Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Phone (07) 866 2090 Circulation 8,200 The Coromandel in the grip of a very strong sellers’ market By Stephan Bosman

Whitianga as seen from the Taputapuatea Stream (Mother Brown’s Creek). The average sale price of residential real estate in town during May this year was $899,024. In terms of average asking price, the Coromandel was last month the second most expensive residential property market in . Data released last week by property website, price was $875,197, a year-on-year increase weeks at the end of last month. That is a long an increase of 91 percent on the month before. realestate.co.nz, for the month of June, of 20.2 percent. way away from the realestate.co.nz 14-year Sales varied between $460,000 for a 700m² indicates that the Coromandel is no longer A lack of stock is playing a significant Long-term Average of 115 weeks. section and $1,717,000 for a six-bedroom the third most expensive residential property part in the performance of the Coromandel The Quotable Value (QV) House Price Index home. The average sale price was $899,024, market in New Zealand in terms of asking residential real estate market. At the end of for May this year recorded that the average 38 percent above the average Thames- price. Instead of trailing behind last month, there were only 163 properties for New Zealand house price was $931,928, Coromandel District Council rating value for and the Central Otago/Lakes region, a 15.6 sale on the Peninsula. This was a record 59.4 higher than the realestate.co.nz average all the properties in town. It took an average percent increase compared to June last year percent lower that the number of properties for asking price for June, and representing a year- of only 27 days for listed properties to sell. (for an average asking price of $1, 023,208) sale a year earlier and the biggest percentage on-year increase of 23.7 percent. According to realestate.co.nz, a discrepancy and a Central Otago/Lakes decrease of 12.3 drop in New Zealand. On the Coromandel, the average house between the Inventory of Listings and the percent (for an average asking price of Across New Zealand, there were 13,861 price was $1,077,224 in May, above - Long-term Average, where the Inventory $999,354) have seen the Peninsula claiming properties for sale, a 33.3 percent drop but not far off - the average asking price for of Listings is a shorter time period than second spot behind Auckland where the compared to June 2020. June and representing an annual increase of the Long-term Average, is an indication of average asking price was $1,162,264. The time it would take to for all the stock 28.3 percent. a sellers’ market. If that is indeed the case, Only Auckland and the Coromandel on the Coromandel to be sold without any Closer to home, the Ray White Real the Coromandel is most certainly, and exceeded an average asking price of new listings being added, commonly referred Estate sales data for May this year indicates probably more than ever, in the grip of a very $1 million. Nationally, the average asking to as the “Inventory of Listings”, sat at eight that 21 properties were sold in , strong sellers’ market. Retirement after going from office junior to council chief executive at the ripe old age of 25 By Tony Stickley

Allan Tiplady - recognised as one of the different departments during that time. foremost local government managers in Then came the move to the Salvation Army, the country - is retiring from his role as followed by seven years in the UK working Thames-Coromandel District Council Area as area manager for Wokingham, managing a Manager North. wide portfolio of different services. Allan, 68, has the rare distinction of Allan was then employed in a similar role having been the youngest ever council chief at TCDC before being elevated to his current executive in New Zealand at Alexandra position. “I really enjoyed the work,” he said. Borough Council when appointed to the post “It is a really fulfilling role because you are at the age of 25. And at one stage, while at doing things that provide facilities and services North Shore City Council, he was on a career that have a direct benefit to people’s lives.” trajectory that would have taken him to the Most satisfying for Allan were the top post at the Auckland Supercity, but opted completion of a number of improvements instead to take up a position with Tauranga in the area, including the Whitianga town City Council. “I have no regrets, we went to centre upgrade (having done the same thing Tauranga for family and lifestyle reasons,” in Tauranga and Birkenhead), refurbishing said Allan, who retires officially from TCDC Coromandel Town’s main street, the walkway on Friday this week (9 July). along Buffalo Beach, new parking areas Allan’s working life of more than 50 in and to relieve years has been almost exclusively in local tourist congestion, upgrading of a number government, both in New Zealand and the of boat ramps, (including at Whitianga and UK, apart from a four-year stint as business ), upgrading the Coromandel manager for the Salvation Army in Tauranga ferry terminal at Hannaford’s Wharf and from 2002. Now he and Jenny, his very TCDC’s Area Manager North, Allan Tiplady, is retiring this week after a career building close working relationships with of more than 50 years in local government supportive wife of 45 years, are retiring different communities. to Omokoroa near Tauranga to be close to council at the grand old age of 25,” Allan said. and save people from being washed away,” “I think the people are very pleased with children and grandchildren after six happy “It had some national publicity after being Allan said. what we have done,” Allan said. “What is most years in Whitianga. published in a local government magazine as As a rising star, Allan’s abilities were soon enjoyable for us is when something is finished, Born in the little South Island town of the youngest person ever appointed to a town recognised and the following year he was seeing people using it and enjoying it.” Nightcaps, Allan attended Timaru Boys clerk role in New Zealand.” head-hunted to become chief executive of After 50 years, Allan said he would miss High School and in 1971 went directly from A series of different posts followed. Birkenhead City Council, where he stayed the work, but would probably continue to school to work as office junior at Timaru Allan went back to Timaru City Council as for two years. Under the local government do something in local government even in City Council, where he progressed up the deputy chief executive in 1985 and then reorganisation of 1989, Birkenhead got retirement. “I do enjoy working with the ranks. In 1977, he took up a position of acting chief executive. In that role he was swallowed up into North Shore City where community, elected members and the staff, deputy town clerk at Alexandra Borough also the regional civil defence controller and Allan became group manager community and working as part of a whole team and having Council, being made town clerk two years his organisational abilities were called on in services. He stayed in that role for a “grand total good, trusting relationships with both members later - effectively the chief executive - at 25. August 1986 when there was similar flooding of six weeks” before taking up a similar post at and staff,” he said. “It is a really important “That was one of my claims to fame, going to the recent civil defence emergency in Tauranga City Council where he remained for part of the job. I will miss that sort of from office junior to chief executive ofa Canterbury. “We had to do lots of evacuations 13 years, having been group manager of three collegial stuff.”

What’s happening in the night sky? Night sky information provided and sponsored by Week of Wednesday, 7 July to Wednesday, 14 July - Mercury is now starting to appear lower each morning in the NE as it moves towards the Sun, while Jupiter and Saturn do the reverse and make a lovely sight in the late evening sky as they climb higher each night. Mars is still visible, but is now about as far away and dim as it gets. New Moon is on 10 July, so this is a good week to spot the Pleaides/Matariki star cluster in the pre-dawn sky. The International Space Station (ISS) makes some nice passes this week, but keep in mind that the timings given below may change slightly if it has to move to avoid space junk. Thursday, 8 July - An extremely thin crescent Moon sits just to the left of faint Mercury, low on the horizon at dawn with reddish Aldebaran above. Friday, 9 July - A bright ISS pass starts in the SW at 6:29pm passing high overhead. Astronomy Tours and B&B Saturday, 10 July - A bright ISS pass occurs from 5:42pm in the SW and passes right through the Southern Cross. New Moon tonight, so a nice dark Phone (07) 866 5343 sky for stargazing. Monday, 12 July - A minute crescent Moon sits just below brilliant Venus in the dusk sky with faint but reddish Mars just above Venus. Tuesday, 13 July - Venus and Mars are at their closest tonight in the NW dusk sky, with the thin crescent Moon above and to the right. www.stargazersbb.com

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Page 2 The Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Successful op-shop clothing fundraiser at golf club The Mercury Bay Golf Club ladies committee hosted a very successful fundraiser last Sunday afternoon during which $2,500 was raised for a new carpet for the clubhouse. The fundraiser, an op-shop fashion show, was attended by 100 people. “In addition to ticket sales and a raffle, the clothes that were modelled were auctioned off,” says Jen Heaphy, club manager. “With an upgraded clubhouse, we’ll be able to host bigger tournaments with players from all over New Zealand, and even further afield, and good on our ladies committee for getting the ball rolling.” Ladies club captain, Lynne Butler, says the fundraiser was a true community effort. “We received support from all the op-shops in Whitianga,” she says. “What was also amazing was that it wasn’t just golfers who attended the fashion show, there were lots of other people as well and they were very generous with their support. I would like to thank everyone for making it a genuinely enjoyable event.” Pictured in both photos are the club members who modelled the clothes that were auctioned off. The two models in the photo on the right, Matty Menzies (left) and Richard Schofield, were especially popular.

