Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,000 New Te Korowai doctor welcomed with pōwhiri

Dr Ned Azar, the new GP at Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki in , and his family were welcomed to with a small pōwhiri at the Wharekaho marae on Saturday last week. Pictured are some of those who attended the pōwhiri. From the left - Dr David Wilson (a senior GP in Mercury Bay for many years), Joe Davis (rangatira of Ngāti Hei), Michelle Azar, Aiden Azar, Dr Ned Azar and Ashleigh Battaerd (nurse practitioner at Te Korowai in Whitianga) with her son, Lex. Read the story on page 3.

Distributed throughout the , coast to coast from Thames to north of Colville - www.theinformer.co.nz Several Mercury Bay Golf Club buildings destroyed in fire

Only a week after putting out a blaze that destroyed a house in Whitianga, the Whitianga ) as well as the Brigade’s water tanker were on the scene. Volunteer Fire Brigade were on Saturday last week again called to a building on fire, this time Fire and Emergency investigated the scene last Sunday morning. at the Mercury Bay Golf Club. The Mercury Bay Golf Course was closed on Sunday, but reopened for play on Monday this week. With the help of the Cooks Beach and Hahei Volunteer Fire Brigades the fire was successfully In an email sent to Mercury Bay Golf Club members on Sunday, Graham Eccles, club president extinguished, but unfortunately the greenkeeper’s shed, members’ trundler shed and main golf asked all members to give the club greenkeeper “…space as things will not be operating for cart shed have been destroyed. The equipment, golf clubs and golf carts inside the sheds have him as normal.” also been destroyed. Pictured in the photo on the left is former Whitianga fire chief, Merv George, on the scene on Putting the fire out hasn’t been without challenges as several fuel tanks were close to the flames. Saturday. In the photo on the right is Whitianga Station Officer Julian Lee (left) and Hahei Chief At one time four fire appliances (two from Whitianga and one each from Cooks Beach and Fire Office Ian Carter keeping an eye on things.

What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information provided and sponsored by Week of Wednesday, 20 January to Wednesday, 27 January - Summer is the time of the wonderful constellation Orion, the hunter, in the evening sky. It is a huge constellation with the distinctly pinkish star Betelgeuse at its lower right, just below the part of it we call “The Pot.” This star is actually an enormous red giant and if placed where the Sun is would extend out to Jupiter with the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars all inside it. However, the most pinkish object in the sky now is actually Mars, the “red planet,” which is getting rapidly further from us in its two year orbit around the Sun and can be seen low in the northern sky. The International Space Station (ISS) makes some early morning passes this week. Wednesday, 20 January - A first quarter Moon lies directly to the left of reddish Mars in the evening. Thursday, 21 January - The Moon is now directly above reddish Mars all evening. Friday, 22 January - The Moon can be found about halfway between Mars on the left and the Pleiades or Mataraki on Astronomy Tours and B&B the right in the evening. Saturday, 23 January - Early risers can see the ISS from 5:51am in the NW eventually passing right beside Venus. In the evening Phone (07) 866 5343 Matariki lies just below an increasingly bright Moon. Sunday, 24 January - Faint Mercury is at its furthest from the Sun tonight and might be visible very low in the west just after sunset. Tuesday, 26 January - The ISS makes a bright pass from 5:05am in the NW, passing high overhead. www.stargazersbb.com

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Page 2 - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 New Te Korowai doctor welcomed with pōwhiri By Stephan Bosman Dr Ned Azar and his family were welcomed doing their own thing and the kids are mostly to Mercury Bay with a small pōwhiri at theon their phones or in front of their computers. Wharekaho marae on Saturday last week. We knew from first-hand experience that life on Ned will be working as a GP alongside nurse the Coromandel has so much more to offer.” practitioner, Ashleigh Battaerd, at Te Korowai Once the decision was made to move back to Hauora o Hauraki in Whitianga. New Zealand, Ned started looking at available Te Korowai was established by the Hauraki opportunities on the Peninsula. Te Korowai was Māori Trust Board in the mid-1990s. One of the one of his first ports of call. “I loved being part of organisation’s general goals is to “…enhance Te Korowai before,” he said. “The organisation the quality of life of all whānau, hapu, iwi,has a genuine desire to see everyone in the their friends and other persons living within Hauraki area, including the Coromandel, the traditional tribal boundaries of Hauraki.” healthy and happy. Staff and patients are all In addition to Whitianga, the organisation has treated like family. It was fortunate that the offices and clinics in Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha expected growth in patient numbers stimulated and Coromandel Town. discussions about a GP joining the team at Te In explaining the pōwhiri to everyone present Korowai in Whitianga and I was delighted when on Saturday, Ngāti Hei rangatira, Joe Davis, I was offered a position.” said Ned is the first doctor to join Te Korowai With the coronavirus pandemic still raging in Whitianga and his arrival in Mercury Bay around the world, the family are relieved to be signals a special moment for tangata whenua. in New Zealand. “COVID-19 didn’t influence Following the pōwhiri, everyone enjoyed our decision to come to New Zealand, but now lunch and The Informer have had an opportunity being able to see for ourselves how normal to talk to Ned, his wife, Michelle, and their life is here compared to the UK is even more 11-year-old son, Aiden. The family arrived inconfirmation that we’ve done the right thing,” managed isolation in Auckland from the United said Michelle. Kingdom, their home country, just before Ned agreed. “I’m not much into politics, Christmas last year. It’s not their first time in but the current government in the UK has a lot New Zealand. “I worked for Te Korowai in to answer for,” he said. “They could have done Thames from November 2015 to February much better in the management of the pandemic. 2017,” said Ned. “We’ve moved from ThamesThe New Zealand government has done an to Havelock North for another eight months outstanding job and, as a result, Kiwis are able before returning to the UK late in 2017.” to enjoy summer with almost no restrictions to Michelle first raised the idea of returningspeak of.” to New Zealand with Ned early last year. Not even two weeks out of managed isolation “The Coromandel made a huge impression on and Aiden is already making the most of the us,” said Michelle. “It’s in a roundabout way Coromandel summer. He has completed a surf good that we spent some time in Hawkes Bay lifesaving summer programme in and is during our first time in New Zealand as it made talking about his ideal surfboard. “Aiden is keen us realise just how special the Peninsula is.” to get into diving too,” said Ned. “I guess it’s Ned said Aiden is an outdoors child who time to become a real Kiwi dad and get a ute. loves the water. “In the UK, families are That will make transporting all the gear around disconnected,” he said. “Everyone is justso much easier.”

