors. Each mentor will share their Up is $500 (payment options available, T&Cs experiences and wisdom for success in the apply). This is a significant opportunity for art world and encourage their mentee to in-depth professional development with an grow and develop. The selected mentors will experienced artist mentor over a six-month engage in a special training wānanga at the period, commencing at the beginning of end of July in preparation for the programme. August 2021 until the beginning of April 2022 (with a break over December and January). pARTner Up is a non-profit initiative Artists may be working in any medium or and Creative Coromandel gratefully genre of visual, literary or performing arts, acknowledges funding support from Lottery must be over the age of 18 and be a resident Community, local philanthropic supporters of the Coromandel Peninsula or Hauraki and local arts groups, who together have rohe. pARTner Up is tailored to artists who made the majority of pARTner Up 2021/2022 are ready and willing to develop their practice pARTner Up connects creatives - last year’s group of mentees participating possible. and step out of their habitual comfort zone. in a professional development workshop in Whitianga. For the full criteria and to Interested applicants should be committed to download an application form, visit their art practice, have a level of competence their key initiatives designed to support the phases of growth and development” says Jan creativecoromandel.co.nz. Applications close in their field and be serious about growing local arts sector. “It’s of utmost importance to Wright, chair of He Mana Toi Moehau Trust/ Sunday, 18 July at 5:00pm. personally and professionally. us that local artists are encouraged to engage Creative Coromandel. For enquiries regarding pARTner Up, email Creative Coromandel is the central arts in their artistic practice with confidence and Last year’s pilot programme was extremely [email protected]. network for the Coromandel Peninsula and creativity, and that they are well supported successful, epitomised by a group exhibition Stay connected with Creative Coromandel the Hauraki rohe, and pARTner Up is one of by their mentor and their peers through these called “Flourish” in March 2021 and a short on Facebook and Instagram.

Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Issue 699956 - 2729 JulyJune 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11 A thank you lunch as part of New Zealand Volunteer Week By Tony Stickley

Whitianga Social Services hosted a lunch for its volunteers on Tuesday last week to thank them for their invaluable contribution in helping provide services for the community. “Without them we would not be able to do half the things we do,” manager, Sheryll FitzPatrick, said. “Their contribution is absolutely amazing.” Whitianga Social Services has about 60 regular volunteers and around 45 of them attended the lunch at the Coro Club Café at the Whitianga Airfield as part of New Zealand Volunteer Week. “New Zealand Volunteer Week is to acknowledge the huge contribution that volunteers make to our Gross Domestic Product nationally and everything we do locally,” Sheryll said. “People don’t realise how big the not-for-profit sector is, what it covers and how many people are employed in the sector, or how many staff and volunteers Whitianga Social Services hosted a lunch for its volunteers on Tuesday last week as part of New Zealand Volunteer Week. there are at Whitianga Social Services.” Some of the statistics Sheryll quoted are to and from hospital, clocking up a total of substantial revenue stream to finance services much they are valued, which reflected the truly impressive. Nationally, volunteers put 56,340km in the process. such as their successful driver licensing nature of the people of Mercury Bay. in 159 million hours of time per annum, Sheryll said that while Whitianga Social programme, a woman’s wellbeing programme “It is an amazing community for supporting valued at around $4 billion, according to Services was funded for specific purposes starting next month and a korowai weaving others in the community,” Sheryll said. 2018 statistics. by a range of organisations, including programme, teaching people how to make “When I first came here, I was absolutely Locally, Social Services volunteers staff the the government and philanthropic trusts, traditional cloaks. astonished by the generosity of the people. charity’s two op-shops, ferry people to Thames the donations of money and food it receives Social Services also run the OSCAR after- The donations and contributions and and Waikato Hospitals for appointments from the public, and from local businesses school programme, which has been receiving volunteer time we receive is truly amazing.” and surgery, and do the heavy lifting when and faith-based organisations were essential help from Whitianga MenzShed members, While the community benefited greatly picking up and delivering donated furniture, to the charity’s work. showing the children how to use hammers from the selflessness of the volunteers, it also not to mention the members of the Board of “We deliver over 20 services into the and nails. “I think the MenzShed members gives them the opportunity to use their skills Trustees who give their time freely as well. community and these contributions allow us enjoy it as much as the children do and it is and expertise. “Volunteering gives them an The total number of hours put in over the to make decisions as to how that money is great that we work with other community opportunity to use their skills and experience past 11 months was a “staggering” 6,512 spent,” Sheryll said. groups as well,” Sheryll said. to continue contributing to their community, hours, Sheryll said. Of those hours, 1,188 She said that a “large number” of volunteers She said that the volunteers were proud of which is as important to them as it is to us,” were recorded by drivers taking patients worked in the op-shops which provide a their work and she believes they know how Sheryll said.

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 Editor - Stephan Bosman, Chief Reporter - Gillian O’Neill Dog and Noise Control ...... 868 0200 Contributors - Meghan Hawkes, Jack Biddle, Anusha Bhana, Suzanne Hansen, Tony Stickley Civil Defence ...... 868 0200 and Lachie Harvey. 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 JULY 2021 the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or Should trawl fishing be banned from the www.presscouncil.org.nz. See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook. Hauraki Gulf completely? 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 956 - 29 June 2021 Letters to the Editor See page 12 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions

Dear Editor - Is climate change a new community’s eyes under the pretext of helping mandatory religion? the climate. Good to see that Alastair Brickell responded Elisabeth Resl last week to Denis Tegg’s Letter to the Editor Kuaotunu in The Informer of 15 June containing an Dear Editor - Should we laugh or should we cry? alarming misrepresentation of Alastair’s Thames-Coromandel District Council have sold Letter to the Editor a week earlier, which quite some land in South Highway, Whitianga for correctly stated that the court action pursued $1.1m and rather than reduce their demands for by the Hauraki Coromandel Climate Action a ridiculous increase in rates, they have bought Group is resulting in a despicable waste of another property at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga ratepayers’ money. (where The Informer offices are located). Signing declarations is meaningless and the They claim because the two are for similar “greatest ever threat to human civilization” sums, there is no impact on rates. That is (according to Mr Tegg) is a lopsided, quasi- not true. religious focus on populist catchwords, There was no budget for this capital an intolerant attitude and a gagging of free expenditure. It appears council believe owning speech in the absence of lifecycle-based, a large land-holding in Monk Street is a comprehensive, real-world steps towards a necessary investment. That predicates that greater respect for the environment we all Whitianga is going to grow rather significantly, depend on. doesn’t it? TCDC’s Long Term Plan didn’t I am sensing a disturbing zealotism that refer to developing their land in Monk Street. silences those who are not prepared to “convert” They claim we are not going to grow much to this new religiosity without asking some during the next 30 years. We can at the very least hard questions. assume they don’t think it will occur within the In the Coromandel context, I am still unclear next 10 years. In the meantime, they haven’t whether the potential prospect of huge diesel planned to spend any significant money on generators recharging those wonderfully “clean infrastructure in Whitianga during that period and climate friendly”-subsidised EV cars that either, because they can’t afford to. will be flocking to our beautiful beaches makes The reality is council would have been me smirk or cry. financially significantly better off if they The “new religion” will only benefit a few didn’t buy the Monk Street land. Even better, (eg electricity companies) - as usual the big they could sell off the Arlington House property, corporates - while much more useful steps like also in Monk Street, for another million dollars old-fashioned maintenance and repair of assets or more. Just as importantly, we would not have and generally less wasteful governance are to suffer and increase in rates by over seven being neglected. percent this year. Richard Rowley Anthony Hope-Cross’s Letter to the Editor Whitianga in The Informer of 22 June on Waikato Regional Council’s solar panel greenwashing at Editor’s Note - We have passed Richard ratepayers’ expense provides us with a brilliant Rowley’s letter on to Thames-Coromandel example of how councils (and the government) District Council for comment. We will publish are constantly pulling the wool over the their reply as soon as it comes to hand.

Issue 699956 - 2729 JulyJune 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13 Kauri 2000 thrilled with planting skills of MBAS students Board Talk By the Mercury Bay Area School Board of Trustees The weather played ball earlier this month to allow around 175 Year 7 and 8 students from Mercury Bay Area School to head into steep The week before last, our community was at MBAS. Well done to all who were involved, bush near Matarangi to plant over 400 kauri, treated to a magical spectacle by the Mercury and our amazing community for their ongoing manuka and tanekaha trees. Bay Area School arts, drama, dance, music support and sponsorship to bring it all together. The bluff area off Matarangi Drive has been and performing arts technology students. Without you, gems like this production recently cleared of pines and the contribution More than 70 of our very talented high school can’t happen. that the students have made in helping to students along with a handful of staff and a On another very positive note, and as a regenerate the native forest will be evident for whole load of community sponsorship joined result of our continued school roll growth over years to come. together to create “For Today - The 100% Kiwi the past years, we officially opened a further The Kauri 2000 Trust, which enables the planting High School Musical.” It was the first school five new classrooms in the primary school on each year through donations from supporters production in five years. And it was so worth Monday, 17 May. worldwide, can attest to the positive attitude the wait. Our roll continues to grow and challenge our of the students. “They jumped in with suitable The very catchy and well-known Kiwi music learning spaces and capacity. Future planning footwear for the rough terrain and even came was all performed live by school musicians is a very important part of our role on the up with names for many of the trees they and supported by a great technical team who Board of Trustees and gathering data on future planted within their groups,” says Alison Henry, provided all the lighting, sound, back stage enrolments continues to be a challenge for us chair of the trust. “We have a long-standing support and set changes. in our rapidly growing community. relationship with the school and as always we Then there was the cast. I was honestly If you have young ones who aren’t currently were thrilled with the planting skills displayed overwhelmed by the talent. It takes a huge attending any of the early learning centres in by the students. Also, the support from parents amount of courage to get up on stage and our area, but are planning to enrol them at and teachers involved in this year’s planting speak to an audience, but to get up and sing, MBAS or if you know of families planning was truly appreciated. And with the recent rains act and dance with the skill, quirky wit and to move to the area with school age children, in the area, this is the very best start these trees ability these super talented teens displayed, we would encourage you to get in touch with can have.” was beyond impressive. the school office as early as possible to help our Pictured are some of the students while the The production was perfectly cast and very senior leadership team plan and prepare. Sarah Moses planting was underway. funny. A great night out for all those who managed to get along and watch it. We are Mercury Bay Area School Board of Trustees super proud of the talent our young people have Parent Representative

Mercury Bay Area School as seen from the air. The new primary school classrooms are at the top in the middle.

Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15 The Small-time Investor By Whitianga resident, Max Ross

Average return and Tesla The markets are back on track and I’m Considering that all of my investments have almost at my previous highs. I’m not up not been invested for a full year, I am on track more as a percentage, but I’m up more for an average annual return of 10 percent. in dollars than I’ve been before this year. This week, as usual, I am “dollar cost As my total invested increases, the dollars averaging” $25 into my exchange traded that a percentage represents grows. Currently ethical funds. The remaining $75 I am I’m up 8.02 percent, which is $409.40. investing into my favourite stock, Tesla. My top performer is still EBOS, up 48.9 I have recently been learning about the percent, followed closely by Nvidia, up 39.9 giga press Tesla is using to die-cast each rear percent. My worst performer is Plexure, underbody section of their Model Y car at down -53.75 percent, followed by Sunrun, once. This new process that is not used by any down -37.1 percent. Twenty-eight of my other car manufacturer at this scale, removes picks are up and 11 are down. Last week’s the need to manufacture and assemble 70 pick, Spotify, is up 1.5 percent which is a other pieces. great start. I like everything I have been reading This 8.02 percent is not per annum. about this new development. The new parts Some of my investments have been invested are made faster, cheaper and are lighter for almost a full year, however half of them and stronger than the alternative. The only have been invested for less than six months. difficulty is purchasing and installing the Last week’s money has only been invested for a week. largest press in the world. Over time, the average return you can Please remember that what I write in this expect from shares is about 10 percent per column is all my personal opinion. Some annum. The average return for the American of my investments are losing money. I am share market is 10 percent for the last century. sharing my thoughts and strategies along with The returns vary wildly from year to year. my results so that you can see how easy it is For New Zealand, the results are very similar. to invest, even a small amount and maybe The best yearly returns were in 1983 where learn from my mistakes. Be careful with investors enjoyed 120 percent. The worst your money. year was 1987 with -42 percent. Over the last If you wish to join in and buy shares through 114 years, the New Zealand share market has online platform, Sharesies, you can use had positive returns for 91 years. On average, this link - https://sharesies.nz/r/KHQQWP. the New Zealand stock market has also You and I will each get $5 into our Sharesies returned 10 percent per annum. accounts.

Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 New and bigger premises for Styled Spaces Styled Spaces has moved. The booming I am building up this business, which is Whitianga business left little choice for doing really well,” said Kim, who moved owner, Kim Kockott, but to move to to Whitianga five years ago with her bigger premises and meet the surge in now-retired Virgin Australia pilot demand for her creative cabinetry. husband, Tony. Three weeks ago, Styled Spaces shifted “It is partly due to Whitianga expanding, out of their Monk Street showroom they but also because people have said how had outgrown into bright new premises much they love my work. We offer opposite the Mercury Bay Library in really good designs and top-end choices Blacksmith Lane. for a lot less than you would pay at a With most of the fit-out complete and bigger company,” just the signage remaining to be done, Kim said the new premises means she Kim is confident she will be able to is able to produce more and is looking for respond more easily to the increasingly more staff as well. sophisticated tastes of Whitianga She admitted that it is exciting homeowners. “I started Styled Spaces transforming her clients’ vision for their two years ago because I knew there was home into a reality and the state-of-the- an opportunity for affordable, stylish art computer software she uses means that kitchens,” she said. she can show them what their ideas will Since Styled Spaces opened, Kim has look like in 3D on a large screen. “People just got busier and busier doing top- are able to see exactly what their vision end kitchens, laundries, pantries and will look like, so we are able to work bathrooms for new builds and renovations together to come up with a design that around the Coromandel. they are really happy with,” said Kim. “Moving to Blacksmith Lane means “They will know to the last detail what much bigger premises, giving us much the concept will look like in reality. I love more room so that we can showcase Kim Kockott, the owner of Styled Spaces, inside the business’s new showroom in Whitianga. the fact that because people’s personalities better what we design and manufacture,” are different, every job is different and it said Kim, a qualified draughtsperson and you and taking the guess work out of what’s Styled Spaces. Her eye for detail and gives me the most satisfaction when people kitchen designer. available. The move has also provided us the design combined with her precision as say I’ve created exactly what they were after. “We now have the largest showroom in fantastic opportunity of becoming a Blum a draughtsperson has seen her kitchen “If you are thinking of building your dream Whitianga where you are welcome to come authorised dealer.” concepts featured in the NZ Kitchen and home or renovating, and are looking for ideas and browse our products. We bring the most Kim has combined her design flair Bathroom Quarterly magazine. for your kitchen, laundry, pantry or bathroom, up to date mod cons, styles and colours to with sound business acumen by running “I am very proud of what I have done as please pop in for a visit.”

Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17 The Fire Siren Peninsula Past - 1891 Sponsored by Safety + Apparel - tel 0800 726 726

Every now and again, Informer contributor, Meghan Hawkes, reads through the newspapers It has been a very busy month for the be someone burning their rubbish. We once that circulated in Mercury Bay and on the Coromandel Peninsula in earlier years. Here are Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade. provided medical assistance until St John several interesting nuggets of history she uncovered from 1891. Our Road Crash Rescue team competed in Ambulance and the rescue helicopter were the North Island challenge and took out first able to take over. An unhappy correspondent reported to the place, a fantastic achievement. We have also But most concerning is that we attended Observer newspaper that it was very mean of responded to 16 calls for assistance. three kitchen fires. Luckily in all three cases the Mercury Bay footballers to come away from We responded to three motor vehicle the fires were found before they became too their dinner without thanking the young ladies for their kindness. They also went down to accidents, two house fires and one call to big, but in two of the situations it was very Ryan’s Hotel to get the wine for their dinner, investigate a possible hazardous substance close to becoming very serious. instead of obtaining it where they were dining. incident that turned out to be paint fumes. Please remember, “Keep looking when The roads to the Kuaotunu goldfield were We have also been called to two power you're cooking.” Things can catch fire quickly thankfully merciful noted a visiting clergyman. poles on fire and two private fire alarm and fire spreads fast. The climate he found perfectly Italian and the activations. We removed a tree blocking the Be careful and stay safe, scenery of earth, sky and ocean was of the first road during strong winds and investigated Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mediterranean order. Tents and whares dotted smoke causing concern that turned out to Derek Collier the hills and the township stood on the plains. An immediate appointment of a teacher was needed at Kuaotunu though. With a school at hand, men living a homeless life among the The Kuaotunu main street circa 1900. hills would be induced to bring their wives and Auckland Libraries Heritage children to the place. An untidy abode with Collections 7-A9152. rough cooking was the lot of single men or men of the mill was a new school building. separated from their families, although there Land lying between the school and the creek were a few snug, tidy little tents and whares was extensively cultivated with maize and oats, in the most picturesque and poetic situations and there were also great numbers of sheep at presided over by pleasant ladies. the place. Where the ground rose to the south A run to Mercury Bay on the steamer were the mines, where a new discovery of gold reminded the clergyman of the lovely sheltered had seen fresh parties of miners arrive to peg bays at the head of Scottish lochs and up the out ground. river to Gumtown, with its glimpses of lofty There was a story that gold had been kauri woods and hills, revealed how vast and discovered at Cabbage Bay 20 years previously, varied was the beauty of this new world. when three men were out pig shooting. Cabbage Bay (now known as Colville) One stooped to drink from a small stream and also came under the scrutiny of a visitor who while doing so saw something glittering in the observed that between Coromandel Harbour water. This he discovered to be gold and he and and Cabbage Bay were several small islands, his mates at once pegged out some ground and inhabited by great numbers of seabirds and set to work. They got good quantities of gold rabbits. From some of these islets guano was and then left the spot for civilisation, leaving taken in large quantities. their anvil and stamper planted in a huge rata A number of buildings had been constructed, tree. Recently, it was said, that very stamper and conspicuous among them the Cashmore anvil had been discovered indeed buried in an Brothers sawmill. About 100 yards south old rata tree.

Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Issue 699956 - 2729 JulyJune 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19 What’s On In the next few weeks

Regular Activities Mercury Bay Pickleball Club Op-shops Meets every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per • Social Services Op-shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available. (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Mercury Bay Tennis Club • The Church Op-shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. Mercury Bay Table Tennis • St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Meets every Tuesday from 9:00am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on 10:00am - 2:00pm. (07) 869 5162 or (027) 565 5575 for more information. Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust Bookshop - Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga. Open every Monday - Saturday from Mercury Bay Badminton 10:00am - 2:00pm. Meets every Wednesday from 9:30am - 11:00am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Whitianga Senior Citizens Club Phone (07) 866 5476 for more information. Meets Mondays at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Bowls, scrabble, card games, housie AA Driver Licensing etc. Afternoon tea, 55 plus age group. Phone Adrian Telders (president) on 866 5377 for more information. The second Friday of every month at St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Peninsula Penultimates (ex Probus Club) Mercury Bay Community Choir Meets the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00am at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. This “all-comers” choir rehearses every Monday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the Mercury Bay Area School Music Room. Phone Joan on 866 3801 or (027) 275 1372 for more information. New singers always welcome. Phone (022) 643 7462 for more information. SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Winter Tuna Tournament (027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. Thursday, 1 July - Tuesday, 31 August. Entry fee $250 per boat. Great prizes on offer. See mbgfc.co.nz for Chinwag Café more information. Every Friday from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other Seniors Morning Tea people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag. Thursday, 1 July from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at the Whitianga Town Hall Supper Room, Monk Street. Enjoy a cup of Mercury Rockers tea and conversations about health services and support available in the community. Free entry. Hosted by Mercury Rock ‘n Roll every Monday at 7:00pm at the Mercory Bay Bowling Club, Cook drive, Whitianga. All welcome, lessons Bay Medical Centre. available. Phone Chris on (021) 504 246 for more information. Thames Valley First XV Rugby - Saturday, 3 July Whitianga Art Group Semi-final - Mercury Bay Area School v Hauraki Plains College in Ngatea. Kick-off at 11:15am. Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for Thames Valley Senior Rugby - Saturday, 3 July a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information. Quarter-final - Mercury Bay Senior B v Waihou Senior B in Whitianga. Kick-off at 12:25pm. Alcoholics Anonymous Quarter-final - Coromandel Town Senior B v Paeroa Senior B in Coromandel Town. Kick-off at 2:00pm. Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Quarter-final - Mercury Bay Senior A Marlins v Waihi Senior A in Whitianga. Kick-off at 2:00pm. Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information. Op-shop Glam Fashion Parade Serenity Al-Anon Group Sunday, 4 July at 4:00pm at the clubrooms of the Mercury Bay Golf Club, Golf Road, Whitianga. A showcase of the Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by best of Whitianga’s op-shop fashions. Tickets $10 per person, available form the golf club shop. A fundraiser to someone else’s drinking. upgrade the facilities at the club. Whitianga Menz Shed SeniorNet Whitianga Enrolment Day Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel Tuesday, 6 July from 1:30pm to 3:00pm at the Whitianga Social Services building, 2 Cook Drive. Discover what truck stop. All welcome. SeniorNet can do for you. For more information, phone Lorna on (027) 486 0150. Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club Arts on Tour New Zealand’s “Aperture - The Life and Work of Ans Westra” Meet every Wednesday at 1:00pm and every Thursday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Saturday, 10 July at 7:00pm at the Coghill Theatre, Coghill Street, Whitianga. A one-womean play by actor/ Phone Gavin on (07) 866 2343 or (021) 146 9203 for more information. director Martine Baarvinger about the life of a photographer who successfully captured an important part of Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club Aotearoa’s history. Tickets - adults $25, 18 and under $10, available from Mercury Bay Pharmacy and online at Meets every Thursday at 6:45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Come along and join in or phone Alan on eventbrite.co.nz. A Creative Mercury Bay initiative. 866 4024 or Cheryl on 0274 527887 for more information.

Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Clean sweep for Whitianga Gun Club The Whitianga Gun Club took a clean sweep at home last Sunday against several other Waikato region clubs. In addition to the traditional Down the Line trophy, the club has also won the Side by Side and Ball Trap trophies. “All three trophies will proudly be displayed in our clubrooms and we will do our best to hold onto them,” says Dave Munday, club spokesperson. Pictured are the Whitianga A team members with the trophies. From the left - Brad Johnson, Dean Horn, Peter Chatfield, Neville Crawford (captain) and Bill Smith.

Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21 Mega Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles

Crossword Puzzle 956

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.

See page 26 for last week’s crossword solution and winner.

Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23 Fishing Report Sudoku Sponsored by Mercury Bay Marine - Tel (07) 867 1280

Water temperatures have dropped down to Tuna are on the run currently out wide and the 13 to 15C° in close rather rapidly and while Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club’s Winter Tuna Sudoku Puzzle 956 the snapper and gurnard are still on the bite, Tournament commences this week. Vessels other species such as trevally and kahawai are heading out wide should log a trip report with becoming a bit more tricky to detect. Coastguard on channel 63 and update the trip A tip for catching trevally (if you are lucky report every couple of hours. Remember, Name: ______enough to find them) is to use the skin ofa if they have your last-known location, scaled kahawai on a Number 6 curved circle Coastguard have an increased chance of locating

Tel no: ______hook weighted with a half-ounce ball sinker. you if you need assistance. Scrape all the flesh off the skin and stray line On another matter... It’s very disappointing Win two Trumpet ice creams. Hand deliver or mail or scan and email your entry to into the school of fish (they won't take the to see the excessive catching and removal The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or bait if there is flesh on it... you need to use the of pink maomao from the Aldermen reefs. [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim skin only). Pink maomao are slow generating reef fish and their prize from Buffalo Beach Four Square directly before the Wednesday of the week following Do not strike the rod when they take the bait. are crucial to reef life. Remove these fish and the issue in which they were announced the winner. Trevally have soft mouths. The idea of using other species will disappear. a Number 6 curved circle hook is to allow the I understand that private boats are being used fish to semi swallow the hook. Gently wind in to harvest these fish out of Tairua. However your catch and use a catch net. Number 6 hooks the same boats have been seen launching out are big enough for the fish not to swallow the of Whitianga. If you see these boats operating, hook completely. Remember the Ministry please feel free to take photos and videos of the for Primary Industries size limit for trevally vessels and persons involved, and contact MPI is 25cm, but 30cm is a better eating size and on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76224). more sustainable. This type of harvesting has to stop Humpback whales are currently making their immediately. Your help is needed. way up the coast with young calves. Please Finally, the weather is still a mixed bag. ensure you stay well clear of these animals. Please check the weather before you head out The calves don’t have the experience of the and if in doubt... don't go. adults and can become easily separated from Tony Marsters them. Contact the Department of Conservation Warfish Charters if you want to know more about moving around Phone (021) 298 5750 sea mammals. Email [email protected]