Issue 957699 - 627 July July 2021 2016 - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 3 Ambulance volunteer stitches Packed “Seniors Morning Tea” up top regional award at the Whitianga Town Hall By Tony Stickley Congratulations have been flooding in for 25 to 30 hours a week. “She is a very dedicated St John Ambulance volunteer, Kathryn person and just a great team leader and if there Gillingham, who has been named the is something to be done, she always puts ’s 2021 Volunteer of the Year. herself forward.” Kathryn picked up the volunteering award at John said Kathryn also goes out as a volunteer a presentation in Hamilton on 24 June attended with the Fire Brigade when required, by some 200 guests, and around 30 individuals helping out with medical emergencies. and teams who had been nominated in four Very experienced at what she does, Kathryn different categories. She took first spot due to was nevertheless doing more courses and her selfless dedication and tireless work for training to advance her skills even more. her community. She was nominated by the “We are very proud of her,” John said. “She is Order of St John for her immense commitment always available, always dedicated and always to ’s First Response Unit. smiling, but she is not someone who likes the In putting her name forward, St John said limelight.” Kathryn ensured the “…unit is going and John said that all 12 ambulance officers Mercury Bay Medical Centre (MBMC) hosted a packed “Seniors Morning Tea” at the Whitianga responds to jobs with the crew that would at the Tairua station were unpaid, part-time Town Hall on Thursday morning last week. otherwise have to wait if no one is available volunteers. “The whole station runs on and in time-critical situations this can mean “We decided to arrange this event because our community is growing fast, noticeably in the volunteers,” he said. the difference between life and death.” older age group, and people can struggle to find the right contacts and support,” says Lorraine Others chipped in on Twitter. John Lambie, St John Tairua Area Committee Macallister, MBMC business manager. “It is also a great opportunity to meet people face-to- chairperson, heaped praise on Kathryn’s “Congratulations and many thanks to our face to just talk and socialise.” contribution to the ambulance service. wonderful Tairua officer…” Presentations were made by representatives from Whitianga Social Services, Hospice Waikato “This is a very good achievement for a very “We are very proud of Kathryn’s commitment and the Mercury Bay Cancer Support Trust, Dementia Waikato, the Whitianga MenzShed and St worthy lady and it is very well deserved,” and passion for helping her community which John Medical Alarms. means countless lives have been saved in he said. “We weren’t sure what the interest was going to be and booked the Supper Room at the town many time-critical emergencies.” John said that when St John decided to hall,” says Lorraine. “To our surprise, guests just kept arriving and in the end we had to close discontinue the role of Tairua team manager, When contacted by The Informer, the doors because there was no space left to sit or stand. Kathryn stepped forward to fill the breach Kathryn was typically understated and modest. “I just do what I do because I love “Unfortunately, Age Concern could not join us for the day and they sent their apologies. to become volunteer team manager while The presentations were engaging, entertaining and very informative. From the perspective continuing her other work as a frontline first it,” she said. “I don’t go looking for accolades and I just love doing what I am doing without of MBMC, we covered the latest on COVID-19 vaccinations, the GP shortage and our plans in responder. “Fortunately, we were very lucky that regard, phone consultations, the new Whitianga medical facility development and shared any fuss. that Kathryn picked up the role and has run medical appointments. with it for the last 12 months as a volunteer,” “I appreciate the award very much. he said. “Despite retiring to Pauanui with her It was lovely to receive it, but it is a job I just “Given the overwhelming positive response we’ve had, we are definitely planning to have more husband, David, she continued to travel to the love doing and it is just nice to be able to help events of a similar nature.” Tairua Ambulance Station, putting in at least people when they are not at their best.” Pictured is Lorraine welcoming everyone on Thursday.

Page 4 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 5 A weekend turning rubbish into art By Suzanne Hansen

Debbie Lim is a Whitianga-based artist, school holidays, Debbie, with the support Whitianga with a talk by Sustainable collection a fun expedition. The hunters and photographer and integrated wellness coach of the Creative Communities Scheme, Coastlines, a New Zealand charity enabling collectors will then return to the Art Centre who has a passion and affinity for nature and has created an opportunity for parents to coastal clean-up initiatives and education. for sorting, cleaning, and cataloguing their natural solutions. As part of her personal engage with kids in a uniquely fun project of The presentation will be followed by a finds. Debbie is looking for as many kids as practice of REIKI (energy healing), she made collecting rubbish and creating art. The event couple of hours out and around Whitianga’s possible to join in the fun with their parents. it a priority to contribute to the healing of will run on Saturday 17 and Sunday, 18 July. paths, parks and reserves, picking up rubbish. There will be no charge. our beaches and coastline. She set out on The project will kick off at 9:00am on Debbie expects to add an element of treasure On 18 July, a workshop is planned from an ongoing mission to do what we all can 17 July at the Art Centre on School Road, hunting and competition to make the rubbish 9:00am to 3:00pm with a maximum of 30 and should do - pick up the bits and pieces participants. The workshop is an opportunity of rubbish that we find when we are out and for parents and their children to get creative about enjoying our beautiful Coromandel together and make art pieces out of the seashores. previous day’s rubbish collection, which will What started as an act of kindness and be displayed over a couple of weeks in the respect for nature became an obsession as window of Mosaic Gallery in town. Once Debbie found a huge variety of flotsam from the creative flourish is over, the workshop everyday human life all along our shores. attendees will travel to the beach together With growing inspiration and a trip to the to create one last piece of sand art to pay Christchurch Museum, her vast collection of homage to the healing of nature. rubbish soon became an artistic medium. The workshop is a paid event to cover the Debbie spent months collecting, cost of tuition and materials. A ticket costs categorising, washing and sorting her new $30. One ticket covers one adult and up to materials into a palette of colours from which two children. Additional parents and children she created a korowai (cloak) for an artwork from the same family will need to purchase called “Tangaroa’s Tears”. Tangaroa is the an extra ticket. great Atua (god) of the seas, rivers and lakes The eventual outcome from the workshop and the artwork, which also contains Debbie’s will be the creation of a korowai for a new own images of the sea and sea life, was artwork dedicated to Tāne (god of the forest). designed to show the impact we are having on Debbie is excited about the event because our oceans and shoreline with all the debris it will raise an awareness of rubbish we leave around - sometimes innocently or in our public spaces while it will at the same carelessly, sometimes maliciously. time provide a creative and fun outlet for Exhibited at March’s Mercury Bay Art parents and children alike. She hopes to make Escape Open Studios, Tangaroa’s Tears was this an annual event and to spread it wider an inspired hit and now Debbie is turning her across the Coromandel. For more information focus from the sea to the landscape which and tickets go to her website, debbielim. surrounds us. Whitianga artist, Debbie Lim, working on “Tangaroa’s Tears”, an art piece made co.nz, email [email protected] or phone Over a weekend in the upcoming July from rubbish she collected along the Mercury Bay shoreline. (021) 251 3859.

Page 6 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Tips for Business Owners By Christine Petrie

My calendar for July says, “I’m not here • Minimum sick leave has increased to be average, I’m here to be awesome.” from five days a year to 10. For Settling in the middle of the pack might feel existing employees, the increase kicks comfortable, and may even be right for a in on the next entitlement anniversary season, but striving to fulfil a unique purpose of their sick leave after 24 July 2021. can be much more rewarding. There is no obligation to carry forward This winter, what can you do to grow more than 20 days unused sick leave your or your organisation’s “awesomeness”? into the following year. Can you or your staff learn something new • Bereavement leave entitlements have through a workshop, book or podcast? been extended to include either the Do you need to take courage and address the employee or their partner experiencing things that are holding you back or share your a miscarriage or stillbirth. dream with an advisor who will hold you A new annual public holiday for Matariki accountable to reaching your goals? We may starts on 24 June 2022. While this is an work and live amidst incredible uncertainty, opportunity to attract visitors to our region for but we can still seize opportunities to be the long weekend, employers will also need awesome. to plan for the additional costs of this day. More changes to employment laws have Information included in this column is of recently taken effect and employers should a general nature and is not a substitute ensure that their employment contracts are up for tailored legal, accounting and other to date - professional advice.

Christine Petrie, the author of this column, is the owner of Shifting Focus Business Consulting. She can be contacted on telephone (021) 775 571 or email [email protected].

Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 7 Letters to the Editor See the bottom of page 10 for our requirements with regard to letters and contributions

Dear Editor - The property at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga Notice there is no humiliating mayoral refusal to acknowledge humans are causing climate I understand that Thames-Coromandel District Council has bought the premises where The change, no refusal to consult and listen, and no hesitation to commit to emission reduction action Informer office is situated at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga. How do council justify the purchase? and partnering with the community. Did they not pledge to budget better and focus more on essentials, rather than “nice to haves”? HDC set out a detailed pathway to achieve zero carbon. This includes updating their How much deeper into the pockets of ratepayers will council reach to fund their empire building? decision-making to include carbon reduction, reviewing procurement to prioritise carbon zero, Also, what is to become of The Informer, which is undoubtedly considerably more popular than investigating new carbon-reducing three waters technologies, encouraging more walking and the majority of TCDC councillors? cycling, improving public transport to get people out of their cars, moving the council fleet to low Patricia Briant or zero-emission vehicles, reducing organic waste at source and green building options. Many of Whitianga these actions will save ratepayers’ funds. TCDC’s reply to Patricia Briant’s letter as well as the letter of Richard Rowley in The Informer of It required a high court order to compel Thames-Coromandel District Council to consult 29 June regarding the same issue with their community and take zero carbon action. In stark contrast, our next-door council and Mayor Toby has willingly consulted and is reducing emissions, backed by strong science- The purchase of the property at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga is part of a strategy, initiated many based leadership. years ago with the purchase of the former Whitianga Fire Station building, to acquire the land Denis Tegg adjacent to the Whitianga Town Hall and council office building in Monk Street for civic purposes. Thames The 14 Monk Street property is the final piece in achieving this. The long-term vision is to consolidate all TCDC services - including the council offices, library, Dear Editor - The public boat ramps in Whitianga town hall and information services - onto one centralised site. The public boat ramps in Whitianga are a disgrace. What’s more, they have become disgracefully dangerous. It is only a matter of time before someone sustains a serious injury. Editor’s Note - The sale of the property at 14 Monk Street, Whitianga is not impacting on The At this moment, you have to ask where has the money gone. It costs $80 per annum or $10 a Informer in any way, shape or form. Mercury Bay Media Limited (the legal owner of the paper) day to use the parking at the boat ramps, which over a year adds up to a tidy sum for Thames- has a lease in place, which will remain on foot. The only change is that the paper now has a Coromandel District Council. Admittedly council have spent a small fortune on “No Parking” different landlord. signs, but it would appear none of this bounty has been wasted on maintenance. Allow us also to set the record straight with regard to some social media posts last week that After any decent storm it’s usually left for the boaties themselves to clear the debris away to The Informer is for sale. That is incorrect. The paper is not on the market. get access. Dear Editor - Hauraki District Council’s “Zero Carbon Promise” The Dundas Street ramp is more akin to a ski jump than a boat ramp and is only usable thanks I invite correspondents Elizabeth Resl (in The Informer of 29 June), and Alastair Brickell and to a member of the public using his own waterblaster to make it reasonably safe. The old ramp on Anthony Hope-Cross (in The Informer of 22 June) to check out the climate pollution reduction Robinson Road is buried under deep mud at one end and coated in green slime at the upper end actions our neighbouring council, Hauraki District Council, is taking. HDC have just adopted a which, when wet, becomes a tilted ice rink. comprehensive “Zero Carbon Promise”. The incidents of people slipping and injuring themselves are becoming more frequent and the HDC mayor, Toby Adams, has no trouble acknowledging that, “It is a proven fact if we question is how long before someone receives a serious head injury from a fall. Not all boaties are don’t reduce the amount of greenhouse gases… we’ll face huge local and global challenges in young, flexible and bulletproof. Some of us are old, brittle and potential ACC customers. the future.” There is a truck in town that has a broom on the front which would only take minutes to brush Mayor Toby freely acknowledges the need for emission reduction action, saying, “You told us the ramps perhaps once a month and let the tide do the rest. It’s not too difficult and shouldn’t be reducing our carbon footprint is important and we listened.” He then commits HDC “to do more an expensive exercise either. to reduce and off-set our greenhouse gas emissions” and to “partnering with iwi, community Wayne Hill groups and others to work towards a zero-carbon future”. Whitianga