Issue 933699 - 1927 JanuaryJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3 Whiti Fest summer busking festival to liven up the streets of Whitianga A contribution by Creative Mercury Bay In just over two weeks a new performing Other locations will feature a range of acts, Bay, says the team is excited to share Whiti Fest “Whiti Fest wouldn’t be possible without arts event will hit the streets of Whitianga - some from Mercury Bay’s talented youth with the Mercury Bay community. “We have funding from the Creative Communities Whiti Fest, Mercury Bay’s first busking festival. performers, including 10-year-old violinistbeen absolutely blown away by the number Scheme and Pub Charity,” says Anusha. Whiti Fest will take place on Sunday, Dashiell Wallace, 17-year-old ukulele playerof registrations from performers,” she says. “We are very appreciative to both funding 7 February (Waitangi Day long weekend) from Charli MacDougall and pianist Sarah Morcom. “As a team we have selected a variety of local bodies for their support. The hope is that we 10:30am to 3:30pm across five locations in Some favourites from Creative Mercury performing artists to make Whiti Fest a true can make Whiti Fest an annual tradition in the Whitianga Town Centre. Proudly brought Bay’s successful Bubble Bites series are celebration of the performing arts.” Mercury Bay.” to you by Creative Mercury Bay, the event also performing - poet and artist Pete Delete,Each performer will be paid a modest fee for Creative Mercury Bay’s main purpose will showcase a wide range of performing soul/blues duo Soul Sax and freestyle rock ‘n their performance and like a traditional busking is to facilitate performing arts events that artists from the Mercury Bay area, including roll blues guitarist Scott Burst. festival, will be able to put their hats out for are engaging and enjoyable, and keep the musicians, poets and dancers. Anusha Bhana, chair of Creative Mercury koha or sell merchandise if they wish. performing arts alive in the community. The five performance locations will be The team hopes both locals and visitors to Whakau Reserve/Taylors Mistake, the Whitianga during the Waitangi Day long corner of Hannan Road and Albert Street, weekend will enjoy the event. Soldiers Memorial Park, outside the Mercury Creative Mercury Bay would also like to Bay Museum and the grass area by the acknowledge the support of the Whiti Fest Whitianga Marina. event promotional partners - The Mercury Bay After an overwhelming response to the Whiti Informer, Destination Coromandel, Thames- Fest call-out for performers, 20 performing Coromandel District Council, the Mercury artists have been selected. Each artist will Bay Business Association, Coromandel’s perform two 20-minute sets at two different CFM and All About Whitianga. “Each one of locations, so people will have the opportunity to these organisations have helped us promote view as many of the performances as possible. the event, whether it be through sponsorship Whakau Reserve will be the main performance of advertising, promotional packages or location featuring live performances from En spreading awareness of Whiti Fest through Pointe Dance Studio, Pete “the Rockin” Realtor” their networks,” says Anusha. “Special mention Lawrence, Vegas Brown, Yvette Audain and goes to Mainly Casual and the Mercury Bay special guests from Hamilton, puppetry and Museum for agreeing to provide power for the circus performers Naranjarte. two amplified locations. “All of this generosity Local musical duo Let’s Go Descarrego has made Whiti Fest a genuine community (also known as Stewart Pedley and Leo Magri), performing arts event, which was our aim from will be the official Whiti Fest ambassadors, the outset.” roving the streets with special unplugged Leo Magri (left) and Stewart Pedley, the Let’s Go Descarrego duo, will be roving the streets Follow Creative Mercury Bay on Facebook performances and then closing the event with a with special unplugged performances during Whiti Fest on 7 February, before closing and Instagram for the latest Whiti Fest updates, set at Whakau Reserve. the event with a set at Whakau Reserve/Taylor’s Mistake. including the event schedule.

Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5 “Riding the Waves” on top in Photographic Club’s “24-hour Summer Challenge”

The Whitianga Photographic Club held their “24-hour Summer Challenge” on Saturday, Wendy. “After gaining permission, using my 200mm lens so I could be a distance from them and 9 January where club members had to take an image that summed up summer on that day. not disrupt the fun or get wet, I was able to capture the thrilled and determined expressions of Many outstanding photos were entered. After the club members have voted and the votes the children learning to ride the waves with their grandmother.” were counted, Wendy Pemberton was declared the winner with her image, “Riding the Waves” Second equal was Karen Moffatt-McLeod with “Beach Fun” (pictured top right) and Lia Priemus (pictured on the left). with “Island in the Sun” (pictured bottom right). “This family were having so much fun in the water on the day of our club challenge,” says

Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Thousands of dollars raised in online art auctions The Coromandel Christmas Exhibition finished on Friday last week at Hauraki House Gallery in Coromandel Town. Auctions that were run on Trade Me in conjunction with the exhibition closed two days earlier. Forty-three artists each donated a piece of work to the auctions and the thousands of dollars raised will go to the Colville Community Health Trust to help with their health and wellness programmes in the northern parts of the Coromandel Peninsula. Trade Me came to the party with the fundraising effort by refunding the success fees of all the auctions. The auctions were made possible because of Coromandel Town resident, Lindsay Garmson’s relationship with the participating artists. Lindsay has curated and facilitated the Coromandel Christmas Exhibition for 32 years and has enduring relationships with artists from all over New Zealand. The late Barry Brickell, founder of and a Coromandel Town legend, bestowed a “Distinguished Service Order to the Arts” on Lindsay several years ago. Thousands of people throughout New Zealand participated in the Trade Me auctions and the various art pieces are now in the process of being distributed to their new homes. A Michael Smither painting (pictured) was bought for more than $2,000, a real bargain given that two other paintings in the series formed part of the Coromandel Christmas Exhibition and sold for $5,000 and $6,000 respectively. Michael generously allowed a reserve of only $50 on the painting sold via Trade Me.

Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7 Peninsula Past - 1949

Every now and again, Informer contributor, Meghan Hawkes, reads through the newspapers that circulated in Mercury Bay and on the Coromandel Peninsula in earlier years. Here are several interesting snippets of history she uncovered from 1949. When the cruiser Bellona entered Port Whitianga in Mercury Bay, she became the first major warship to do so since Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour in 1769. A picture and a tray made of teak, salvaged from an early ship wreck, were presented to the Bellona and in return the commander gave the town a framed picture of the ship. About 2,000 people inspected the Bellona while the Navy treated the children to a special party. “Ours for a better and brighter Whangamata” was the slogan of an unconventional circular issued by the Whangamata Domain Board. The circular was forwarded to the Paeroa Borough Council with a request for financial assistance as many Paeroa ratepayers used Whangamata as their holiday resort. Plans were afoot to provide safe and sanitary picnic facilities with fireplaces and water available, to make a recreation area and children’s playground, as well as shelter, shade, ornamental trees and seats. “But stop me before I get lost in the sand hills and ti-tree,” warned the curious circular. The Paeroa mayor declined giving financial assistance, saying that Whangamata was in the Thames County rating area and if this request were considered “we would have requests from the Mount, Waihi Beach and other places where quite a few of our ratepayers spend their holidays.” A letter was sent to the Whangamata Domain Board regretting the decision but congratulating them on their enterprise. Whangamata was starting to buckle under the pressure of holiday makers - the previous summer there had been close to 30,000 people in the town at one time. There was no proper post office and only a restricted telephone service. Business was conducted in a room belonging to the post mistress which, with the exception of the telephone, had no other amenities. There was only a single telephone line between Whangamata and Waihi and it was necessary to wait several hours before a call could be taken. Seven passengers were injured when their vehicle went over a verge near and fell about 20ft before coming to rest against a clay bank. The party were returning from a shopping expedition in Tairua about 6:00pm on a Friday. Dr Hetherington was called and the injured taken to Waihi hospital in the Waihi Citizens’ Ambulance. Big game fish were more plentiful thn usual around the Mercury Bay grounds this season. Ten launches were equipped with radio telephones and the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club was constructing a shore station to be operated by club members. Advertisement - Morris 3 Fordor Sedan, late 1947, like new, 5,500 genuine mileage, leather upholstery, cash £663, exchange for beach cottage (must be on or near sea front) in Tauranga, Thames, Whangamata or Mercury Bay, cash adjustment either way. Write price and particulars to “Cottage” Box 30, Te Aroha. Holiday scenes in Mercury Bay (Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19340131-41-1).

Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Issue 933699 - 1927 JanuaryJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9 JANUARY 2021 UPDATE

With the peak summer crowds behind us, it’s good to see that Whitianga remains busy its way towards the west. Auckland Stonemasons have also established on site with those who have chosen to take their break a little later. The weather has certainly and are currently installing profiles for the rock wall. A portion of the wall foundation played its part and feedback from those who visited our area has been very positive. was laid last year, so the expectation is they will be near the Whitianga Fire Station It’s back to work for many and it’s pleasing to see many of the local tradespeople canal soon. coming back to work with a good workload in front of them. Hopper Construction have The excavated material from the canal is being used to raise the ground level on future been back on deck for more than a week already as they look to complete work on Stage 14. This is the area immediately to the north of the canal and will be developed multiple stages of the development over the coming year. later this year and into 2022. Ponds Events During the past week, one of the detention ponds near Kupe Drive developed a strong The Summer Festival sponsored by Whitianga Waterways appeared to have been a hit odour. This was due mainly to low flows into the pond resulting in stagnant water with many of the holidaymakers visiting Whitianga. Even though the summer delivered and continued warm weather. Hopper Construction have undertaken some remedial great beach weather, it’s nice to have had some organised entertainment and events work on the pond to try and minimize the odour. We apologize for any inconvenience for the whole family, so thanks to all the parties involved with this promotion. caused during this time. The pond will continue to be monitored during this low Geese flow period. The Waterways appears to have an ever-increasing population of Canadian Geese. Medical Facility While not a pest, they are prolific eaters and breeders. Large aggregations of birds News of the new medical facility development has been very positive for our area. do sometimes cause negative environmental effects. A plan to limit the population of Work on designing the new facility is advancing at a good pace. It will be exciting to the geese is underway with the assistance of other agencies. This will roll out in the see construction commencing and the facility taking shape later in 2021. coming weeks. There is potential for these geese to cause issues with the nearby Joan Gaskell North airfield and planes using the runway. Hopper Construction have moved straight back into work on that part of the development If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to call our office or visit us on Awatea north of Joan Gaskell Drive. Excavation of the future canal is progressing and working Drive.

Our sales office is open 7 days, Weekdays 9:00am - 4:00pm and Saturdays and Sundays 10:00am - 2:00pm. For further information please do not hesitate to contact our sales team on (07) 866 0164. Email - [email protected] Website - www.whitiangawaterways.co.nz

Page 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Audrey Neville - 90 years young A contribution by Whitianga resident, Dorothy Preece

On Thursday last week, Golden Girls musical director, Audrey Neville (some will remember her as Audrey Cooper), celebrated her 90th Birthday at her home in Kupe Drive, Whitianga. The sprightly nonagenarian did all the organising for the party, which included live vocalist, Dave Kennedy. “We couldn’t have a party without live music,” Audrey said. From her first piano lesson at age nine, music has been Audrey’s life. Soon after she arrived in Whitianga in 1962, Audrey set about getting a group of ladies together to sing. They were the Glee Club and they held musical soirees to entertain the town. Audrey lived in Australia for 10 years and directed a music group there. On her return to Whitianga in 2008, she found many changes in town, “most of them for the better.” In 2013, Audrey took over from Heather Stephenson to direct the Golden Girls, arranging fortnightly programmes to entertain rest home residents in Whitianga and Tairua. Audrey is still arranging the programmes and is looking forward to starting up again after the holidays. “We love to sing and the residents love to listen,” she said. “The music keeps us all young.” Many friends expressed congratulations and words of loving appreciation for Audrey at her party, the highlight of which was the Golden Girls’ gift of a scenic flight over Whitianga. “I was overwhelmed,” Audrey said. “I just love flying.” Pictured is Audrey with her son, David Cooper, on Thursday. Dave Kennedy is in the background.

Issue 933699 - 1927 JanuaryJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11 The Small-time Investor By Whitianga resident, Max Ross

Square The share markets are booming at the customer can enter a tip and pay the bill. moment. One theory is that all the stimulusSquare recently added bitcoin purchases money being printed and handed out is not to their cashapp software. Cashapp allows going to the people who need it, instead it’s for the transfer of money from one person going into the share market. Printing extra to another. These are called peer-to-peer money also devalues the currency that is transactions. Adding the ability to purchase being printed. If you know the US dollar bitcoin on this platform alongside the recent and the NZ dollar are going to be worth surge in bitcoin prices, is driving new less as more money is entering the system, customers to the company’s services. then you can protect against this by purchasing Square has a dynamic CEO in Jack Dorsey. other things with your money, like shares He is also the CEO of Twitter. Jack is a huge and property. It doesn’t make much sense bitcoin bull and has demonstrated his ability to me that as major economic indicators areto lead and run large technology companies. showing warning signs, the share markets The company’s competitors are Shopify continue to rally. (in which I’ve invested last week), which also My investments are currently up 16.9 allows businesses to trade online and set up percent, which is $463.83. Four of my picks online shops, and Paypal, a company that is are down and 14 are up. My best performer aggressively moving in the same markets. is Tesla, up 77.4 percent, and my worst Square did really well in 2020. Their share performer is Pushpay, down 21.1 percent. price surged. Maybe they cannot maintain This week I am investing NZD100 their momentum anymore and will pull back (USD72) into Square. I bought 0.314 shares in 2021. A major correction due to COVID-19 in the company at a price of USD228.03. economic issues will also drag down the price Square is a payment provider in America of all shares, Square included. with ambitions to be your number one stop Please remember that what I write in for all forms of money processing. They this column is all my personal opinion. provide payment options for businesses and Some of my investments will lose money. cash management applications for consumers, I am sharing my thoughts and strategies so capturing both sides of the transaction. you can learn from my mistakes. Be careful Square provides sleek hardware for with your money. payments, including terminals and plugin If you wish to join in and buy shares extras for your phone that allow you to receive through the Sharesies online platform, payments. They have an iPAD-like payment you can use this link - https://sharesies.nz/r/ terminal that allows the cashier to enter your KHQQWP. You and I will each get $5 into order and then the pad flips over and the our Sharesies accounts.

Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 “Shark Man” says research into possible change in great whites’ behaviour needed By Stephan Bosman Following the tragic death of 19-year- have about sharks along the east coast of in the water wasn’t good and I understand the escaped an attack by a 3m great white at old Kaelah Marlow in a shark attack at the Coromandel. victim got caught in a rip which made her Beach by repeatedly punching the Bowentown Beach on 7 January and recentAddressing the Bowentown attack, splash around more than normal and which shark in the eye after it has latched on to the sightings of numerous sharks at , Riley said all indications are that a great white attracted the shark’s attention.” surfer’s surfboard. The Informer spoke last week to well-known shark was involved. “I would guess it was a Great whites grow up in the shallow estuary Riley said as the Coromandel east coast shark scientist, Riley Elliott (also known juvenile great white,” he said. “It really was systems of the , including the is a popular holiday spot, the more frequent as the “Shark Man”), about the level of an unfortunate set of circumstances that led to Kaipara Harbour, but when they reach sightings of great whites necessitate research concern residents and holidaymakers should the tragedy. “It was an unsettled day, visibility 2.5m to 3m in length, their metabolismsinto a possible change in the behaviour of accelerate and they start to migrate south in the sharks. “We need to stay in front of the search of food sources other than stingrays, eight ball,” he said. “In my view, Australia most notably seals. “Historically, the waters is experiencing way more shark attacks than off the Coromandel have never provided great necessary as they didn’t focus on the way white sharks with a decent source of food nature evolved around them. If great white and great white sightings were extremely sharks are starting to behave differently, rare,” Riley said. “Bronze whalers love the we need to know and adjust our own Coromandel, especially the Matarangi area, behaviour accordingly. I’ve already started but they are very clever sharks and will to put together a research proposal for the leave humans pretty much alone. The only Department of Conservation as they are the exception is when you carry fish on you likeorganisation responsible for approving all when you went spearfishing. wildlife research in New Zealand.” “The juvenile involved in the Bowentown In the meantime, Riley said people should attack most probably made a mistake. continue to enjoy swimming in the ocean. It’s an incident that really never should have “Just remember to stay away from places happened. In the circumstances, I would like where sharks may possibly feed,” he said. to compare it to a 14-year-old driving on a “Swimming in a berley trail is never a good busy highway for the very first time. There’s idea. And when you enjoy a day at a patrolled a chance that it’s not going to end well.” beach, always swim between the flags. The tragedy at Bowentown coincided with That’s the biggest message I have for the sighting of a great white in the area at everyone. If you swim between the flags, around the same time. That’s the second chances are you won’t get into trouble and time in less than a year a great white shark attract unnecessary attention. It will also be was seen along the Coromandel east coast. easier for the well-trained lifeguards to rescue The “Shark Man,” Riley Elliott. In February last year, a surfer narrowly you if things don’t go according to plan.”

Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13 The 50-foot launch that is being built in Whitianga By Stephan Bosman Unbeknown to many, for the past two years a 50-foot launch has been taking shape in a large workshop in the Moewai industrial area in Whitianga. With their two sons already living in Mercury Bay at that time and in search of a lifestyle change, Brian Harkin and his wife, Jennifer, farewelled the Big Smoke (also known as Auckland) and moved to Whitianga in late 2017. Brian is a boat builder with more than 40 years’ experience and trades under the name Harkin Boat Works. Having secured the contract to build the launch while still living in Auckland, one of the first things he did after arriving in Whitianga was to sign a lease for the workshop. Sons, Jarrod and Blair, were keen to help and work on the launch started in all seriousness two years ago. “My sons are fourth generation boat builders and I enjoyed working with them,” Brian says. “The boat is mostly made out of epoxy composite. No question it’s a big vessel. It will be used as a game fishing charter boat in Tahiti. Our workshop isn’t high enough for the tuna tower to be fitted on-site, so we’ve moved the Fifty-foot launch, Seawolf, was moved from the Moewai industrial area in Whitianga to the Whitianga Marina on Tuesday last week. boat to one of the big sheds at the Whitianga Inset - An artist’s impression of the how the boat will look once completed. Marina on Tuesday last week. We hope to have everything completed in the next few weeks will be completed not too long into March. of nine knots, the engine won’t be working appear in boating magazines around the world. and put the boat in the water before the middle “It’s going to be a real mission for the owner very hard and a range of 4,000 miles will All be those stories are going to make mention of of February.” to get to New Zealand to take the boat over,” easily achievable.” the fact that the boat was built in Whitianga. The owner of the launch is living in Papeete Brian says. “He’ll have to fly to Los Angeles Brian says Whitianga is a great place to own I think that’s something really special.” and used to visit Whitianga regularly before the and from there to Auckland for two weeks of a boat building business. “I don’t think many Talking about life after Seawolf, Brian says he COVID-19 pandemic struck. “The wonder of isolation. Once he arrives in Whitianga around people realise the range of trades and skills has another project in the wind. “Boat building technology,” Brian says. “We’ve been in regular the middle of March, the boat should be ready available right here in our backyard,” he says. is in my blood,” he says. “My one son, Blair, contact since the world went into lockdown, for him.” “I’m really proud of the fact that I was able to has decided to strike out on his own under the mostly through Facebook Messenger, and it Brian will steam the launch with the owner use a lot of locals in the construction of Seawolf. name Coro Boat Builders and I hope to do some was like the owner haven’t missed a day of the on its maiden voyage to Papeete, a journey They’re all great people. In terms of logistics, work with him too. In the meantime, when I construction process. expected to take 10 days. “The boat is fittedMercury Bay isn’t isolated either. Whenever don’t have to be in a workshop or building shed, Brian hopes the sea trials of the launch, which with state-of-the-art electronics and is also very I’ve had to order something via courier, it was I plan to fully enjoy life in Whitianga with my the owner has decided to name “Seawolf,” economical,” Brian says. “It has a large engine in my hand within a few days. family and all the great people I’ve met over the and variable pitch propeller. At a cruising speed “Stories about the boat is undoubtedly going to course of the past three years.”

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 and Suzanne Hansen Civil Defence ...... 868 0200 Advertiser Management - Petra Bosman and Alex Kennedy Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) ...... 866 5911 Administration - Diane Lodge Medical Centre (Tairua) ...... 864 8737 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 ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2021 Mercury Bay Media Limited Whitianga Social Services ...... 866 4476 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 JANUARY 2021 the New Zealand Media Council, PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or Should there a total ban on backyard www.presscouncil.org.nz. fireworks on the Coromandel? See page 2 for what’s happening Like us on Facebook. in the night sky, and the Whitianga and Follow us on Twitter. Hot Water Beach tides. Check us out on Instagram. Have your say at www.theinformer.co.nz.

Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Issue 933699 - 1927 JanuaryJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15 Starlings’ apartment block destroyed, but quickly rebuilt By Jack Biddle

The iconic bird house bordering Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club patron, Warren Harris’s home on Buffalo Beach Road and only a stone’s throw from the Mercury Bay Boating Club in Whitianga, has weathered pretty much everything mother nature has thrown at it over a 50-year period, but was left lying in tatters recently when vandals holidaying in Whitianga went on an overnight and early morning rampage in the area. “The holidaymakers started late at night leaving a litter of broken beer bottles and rubbish on the grass area leading up to, and close by, the Boating Club,” says Warren, who has been the unofficial caretaker of the bird house for a 25-year plus period. “An open fire was also started and then left smouldering on the beach before they eventually headed back to their holiday accommodation nearby. Not quite finished for the night, they returned a short time later and proceeded to create more carnage, including hurling beer bottles at nearby houses before turning their attention to the bird house and knocking it off its poles completely. “It’s the place generations of starlings have called home, built their nests and laid their eggs over many years. It may not look much from the outside, but under the A-frame roof there are 12 individual areas partitioned off. It’s like an apartment block for the starlings and there can be a total of around 40 birds in residence at one time.” The extent of the damage done to the bird house was soon realised the next morning, but with some good old local community spirit behind them, Warren and his close neighbours had it back on its poles and open for business again within a couple of days. “The real shame of the whole thing is the loss of eggs which were left broken and spread over the ground in the aftermath of the damage,” says Warren. “Thankfully, while there was some initial apprehension from the starlings, they have now moved back in and started to rebuild and reorganise their rooms. “Thank you to the local Police for their quick action in tracking down the visiting offenders.” Maybe a name for the rebuilt bird house should be considered. “Starling Apartments” has a nice chirp to it. Pictured is Warren next to the birdhouse after it was rebuilt.

Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Issue 933699 - 1927 JanuaryJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17 Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Issue 933699 - 1927 JanuaryJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19 Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Issue 933699 - 1927 JanuaryJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21 Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Issue 933699 - 1927 JanuaryJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23 Scott’s Thoughts By Scott Simpson, National Party MP for Coromandel

Happy New Year. I hope you have had a voted against our proposal to conduct a formal chance to take a well-deserved break after a inquiry into the situation, we hope that they terrible 2020. The weather has been terrific, reconsider their position when Parliament which has helped to showcase our special part resumes in February. of the country to all our first-time and annual While we have been living relatively visitors. No doubt we will see them coming free from the horrors and restrictions of back for years to come. COVID-19, I am sure I am not alone in With the increased activity over summer, my concerns for those around the world and some 400,000 people visiting the who are still suffering from widespread Peninsula, it has been very reassuring to have community outbreaks. an emergency rescue helicopter and crew once It is a reminder that our situation could again stationed in Whitianga. Their service quickly deteriorate without adequate is never something anyone wants to call on, safeguards at our borders. The new, but their dedication and expertise is an more infectious strains of the virus are absolute necessity to ensure everyone can particularly worrying and leave no room for safely enjoy themselves. While this trialcomplacency. With this in mind, my National only lasts for the rest of January, its valueParty to colleagues have been imploring the our community cannot be overstated. I will government to implement pre-departure continue fighting to ensure that the concernstests for all returnees and fast-tracking the of everyone who signed our more than 46,000 vaccination of border workers so that we signature petition are heard and the helicopter can avoid harsher measures, such as another returns for long weekends and the full lockdown. When we suggested doing so summer peak. several months ago, we were criticised and As the National Party spokesperson for our suggestion was totally rejected by the Environment, I have also been advocating government. Needless to say, I am pleased for the government to investigate the polluted they have now changed their mind and state of Auckland’s beaches. The situation is their approach. appalling, with as many as one in 10 people Health workers and staff at managed swimming at popular Auckland beaches isolation and quarantine facilities have had an likely to become ill. When it comes to unenviable task to deal with the unforeseeable water quality, the government never misses global pandemic. They have done a terrific a chance to criticise rural communities, job keeping us safe. We want the government but they are remarkably silent when it comes to ensure that they continue to have the best to the health risks around urban beach water possible chance to keep the virus out of quality. Although the government recently our community. Scott Simpson, National Party MP for the Coromandel.

Page 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25 Museum Musings

Happy New Year! We have started 2021 off with a fabulous number of visitors through the doors of the Mercury Bay Museum. These visitors are from all over Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s awesome to see that people are getting out there and seeing their own country. Thank you to everyone who has visited us and if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for? As the New Year is gaining momentum, we are looking at our strategic plan for the next one, five and 10 years. Through the process we started asking questions of ourselves like, “Are we doing a good job?” “Is there something we should be doing that we are not doing?” “How can we better serve the community?” So far, by asking these questions and after discussion with other partners and stakeholders of the museum we have identified three pillars to focus on over the next few years - • The museum as a repository (eg care and storage of all taonga and archives). • The museum as a tourism destination. • The museum as a research/education centre. The three pillars and the goals attached to each will help guide the museum and the Mercury Bay Museum Trust Board towards future sustainability, trust board succession planning and a museum that is truly a part of the community it serves. We would now like to get some personal thoughts and input from our community about our strategic pillars and our strategy. We have created a survey for feedback, so please use this link and take five minutes to give us your feedback - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ VWQVQG6. The link is also available on our Facebook page. Check out our upcoming event - In Our Backyard Exhibition Open Day. It is this coming Saturday (23 January) from 10:00am to 4:00pm. We will have our friends from the Department of Conservation, Regional Council, Coast Care/TCDC and Auckland Museum here to help us celebrate and share fantastic information about our backyard. Entry is by gold coin donation and we will have activities available for everyone to enjoy. We will also have exhibition talks at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. The day will be great fun for all - come and join us! Rebecca Cox Mercury Bay Museum Manager The Mercury Bay Museum on The Esplanade, Whitianga.

Page 26 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 SeniorNet Update By Mavis Hicks

This is the first SeniorNet column for 2021 be very welcome to join in the tutoring. and hopefully this will be a better year for Our classes are usually limited to six with us all. The various lockdown levels last year people with a lead tutor and a helper, have been a learning curve in many ways. and last for two hours. One is communication using technology. Schedules will be sent out to our members SeniorNet Whitianga, is starting the first prior to Open Day. As usual, Lorna is term of 2021 on 16 February. An Open available for more information, but please Day will be held on Tuesday, 9 February note her phone number has changed to from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. The venue is (027) 486 0150 (daytime calls only, please). Social Services, 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. There has been a suggestion that we Members can register at the Open Day for run a series of workshops on learning the new term’s classes and workshops. more about Personal Safety Devices People interested in joining SeniorNet(IT devices). Megan would like to hear are also welcome to come along to the from our members who are interested in a Open Day and see what SeniorNet does.series of workshops. Her phone number is Our tutors will be available to help you(07) 866 5777. look through the schedule of classes and There is concern from the government workshops and see what might interest you. that people are becoming very lax in using You can then decide if becoming a member the COVID-19 tracer app when entering and attending our classes or workshops any public place. Please remember we would help you to understand and make all benefit from being able to receive better use of your devices. notification of having been in close proximity to an infected person. There are Our classes are structured to make two COVID-19 posters in the rooms we use learning easier and the atmosphere is at Social Services. friendly. If you are new to Whitianga, We look forward to seeing you all back this would be another way of meeting people in class. with similar interests. We have various “interest” workshops and continually try to develop new ones to suit members’ hobbies and other interests. We are happy to have new members with a level of technology literacy ranging from basic to advanced level. Or, if you have skills to offer as a tutor, you would

Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 27 What’s On In the next week

Mercury Bay Community Swimming Pool (Located at the Mercury Bay Area School grounds) Open from 10:00am - 5:00pm Monday to Saturday (weather permitting) during the summer school holidays. Open from 1:00pm - 5:00pm every Sunday (weather permitting) during the summer school holidays. Open from 6:00am - 8:00am for early morning lane swimming every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (weather permitting) during the summer school holidays. Entry $4 adults, $3 senior citizens/students/children, $2 pre-schoolers. Concession cards available. Coromandel Summer Art Exhibition and Workshops Until Saturday, 30 January at Hauraki House Gallery, Kapanga Road, Coromandel Town. An exhibition by artists Carolyn Bayliss, Kay Ogilvie, Chris Tyron, Pete Sephton and Vaughan Udall. Several one-day workshops are running alongside the exhibition. Email [email protected] for more information on the workshops. Whitianga Art Group Summer Exhibition Until Monday, 1 February at the Art Centre and Gallery, Whitianga. Open every day from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Free entry. Whitianga Art, Craft & Farmer’s Market Saturday, 23 January from 8:30am - 1:00pm at Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. “In Our Backyard” Open Day Saturday, 23 January from 10:00am - 4:00pm at the Mercury Bay Museum, The Esplanade, Whitianga. Fun activities and prizes, and expert talks at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Gold coin entry. Farmers Market Sunday, 24 January from 9:30am to 1:00pm at the Coroglen Hall, State Highway 25, Coroglen. Whitianga Summer Concert Sunday, 31 January at the Whitianga Waterways Arena. Express entry opens at 9:45am, main gates open at 10:45am. Featuring Gin Wigmore, Dragon, The Jordan Luck Band, Stellar* and Hello Sailor. Tickets available from the Whitianga i-SITE or greenstoneentertainment.co.nz. Whitianga Marathon Saturday, 22 May. Four course options - 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km amd 5km. Entries now open. See whitiangamarathon.co.nz for more information.