With regard to the harvesting of pink maomao referred to in Tony Marster’s Fishing Report, please note that Ngāti Hei has put a voluntary rāhui on fishing for the species along the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, from Whangapoua to Whangamatā.

Last week’s solution Last week’s winner - Udo Gladbach

Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Jimmy Spithill and Monty Betham in Matarangi Two big names in New Zealand and which was how the evening came international sport were special guests about. “It was organised through a at an enormously successful dinner at connection with Andrew who boxes The Dunes Golf Club in Matarangi on at the gym,” said Steve. “Jimmy is Saturday evening last week. a physical training freak and Monty Tickets to listen to a laidback runs the boxing gym, so there was interview with two-time America’s an association there that gave us an Cup winner, Australian Jimmy opportunity to bring them down here.” Spithill, and his friend, Warriors rugby Steve said that Spithill, who was league great-turned boxer, Monty co-helmsman of the unsuccessful Betham, sold out almost as soon as Luna Rossa challenger in this year’s they went on sale. America’s Cup racing, said he wanted For organiser, Steve Moss, the to be part of the next regatta. “He said informal evening, giving locals the the America’s Cup was a tradition that chance to rub shoulders with the two will always carry on and that he was definitely keen to be part of the next sporting giants, could not have gone event,” said Steve. better. “We were inundated with Spithill was also a big fan of the people wanting to attend,” he said. SailGP international racing series for “There was a capacity of around 75 identical 60-foot foiling catamarans to start with, but we ended up with 92 around the world, which he believes and we were turning people away.” will have a big future. Steve said that the date for the event There was also an auction held was locked in about three weeks ago during the evening. “We had two and was advertised through the golf Warriors league jerseys that Monty club data base. “It sold out within a MC, Andrew Moss (on the left), interviewing America’s Cup winner, Jimmy Spithill (in the centre), signed and we had a Luna Rossa matter of hours of going live,” he said. jacket that Jimmy signed,” said Steve. Entertainment for the evening was and Warriors rugby league star, Monty Betham, at a sporting greats dinner in Matarangi on Saturday evening last week. “The jacket sold for $4,200 and one of a SportsCafé-style interview with the league jerseys went for $5,000.” Spithill and Betham hosted by Steve’s would reply individually and sometimes it The pair answered questions about their Steve added that feedback from people son, Andrew Moss, who played MC for was a joint question and they would get a sporting careers, what they did as kids, how who attended the event was “excellent”. the evening, with diners being able to ask crack each. they got started in sport, how they became “The food by Scott Corbett, the chef, was questions later. “It was basically just a “Then there was an opportunity for an professional, right up until the present day. absolutely amazing - it was served floating very relaxed way of doing it,” said Steve. open forum Q&A, which was probably the Betham now runs a boxing gym in buffet-style and it went down really well,” “Andrew asked them questions and they highlight of the evening for a lot of people.” Auckland where Andrew Moss trains, he said.

Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25 Record number of entries in Brain Teaser - Anagram © Lovatts Puzzles kids hunting competition

Brain Teaser Puzzles 956

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.

Themed Anagram Instructions - The annual Whitianga Pig Hunters “Take a Kid Hunting - In Memory of Kyla Ngarimu” hunt was held from Friday 18 to Sunday, 20 June. A record number of 81 children, ranging in age from four months to 16 years Unscramble the letters of the phrases to make five words relating to the theme, each starting with old, entered in the competition. In addition to the hunt, fun activities were also on offer at The Coroglen the given letter. The letters in the shaded squares will spell out another word relating to the theme. Tavern, where the prize-giving was held. This is the mystery keyword. A total of 15 pigs, at least 50 possums, 11 rabbits and 25 Snapper were weighed. The results were as follows - Pigs - 1 Finn, Kaia and Reana 64.2kg, 2 Maitland and Bree 51.5kg, 3 Dean and Liam 50.2kg, 4 Ava, Fletcher, Cash and Jett 46.2kg, 5 Riley 37.5kg. Possum Intermediate - 1 Bree 3.735kg, 2 Masen 3.730kg, 3 Meg 3.695kg. Possums Junior - 1 Beaudyn 4.320kg, 2 Ellie 4.290, 3 Kaia 3.455kg. Rabbits Intermediate - 1 Maitland 1.805kg, 2 Gabrielle 1.735kg, 3 Lucy 1.715kg. Rabbits Junior - 1 Wolf 1.935kg, 2 Shem 1.785kg, 3 Kaia 1.745kg. Snapper - 1 Ryder 5.060kg, 2 Riley 4.945kg, 3 Frankie 4.485kg, 4 Slade 3.845, 5 Meg 3.096kg. Combined Critter Weight Winners - Matarangi Moochers 35.4kg. The organiser would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the competition - The Warehouse Whitianga, The Mercury Bay Informer, Williams Landscaping, Peninsula Forestry Services, Mad Max Sports Fishing, Longshore Marine, Dive Zone Whitianga, Blackjack Surf, Farm Source RD1, Whitianga Sports, Buffalo Beach Takeaways, Buffalo Beach Four Square, The Glass House Emporium, Whitianga Party Ice, Fun Zone, Hunting and Fishing Thames, and Jed and Michelle Harper and the crew at The Coroglen Tavern. Pictured is Pete Ngarimu, father of the late Kyla Ngarimu, with heaviest snapper winner, Ryder Hamilton, during prize-giving on 20 June.