Page 8 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 9 Car Talk By Jack Biddle A question for Jack? Just email us or drop us a note.

Clean-car discounts kick off, but not without some controversy

The government has recently unveiled the Fund has also already co-funded over 1,100 further from our shores than the claims made by It certainly won’t happen overnight, but it does launch of a feebate scheme to boost sales of EV chargers nationwide while distances the government. definitely start the ball rolling. electric vehicles (EVs) and plug in hybrids between the charges of pure EVs are already The government’s real message here appears That leaves the used car industry to up its (PHEVs) with the programme officially kicking increasing and expected to continue that way to be while utes are a necessary tool in many game and introduce more second-hand clean off the beginning of this month. It means as technology improves, and more new models business sectors, they are asking other buyers burners, including pure EVs, onto the local consumers can get rebates of up to $8,625 for come to market. to consider other options. If utes continue to sell market from the traditional right-hand drive certain new vehicles and $3,450 for certain used Like any government announcement, like hot cakes to the general public, then owners hotspots like Japan. This has already begun, vehicles. The policy is designed to increase the clean-car rebate scheme has drawn will pay for the privilege. but consumers caught up in all the hype need the uptake of low-emissions vehicles (LEVs) comments good and bad across both the The other issue facing the new car industry to be aware that prices will always be based on in general. motoring industry and the general public. with the introduction of the policy is the demand and can expect to pay high prices for A fee on higher-emitting vehicles to help fund Utes such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, availability of EVs, PHEVs and LEVs. these vehicles and therefore shouldn’t be swayed the policy will be introduced from 1 January which have continued to top the sales charts for The global demand for these vehicles is at an all- solely on receiving the government’s clean-car 2022, which will also coincide with rebates several years, are now seen as the bad guys and time high with countries like New Zealand not rebate. Plus, and this is a big consideration to being offered on other LEVs such as non-plug keep in mind, trade-in prices will no doubt fall in hybrids. well short of expectations in many cases. Interestingly, the announcement came at The government announcement has definitely the same time as the opening of the Mystery created the time to rethink one’s strategy when Creek Field Days in Hamilton, with brand new it comes to vehicle ownership moving forward. ute sales (which are one of the targeted high Do you really need that high emitting vehicle, emitters) going through the roof as consumers is a question that needs to be asked while on the bought up large, in many cases as a protest vote flip side, what sort of low emitting vehicle does against paying the penalty come the beginning in fact tick the box? of January next year. It’s hard to imagine a farmer, for example, There are some conditions that come with the without a hard-working, dependable ute on clean-car discount scheme, including having the farm and until such time as a suitable low- a price cap on vehicles of $80,000, plus the emission vehicle is made available, then it’s vehicles meet a set of safety criteria to qualify business as usual and like it or not, the fee to for the rebate. The penalty only applies to new help subsidise the cleaner fleet will need to be A Tesla electric vehicle as recently seen in Albert Street, Whitianga. and used car arrivals into the country also, paid from 2022. so the existing second-hand market is, in theory, will be penalised accordingly come 1 January really considered high priority for the majority The best way forward for consumers not affected. next year, while EVs, PHEVs and LEVs are of manufacturers, especially for those trying considering a change in motor vehicle is to do The government believes the policy will definitely viewed as being squeaky clean by the to meet high demand from the left-hand drive their homework, seek sound advice and avoid prevent up to 9.2 million tonnes of carbon government and the best way forward. markets such as in Europe and China. In other making a knee-jerk decision based solely on dioxide emissions polluting the environment. In an effort to put ute owners at ease, words, the new car industry in New Zealand is receiving, or not receiving, a monetary rebate. “The clean-car discount will make it cheaper the government went so far as to say the arrival hardly in a position to demand extra allocation, Our current fleet is definitely aging as Kiwis for New Zealanders to buy electric and low of new hybrid utes were just around the corner, it’s more the overseas factories dictating vehicle hang onto their vehicles longer than most, so this emissions cars,” says Michael Wood, Minister so those who really needed such vehicles would numbers heading our way in the short to latest government scheme will at least provide of Transport. soon be catered for under the clean-car scheme. mid-term. an opportunity for some to move to newer and And to help elevate the concerns around The new car industry was very quick to shoot So, consumers and the government can cleaner cars. In the meantime, the pros and cons range anxiety with pure electric cars, down those claims, however, with Toyota New expect long waits for new low-emitting vehicles of the long-term environmental benefits of these the government’s Low Emission Transport Zealand saying new hybrid utes were a lot to finally hit our roads in increased numbers. vehicles will continue to rage on.

The Mercury Bay Informer is published weekly on Tuesday afternoons and is distributed throughout the . 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 and Civil Defence ...... 868 0200 Tony Stickley. Mercury Bay Medical Centre (Whitianga) ...... 866 5911 Advertiser Management - Petra Bosman and Alex Kennedy, Medical Centre (Tairua)...... 864 8737 Administration - Diane Lodge Need to talk? Call/text anytime for support from a trained counsellor...... 1737 Office 14 Monk Street, Whitianga 3510, Mail PO Box 426, Whitianga 3542 Telephone (07) 866 2090, Fax (07) 866 2092 Harbourmaster (Whitianga) ...... 027 476 2651 Editorial email [email protected], Advertising email [email protected] Coastguard Radio Operators ...... 866 2883 Whitianga Social Services ...... 866 4476 ISSN 2422-9083 (Print), ISSN 2422-9091 (Online), © 2021 Mercury Bay Media Limited Whitianga Locksmith Services ...... 027 446 6921 The Mercury Bay Informer is subject to the principles of the New Zealand Media Council. Please contact us first if you have concerns about any of the editorial content published in The Informer. If we were unable to address your concerns to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with ONLINE POLL FOR 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. 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 10 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Issue 699957 - 276 July July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 11 Whitianga’s Purple Poppy Man By Tony Stickley Although former Army captain, Bruce Page, League) which provides blue crosses for war admits that the only pets he ever owned were animals. domestic cats, he has a huge affection and Three New Zealand animals have received respect for animals that served in theatres of the medal - Ceasar, a WW1 dog whose name combat around the world. was apparently misspelled, Bess, one of Bruce, 66, who lives in Whitianga, is the the four horses to return from Europe at the New Zealand representative for the Australian end of WWI and an Afghan dog which was War Animal Memorial Organisation adopted as a mascot by New Zealand troops (AWAMO) which was instrumental in a during their tours of duty in Afghanistan. permanent memorial to military animals “He wasn’t just their mascot, he acted as a being erected at the New Zealand Army’s sort of guard or look-out for the troops as national museum at Waiouru in 2018. well,” Bruce said. And just as Poppy Day in April marks the Approximately nine million animals human sacrifice in war with a red poppy, died in WWI and Bruce said that their New Zealand established a Purple Poppy unbreakable bond with the soldiers and their Day for animals on 24 February each year. sacrifice needed to be honoured. He noted It is a tradition which has now been taken that although the horse was the prime animal up with enthusiasm in Australia, the United for the Kiwi Mounted Riflemen in the deserts States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India of the Middle East, their fight could not have and . been carried out without the support of mules, Bruce said AWAMO was set up by an donkeys and camels as well. Australian friend, Nigel Allsopp, whom More than 400 New Zealanders served in he met while serving as an engineer at the Imperial Camel Corps, who needed to be Whenuapai, with the rank of flight lieutenant, skilled in dealing with such irritable beasts. before transferring to the Army as a captain. While horses and camels no longer form “It is about commemorating the animals that part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s were used in war and providing memorials logistical resources, dogs were increasingly to their service,” he said. “There is a whole being used for a variety of functions. mixture of animals that were used, from “Currently within the NZDF the use of horses, donkeys and mules to camels, dogs animals, in fact, is on the increase as opposed and pigeons. And most of the units had a to decline,” Bruce said. “This is primarily mascot of some sort - it could be anything due to military working dogs and specialist from a goat to a cat or a rat, or anything.” explosive search dogs being used to combat Bruce said that in World War I horses were terrorist activities in both homeland defence undoubtedly the most important animal for and international operations. the ANZACs in the campaigns in Europe, The Air Force had just built a brand-new the Mediterranean and Egypt, both for the facility at Whenuapai for training dogs for cavalry and for transport, along with the search, track and attack in order to protect mules and donkeys. military assets, including the country’s new Around 10,000 horses were sent from New 737 Poseidon coastal patrol planes. “If a Zealand but only four returned. Many were person resists, then the dogs are let loose,” killed in battle while others were left behind Bruce said. “The Romans used dogs in because of quarantine restrictions back home. battle against their enemy. It is not quite like In many cases they were put down by their Shakespeare’s ‘Cry havoc! And let slip the handlers who feared the animals would be dogs of war,’ but these dogs being trained at mistreated by the locals after the troops pulled Whenuapai will attack and bite.” out. “It was considered just too difficult to Bruce said that AWAMO raised money bring them back,” Bruce said. for memorials by selling pins and other One of the enduring ANZAC images memorabilia, but in recent years the women’s from WWI was the painting by Horace section of the Returned and Services Moore-Jones of “Simpson and his Donkey”. Association had taken up the baton to honour But without wishing to start a new pavlova animals who had served with the armed conflict with Australia, Bruce said many old forces. “They have definitely taken it up in a New Zealand soldiers believed that it was big way, which I think is wonderful,” he said. actually a painting of a Kiwi soldier and The RSA women’s section and AWAMO not an Australian Digger, as the Australians also support post-traumatic stress disorder in believe. ex-servicesmen and dogs play a huge role in Bruce is also the New Zealand representative that work. “Their companionship is regarded for the Blue Cross, a British animal welfare as a wonderful therapeutic support for the ex- group (founded in 1897 as Our Dumb Friends soldiers,” Bruce said.