Whitianga residents, Jenny Cotterell (left) and Merle Ward, enjoying the Whitianga Art, Craft & Farmer’s Market on Saturday last week.

Page 28 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Whitianga Classic Rollers to make special events even more special New business, Whitianga Classic Rollers, for bookings and look forward to bringing Charlie looked far and wide for a suitable in Masterton and am in the process of buying took ownership of their first classic Rolls Royce something extra to the business scene in vehicle to start the business with. “It really had a second Rolls Royce of similar age from him early last week. Mercury Bay.” to be a Roller,” he said. “In their heyday, they as well, to use as a back-up and to not have to The business will be offering a chauffeur Charlie decided to start the business as were the epitome of luxury. I’ve considered turn clients away during times when we may be service for special occasions. “Our mission he has a keen interest in classic cars and the many vehicles, I even made a trip to the South very busy. The second vehicle is also in very is to make our clients’ special occasions - COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for Island to look at one, but nothing was good good condition and we hope to have it with us whether it’s weddings, school balls, birthdays, him to continue working as a fly-in fly-out tutorenough. Then, along came the one that we’ve in Whitianga within the next six weeks or so. or Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and other in the carpet cleaning and restoration industry just received. It’s a 1990 Silver Spur with a “I’ll soon start looking for a second driver to custom-designed cruises - even more special,” in Australia. “Technically I’m retired, but doing 6.75l fuel-injected engine. The vehicle is in work in the business with me.” says owner, Charlie Lodge. “We are open nothing isn’t an option for me,” he says. very good condition. I bought it from a collector Previous classic cars Charlie owned include a 1928 Dodge, a 1955 Ford Consul, a 1990 Jaguar and most recently, a 1946 Nash. “I’ve sold the Nash as I needed to free up space for the two Rollers,” Charlie says. Charlie and his wife, Diane, are active on the Whitianga rock ‘n roll scene and can always be spotted participating in large car shows across the Coromandel Peninsula, including Beach Hop. “If cars are in your blood, you literally just have to roll with it,” says Charlie. “I’m very excited by the idea that I’m turning an interest into a business. “I’ve owned several businesses in my life and understand the importance of good customer service. Whitianga Classic Rollers is going to be no different. Meeting all our clients’ requests at a price that represents good value for money is what our focus is going to be. Hopefully our vehicles will become a familiar sight around Mercury Bay.” To discuss how Charlie can assist you with your upcoming event, please phone/text (021) 616 697 or email Charlie Lodge, the owner of Whitianga Classic Rollers, at the business’s 1990 Silver Spur Rolls Royce. [email protected].

Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 29 Mega Crossword © Lovatts Puzzles

Crossword Puzzle 933

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.

Last week’s winner -

See page 34 for last week’s crossword solution and winner.

Page 30 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Last week’s Whitianga-based Letters to the Editor See page 14 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions rescue helicopter missions

Dear Editor - Grateful for the incredible service from Mercury Bay Medical Centre Just before Christmas, I took my one-year-old son into Mercury Bay Medical Centre in Whitianga with severe breathing difficulties, following a phone consultation with a doctor there. I was so grateful that they took his condition seriously, despite the busy time, and saw him right away. When my son started to deteriorate in the next few hours, Mercury Bay Medical Centre immediately arranged for an ambulance, which took us to the airfield and where we were met by the magnificent Westpac Rescue Helicopter team, who whisked us to Starship Hospital in Auckland. There we were transferred to other doctors and treated amazingly for the next few days, until my boy was released on Christmas Eve. The reason for writing to you is to say how thankful I am to the local doctors - especially the lovely woman doctor at Mercury Bay Medical Centre at the time (whose name I didn’t get, but I think she was a locum) - and the service that followed. The woman in the ambulance had also been first at the scene many years before when my uncle, Ray Hewlett (a Whitianga resident), had a car accident and took a similar journey in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, which saved his life and for which I am always grateful. These health workers need to be thanked and celebrated. They work tirelessly in the toughest of circumstances and are indeed heroes. Thank you so very, very much for all you do. Sally Angelson Auckland

For the month of January, while a helicopter operated by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust is based at Crosby Field in Whitianga, we report in every issue of The Informer on the missions flown during the previous week by the helicopter. From Monday last week (11 January) to last Sunday (17 January) the helicopter was utilised on seven occasions, including missions flown between Cathedral Cove and Thames Hospital, Colville and Waikato Hospital, Whangamata and Waikato Hospital, and Waiheke Island and Auckland City Hospital. In addition, the two rescue helicopters based at Ardmore Airport in Auckland (also owned by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust) have flown three missions into the Coromandel during the same period. The Whitianga-based helicopter isn’t allowed to fly during night-time. One of the Ardmore-based helicopters is utilised when the helicopter in Whitianga is unable to fly or is engaged in another mission. Since 28 December last year, the rescue helicopter based at Crosby Field has flown 23 missions in total. Pictured is the Whitianga-based helicopter in the skies above Whitianga after a mission flown The White House, one of the Mercury Bay Medical Centre premises in Whitianga. to Waiheke Island and Auckland City Hospital on Tuesday last week.

Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 31 Sudoku

Sudoku Puzzle 933

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

Last week’s winner - Mike Savage

“Kīwaha o te wiki” (saying of the week) “He taru tawhiti” - A weed from far away (figure of speech to describe a disease from far away) 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 would like to thank the community for all their support during last year. They are taking a break and will start back when the school starts back with their first session on 15 February 2021 at 9:00am at the MBAS old dental room.

Page 32 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Fishing Report By Wayne Barnes of the Tairua-Pauanui Sports Fishing Club Sponsored by Mercury Bay Marine - Tel (07) 867 1280