Answers

1. ______

2. ______

3. ______

4. ______

5. ______

Mystery keyword ______

Last week’s Last week’s Brain Teaser solution - Binary Puzzle Crossword solution

Last week’s Brain Teaser winner - Last week’s Crossword winner - Ian Johnson Claire Hyder

“Rerenga kōrero o te wiki” (Saying of the week) “He tino reka taua kai!” - That food was really nice! 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 26 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Sport Results

MERCURY BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 3 John Hughes. Tackle of the Day - Wills McGovern, Try of the Day - MERCURY BAY AREA SCHOOL RUGBY Nine-hole Veterans Tutti-Frutti - Tuesday, 22 June Eighteen-hole Men and Ladies Stroke Play Net Lennox Austin, Player of the Day - Liam Ramage, Saturday, 26 June Results Men - 1 Trevor Hildreth, 2 Jeff Dixon, (Eceletic Final) - Saturday, 26 June Player of the Day Chosen by the Opposition - Lachlan Year 9 and 10 - A quarter final game. MBAS 55 v Waihi 3 Campbell Elliot. Results - 1 Al Sims 69, 2 Neil Robertson 76, 3 John Mikkelsen. College 7. Results Ladies - 1 Lee Pudney, 2 Maria Duxfield, Hamilton 77, 4 David Young 77. Thank you to our sponsors - New World Whitianga and First XV - MBAS 31 v Waihi College 7. 3 Maree Denney. 4BBB - Al Sims and Kevin Milroy 62, Best Gross - Cove Construction. MERCURY BAY SENIOR RUGBY Eighteen-hole Ladies Hidden Holes - Al Sims 80, Nearest the Pin - David Young, Twos/Net Year 6 - A semi-final between Mercury Bay and Saturday, 26 June Wednesday, 23 June Eagles - Barry Scott. Coromandel Town. The Bay started off well scoring Senior B - Mercury Bay 22 v Cobras (Te Aroha) 26. Results Division 1 - 1 Lynne Butler, 2 Chrissie Smith, THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB two quick tries. That was followed by an exchange of Senior A - Mercury Bay 45 v Waihou 14. 3 Norma Hart. Men’s Two Day Combined Net Strokeplay - tries until halftime At halftime, Mercury Bay was ahead Tries - Harley Hanning, Josh Wirihana, Trinity McQueen, Results Division 2 - 1 Sheree Henderson, 2 Jandy Wednesday, 16 and 23 June 25 - 15. Coromandel Town came out firing in the Charlie Best, Shayne Johnson, Jordan Olliff and Connor Morton, 3 Vinnie Schofield. Results Senior Division (0 - 17) - 1 Tracey Mulligan second half, getting two quick tries. Mercury Bay McVerry, Conversions - Regan Crosland (4) and Nearest the Pin #18 - Judith King, Longest Putt #9 - 148, 2 David Gaskell 148, 3 Robin Fleming 153. woke up and and Rohan Percival scored three tries in Jayden Tegg. Judith King. Twos - Barry Bowen and Geoff Atmore, Nearest the Pin a row. However, Coromandel wouldn’t give up and the This result means means that Mercury Bay finished Morrison Cup Winner - Norma Hart. #18 - Geoff Atmore. scores were tied at fulltime. After five minutess of extra second on the table with a home quarter final and, Eighteen-hole men’s Scramble Stableford - Results Junior Division (18 plus) - 1 Barry Bowen 152, time each way, with a try each, the game was again if successful, a home semi-final after that. Wednesday, 23 June 2 Glen Le Lievre 153, 3 Dennis Ford 153. drawn 40 all. Unfortunately this saw Coromandel Town MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER Results - 1 Jay Marshall 35, 2 Graham Eccles 35, Twos - Tracey Mulligan, Ivan Adams, Grant Robinson, advance to the final as they have beaten Mercury Bay Wednesday, 23 June 3 Dennis Andrews 35. Geoff Atmore and Barry Bowen, Nearest the Pin #18 during the regular season. Best of three frames. Twos - Carl Mitchell, Kevin Smith, Roger Booth and - Noel Rogers. Player of the Day - Rohan Percival, Outstanding Effort Eleven players. Dave Colman, Ken Gibson, Forrest Micky Henderson (2), Best Gross - Dave Enright. Stableford - Saturday, 26 June - Tamsin Reichardt, Player of the Day Awarded by the Littlejohn and Paul Bean achieved two straight wins Nine-hole Ladies Stableford - Thursday, 24 June Results - 1 Peter Sharp 40, 2 Chris Palmer 39, 3 Geoff Opposition - Masen Schlaepfer. each to fight out the finals. In the first semi-final, Dave Results Division 1 - Linda Stratford, 2 Kyung Rodgers, Atmore 35. Year 7 and 8 - The team played a home semi-final took the win over Ken and In the second semi-final, 3 Jenny Layton. Twos - Glen Le Lievre, Nearest the Pin #18 - Glen Le against Te Aroha Black at Lyon Park in Whitianga. a very close match saw Forrest beat Paul to meet Results Division 2 - Suzanne Hansen, 2 Judy Hindrup, Lievre. In their first game of the season, the Bay drew against Dave in the final. Dave was on form and took the win 3 Felicity Sanders. MERCURY BAY JUNIOR RUGBY Te Aroha Black 22 all. The Bay started of strong with an over club champion, Forrest, and the big meat pack. Eighteen-hole Men Scramble Stableford - Saturday, 26 June early try. Te Aroha hit back almost straight away with Forrest Littlejohn (runner-up) finished the day with Saturday, 26 June Year 4 - The team played an amazing semi-final game a 7-pointer. The teams went back and forth until the three wins. Two wins to Brian Codyre, Jason Smith, Results - 1 Graham Dun 40, 2 Wayne Malcolm 40, against Paeroa in Paeroa. The final score was 30 - 25 Bay got stuck into their play and scored five more tries, Kerry Allan 37. Paul Bean and Ken Gibson, who also had the highest to Paeroa with the opposition scoring the winning try with Kyson Mansell kicking five out of six conversions, break of 19. Best Gross - Dave Enright, Twos - Paul Lupton, Justin on the final whistle. to go into halftime 40 - 12 up. Both teams played some Wilson, Stuart King and Richard Schofield, Nearest Saturday, 26 June Tries - Boh Boyd (1), Ryder Goodall (1) and Rimaati good structured rugby in the second half, but Mercury Best of three frames the Pin (Division 1) - Matt Sanders, Nearest the Pin Joshua (3), Player of the Day - Boh Boyd, Showing Bay scored a further three tries to comfortably win the (Division 2) - Graham Dun, Longest Drive (Division 1) Only six players. With three straight wins, Bob Haase Maturity - Shem Macdonald, Dusting Off the Hard game 57 - 17. The team now moves on to the final took home the chicken thighs and rump steak. Willie - Wayne Kearney, Longest Drive (Division 2) - Graeme Knocks - Reef Conder, Player of the Day from the in Whangamata next Saturday (3 July) at 12:15pm Heathcote. Jones had two wins. Opposition - Boh Boyd. against Thames. Highest Break - Peter Schultz 30. PURANGI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Year 5 - The team traveled to Ngatea to take on Hauraki Thank you to referee, Wayne Berry, and touch judges, Nine-hole Men and Ladies M Bonnar Trophy Round MERCURY BAY CONTRACT BRIDGE CLUB Plains in the semi-finals. It was a fantastic game to Connor McVerry and Jayden Tegg. Championship Pairs Round 7 - 2 of 3 Net - Tuesday, 22 June watch, but sadly for us Hauraki took the win 45 - 15. Players of the Day - Lyric Jackman-King and Results - 1 Phil Costello, 2 Wayne Morrison, Lennox Austin scored our three tries. Ridge Rameka. (Continued on page 28)

Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 27 Sport Results

(Continued from page 27) Wednesday, 23 June that they had enough. Thank you to our Stella Bahr’s outstanding performance North/South - 1 Don Barry and Tadek Gawor 56.07, players who were willing to play for both in goal in both games earned her the 2 Equal Augusta Canegallo and Sue Gill, and Gavin teams. We won the first game 2 - 0, Player of the Day award. Hedwig and Kate Palmano 51.43. with Ruben Jennings scoring both goals. MERCURY BAY NETBALL CENTRE East/West - 1 Dave Dylla and Colin Day 62.50, We lost the second game 0 - 4. Wednesday, 23 June 2 Giorgio Allemano and Jenny Layton 53.33, 3 Bill Players of the Day - Gemma Beaver and Year 5 and 6 - Black Panthers 7 v Cummings and Peter France 52.08. Xavier Sharp. Whenuakite Aurora 5, Gold Ferns 16 v Winter-1 Competition Round 3 - Thursday, 24 June 12th Grade Marlins - The team played Whiti FIre 8. Results - 1 Geoff Jervis and Ischelle Stevenson 79.17, the Paeroa Rangers in Paeroa. The Year 7 and 8 - Blue Stars 8 v The 2 Hillary Scott and Amy Hyde 56.25, 3 Debbie Cragg Marlins played very well, recording an Blue Mustangs 7, The Falcons 27 v and Caron Clinning 52.08. excellent 12 - 0 win. The team’s attack Cherry Bombs 1, Tairua Hotshots 17 v HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB was on fire, while the defence never let Coro Ferns 2, Red Demons 14 v The Bright Pairs Week 1 - Tuesday, 22 June Paeroa get close to the goal. Stingerz 6. North/South - 1 Vivienne Leigh and Sue Gill 61.67, Goal Scorers - Ben Collins (4), Cody College - Baywatch 31 v The Heat 20, 2 Myra Hoogwerf and Ngaire O'Brien 56.67, 3 Robyn Hickey-Courtenay (4), Marlie Candelaria The Leprechauns 40 v Coromandel Area Hogg and Annette Cox 55.83. (2), Benjamin Eady and Hunter Jackman, School 28, Hustlers 54 v Ink 26. East/West - 1 Don Barry and Peter Hogg 71.67, Players of the Day - Marlie Candelaria Senior/Social Division 1 - MBAS Senior 2 Robyn Waters and David Wilkinson 59.17, 3 Bev and Benjamin Eady. A 50 v Hot Shots 36, Hawkes 26 v Win Dickie and Jean Myles 54.58. Senior Girls - The team had an early or Booze 21, Fusion (won by default) v TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB start against Hauraki Plains College and Whiti Cross WOD. Monday, 27 June a second match booked in with premier Senior/Social Division 2 Quarter- North/South - 1 Liz Young and Peter McNeil 60.48, side, Rototuna, in the first round of the - Midcourters 29 v Darkside 2 Nolene Kirkpatrick 54.29, 3 Chris Death and Lynnette finals Flowers 50.95. Knock Out Cup. HPC always bring their Dominos 12, Places Ladies 51 v Tukana East/West - 1 Equal Jocelyn Taylor and Jo Feasey, A game to the Bay girls and with the 21, Sweaty Bettys 36 v Darkside 20. and Jean Myles and Gillian Martin 62.22, 3 Equal Lynn end result 7 - 5 to Mercury Bay, the girls MERCURY BAY INDOOR BOWLING Kime and Shirley Smith, and Lee Hughes and Donna knew they had fought hard to stay top CLUB Harvey 54.44. of the Division 2 table and retain the Thursday, 24 June MERCURY BAY FOOTBALL CLUB Challenge Cup for another week. Winners - Peter Rabarts, Trevor Knight Saturday, 26 June The second game was always going and Maureen Lack. 10th Grade Stingrays - The team took a beautiful road to go Rototuna’s way, the Premier Runners-up - Ken Lack, Heather Walker trip to Whangamata. We had a great first quarter, lost Division leaders. The Bay girls looked and Bev McAllister. our way in the next two and gave it our all in the last to the game as preparation for the Good Sports - Doreen Davies, Cheryl quarter, going down 8 - 1. upcoming Nationals Winter Tournament Henderson, Shirley Marshall and Marie Our Players of the Day were Jackson, for getting stuck week. Mercury Bay competed well and Denney. into everything, and Leo for not giving up all game. were often up to the task before them, MERCURY BAY HOCKEY 10th Grade Sharks - The team played the Whangamata but the new players to the game this Thursday, 24 June Red Dragons at the Mercury Bay Multisport Park. year were no match as Rototuna slot the Stella Bahr, the Mercury Bay Senior Girls football team goalkeeper, College Grade - Mercury Bay 13 The Dragons borrowed some of our players to ensure winning goals home. was the team’s Player of the Day on Saturday last week. v Hauraki Plains College Second XI 0.