Former Army captain, Bruce Page, the New Zealand representative for the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation, at Waiouru in 2018. Page 12 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Issue 699957 - 276 July July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 13 Page 14 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Issue 699957 - 276 July July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 15 Page 16 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Issue 699957 - 276 July July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 17 Matariki celebrated with community hangi On Thursday last week, School celebrated Matariki with a community hangi in which more than 200 people participated. “It was a fabulous event which again had wonderful support from our community, Whenuakite Country Kids Early Learning Centre and many whānau and friends,” says Eamonn Kelly, school principal. “Our community spirit was superb and there were so many volunteers and helpers. Each term our tamariki learn of Māori values and concepts, and they participated fully in the Matariki sharing, preparation and celebrations.” At the same time, the school community farewelled deputy principal, Michael Ewing, who has been with the school for two-and-a-half years. Michael is taking some time out to study for a Master’s degree in education. “The Matariki celebration kicked off with with a karakia, haka, waiata and speeches,” says Eamonn. “Michael and his whānau were thanked for the devotion and hard work that they have invested into Whenuakite School and we wished him all the best for the challenge ahead. This was then followed by the lifting of the hangi and the shared kai for everyone. “We had whānau and friends from , Rotorua, Pukekohe and Hamilton as well as the Ministry of Education and the local kahui ako (community of learning) with us on the day. “A special mention must go to our superstar deputy principal, Nicola Riedinger, and her husband, Jason, who planned and organised the event, seeing it through to its successful conclusion. We thank everyone for the support and are truly grateful for the many donations of time, money and food, as well as making it a very special and enjoyable day. “We were pleased that we had locally sourced pork and vegetables, and even some produce which was grown at school and preserved for the pudding, with our tamariki making the steamed puddings and preparing the parcels of food that were served.” Pictured is some of Thursday’s hangi action.

Page 18 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Issue 699957 - 276 July July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 19 What’s On In the next few weeks

Regular Activities Mercury Bay Indoor Bowling Club Op-shops Meets every Thursday at 6:45pm at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Come along and join in or phone Alan on • Social Services Op-shops - 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm and Coghill Street 866 4024 or Cheryl on 0274 527887 for more information. (west of Albert Street), Whitianga. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:300am - 2:00pm. Mercury Bay Pickleball Club • The Church Op-shop - At St Andrew’s by the Sea Community Church, Owen Street, Whitianga. Open Tuesday to Meets every Sunday from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at the Mercury Bay Area School gym, South Highway, Whitianga, $5 per Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm. session. Paddles and balls supplied. Tuition available. • St John Opportunity Shop - Albert Street, Whitianga. Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am - 4:00pm and Saturday Mercury Bay Tennis Club 10:00am - 2:00pm. Club night every Thursday at 6:30pm at Lyon Park, Albert Street, Whitianga. Justice of the Peace Mercury Bay Table Tennis Available every Monday (except public holidays) from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. Meets every Tuesday from 9:00am - 11:30am at the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. All welcome. Phone Anne on Bookings not necessary. Phone 866 4476 for more information. (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 Kate on (027) 270 9508 for more information. SeniorNet Whitianga Incorporated Whitianga Playcentre Classes held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various times. We give older adults an opportunity to demistify their Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon at 1D White Street, Whitianga. For children 0 - 6 years, computers and to learn more about new communications and information technology. Contact Lorna Russell on free entry. Visitors welcome. (027) 486 0150 for more information or to join. Cooks Beachcare Group Chinwag Café Make new friends, learn about conservation and make a difference. We meet Thursdays for hands-on weeding and Every Friday from 10:00am - 12:00 noon at Whitianga Social Services, 2 Cook Drive. A place for over 50s to meet other planting, 9:00am - 11:00am. Register on our website, www.cooksbeachcare.org.nz or phone Adele on (021) 201 6625. people, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and have a chinwag. Dog Walking Group Mercury Rockers Meets every Thursday at 2:00pm at Lovers Rock, Robinson Road, Whitianga. An opportunity to socialise your dog. Rock ‘n Roll every Monday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. All welcome, lessons Scottish Country Dancing available. Phone Chris on (021) 504 246 for more information. Meets every Tuesday from 7:00pm - 9:00pm in the Supper Room of the Whitianga Town Hall, Monk Street. Phone Anthea Whitianga Art Group on 866 4516 or (021) 158 1522 for more information. Meets every Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at 23 School Road, Whitianga. Visitors are invited to join us for a day of painting. Start-up materials supplied. Phone Jenny on (027) 210 0160 for more information. Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club Winter Tuna Tournament Alcoholics Anonymous Until Tuesday, 31 August. Entry fee $250 per boat. Great prizes on offer. See mbgfc.co.nz for more information. Whitianga Big Book Group meets every Thursday at 6:30pm at St Peter the Fisherman Church, Dundas Street. Thames Valley First XV Rugby - Saturday, 10 July Phone 0800 AA WORKS (0800 229 6757) for more information. Coulter Cup Final - Mercury Bay Area School v Paeroa College in Ngatea. Kick-off at 1:30pm. Serenity Al-Anon Group Thames Valley Senior Rugby - Saturday, 10 July Meets every Tuesday at 1:30pm. Phone 866 5104 or (021) 086 10955 for more information. For those affected by Semi-final - Mercury Bay Senior B v Thames Senior B in Thames. Kick-off at 12:25pm. someone else’s drinking. Semi-final - Coromandel Town Senior B v Waihi Athletic Senior B in Coromandel Town. Kick-off at 2:00pm. Whitianga Menz Shed Semi-final - Mercury Bay Senior A Marlins v Cobras in Whitianga. Kick-off at 2:00pm. Open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am - 12:00 noon. At the Moewai Park end of South Highway, past the diesel Arts on Tour New Zealand’s “Aperture - The Life and Work of Ans Westra” truck stop. All welcome. Saturday, 10 July at 7:00pm at the Coghill Theatre, Coghill Street, Whitianga. A play by actor/director Martine Mercury Bay Contract Bridge Club Baarvinger about the life of a photographer who successfully captured an important part of Aotearoa’s history. Meet every Wednesday at 1:00pm and every Thursday at 7:00pm at the Mercury Bay Bowling Club, Cook Drive, Whitianga. Tickets - adults $25, 18 and under $10, available from Mercury Bay Pharmacy and online at eventbrite.co.nz. Phone Gavin on (07) 866 2343 or (021) 146 9203 for more information.

Page 20 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 “Leaving our shop, but not our customers” The fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has be able to deliver the same quality service we with each customer directly. “In this time of turns out to be something else. provided Maria and Steve Osborn of Epoch have delivered over the years, but we won’t uncertainty, I need to be able to explain to “This is really a case of us leaving our shop, Antiques & Floristry with an opportunity to really have to raise our prices.” customers what we have available and what but not our customers.” make changes to their business that will not Maria says it won’t be possible for they can expect for their money. Things Some other things will be able to be only allow them to operate more efficiently, customers to order floral arrangements change on a daily basis and I don’t want purchased through the website, however. but also to expand their offering to existing through their website, which in the process of people to see a picture on the internet and Maria is an accomplished artist and is looking and new customers. being developed, as it’s important she deals think that’s what they will be getting, while it forward to focus more on her art. “I certainly “We were forced to rethink our business will be creating floral paintings, and things after eight years in our shop in Albert Street, like succulent chairs and other floral crafts Whitianga,” says Maria. “Supply chain issues that will be available through our website,” around the world aren’t only affecting the she says. “Some of the furniture Steve has price of the flowers that are imported into the restored will also be listed on the website, country, but also the reliability of delivery. together with the range of antiques we used This is a real problem, especially in winter to sell in our shop.” when there is limited domestically-grown Maria and Steve also plan to become flowers available in New Zealand. familiar faces at the weekend and high season “Steve and I started talking about relocating markets in and around Whitianga. “Selling the business to our conservation block 10 our flowers and floral crafts at the markets minutes outside Whitianga and the more will not only be a great opportunity to keep we talked about it, the more it made sense. our name and what we have to offer out there, It really is going to allow us to do more and but also to interact with customers personally, to be more efficient in how we do things. which is something that has always been We fitted out two workshops on the property important to us,” says Maria. to work from, one for my flowers and the In addition, working from home will other for the growing furniture restoration provide Maria and Steve with the opportunity projects Steve is involved in. to produce some of what they need in their “Instead of walking into the shop to place business themselves. “Foliage is a great an order for flowers, customers will continue example,” says Maria. “Make no mistake, to be able to phone or email us, or contact the cost and supply of foliage is under us through social media. We will still deliver pressure at the moment. If we can use our free of charge to any address in Whitianga, property to relieve some of that pressure, Monday to Saturday, exactly as we are doing it will be one less thing to worry about. at the moment. The only difference is that “Working from home will be a different going forward, that will include delivery experience for us, but if it means we can keep from customers who would normally have our prices under control and offer more to our collected their orders from us personally. Maria Osborn of Epoch Antiques & Floristry. The business is relocating from a shop in Albert customers, it will hopefully be a win-win for “Overall, working from home means we’ll Street, Whitianga to Maria and her husband, Steve’s conservation block outside town. everyone.”

Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 21 Crossword Catherine’s Column © Lovatts Puzzles By Catherine Delahunty - Coromandel Peninsula resident and former Green Party MP

Matariki Crossword Puzzle 957 It’s Matariki and it’s so much more than star- of family and community which go beyond shaped cookies and a national day off from the living. next year. This Matariki, I am thinking about the I am learning more about this important Hauraki kuia who taught me so much about festival bit by bit and I am really enjoying the respecting the land and water, and standing Name: ______first festival I have ever known which actually up for what is right in the context of Hauraki. It’s time to feel lucky for the gifts received celebrates our season and our southern skies. Tel no: ______Christmas cards of snow and robins, from people like Betty Williams, I am so sad eating huge roasts and Christmas pudding in she is gone but lucky to have been educated December have never fit with this country. by her. Win a $5.60 Wednesday Lotto ticket. Hand deliver or mail, scan and email your entry to Easter, with its pre-Christan European This is the time when frost knocks back the The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk St, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or roots, is a religious festival but also a taro in the garden and the other plants seem [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim fertility festival and a welcoming of spring. to be barely growing, they are waiting for their prize from the New World check out manager directly before the Wednesday of the week We try and celebrate it as autumn begins and warmth to heat the soil and feed their roots, following the issue in which they were announced the winner. it doesn’t make sense. this is the natural order and it won’t be long until the season shifts from Matariki into the But Matariki is connected to the appearance lively signs of spring. of a star group in our hemisphere and it’s Matariki is our chance to listen to what the a coherent connection between where we natural world is saying and to connect with are and the seasonal realities. I know it’s so where we are. How this festival will develop much more than just reflecting on lost loved and evolve is unclear to me and I really hope ones and sharing plans and dreams of the the integrity of its cultural meaning can be year to come, but these are starting points to respected by everyone. a new understanding by those of us who are I was listening to a podcast on Chinese not Māori. New Year this week and it gave me a glimpse The nights are long and cold and the days of another wonderful cultural event which short. It makes sense to reflect on our lives, takes weeks, not days, to celebrate. It was to share food with family, to sit around a fire. fascinating to learn about the colours, foods I love the way Professor Rangi Matamua and rituals that are upheld by Chinese guides us to think about Matariki and reminds communities. us to be “present, not buy the presents” We have so many rich cultures to learn for family at this time. Whatever way we about, but Matariki is different. Matariki is experience the world, it’s great to have a indigenous to this land and belongs to tangata festival that is not about shopping and hyper whenua. We can be part of it and learn from it activity, but explicitly focused on the bonds if we start with that basic understanding.

Last week’s solution

ACROSS DOWN 1. Sorcerers 1. Irrigating 4. Australian marsupial 2. Influence 3. Footwear item 7. Results 4. Touch lips 8. Steam burn 5. Move forward 9. Remove from danger 6. Between 12. Railway bridges 10. Eject from home 15. Pulled a face 11. Exalts 17. Radio interference 13. Dotted 14. Wondrous thing 18. Playing-card Jack 16. Cave chamber 21. Embarrassed 18. Flying toy 22. Levels 19. Wheat tips 23. Showed gratitude to 20. Breathe rapidly

Last week’s winner - Debbie Holmes

Page 22 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Tavern staff give up drink during July in aid of cancer charities While not exactly the pub with no beer, But patrons have no need to worry, they are goal, though Michelle said they were hoping and, in addition, any money that patrons put The Coroglen Tavern will be an alcohol-free not expected to join in. “When we told them to surpass that figure by the end of the month. in the tip jar on the bar throughout the month zone for staff at the iconic watering hole that we were doing it, they thought they According to the Dry July website, will also go towards their fundraising effort. during Dry July. would have to do it too,” Michelle joked. the Coroglen teetotalers were in the top 10 Michelle said that their host responsibility Publican, Michelle Harper, and five of her “But no, we are a business and our business is teams nationally for fundraising. “We have as publicans meant they encourage sensible crew - Gini Hibbert, Briana Boerdyk, Hope selling food and alcohol.” had a bit of media coverage because we drinking year-round. “That is really Simpson, Connor Brookes and Riki Oliver - As of last week, Dry July had raised about are a pub that is going dry,” Michelle said. important to us, but we are very lucky that have sworn off drink for the month to raise $500,000 nationally and the six Coroglen “The Dry July communications person said we have got the breweries behind us.” money for cancer. bar crew were nearly halfway to their $5,000 that this was the first time that a pub has She said that Lion Breweries had just actually done a Dry July in New Zealand.” released a no-alcohol beer. “So that ties in The Dry July challenge is raising money with our message as well, because we are for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the a ‘destination’ pub and people drive here. Look Good Feel Better Foundation, which We don’t want people drinking and driving, helps cancer sufferers look and feel like their so there are lots of no-alcohol or low- normal selves, Bowel Cancer New Zealand alcohol options available which work really and rehabilitation foundation, Pinc & Steel. well for our business. “While we are doing Dry July, everyone “You can come to our pub, you can have else can come in and have a drink, but we a beer that has no alcohol in it and still will not be drinking with them, except maybe feel like you are socialising with a drink in just a soda water,” Michelle said. “The locals your hand. think we are a little mad, but they know it is Despite the availability of low and no- for a great cause. We have had a lot of people alcohol beers, the crew would be sticking around us who have been affected by cancer, rigidly to the Dry July rules. “We are going including family members and friends. A lot to do it properly,” Michelle said. of our locals, we have just thought about how However, there was a question mark over many of our locals have had cancer in the last whether they could sample the tavern’s five years. fish and chips which had beer in the “We have even had friends who have died batter. While Michelle felt that the alcohol from cancer, so we just thought it was a really probably evaporated during cooking, it was good cause to get behind and because we are best to err on the side of caution. a pretty iconic place, we have been able to And when the month was up? “On The Coroglen Tavern crew who are participating in Dry July. From the left - Briana Boerdyk, raise a little bit of money, which is awesome.” 1 August, I think we will all celebrate and Hope Simpson, Connor Brookes, Michelle Harper, Riki Oliver and Gini Hibbert. The crew are being sponsored not to drink have a gin,” Michelle laughed.

Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 23 Sudoku

Sudoku Puzzle 957

Name: ______

Tel no: ______Win a $10 Supreme Coffee voucher from Café Coghill House in Whitianga. Hand deliver, mail or scan and email your entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk 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 Café Coghill House directly before the Wednesday of the week following the issue in which they were announced the winner.

Last week’s solution

Last week’s winner - Pamela Dodd

“Rerenga kōrero o te wiki” (Saying of the week) “Me aha koe i mua i te kai?” - What do you need to do before you eat? Answers could include such things as, “Me karakia/Me horoi i aku ringa/Me whakapai i te tēpu.” - “Say grace/Wash my hands/Tidy the table.” 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 24 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Fishing Report The Small-time Investor Sponsored by Mercury Bay Marine - Tel (07) 867 1280 By Whitianga resident, Max Ross