The advent of strong north easterly sea breezes lines in from 6:00am on Saturday and lines out during the past couple of weeks brought with by 4:00pm on Sunday. Weigh-in will be between them sea temperatures that were warmer than 4:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday, and 4:00pm usual, with the water temperature behind the and 5:30pm on Sunday. Aldermen Islands leaping from 18°C to 20°C in Registration at our clubrooms will commence two days. from 4:00pm on Friday, 29 January (or online Our 40th Anniversary Grand Slam tournament at ww.tpsfc.co.nz/Shimano) and the briefing has now concluded with the coveted new trophy will be held from approximately 8:00pm won by Ian Jowett, who achieved a total weight (all skippers must be present for the briefing). of 11.180kg for the seven different species. Meals will be available from Marines Kitchen Our club weighed the first yellowfin tuna for on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and it would be the season on 16 December, one day earlier appreciated if you can book and pay for Sunday than last year, and to date club members have night’s special meal on Friday during registration. caught nine striped marlin (three weighed and Prize-giving will be held on Sunday evening and six tagged), two blue marlin, eight yellowfin tuna is expected to commence approximately 7:00pm. and one mahimahi. For further information, phone Warren Maher on Highlights of the past four weeks include past (027) 473 4835. From Saturday, 20 February to Saturday, president, Glynn Jones on Tale Chaser, conjuring 27 February, we have the DAIWA Top Ten Tuna up a yellowfin tuna of 40.450kg on 37kg tackle Tournament and the Light Tackle Tournament, and a blue marlin of 259.00kg caught by Dave with the light tackle champion also winning Taunt on 60kg tackle (a new adult male line class the Dawson Cup. These tournaments coincide club record). with the 2021 New Zealand Sport Fishing Though snapper fishing is still quite “hard,” Council Nationals. it is improving with those out during the evening The DAIWA prizes are for the 10 heaviest tuna, and before dawn landing fish of reasonable size including bluefin, big eye, yellowfin, albacore, and quantity. There are good numbers of large and skipjack. The light tackle prizes are for gurnard and trevally in around 30m east of snapper, kahawai and trevally, with a maximum Boat Harbour and Neaves Bay, and some nice line weight of 10kg. For further information bags of albacore and skipjack tuna are being contact [email protected]. caught between 85m and 120m southeast of the Our Fish of the Month for December winner Aldermen Islands. Tairua spearfisherman, Ricky Turner, with the large remora (suckerfish) he captured at the Aldermen Islands a few weeks ago. was Geoff Flyger on Dopeamine with an albacore Local spearfisherman, Ricky Turner, captured tuna of 10.800kg. Geoff wins a 40oz bottle of a large remora (sometimes called suckerfish) marine scientists at the University of Auckland 31 January. There are $30,000 in prizes up for Black Heart Rum sponsored by Independent at the Aldermen Islands. These fish are noted for study purposes. grabs, including a major tag and release cash Liquor. Our Fish of the Month for January is for attaching themselves to and riding about on Our major competition of the year, the Shimano prize pool. Section One includes marlin, tuna yellowfin tuna. sharks and other large marine animals. The head Stand Up Competition will be held on Auckland and kingfish, and section two includes snapper, Tight lines, and backbone of the fish were gladly accepted by Anniversary weekend - Saturday 30 and Sunday, kahawai and trevally. Entry is $70 per angler, Wayne Barnes

Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 33 Brain Teaser - Fill in Puzzle © Lovatts Puzzles

Brain Teaser Puzzles 933

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.

Fill In Instructions - Place all the words listed into the grid. Each word can be used once only. The first word has been filled in.

5 Letter Words - Adorn, Brick, Clash, Combs, Crowd, Desks, Drama, Eager, Entry, Fatty, Flash, Greed, Images, Mutes, Nosed, Octet, Offer, Optic, Reset, Rhyme, Rural, Sacks, Shark, Sleek, Tarot, Tatty, Teddy, Thyme, Tides, Tinge, Tries, Wreck. 7 Letter Words - Eeriest, Meekest, Preside, Uranium. Last week’s Brain Teaser solution - Anagram 1 Croutons, 2 Anchovies, 3 Lettuce, 4 Dressing, 5 Chicken. Mystery Keyword - Cheese Last week’s winner - Janet Brown

Last week’s Crossword solution

Last week’s winner - Gail Emerson

Page 34 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 One of the biggest Peninsula Poker Runs yet

With eight classic cars, more than 100 motorcycles and 156 people participating, last Saturday’s Prizes were handed out for the best classic car, the best motorcycles and the best poker hand. Peninsula Poker Run was one of the biggest in the 19 years of the event. The event raises funds “Next year is our 20th anniversary and we’re planning something really special,” Victor said. for the Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade one year and the St John Whitianga Ambulance Station “Remarkable is the fact that one rider has participated in the run for 19 years on the same the following year. St John Whitianga was the beneficiary this year. motorcycle and he’s fully planning to make it run number 20 next year.” “We’ve had a very good run around the Coromandel Peninsula, without any accidents,” Victor McLean, one of the organisers, said at the prize-giving at the Mercury Bay Club late Pictured in the photo on the left are some of the motorcycle riders travelling down Joan on Saturday afternoon. “Riders came from far and wide, including Dargaville and Whangarei, Gaskell Drive upon their return to Whitianga on Saturday. In the photo on the right are some and a very good contingent of 26 from Napier.” of the prize winners. From left to right - Whitianga resident, Stephen Fisher (owner of the Poker hands were played at the Mercury Bay Club at the start and finish of the run, as well as best classic car), Whitianga resident, Muriwai Harper (the only rider to achieve a Full House), the Top Pub in Coromandel Town, the Royal Oak Hotel in Tapu and The Coroglen Tavern. and Napier resident, Dickie Rawston (owner of the best Triumph motorcycle).

Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 35 Setting priorities a winning formula By Jack Biddle

Despite focusing on other priorities for the past year, Whitianga speedway driver, Bodie Abrahamson, still managed to do well in the highly competitive New Zealand Super Saloon Championships in his well-known #49 car on Thursday, 7 and Friday, 8 January. “For the last 10 plus years I have never really switched off totally from my commitment to speedway after the end of a race season,” says Bodie. “After travelling the country taking in up to around 35 race meetings per season, the preparation for the upcoming season gets underway almost immediately. Time spent travelling and racing is replaced with time spent in the workshop rebuilding, refreshing and upgrading the car plus chasing much needed sponsorship to help fund the chase for higher honours the following year.” Since conclusion of the 2019/2020 season, however, things have changed dramatically with Bodie’s main focus being on setting up his new automotive repair business, Overdrive Total Automotive, which he started from scratch. “It was a massive task to get the business up and running as we basically started with a bare shell of a building,” says Bodie. Bodie Abrahamson with his #49 Super Saloon speedway race car. “There was virtually no spare time left to Championships having been allocated to the and its driver initially struggling with speed and in a field of 24 cars. concentrate on my race car and it stayed for Waikaraka Speedway Track in Auckland, handling issues. “Those who live and breathe speedway at this a long time in the garage. The COVID-19 which meant not a lot of travelling time was “We were still a little bit unsure of the car level, said the final will go down as one of the lockdown actually made things easier for me required to get to the track, 24-year-oldBodie and not really feeling overly confident heading best feature races of all time, so to be part of as most of my racing sponsorship was lost, and his supporters started talking about getting into the New Zealand Championships early it and finish one place ahead of our initial grid which meant that my commitment to go racing at least a couple of races under the belt before this month, but our aim was to be competitive position was an awesome result. A huge thanks most weekends was no longer required. I also taking part in the most prestigious meeting for and realistic,” says Bodie. “With more than 50 to my crew and main sponsor, PlaceMakers needed a bit of a break from speedway and the Super Saloon class on the New Zealand entries and several heat races to get through, Whitianga, without their support the race car owning my own business had always been speedway racing calendar. qualifying for the 30-lap final was the first majorwould have spent even longer in the garage.” my dream, so it was a matter of getting my As it turned out, shakedown on the way to hurdle to overcome and after some consistent Bodie’s main focus is now back on running priorities in order.” the big dance consisted of competing at four results along with some great teamwork from his business although he is planning to have a With the 2021 New Zealand Super Saloon meetings towards the end of last year with #49my pit crew, we managed to finish 12th overallbusier 2021/2022 speedway season.