Page 28 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Classifieds and Public Notices

TO LET

Classifieds and Public Notices

public notice

Kuaotunu Land SAR Inc AGM Tuesday, 6 July at 7:00pm at the Search and Rescue Base, STORAGE SHEDS, various sizes, dry and secure. Affordable rates. end of Abrahamson Drive, Whitianga. All Welcome. Ph: 0800 944 660 STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 situations vacant Container It Self Storage, 17 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258 STORAGE, Self storage/boat storage, Matarangi - Kuaotunu. Ph: 07 866 5693

Office Administrator At our new office in Whitianga, we hope to find someone who can be a front person in our business who is friendly, energetic and enthusiastic with some experience of building SITUATIONS VACANT industry administration procedures. Qualifications and Experience • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word and Excel. • Experience in Xero and other software programmes. • Some experience and knowledge of building industry administration tools. • Good social and communication skills. Tasks and Responsibilities • Data entry and record keeping. • Helping set up systems and procedures as our business expands. • Liaising with local councils, tradespeople and suppliers. • Working alongside others and helping to meet deadlines. • Assisting with other administrative duties. This position can be either full-time or part-time, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Training can be given in areas where it is required. Please send your CV to [email protected].

POSITIONS AVAILABLE OP Columbia (OPC) is a major participant in the aquaculture industry on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. We specialise in processing Greenshell™ mussels. If you are motivated, reliable and have an excellent work ethic, then this job would suit you. We pay competitive rates with the opportunity to increase pay based on performance. Travellers are required to provide a current work visa. NZ applicants need to have NZ residence or a valid NZ work visa. Shift times available: Dayshift processing 6:00am to 3:00pm Hygiene (cleaning) shift 3:30pm (times are subject to change) Applications can be made online at www.opcolumbia.co.nz or call into the office to submit an application.

Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 29 Classifieds and Public Notices for sale DEATH NOTICE

LEET, Edna Jean DRY FIREWOOD DELIVERED FIREWOOD Shed stored. Peacefully at home in Kuaotunu (surrounded by her loving family) on 22nd June 2021, Red Gum $160/metre, aged 83 years. Loving wife of the late Graham. Macrocarpa $150/metre Pine $120m³, Poplar $100m³. Free delivery locally. Loving mother and mother-in-law of Michael and Joy, Maree and Gary, Kim and David. www.goodwoodfirewood.co.nz Loving Nana of Gene and Karl, Tyler and Scott. Chris - 021 240 9909 Phone (027) 495 8033 or (07) 867 1361. Privately cremated, in accordance with Edna’s wishes. A small gathering of her close family will be held to celebrate her life. cattery CHURCH SERVICES Correspondence to Kim and David Bryant, 244 Kuaotunu-Wharekaho Road, RD 2, Whitianga 3592. TWENTYMANS WORK WANTED

community bus

MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY BUS For your door to door travel 866 4273 to hospitals and medical-related facilities. Public, DHB and private. Waikato, Tauranga, Thames Auckland. To book phone 07 866 4993 or 867 1333 or 021 0270 6897 Advertisement sponsored by the Mercury Bay Club

DOG GROOMING coromandel garage doors For new doors, auto openers and full maintenance and repair service. THE BESS HANDZ Phone Don McLean 022 453 2188 EMBROIDERED MONOGRAMS Email [email protected] Alterations, repairs, zip and hem service. www.corogaragedoors.co.nz Phone 866 5277.

HOLISTIC HEALTH HOUSE WASHING DAVE’S DRAINAGE Detergent Soft Wash, Drainlaying, Public & Private, Handyman Services. INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER 1.8 Ton Digger Hire. Phone Russell Short on WORKSHOP FACILITATOR 30 Years Experience. 866 2097 or 0273 602 937 TAROT CARD READINGS Free Quotes or Advice. SPIRITUAL MENTOR Call Dave 027 727 0348 CLAIRVOYANT [email protected] Rubbish Removal ST ANDREW’S BY THE SEA Trees, Lawns, Garden Bags VERNA (027) 320 0079 Community Church Phone John 866 5511 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com Albert Street, Whitianga MIKE’S MOWING COMMUNITY WORSHIP $25 empty sections, fortnightly or monthly mowing. EVERY SUNDAY 9:30am. Free edge spraying. Come, join the family of God! Phone Mike or Deb 866 4678 Enquiries 869 5452 or 027 320 1703. www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz

THE CHURCH OF Mercury Bay Spouting JESUS CHRIST For all types of guttering OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS and spouting PSYCHIC MEDIUM Everyone Welcome Tony 021 505 109 Sunday 10 am – 12 noon @ 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga (Community Service Bldg) Enquiries - 021 113 0566

All welcome WANTED Whitianga SDA Fellowship Saturday @ 10:00am Family worship PENINSULA CHIMNEYS Vehicles wanted Phone 022 354 4069 Top cash paid for any or 027 248 2984 Chimney Sweep VANS, UTES, TRUCKS, Clean and efficient service. 4X4s, CARS - WANTED Phone or text John dead or alive, damaged, (021) 138 3295. A member of de-registered, mechanical problem, Wanted no WOF - we buy it. Lockwood or similar bach/house Call 0800 333 398 suitable for relocation. Phone Sue (027) 241 7495

Page 30 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 956 - 29 June 2021 Action from some of last weekend’s rugby games in Whitianga

Whitianga was home to several crucial rugby games on Saturday last week. Here is some of the day’s action. Photo top left - Shaun Joshua winning ground for the Mercury Bay Year 7 and 8 team in their semi-final against Te Aroha Black. Photo top right - Mercury Bay Area School Year 9 and 10 player, Maitland Bevan, getting ready to push a defender off in his team’s quarter final against Waihi College. Photo bottom left - Jakub Markowski taking a gap for the MBAS First XV in their game against Waihi College. Photo bottom right - Mercury Bay Senior A Marlins captain, Connor Mcverry, winning a lineout ball against Waihou on Saturday (photo by Ken Hindmarsh).

Issue 956699 - 2927 JuneJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 31