Compound interest and capital to deploy Snapper are still on the bite both sides of are two Coastguard Day Skipper courses the Coromandel Peninsula despite a water coming up with limited spaces. These courses The markets are ticking upwards and I’m more money, but also doesn’t dip into their temperature drop to 13°C in the shallows. are well worth doing. Jules at the Whitianga almost back at my all-time highs. Currently investments. Starting with $15,600 at 18 and Fish are in condition and biting hard. Coastguard Unit has more information - email I’m up 10.07 percent, which is $514.41. doubling every eight years, by the time our Fresh mullet seems to deliver the best results [email protected] or phone My top performer is still EBOS, up 47.5 financially capable young person is 41 they bait-wise. (07) 867 1994. percent, followed closely by Nvidia, will have $124,800. At 58 their investment A good turnout for the annual Bounty Hunter A couple of quick safety tips for those heading fishing competition over in Coromandel Town up 44.4 percent. My worst performer is may have grown to $499,200 and by 64 they out as well - Plexure, down 53.05 percent, followed by could have just under a million dollars for with more than 450 anglers registered for the • If you have a trailer boat, mark your boat Microstrategy, down 38.92 percent. Thirty their retirement. two-day tournament. A 20kg plus kingfish and trailer with your boat name and callsign 10.57kg snapper took the honours this year. (if you have a callsign). If you are overdue of my picks are up and 10 are down. To make the same calculations with much While fishing the western side of the Peninsula from a trip or forget to close off your trip To be invested, you need to have money more accuracy, google “compound interest last weekend, it was interesting to see the lack report with Coastguard, a quick check of to invest. I call this capital to deploy. calculator” and experiment. It’s amazing of foul and weed right up along the coast, which the carpark could save a lot of time and Investments are your money working by what a difference time makes to the final accounted for the lower number of fish being effort locating you if needed. itself to help you generate wealth (or lose amount. caught and the concentration of boats at the • Life jackets and chilly bins, the same it…) The new online share trading apps, eg Compound interest can do amazing things. “hot spots”. We certainly are very lucky to thing - boat name and callsign on these as Sharesies, and the ability to buy parts of a The key is to start early and save as much as have an abundance of healthy reefs and pins well. If for whatever reason Coastguard share make it easier to invest small amounts. you can early - things I probably would have here on the eastern side to choose from. has to come looking for you, one of these It has been my aim to show how easy it It’s important we preserve the reefs and pins to ignored if an old boring person had given items, if found, can dramatically increase add sustainability to our fishing future. is to get started and begin investing. I have me that advice when I was 16. A bit of boat ramp etiquette for those your chances of being located a lot quicker. been saving $100 a week and my Sharesies This week as usual, I am “dollar cost slightly newer to the boating game. Normally • Logging your trip report with Coastguard. balance is now $5,580.60. I understand that averaging” $25 into my exchange traded “launching” gives way to “retrieval”. It’s easier Everyone should do this as it’s the first for many this is an impossible amount to ethical funds. The remaining $75 I am going and safer for a boat on a trailer to wait to launch piece of critical information Coastguard save each week. I believe that any teenager to invest into my favourite stock, Tesla. than a boat trying to come in for retrieval having would use to arrange your rescue if needed. working a regular job without any real Please remember that what I write in this to deal with tide, current, wind, etc. Please keep If you have a change of plans during the financial commitments could save the same. column is all my personal opinion. Some day, eg moving to a difference location this in mind at the ramp and if you see someone If they can do this for three years, then by of my investments will lose money. I am or extending your trip, by all means call struggling, give them a hand. It will make yours the time they are 18 or 19 they will have sharing my thoughts and strategies along and their day better. Coastguard up and advise them. They would be only too happy to amend your saved $15,600. with my results so that you can see how Also, when at the ramp, it’s best to use ropes to Last week, I explained how on average easy it is to invest, even a small amount, hold your boat in position. We see many people trip report. getting mum or pop or one of the kids holding Keep an eye on the weather and if in doubt, share markets seem to rise about 10 percent and maybe learn from my mistakes. the boat by hand. This can be pretty dangerous, don’t go out. per annum. Considering compound growth, Be careful with your money. one gust of wind or wake from a passing boat Tony Marsters which is the interest on the interest, as a If you wish to join in and buy shares can cause serious issues. A painter rope (as it’s Warfish Charters rule of thumb this is the same as doubling with Sharesies, you can use this link - called in maritime terms) is the answer. Phone (021) 298 5750 your capital every eight years. Let’s assume https://sharesies.nz/r/KHQQWP. You and I For those less experience boaties, there Email [email protected] that our young person doesn’t save any will each get $5 into our Sharesies accounts.

Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 25 Brain Teaser - Fill In Puzzle Police Report © Lovatts Puzzles By Sergeant Andrew Morrison of the Whitianga Police

Sunday, 27 June to Sunday, 4 July 2020 General offender was subsequently warned. Brain Teaser Puzzles 957 We have dealt with a couple of neighbour Fraud offending involving Google Play disputes recently and our advice has been for cards was reported on the 30th and our advice people to ignore each other if they can’t just is to speak to your friends in person if they get along. request you to purchase something out of Name: ______A boating tragedy outside Coromandel the ordinary. Town last week is a reminder to take care Enquiries are being made with the Tel no: ______on the water. Boat skippers speeding in registered owner of a vehicle concerning a the Whitianga River and not displaying driver who failed to pay for petrol at a Joan navigation lights during hours of darkness are Gaskell Drive premises on the 3rd. Win a coffee and a muffin from Espy Café in Whitianga. Hand deliver or mail, scan and email your putting lives at risk. Traffic entry to The Mercury Bay Informer, 14 Monk Street, Whitianga or PO Box 426, Whitianga or Arrests • 1 x 19-year-old local man apprehended [email protected] to reach us by 3:00pm Monday each week. The winner must please claim • 29th - 1 x 26-year-old local man for driving with excess breath alcohol on the their prize from Espy Cafe directly before the Wednesday of the week following the issue in which Wilful Damage. they were announced the winner. • 30th - 1 x 19-year-old local man for 27th - result 863/000. Cultivating Cannabis. Also on the 27th a driver lost control of Fill In Instructions - Occurrences his car on Buffalo Beach Road and crashed Place all the words listed into the grid. Each word can be used once only. The first word has been One Family Harm incidents attended this into a power pole near Halligan Road. filled in. week. On the 28th a couple argued at a Cook Our enquiries are continuing. Drive address and sound advice was given. The Commercial Vehicle Investigation Graffiti was reported around the Monk Unit was in town last week and a couple of Street area on the 28th and any information to drivers and trucks were found to be in breach identify the offenders would be appreciated. of requirements, with enforcement action A trespass incident was reported on the taken. Expect them to revisit our area again 29th at a Joan Gaskell Drive address and the soon to ensure compliance.

5 Letter Words - Atone, Baled, Basis, Cacti, Dusts, Exille, Expel, Facet, Input, Inset, Knelt, Lease, Lemon, Pests, Petal, Rasps, Seeps, Sites, Slain, Slits, Soars, Spasm, Spots, Steps, Stole, Tiara, Title, Tulip, Vests, Visor, Wafts, Wicks. 7 Letter Words - Ailment, Animate, Repeals, Tipster.

Last week’s solution - Anagram 1 Batsmen, 2 Commentary, 3 Umpire, 4 Partnership, 5 Sledging. Mystery Keyword - Stumps

Last week’s winner - Anna Cross

Page 26 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Rescue Helicopter Update

The Health Select Committee of Parliament We will now discuss with the ARHT the returned to base. has reported back on the presentation Stephan assistance we can provide to get them to 06.06.2021 Port Jackson - Crew tasked to Port Jackson to assist a male patient in his teens suffering a fall from a dirt bike. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a minor condition. Bosman, Walter Russell and Kevin Pringle the point where they confidently can assure 08.06.2021 Whangapoua - Crew tasked to near Whangapoua to assist a boy suffering a medical complaint. He was made to them six weeks ago. They are NRHL that extra crew members can be flown to Starship Hospital in a serious condition. encouraging the National Ambulance Sector employed. While these discussions are 12.06.2021 Waikawau Bay - Crew tasked to Waikawau Bay to assist a male patient in his 40s involved in a car roll down Office to facilitate discussions between underway, both NRHL and us will continue to a 50-metre bank. The patient was extracted from the scene using a stretcher winch and was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition. the Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust lobby the National Ambulance Sector Office 14.06.2021 Waihi Beach - Crew tasked to Waihi Beach to assist a patient involved in a motor vehicle accident. Due to (CRHT), St John, Northern Rescue Helicopter to fund extra crew. adverse weather conditions, crew were stood down enroute and returned to base. Limited (NRHL) and the Waikato District We also intend to speak to parliamentary 19.06.2021 - Crew tasked to Matarangi to assist a male patient in his 40s suffering a medical complaint and Health Board to ensure the Coromandel representatives across the political spectrum in a moderate condition. Crew were stood down enroute and returned to base. 22.06.2021 Tapu - Crew tasked to Tapu to assist a male patient in his 50s involved in a car v motorcycle accident. does not lack with regard to emergency care, about the select sommittee report. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition. especially over the busy holiday periods. In the meantime, we remain committed 23.06.2021 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a female patient in her 70s suffering a medical complaint. The Select Committee are also encouraging to fundraise as much as we can to keep the She was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition. NRHL to work with the CRHT to develop rescue helicopter flying. 26.06.2021 Coromandel - Crew tasked to Coromandel to assist a male patient in his 30s suffering an injury while playing rugby. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition. “a shared understanding of the circumstances We would like the thank the people 27.06.2021 Waikawau - Crew tasked to Waikawau to assist a male patient in his 60s suffering a medical complaint. under which NRHL would consider of the Coromandel for their support, He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition. permanently basing an air ambulance [in] not only financially, but also for our efforts 29.06.2021 Thames - Crew tasked to assist with the interhospital transfer of a female patient in her teens suffering a Whitianga during the peak holiday season.” to ensure the Peninsula has equitable access medical complaint. She was flown from Thames Hospital to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition. 29.06.2021 Whenuakite - Crew tasked to Whenuakite to assist a female patient in her 30s suffering a medical complaint. Stephan Bosman has spoken to Craig to emergency care at times of peak demand. She was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition. Gibbons, the NRHL CEO, about the select If you would like to get in touch with us, committee report. The Auckland Rescue please phone me on (027) 452 1298 or email Helicopter Trust (ARHT), a 50 percent [email protected]. Visit coromandelrescue.org. shareholder in NRHL, is keen to work with nz if you would like to know more about us. the CRHT. However, funding constraints for Please stay safe out there. additional crew members are holding NRHL Merv George back to make a final decision about stationing Coromandel Rescue Helicopter Trust a helicopter and crew on the Coromandel. Chairman Missions flown by the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust into the Coromandel Peninsula during June 2021 02.06.2021 Whitianga - Crew tasked to Whitianga to assist a male patient in his 80s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition. 02.06.2021 Hot Water Beach - Crew tasked to Hot Water Beach to assist a male patient in his 30s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Thames Hospital in a moderate condition. 04.06.2021 Coromandel - Crew tasked to Coromandel to assist a male patient in his 30s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a moderate condition. 06.06.2021 Colville - Crew tasked to Colville to assist at a motor vehicle accident. Crew were stood down enroute and

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

Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 27 From the Bathurst 1000 and NASCAR to the MBAS plane build programme By Tony Stickley