Page 36 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Classifieds and Public Notices

TO LET

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SITUATIONS VACANT Small office Space in central Whitianga Location Available long term, affordable rent. KIWIFRUIT WORKERS WANTED Coroglen and location. Phone (021) 672 748 for details. Reliable with a good attitude a must. Phone Jen on 021 127 9174. SITUATIONS VACANT

Classifieds and Public Notices

MARKET HEALTH AND NUTRITION

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM WHITIANGA ART, WITH THE BEST NUTRITION Stay healthy. CRAFT & FARMERS Phone 027 947 8311 or email MARKET [email protected] Saturday, WANTED 23 January 2021 Soldiers Memorial Park, Albert Street, Whitianga, 8:30am - 1:00pm. Unique locally created art, craft & local produce. Phone Doreen 866 5237 or 021 061 6489

Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 37 Classifieds and Public Notices FOR SALE PUBLIC NOTICE

FIREWOOD Green wood for next winter - Poplar $90, Macrocarpa $120, Mixed Hardwoods $130. Dry wood for now - Old Pine $130, Red Gum $160, Black Wattle $180. www.goodwoodfirewood.co.nz Chris - 021 240 9909

14 FOOT RAMCO WITH 25 h/p YAMAHA AND TRAILER $7,000 - Phone (021) 661 532 ROOFING SHEETS New Colorsteel roofing sheets HAY BAlES, conventional, $10 a bale. (overruns) & spouting all @ half price - Ph: (027) 439 0428 various lengths available. Second hand sheets in various lengths ABSTRACT PAINTING CLASSES also available. All enquiries to Peninsula Roofing (07) 866 4200.

DOG GROOMING

CHURCH SERVICES

WORK WANTED

COROMANDEL GARAGE DOORS Rubbish Removal For new door installations, auto openers Trees, Lawns, Garden Bags and full maintenance service. Phone John 866 5511 Phone Don McLean (022) 453 2188 Email [email protected] DAVE’S DRAINAGE iRRigation SYStEM Drainlaying, Public & Private, Water your garden or veggies from 1.8 Ton Digger Hire. the sofa. Get an irrigation system installed. 30 Years Experience. Email [email protected] Free Quotes or Advice. Facebook Water My garden Call Dave 027 727 0348 [email protected] HOUSE WASHING Detergent Soft Wash, Handyman Services. 866 4273 Phone Russell Short on 866 2097 or 0273 602 937

Mercury Bay Spouting COMMUNITY BUS For all types of guttering and spouting MERCURY BAY COMMUNITY BUS Tony 021 505 109 For your door to door travel MIKE’S MOWING to hospitals and related services $25 empty sections, in Thames, Waikato, Auckland fortnightly or monthly mowing. and Tauranga. Free edge spraying. Phone Mike or Deb 866 4678 To book phone 866 4993 or or 027 320 1703. 867 1333 or 021 0270 6897 Advertisement sponsored by the Mercury Bay Club

ST ANDREW’S BY THE SEA HOLISTIC HEALTH Community Church Albert Street, Whitianga COMMUNITY WORSHIP YOUR CONSCIOUS HEART EVERY SUNDAY 9:30am. INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER Come, join the family of God! WORKSHOP FACILITATOR Enquiries 869 5452 SPIRITUAL MENTOR THE BESS HANDZ www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz CLAIRVOYANT EMBROIDERED MONOGRAMS VERNA (027) 320 0079 Alterations, repairs, zip and hem service. vernacarrspiritualhealing.com Phone 866 5277. PSYCHIC MEDIUM

Page 38 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 933 - 19 January 2021 Sport Results

MERCURY BAY BOWLING & SPORTS CLUB section play in both the Triples and Pairs. too good for Ken. What a match the final was! Paul took the club’s junior and adult sailors raced around a triangular Open Triples Tournament - Thursday, 7 January In the Triples, Jayne Skinner, Dolly Welch and Irene veteran, Brian, to black to win, but it was Brian who potted course, completing the first of several centreboard Ten teams competed in the first tournament of the Goss qualified, but lost their next game in a very close it to take home the big meat pack. regattas scheduled between now and the end of the New Year sponsored by Twentymans Funeral Services, encounter with a Thames Coast team. In the Pairs, Runner-up, Paul Bean, finished the day with two wins. season. For many of the juniors it was their first race. including a visiting team from Coromandel Town and Lee McDonald and Colleen Sexton qualified and won their The others with two wins were Ken Gibson, Peter Challis, A mix of excitement and anxiety permeated the briefing visitors from Howick and Thames. On an extremely hot next two games to reach the final. Unfortunately, in the Ian Baumgren and Barry Roach. room as the young sailors listened to Principal Race and muggy day, no team managed four wins, with the final they were outplayed by a very experienced Thames Highest Break - Willie Jones 23. Officer Russell Chaney’s explanation of the course, team of Geoff Morris, Gwyn Howells and Mike Rutherford pairing, ultimately finishing runners-up - a credible Saturday, 16 January the flag start sequence and a few basic rules of racing. edging out Jayne Skinner, Dolly Welch and Irene Goss performance. Lee and Colleen are part of the Mercury Bay Best of three frames. For the adults, it was a chance to get back to their roots with the same number of wins, ends and 49 points to 48. champion fours team who will represent the club in the Eight players. Only Doug Pascoe and Paul Bean achieved with a sensitive tiller, the feel of the mainsheet and the The Mercury Bay team of Doug Sargent, Wayne Edmonds Thames Valley Champ of Champs Fours on Saturday 13 two straight wins to meet in the third frame final, in which joy of pressure in the sail. What a day to be on the Bay, and Shannon Marino finished third, with the Coromandel and Sunday, 14 February in Coromandel Town. Paul took the win and the meat pack. Those with two wins Te-Whanganui-o-Hei! Town team in fourth. MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER were Doug Pascoe (runner-up), Jason Smith, Bob Haase In the Laser Fleet, Scott Stratton placed first. In the Fusion Thames Valley Men’s and Women’s Champ of Champs Wednesday, 13 January and Wayne Bellingham. Fleet, Noah Kline and Harry Williscroft finished in first Triples and Pairs - Saturday 9 and Sunday, 10 January, Best of three frames. No high break recorded today. place. In the Opti Green Fleet, Annabelle Kline came first. and Saturday 16 and Sunday, 17 January Twelve players. Brian Codyre, Ken Gibson and Paul Bean MERCURY BAY BOATING CLUB Excellent performances by Brynn Ramage, Toby Whiting, While the Mercury Bay men failed to qualify in either the progressed to the finals with two straight wins each. Paul Centreboard Regatta - Saturday, 16 January Zach Greenfield, Lena Carse and Noah Dornfeld in the Triples or Pairs, the Mercury Bay Women qualified for post won the alley drawn bye and in the semi-final, Brian was With bright blue skies, a searing sun, and teasing winds, Green Fleet as well.

Photo left - Mercury Bay Bowling Club members, Lee McDonald (left) and Colleen Sexton, after finishing runners-up in last weekend’s Thames Valley Women’s Pairs Champ of Champs tournament. Photo right - Harry Williscroft (left) and Noah Kline on their way to first place in the Fusion Fleet race of the Mercury Bay Boating Club’s centreboard regatta held on Saturday last week.

Issue 933699 - 1927 JanuaryJuly 2016 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 39