Engineer, Brian Yelland, has been lending the the broadcaster’s helicopter and switch between skills and expertise he built up over many years’ cameras to provide the best images for the involvement in the Australian Bathurst 1000 television crew below. and even the American NASCAR racing series But if Bathurst was exciting, Brian’s trip to to help the students involved in the Mercury NASCAR in the US in 1984 was nothing short Bay Area School plane build programme. of awe-inspiring. “Words can’t really describe Right from the inception of the programme, it,” he said. “It was simply unbelievable Brian has volunteered as one of the panel of watching 36 V8 cars going around the circuit mentors providing expert, hands-on advice. in a line - the noise was deafening, simply “It gives you a good feeling to give something unbelievable, watching and hearing this snake back,” he said. “I know that all of us felt the of cars go around the track, not to mention the same. They are great kids, wanting to learn.” roar from the 100,000 plus spectators. Brian said that despite the mentors being “Armchair critics said that they weren’t real generally “so old” while the students were a drivers, but they didn’t know what they were couple of generations younger, they showed talking about. Well, I can tell you those guys a great appreciation for the expertise of their really knew how to drive. Boy, did they go. seniors. “It was a buzz working with them,” It was just an unbelievable time.” he said. “They really showed a great interest Brian said that he got into mentoring in the and enthusiasm, and we were more than happy MBAS plane build progamme after seeing to pass on our skills and knowledge.” Originally from Christchurch, Brian, aged a story in The Informer seeking volunteers 81, moved to Whitianga in 2008 with his wife, with appropriate skills. “Lynda had joined the Lynda, after spending 40 years in Australia, Lionesses and I thought I should find something to occupy myself,” he said. “Then I saw the 23 of those years working as an engineer for the Former Whitianga resident, Brian Yelland, has been lending for many years the skills and Australian broadcaster, Channel Seven. Initially article in the paper and I thought to myself, expertise he acquired as an engineer with Australian broadcaster, Channel Seven, ‘I have the skills, maybe I can help.’” trained as a fitter and turner, Brian moved up to the Mercury Bay Area School plane build programme. the ranks of the Channel Seven engineering Brian was there helping out for the first four department, ending up as “Supertech” or contract to put cameras in the Bathurst touring were in the car with the driver, seeing what they planes. Currently, a group of MBAS students number two in charge of engineering. cars. “We were the first to do it, probably in the saw and hearing what they heard. are building the fifth. It was a wide-ranging role, covering world,” he said. “It was really a huge innovation, make no Brian and Lynda have now moved to everything from electrical work and building It meant that the television audience could see mistake. It was almost like you could feel what Cambridge, so Brian will be spending less time maintenance to erecting scaffolding for vantage what the driver saw in real time and could hear the driver was feeling. It definitely added to the with the plane build programme. “It is a bit sad points at some of the many sporting events the his conversation with their teams back in the excitement of watching the event.” to leave the plane project, but life goes on,” broadcaster covered. pits. “It brought a whole different perspective Brian’s job on Bathurst race day for many of he said. “But every now and again we will be Brian said that Channel Seven had the to racing, I think,” Brian said. “It was like you his years with Channel Seven was to go up in back. It is not really that far.”

Page 28 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Classifieds and Public Notices SITUATIONS VACANT

POSITIONS AVAILABLE OP Columbia (OPC) is a major participant in the aquaculture industry on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand. Office Administrator We specialise in processing Greenshell™ mussels. At our new office in Whitianga, we hope to find someone who If you are motivated, reliable and have an excellent work ethic, can be a front person in our business who is friendly, then this job would suit you. We pay competitive rates with the opportunity energetic and enthusiastic with some experience of building to increase pay based on performance. industry administration procedures. Travellers are required to provide a current work visa. NZ applicants need to have NZ residence or a valid NZ work visa. Qualifications and Experience Shift times available: • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word and Excel. Dayshift processing 6:00am to 3:00pm • Experience in Xero and other software programmes. Hygiene (cleaning) shift 3:30pm • Some experience and knowledge of building industry (times are subject to change) administration tools. Applications can be made online at www.opcolumbia.co.nz • Good social and communication skills. or call into the office to submit an application. Tasks and Responsibilities • Data entry and record keeping. PUBLIC NOTICE • Helping set up systems and procedures as our duty manager business expands. for liquor store required • Liaising with local councils, tradespeople and suppliers. • Must have a relevant • Working alongside others and helping to meet deadlines. management qualification • Assisting with other administrative duties. and experience in the liquor This position can be either full-time or part-time, industry. depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Training can be given in areas where it is required. • Must have a General Manager Certificate and LQC. Please send your CV to [email protected]. Email your CV to [email protected] or see our team at Store 118, Wharf Road, Coromandel Town 3506.

HOME FOR SALE

community bus DEATH NOTICES

Pine Rangitaupea Harrison Passed away peacefully on Friday, 2 July. MERCURY BAY Dearly beloved partner of Kristin and COMMUNITY BUS loved stepfather of Debbie and Nick.

For your door to door travel Hewlett, to hospitals and Raymond Herbert (Ray) Passed away peacefully medical-related facilities. on Saturday 26 June, aged 88 years. Public, DHB and private. Much loved brother of Noel, Joan, Waikato, Tauranga, Don (deceased), Eileen (deceased) WANTED and Merle (deceased). Thames Auckland. A special Uncle to all his nieces, nephews and their families. Vehicles wanted To book phone 07 866 4993 or Many thanks to the staff Wanted Top cash paid for any VANS, UTES, 867 1333 or 021 0270 6897 of Whitianga Continuing Care Lockwood or similar bach/house TRUCKS, 4X4s, CARS - dead or alive, Advertisement sponsored for their care of Ray over the past months. suitable for relocation. damaged, de-registered, mechanical by the Mercury Bay Club A service has been held but there will be Phone Sue (027) 241 7495 problem, no WOF - we buy it. a memorial gathering at a later date. Call 0800 333 398 Rest in Peace, Ray.

Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 29 Classifieds and Public Notices FOR SALE CHURCH SERVICES TO LET

DRY FIREWOOD DELIVERED Red Gum $160/metre, Macrocarpa $150/metre www.goodwoodfirewood.co.nz Chris - 021 240 9909

Firewood for sale Dry pine $100 cube delivered local. Also kindling wood, $15 box. Phone 027 247 7410

FIREWOOD Shed stored. Pine $120m³, Poplar $100m³. Free delivery locally. 866 4273 Phone (027) 495 8033 or (07) 867 1361. DOG GROOMING

STORAGE SHEDS, various sizes, dry and secure. Affordable rates. HEALTH AND NUTRITION Ph: 0800 944 660 BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM STORAGE SHEDS Whitianga Total Storage opposite Carters. Ph: 0800 944 660 WITH THE BEST NUTRITION Container It Self Storage, 17 Moewai Road, Whitianga. Ph: 0274 817 258 Stay healthy. STORAGE, Self storage/boat storage, Matarangi - Kuaotunu. Ph: 07 866 5693 Phone 027 947 8311 or email [email protected] ST ANDREW’S BY THE SEA Community Church Albert Street, Whitianga COMMUNITY WORSHIP EVERY SUNDAY 9:30am. Come, join the family of God! Enquiries 869 5452 www.standrewsbythesea.org.nz

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INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALER WORKSHOP FACILITATOR TAROT CARD READINGS SPIRITUAL MENTOR CLAIRVOYANT VERNA (027) 320 0079 vernacarrspiritualhealing.com THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS Everyone Welcome Sunday 10 am – 12 noon @ 2 Cook Drive, Whitianga PENINSULA CHIMNEYS (Community Service Bldg) Chimney Sweep Enquiries - 021 113 0566 Clean and efficient service. Phone or text John (021) 138 3295. A member of

PROPERTY SERVICES/PROJECTS All welcome Whitianga SDA Fellowship coromandel garage doors Saturday @ 10:00am For new doors, auto openers Family worship and full maintenance Phone 022 354 4069 and repair service. or 027 248 2984 Phone Don McLean 022 453 2188 Email [email protected] work wanted www.corogaragedoors.co.nz DAVE’S DRAINAGE Drainlaying, Public & Private, 1.8 Ton Digger Hire. 30 Years Experience. Free Quotes or Advice. Call Dave 027 727 0348 work wanted [email protected]

MIKE’S MOWING $25 empty sections, Mercury Bay Spouting fortnightly or monthly mowing. For all types of guttering Free edge spraying. and spouting Rubbish Removal Phone Mike or Deb 866 4678 Trees, Lawns, Garden Bags or 027 320 1703. Tony 021 505 109 Phone John 866 5511 Page 30 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Issue 957 - 6 July 2021 Sport Results

MERCURY BAY FOOTBALL CLUB table going into term break. It was a scrappy game, Eighteen-hole Men Scramble Stableford - MERCURY BAY JUNIOR RUGBY Wednesday, 30 June Te Awamutu intent on upsetting the Bay’s rhythm in the Saturday, 3 July Saturday, 3 July 10th Grade Stingrays - We played against Tairua and hope of victory. But not to be, Mercury Bay scoring five Results - 1 Paul Blackburn 42, 2 Mike Franklin 39, Year 7 and 8 Final - The team travelled to Whangamata drew 1-all. goals to secure the rural schools Challenge Cup Trophy 3 Stuart King 38. to play Thames in the final. The team knew it was going Our players of the day were Neve and Indie for having for another week. Player of the Day, Louisa Nelson, Best Gross - Ivan Adams 72, Twos - Noble Mita and Gary to be a tough game as Thames are a good side and amazing games. worked really hard in the midfield to help the team remain Wheeler, Nearest the Pin (Division 1) - Brett Proctor, are much bigger than our Bay team. Thames started Saturday, 3 July at the top of the table. Nearest the Pin (Division 2) - Jeff Dixon, Longest Drive strong and got out to a good lead. The Bay managed to Mini-kickers - The Mini Kickers enjoyed a great day MERCURY BAY CLUB SNOOKER (Division 1) - Steve Geach. fight back with three converted tries and were leading playing against a range of teams from around the Wednesday, 30 June PURANGI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB halfway through the first half. Unfortunately, Thames Coromandel Peninsula as part of the Thames Valley Best of three frames Nine-hole Men and Ladies Monthly Medal Cooks were too big for our little team to handle and, in the end, Football Festival. Some excellent team play and goal Eight players. Brian Codyre and Dave Colman were the Beach Timber and Hardware Voucher Stableford - ran away with the game. Mercury Bay never gave up scoring from all teams were enjoyable to watch. only players to achieve two straight wins to fight out the Thursday, 1 July and can hold their heads high. It was a great season and The Small Whites Players of the Day were Levi third frame final. Dave carried on his good form from last Results - 1 Jim Brown, 2 Wayne Morrison, 3 John Hughes. the players should be very proud of the way they have Szparagowski, Laurie Van de Ven and Ben Macallister. week to take the win over a past club singles champion, Eighteen-hole Net Monthly Medal - Saturday, 3 July conducted themselves throughout the season. 8th Grade - We’ve had an outstanding day at the sunny Brian. For his effort, Dave received the big pork shoulder Results - 1 Bob Walker 69 (winner of the MERCURY BAY AREA SCHOOL RUGBY Thames Valley Football Festival. We split into teams and roast. Those with two wins were Brian Codyre (runner- Hardware Monthly Medal), 2 Al Sims 75, 3 Equal Brian Saturday, 3 July played five games each against some tough competition up) Ken Gibson and Willie Jones. Keucke and Grant Webster 77, 5 Equal John Hamilton Year 9 and 10 Semi-final - MBAS 10 v Hauraki Plains from around the region. Our players are fabulous No high break recorded. and Jeff Bright 78. College 24. sportspeople and wear the Mercury Bay uniform Saturday, 3 July 4BBB Net - Bob Walker and John Hamilton 63, Nearest First XV Semi-final - MBAS 21 v Hauraki Plains with strength and pride. We had a mixture of results Best of three frames the Pin - Neil Vowles, Net Eagles - Barry Scott, College 18. Best Gross - Bob Walker. with some strong defensive play and runaway goals. Nine players. Only Barry Roach and Phil Jones achieved MERCURY BAY AND SENIOR RUGBY THE DUNES MATARANGI GOLF CLUB Great positive support on the sideline too. two straight wins to contest the third frame final. This Saturday, 3 July Eighteen-hole Men Net - Wednesday, 30 June Congratulations to our Players of the Day - Jessica Allen was an intriguing match coming down to the black to Senior B Quarter-final - Mercury Bay 29 v 27 Waihou. Results - 1 Glenn Le Lievre 69, 2 Brian Keucke (Purangi) and Jackson Lewis. win. Phil, carrying on his winning ways from last week, Senior A Quarter-final - See the game report at the 75, 3 Tim Bartlett (Purangi) 75. 10th Grade Sharks v Stingrays - The game was was the one to pot the black and take home the meat bottom of this page. played at the Mercury Bay Multisport Park in Whitianga. pack. Those with two wins were Barry Roach (runner- Twos - Brian Keucke/Tim Bartlett, Nearest the Pin #18 - Tim Bartlett. COROMANDEL TOWN SENIOR RUGBY What an exciting game to watch! Lots of fantastic parent up), Jason Smith, Peter Schultz and Willie Jones. Saturday, 3 July support from the sideline. The final score was 3 - 1 to Highest Break - Barry Roach 8. Eighteen-hole Men and Ladies Stableford - Saturday, 3 July Senior B Quarter-final - Coromandel Town 55 v the Stingrays. MERCURY BAY BOWLING & SPORTS CLUB Paeroa 10. The Players of the Day for the Sharks were Callum Jack and Jill 2 x 4 x 2 Tournament - Sunday, 27 June Results - 1 Stuart Arnold 40, 2 Darren Gribble 38, 3 Bronwyn Verner 36. HAHEI BRIDGE CLUB Sharp and Caleb Mahoney. The Players of the Day for A full green of 16 teams participated. The weather Bright Pairs Week 2 - Tuesday, 29 June the Stingrays were Jackson for an outstanding all round threatened throughout the day, but a full round of four Nearest the Pin #18 - Bronwyn Verner. MERCURY BAY HOCKEY North/South - 1 Annette Cox and Robyn Hogg 63.54, game and Alfie who scored two amazing goals. games was completed before players adjourned to 2 Myra Hoogwerf and Ngaire O'Brien 63.02, 3 Vivienne The Stingrays lose two players who are moving out of the clubrooms for prize-giving and socialising. It was Thursday, 1 July Secondary School Grade - Mercury Bay 4 v Thames Leigh and Sue Gill 44.79. the Bay this week. Jackson and Liz, thank you for your pleasing to see a number of husband and wife teams East/West - 1 Don Barry and Peter Hogg 71.88, 2 Peter time with us, we wish you and your family all the best. competing, as well as many of the club’s junior members Valley Year 7 and 8 Development Team 1. MERCURY BAY NETBALL CENTRE France and Bill Cummings 53.13, 3 Bev Dickie and Jean 12th Grade Orcas - The team played Tairua White in (junior meaning Year 1 to 5 in playing years - not age). Myles 48.13. Whitianga. We played as a team and stringed some While a number of teams had three wins and one loss, Wednesday, 30 June Leprechauns 34 v Hustlers 26, TAIRUA BRIDGE CLUB really good pieces of passing together with what we there were only two teams with four wins, with the team College Semi-finals - Coromandel Area School 39 vs Ink 21. Monday, 28 June have learned at training. We won 10 - 1 with goals of Colleen Sexton and Doug Sargent edging out Lee Senior/Social Division 2 Semi-finals - Placies Ladies North/South - 1 Robyn Hunter and Jo Feasey 59.38, scored by Lennox Jennings (4), Tylar Cornwall (2), Oliver McDonald and Shane O’Hara by a couple of extra ends. 30 v (Sweaty Bettys 30, Darkside Dynamos 46 v 2 Lynnette Flowers and Dave Dylla 55.21, 3 Susan Anderson (2), Tom Lindner and Harry Williscroft. MERCURY BAY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Tukana 22. Patterson and David Wilkinson 51.56. Players of the Day - Tylar Cornwall and Caio Laginestra Nine-hole Veterans Tutti-Frutti - Tuesday, 29 June Senior/Social Division 1 - MBAS Senior A 56 v Whiti East/West - 1 Equal Joan McNeil and Judy McKenzie, Souza. Results Men - 1 Bob Holliday, 2 Gavin Green, 3 Eddie Lyle. Cross WOD 19, Fusion 48 v Hawkes 20, Hot Shots 43 v and Doreen Wernham and Robyn Waters 56.88, 3 Celia 12th Grade Marlins - The team played Hauraki at Eighteen-hole Ladies Net - Wednesday, 30 June MB Magic 26. Young and Nolene Kirkpatrick 53.13. home. The Marlins played some good attacking football Results Division 1 - 1 Chrissie Smith 77, 2 Robyn Evans and won 12 - 1. 77, 3 Judith King 78. The goal scorers were Ben Collins (6), Elliot Ribet (2), Results Division 2 - 1 Shay Geach 77, 2 Sheree Cody Hickey-Courtenay (2), Marlie Candelaria and Lexi Henderson 78, 3 Jandy Morton 81. Rasmussen. The Players of the Day were Oscar Williams Eighteen-hole Men Scramble Stableford - and Cody Hickey-Courtenay. Wednesday, 30 June Senior Girls - Another win against te Awamutu sees Results - 1 Garry Morton 37, 2 Roger Booth 36, 3 Jay the Mercury Bay Girls move three points clear on the Marshall 35. Waikato Secondary Schools Second Division points Best Gross - Steve Geach 81. Home semi-final for MB Senior A Marlins rugby team Game report by team coach, Don Edgecombe

To cmyk

Finishing second on the McClinchy Cup points table meant that the Mercury Bay Senior A Marlins rugby team hosted the seventh placed Waihi Athletic in a quarter-final showdown at Lyon Park in Whitianga on Saturday last week. Mercury Bay were unbeaten at home this year and were looking to book a home semi- final having beaten Waihi in both previous encounters this season. From the kick-off, the Marlins charged down a clearance kick resulting in a try to hooker, Cody Muir. Waihi hit straight back with a penalty kick after the Bay failed to secure possession from the restart. The Bay then scored again through Player of the Day, second five eight Cody Hamilton, after a well- won lineout and phase play. Mercury Bay had the better of the first half, using their possession well and constructing two further tries to the evasive first five eight, Regan Crosland, and hardworking prop, Trinity McQueen. The Marlins’ half-time lead of 22 - 6 was narrowed by Waihi six minutes into the second half with a try and conversion. Mercury Bay struck back not long after with a try by fullback, Jordan Olliff. Trailing the Marlins by 14 points and after dominating possession, Waihi scored from a quick tap inside the Bay’s 22. Going into the final quarter of the game, the momentum was with the gritty Waihi side. The Bay missed a penalty kick with 10 minutes remaining and spent the rest of the game defending a resurgent Waihi. Waihi crossed in the final minute of play in the corner, but could not convert. The final score was 27 - 25 to Mercury Bay. The Marlins will be hosting the Cobras from Te Aroha in a home semi-final at Lyon Park on Saturday this week (10 July). Pictured is Regan Crosland scoring against Waihi. Issue 957699 - 627 July July 2021 2016 The Mercury Bay Informer - www.theinformer.co.nz Page 31